James

Surely the taking of evasive action doesn't conclusively indicate a reckless tackle? There are plenty of times when players hurdle perfectly legitimate tackles. The fact Nani jumps the tackle is completely irrelevant.

Not surprising they've rejected - lets see if we go back with a larger offer. I'd like to think we will.

Just because the ref gave a red card doesn't mean we can't debate whether it was the correct decision or not. The tackle was not reckless, it was not using excessive force (in my opinion of course) - he gets the ball and the usually whinging Nani doesn't even react. Not a red card - when I first saw it I was surprised a foul had been given.

You aren't and I have, a few times.

Agreed.

Let's be honest - United to get the majority of decisions. As for Rooney, as an international player he should know to behave better. But Citeh can hardly have any complaints given Mancini did the same thing vs Liverpool the other day. Can't help but think that the refs do get influenced by the top clubs though Man U especially.

They might not have a choice though - they aren't exactly flush for cash.

No Hooper in the squad for Celtic - interesting.

Not sure I'd agree having seen the footage tbh. Can see why a red was given but I've seen a lot worse only get a yellow. El-Abd played it up.

The Derby playoff penalty shootout - that was unbearable. Knew we blown our chances of promotion to the Prem for a good while after that one! Would have loved to have seen that team in the Prem with the likes of Bale, Baird, Surman, Kenwyne etc. Think that team would have done well.

Couldn't agree more - I go to at least 10-15 games a season but can't justify a ST (had one in the past from 1997-2007) because of educational/uni commitments. My biggest worry for the rest of the season in terms of getting to games is losing out on a Pompey home ticket to a JCL just because they can get down to St Marys at 6am and I can't because I am out of the area. A membership scheme would prioritise fans who get along to games regularly but haven't bought an ST. Plus, it would provide extra income for the club at £30 a pop.

You can't read anything into it - other than Leicester made a bid. Doesn't mean we aren't interested/won't make a move now Leicester's bid is public. Even the Donny manager said he might wait for someone else to come in for him.

IF we want him - now we'll show our hand. Would not be surprised if we made a bid and at least got the chance to speak to him again. Also, if 'Doncaster would struggle to hold onto their man if a Championship side with genuine promotion credentials came in with a suitable offer.' They must not be worried about losing him to Leicester!

QPR away please - would be a five minute walk away for me!

I was merely stating that our slump on form hadn't cost us any league positions yet! No surprise youre so pessimistic though.

Last time I checked we were still top - we haven't slipped yet but we will soon

Something has gone badly wrong here. Sort it out saints or we'Ll start to slide.

Was just about to say this, I remember a lot of people wanting to sign him permanently at the time!

Could be that owing to his first few months of performance he is now a target for other teams and has been rendered less effective? Even if that were the case though - he is clearly off form at the moment. I can't help but wonder if he was rushed back from that injury and is now feeling the consequences.

No - just reacting to your response to his point which you clearly failed to understand.

Don't be so ridiculous. Nothing in football is ever certain and we can never be sure any scenario will come to exist, the point is you have to make the best possible preparations for any scenario arising. What Hypo is trying to say, and I agree with him, is that there is a higher CHANCE that Lee will take time to settle as he is coming from a poorer standard of league where defenders aren't as physical. Signing a Sharp as well would give us a higher CHANCE of success based on the fact that he has a track record of scoring a good number of goals in the same division as us. Of course, lack of goals might not be the thing that fails to get us promotion, but on recent history a lack of options up front/from the bench has cost us especially in away games - and with Rickie out we don't have suitable cover.

Depends if you see the January transfer window as crucial to our promotion hopes. In my opinion it would be a failure to only sign Lee as we don't know how well he'd adapt. Signing someone like Sharp would represent less of a gamble if our aim is to gun for promotion this season and want to invest accordingly.

Was just about to say this - should have held that one.

I agree with this. Lee might turn out to be great BUT there is a CHANCE that coming from a smaller league that is not as physical as the Championship he may take a while to adapt. Our recent results have shown a desperate need for other options up front (especially with Rickie missing) - I'm all for signing Lee, but would back up those saying that if he is to be the only striker we sign/can afford this window then we are in some respects gambling with the best chance of promotion back to the Prem that we've had in years. Its true that JRod, Lukas, Sharp, Maynard aren't the only 4 strikers who might do well for us - but the key is that they have experience of scoring goals in the Championship and are therefore more likely to start producing the goods immediately. Lee may turn out to be a great signing, but we may need another striker as well who is better suited to our needs in our current position.

This is right. He was going to sign for Stoke before he went to the Hammers but they refused to pay because of the knee issue. WHU then took a punt on him as they were desperate to stay up. I think (IIRC) that he signed for Newcastle on a free as he was on huge wages at West Ham.