Spaceman Spiff

Not sure how you work that one out.

It's not really that much of a step up any more though is it. Almost a sideways move.

I genuinely don't think they realise that nobody else cares.

Because your cervix hasn't yet softened?

I think you'd at least have to change the name.

Stickied right after my comment. ITK!

I understand that Clasie has put pen to paper apparently.

Has anybody noticed his name is a lot like the word "classy"? I wonder if MOTD commentators will pick up on that.

Brilliant!

P.S. mods - you can lock the thread now I've cleared this up.

The reason we lost players last summer for the first time is logically obvious - this was the first point at which it became apparent to clubs wealthier than ours that our players were worth buying. If you finish 17th, a top 6 club generally won't want your players as they're only good enough, on average, to give you a 17th place finish. If the clubs from 7th-16th place aren't richer than you, then there's no financial motivation for the better players to leave (we can pay them just as much, and none of those clubs are really a "dream" move). If you finish 7th, then the clubs immediately above you will think that your best players might be up to their standards (though your average quality is worse). These clubs CAN pay higher wages than us, so there is a financial motivation for players to move. The fact players started leaving last Summer was because that was the first time they attracted serious interest from clubs who could better their career or salary. Happy to help.

I always find threads like this interesting when you have a discussion between run-of-the-mill fans (like me and most of the other posters on this thread) who know lots of facts but little about the mechanics of how the game works, and people like Shance who clearly have a deeper understanding of the sport. It makes for very asymmetric discussions like this one.

No AMBITION

Still think we'd still scrape home in 15th if we get him?

You seriously think we'll get relegated then?

Best comment ever. Take a bow.

"How excited are you about the signing of Juanmi? He's many people's prediction for Premiership signing of the season already!"

"Why do you think fans only talk about players who are leaving and not the excellent players you have signed or are returning from long term injury?"

Wanyama probably figures he's the boss in midfield now and is thinking about all the cash he'll earn next summer for a CL side if he has a blinding season (motivation), and Bertrand seems overtly happy with the way his career is going. Fonte has had other CBs to partner with before, and am sure he'll make the next one look good too. We'll lose a max of 3 players if MS goes. We've got Reed coming through, and will sign another decent CM anyway, so it's not like we're in dire straits for a MS replacement. We'll get a decent replacement for TA, and we already have an excellent replacement (by all accounts) for Clyne. We've got a brilliant keeper to plug the gap til FF is back, and when he is we've got strength in depth for the rest of the season. Our attack has two new excellent players - JRod is back, and you don't play for spain without being at least somewhat capable. Seems to me like we'll be at least as strong next season. Players come and go.

Everyone needs to calm down. He was a loan player, and we are now victims of his success with us. Preferable to us being able to get him after an unsuccessful season of Higginbottomesque own goals. At least we have certainty, and can now go after another CB just like when Lovren left. The way we play and partnering with Fonte seems to make CBs look better than elsewhere so we'll probably end up fine. 2016-17 might see us starting with some home grown players too if reports from our loanees last season are accurate. We'll be attractive to plenty as a stepping stone, so no shortage of options. One day we might not be a stepping stone, but for the time being we are. All is well.

That's an oxygen mask. I presume you're thinking of entonox which is only used on labour wards and isn't really a mask.

Get redslo to contribute.

............

oh, in that case 72-73 please

I'll have 50:01 to 51:00