shurlock

Think he's a successor to Davis with a potentially higher ceiling. Wouldn't say he's the most naturally gifted player and he won't beat or turn a man. Equally not sure he has the tools (just yet) to dictate a defense - a lot of his good attacking play has come on the counter when teams have a left a lot of space in behind. But he's a thoroughly modern player in the sense that he carries defensive duties further up the pitch, often taking out opponents holding player and ability to build from the back while possessing a decent brain and eye for a pass.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/313602/report

Also don't get the Scholes comparisons.

They're difficult to compare - it was obvious Morgan had technical ability when he joined but needed to get to grip with the physical side of the game. Reed needs to work on his passing and technique; but has the discipline and aggression. Reedy could be the player that Simon Gillett never was

Spot on.

Loved the interview - was what was I hoping for from Osvaldo, someone who desperately wants to repay the faith shown in him by the manager and just grateful for another opportunity. Long may it continue, even when hes not having it all his own way.

Got a long, long way to go before he reaches Morgan's level (assuming he does) - he certainly won't be ready to step into Morgan's shoes next season when, for all intents and purposes, Morgan will be gone. Which is no criticism of Reed.

It's also grossly simplistic on its own terms as if the history of Saudi foreign policy, for instance, can be reduced to the state-sponsored export of ultra-aggressive Wahhabism or its relationship with Osama Bin Laden, at least in his Al Qaeda phase, was an ideological match made in heaven.

Love the comments of one Spurs fan on another site: "I hate Southampton. They play awful football (parking the bus against Newcastle lol), they're fans always have a chip on their shoulder and can't just appreciate that they are having a good season instead its all about proving people wrong, their manager is an absolutely classless ****. Oh well, this is their best season ever in the Premier League and one of our worst yet we are still only 5 points off them on the table, still in Europe, still in the COC. Rubbish club that would devalue the Champions League if they made it".

Strong performance -with Mané back soon, will also give Tadic some much needed competition.

The Fonte nonpenalty makes up for the s**t decision against Fox a few years ago at St. James.

Davis been a bit quiet today.

One of, if not our best player this half.

Pelle been very good so far.

Lovely ball by JWP - good to see him close to Pelle.

In off the post if it's any consolation - jammy *****

Both - to be fair. Reed doesn't have Morgan's composure to let us build slowly from the back and JWP/Davis are unlikely to get far enough forward to support and collect Pelle's second balls if we can't play through midfield. Hopefully Tadic and Elia play a little narrower than normal.

Worried about that midfield and our ability to retain possession but we'll see.

Though one of the reasons Forster was signed is specifically because Boruc is more injury prone.

Terribly executed but the football/pop culture/fan angle still has mileage. The show is too long and sketches are too dominant -not to mention utter w**k. On the other hand, some of the guests can be amusing (e.g. the interview with ocean colour scene, Ndamukong Suh's appearance etc). That puppy-eyed gimp who's currently presenting it should be axed -someone like John Fendley might command a bit more respect. Maybe integrate it with the Fantasy Football show to keep things short and sweet.

Agree- if Cork gets the start, it's Davis over Reed for me.

Have any of the oddballs who are quick to dismiss this story considered that the secret footballer has a reputation to uphold? That his entire shtick and claim to fame is based on being genuinely ITK and so would be reluctant to say anything he wasn't reasonably confident about?