Bailey

Oh OK, thanks Bill for not pocketing all the transfer fees because that's not something that shouldnt be expected from a chairman! Plus that money he hasn't pocketed is mostly been paying the debt and interest on the debt that has steadily increased since he took over at the club. Plus I didn't realise Bill picked the team either. He has done very well to keep us in the top half of the table. In all seriousness, fair play to him for picking 2 excellent managers but don't confuse on field performance with off the field performance.

How bloody annoying! Only Everton!

Selling players of that stature/potential is only a good business plan if you can bring in good enough players to replace them. We don't know if that will be the case yet at Soton but you can already see the instability that has been created. 1 or 2 a season is a sustainable long term model. 5 to possibly 6 or 7 in a couple of months is crazy.

I didn't know that Kenwright brokered the new Sky deal? With all the players sold over the last few years we have had this kitty held back for a long time and whilst he should be applauded for getting a good wedge for players like Fellaini, it's not like he has put his hand in his pocket.

I think Roberto would have made a suggestion with it as a motivational tool to the other youngsters. There maybe a statement to other clubs especially in light of the Soton situation but I think it might be more of a 'look where you could be in a couple of years time' message. You only have to listen to Ross' comments about Rooney to know what impact it can have.

Both spot on.

Slightly underwhelmed by it just being a contract renewal which is a shame because normally I would be delighted by Ross signing a new contract.

Yeh me too!

Preparing for the long haul? You do realise they are bank rolled by one of the richest families in Europe. They were preparing for the long haul by bring these lads through in the first place, not flogging them to the highest bidder. The sad thing is that I'm not sure where it will stop... They were the future of the club, those players could have stayed together for 3-5 more years yet with one going here and there but now they have all gone at once and they are going to have to a Spurs by bringing in several first team players who more than likely will never have played in the country, possibly not at this level and because everyone knows Soton have money coming out of their arsehole, they are more than likely to pay over the odds. If they had gotten rid of Lambert and one other I would have agreed with you, but this is a joke and if they arent careful they will be in the shit. Luckily though, I do think they brought in a decent manager so that may be their saving grace.

I really dont think it is and I would be very surprised if it turns out that way. I would put money on an agreement between Everton and Lukaku's agent already being in place.

I don't think the fee is the issue, it's more Chelsea desire to keep or sell. If Lukaku leaves Chelsea, I'm fairly confident it will be to us (unless a big big side come in for him).

The reports doing the rounds on Twitter are suggesting that we have reached an agreement with Chelsea for Lukaku on both a loan or on a permanent depending on whether Jose wants to keep him or not. I don't think it's in question that Lukaku wants to come back it's just whether Chelsea want to keep him for a little longer or get rid.

As Mikes said since its everything from slight strains through to ACL injuries. I think even cartilage damage is a soft tissue injury. It is about as non descript as you get though, it could be anything! Haha now I would piss myself if Bobby came out and said this!

That's a soft tissue injury.

Gibson cant cover McCarthy... he is too slow and not particularly mobile. McCarthy's game is all about energy and his role needs that energy.

Maybe its because soft tissue injuries can be difficult to diagnose? Look how many issues Rodwell has had with soft tissue injuries! Even when Kone first picked up the knock they thought he would be back in a couple of weeks but it turned out to be worse than first thought and in the end its been quite a nasty and obviously persistent injury that is frustratingly not healing as expected. Fwiw soft tissue injuries can be far worse than breaking bones etc. Another thing to consider is the psychological element for the player. A player that has been out for a long time wants a light at the end of the tunnel. I imagine that sometimes the back room staff might be a little economical with the truth in order to keep the player motivated. Unfortunately the world isnt as black and white as you want it Cotto.

I think the home derby last season is probably as good a game as I have seen for a long while.

With the game we have this season, I think its important to get a long term Barry replacement already in the squad. Its also important that he can cover both positions as most of the other potential players cant (Gibson, Barkley, Osman etc)

They will still do well as they have a good squad but anyone who thinks that they will do as well next year without Suarez ' s goals, assists and all round play is naive. When you include the extra games and increased expectation it will be an amazing effort for them to finish 2nd and be as close as they were last season.

Dont try and bring logic into! Lets just ignore the one thing that is directly comparable season after season. Maybe next year we will lose more games and win less but as long as the other teams fuck up as well and we still finish 4th it will be progression!

He has been solid but nothing more for me and he is a poorer but younger version of Barry. He started preseason last year really well but when we played the better teams he looked out of his depth. I hope he comes good, but personally I dont see him being any more than cover, especially if the injury has had a lasting effect.

You dont see the ball at all after he hits it... I presume it goes straight in the hole?

I think that's more down to Moyes' methods than anything. I do think its important to have a couple of tough games in the build up just before the season actually starts. We might not have the star studded teams of last season but its not like we are playing pub teams either. They are all top flight clubs in their respective leagues bar Tranmere. Porto are a CL/Uefa cup regular and Celta Vigo finished on the same points as Valencia last season in La Liga and finished 9th. I think they are solid teams and whilst none of those teams are going to win the CL or anything like that like Real did last season, they certainly arent mugs either.

They were much better at the back when he played 3 CB's! It was when they played with only 2 CB's or had their FB's playing CB because of the injuries that they suffered. The season before when they went on their late surge of wins was due to them changing to 5 at the back. We actually played with 3 CB's quite effectively on occasions at the beginning of last season but on a couple of times at the end of last season it did back fire, but more down to individual performance than the defensive system IMO. I'm also not really a fan of switching to it mid game, much like I didnt under Moyes. I think its easier to move from 5 at the back to 4 at the back rather than the other way around mid game. Personally I think Jags and Distin should start the season and I also think they are both far more suited to 4 at the back than 5. Stones is so versatile that he could play anywhere and in any formation/set up but I just dont think the other two are as well suited by it.

I dont really get what the fuss is all about... Im sure the marketing department would have worked out the revenue figures in terms of how many shirts they sell versus the time of release. I cant imagine it makes a lot of difference in the long run.