S-Clarke

And that's fine by me. That would mean I get to see my team winning a fair few games in the top league, and against some of the biggest teams in the world. We're simply not going to become one of the 'big' lot, so it's about accepting that and just enjoying the ride. I'd much rather be here than struggling to make the playoffs in the NPC.

It doesn't feel like we've had a break at all this year, it's come around so quickly. It's always funny looking back at these threads 10 months on, as you either look like a genius or a little silly! I'll put my neck on the line and make a few calls. I think Watford will struggle big style. Too many signings, too much change. Bournemouth will do better than them, but will ultimately fall short. Bit boring and standard, but I think Norwich will go down again as well. My 'surprise' call is for WHU to struggle all season, I just don't like the way they've done things this summer. I fancy Chelsea to retain the league, just. I think Arsenal and Utd will give them a run for their money this year - but City will threaten to open the 4th place door wide open to a Liverpool or a Spurs. We should do Top 10 I'd have thought. I think a lot is made of the extra games in Europe and a lot of managers use it as a convenient excuse a lot of the time. If we're still in Europe after Christmas and finish in the Top 10 of the PL then that will be an incredibly impressive season for me.

Yeah, Turnbull 100%. He played their friendly v Liverpool yesterday. I reckon the likes of Isgrove will go out on loan, not that I believe he has any future here tbh.

Ah you bugger, I thought he'd signed when I saw this thread!

Because he's not very good?

Yeah, it's very odd I must say.

A seriously niggly dirty team.

We've basically got a £20m forward back in our team this year, not a bad upgrade.

Mentalist. Lunatic Fringe. Box of Frogs. all appropriate.

I would totally agree with this, he did seem to dip a bit last year. I'd have called him a solid 7/10 player most weeks up until last season. Hopefully he can recapture his form again this year. There's a reason why 3 different managers have him in their starting 11's when fit, he's an important cog.

Not sure why Napoli would want to sell, he was terrific last season. So quick, strong and powerful. He's a natural fit for the PL. If it's between him and Van Dyk I wouldn't mind either.

That would be quite a crazy signing, he's top class.

Nope, JWP has never been loaned out.

Confirmation: SPORT: BBC Wiltshire understands Jordan Turnbull is returning to Swindon Town on season long loan from Southampton.

McCarthy? Highly thought of at the club.

Lots of clauses apparently, saw on their forum that the guaranteed fee is more around £4/5m

Not the best signing at the price, in my opinion. He's looked pants for Sunderland, but then hasn't everyone? Could be a good move I guess.

Don't pay any attention to his Davis views, he's got some very odd issue with him. Just have a look at his post history. Good game from Davis I thought, tidy, skillful and hard working.

As good as it could have gone, made our home advantage fully count. A composed and confident performance, albiet a slightly nervy opening from us. A few of the new lads clearly still finding their feet, but I thought Soares looked an exciting outlet on the right side. Junami came on and made an impact, was impressed by his composure and control (and a bit of bite...!) Wanyama was the standout. Clasie didn't really show up, so he had to do the work of 2...and boy, he did that. Big save from Stek at a crucial moment, and we look in good shape.

11 new players in one window. That never ends well.

Huh? People getting hung up on what was a totally non-issue. and there are a few things wrong with your post... 1) - We signed Dejan, he was our player. 2) - We signed Bertrand on the pre-arranged £8m fee. 3) - Toby's situation has been gone over about 3503053050350350350 times.

Cheerio.

Their defense is still laughable to be honest, will be interesting to see what they manage to do to address that in a week or so.

I suppose it gets to a position in the clubs growth whereby Loans are a better option. Down in the NPC/L1, it's a little less forgiving and easier to integrate young players. But as we move up the PL and establish ourselves as a top half team, we need a bigger and bigger squad of experienced international-level players if we intend to compete in all fronts, and whilst some of the young lads are good enough and will be in and around, some will need to get game time at a lower level to ensure they don't stagnate. I think it's the best move in our current situation. It's seemingly worked wonders for Stephens as the club are speaking so highly of how he's returned this pre-season.

Which in it's self does seem to confirm that this is simply to cover the Gardos injury. He has an opportunity to put himself in the shop window and either we sign him up next summer, or we welcome a fully fit Gardos back to the squad and Steven goes elsewhere. Win-Win. A few years back I wouldn't have ever seen ourselves in a position to sign a player like Caulker as a squad player, that in it's self shows terrific progress.