UpweySaint

Cart very much before horse.

In that case very glad not to have deposited funds!

They say they live stream it for accounts with funds ... I tried to knock up an account to watch the game but don't fancy putting funds in simply to watch a friendly - hopefully the weekend game will be available somewhere.

bet365 claim to be streaming it, does anybody who has an account with them want to check that out?

He was no rent-a-quote but Adkins came across with a great deal of class IMHO. Him reciting the man in the glass was rather special.

Sky seem to think it's as good as done. Seems like a deal that makes sense all around.

The question is what we can actually afford under FFP and a desire to be a self sustaining business. Frankly I don't know and I don't believe you do either. You might be right that we are taking the cheap option but I think the board have earned a little patience and faith. Personally I hope we are not quite done and will wrap up a few deals by the end of the window. In my mind a keeper (McCarthy) and a forward with a bit of creativity (like Sisto but that might just be me being a footballing hipster!). Do you think the money made is not being recycled back into the club? Investment in academy, facilities, commercial development, long term contracts, contingency, transfers etc? If you consider the tying down some of our key players as big signings our transfer window looks a little better. Again maybe your view is correct but I think any definitive judgement could, and should, be saved until the window ends.

I think our ambition is to use that to build a platform for future success. Whether we can realistically fulfil that ambition in the current climate of big money swishing around is entirely different. I guess we either hope that our model - which could be considered a source of pride - works or we can draw in a big investor to let us do what some other sides are doing (with varied levels of success). It's clear you're not happy with the current situation but do you believe we have other genuine alternatives?

August 6th, unveiling at Bilbao friendly the following day.

Probably drivel but a friend said we had been linked to Moussa Konate. No idea where he came across the rumour and can't find it myself but ... Senegal int. striker, can play up top or wide left/right, decent enough goal record and one year left on his contract so he may not be big bucks. Also happens to have same agent as our new manager.

Thanks

Anyone know when, and at what price, this is likely to go to general sale? Can't imagine it will get anywhere near selling out.

Have to say I am a little envious, would have been happy to see us in for Ibe and Cook (6mil for young, english talent is a relative snip!) but wont throw the toys out of the pram until we start making our own moves and will try and remember the Stoke/Palace/Villa talk from this time last year.

Plan, growth, reality of football etc etc ... sure in time I can rationally make peace with this deal but sometimes it is tricky being a saints fan. Loved watching Mane play too, as others have said lad had real x factor about him that so few do. Yes we are punching above our weight and can't complain but losing a core of a side every season is bloody depressing. Off on holiday for a week - hopefully by the time I come back we will have Puel in and the black box magic will have whirred into motion once more.

Don't see it happening but would be pretty happy with that.

Reductio ad absurdum .... Yes we are committed to developing young players but that does not mean an entire team coming through the academy. We all know a replacement for Victor will likely have to be found outside the club.

Believe some of the stuff doing the rounds the new owners have only taken the club to allow them to develop the land around the stadium - http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/5/31/11820830/reading-fc-royal-elm-park-enabling-development-mk-dons - and therefore it would not be surprising to see them be willing to sell/let players leave.

Say it is many times as you like but it does not mean people will agree.

If getting this deal done early means we can get on with our own business quicker would it be seen as an 'okay' deal? I would be reluctant to judge this decision until we see what happens next.

Speaking of clickbait ... get over yourself. Giggs has not managed a club. Not one. Not ever. He is entirely unproven at the job and has barely done an apprenticeship as a coach. Does he even have all his badges? Sod me our new manager does not need to be French or even 'continental' but name the English managers with strong records of consistent success, developing youth and being comfortable working with our set up? There are a few with potential but really not many!

Lot of time for Sammy but know which I would prefer in the big job!

Long odds on him if anybody does think this one may come off ...

Every single club is a selling club. We finished 6th in one of the most sought after leagues in the world, have a decent squad, excellent facilities, a strong record of recruitment, top class academy ... the only reason Wanayama going would put off a decent candidate is if they are not given funds to replace him.

Speak for yourself, I would be happy with him. Bookies seem to think we fancy him too they we normally keep these things fairly well under wraps as a club.

Not had the best season but I rate him and he has shown enough for the u21's and in flashes for Norwich to make me think he might be worth the punt. True, prices are getting steeper with the money flowing around the prem. Does he count as one of the eight home grown (not at club) for Europa though? We might but it depends on demand. If we are to believe rumours Redmond had several suitors - if we got lucky and a few teams decided they wanted Wanayama we may be able to achieve high teens for him.