Jarg Armani

We need to make sure we remind them what normally happens when we go there. I’m sure there will be plenty of players who have been on the wrong end of one from us. Also they haven’t got much beyond the 1st XI. Might be one where our subs come on and our depth in class shows.

Giant bullet dodged thank fck

He's one strange cat Macca. Someone pointed out the way he always pronounces the 'g' at the end of 'ing' words, and now I can't stop hearinG it to be very honest.

I still like this.

I meant PSG. You are talking about City being crap. I am talking about PSG being good.

Good shout.

Well I hope we draw them now and they batter us, so there.

I love him as 4th choice bits and pieces. Think we need another boss one. Huijsen would be amazing, would probably be my no 1 target

Yep. We've got enough numerically but quality wise we haven't got back to the place where our 3rd best centre half was Matip.

The idea of Quansah having to play league games this season makes me nervous to be honest. Hope he doesn't have to. At least not til March / April when it's all wrapped up

Yep. They were really good. City weren’t crap either at that point. At some point they’ll be adding Kvara as well I guess? Would be nice to avoid them.

When do we get to find out who?

Maybe it was the Trent Mo Vvd contracts. I’m sure it was you, I was surprised and, in my head, welcoming you to the resistance.

I didn’t realise there’d been that many. I wonder if any Dutch side has more. I guess it would only be Ajax

Not trying to be a jerk here, but haven’t you changed sides on this discussion? I’m sure you were tearing your hair out in frustration a few weeks back at the lack of signings this window.

It’s f*** all to do with sexuality From an employment perspective there’s been an allegation of gross misconduct that’s clearly had evidence, no clear mitigation strong enough to dismiss it, and the employer would have likely brought itself into disrepute by not terminating his employment. None of that changes with this article. He isn’t blocked from getting a job with a new employer, he will probably find it tricky as anyone would after a high profile dismissal, but on the other hand he’s got a high level skill that’s transferable to most places in the world, so he should be fine.

I know but they are separate matters. They will become very connected if any or all of the 3 actually do leave, because then the player spotting and signing element will be all about replacing the things they bring. As it stands I can see why Hughes is seen as a dunce because he hasn’t signed anyone and the contracts remain 0/3 complete. But I can also see the reasons we haven’t signed anyone, and I am pretty confident 2/3 of the players will re-sign.

I’m pretty calm tbh. Not even really into the Hughes bashing, his track record is better than most, happy to give him some time. If he spotted Kerkez and Huijsen then he’s clearly got something. If it wasn’t for the contract situations there wouldn’t be a great deal to grumble about

Yeah I know. Interesting quandary. I don’t really disagree with any of it, I would rather get it right instead of throwing loads at the wall until one sticks. But then when they play a season for Bournemouth or Dortmund or whoever and the price rockets, well then we have to tell ourselves that story too, the value wasn’t right. You can see how we end up not signing many anyway.

This is a key issue I think. Yes, Hughes has got a load of good players for Bournemouth, but once you crunch them all through the FSG filters how many are left? So do you even want him to be aiming for that same level of potential? Or do we want them to play a year for Bournemouth Brighton Southampton and add 100mm onto their value? Whilst also not really needing much scouting anymore?

They might just be crap at it compared to the others now. If they go for Baleba after failing to get Caicedo that will make them look crap at it compared to Brighton at least. Literally the lad’s replacement at the same club.

Yeah. They've completely hoodwinked me. I don't even really get my hopes up anymore.

I think so. Which does change things a bit (a lot) for the terms of this chat.

Yes. I guess the proof of the pudding will be what happens for the rest of the comp, and how the big teams react to it next season.

Maybe, and there might be exactly the same amount in this format but I like the way it's all building to an exciting final day, and also the fact that every game has pretty much mattered. I think before you'd see Real and City coasting and not really bothering with the groups because they'd know how to do just enough. Yes I dunno.