Badger

Pity. Perhaps Benali is going to be the new GK coach !

Two 'imports' who have been brought into a stable dressing room of players, many of whom have a bond from our L1 days. Rip the heart out of that and it is easy for it to become a loose collection of individuals,with their ££ the main motivation, rather than a team.

This is a concern of mine also.

No, but just refuse to do any future business with THFC.

All of which is true. But in the interest of balancing the debate: - we sold Shearer, and signed Dixon & Speedie -sold Bridge and never really replaced him, although did sign Neil McCann from some of the proceeds. Moral of the story (and the point you were making Lighthouse): This need not be a tragedy IF the proceeds are spent wisely.

Would be good, and throw in Clasie to keep them company as well. So with him and Shaqiri presumably they have no need for Lallana then. Glad that's sorted.

If so, he's been undersold in my view.

Wonder if mancs signing Shaw will curb Van Gaal's interest in Blind ? Probably not, as they'll just stockpile players.

Some prompt and impressive signings may be the first thing to persuade them some ambition remains. LB - who are the leading contenders ? Rodriguez (Wolfsburg) - unlikely Robertson ( Dundee Utd ) ? Timothee Kolo ? A.N Other ? I'm sure Koeman will be looking at DVD's of potential players (having smuggled the dvd player into his nunnery) as we type.

Agree about Rodriguez from Wolfsburg, no matter what we offer his club he will be seeking CL football. That said, I'm sure we can improve the CB options, and possibly a decent replacement for RL up front (even if our style of play needs to be adapted).

Didn't want Shaw to leave this early, but am resigned to it - just hope the fee is £30-£35m plus decent sell on clause, and that we make some decent signings from it.

Precisely. We have had the time to obtain another supplier, but unable to secure a decent design. This barely makes sense. Sounds a balls up, whether this is due to NC or those who followed is another matter. But you have to wonder how you fall out with adidas in such a dramatic fashion.

Can't imagine this incident will be well received at Barcelona or Real Madrid though. If anything this, especially if with a lengthy ban, will hamper the prospect of a move.

And the navy/sky in the Keegan era. I also thought the navy/yellow umbro kit in L1 was decent.

By 1990 though Wright had moved on and was at Derby or possibly even Liverpool at that stage.

A South American playing in Serie A ? Think I'd pass on that one from our previous experience. Especially the tatooed ponytailed variety.

A good background read. Thanks for finding that.

But he might still want to be reunited with Podge at spurs.

Where does this particular gem come from ?

As time goes on and without making a signing, I suspect the mancs will be more desperate to be seen making a splash in the transfer market if only for appearance sake. Tabloid rumour already of some frustration between Van Gaal and their man (Woodward is it ?) who had been entrusted with the wishlist. Perhaps the pressure will increase for them to make a signing at whatever the cost. So, thats £40m and rising.

Reverse the colours, and almost perfect. I can see the Arsenal similarity, although the first thing that struck me was Ajax.

Not sure, as Koeman may also prefer this system.

But what about improving the catering, and the radio station ?

No comparison in my book. Lambert: 5 years outstanding service - fulfilled all expectations and more Did not canvas or orchestrate a move (to our knowledge of course) Always appeared completely committed to the cause Left for his hometown club, quite understandable (his "spiritual home" as you call it) Poch NC took him off the dole in Spain for him to build a reputation, based on a squad assembled by others Even in December when the spurs job came available, you sensed his 'head was turned'. Was always "shifty" when any question of future mentioned (even in a December interview) Was angling for his exit Left at the first opportunity available, for a club where he had no connection, and a fairly unstable track record of keeping managers. Left for £££ , pure and simple Good luck to RL for his remaining years playing (except when he plays v Saints), and providing he does not become a 'tap' for other players going there. MP , hope he's out on his arse by Christmas.

A positive response from JR there, and good to read. Pity its tucked away in the Lancashire Telegraph. Had there been a hint of dissent over Podge's departure then it would no doubt have been trumpeted by one of the nationals in double quick time.