shurlock

Agree, it's not even close; but obviously there's still time.

15+ including Vitesse, Newcastle and Watford? Or just last season?

Agree with that, though depends how far the shape and protection would have come at the expense of a threat going forward. The strength of our system is that we don't need to do a lot to win games; but even by our frugal standards, I remember very few clear chances last season -and, of course, Elia's goals had a mighty stroke of luck about them. Could we have got away with something similar without taking a few more risks or is it simply enough to wait for the likes of Coloccini to screw up is anyone's guess.

Right Said Fred, Goggly Eyes and the IoW Boys.

Think you underestimate just how s**t and poorly set up Newcastle were last season. Not sure if our team from last season would have done a job on Sunday.

Good one, Les.

On a related note, Near Bitterne is where I spent my early years.

You're like a fat lad scoffing a plate of cake with your compilations. A new crush every day.

That elbow on Yoshida was pretty muggy and malicious (not spotted by the ref, so grounds for retrospective punishment).

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Look I agree the benefits of keeping him (especially for us) outweigh the benefits of going out on loan, especially as I don't think he would be a shoe-in at bottom-half prem side. That said, there is a case for giving him the space to become the 'main man' somewhere and enjoy the responsibility that comes with it. That's unlikely to happen with us for the time being, so you have to hope the incremental benefits of flitting in and out of the team pay off in the long-run.

Just saying they were picked ahead of JWP when it came to a major championship.

A lot of players -forster-caskey, chalobah, hughes and carroll- who largely kept JWP out of the euros have been getting useful experience in the championship.

That wasn't a prediction, pal. As a matter of logic, if the ties went to form (and I never suggested they would), we would have been seeded. Keep trying

I'm practically, no absolutely certain you wouldn't find it, either way

How does 'strengthing the position' mean a first choice starting midfielder? It equally means depth, someone who can provide real competition and quality cover in the position.

Where did I say we were practically certain? At the time of the Arnhem draw, I said we had a very good chance of being seeded, despite the doom and gloom and then after the first leg of playoff results, said our chances were better than 50/50. Not quite the same, is it?

No. You've stated in the past that we don't need anymore midfielders. Check your posting history if you don't remember. HTH.

Did I say that?

And you're the one who's said we don't need anymore CM/DMs because we have Reed and JWP; but everything the club has said suggests we're keen to strengthen the position.

Think he could -and would probably do a better job than Toby when he played there, though ultimately it's a question of bodies. There should be no pressure on Clasie to deliver straight away (great if he does); if he doesn't -and its a massive hole he's having to fill; not so sure I'd fancy that our first choice CB playing too many games at CDM. Never mind if Vic also gets injured.

Yep, CDM is a bigger concern. Arguably we need another CDM that can match, if not exceed what we currently have there, though wonder if the club is thinking along similar lines, given its not insignificant investment in Clasie.

Jammy scouse dross. Footballing genius Rodgers was on the verge of subbing the little **** as well.

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