egg

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.

He won't move to a top five PL club, but I suspect he'll move to the PL. If he wants out, he's going.

I get that, but I don't see a squad of Downes, Charles, Sesay, Fernandes, Rudoni, Spertsy, plus 1 more starter level player. The wage bill will be crazy, and what player wants to come for that level of competition? Take Fernandes out of the equation though, and it looks different and I think you're right that it's a case of do we fancy Sesay enough or loan someone in who's a bit more ready than him.

Charles will have to sit a bit deeper when there's no Downes. I don't see us getting 2 first team level starters for each and every position.

Yep, agreed, and the owner strikes me as the kind of bloke who'd roll the dice.

I think we have competition for places in that situation, but if Fernandes stays I'd be very surprised. If he does, then January may be his time to move, and I'd rather we planned ahead and bought extra now. To answer your question though, I see it as 2 of Charles/Downes/Fernandes in the middle, Rudoni or AA off the right but Rudoni competing for a spot in the middle when Fernandes goes, Spertsy/Fernandes in behind. Alternatively, if we play 433, it's AA wide right up top, and 3 of the others in midfield. When Fernandes goes, the competition reduces.

I'd imagine he'll do that once he has a squad of suitable players. Although we've been a bit crap so far, what I like is that Still has adapted his tactics to suit the players he's got. Give him the midfielders that are being linked, and he'll have all sorts of options for a 4231/433, or even a back 3 if he wants to play that from time to time. I get the feeling that SR want to give it a bloody good go this season, it's just whether we can persuade players to move.

The question related to your point that growth needs radical government thinking. I'm not asking about illegal migration. On that, as there's the English Channel, people will get into boats and come here. As long as there's good weather, the numbers will increase. But yes, we need to become a less attractive proposition. What incentives do you suggest should go? Housing? Health provision?

So you don't think the boom periods involved a boom in prices? And you're in real estate. Apparently.

The boom pushed up prices and made it less affordable.

What are your suggestions?

Yep. My only concern is that he'll want to start but may not in the current system. Him in a 3 would give us a formidable midfield at this level.

Rudoni I can see happening. We're light in the middle of the park, and Smallbone is surely one to go.

Nah, AI has an eye for naturals. I think CB and Benji have grounds for appeal though.

Russian Lad - Fernandes replacement. He's obvs going. Rudoni - Smallbone upgrade. Fellows - can't see it happening unless Dibling goes. Or he's an alternative to the Russian. GK - no way we're going into the season with Moody as our 3rd choice so we'll get someone, either as a number 2 or promising youngster to be number 3. I can't see us getting a RB. Dibling. I can't see him going. Everton were the right level for him imo, and we priced him out of that. I can't see many other clubs taking a punt on him given his contract situation. Downing tools last year and this pre season / early season wouldn't have done him many favours either.

There's a few trying for sure. AI can spot the real talent though.

He's clueless on every football related level sadly. If he carries on being so crap, not even his splendid hair will give him a media career to fall back on. He should have gone from us to TV imo.

Ha!! They're a strange bloke, so god help whoever they live with or near. I think Nick's chasing a 1-2 in the unintentionally funny league though, so it could be all change at the top.

Nothing wrong with people calling people out when necessary. Nice to see it happening and people not feeling pushed away. Not "wasted" forum space at all.

Chamberlain (I know, more than a ted tenuous).

Good post. His deficiencies were known before he got here, and it amazes me that we tolerated him for so long, and that some people wanted him to be given more time. He's a terrible manager, and fair play to the Rangers fans for calling him out so soon.

Brilliant. And he has a Tony Hart look about him.