Slam Dunk

Can understand the anger towards us making a once-key player train with the U21s, but he was likely told a long time ago that he was no longer in the club's plans and was free to leave. He was in contact with a number of clubs but wouldn't drop his wage demands. If he wants to stay and leave on a free then he is better off being nowhere near the first team squad instead of slowing the progress of younger players who will be here for the long run. Harsh, but justified IMO.

He'd be worth it just to have him back in the dressing room. A true pro and a natural leader. Would love to have him back at the club. ...Although I doubt the board would see it that way.

I don't think he'd ever turn down playing for his country. Legend.

Russia is hardly his ideal scenario it seems. Oh well, I'm sure all that money will soften the blow somewhat.

I'd love to see us lineup something like: Cech Ivan - Cahill - JT - Bertrand Mikel - Oscar Moses - Hazard - Mata Sturridge Although I doubt RDM would ever put out this team!

I had a feeling this would turn into a Torres thread. We're interested, no doubt, so of course theres a possibility that Falcao could sign for us. The 'pre-agreement' part of the article is pure bollocks though.

I had a feeling Shanghai would let him go. Let him go pick up a final payday abroad (MLS/Middle East/Russia). He won't be coming back to England, i'm sure.

They had been granted an extension (still not sure why), but the BBC are now reporting the deal is dead. Although they'll probably say its back on in 10 minutes.

Oscar is surprisingly combative. Increases my confidence in him playing alongside Mikel somewhat.

What the fuck? What exactly have they appealed against?

I don't think anyone is complaining about the business over the summer as a whole, more so the lack of activity on the final day. Face it, deadline day is always an adrenaline rush for fans and for your club not to be involved must be disappointing (ask Arsenal fans). I mean, who would have called Essien to Real this morning? Not to mention the fact that it's popular opinion that we needed a new striker and theres always a part of us that believes we could be working on something behind the scenes. Of course, the defeat tonight means we've got a few demanding other changes and are angry that there's no time left to complete anything. As you said, we shouldn't forget the fact that as a club, we've had a fantastic summer, transfer-wise.

Yes, to West Ham.

Her news was that the show is ending early because we haven't signed anyone

Watching the deadline day special on CTV... The people that phone in are always so fucking clueless. Anyway, Gigi keeps saying she might have some news... I doubt it.

What was the point of the Bertrand sub? Just for sentimental value for Ryan?

Better than him going to Arsenal I suppose. Don't really see why we needed to let him go anyway, he's a very decent squad player to have.

Is Hazard the default option for MOTM for some now then? Glad to see Mikel getting some recognition.

I won't get all doom & gloom, but that was pretty embarrassing. We're supposedly the best team in Europe but were frankly outclassed by the better team - Not just one superb striker. The fact is, the problems that arose tonight aren't new problems to the team. We know that Ivanovic and Ramires aren't capable of consistent deliveries into the box, we know that Torres cannot control the ball from the goal kick like Drogba could, we know that the back four have struggled against counter attacking teams. I've always had my doubts about Luiz, and haven't been afraid to voice my opinion of him, he's still a poor defender in my eyes. We look so unorganised at the back without JT, it's frightening. Mikel was the best player out there in Blue as well, and I still maintain that he is not the weak link of the midfield 2, Lampard is.

Wouldn't go that far.

Credit to Madrid, they're well drilled defensively and swarm forward in numbers. Whereas we are not pressuring, ball-watching and are far too static. Something needs to change, Robbie, or it's only going to get worse.

Ivanovic doesn't fancy playing a game of football tonight, clearly.

Superb footwork from Mikel tonight though!

Did Ivanovic just get booked there for pointing out to the ref/assistant that he's fucking useless at his job?

What was Luiz doing? Just leave it and hope nothing comes of it?