Badger

Perhaps a good analogy and comparison. We want a new Ken Monkou, but perhaps we’ve got a Jon Gittens. Early days, some good and some concerning traits. Seems to have some good qualities for a CB, height strength, and pace. Concentration and use of the ball not so convincing on Day One. BUT definitely some raw materials for Still and Trollope to work on.

New season, new manager. Feels like same shit though. We’re at home for Christ sake.

Spors should have a look in the old filing cabinets to see if Les has left any of the wristwatches.

I don’t think you can read too much into that. Perhaps the expectation is that he might go - most probably will - but keeping him out of the promotion film doesn’t mean it’s a done deal.

Yes, he rates highly on the Steve Ridder Scale.

Perhaps he’s decided goalkeeping isn’t for him and preparing for a new career.

Yes serves them right, had they auctioned the dugouts on leaving Goodison they could easily have afforded Tyler, and had some spare change.

Bazunu in goal ? Chances are slim

Exactly. Recruitment has been the key issue (both managers and players) and reason for our fall.

Agree with the gist of what you say, and from the Steve De Ridder-scope (Youtube), Spertsyan looks a class above other names (which is why he's more ambitious than a Championship club). But don't agree in your comments re Fellows who although not in the Spertsyan class perhaps, also looks pretty impressive and a good prospect, not an average champ player.

Good for you. May not be seen by another living person of course so don't be too embarrassed if we don't win it. On the other hand, be careful when going for a slash (or dogging/cottaging if that's your thing) in PO postcode areas,

From the little I've seen or read of these two they're different types of player. Spertsyan looks to be a bit more agile, creative and a better ball player (in the Tadic mold as someone suggested), and Rudoni offers a bit more power and height. Fellows also looks creative and could play more of an out and out winger if needed,

Thought Osgood might have been a deadline day signing, certainly close to it, In the 80’s I think Barry Horne, and Jon Gittens we’re both unexpected deadline day signings.

The deadline day was a bit different though and I don’t think it was ever considered a “transfer window”. The deadline day still permitted signings at any other stage (August - end of March) through the season.

Just a thought. At what point would the work permit enquiry be made ? After it’s all agreed, or in advance so the deal can go through swiftly without the ‘subject to work permit’ delay on announcing it ?

Stands out like a proverbial dogs bollocks. But probably not to our recruitment team.

That might also depend on who we have to replace him. The GK coach is an interesting one. Wonder if he can rapidly detect Bazunu’s limitations from a few weeks training drills,or will he need to witness the kind of regular feeble dismays that we did two years ago ?

I like Dibling and hope he stays, or we get a mega deal if he has to go. But as talented as he is, and even with the potential he has you’re getting far ahead of yourself with those comparisons, as seeing him as “box office”. Rooney was the local lad up there, and more importantly hit the ground running immediately making a dramatic impact. Not easing him in, one for the future etc. Gascoigne was just ‘Gazza ’ and brought with him off the field drama and front page news as well as skill make him ‘box office’. Greatest will in the world, I don’t see that with Dibling.

Are you sure he didn’t mean for the season?

Another one might be leaving Sheff Utd: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvg417p04g8o

Suspect the £50m now might be a bit optimistic to be honest, but IF that were on offer then yes, sounds good. Birds in the hand, or in the bush though is an entirely different topic and maybe not for on here..

Yes, well aware of it (The Mill at Withington - haven’t been there for years, might not even still be open). Nice part of the Cotswolds though

Still wouldn’t buy a used car from Levy.

Isn’t it 12months, with an option of a further 12 month extension?

That’ll be the largest loan fee known to man then. Worth giving negotiations with Spurs a wide berth. (£45 plus % sell on , and no loan fee doesn’t sound as bad ..).