derry

Good post Ron. Though I got the feeling that he was the ultimate authority. That nothing happened without him ticking the box. I get the feeling that maybe he was asked to share the load a bit but wouldn't.

A right feeding frenzy everywhere. I think I'll wait until it all clarifies. This could be playing politics to maintain the status quo. Strange how nothing comes out of the club then this leaked.

Thanks, cleared that up nicely.

Played for Gothenburg I think.

I think people are reading too much into the win at Fulham. Fulham created chances but didn't put them away, Johnson's hat trick, (free kick, penalty and he wouldn't out pace Shaw like he did Riise. Our defence is far superior to Fulham's as we saw in our Fulham game. I think it will be a tight game and provided we keep it tight with our defensive six we will make chances and could win it.

Adam had nothing to do with the complaint and really isn't bothered. (from Weston's source, nobody closer to Adam)

I enjoyed being a top team in div 1, absolutely delighted with nearly winning the Championship in our first season. At the start of last season the anticipation that we should win most games had gone and our first ten games were a reality check. Then we got to grips with it and ground out enough performances to stay up. This season I hoped we would have a better start and keep out of the dog fight which would give us the breathing space to improve the team further. I have been absolutely delighted with this season even though the depth of the squad has been exposed by the last ten matches. The two signings from Italy have yet to establish themselves but have shown signs of coming to terms with Premier and the way we play. Especially Chambers with Shaw established and JWP followed by Gallagher and Reed with more to come we have the enjoyment of seeing our own boys coming through. I love the way we are trying to play and although the surprise factor has gone I'm looking forward to us adapting to counter tactics as I am sure we will. All things being equal we have moved back into the level of expectation of being able to get something out of every match which is a major advance. I would like to think we could move up a bit more. After all every place is worth a lot of money. As for the cups I go along with the way the club is handling things. Sadly the cups no longer attract the fans despite being heavily discounted, even though I go to the matches. It's all very well expecting the club to go for the cups but a less than half full stadium isn't showing interest. I think the Europa cup is second rate and not worth the hassle. Swansea are suffering from playing in it and I'm sure their PL position has suffered as a result which would wipe out any possible profit from the Europa. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and improving the team's quality again in the summer

The team gave an all round half decent performance and won. The goal was an excellent football goal. The opponents came to spoil, slow the game down and get something out of the game. Two moments of brilliance decided the game. It was not an easy game to play up front as they defended in depth and smothered our attackers not giving us any room. Lambert worked hard and did his best, his positioning created the space between the centre backs which Ramirez's first time pass and Lallana's instantaneous control and finish won the game. I was a bit disappointed with the Long chance because all season we have had players moving from offside to onside then given offside as soon as they approached the ball. Long did this yesterday and was allowed to continue. Whether in the penalty area or 40 yds out the rule is the same. We have had loads of offsides under this rule. Long was offside during that phase and had to be active inside the six yd box in front of the keeper. Once Ridgewell cut in Long came out but the ball then played in was in the same phase so he had to be offside.

Because WBA were hitting the ball into the wide open space in the corners exposing the centre backs.

The difference is that with Lambert when the ball goes up to him it sticks and others can get up in support. Neither Rodriguez or Osvaldo can play that way. We would be mad to let him go. He is vital to us and links it all together.

The way I saw it.

Not many last year but he has improved enormously for me in three areas, kicking left footed, better, crisper ball striking, and looks a little quicker. Looks like lots of hard work to me, he has come a long way since League1. Now a very good player.

There were only two players on the pitch today that could have made that pass. Gaston Ramirez and Adam Lallana. The difference between them and the others is that they both try to attack and we are better with them doing that. I still haven't worked out why Cork is taken out of midfield, whatever his deficiencies he wins more tackles and along with Schneiderlin and in the absence of Wanyama gives us a solid midfield. I don't think playing Davis, Lallana and Ramirez and just having Schneiderlin is solid enough, it was no coincidence that as WBA pressed for an equaliser we weren't strong enough in front of the back four, who had to defend deep. I think it was Davis that should have been replaced by Ramirez keeping the solid midfield.

Not bothered in the slightest as he had nothing to do with the complaint. Just remarked on the comment after the match and the management decided to take it further. He had no involvement.

Both Yoshida and Lovren can play either side but Fonte will only play right side with Hooiveld left side only. The main difference, Fonte will use his left foot if required but Hooiveld will use his left only, no matter the circumstances. That is why if one of the two is playing Lovren or Yoshida have to play in the vacant slot.

Apparently Yokohama are just about to commence their preseason training.

Allegedly in talks with Yokohama Marinos.

IF they get promotion they will need to look seriously at that. Today we had three or four that next year may not make the squad if we improve the squad again in the two transfer windows. Of the present staff probably twelve will go subject to contract but won't be in the 25 if still here.

Ings and Vokes need to be trimmed down. I'm sure that if they were here they would be a lot lighter, and sharper still.

Davis passed the ball square to Lambert who hit a long range bullet into the top of the net. To call it an assist would be laughable.

Ramirez was holding his hamstring and pointing to it as he went off. Lambert went down in a collision and appeared to over extend a knee. Davis beaten at near post again, full backs ok but need better midfield cover when committed up front. JWP and Davis were poor in all phases. Cork had a good all round game. Schneiderlin was adequate today, a little better than Wednesday but nowhere near his early season performances. Ramirez is building fitness and whilst he did some good things he should improve considerably with regular starts. Hooiveld was poor not sharp enough and is so left sided he keeps getting wrong sided. Yoshida was better but it must be difficult playing alongside Hooiveld. Rodriguez is no lone front runner, he isn't as available or as capable of holding the ball up as Lambert, much more a support striker. Took his goal well, should have had a couple more but worked hard and had a decent game. Lallana good without breaking sweat, great improvement with his left foot this season, he's obviously worked on it, very good goal. Although Burnley pulled themselves back into the game we always looked in charge. Boruc and Wanyama are needed back, plus another Premier goalkeeper, a regular goalscorer and a top class partner for Lovren

Don't allow any treatment on the field. If the injury is incapacitating then stretcher or walk them to the dressing room, otherwise they have to get to the touchline if they want any treatment. I bet 99% carry on playing, the seriously injured probably know they can't continue and can be substituted immediately. Physios treating on field, holding up the game while the player recovers and immediately comes back on at most at 100% fitness and the farcical throw in/non competitive bounce up is a nonsense.

I agree with this, not natural but needs work. It's a lot easier to be taught right when very young.

Pochettino said after the Chelsea game that they would rotate and play the best side they can in the circumstances. That means to me the same as the League cup. I wouldn't mind betting that Burnley's priorities will be to avoid damaging their promotion challenge. I don't expect Burnley to field a first team either.

We were attacking Chelsea, Aspilecueta stayed down in their penalty area, the attack lost it's momentum and the ball went out and the game stopped. Aspilecueta quickly recovered but the purpose was served the attack was over the bounce up and the ball given back with the opposition formed up. If he had to stay off in the dressing room for a doctors inspection/scan or substituted it wouldn't have happened. We should have immediately had two forwards push up as he was playing them on side and not stopped. Play shouldn't be allowed to be stopped by the players and the referees shouldn't allow the ridiculous charade of giving the ball back or worst case a goal accidently scored then the opponents allowed to run through from the kick off to score.