Katalinic

I wonder where Toby's agent fits into all of this - presumably with a lower transfer fee Saints could afford to pay a higher signing on and agent's fee.

They would be the same ones moaning at the board if for example we had forgotten to inform Werder Bremen that we didn't want Elia and had to stump up £5m.

Why? It is only Athletico who should be embarrassed.

By the sounds of it they have effectively already sold him to us though. Legally it's interesting - I suspect Saints have been asking Athletico to transfer Toby's registration which they have refused to do.

In that case I guess you can tell us the things you heard Clyne say a few weeks ago that makes you glad he's leaving?

Tom Barber is thinking of quitting professional cricket at the end of this season I am lead to believe. Disillusioned.

No doubt the pundits will be telling us in 12 months how Utd have turned him into a world class player.

There is nothing wrong with anybody trying to better themselves, but what a shame when it is not done with humility and class.

Can't cross and gets beaten at far post for headers because of his lack of height . Soares is much better even though I've never seen him play.

One of our most improved players last season. A decent squad player of the type we will need with so many games next season.

A good summary FF. What I took out of it is that Xavi's agent (presumably that is the calibre of player who they were talking about right? Iconic, respected, marquee signing...) told them that the player had 3 year deal offers already on the table so the Skates would have to offer the same, which they duly did, and probably with an increased salary. Falling for a classic sales tactic. They never learn do they.

That was a great goal.

He does a great Jim Magilton wobbly head impression.

That won't happen, it should have done after the Brazil debacle. What will happen is that we will qualify (via an easy group), then be a total disaster at a major tournament again at which point the FA will call for yet another "root and branches" review of English football (nothing will change as usual).

So many average players in this England side - picked by the arch-dinosaur Hodgson.

Lol

I hope so.

On another note Martin O'Neill is proper weird - I'm pleased he didn't move to Winchester.

Hodgson should have been sacked after the World Cup debacle - no other federation would have kept the manager in position.

I'd be disappointed if its not £30m minimum for a player of his quality. Amazing how we managed to keep him in L1 and the Championship really.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/apr/03/newsstory.sport Phil Neal...shameful.

Hmm dunno, the fact that the process was corrupt gives all of the federations the perfect excuse to try get out of it - nobody wants it in Qatar and 7 years is plenty of time for another nation to prepare.

Not going to happen I am afraid, he wants to go. One thing is for sure, we will get top dollar for him.

I can see the main sponsors wishing to be disassociated with FIFA asap, it will bring the whole thing crashing down...at last.

I agree but not many have the stadia or infrastructure to host a tournament comparatively at the drop of a hat (certainly in the case of 2018).