coalman

I don't want a defender to frighten the opposition... I want one that marks his man, knows positioning, can head the ball and who doesn't dive in recklessly leaving his defence exposed.

Wasn't he Tinos buddy at Chelsea?

Whilst we're all keen to see this done trying to rush someone in the process of shitting their intestines out through their rectum is poor form.

Indeed but only if there was a sane buy clause at the end. Knowing Levy we'd get screwed one way or the other.

My biggest worry is how quickly Liverpool are working through midfielders who don't want to join them. It's only a matter of time before they get to Downes so the sooner we get this done the better.

This. Though I'm not against the Bristol city CB and Harewood-Bellis

One thing that really impressed me with Martin was saying we hadn't seen the best of players last season and it was his job to ensure we did this season. Great way to show his faith in people and take responsibility. If you want people to perform then taking the pressure of them by showing trust is a key part of leadership.

They could take Lyanco to partner with Vestergaard

If West Ham want a proven premier league defender we could do a deal for Lyanco. It shouldn't cost us £7m to get rid of him.

Is it a 9/10 window yet?

After the Lyanco disappointment I'm not getting hopes up until I see the signing video.

Why doesn't AArmstrong deserve to be dropped? He has 3 goals, a deflection he knew nothing about and two penalties that didn't trouble the side netting. If Che plays that would push him wide and I don't see him taking on his man or stretching the play as he's not a winger. I'd keep Edozie in that role with the only question being when Sam A-A is ready to start and whether it's Tella or Edozie that makes way. Also think Charles deserves a starting spot. Would rather have Downes and him and give Charly to license to pull them apart with two tricky wingers stretching play. It'd give our well documented defensive and keeping issues more of a shield too.

I think Stephens and Bednarek would be instantly improved by signing two new centre backs who can head the ball and mark players.

Please, God, no more crazy.

So far I've been really impressed with how tidy Smallbone is in possession and his range of passing. The only doubt in my head is how well he's shielding our defence and tracking runners. Is he more an attacking mid or can he really boss it in central midfield?

Last season we lose that 4-1 and have no shots in the second half. Not that I want to watch that defending all season but I didn't resent the time I spent watching that.

I think Charly has the number 10 role sewn up. Wingers are two out of Edozie, Tella and Amo-Ameyaw with A-A going to be a starter sooner rather than later. Charles is a must start as DM as we need something in front of our defence. Manning and KWP are nailed on. Smallbone's range of passing gives him the other CM spot until Downes. The doubts are in central defence, goalkeeper and striker. Striker is either Che or AArmstrong with the former offering more threat and the latter seemingly preferred. Bazunu and McCarthy isn't a choice any manager will take joy from having to make. But marginally Bazunu due to ball at feet. Centre back is what really terrifies me. I don't want to live in a world where I'm relieved we're playing Stephens and Bednarek because it keeps Lyanco off the pitch. More so than keeper because we give too many gilt edged chances. And please for fuck's sake can they spend all week working on defending crosses.

Thought Charly had it there

Armstrong is a goal beast. We'll be (un)lucky to hold onto him

The worst part is we've got Lyanco waiting in the wings.

Waiting for Bazunu to get the blame for that.

Dives out of the way? That was right in the corner. One before was absolutely belted in the top corner.

1. Free header on Sox yard box 2. Bednarek swept home after header saved 3. Penalty 4. Absolute bullet in top corner from edge of the box