Saint Mikey

We would have been in a stronger position to keep him had we stayed up, no doubt. However, who's to say he wouldn't have wanted to leave and we wouldn't have sold him anyway? The last few seasons were desperate, if I was a player I wouldn't have wanted to stick around for 5,6,7 wins a season. It's bad enough as a fan, it must be truly shite as a player and if you've got suitors you'd be off.

Wouldn't we be looking to loan Mara out too? Hasn't happened for him here and may benefit from a loan to France. Would rather a perm, but can realistically only see a loan. Provided we could get replacement squad player, may be best for both parties.

If Argentina are digging into the second-tier talent pool, they must be scratching around. Don't get me wrong, I rate Alcaraz, and I think he's gonna be a solid player for us, but he's not quite cut from the same cloth as the legendary Argentina No 10s like Ortega, Veron, Aimar, and Pompey hero Riquelme (not to mention the top two guns in that list).

True. Only Tall Paul, maybe he's in a group of his own - basketball training?!

Interesting to see the following training in the main group for varying reasons: ABK, Kamaldeen, Larios, Che.

I think Stewart would be a good signing. Is a proper 'No 9' and a real focal point - would be the closest to Lambert/Pelle that we've seen for a while. Caveat that there's a concern on fitness, but that's what a medical is for, surely?

If it hasn't been already, surely it's time to resurrect the Rasiak chant based on KC & The Sunshine Band - Give It Up? Na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na-na now! Charly Alcaraz - Alcaraz - Charly Alcaraz PS - I have heard he fucking hates Pompey, but unsure how to work it in.

I've no idea why Chelsea are pursuing Caicedo given that Brighton want £100m (and have already rejected £70m) when £50m would more than likely would get Lavia. Caicedo is a bit further ahead in terms of consistency and level of performance, but on the other hand played in a much better team and is a couple of years older - he's certainly not twice as good as Lavia. Don't get why some of these clubs haven't gone straight in and bought him. £50m is a bargain! It's clear he's going to be a top player for the next 10 years. As others have said hope we can get a sell-on clause included.

Put in bold players who may have gone but haven't for varying reasons. Have I missed any?

I think it's Maxwel Cornet. Another player rumoured to be on the move.

Tina must be a stunner if Chelsea are offering £38m! Rule 1...

Watching those pre-season vids, I spotted the following 1st team players: 1. Alex McCarthy 2. Kyle Walker-Peters 4. Lyanco Vojnovic 5. Jack Stephens 8. James Ward-Prowse 9. Adam Armstrong 10. Ché Adams 12. Paul Ounachu 14. James Bree 18. Sékou Mara 19. Moussa Djénépo 21. Tino Livramento 22. Mohammed Salisu 23. Samuel Edozie 26. Carlos Alcaraz Nathan Tella But, didn't see these. Unless I'm mistaken? 13. Willy Caballero 6. Duje Ćaleta-Car 7. Joe Aribo 15. Romain Perraud 17. Stuart Armstrong 20. Kamaldeen Sulemana 27. Ibrahima Diallo 28. Juan Larios 30. Mateusz Lis 31. Gavin Bazunu 35. Jan Bednarek 37. Armel Bella-Kotchap 45. Roméo Lavia Will Smallbone Plus there were some kids like Dom Ballard involved. Quite a few missing though, or just not shown on the vids? Looks like there were more the 2nd day, so likely more will join each day. After a week or so, it will fuel speculation on who's leaving.

SISU’s attempted takeover was also a lucky escape. Given the way they completely destroyed Coventry, it’s at least one thing to thank Lowe for. That and the stadium, I guess.

Hopefully a return of the big Draper patch like the 89/90 season! Proper kit nostalgia.

This is a new take on sunk cost fallacy.

Agree that Leicester look gone. However, Leeds are playing West Ham away after they've had a trip to Alkmaar midweek, I can see them getting at least a point out of that. Then they have Spurs at home, who are absolutely pitiful at the moment. I can see them getting a win in that game. Same with Everton though. Wolves away, which they should get at least a point and Bournemouth at home which they should win. Gonna be tight.

Hmmm. Where did I say he would automatically drop down? I said he may be worth a shout. I.e. we may consider him a good fit and he may consider coming to us. Club Captain really means fuck-all and I think you know that. He's 29 and if he wants to play games it's either going to be with a newly promoted side, or with a club like us who should really have a decent chance of being promoted in the next couple of seasons.

Jamal Lascelles may be worth a shout to give us some physicality, experience and leadership. Not the best technically, but would be a leader and knows the Championship. 1 year left at Newcastle and clearly not going to even be in the squad next season. We need players through the spine like this to supplement the decent young players we have.

Clearly has severe mental and physical health difficulties, I'm amazed he's still about. Feel sorry for the guy. What a life, spending your entire time being tormented and abused by kids and divs.

You may find some hope in this article! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52475052 Disclaimer: We're still going down.

33 apps including cup, 24 in the PL (more than last season). 2 goals.

This sums up where we are with this now. People protest against an event, then a counter protest is also organised. Turns out the event is an old listing and not even scheduled to go ahead! Haven't people got better things to do with their time?! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-64913587

With Utd still in the competition it gives us a better chance of some points. They’ll have less time to prepare and will have decisions to make on the squad. Hopefully they have a tough away game on that Thursday before we play them. Also hoping Rashford picks up an injury before then!

Chelsea also have a stack of new players that are bound to get their first goal for the club. Add in any out of form players to briefly play like world beaters and Mount's customary 1 or 2 goals and we're looking at a pasting.

Why don't we build an option for further years into the contract. Not sure if we've ever done that? Would mitigate the scenario where a player takes a little time to bed in, but then looks good and only has a year left. Of course, with all contracts the player has to agree and it may not be in their best interests to sign a potentially longer deal.