Saint Charlie

Errr Mayuka is a central striker, thats his position. Re fitness we pressed them so hard that no matter the fitness levels you are going to tire...thats why subs needed to be made. Lambert definitly needed to go off but the two midfielders seemed ok. If Cork had been available he would have come on I think, JWP and Davis were very tired and they were able to come so close to our goal down the middle before being challenged.

Subs can be argued but: We lost the game because we didn't do the basics right in our own penalty area.

Marking from corners was worse, or giving away pointless corners in the first place.

From his Twitter it seems Shaw is ill, was in hospital earlier today.

Some right depressives on here. Quality atmosphere, quality game. Some superb play by us just let down by individual errors. Easy to blame the subs but at the game it was clear Lambert was knackered and less effective and they were coming on strong out wide. The goals they got were down to poor defending/lack of composure, not the subs.

Luke Shaw won't be on the bench. His Twitter says he has to go to hospital. Earlier in the week he said he was sick so probably has some kind of virus.

This.

Sibley has said its a non story. Plus its the Star

Seems his shirt will say Gaston not Ramirez. Can't wait to see him play.

Can't recall but Palace might agree to mutual termination to save his wages. Plus there might be a clause saying he can return if he isnt playing a certain proportion of games when fit and available. Afterall he is there to get games, if not he might as well train with us and play Dev squad.

Martin is very, very raw still. No way ready for the Prem. I would prefer Fox or Richardson at CB in an emergency. Martin needs games and if he drops out of favour at Palace I'm sure he will return by mutual consent and go back out on loan either in the Championship or L1.

No way Lambert will be left out IMO

This, further proof the window should shut the night before the first game.

Must be something but almost no need for a relegation clause, he will be gone if we go down regardless.

I think Seaborne could come in at centre back and do a job for a few games if needed. He actually was very decent vs Utd in the cup when Chaplow scored. Shaw is our LB cover and very highly rated. Odd to have 3 left backs and as has been said Clyne or Richardson could play there if we had a monster injury crisis or we could play 3 CBs even.

Butland stayed at Brum. Lee Clark was interviewed on SSN last night and said the only bid they had all window for him was the well known 6m they rejected from Saints.

He has talent. Now hopefully he has some stability, he is going to be in the squad now til at least January, would like to see him start today.

Hope Puncheon gets a start, he has real ability and now the window is shut he will know he is staying til at least Jan. Mayuka cameo from the bench.

Quality Post

Is there an African Nations this winter? Mancini keeps mentioning that Toure will be missing for it. If so Mayuka will be missing for a bit too.

Yeah, of all the signings his is the most crucial that it works IMO.

How are our new boys rated on FM?

Just saying - a player generally has to want the move...Sharp quite possibly not happy playing a bit part role - who can blame him. Oh, and with the season loans there is often no return clause - he is there for the full season.

Some of the usual bed wetters came out with some classics on this thread. "We should be focusing on more realistic targets hat we actually have a chance of signing" is a personal favourite. Nevermind the hapless Lawro - a few of our own need more faith.

Some cracking business in the window, really excited about us going forward. A couple of positions they can work on in January, up to the players we have to show they don't need replacing.