Brussels Saint

7. The question is now, are we better set than 3 other teams. I would say we have more quality than Everton, Leicester and maybe Ipswich. I know that it does not always work out like that and there’s a 1st 11 v squad consideration but we should have enough to stay up imo

I know most won't agree with me, but when you remove all the noise around the game last night, I personally felt England played pretty well. I watched the game with commentary in Dutch, so not understanding a thing they were saying, just made up my mind on what I saw from the game. Whilst obviously disappointed it ended 0-0, England to me seemed completely dominant. None of the passivity seen in the dross of the first 2 games and pressing higher up. Big pluses in the performances of Mainoo & Palmer. Slovenia defended really well, so I was pretty happy. Went online right after expecting a generally positive tone 😄 .......... seems I have lower expectations than most!

Thought I would have a go at working out what we need (playing 4-1-2-3): GK: New + Baz + Lum RB: KWP + Bree LB: New + Larios + Meghoma CB: THB + Jan + ABK + Stephens DM: New or Downes + Shea CM: New + Will + Charlie + Aribo LW: AA + Ryan F RW: New + Kamaldeen + SAA ST: New + Ross So basically new starting 11 at GK, LB, DM, CM, RW & ST Probably a pipe dream! Loan Out: Sekou & Sam Edozie Out: Alex, Manning, Rothwell, Stu, Che, Brooks, Lyanco, Tall Paul & Perraud Probably harsh to keep Kamaldeen rather than Edozie, but I think Sam needs a complete season as a first choice like Tella at Burnley to see if he can ever develop the end product. Can probably make an argument to offer Stu a short term deal too, but personally I reckon its time to move on.

Voted unsure in the poll as never heard of him before linked. Certainly lacks the feel good impact of a big name. Perhaps interestingly it actually gives me more confidence that we paid a big sum for him and his team (4m or so) This is no penny pinching exercise that’s clear, but a planned appointment of the man they wanted. No discussion and interviewing of different candidates, they had a name at the top of the list and it was done in less than a week. That’s hopeful. When SR came in we were all generally impressed……no doubt this is the first big test……… Welcome NJ …. Everyone was a who? once.

Mario Licka.....though not in the PL era. His wife however ....... absolutely tip top

Cant see it, other than potentially loans for Gunn and some of the B team. If you look at the squad listing on the official site for Ralphs favoured 4-2-2-2 formation, you have exactly 2 players for each position, which is probably what the club is aiming for in its first team squad.

Regarding CB's and considering the current market, in order to get better than Bednarek, Yoshida & Vestergaard we are surely going to need to pay +25m. I cant see us doing that and if we do get one in, it will surely be in the Bednarek mould as one who potentially could be better. Interestingly, what do you reckon Bednarek is actually worth in todays market?

It's a good point that peoples views can change over time, but I dont think its really about being conservative or not (there are plenty of solid Labour voters who are for Leave). I just think its a generational question. The young in the main have grown up in a globalized world, are quite tolerant of immigration, have a looser connection to national ideals etc. That to me seems the driving motivations. They don't remember how great we were or aspire to that version of what being great means.

Genuine question for Leave supporters. Why do you think the determined Brexiteers hold out for no deal? The reason why I ask, is that demographics will always at some point work against the Brexit ideal. As older voters die out and youngsters gain the franchise, its not beyond the realms of possibility that in a couple of general election cycles one party or another will run on a ticket to rejoin the EU. If that happens it would likely mean loss of the rebate and requiring the Euro. As I understand, already if no one changed their minds about Brexit, the death of leave voters means we are already a remainer nation if the referendum was rerun and its only likely to continue (demographics right) My thinking if I was a Leave MP would be to accept whatever possible to at least get out, in the hope that a softer form of Brexit lasts as long as possible. Just for disclosure, I'm a remainer (considering where I live no surprise) who thinks not implementing Brexit would create a democratic deficit. (but hopes for another referendum anyway even though I know its wrong!) Interested in peoples views on this as I'm bored on a Friday afternoon

Definitely Pilchards........something about Pardew doing random clapping too if memory serves me.

I’m quite happy with Ings to be honest, not sure why all the negativity. it’s a risk, but unless you play in the proven quality field (and even Man U it seems don’t want to pay for that at current fees) it’s a punt.

Excellent. Thanks Guan. Some hopeful messages for sure and also sounded reasonable.

Calling Guan 2.0........ As our ITK man, Are you ITK about whether AR 10 is actually ITK or is he a mere fantasist ITK? Thanks!

Current UEFA Cup main sponsor and for the next 3 years, so highly unlikely. P.S. I'm am finally ITK for something on this one

Good work and I'm even in one of your photos (well my leg anyway.......and even then I'm not 100% sure its my leg!)...but good work! ;-)