Mascherano

I'll wait and see how everything turns out before accusing anyone of anything. It is nothing more than verbalised premature ejeculation,Leo.

You wrote, "the fact was NOBODY KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. You then continued, "I am damn sure that the club are working on signings, and all with Rafa's approval.....Sure it may not (and probably wont be) an Eto'o, because as I have said before it isnt rafa's way....but I am suyre we will buy the players Rafa feels he needs to challenge........... " So it seems that no one knew what was happening. No one knows Anny, yet your sure of a thing or two despite your insightful observation.

You don't seem to need any evidence. It isn't there, its been put off, no players but requests by the manager, we all know how it goes. You've convinced me.

There are die hard fans all over this board, good supporters who love the club who want success but would go anyway. Thats the impression I get. Major success is not a requirement to fill it. Pricing stratergies and the like are. Pricing stratergies might be something that they are interested in.

As I said before, the more fans they can fit in, the bigger the remortgage for a return on the investment. Gillette did it already. You cannot discount the negativity that comes from the fans of their other franchises. It may not be scientific, but it does give an indication. About where we are in terms of competitiveness, a bit of luck with youth spending etc would pay the bills for them to make some money based on long term debt. Its a league that is getting richer and the fans of this great club are loyal and their are more of us that would go to the game. 78,000 seater, big income for a big debt for a big return on the investment. We'll be no better off but they have seen a good business opportunity that Moores didn't have the BUSINESS SENSE to do, no doubt because he does love the club. I want good things for this club, believe me. My posts on this are to create the debate based on what we know. This is different to what we have been told or at least, led to believe. I want to be wrong, I really do.

I am getting the impression that a warchest isn't available, Spike. Rafa has had a few "clear the air" meetings already and I think the money issue is causing problems. What you seem to agree with is that we ain't getting something for nothing. I would like them to show me some love, but I fear that won't happen. Your views on how new streams of money will be generated are interesting but by no means guarenteed to come about. Funnily enough, when the fat bird bought me beers I did do something for her, and I did it gladly.

Give me three smilies for the post above you Mike and I'll be satisfied. The problem is , people like you have been around for so long on this forum, you have a group of friends established and you don't conceive of the idea that the truths that you have agreed upon are flawed. The information contained in the post that you highlight are from the site. Your response puzzles me.

They know little about soccer, they have already said they need Rafa's knowledge. And my post was outlining that Gillett in particular has expertise. In addition to an expertise for seeing a return. How much more of a return will they get from 1st to 3rd in the prem? I remember something about club debt being nil, yet the owners carrying the debt. Sounds great, eh? New stadium and a return for Uncle George is what I predict, based on debt. I must admit to initially being impressed by them, so I can only imagine how impressed Parry and Moores were with their respectful words, in addition to an offer of more money than DIC.

He who laughs last golden. Except, I won't be.

According to the Forbes rich list Thomas O Hicks has a net worth of $750 Million. I thought that he was supposed to be a billionaire. His firm have taken one or two knocks. Gillette appears to have remortgaged his team in canada just to give himself a major dividend. Just search Tom Hicks on the Forbes site to see more. We have been had over.

Mcmanaman -v- Crystal Palace at their place. Think it was a league cup semi, could be wrong. Anyone remember? Fantastic. It was a proper piss take.

What a load of old s***. You take no account of him rarely playing this season yet condemn his passing. The £6 million would make you feel better though? Rubbish.

I like that. Great shout.

Rafa says what he wants you to hear.

Xabi's form has been below par for me this season. He has had some good games obviously, but his passing consistency has been off in many games. I wouldn't presume to know what is going to happen, but he has said some nice things about Barcelona. I don't think he is a fighter. He tackles impressively but I don't think he will come out of many battles on top. Thats not to say that I can't think of a situation when he has done well, but generally I would expect him to get kicked about if push comes to shove. In short, he could be even better with slightly more time on the ball. I like Mascherano more and I don't think the starting line up at Anfield in the semi -v- Chelsea was because Uncle Xabi needed a rest, it was because Mascherano offered a more complete partnership with Steven Gerrard in the middle.

Why narrow the debate? He doesn't think Kewell will be fit so the question you pose is not at issue.

Can't believe some would have us spare Kewell when not even blinking before seeing Riise out the door. Since Kewell has been injured he seems to have become a better player. I'm not saying Riise is the best in the world, but he has been fabulous for us on many European nights, especially left midfield. He was important in both recent European titles. But lets keep that aussie prick cos we'll only get two million.

I was wondering if Mascherano will play.

Bellamy should be the provider when we get a goal scorer in my view. Dirk is a good player, I very much like his effort, he has obvious talent, but I think that Bellamy is a better player and we could use his direct style to provide more opportunities and use his great pace.

c**k.

Garcia to go and Voronin to replace him. If he could retain possession better I would want to keep him and I'll miss his goals. If only he was the most selfish player at the club, only ever shooting and not passing. Ah well..

Don't worry NYR, you are the "new locals" and the this gentleman is bitter about it.

Good player with no pace. Not a left back in my view.

I think the problem is that we have two good second strikers in Kuyt and Bellamy. If we had a goalscorer, Dirk would be fine. Bellamy probably would too, but Rafa said he should have had three today. I like Bellamy as a player and I'm sure martin O Neill will make good use of him.