Swagger

Agree that there is a massive chasm between Klopp, Guardiola, Enrique and Ancelotti and the rest. That said, Slot has been abysmal this season, and there is a long list of managers/head coaches who would have done a better job. Hughes and especially Edwards earn the big bucks, it is their job to go out there and find the next great thing.

Yeah, it's rotten top to bottom. For the record, I was really happy that Edwards came back, that an experienced football executive would run the club. I was also happy with the Hughes appointment as he was highly spoken of. All three, however, have taken us back years.

This is a good point. Alonso talking to Chelsea clearly means that even if they decide to replace Slot, Alonso is not the one they want.

If they are keeping him it is because they believe he will turn things around, and if he turns things around then the supporters will be content.

Agreed that there is no standout candidate, as there was with Klopp then, except Enrique who will most likely remain in Paris. There is a risk with any of the likely candidates, but Edwards and Hughes earn the big bucks because FSG decided that they are the people best qualified to make these decisions.

I would expect a serious journalist (which I think Ornstein is) to go back to his sources and see if the club's stance has not changed rather than rely on old info.

Agreed.

Read on twitter (massive pinch of salt obviously) that Edwards and Hughes are waiting on Cesc Fabregas.

Isn't Edwards CEO of Football at FSG? If so, it is his remit. If Henry and Werner decide for or over him, his position is virtually insignificant.

I like TAW and have been a paying subscriber for a while now, but they do seem to tow the party line a bit too much, most probably due to receiving access to the club and the players. Re Slot, despite winning the league last year he is obviously not good enough, he is clearly incapable of turning things around, and they'll be writing off next season unless he is replaced as soon as the season is over.

Lallana? Underwhelmed IMO but Klopp liked him, so what do I know.

Actually, MacAllister was Ward's parting gift.

Barcola is really good.

Agreed, unless they really like David Woodfine.

He'll no doubt earn much more in Saudi, but he is hardly on minimum wage here.

With Wharton the worry is his lack of pace. Plus you would need to sign a proper 6 alongside him, and 2 midfielders on top of what we have to do - 2 wingers, striker, left back - seems unlikely.

From the outset it was weird them appointing Rosenior. Was always going to end one way. And you can be sure his contract contains numerous break clauses for Chelsea, so whilst he will no doubt walk away with a tidy paycheck, no way is he getting paid for the remainder of that ludicrously long contract.

I think they were just waiting for the green light from Klopp.

Not sold on him yet.

Agreed. If we come 5th, it is much more due to Chelsea's ineptitude than us meriting it.

Really? Doesn't sound right.

All part of the dance. I expect they'll shake hands at around €70-80m.

He was. Wirtz and Gravenberch were garbage.

Definitely 5th with him gone. I really don't think he can turn things around.

I don't understand how we don't seem to buy these players before their price goes sky high.