Badger

We’re obviously looking at this from different angles. For me, I’d like to see a CF (in the Stewart mould) signed who is going to make a difference on the pitch. Which I suspect you do too. You’re talking of the squad size etc which is an equally valid argument. But the names you mention just reinforce the need for the CF really. Can’t see Archer, BBD and Downs offering enough. And Larin, as good as he was after January, was essentially job sharing with Stewart so tall order perhaps to expect him replicate that form and fitness over 46 games.

Even Leicester (managed by his No1 supporter) have gone for another. Even if it’s McCarthy

Wonder if he’ll be allowed to be in the stands for matches. Might that not raise a concern of him influencing things from a distance ? Await the allegations of how he has instructed the substitutions or tactics by WhatsApp or whatever and another drawn out investigation into breaching the spirit of the ban. Probably orchestrated from a journalist on Teeside.

Talk of “six games” or however many, but will this include Carabao Cup matches ?

The calibre of experienced player is clearly better than those we’ve gone for, but isn’t this a policy our club have been criticised for ? I agree with bringing in an older head, especially if they can make a difference on the pitch. But wonder why they feel they need both him and Henderson to set the standards.

As Alex Law says, need a CF (to go with Larin) irrespective of the names you mentioned

Seems a pointless transfer to me, other than the £££. Chelsea yet again stockpiling an already bloated squad.

Don’t disagree with your assessment although suspect a wish list to include another CB - unless one goes - is optimistic. Also agree it was a shame we missed out on Neil. Not so sure on the French bloke though

What gives you that confidence?

If so, have to wonder if the appeal (given the previous experience and outcome) is solely with hope or expectation of it being reduced. Or buy some time to secure or arrange a temporary stand in.

The only person with the gravitas and holier than holy credentials who can save the world game as we know it has to be Lord Gibbo surely.

Don’t disagree with that either. At the end of last season, and before Spygate, my hope had been Larin, Stewart and another, the quality and experience of the other dependent on which league we were in. That hasn’t changed we need another good CF option to go with Larin irrespective of Stewart. None of the current squad options, BBD, Archer or Downs are the answer in my book. And Dobbin doesn’t seem a CF as good as he may prove elsewhere

I can understand you not wanting him near the first team but we’d be paying his wages if injured. Far better he gets a loan out again somewhere

Exactly. One of them might come good, but I wouldn’t bank on it, and it seems pretty foolish to go into the season relying on BBD, Archer and Downs. I’d go further and add I wouldn’t want to rely on Stewart if he returns staying fit for the season either.

It’ll be swept under the carpet and forgotten. £10m is a drop in the ocean for Chelsea, the FA have just gone through the motions.