Unbelievable Jeff

I would say it's a coincidence at the moment, and the fact that neither West Ham or Sunderland are a draw. I know Wigan aren't really, but I think the attendance was artificially high after how we played at City on the opening day.

Agreed, it did tighten, but still not enough imo. 1.1 goals a game is still 42 per season. If that can be cut to low 20's, then you're picking up so many more points over a season. I suppose it's similar to practising your putting ahead of driving. If you can't putt, you won't win...

Anyone else looking at the way we're playing and believe that we have started the season by building from the back? Our defence was so poor last season that something had be done. What I think we'll see happen is after Poch is happy that the defence is doing it's job (still haven't played any 'top' sides) we'll see the fullbacks given full reign to roam and we'll see more flexibility up top. One of the main reasons we continue to play JRod is due to his ability to track back. I believe once we are happy that the defence is doing it's job, then we'll see a fit Gaston come back in and a fully roaming front 4. COYS!

Think you'll find it's Airplane...

Thanks for the in-depth post, it's very useful to hear from someone with direct experience.

That is certainly interesting and it is something I'll look at. Cheers Tokes, you ain't just here for the jokes.

So currently we are out in Calpe in the Costa Blanca, which is a lovely part of Spain. However, we are seeing a lot of 'For Sale' (se vendo) signs around and it transpires that property is pretty darn cheap over here. I was wondering if any of the ex pats or owners of property in Spain have any tips, and know what it's like get a mortgage properties over here. For us, due to our age, it will be a long term investment for holidays and for a bit of rental in time it's not being used. Is there anything we should avoid? Ta, Jeff

Ok, it seems people don't agree that integrating a player into the squad early in the Summer is a good idea. Personally I think it is, especially when we were negotiating the transfer from May...perhaps if we knew it was going to take along time to complete we should have set a deadline and moved onto another target perhaps?

Geting Osvaldo and Lambert playing together will take time. If we'd had him in for pre-season, we wouldn't be having the problems we have now. It's a shame people at the club didn't realise how important it was to take advantage of our first 4 games of the season. Hope it doesn't come back to bite us.

Looks excellent. Good to see Fonte back in who needs a dominant, leading centre half next to him, similar to Claus when Svensson was around. This was why Fonte was dropped when playing Hooiveld as neither of them had leading qualities and it just ended up in a mess. I think they will form an excellent partnership.

Post 1: "...so give him a few weeks to pick his game up again and then put him back in when it seems he can have a positive impact on the game." Post 4: "He's an alright player at best, but he's frightfully off form at the moment." ...and that's just to start with. So since when will no-one consider form? Did you actually read the thread or just guess what people wrote?

We don't look great at the moment, I have to agree. It's surprising how we have gone away from the free flowing, attacking football we saw last season. It's frustrating because we know we can play better.

What facets of his game make you think that?

But he's not been very good in the last 12 months in my opinion. Not been a fan of his since he arrived. He scored a few lucky goals last Winter and people seemed to think he was worthy of an England cap! He's an alright player at best, but he's frightfully off form at the moment.

Why is he being allowed to continue to masquerade as a Premier League footballer. The lack of control, poor decision making and finishing really means he shouldn't be near the first team. Could see how frustrated Osvaldo was getting with him, it's not good for anyone, so give him a few weeks to pick his game up again and then put him back in when it seems he can have a positive impact on the game. IMHO we should be giving Ramirez a chance from the start, something we continue to fail to do.

Yes I consider myself happy, but not ecstatic.

All that article says is he may be good, he may not. Poor again from Samuel.

Welbeck is a weird one. I don't rate him, but for England he is definitely effective.

That is do-able for sure, it's on my way home...

Fair play! In meetings until 7 (grrrr...), so wouldn't be able to get there in time. Plus I'd look a right to$$er turning up on my suit.

I will be around the Bank area tonight, and not with football fans and was wondering if anyone was planning on watching Super Rickies start tonight for England in Bank or London? If you are, please let me know and we'll try to meet up. Cheers, UJ

Good thread, and completely agree it's ridiculous. However, I do think it's something we should gave taken advantage of for a winger...

The worst thing about Martinez is the fact that he really doesn't bother with defensive strategies...

God people really are missing a sense of humour on here aren't they?

Lukaku is so brilliant you consistently spell his name wrong...