SNSUN

In the words "Claremont Crescent", is the anagram "Concert Master". I think this thread is a hint to a new signing, someone we'll be bringing in that can lead the players, conduct the play from midfield and dictate the tempo. This thread is clearly a coded message that we're signing Messi.

Can't have a Countdown thread without her, even on the main board.

Another team has done that this summer. I can't remember which, but I read about it recently. Davis captaining Rangers means he'd be good enough captaining us. Then we'd have the two Davis's as captains. My choice for captain is Lambert. I think he'd do an excellent job leading by example.

If he's one of two centre back signings, then it's a gamble worth taking IMO.

His agent (who has a big mouth seemingly) has said he'll still end up in the Premier League, with Fulham still interested. They can have him.

We should make peace with the NSC lot and get them to do their detective work. They're bloody good at outing keyboard warriors.

Amazing how things change in just one year...

Jos will probably get a few mentions here, but for me it was Marsden. I didn't expect an awful lot tbf, as He never did a lot in his career before joining us, but some excellent performances and "that" goal means we'll remember him for a long time to come.

As a squad player and extra attacking outfit, then keep him. I very much dislike him, but if he's got a place in the 25 without us having to leave someone else out, or us not being able to make another signing, then fine. If we can bring in better, then do it, and ship him out. I suppose ultimately it depends on whether he's prepared to give his all every game, and to be frank, I don't think he will. He's a player that wants to play at the top level without actually trying very hard. A la the Wayne Bridge situation, sitting on a bench earning a fortune for doing nothing, I get the feeling Punch would love that situation. If we keep him, I hope he proves us all wrong, but I don't see it.

They like getting beaten 1-0 don't they...

Tommy For...... oh wait, played. Forgot that bit.

Or stalker! Matej Rondos! (Ok I know he didn't play for us but I have a keen game of FM07 going and he's made the step up to sub keeper in the first team.)

Mmm, he's a dish. I can see my missus getting her frig on to him at SMS.

Lovely thoughtful touch. He seems like a decent chap. What does the (L) mean? UTG is obvious enough...

Romelu Lukaku wants a loan club. HCDAJFU Proceed with "We have enough strikers" rants...

Yep, it was his name that inspired me to think of the song too. At 31, I shouldn't even know this song, but that's thanks to my parents making me listen to "Hello Children, Everywhere" CD's when I was growing up!

I've just realised our summer signings scan quite nicely into the Max Bygraves song Gilly, Gilly, Ossenfeffer, Katzenellen Bogen by the Sea. It's Guly, JRod, Steven Davis, Gazzaniga and Nathaniel C. Sing it, I dare you.

Good, a keeper signing, and Forecrud has gone. It's like two gifts in one go. We're one CB away from starting the season in relative comfortability, and four signings away from being a perfect side. (GK, CB, LB, Winger)

I believe signing Buttner would've been to displace Fox rather than Shaw. Adkins states we're only interested in signing better players that we have, and one would assume Buttner is better than Fox, hence why we were after him. Shaw will make it when he's good and ready, it's Fox that should be concerned about his position. I personally think Fox will be OK in the Premier League, but I'd be happy if we signed Buttner, or whoever, to compete with both Fox and Shaw. Sadly it seems like Buttner's fannying around with his agent makes this deal seem dead, and I get the feeling we're not a club that will be held to ransom. There are other options out there, or, we wait until January. I'm not fussed about missing out on Buttner, CB's and GK's take priority anyway. Can't Clyne play LB anyway?

I'm guessing that was intentional, right? :-D

This, but if we only signed one keeper, I wouldn't be too disheartened. We need two CB's though - 2 good ones, the last time we were in the Premier League we got relegated because of dodgy CB's. We can't afford that again.

Sounds like a winger. I like what I hear.

I was close with 0832 right? Great signing. Centre back next.

I'm sure height is one of them but there's not a great deal he can do about that. Interestingly Buttner is also 5'9'' so if that deal does eventually go ahead, we'll have short arses at full back! Any guess on the time this Clyne deal will be unveiled on the OS? I'm guessing photos will be done tonight, and it'll be posted at 0832 tomorrow morning.