S-Clarke

Came on as a sub against Huddersfield for his debut, I believe. Looked the real deal I felt, pacey, quick, attacked players. Not sure he featured after that though, maybe a few mins on the last day I seem to remember? He kicked on in pre-season though, but prior to that - you're right, it was all about flaming bloody Antonio and how he is the next Messi!

Yeah, your last point is something that is so special. I don't think it will ever be done again, but to see that spine (you forgot Morgan and Davis too!) move up through the leagues was magic. And how their growth as players mirrored our growth as a club is something you cannot buy, we just got very lucky and everything has fallen into place these last few years.

Hernandez as in Utd's Hernadez, or Swansea's? We'd be unlikely to be able to 'poach' the little pea if we sold those players, it would confirm that we're operating at a much lower level from here on in - and Javier Hernandez is a top calibre player. We'd struggle to stay up if we lost Shaw, Lallana and Morgan IMO.

Wasn't Gallagher from Plymouth's academy as well? Dare I say it....are they our feeder club?

I think as a player, Sam is one that we are going to have to be patient with. We've been blessed with the likes of Oxo, Theo, Shaw, Bale etc who just burst in and instantly look like world beaters. Sam isn't quite in that mould and will need some time and support from everyone to help him become a very handy player for us. I personally don't think he's quite ready as yet for week in-week out at this level, and has been kind of thrust into the first team this year as a consequence of the lack of Osvaldo etc....but it's not a case of writing him off, which I've seen some usual suspects doing. At the end of the day, academy players don't always break through and instantly take the world by storm - Adam didn't, and look at him now. Patience is needed with young Sam, and at least the club have put their marker down on him and that should give him a hell of a lot of confidence.

My high point was the end of that L1 season, how we went toe to toe with Huddersfield for the last 6 weeks or so. In any normal season, they'd have got automatic promotion as their run and form was sensational - but we were even better! Some great results in that run-in, including that MK Don's game, the last minute Brighton winner. Great end! And I guess that form just continued into the NPC season, as it allowed us to start the season with some stunning momentum which pretty much set the tone. Low point....probably how we started the PL season when we first got back, we looked so frighteningly out of our depth in the first few weeks and I for one was very worried. It wasn't a nice sight seeing us get whacked every week, especially after the last 3 seasons prior to that.

Once again people, it's a sponsor. We will wear it on our shirts. They will pay for the privilege. Who actually gives a **** who it is? There are plenty more things to worry about this summer, and who the flaming sponsor is isn't one of them.

Plenty of OTT reactions here. Being 'underwhelmed' by a sponsor is quite funny really.

I think he's in the same position as us, all he's hearing at the moment is talk and until he see's some actual action and plans...then he's not going to commit anything to it. Who would? In 4 weeks we could lose Shaw, Morgan, Lovren, Lallana and there he is sat on a new contract.....I think the club need to demonstrate what their project is, what their plan is, and put it into action pretty sharpish, otherwise we face entering a period of complete limbo, and after having such a good season and the club being in such a strong position....that would be the biggest cockup ever. I know we can never be sure what's going on in the background, but I think it's a pretty clear insight into it from MP's comments. The club don't seem to have any idea yet.

For £20m, I'd hope so! I think your mate Crook will be picking your post up shortly and putting it on his twitter, as he understands. or something.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/9302985/transfer-speculation-southamptons-adam-lallana-rumoured-to-be-liverpools-top-target

Driving THEVMAN up to Liverpool so he can sign.

Cool. I want a new TV and some more holiday before the world cup myself, not sure I'll get that though.

They do have some good midfield options, and to Morgans detriment, he simply doesn't score enough goals to stand out above all of those guys. You'd hope he's in front of Capoue and Sissoko though...as he's done a hell of a lot more at this level than either of those in the last year!

I thought Cardiff would be OK to be honest, as I thought Malky was a good manager and they'd made some decent additions....I think if they'd have stuck with Malky they'd have probably been OK, but they have a nutter in charge so never mind. I did think Fulham would go, their squad was too old and they never did anything about freshening it up. They had too many seasons hanging around down there, and they didn't really heed the warnings from previous years. I had Palace down, which if they'd have stuck with Holloway they'd have been gone! Pulis has done a miracle there, aided with some shrewd buys in January though.

Absolutely, I don't think either player would warrant 100k a week yet though! But this situation is slightly different to Baines, as I suggested above - he's at an age where clubs probably aren't going to throw lots of cash at it, whereas our players are young...and anything they spend will be seen as a long-term investment, so they may be more prepared to meet a valuation (and I can assure you that all our players have valuations on their heads).

I know what makes the City click......a successful football club which is progressing and ambitious, I personally think the City has grown on the back of the buzz generated by the football club over the past few years. Not entirely sure what engaging communities is all about either, the clubs foundation initiative is excellent and has made a huge difference in many deprived area's of the city. So, there wasn't much wrong with that side of it. A successful and ambitious football club kind of run's it's self in a way, I don't know too many downbeat Saints fans around at the moment! (except for Alpine....joke ) It seems to be as if everyone is just desperate for the history to be acknowledged, and to be fair Cortese did pretty much ignore that....but we did end up with one of our most successful periods in our recent history. Sometimes clubs (and people) can get stuck in the past, which stops you from moving forward - and I did kind of get NC when he said that it was time to create a new history....which we kind of have. I'm all for acknowledging the past though, but not if it's to appease the fans at the expense of us having a successful side.

Because of his age, I don't think clubs really wanted to pay above £15m....I think if a club had come in at £20m, then he'd have gone......he probably did have a valuation, but clubs weren't prepared to meet it. But fair play to Everton, they stood their ground and killed any further speculation by signing him up longer-term. The only problem with players like Lallana and Shaw is that they will attract big bids, and clubs would be prepared to pay a little more for them due to their age.....so we'll have to wait and see how strong the club can be.

Ah yes, but most of what he said did happen! I still picture those meetings like this...

Ah yes, they did indeed go for it. Unfortunately they were looking at the table upside down though.

To be honest, even average English players are over priced. Look at what Blackburn want for Rhodes, an NPC striker...£15-20m for christ sake. Benteke was £7m!

Turned down 2 bids and then offered him a tasty new 4-year deal.

It would send a signal. I mean if the first thing these new guys do is sell our captain and England star, then it doesn't really set the tone does it....and anything/everything they've said is rendered utterly pointless. I'd love the club to show some ambition to really drive on in the summer. As a club, I don't think we've ever been in such a strong position to actually go places....so let's see if the owners recognise that.

Best moment for me is where he left Toure on his arse, utter genius. The guy is a class act, blessed to have so many good young players like him - which kind of makes it even more frustrating we haven't won anything of note with this side!

I was surprised Sunderland got him in the first place, but to me...he's another Italian import who hasn't adjusted to the English game, and doesn't look any nearer to doing so tbh. Decent enough player, but I can see him floating back to Italy if I'm honest.