5InIstanbul

If this year is anything to go by, next summers transfer window should be sponsored by Billy Smarts. Feck me, what next!

We're talking about O'Neill you Norbert

Case closed M'lud.

He's still Irish, Britain isn't a country. Anyway, moving on.

I wasnt referring to any academic prowess. There are plenty of well qualified, mind numbingly stupid people in the world. I think he's been a thick git in this particular episode. Initially he seemed to be handling it ok but has completely lost the plot and acted like a petulant schoolboy at best. He's now scrambling like mad to regain some dignity and digging an even bigger hole. It's priceless. And yes mate, couldnt agree more about the post Ged position.

Good point. But then again you could call me English or British I guess. So I assume he's Irish or British?

Well the last couple of weeks doesnt exactly need Lloyd Grossman to look at the evidence does it? He's been a monumentally thick prick in dealing with this. As for your other point, no idea. Why?

No. Thick and Irish are statements of fact. Bellend is subjective and intended as abuse.

How can it be Liverpool pushing the issue, when they havent heard from us since before Monday and we havent tabled any further bids or spoken publicly? Thick Irish Bellend.

Feck me, Bellamy better then Keane, what next. It's all about opinions but christ on a bike, how the hell do you reach that one?

I think you have to go back to the original very valid point. There's some big clubs on the striker hunt and none seem interested. Why? Milan, Us, Mancs to name a few.

What, dressed like that in this weather? She'll catch her death...

Isnt it this season we move to naming 7 substitutes? If so, Nemeth would surely be on the bench most games if Crouch and Voronin have moved on?

Really, where? Could do with a giggle.

Succinct and to the point, no need for anymore. Perfect.* *Then take them all outside and give them a bloody good hiding.

Exactly. I dont get the hype with Berbatov. Keane is at least his equal, and in my eyes and those of many, a better alround player, better attitude, more consistent. But of course Berbatov is a "proper" foreigner, Keane just a token one. No contest for me, Keane every time.

Keane will be outstanding off Torres, bloody made up!! Get In. He's a really top player, outshone Berbatov comfortbaly in my opinion and delivered most consistently over a longer period. Scored the same number last season i think but if memory serves, Berbatov got 4 of his (over 25%) in one game. He will thrive playing with some of the quality we have. Brilliant news.

Fair point well made. We need a volunteer for "moderate" stat collation when requested.... I wonder if that new member Raizek would do it

If Kaizer hadnt been banned we'd have a definitive stat attack answer on that by now..... QuOtE MoRe StAtS

I think theres a simple reason for that. They are waiting for the Barry transfer to be finalised, thinking we then have to get shut and therefore accept less. Conversely, we're trying to stall on Barry for the opposite reason, to still try to court interest for Alonso at our valuation before signing Barry. Dead easy this transfer stuff!! I think thats what you call an impasse!

Hadnt seen that, so I'll still claim to be a f**kin' genius!

I think another point worth considering. Rafa clearly rates Barry higher than Alonso fo what he is trying to achieve this season. If we sign Barry and Alonso stays, you'd have to assume that Alonso's opportnities and playing time will be limited. If that happens, come next summer, his value will be severely reduced as well as a year less on his contract and a years wages paid. I can therefore see us taking a bit less for Alonso now to push it through. Might appear strange but the alternative next summer is much worse. I just cant see Alonso staying.

And lets not forget Villa have already announced the signing of their Barry "replacement" in Sidwell, as well as talking openly about replacement captains. They want the deal to go through as much as we do now so theres no way they will hold out for the 18mill.

I think if we had really wanted Crouch to stay and offered him a new deal and Rafa made him feel wanted, he'd have signed and stayed. I dont think Rafa did, wanted to rplace him, which is why we decided to cash in. There's been some big jobs up for grabs this summer, Rafa could easily have gone if he was unhappy with the situation.

I'm expecting a great striker to be coming in. Crouch is a very good player. You dont sell him unless you're confident a better replacement is within reach. I think all this "we're skint" talk is smoke and mirrors. Granted, I doubt we are rolling in the stuff but I think Rafa is playing a clever game (and Parry and the owners for that matter by not saying a word). I think if the situation was that bad we'd have lost Rafa this summer and nothing looks further from the truth. Rafa looks calm and confident so I feel sure we'll be getting who he realistically wants.