trousers

Isn't this the 'missing link' in our side? A wiley old pro in midfield who can provide a link between our midfield and the striker(s)? Someone in the mold of Nicky Butt or Nick Barmby? Or just anyone who's name is Nick.... Shirley?

Sorry if the explanation is buried in another thread somewhere - couldn't see it. Why was he on the bench if Pardew never intended playing him? Surely being 0-0 away from home with 15 minutes to go is as good a reason as any to bring on your best striker on the bench? Unless Pardew was happy with a draw of course? Or perhaps it was purely psychological? i.e. make Millwall think that we had Connolly up our sleeves when in fact he was never fit enough to come on?

If Stock can make the difference between playoffs this season rather than next his valuation is largely immaterial IMO as it will be offset by the relative riches of the Championship. If Pardew doesn't sign another player of Stock's calibre then it sends out the message that we now don't think the playoffs is a realistic target.

Anyone else raise a wry smile at people starting threads to moan about the moaners?

A little disappointed that the word 'gel' has only been used 4 times thus far in this thread

...

Not surprising if the better teams in the league go there to secure a draw. A self fulfilling prophecy perhaps?

Should keep the Burley comparisonists happy... ;-)

Exeter not missing their best defender then...

Exeter 2 up

Sometimes it has the opposite effect of course

Can I be the first to use the word 'gel' ?

Interesting

Strange one - holmes starting

Prediction or inside info? Edit : just seen line up

Actually, might readjust my verdict...millwall missing Harris and alexandra up front + first choice left back out. Perhaps it'll be our day afterall

Why do I have a bad feeling we'll lose this one and that the word 'gel' will be used at least once in the post match interview? Rather hoping I'm wrong!

Someone to fit in the 'hole' between midfield and attack

This seems like the most likely explanation to me. i.e. Ward was 'first choice' over Seaborne IF we didn't get Fonte, but having got Fonte it promoted Seabourne to 'first choice' slot over Ward but they carried on with processing the Ward deal IN CASE the Seabourne deal didn't come off. Cortese and Pardew just covering all options by the looks of it. Just a hunch Harsh on Ward perhaps but that's business....

Cortese has obviously taken my 'bid for many, buy a few' recommednation from a few weeks ago on board....

Only 17 pages to go.....

And this time last year....

Sounds like Pardew is prepared to take a chance with Seaborne Next...