ErwinK1961

Agree - plus I think the fact the club had said (via our favourite journalists) that the new manager would be in place by the end of last week probably added a bit of pressure.

Hmmm.... if true, that's very interesting... in my mind would leave only one club I could see him going to. No prizes for guessing who.

The issue with the scenario you are putting forward is, what happens to Stephens? He came in second half of last season and arguably was one of the few shining lights to come out of it. Surely he needs more game time next season to progress further, not get shunted down to 4th choice. If (and it's a big if) we can keep VVD, then I wouldn't mind seeing a VVD / JS partnership next season.

Let's hope those u21 games werent a reflection on his ability. Thought he was cr*p.

I get the feeling we weren't too fussed and he was a back-up. Maybe if Palace had gone a different direction with Pellegrino, then we'd have considered him (and badged it up that he was first choice all along).

It's not feasibly possible to announce the team "minutes before kick-off" - team-sheets get submitted 60-90 minutes beforehand and they will know then. If they somehow miss that, then the team being announced over the tannoy at 2 o'clock might give them an idea if they're playing.

So if it is Pellegrino, what are the chances of getting Sammy Lee back as assistant?

Didn't you have a Spanish mate who said Valverde was going to be our next manager?

A good move for all concerned.

No thanks, especially at over £20m.

top wumming

Guillem Balague said he does

Imagine he would do well in Serie A - slower pace.

So Rodriquez wasn't dropped after the Bournemouth game then?

That didn't happen.

Will be interesting to see how his 'believer in youth' image goes next season, after they're done with all these signings.

There's a difference between wanting it and being given the opportunity.

Patrick Vieira's name just appeared on the betting. Not that it means anything, but bit random.

Guillem Balague says he can speak English.

Nice try Ryan. Suggest you try lower down the leagues.

If it's true that he tried to get out his Celtic contract last year for the job, I'd be staggered if he didn't stick his name in the hat this time.

So someone's not telling the truth... according to his agent they didn't discuss/interview de boer last year and we ruled him out as only managed in one country. Now apparently we did interview him and he almost got the job?! Sounds to me like he's being bigged up all of a sudden, ahead of an appointment.

No it didn't.

This. There was a lot of people not happy when he was appointed, but I think after the first game (Everton at home?) people knew we'd be ok.

Not sure why Bertrand's on it for the same reasons?