Badger

I feel the same way as you that this excuse of a winter break is a means to reducing the FA Cup further. The doyens of the PL, and the Big 6' have been looking to do this for some years, turn it into a midweek sideshow with no replays. A great shame, part of the magic of the cup were the replays Newport and Rochdale had this season. As for playing "too much football", helping the CL and international teams, that's a load of ********. Reducing the league size from 22 to 20 teams was meant to do that, but I've not noticed any improvement in the international side.

Bit of a contradiction there. Except it isn't traditional red and white stripes from the rear view. Agree the 'bra' spoiled it, but it lease it was stripes on the reverse. Verdict - shirt appears 'dog turd'.

I know what you mean about their contribution but have to defend Keegan's place. Although only here for two seasons we went top of the league for the fist time in our history when KK was palying for us, and we palyed some great football in his era. Its proabbly not just Keegan the player being commemorated on the banner but Keegan the signing, without doubt the boldest transfer move we've ever made. He was European Player of The Year, two years running,linked with Real Madrid etc, but he signed for us, and the football world was stunned. KK deserves his place.

Have seen both names mentioned, so you've given that some context. Qustion though, which might be the better option, one of those two, who didn't get relegated with their club, or Gibson from Middlesboro who did get relegated season before last, and has spent a year in the Championship? Pontus Janson has been mentioned regularly on here and in the press. But after his recent bleating to the Swedish press I noticed a number of Leeds fans on an article saying they've had enough of his taliking about playing at a higher level and would be happy to see the back of him. Talks a good game but peformed poorly much of last season. I think we need more of a dominator and leader at CB than any of our current group provide. No idea who though.

Not.For.Us. Sure you didn't mean, he scores every other season ?

Agree, this shows the usual dithering and indecision. We should now realise that a new GK is required and be showing FF the door irrespective of McCarthy's situation. No doubt Les, is relaxed

I don't think we can afford to give him the luxury of nearly a quarter of a season to prove himself. By that stage we would be out of the League Cup (or whatever ridiculous sponsors name it has) and the transfer window closed.

Will we ever know who was the reason for the fall out post 2016 ? Fonte returning as a changed bloke with a greater ego ? Shame his end with us was tarnished, but wouldn't begrudge him some success in the WC.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44344999 No Gaston in the WC

Looks like we won't get the opportunity of seeing what we've misssed with Gaston. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44344999

Wonder how long Palace would have retained Pellegrino for.

So with Fabinho joining and Fekir linked,does this push poor Nivea closer to the exit door?

Lawrenson and Hansen in their prime weren't averse to a spot of wrestling Danny Wallace, Austin Hayes, or whoever to the the ground. At The Dell once I remember Lawrenson catching the ball as it was about to sail over his head into the path of one of our nippy forwards. Should have been a red card, but the ref pulled out a yellow, only for half the team to engulf him in protest. Also recall Dalglish with arms wrestling Mick Channon in the early 80's. They were the masters of the sneaky foul (although were a bloody good team). Credit to John McGrath and The Alehouse team though, they didn't put up with that sort of sh!t, even when Liverpool had Tommy Smith in their side, and the 'assaults' were a bit more open for all to see.

We were previously strongly linked with his CB partner, Christopher Julien from Toulose. I've read somewhere, on here or elsewhere that Diop is a good future prospect and that bigger clubs are looking at him. All well and good, but I think we need a more experienced head at CB to allow the younger players - whether its Diop, Hoedt, or Stephens - to develop.

We probably won't want him going into the 'final year' of his contract with that being widely known. Although I suspect this was a little exaggerated in the debate over Koeman, I suspect a decision will be made towards the end of the second year whether the contract will be extended or severed at that point. Two years is probably the maximum we'll see.

As opposed to 8 months of Pellegrino. Do you think he'll do more than 2 years ? That seems to be a reasonable stint these days. Someone suggested on an earlier thread that the contract mght have a break clause, although be surprised if that was agreed to.

We've gone from Ronald Koeman to Mark Hughes in two seasons. Takes a minute or two to sink in. But who's to say Hughes won't prove to be as good a fit. Looking forward to a couple of solid 9th place finishes, and cup runs under MH.

Perhaps Les or someone is hoping no one notices the appointment.

Hope Les is kept away from them.

Have to see how the transfer battles pan out.

Wonder if anyone has told Les Reed yet. Perhaps its been sealed whilst he's out of the country on holiday.

Good, there's not even a single reason to want them to win now, makes it a lot easier!

Think it was amber rather than old gold, but I'd welcome a return to those away colours rather than yellow and blue (yet again).

It was intended as sarcasm. I'm certainly not looking to defend Reed, he's been a smug tosser for the last few years (first indication was the Alderweirald episode and interviews given) who has been central to a balls up every year, sometimes twice a season and more. Unbelievable how poor our management has been over so long. Forster, extended contract, not repalcing CB's, etc etc

Yet Gao is rumoured to be looking at buying another club in Austria or Switzerland. No doubt well intentioned, but pretty misguided. His best investment should be in the first team here.