Badger

Normally at this time of year we look at the Championship to see who we might plunder. This year the players Iinked to an EPL move that I’d like to see us go for would be Clarke (Sunderland) and Greaves ( Hull CB). The danger this year though is that signing Championship players, we might remain a Championship level team. So some PL experience would be useful (and from players who’ve cut it there before, not some of our own who haven’t) .

I thought it was more of a case that we had an option at an agreed fee, but the player just rejected the move

There were times last season when Smallbone seemed too lightweight and ineffective when we needed a stronger midfield but credit to him, he certainly stepped up when needed at the critical end of season. Thought he was flawless in the three play off matches, seemed to add a bit of physicality to his game, not brushed off the ball so easy, and always available to take a pass and move it on. His goal v WBA reminded me of Chaplow, who I rated.

I’m not sure it would be a sensible move to sign a bloke, a grown man, who is only ever seen out dressed as characters from Harry Potter. Knowing our luck we’d spend £15-20m and he’d be sectioned under some Mental Health Act before a ball is kicked.

Didn’t see it, but didn’t Leeds start something similar in the early 1970’s under Don Revie ? Thankfully it didn’t catch on for about 40 years.

If it’s Dortmund then I hope they do the right thing and invite Wealdstone to a pre-season friendly. Just so the Raider can stand in front of their famous yellow wall end and tell them “ you’ve got a shit ground, and you’ve got no fans “ ( in English or German)

Anyway, bollocks to the more modern stuff ( as good as Freed from Desire was last week - excellent in fact and the skids are), it should be mandatory to finish your event with OWTS by Louis Armstrong. The neighbours won’t know what’s hit them when your full garden gets going on Satchmo’s version of that for a finale

For those of us of a certain age, only the Skids version will do

Perhaps we should agree to roe back on this theme

Not since (someone thinking) Rupert Lowe was spotted driving down the Aston Expressway on a Sunday evening has a transfer been so clearly in the making. * * and for the younger readers that didn’t happen either.

Good rumour based solely on him having a day out (probably on the piss) in fancy dress with a few mates !!

Big fear in the PL - do you expect us to get battered every week ? so he might fit in

Dangerous. Didn’t stop Rupert from thinking he could oversee the football side of things.

Larios will be captain, and commentators will call him a giant amongst men

Only if we're signing the right players though

Especially for those without a computer, internet access, or a printer.

Whilst looking at some of the scenes from Sunday on Youtube I stumbled on this. Is this the same bloke who did a pre-match dance routine some years ago ?

A momentous day, memories of which will last a lifetime. Have enjoyed reliving it via all the video clips provided. Thanks

We're all in there somewhere.

Articles saying co-owner in Palace looking at opting out there, and buying into Everton. https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11095/12507208/latest-football-news-and-gossip-crystal-palace-co-owner-john-textor-pushing-to-buy-everton?postid=7735317#liveblog-body

No idea what influence he'd have in the squad and first team dressing room but if Smallbone starts taking to the pitch wearing an Alice band I'll start to worry.

I'm not completely against the idea, although not sure it's so positive as to describe it as a "win win", and it would have made a bit more sense if we hadn't been promoted. The U21 role seems a reasonable option, although no idea of his coaching or mentoring ability.

Think we were linked last summer due to him starting at MK with Martin. Since then he's become a regular at Celtic, and will have a few higher profile clubs after him.

Me too. Although have to say, Joy Division are more of my vintage.

Probably mentally stronger from that time, fair enough Possibly with the U21's or whatever the Ollie Lancashire role was/is. As for the first team, I'd love an Alan Ball/Jimmy Case in there but just don't see Lallana , or any other fulfilling that role. (Does such a beast exist ?)