JimRoyle

I'm not averse to this move and agree with most of what everyone before me has said. The ONLY thing I have a problem with is that Richardson has never excited me. It's like being linked with Alan Smith, almost as though we're a good destination for ManYoo's castoffs. Having said that, if Richardson could be another Kanchelskis (on the park, not off it) then I'd say sign him. And yes having watched a LOT of games on the telly last season (more live ones in South Africa believe it or not, EFC on one of the sport channels MOST weekends!), the one glaring thing was our lack of width and poor quality of crosses. When Lescott, Hibbert, Neville etc are relied upon to whip the ball in, we should be looking to buy a 5'3" striker who does the 100m in 9.99, and rather try go thru the middle!

Ashton looked like a classy forward, and in the previous season I thought he scored some fabulous goals. Plus he links play and "thinks". Almost a young Edward Sheringham To be honest, I can't see this move happening. Ashton is just too central to the longer term future of West Ham's attack, and I think Curbishley realises that, which is why Harewood can leave. And Beattie's reputation has plummeted in the last couple of seasons I'm sad to say. If this transfer comes off, pop down to South Africa, find me and slap me with a big fish. I'd be less surprised by that!

Very much in agreement with RuffRob. Nolan would be a SOLID buy for the club. Let's not forget he's been Bolton's captain in the past, has his best years ahead of him in age terms, and in the 2005/06 season was in the top 5 best midfielders in the Premiership, outscoring a lot of far more expensive forwards! But I CAN remember thinking that season, "Kevin Nolan??? But he's average!". I think he's ready to take the next step in his career and was going stale at Bolton. It depends how you use him as well. Bolton's 3 up front last season was a bit stifling to his goalscoring antics. Could be a fantastic purchase and well worth a gamble in that he IS a Premiership player right from the word go.