egg

Absolutely. Transfermarkt has stats for goals and assists, but as you say, he (and many brilliant midfielders) were all about being busy, breaking up play, being ready to pick up the ball, using it well, probing, creating openings, etc. Anyone criticising a midfielders performance because he didn't score or assist isn't worth listening to. Re Rudoni today, the Coventry Telegraph (assuming their version of the Echo), said this about him: "Lively in and around the final third where he worked the ball well to create openings - a constant threat to the Rams". I'd be happy with a player who does that most games, and chips in with some goals.

There aren't many strategies to make unattractive players on big wages more attractive, and the players attracted to a move.

Agree, although I think big cash for Fernandes is still possible. Also I'm not sure we'll get a CM if one of Smallbone or Aribo stay.

Yep. The first team squad has over 30 players. We're not going to add to that for all manner of reasons including cash flow, wages, number of players to coach/train/keep happy. I think we were expecting to cash in big and quick on Dibling, and to offload some deadwood, then bring in more players. That hasn't happened, and I think we've been unrealistic about Dibling's value in light of his contract position.

Cook

Decent midfielders can be brilliant without scoring or assisting. Case scored 12 and assisted 1 goal (he got more red cards than assists) in 245 games for us. He controlled games and is one of the best CM's I've seen in a Saints shirt. It's a sad state of affairs when people focus on 2 stats rather than watch a game and judge the player on what they see.

You can talk about it, but decent people aren't pricks about it. Of course the club want to win the title in his honour.

Ha! Depends what you hit. Pensions within the lifetime allowance shouldn't be, and even then, I doubt the government would pay for actuarial values of government defined benefit schemes, so that the government would tax them. That'd be an interesting one.

Agreed. The detail and implementation is vital, but I'd rather see a hit on people who have monster wealth than every person pay for VAT for example.

A wealth tax should be on the agenda, ditto some way of hitting the tax dodging corporations. We'll get a VAT rise instead imo.

I'm waiting for the "Rachel Reeves has doubled the GDP of the UAE" headline. Should be anyday now.

Is it that 16? If so, my 15 must be a winner? If it is, can I have an Oyster with 2 flakes please. Mate, there's far too much dissent in the lounge for it to anything like an echo chamber.

I'll go 15.

I know a lot of wealthy people and not one has contemplated emigrating. They realise that in 4 years time we won't have this government, and that the best CGT avoidance is to do delay crystallising assets.

I'd treat you seriously if I thought you were serious, but it's hard to take anyone seriously who throws out questions, but refuses to answer a reasonable put to him.

Whatever you say Mr Whippy.

Very odd post. People don't have to be capitalist or socialist. Nobody has said that labour are doing well. My background or job has nothing to do with you. This forum is not an echo chamber. You just seem unable to tolerate contrary views. You've failed to answer a simple question. Are you an ice cream man?

Fucking capitalists are taking over.

If you don't sort it next time, I'll have a word with the boss. Anyways, what sort of shop does Duck work in? I always had him down as a dildo salesman, so you could be right.

Any progress on getting the pick and mix on just eat?

I thought it was you the other day. You gave me ALL drumsticks, not even a single thigh. Prick.

You haven't. Why should explain their jobs. Anyways, people can pretend that they do anything on here. I know what you claim to be, but you're probably an ice cream man or something.

I don't want us to play someone who doesn't want to be here, and the version of Dibling who showed up for the latter part of last season isn't scaring anyone.

Calling up with a counter offer after we've rejected their offer feels a bit "please buy him, please". Let's see where this goes, but if that report is true, it seems like Everton's is the only cheque book in town and that we're keen to deal.

Yep, but dinlo's will vote for them because they'll "send them back" which is as unlikely as "smashing the gangs". They'll also "shut the hotels" which will cheer people up until there are groups of asylum seekers sleeping in their kids school field or down the local park.