shurlock

Not necessarily true - I wasn't sure of the renewal and cut-off dates for my ST (which are artificially determined - its fatuous to say that its enough to know that STs are done in the summer - renewals have a very tight window) and sometimes these things can be difficult to find on an awkward OS, especially as we're human and occassionally misread things- so yes yesterday's reminder was helpful - not a lifesaver; but reassuring. I also nearly missed out on tickets for the Leyton Orient game because of poor communication and a surge in demand. An email reminder on the Monday morning would have made a huge difference, though I managed to get a ticket in the second batch. Indeed, the club's whole approach to communicating away ticket sales could be made simpler; but of course it doesnt have any straightforward incentive to do so.

Play the ball not the man, however tempting

Even better - why not post the thread from two seasons ago and our very own game of 'on this day...' and 'through the keyhole' with micky fialka. Talk about having no money and a pot to p i$$ in. Some people on here have to man up, FFS.

10 points= f**K me, that kind of form would see us win the championship

Comparing our first season with last season is a fruitless, apples and pears exercise. In order to rebuild the squad, we were always going to strengthen. The following second season, it was reasoned -quite reasonably- that we had a squad that was strong enough to challenge. This was inspite of Markus death - after all, we hardly splashed the cash in summer 2010 when was Markus was still alive. You know all this, so its not worth repeating. Lets see what happens this window - I agree we need to strengthen - more than last season, though not as much as in the first season, so I'm not expecting or eager for a massive overhaul. As I've said above, its not as if, to date, we have misssed out on any make-or-break signings -let alone any of our targets and there are good reasons why the likes of Leicester and W Ham have acted so quickly, reasons that happily dont apply to us.

Leicester look strong going foward; but have been leaky at the back. Peltier apart (who's he's a much better attacker than defender), they've been pretty relaxed about the need to tighten up.

Hard to work out why people want us to spend money - whether its objectively to stengthen the squad or a symbolic show of strength, reassurance that the Liebherrs are in for the long haul.And, no doubt, some are confusing one for the other without realising it. Either way, the combination of making the step up to the championship, nagging concerns about our ownership along with memories of poor preseasons last year and the year before will mean, for some, that no amount of activity is enough this season. Even if there may be partial truth in some of these points, they are not enough to justify some of the hysteria on here. And so what if other teams are strengthening right now - they have good reasons that don't apply to us. Leicester relied on loans for the good part of last season which have now expired and need replacement; West Ham are anticipating a number of departunes that naturally accompanies relegation. etc etc. Of course, if we had missed out on i) transfer targets or ii) must-buys, assessments might be somewhat. But we'll never know who we were after (including fee) unless we get them and, right now, I don't think we've missed out on any must-buys. Cork will be an interesting test, though.

Both are career politicians and jock t wats but i guess you meant danny alexander...

Agree, though Guthrie's an interesting case - think he took a lot of people by surprise -me included- by slotting so seamlessly and swiftly into the prem after his short loan with us. Has not looked back since.

A good backup? you're joking right? If he joined us, he would have the most prem experience in the squad - and is still only 24. Think he has one year left on his contract, so would also be the most expensive backup player we've ever had.

Would definitely take him - left out because of Barton, Tiote and Nolan, not because of poor form. Plays football the way NA wants - along with Morgan, would be nice to have CMs who can pass the ball. If he does leave, though, wouldn't be surprised if he stays in the prem (has played the majority of his career there).

And when has there been a positive rumour printed about us? I cant think of one - so speculating about how you think fans would react draws from your own prejudices not any shred of evidence. Most of the positive things that come out are from the horses mouth i.e. cortese; of course, we should be careful not to swallow things hook line and sinker; but even critics will admit such statements have a different level of admissibility and credibility than a third-hand, often unattributed source, especially since NC's words and deeds have been broadly consistent to date. Of course, the real tests start now as his more ambitious targets are chased.

You make it sound as if agents are somehow principled and will refuse to do business with us. Its simply and purely about money - flash the cash and we'll be their best friends before you can say monster monster. But that decision is ours, not theirs.

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Surely you're not so naive to think that what's in an agent's or rival club's interests is necessarily in our interests? There's a balance to be struck between balancing the books so that we're viable over the long-term, maintaining a wage structure for the sake of team morale, keeping money in the kitty for future contingencies/signings -you name it- on the one hand and paying the going rate -and often over the top- for a given player on the other.

And what is the going rate? CMS value is based on the prospect of him getting goals at a higher level; yet to date he's only really done the business in L1 (with a few goals in the NPC; but its not as if teams were breaking down the door to get him after they were relegated). As such the going rate could be any number of things? A star player in L1? A competent championship performer? Or a goal machine in the prem? All depends on how far you thinkg he'll go and that's unknowable at this stage. No doubt Fry and MacAnthony who make the porn barons at West Ham look ethical will like you to think he'll go on to win the world cup for Scotland; but I bet you that whatever he goes for ends up being closer to our initial valuation than theirs. Alas we'll never know.

You know you've done a bad job when the other side is happy with the price they've got.

Prefer the first one, though it would be nicer if it was slightly grainier/blacker/detailed (outline of the crest on the scarf, perhaps?)- the matt white of the scarf, face and the jacket make it look a bit cartoony.

ML in no.1 does look unnecessarily small and squashed.

Whats the case for putting the text on two lines?

Like the top one. Would have been great if some of the outline of the badge/crest showed up on the scarf - give it a bit more detail. And there was a bit of black like Crab Lungs original - would also protect it agaist the KFC jokes. Whatever happens, drop the halo - its a red rag for ******takers and WUMs. think its better to keep 'forever a saint' on one line; otherwise it clogs the picture and the star of the show. WHat are the choices for fonts. Lots of people liked the slightly distressed look.

Sorry I meant using the white face (filled in white) as it appears on the white background (the original example) but this time on the red background. Does that make sense?

Good shout, originally wanted to see what that idea looked like -post 49 has a decent image (captures the iconic wave without the rest of the detail e.g. the suit). Not bothered how the image is manipulated -could be given the che treatment a la scousers- but stick it in the middle with 'forever a saint' running along the top and it could work.

What happens if you use the red background; but keep the white face from the original white background design (with white font)?

And weren't at Norwich home in the cup?