hypochondriac

Indeed. So far we've signed one experienced player in Lallana which is arguably a positive since we're quite down on prem experience in the midfield from last year. We've been linked with some other experienced players but signed none yet and it looks like we are signing two young cbs for peanuts. I don't see what the problem is.

What evidence do you have that Taylor is past it?

I visited the Burnley forum the other day and was surprised at the vitriol against Kompany. They were really slating him for last season, I'd have thought he would be well regarded there despite relegation but clearly not.

I know chickens are related to dinosaurs but that's ridiculous.

Probably a positive but if we are rooted to the bottom of the league at Christmas, people will be clamouring for a change.

It's a shame about the youth players but if they do well they are still a product of our academy that we can market to other prospects.

How is it underwhelming on paper? Ronnie Edwards in particular looks decent and for the money that's incredible business.

That's incredible business if true.

Good to see us looking to remodel our defence which was probably our weakest area last season. Shame we don't seem to be getting a keeper though.

He's 7 million but Middlesbrough have a 25% sell on clause.

Think he meant Woods.

Maybe so but I don't think lack of pace was a real feature of his game. He's not vestergaard.

Almost universal praise from Burnley fans and wishing him well. A good sign.

Had a browse of a Burnley forum and have seen that an awful lot of their fans didn't want to sign Harwood bellis because they considered him to be too slow. I have to say I can't remember any point last season where I thought THB lacked pace? I wonder if he was any different during his time there.

Maybe. I just think one of the worst signings last year was Manning who Martin knew really well. Swansea fans don't seem bothered at all which is a bit of a worry.

Hope not. That would be crap.

I preferred it when you pretended to have me on ignore you cretin.

What an odd thing to say.

He's a 21 year old lad who has been told he's a demi god since he was little. I'd be surprised if he wasn't a bit of an arrogant bellend tbh but if he ends up winning England the tournament I don't think anyone will care much.

In that case I'd rather have neymar.

Because Broja is about three times the price.

So young players with high potential have never had average seasons that show some measure of promise in a lower league before improving and being an asset in a higher league? If delap had torn it up last year, it's very likely we wouldn't have been able to afford him hence why it's prudent to take a gamble on someone who might come good. I'm not saying sign delap and no one else but surely you can see the logic in that approach?

If he was the replacement for Mara I'd be absolutely fine with that.

My point was not that anyone average could turn into Harry Kane but that young players with potential often have a higher ceiling and a greater potential for improvement than others. We've been linked with a lot of decent players, the fact we might sign some solid but unspectacular signings at the start of the window doesn't mean we won't end up with some quality.

Which as someone already pointed out was the exact thing said about Harry Kane. We will be taking gambles on some of our signings it's an inevitability. The bloke is 21 which is basically a baby in football and has decent potential. One half decent season in the prem and his value would probably treble. Much better chance of a return on investment than someone like broja who is both a risk and way overpriced.