Badger

Stephens almost shepherding him from the halfway line without ever looking like making a challenge didn’t help matters.

They also had a GK that made saves, something we lacked for half a season. Johansen made a good save from THB that would have drawn us level when they were down to 10 men (some stupid bastard sent off after diving. Wonder what happened to him after) Agree about Watford.

Shame. Agree. Proven at this level - although still not a direct Stewart replacement. But it seems we’d rather pursue a bloke who doesn’t want to be here, and it wouldn’t be summer without an extended youth opportunities programme for a Man City player.

Agree to a point. But: After West Ham/Wolves I’d say we’re up there as one of the more attractive and ambitious clubs in the division (same can be said for Middlesbrough with their new found wealth). The points deduction could - and should - be overcome fairly quickly. (The longer it isn’t then the more of an albatross it becomes, and as said above need a win tomorrow to show progress in the last week of the window). The manager situation does give me some concern and no doubt our immediate competitors are banging this drum to agents. Hope Tonda remains but out of our (supporters) hands. I’d expect top eight without any further additions (and no major departures).

Shame. Think putting Anel in the back four and the team would soon be (b)rimming with confidence again.

Yet the club made it known to him they weren’t happy that he questioned the appointment or described it as a big gamble when announced. Just goes to show the tightrope he’s walking, and damned if he does say something, and damned if he doesn’t.

Were we even interested and in the running ?

£5m ?Can’t see it if the interested clubs are Preston and West Brom. There might be a £2m extra on some unlikely event like either achieving promotion but we won’t see that.

Fair point about Coventry but we had goals through the team last season it wasn’t just dependent on the right side of Fellows and Matsuki. But it has to be maintained or improved this season.

Just wonder how much we might raise from Archer and Downs. Archer possibly £3-4m, don’t see the clubs he’s linked with having the funds we want. Downs , very little, probably more of a deal structured on a next sale % in hope he improves. Then there’s BBD, surely Derby can rustle up £3m or so.

Jury’s out at the least (being kind) in respect of Dobbin. For me neither he or Mubama stack up as a replacement for Stewart or what we needed. Despite the fiasco at the end of last season our squad was in a relatively strong shape. It’s now weaker and it seems disappointing if we’re scrabbling around the loan market. That said,Spors pulled some decent rabbits out of the hat at the end of the last window. So still hope.

Don’t think many would disagree with that. Add in the need for a Charles replacement as well.

Dunno mate, never met you or your other half. You tell us tomorrow.

Mostly positive news, except no mention of BBD.

Hadn’t heard of the bloke until about a week ago, so open minded about it. Pros: seemed promising from time in Salzburg. And matches the profile for a Stewart replacement (Dobbin and Muamba don’t) Cons: pretty unimpressive time at Lazio to now be surplus. Has already rejected the option of the move. (Last signing from Lazio I think was poor - surely he’s not the Wesley Hoedt of strikers). Can’t see this happening the more I think about it. Having declined us once it seems an unlikely u-turn. Gut feeling is that having not made it in Italy he’ll look to head back to Serbia (perhaps seeing it as a safer option). Aren’t Red Star Belgrade the glamour team for most Serbs (unless you support Partizan)? Hope Saints don’t wait on this too long. (Having said this, watch the fucker being announced this evening).