S-Clarke

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.

I agree, loans are very helpful. I did read a season or so back that the club didn't really like loaning out players, they preferred to look after them in house. But when you get to the level we're at now, it's hard for them to really get a look in....so you risk the situation of them stagnating and not getting any exposure. Loans are not a bad deal at all and more often than not, you see a better player back at the club for it.

It's a fire-sale I tell you.

Good move. Good club, good level of football, good manager and a good squad. Agree with what was said above, massive season for him. Hope it goes well.

I don't really see either position as third or forth choice, we will potentially play a hell of a lot of games this season, so all of our CB's will get some significant game time across all the competitions. He hasn't been bought in here as a starter, but he will get game time.