Forester

A breath of fresh air on her. I went yesterday, as disappointed as everyone else, but the knee jerk swing from a few weeks ago when we were 8 or 9 games unbeaten is amazing. In my opinion, and the stats back this, the last two weeks is about shocking conversion of shooting opportunities. Something like 30 shots have yielded one goal. Sometimes it is as simple as that

I am optimistic because we have a better squad. We can all remember that there were times when we were struggling to be able to rest players or make changes without a big drop in quality. We have good options in midfield and across the back, Forster sounds like he will be ready to play around Xmas, and Long and JayRod will be fresh. Be interesting to see how Leicester and Wet Spam cope at that time....

I think Stek has improved as the season has progressed. I wasn't a fan in the first few weeks, but I think (Willian apart) he has looked good over the recent period. One other aspect that these stats don't touch on, which is crucial in the modern game, is he is a very good footballer on the floor which you would expect from a Dutchman. Comfortable with both feet

Link please

Can't do this trip, but very interested in similar day return deals for future games assuming we make the league stages so thanks for highlighting

Before anyone goes booking Sunday flight there is every chance of this being televised given the Steve McLaren first game angle, and we could be there Monday night.....

Not saying you are guaranteed a decent seat, but so you know this mirror article picture is taken from Gladys St end. We aren't there, but instead are in Lower Bullens which is to the side rather than behind goal

Stanley Park, can't recall how much we pay but it's safe and monitored by stewards. Good view of both Anfield and Goodison

Absolutely agree. His progress is startling, and we should remember he is a good few years younger than Fonte and look how good he has become. A proper old fashioned pro, hard as nails

Have a look at the history books. In almost every season, 70 points is enough for top four finish. Last season was a freak for Everton to get 72 and miss out. 22 wins will be enough without a doubt. I had been in the "top four is unrealistic" camp before Christmas. But look at it rationally now...we have played two games of the second half of the season: Arsenal and Man Utd, and bagged six points already. So one way of looking at it is that we have the bottom 15 yet to play! Look at the fixtures and it's hard to say we can't see ten wins. And to emphasise, less may be enough

The guy has barely missed a game since signing, and Premier League is massive step up. He needs resting, but injuries have made this difficult and African Nations coming along doesn't help. This is where the top sides are at such an advantage, they can give someone a couple of games out of the limelight, work on their game and they come back fresh. We can't do that right now, or perhaps we can but it's putting people like Isgrove in which is another sub-optimal answer.

Have been assassinated by starting a separate thread that referred to Burley not Burnley......! But I was trying to help and point out that for this making the trip up north forecast is for heavy snow in Burnley Saturday morning so be aware re travelling plans

Watch out! Am on the coach, but early warning for all these travelling by whatever means......

It's a tough order to play Man City in the second half without three midfielders: Morgan, Cork and JWP. Not sure some of the doom merchants have really focussed on this

Ramirez gone!

Long and Gardos supposedly

Can't wait gonna be great whatever the score. Footballs back!

I think a decent afternoon out would be Saints 1-0, last minute Lovren own goal having watched Lambert miss a penalty. Any one wish to partake?

Spot on

This is a good signing in my book, and as has been referenced the loan route gives Targett time to develop and challenge Bertrand for the left back position. Bizarre that so many people are negative. One point that has been missed......this came right out of the blue and shows that the club may well have other deals brewing that are not in the rumour mill.....

Spot on

Sounds good to mw

Agree that it's a bit OTT to say we should be waking up laughing. However I certainly don't think it's doom and gloom. Lambert I reckon had one more season at top level left in him, and that pre-supposed he stayed free of injuries which gets harder as we know the older you get. I am looking forward to seeing Targett, and in addition think we need to sign another keeper to challenge Artur, another left back, a centre back to replace Jos (2 if Lovren goes), one or two wide options to replace AL and Puncheon (which we didn't do) and three strikers (cannot rely on JayRod being same player, or when he is ready). An average of £10 million per player means we need to spend £80 million and I think we can. One of them being Danny Ings who loves the club would be a great start. Would also like to see. Gaston start in August to replace AL. His lack of work rate is less important if replacing AL rather than playing alongside him.

While some will dwell on negatives, this guy has an absolutely stunning playing and managing track record. Was not even at Galat for a whole season so forget that. Just have a look at what he has achieved. I started this hoping for an unlikely Rafa Benitez as I felt with all the unsettled players we have we need someone who they are going to say "wow" to when he walks in the building. Mancini would absolutely do that

Magath's record is superb, you have to really do the research and read about it. No chance at Fulham by the time he got there. However I recognise he would not be popular with many fans and we really don't want an unwanted manager. But popular appointments don't always work out