teignman

I believe if we are going to play 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, it is imperative we have a proper holding midfielder to serve as an anchor. I would prefer/preferred Essien. I understand he is not fully fit and tuckers out around 60-70 minutes, but I would rather 60-70 minutes of him than 60-70 mins of the likes of Raul the Terrible. AVB seemed to want an open game by not selecting a DM, and he certainly got one. The game was a veritable track meet for stretches. Not exactly what you want against a team with that are proficient in the art of the counter and have a good deal of speed. However, this was not our undoing. Once again, it was a string of individual errors that cost us dearly. The aforementioned Meireles turning tail and running from Lavezzi instead of trying to make even the slightest attempt at closing him down. Brana, oh my beloved Brana, ball watching instead of covering the run of probably the most dangerous player Napoli has. And Luiz making the error of going for the ball and ending up wrong side of Cavani, when staying goalside of the Uruguayan probably would have been the more prudent choice (though I do somewhat question Petr's thought process of plunging into the fray). All in all, I don't view this result as catastrophic. Damaging yes, but the Napolitans have some definite defensive frailities. We have a few weeks to get our heads and our arses wired together.

I'm liking it already. Good show.

Win, lose, or draw: just give us a performance we can be proud of lads!

I don't quite get AVB's affinity for Meireles. Raul has been piss poor as of late, and he's not that great in general. He offers very little in defense, and he is extraordinarily inconsistent with his passing. Should've gone with the Bison, in my not so humble opinion.

A very good analysis of what Nando's woes. Special attention on yesterday's match. http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2012/2/18/2808482/its-time-to-stop-blaming-poor-service-for-fernandos-lack-of-scoring

I'm sorry but the Spuds link just doesn't add up. First, Spuds are desperately trying to fund a new stadium. Granted, they will receive CL revenue, but will end up spending a large portion of it on Hazard? Next, they need a permanent first choice striker. Adebayor's loan is up at the end of the season, and they will either have to pay a transfer fee (I reckon at least £20m) to City + his extremely high wage demands, or go into the market to get another striker. If they delve into the market for a striker it will probably cost them upwards of £20m, not counting the wages that player would receive. I just don't see them splashing out over £50m in transfer fees plus well over £100k/week in wages on two players when they are trying to build a new stadium. One final note on Monsieur Hazard, I sincerely hope (for his sake and mainly ours) that he is not so myopic as to think that Spuds are a better destination because they will be in the CL next season. Even if we don't make the CL next season (cringe), we are still a better bet to make the CL on a yearly basis than Spuds over the duration of his next contract. Christ on a bike, if we don't make the CL next season (double cringe) it's not as if we won't make it for the several seasons. Pseudo-rant over. Thanks for tuning in.

20

He's back. Hallelujah! http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/7525395/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

I have no great hopes for Bamford. He seems a likely lad, but so did Borini and we know how that went. If he somehow puts things together and ends up skillfully leading our line in a few years, I'll be surprised and overjoyed. One positive I take from this is that we will be able to turn a profit when, not if, we sell him (even accounting for inflation). My understanding of FFP is that our purchase of Bamford does not count against us, but our sale of him in the coming years would count as positive cash flow under FFP.

Not naive at all. The amount of money that Rangers and Celtic generate is the bulk of the revenue that the SPL sees in a year. If Rangers fold, ironically, their biggest rival will suffer greatly. The SPL as a whole would be in dire straits. There will not be a 1 to 1 transfer of Rangers supporters' money to other clubs, i.e. Rangers supporters won't just start supporting other Scottish clubs and spending their money on tickets, merchandise, etc. As for my personal views, I am a massive Gers supporter. They were my first love in the world of club football. However, I am strangely numb to this most recent development. Perhaps it is because nothing is final and I've expected this. I do have a bit of anger towards the board for letting this happen, especially the aspect of the massive tax bill that is looming. All the eejits had to do was operate within they confines of a simple tax shelter by not using portions of the club's finances on certain expenditures. However, the failed to do this, and the supporters, and possibly Scottish football, are paying for their transgressions.

Not really too fussed about how many threads, or the format they are in. However, I do think it a splendid idea to have multiple threads for a match. Whatever the mods/admins have the time and energy for is fine by me. I really appreciate what these folks do.

I think Luka Modric might disagree with that statement.

After reading the past few pages I would like to state the following: First, I highly, highly doubt that Spurs will spend the £30-35m it will take to get Hazard. The same goes for the wages he would command. Second, players (probably under the advice of their agents) always say the same non-commital, complimentary things about clubs when they are mentioned as possible transfer destinations. Per Exempli: Journo: What do you think of that 3rd tier Guatemalan club? Player: They have a good club, coach,and players. Ok, maybe that's a bit of hyperbole, but you get the point. The player and his agent don't want to rule anything out publicly so they can spark a bidding war between truly interested clubs.

"Disgusting Liverpool fans", isn't that a bit redundant?

Lol. Fair enough.

It's official, on February 11 anno domini 2012, I officially lost all hope in Torres. When I saw he was unable to beat Sylvain Distin, who's not fleet afoot and at the advanced footballing age of 34, in a foot race, that sealed it. I've tried and tried to have faith, blamed it on poor service, pressure, etc., but there will be no return to former glory. Stick a fork in Nando. Unfortunately, I have no solution. He can rot on the bench collecting a massive wage, or we can sell him for pennies on the dollar (or pence on the pound if you prefer). Neither option is terribly inviting.

Leave it out pal. Rather uncalled for.

I don't think it's a snap judgment to say Lukaku should get a start.

Points for honesty. I feel the same.

I think some people are rushing to judgment on Oriol. His first appearances were impressive, but he's been quite poor as of late. Mind you, he's 20 and has gone from playing in the Segunda Division to the PL. Obviously he has some flaws, but he's far from the finished article.

Shades of Gary Lineker at the '90 WC?

My ex-girlfriend questioned my class. Oh wait, that was my parentage.

I believe he is. Late this month is the return time I've heard.

I must say that I'm not terribly surprised by this article. When you see JT with the players, he exudes a passion and genuine care that's beyond reproach. He sacrifices his body and constantly fights through injury, not so much for personal glory, but for the glory of our side. Our opponents' supporters are so blinded by bias, media bullshit, and hate that they can't fathom why we think we are blessed to have such a man lead our club into battle week in and week out. When it's quite simple: John's blood is the bluest out there. His love of our club and everyone associated with it is unparalelled.

Of course I want Hazard. I don't think there is a Blues supporter that's heard of Hazard that doesn't want him here. Outside of the big name wishlist I have a couple others: First, Jovetic. The lad's been banging in goals for fun for a mid-lower table Fiorentina side. He's young, technically sound, and pacy. Next, I think Malouda should go. I don't hate him or think he's the worst player on the pitch (though he's pretty bad), like some, but I do think he should go. We could probably save some money on wages as well. Last, bring in Junior Hoilett. He will probably go on essentially a free in the summer (I think Blackburn would be due a £675k development fee). Essentially, all we will have to pay him is wages for the duration of his contract, and he would have resale value. He can play pretty much anywhere across the front, has pace, and a good passing range.