saint_ed

I've been told that our final two deals are imminent and that will definitely be it as far as recruitment for this window. We seem very confident of getting these two done as we are no longer looking at alternative options. That makes me think that perhaps we MAY have moved on from Townsend to an alternative. I don't have names unfortunately.

Now people will understand why I was SO against any suggestion of Malky when he was rumoured with Saints. As I said at the time, it would demonstrate all the proof I needed that the board is incompetent. Thankfully they allayed those fears by appointing RK!

Good to see we may potentially be after another centre back. My choice would be VVD or Vlaar (mainly because I don't know anything about Wollscheid). As Angelman says not only would it weaken Villa, it would add some much needed leadership to the squad.

Yep, I'd have no qualms about Davis playing as I'm a huge fan. I just have a gut feeling that something is finally going to click into place for Gaston this season, provided he is played in the central free role. I would also put Taider in for Morgan as well.

Love that! However I think can't see Morgan being considered for some time, if at all - certainly not until he changes his stance.

I miss Marian.

That's of course true, but its not being done in such a seemingly public way. Of course we need to consider he may have been misquoted but its happened a couple of times now.

Exactly.

That's utterly irrelevant in this instance as most peoples opinions are that there isn't much between the two keepers in terms of ability. Forget age, price tags etc. There was always a huge difference in ability between Yoshida and Lovren.

My main gripe is the public stance that RK took in his interview. As S-Clarke said, he could have encouraged competition between the two but in fact only proved to alienate Boruc (which admittedly he has to take part responsibility for by taking competition as part and parcel of the game). Boruc was a hugely valuable member of the squad last season so should at least be given enough rope to hang himself. Once he makes a mistake than fair enough but that's how competition works and how squads evolve.

I was SO proud of our English core last season...

I mean from a public stance. That conversation may have been had with Forster in order to convince him to sign, however we should have done it in exactly the same way as Spurs did. Its not as if Boruc is Gazzaniga in which case it would be easy to drop him instantly.

Yup. I think someone needs to have a word with Ronald.

I don't agree with the way Boruc is handling this, but equally I think the club have dealt with the whole situation very badly. It has shown a distinct lack of respect to one of our better players last year by publicly stating Forster will be number 1 without even having to work his way in. It doesn't set a very good precedent for the rest of the squad.

Yep, that's what I'd go with.

Apparently Pulis has left.

In fairness Lambo wasn't 'special' when we signed him.

Florin takes #5

Florin injured for 2 weeks.

By the way, how GOOD does it feel to be discussing lines ups for our next game. Sick and tired of having had to read so much bullsh!t throughout the summer. Bring on the weekend whatever the result!!!

Exactly the system I would play. Only changes I'd make to that team is Gardos on the bench and Davis in for Taider (though I really rate Taider)

I still expect a wide player to come in. My absolute ideal signing would be someone like Belhanda but I don't think we've ever really been in for him. Interesting he is still keeping Besiktas waiting. I expect Townsend to come in.

Swap Cork with Taider and I'd probably go with that.

Not yet, will probably be announced tomorrow.

Don't worry, I can assure you he won't end up at Hull.