shurlock

Who said it's purely down to money? Nobody has - except in your selective imagination. But sorry to break it to you, pal, most of the time, it goes quite a long way. The irony is that we have dins mocking people for invoking ambition but not walking the talk financially; yet when money is mentioned, the same dins tell us its role is overrated.

Probably from the guardian, though I believe our wage bill includes the cost of onerous and cancelled contracts (e.g. Osvaldo).

Europe? you're going to have to be more specific than that, pal. You mean the Champions League.

As usual, a brilliant response pal.

Injured again. Even if Fonte stays, with the doubts over Gardos/Yoshida, we arguably need another CB.

yep 3 years ago - last min lambo pen. JWP and Chambers started that day. We were then pretty dog**** at home to sunderland.

That's why you need to midfielders like Hojbjerg who can drive forward with the ball and exploit the space in front when sides drop off. Ideally we'd have another powerful box-to-box midfielder. Our midfielders are much of a sameness. It also puts more onus on the fullbacks to get involved.

The jury is out on Puel - I don't know if he'll be a success. Saying that, the last thing I'll do is to start jumping to strong conclusions after less than 90mins of football, especially as the side we fielded today -quite apart from formation- was weaker than that we've been used to. Im not a particular fan of JWP - indeed I've taken plenty of s**t on here in the past for not buying the hype (back in the day when it was mboard heresy to raise doubts). That said I can understand why he started today.

Frazer Richardson as a front sweeper - thats a trick Puel is missing.

It's one game -specifically one half. We came into the game and looked more fluid and dangerous by the end. Who knows whether that will continue or not. Sounds like some of your Brexit prejudices are spilling over onto the main thread.

The opening home fixture against WBA a couple of seasons ago was worse than today. Arguably so was last season's performance against Everton.

In general , I like the player and his all-round game; but not convinced he is quick or athletic enough to play DM by himself. Poor performance today.

JWP has had a full preseason with us; knows the league, teammates and what's required etc. it's easy to understand why he got the start. Not going to blame Puel for the decision like some dins on here have; hopefully Puel now knows his strongest midfield (though Romeu is no Wanyama or ballwinner). If he continues to pick JwP over PEH, however, then I will begin to ask questions.

Very promising cameo - exploited space and not afraid to drive forward with the ball. Still the midfield protection of the back four looked flimsy. The United game will be a better barometer of his defensive ability.

Here it is:

Interesting piece on the role of the Beeb in the referendum - how 'balance' paralysed and prevented it from exposing the nonsense of the leave camp. https://www.ft.com/content/3236e982-5fb6-11e6-ae3f-77baadeb1c93 That said, it was probably in a no win situation - had it called out the bull****, Les and kippers would have been screaming bloody murder.

You can't say that word anymore, pal.

:lol:

#vintage

Mane is more consistent than Bolasie.

Makes Mane look cheap.

Not to worry a deal with Tuvalu is still on track. TCDAJFU

Why? We don't have many genuine box-to-box players and they're the most important ingredient for making a diamond work.

Coming from the div who crâppéd the bed last Xmas after our poor run of results, ranting and raving about relegation and sacking the manager For someone who supposedly doesn't post here anymore -I hadnt noticed pal- youve penned a very moving obituary.