S-Clarke

I think he played great football with City (although he had some amazing players to work with). They'd have probably been a lot closer/pushed Leicester for the title if they hadn't decided to announce the fact that a new manager is waiting in the wings, that just threw their season off course entirely. He's a sound fit for a club of our size, done great jobs in Spain with similar sized clubs - although he was bankrolled a little at Malaga. Maybe he's potentially more long-term than a lot of the 'younger' up and coming coaches we've looked at. If Manuel does well here, I wouldn't have thought he'd be as tempted away by a big club - he's been there, done it, he's not young...probably wouldn't want the hassle. Maybe, in a weird way, he's the best option for a long-term manager.

TBH I think everyone and his dog knew that VW was off this year, so it doesn't matter who the manager is - it would still happen.

Not sure why people think the fee is low, he's got 12 months left and buyers know we'd want to shift him this summer. Been massive for us for the last 3 years, so thanks for that. But the fact he refused/mind wasn't set to play in our crucial EL games says a lot about him. He's a good player, but I don't think 'bigger clubs' will have the same level of patience we had with regards to his passing etc. I'm sure he'll do alright, but I don't think he's a CL level player.

Still a bit stupid to start doing up your current ground if you're serious about moving away in the near future. Smells of Pompey's 'tidy up' to Fratton Park whilst they were building their harbor delight. Which never actually happened.

He's just a name on their list of right backs, but he's way down the list of options.

Pelle is having a bit of a mare thus far.

TBF i've been saying the same. An entire 12 months of ''will he, won't he?'' and players questioning if they want to sign has the hallmarks of an absolute disastrous season.

Let the backtracking begin...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3645212/Everton-unveil-exciting-plans-Goodison-Park-revamp-ahead-new-Premier-League-season.html Amazeballs. We cannot compete with that.

He wouldn't stay at the De Vere, it would be the place in the Forest (limewood) if we're putting someone up. But he's not even under thought. I'd assume the club want to appoint a manager, not someone who aspires to be one.

There's not going to be a case of 'being on the brink'. We're already through pretty much.

Mancini

I think the officiating has been great, they seem very reluctant to stop the game and it's a lot more of a contact sport than I've seen for a while! Much more enjoyable as the games flow.

I personally think England have played well in both of their games, the first half was probably as poor as we have played - but we stepped it up and then some in the 2nd half. I'd say only Germany and Italy have put in general overall performances than ourselves, but once the 'shackles' are released - which Roy likes to use... - we are a force.

I wonder when Crook will just give up? He must be seen as a proper joke in the media stakes.

Amazing NI, what a result that is.

The 2nd half was terrific, Sterling is done for this tournament I reckon. He looks shot. Not entirely sure we play to the strength's of Kane, although his touch looks exceptionally rubbish at the moment. I thought Rashford looked great when he came on as well... We're top of the group, pretty much qualified now - let's hope we finish against Slovakia well so we can get ourselves a decent last 16 tie. This result has woken the tournament back up for me.

He's a skate, just ignore him.

Albania look quite handy.

They've got Florenzi there, very highly rated. Manolas the CB, who is wanted by lots of clubs. I think they have (or had) our old friend Astori too..! Then they have Nainggolan in midfield, Pjanic (well, they did), Strootman (when he's fit). I think they sold Lamela and Osvaldo when he was manager there. They also started the season with the best defence in Europe, we weren't far behind either at that time... And for what it's worth, Southampton appointed Garcia in my FM game after Koeman was sacked. It's in the stars.

Here is a write-up on Garcia's time at Roma http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2016/1/13/10753816/rudi-garcia-fired-roma-manager-style-draws-struggles-transfers

These are his season stats... [TABLE=class: grid with-centered-columns hover, width: 668] [TR=class: alt] [TD=bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]Apps 38[/TD] [TD=class: minsPlayed, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]3245[/TD] [TD=class: goal, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]Goals 6[/TD] [TD=class: assistTotal, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]Assists 11[/TD] [TD=class: yellowCard, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: redCard, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: shotsPerGame, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]2.2[/TD] [TD=class: passSuccess, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]86.6[/TD] [TD=class: aerialWonPerGame, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]0.7[/TD] [TD=class: manOfTheMatch, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]2[/TD] [TD=class: rating sorted, bgcolor: #D0D0D0, align: center]7.31[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

I wouldn't be surprised if Blanc is dragging his feet a bit, getting as much compo as he can get. He's been royally stitched up there.

Always liked Hamsik. think he's been at Napoli for 10 years or so now, which is kinda surprising. He's done this regularly in Serie A. Still only 28 too, so bang in his prime.

Good draw for us. Home first, home last, home over xmas. Perfect.