Badger

I'd rather we'd targeted Brentford's Director of Football, or Recruitment . Think it's Phil Giles. Poch, would at least have them motivated a busting lungs getting around the pitch. But that's irrelevant as there's no prospect of him being interested in us at our current level.

Said it before, we don't buy with the aim of improving the first team in the here and now, but put together an assortment (of investments) to sell on. Whether they gel as a team doesn't seem to register with 'Tim Nice But Dim' the youngsters are part of his investment portfolio. Added to which Ralph doesn't know his best team in terms of selection, and tactics, drawing from a very limited squad.

Thomas Thomasberg are you confusing him with Thomas McThomasface ? Tedesco - have read a few articles and yes was highly rated but I think he’s been sacked from his last few jobs. Is that a recommendation for him ?

I suspect the AMN signing might turn out to be one we're left pondering, why ? The players rumoured desire to be in his preferred position suggested he might not gel at the club, or with Ralph at any rate. Shame as he has seems to have had something about him in his career that hasn't been fulfilled. As for the striker, perhaps too much was channeled into the pursuit of Gakpo in terms of both time and £. (Yes, I realise he's not an out and out striker).

Wasn't there an option of a 5th ? presumably at the club's discretion, although a bit immaterial if he does have a £40m release clause

Probably. The only other s German international I can think of is Uwe Rosler, who played for East Germany, though not whilst with us.

Personally, I'd rather he stayed under the radar for a little longer, and had a four week break this winter to resume the season with us when it re-starts.

Christ I wrote that in 2014. Think you can also add Carillo to the list that Johnno Quick eclipsed with his contribution in his few minutes of fame.

Good to see a timeless exchange between you and MLG from 2011 on that thread

Presumably like last season this game will be moved to whenever Smug Eddie wants it played.

You obviously misunderstood it. It was some scouse wit … not that it was called for in a minutes silence. Either that or it wasn’t really Liverpool fans breaking the silence, a group of Chelsea fans had gone up there to do it.

Not entirely true. I think we beat Sunderland with a last minute goal from one of his (later) trademark long throws. That said, it only after he left that it became known. Perhaps WGS just chose not to use it.

This being the case, then it would be in the clubs interest to sell on quickly before the Buy Back clause is triggered (if timed). Expect to see SR being busy most summers then

Did wonder about this myself. But think he (Zsolt Low) might be more hands on than Ralph has had here previously as assistant. Does this upset the balance with Selles and the other bloke (Kitzbichler ?)

IF City have buy back clauses to sign one of the players for £40m or set amount in two years, presumably the contract will also prevent Saints selling to anyone else before 2024, or do City have an option to match the bid, or exercise their option sooner ? Probably an uncertainty around this as it’s new ground, but interested if anyone knows.

He may prove to delight his new fan base though

Don't think he has said anything that most people haven't thought or said. Whether it's wise to go public on it is another question. It's good and refreshing to have some honesty and openness from Ralph. Although this can come at the cost of discretion perhaps it's a welcome change from the more evasive "we'll discuss it behind closed doors" all the time.

I also think he might turn it down but more because the Chelsea job is such a poisoned chalice. The England job is as well but for different reasons. I suspect Chelsea will initially want someone with some trophies on their CV already. Cant see Poch setting and staying there very long with the regime in place. But then he may see it as a quick earner (factoring in the speed with which Chelsea turnover managers and will look to pay him off).

Appreciate the criteria you’ve set but I think David Peach was certainly’above Average’. Although in the 2nd Division he was an outstanding LB for us,and goalscorer (penalties especially of course). I always felt he was the best LB in the country for a couple of years (no bias in my teenage years of course). It was unfortunate really that his peak years were in Div 2. Doubt that we’d be able to keep a player of his standout quality in The second tier now (and probably not EPL for that matter).

Perhaps Tuchel has learnt to regret not accepting Les’ offer (insert emoji for yes I know, it’s only a pisstake)

Tuchel has been a bit of a loose cannon in his career and appears to have fallen out with every club. Surprising he’s been sacked although I thought there would be some ructions there and he’d walk away later in the season after throwing toys out of the pram. Perhaps there’s been a bit of that behind the scenes. Does seem incredible sacking a manager after a handful of games having spent over £200m. Potter would be mad taking the job, money aside. Someone made the point on here about him the other day, he’d not get the time to build at a Top 6 side, less so at Chelsea

Think his last minute equaliser v Villa in 1976 should elevate him as above average when looking back

Nick Holmes - constantly steady without being spectacular. Manny Andruszewski. Malcolm Waldron (won Player of the Season once) Fred Kemp. David Walker

Wonder if they needed VAR for this sending off: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62783917

Leicester probably think he's theirs for the asking... think they're in for a shock.