S-Clarke

If we're honest, I think they underachieved last year, given the value of their squad and the high profile players they had. On the other hand, we overachieved. I still believe they have better players than us, but they just didn't click all season for some reason. I don't think we're light years behind them in any stretch of the imagination, last year bought us a lot closer to them than we have been for a long time.

Unless he fancied a long holiday to Arnhem, then it was pointless signing for Chelsea.

Yeah, I don't think it's a particularly pretty one to be honest. Not expecting to see him back anytime soon.

Here's hoping the next snippet is regarding Toby signing.

and the rest. He had the pick.

His leg fell off. In all seriousness, it was his patellar tendon which was ruptured. I don't think we'll see him until the back end of next season, although that's in a best case - in my opinion. I think Maarten is our season-long keeper.

He's had numerous offers from what I heard, all on the table. I think you're right in that he could only sign once he was 17 - but he could have gone elsewhere.

That is very positive, he's a very sought after youngster. Lots of clubs were circling, i believe he even had numerous offers. He knows where he's best at.

Well that was quick, kudus Armstrong. A loan is a sound move I think. Club stuck to it's word on that one.

I think it's very harsh to judge him solely on his Fulham experience, there were too many variables at that club to make a sound judgement of any player. What I do know is that he was once one of the best keepers in Europe. Still at a decent enough age, so who knows. I hope and still think we may also get a younger GK as well, just to really bulk up that area.

Now you've done it. God help us.

MLG is on it.

I think the club expect a decent return, but I just feel like putting a bit of caution on it. If he doesn't start banging the goals in straight away, I get a feeling that there are people waiting behind their keyboards to start up threads like ''He's not the same player'' ''We should have sold him when we had a chance''. When he first joined us he didn't score until well in October (apart from the 2 goals v Wednesday in the cup). And that was already bringing out the ''he's not good enough'' crap.

It's worth the investment, not just because he's quality, but he's already part of our team and already has a partnership. It's a no brainer for anything up to 20 mill in my opinion.

The sort of signing they have neded for years. Top draw. He will make a huge difference for them. Now....I wonder if this opens the door for Schezney, as there was talk of a loan deal, and he did make it clear last year that he didn't want to be backup. Well....he may even be 3rd choice now. Cech, Ospina, Martinez, Schezney

Hmm, not sure if he's worth the gamble. He proved with Everton last year that he is so slow these days, very error prone.

It's not neccecarily just about fitness though. Match sharpness only comes with game-time, knowing the runs of your team mates et.c He had a pretty decent link up with Lambo and Lallana when he last played, that is now totally different and will require a bit of bedding in for him.

Interesting. Will be keen to see Sevilla's reply....bit of a laugh.

Would much rather we focus our attention and money on Toby/or another CB, keeping Morgan (ok, unlikley) or making sure we have a top level replcement lined up.

I'd have liked Austin, but I'd have to say that CF isn't really a priority position - especially given Jay's return. We've invested a lot of money in his new contract, and I'm sure the club expect a decent return from him (although it's best not to expect him to hit the ground running)

I don't think he's very good to be honest. Pretty average. Not good enough to have such a high regard for himself anyway.

So, any news on Toby?

It would have been pretty silly to expand just yet to be honest. He's right, once we've shown there is the demand (i.e selling out season tickets, selling out the stadium every week) then there is reason to do it. Otherwise we're just going to look a little silly in an expanded stadium with lots of empty seats. I'm pleased to hear him say that their primary objectivie is to focus on the playing side of the club for the time being, which is exactly how it should be.

He's a WUM - ignore.

JWP dropped. Hughes in his place.