S-Clarke

We need more quality and depth to finish in the top 10. With the current crop we'd probably still be in a relegation battle next year, we'd probably survive and be around 15/16th again. That's not because we have loads of bad players, it's because our 'best' players won't be available to play all year and the cover that has to come in simply isn't good enough at this moment in time (I'm sort of talking about the striking department more than most, but we also lack quality depth at full back). We'll sort that out though, as i'm sure the club is more than aware. We do have a good 11 though, but it's a ''strong squad'' which gets you through a long-hard season, not just the 11. I know we can't have world beaters in every position, but Fox is simply not good enough cover in the PL and Yoshida isn't good enough cover for RB, ever. Think we could do with a proper utility defender who can cover both full back positions and even CB if required.

He's clearly not a crap player, was easy to see his ability last year in his cameo appearances for QPR. His problem, as always has been, is injuries. Always injured. Can't go on a run of more than 10 games without being out for 6-8 weeks. I would imagine that would put clubs off, as well as his on-going criminal proceedings....

Jeez, if that wasn't a penalty I don't know what is?

Unlucky, that was a really good move by us. Initiated by a nice burst of pace from Lovren to take the ball out of defence.

To be fair, Lovren did hesitate. Even though he made the initial block, he was pretty rubbish in defending the next cross in. You can't excuse someone for making a mistake just because they made a decent block a moment ago! Ultimately, that block now means nothing! I still think Gazzaniga should have done a little better though. But it's hard to see as the replay isn't great. ....AND it's only a pre-season, not to get too carried away about! Just nice to see us playing again.

This 2nd half is like watching us at the start of last season. Some good moments, exciting going forward at times, but ultimately poor at the back making unforced errors on a regular basis. Bit worrying, although it's only pre-season.

Rubbish 2nd. Looked like it went straight through Gazzaniga. Should not be beaten from there.

Played some good stuff in the last 5mins Little too predictable at times though. How a little bit of pace in the final third would change the dynamics of this team...

Lambert is always rubbish in pre-season.

Think this one will rubble on next year.

That was absoloute rubbish by Fonte to be fair.

Shackle lead. Utterly horrific performance. Get rid of everyone.

I like Naughton, good player. But I do like the look of young Chambers at full back.........

Jeez, wanyama is a beast. He looks to be exactly what we missed last year in the middle. Bit of strength and power in there. Excited. I think we've sorted our RB cover as well - Chambers looks damn good.

We tried, but were rightly told we were out of our depth on that one!

Don't we have exactly the same rumour, every, single, year? Yet, every, single, year - he's still here come September? So yeah, he'll still be here in September and probably until he retires.

He'd surely have to take a pay cut if he goes elsewhere though? He could either sit on 120k and do nothing, or take a cut to play some regular football. That's probably what'll have to happen, although even with a wage cut he's probably still slightly out of our reach!

Really, the foot stamping and teeth-grinding in this place when someone dares to say something positive to show support, is a sight to be behold.

Exactly, the free p&p does it for me.

Why isn't Cortese sorting this out now FFS? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Christian-Benteke-Only-Slightly-Used-/200944113141?pt=UK_DVD_Film_TV_Autographs_CV&hash=item2ec933d5f5&clk_rvr_id=501746699022&afsrc=1

I think Davis has got a bit more ability than some give him credit for. He can manipulate the ball quite nicely in tight area's and is always pretty consistent with his passing. Lacks the pace and power to drive through the middle though, but more than good enough as a steady option in CM.

Because he was involved right up until the end of the confed's cup, he's been given the longest leave. He joins this weekend I believe. He has been back at the club for some tests, and was obviously part of the new kit shoot.

Will be interesting to see how he does. Probably a level above his ability though I'd think. Looking forward to seeing how Yeovil do though, quite refreshing to see them in the NPC.

Don't think this one will happen now to be honest. The Brazilian window shuts on the 22nd, and even though they can still sell, they can't re-invest. I can't see them selling after the 22nd, they'd surely need a replacement pretty sharpish for their own aspirations, and they don't necessarily need the finance from the deal at the moment anyway. I don't think he'll move full stop, one we may revisit next year.