Barry the Badger

Yeah, we definitely didn't force any of the players we'd given long contracts to out the door by not even allowing them to train with the adults. I don't think we did anything wrong, but I do love the hypocrisy when a player decides it's time to move on.

"The right way" presumably being when we decide we've outgrown them and ditch them rather than when they decide they've outgrown us and ditch us.

I'd go for Fonte. Not only a great player but consistently makes those around him look good.

I was very impressed too, he did have a little spell where he gave the ball away a few times running, but Fonte went and had a word and he never stopped showing for the ball.

I don't think you can say poch didn't improve players. Lallana, schneiderlin, Fonte, Jrod all improved hugely under him, and Lovren was crap for Lyon, great under poch and is now crap again.

Can't believe how many people are putting non football things, Les Reed telling Schneiderlin to stay? Come on! 8-0 was awesome but I will go for Pelle's overhead kick vs QPR for the intensity of the crowds celebration.

I'd agree with Fonte, was good last season but has stepped it up another level this time around and been absolutely top drawer.

I think you're overthinking it

Where did I say it was his fault you sarcy git! We don't have an unlimited amount of money, Gaston is on a LOT of money relative to what he contributes. We clearly felt that money would be better spent elsewhere and bringing him back would put a big strain on the wage bill for most likely very little return.

Except he's on an awful lot more money than Mayuka will be

Similar but very different, as much argued at the time. Reed said something like "We've not received any offers and if we did they'd probably be met with a no". He very purposefully didn't say "we won't be selling any players".

I'd suggest that perhaps Bill Shankly would have something to say about us being too flattered.

Didn't seem to stop Callum Chambers getting a chance!

I'm not convinced either, certainly not enough to say he definitely should have come rushing out. The ball may have been slightly closer to him, but Aguero was already at full pace and is bloody quick. I thought he dealt with it pretty well.

If a champions league club had come in for Fonte, he'd be gone too.

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly people allow their expectations to sky rocket.

No, please no.

0-0

I don't expect them to say anything. Or are we expecting a statement every time a backroom staff member leaves now?

I suppose it's lucky that we arent going to make the champions league anyway then really.

No, it's because our recruitment has been a very important part of our success therefore it becomes a part of the story.

Yeah, except for Forster, Bertrand, Clyne, Tadic and Pelle.

If he's critical then we will pay him what is necessary to keep him, if he's replaceable we will let him go.

Just shake hands for ****s sake!

Don't be a penis