Ant1979

I doubt there is much conflict of interest, but I'm no expert. I imagine the 'syndicates' leading the corruption are collections of dodgy individuals / criminals, rather than employees or representatives of the actual betting companies that sponsor the teams. So they would still be doing the same thing regardless of who was sponsoring the teams? The betting companies will be as much against match fixing as the clubs, as they will lose money. So no doubt they invest time and resources into their own monitoring of the market and investigations

If he signs already injured and ends up missing more time than expected, that would be pretty crap. Better be a VERY minor knock he's carrying or else I just wouldn't bother and look at him again in the Summer

That's a good point. But if they pulled out of Man City now they'd still be left with that awesome squad, infrastructure and increased revenue to try and maintain the success. Not saying I would want it, just that I can see why some might

That's a brilliant interview, love it! Seriously needs to go the World Cup ahead of Carrick, big injustice if he doesn't based on current form. And for Cleverly to go ahead of Barry would just be ludicrous

Guess it depends what he would want from the club... just to be established in the top flight, occasional cup wins, challenging for champions league places, turning a small profit after stadium expansion. Or..... plough in loads of money and expect league titles and European trophies? If it's the former and more of a hobby than an obsession and power trip (Abramovich), then it's not a bad club to choose.

Totally agreed. Wouldn't want to sign an African international unless he was world class and also had a big squad to cover the ACN, e.g Drogba's time at Chelsea

Good nucleus of players, good manager, awesome acamady, potential to kick on to the next level?

And the fact that they don't know it's Rafael not Fabio who plays right back. Fabio has hardly had a sniff of first team action the whole time he's been there

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/454662/Everton-s-Roberto-Martinez-delighted-with-new-Toffees-star-Aiden-McGeady Martinez has tried to sign him in every transfer window since 6 months after his move to Spartak, obviously rates him very highly

Just speculation on my part but it might depend on champions league qualification? More in terms of his wages I mean. That might be something him and Roberto have discussed in private but aren't making public. I guess from Barry's point of view it will be the final contract of his career probably, and he might think he's a champions league level player? Let's hope it's with Everton

Hi and welcome!

I think it's basically that no prem club was willing to match Blackburn's £8m for a player from League 1. I'm sure a few looked at him but thought that was a bit much. There are players that have been hugely prolific at that level but are nowhere near prem quality. Dele Adebola going back a few years again. I'm certain a few lower half prem teams would have taken a punt on a league 1 top scorer if it had been more like £2 to £3m

Major change, rather than a few tweaks, would have to wait until the summer I guess; and would depend on the league position and associated extra revenue

Rooney is a good comparison in terms of build I reckon. Some guys just have a certain shape of face as well that make them look 'fatter' than they really are. Me included! (That's my story and I'm sticking to it) haha

Bargain of the millennium but he came from am obscure league, probable equivalent to our Conference in terms of standard? Most of the talented youngsters will get hoovered up by the academies of the prem clubs these days, but yes definitely some diamonds still out there in the lower league ps waiting to be given the chance. And some late bloomers too, like Ian Wright going back a few years

Wonder if McGeady will make the bench? He's been with the lads in Tenerife and considering how light the bench will be in terms of attacking options...

But looking at it from the other point of view, you could buy 4 Michu's for the price of a Rhodes. Just playing devil's advocate here that's all

If they're good enough most do get the opportunity in the prem eventually, some succeed some don't - Beckford, Nugent, etc. I'm sure somebody will give Rhodes a chance in the prem, assuming Blackburn don't get promoted that is. They paid £8m for him though I think? They would want to make a profit considering he's still scoring the goals

I had a look on there before I found this great place, it did seem to be full of abuse to be honest. Had another couple of looks since and they were even abusing Hitzelsperger, which is pretty pathetic to a former player and seemingly very nice bloke. Edit - apologies if anyone here was a member, I'm sure it was a minority that were abusive

Yeah I seem to remember people saying at the time that it might be his best position, guess it didn't last. Definitely too erratic to be a top class CB, although he may well very soon win a World Cup playing in that position so who am I to judge! Haha

Didn't Rafa use him as a DMC? He's definitely played there at some point

I was thinking more Jimmy Krankie

This thread has turned into a load of pollocks

It's a tough one. Revenue is up from premier league tv deal, and champions league revenue is set to go up even more soon with BT deal (I think?). Is it worth the risk to try and get there, or is it better to get there first then risk the higher wages to stay there? Can see both sides of the argument really.

I guess if regular champions league football is secured then these are the types of wages that are inevitable. Risk is paying that level of wages and then not kicking on to the next level to get the extra revenue