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I think half the blame is with Real (for trying to make an example out of us, even though it was mainly Robinho who tried to engineer a move.......even though he only did it because Real tried to use him as a pawn in their Ronaldo game). And it is half Robinho's fault for arrogantly trying to think he can call a press conference which will definitely enable him to link up with BPS. Although I did want him to come, I am relieved it's turned out like this for the following reasons: - there is still every chance that he may not adapt to the Premiership/England. - when asked after the game on Sunday, BPS said that the reporter would have to ask Kenyon about the Robinho situation, which made me think that maybe he wasnt in BPS' plans after all, and the board STILL havent learnt from the Sheva situation.... - this is an opportunity for us to show that we have a strong enough chance without him, and if he joined we wouldve been a one-man-team overnight - and that is the last thing I want us to be.

Followed the match on the radio before anyone asks. From what I gather, Wigan played very well and we were a bit suspect at the back. But the most important thing is that we've won and kept a clean sheet away from home. IMO, this is arguably one of the toughest league fixtures, so I am glad that we've got it out of the way early on with a victory. I've not read any comments on here yet, or too much analysis of the game through the media, but the point I would like to say is this: Wigan are a tricky, gritty side on their turf, and so perhaps teams HAVE to play unattractive and messy football against them. I am sure that the media, and probably some pessimistic Chelsea fans, will say "same old Chelsea" with regards to our style of play, and make instant comparisons with our win over Pompey last week, but they should re-consider that most teams will play like we did when they get today's fixture

I dont. They will just add more to the attacking competition we have.

Chelsea Player of the Year: Joey Cole Premiership Player of the Year: Fabregas Chelsea Top Scorer: Anelka Premier League Top Scorer: Rooney Premier League Winner: Chelsea or Man Utd FA Cup Winner: Arsenal Champions League Winner: Real Madrid Carling Cup Winner: Aston Villa Surprise* Team of the Season: Sunderland Surprise* Chelsea Player of the Season: Fabio Paim Surprise* Premiership Player of the Season: Djibril Cisse

From what I gather, Moutinho is regarded as the natural replacement for Deco. Assuming BPS will still be here in a season or two, it wouldnt surprise me if we bring him in during the next window or two. IMO, Johnson only had a couple of good runs of form last season - It wouldnt surprise me if people forget who he is this time next year. De Guzman is fantastic on FM, but havent seen him play - he may fall short of what the game promised, like with Saviola. I havent heard of that bloke from Lyon. With regards to the overall question of who should replace them - it is far too early (both in the season and in the players' contracts) to think of it now, imo. Right now they've been playing at an acceptable rate, but we need to re-assess it come January/end of the season.

Good article, misschief. Given what I now know (he is pretty much a disgraced prodigy), I think it'll be a real indicator of what BPS is like as a mentor, coach and person. Of course I want him to fulfill the great amount of potential that was claimed back in the 2004 article, but it looks like fame has gotten to his head too early. This kid will certainly be a character, one way or the other!

Ah... What do you mean by "off field antics", Warnie?

Anyone know anything about him, or am I just going to hope that he is so good its practically criminal?

The BBC have made a story of Sheva being on the brink of a move to Milan as one of their main stories, so I believe there is a lot of substance to it this time round. Fingers crossed it is either permanent, or they are going to pay a substansial amount of the wages.

Not expecting them to, especially when they claimed that the reported £48m bid wouldnt come close. Having said that, I think they will hold out for £25m, and I hope we go for him (£30m should be the ceiling, IMO).

The fact that they deserved to win made the result so, so much sweeter! JT was a tit for getting booked late on - hopefully he will keep his head during next week's romp, so he can lead our team out in Moscow on May 21st

(with today's one in the top-right hand corner) I remember at the time the media banging on about how history shows that whoever is top at Christmas (and are the first to achieve 50 pts) go on to win it... I was expecting Utd to do Blackburn today, but am relieved to see Freidel keep them at bay. So, next week's game will now be a massive factor in the destination of the title. Now, I am not expecting us to win the title, but looking back on what the table looked like at the half-way mark, I am immensely proud that the lads have clawed their way back into the race.

I could not agree more. You 100% hit the nail on the head, misschief.

They are game-raising bastards. They will score deep into stoppage-time, bringing the score to either 1-1 or 0-1 to them

Which is the reason why we MUST have a new manager next season, even if Grant does somehow manage to win the CL and/or Premiership. I am not expecting a win on sunday, but am hoping that we put up a valiant performance - it'd be embarrassing if we were to lose our home-record against a very superior Arsenal side. The Utd game may determine the tempo/spirit of our one - if the dippers were to win or draw, then both us and the Goons would be up for it (one would think so, anyway!). If Utd were to win, then we might have a more defeatist attitude than Arsenal.