S-Clarke

Someone who can build on the foundations laid, which are as strong as this club has ever had. Nothing really needs to change, they just need to have the same level of ambition, drive and most importantly beyond any doubt - lots and lots of $$$$$$

Personally, I think this is being blown out of proportion slightly on all sides. Cortese has been great for us and has propelled us on a Journey we could have all wished for, however, he has had substitutional money to make that happen. It's naive to think that MP, Shaw, Osvaldo, Gaston, Lallana etc are here because of NC. They're here because we've been able to pay them a decent amount of $$$. As cold as that sounds, it's the truth in this day and age. The only doubt that NC leaving would bring upon us would be the drive and finance to keep those players, but if a financial backer is found who is willing to take this club on...then I see no reason why this journey ends here. It looks to me as if we've emptied the pot of cash for improvements and transfers, so we're going back to the family for more and more commitments. They're within their right to question it, as at the end of the day this is their fathers investment - not theirs. And I don't think they've ever been massively committed with the same drive as NC. I think we'll be sold in the not-too-distant future, so get ready for next season being a bit of a roller-coaster. However, what's been put in place here over the last 5 years is too strong to be taken apart by 1 person leaving. He will leave a legacy whatever happens, and it's up to someone else to move that on.

More likely to be that we've reached the milestone, we're now a top 10 club and we've hit the ceiling as such. Without substantial continuous investment we won't extend that ceiling, so it may be that he now thinks this is the time to leave, whilst we're on the up and the club is in the most attractive position to sell. And being able to move back to Italy to chair one of the biggest clubs in world football, is probably too good an opportunity to turn down. At the end of the day, he always makes the right calls. So if he does go, you'd have to trust him that it was the right thing at the right time.

I do get where you're coming from there, I do have that little feeling that we're using the media somewhat...but the only thing that makes me question it this time, is that it's the 2nd time......and there is obviously something genuine in it.

I think that's a fair view. We're going to be one hell of a buy for someone. So much potential at this club.

It's pretty clear something has been in the pipeline for a while. No smoke without fire and all that. Would fully expect a new manager too, and would fully explain the MP stories from a few weeks back. Of course, it could just be another clever ploy to use the media - but I doubt it, not 2 seasons in a row. Something is brewing for sure. Not sure where it would leave us ownership wise, we'd probably be sold, but I'd like to think NC would leave us with a bit of assurance in terms of our future and not just leave us in the lurch (I don't think he will) This club is always minutes away from meltdown and change, has never been any different in my years supporting them.

The reaction thread to that statue was just pure genius. The funniest part of that thread were the people trying to justify it as a piece of art. Time to start googling for that thread I think...

I don't think it was, for me Leon Best's effort is right up there - along with Inigo Idiakez. and unfortunately for us, both in the same bloody shoot out.

It's a good opportunity, but personally I think we're in our true position right now. I actually don't think we'll move a single position again all season....which would be a bit boring. FA Cup will hopefully make it more exciting though. But, nevertheless, finishing 9th place in the BPL has been one hell of a bloody ride over the last 4 years.

Yeah, wtf is up with that??? Has impacted the game in his last 2 sub appearances, which is all you can ask. Still has some very irritating parts of his game, i.e randomly giving the ball away, and heading a ball across your own goal. But other than that, he's improving.

A great win, but not a great performance. Very labored for the majority of that game, but we always looked the most likely. Was quite clear that WBA wanted a draw and nothing else, and they were complete and utter fodder. I'd have been seriously depressed if we'd failed to win that one! What a shocking team to have to support.

He got us that win, pretty much. He was making saves like that regularly at the start of the season, and we were keeping lots of clean sheets. I can imagine that Gazzaniga would have probably let that shot go in today.

I wondered what was going on. How awful. Really hope all ends well.

Keep wumming away.

To be honest, even though they've appointed a manager, there is absolutely no change whatsoever he'll be able to implement by Saturday. So, basically, we'll still be playing with their caretaker in charge.

Swansea are going to sign Tom Ince. Make of that what you will.

He's had a pretty awful season so far, truth be told.

2006 I think. Lallana's professional debut. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/5266330.stm

I really don't know how Fergie managed to get that squad to win the league. Players like Evans, Cleverley, Buttner, Fabio, Wellbeck....utter bog standard average. Wouldn't get on the bench for other clubs in the top 4, let a lone on the pitch.

Another truly awful result for Moyes and Man Utd. It really couldn't have got much worse for him this year if hed tried.

A very nice tie against Yeovil there. Progress to be had...

Nice, we're at home

A nice winnable game please!

This WHU reserve side is barley league standard.

He's been injured most of the season though, no surprise there.