Gemmill

We don't lack width on the left. We've got Luque.

It's easy to just think of how class he was when fit, and forget how frustrating it was that he played so rarely. I wouldn't want him back I don't think. Too big a risk.

So when does the big Readathon start? 26428[/snapback] Balls to that. I don't read kid's books. Not even for Michael Owen.

If Shola goes, Owen gets the first round in.

nah, the year before that we were 3rd, and before that 4th. Souness was appointed to keep us there, at least wasn't he ? No matter what the standard of the rest was, we were 5th best, so we should definitely not settle for less especially now that he has been backed the way he has. At the time Bobby Robson was sacked we thought we were underachieving, not overachieving, and were 4 points behind Liverpool. He's bought himself some time now, Souness, but he's got to do it in my eyes, 6th, 7th or 8th is just not good enough. For this money, it's champions league or a trophy or both. 26407[/snapback] Fair enough. I hope he delivers on both. Time will tell.

Haway Dan, we've improved the first 11 a lot over the summer, but to say it's as good as anyone's in the Premiership isn't right. We've always been able to beat anyone on our day, but I can't agree that our first 11 is as good as Chelsea's. Not at all. 26327[/snapback] man for man, maybe not in the defence. and obviously we haven't got anywhere near their strength in depth. i still expect us to challenge for a top 4 place with that starting eleven. souness can ask for no more from his chairman. it's time for him to prove his doubters wrong with results. we should go to places like stamford bridge now confident that we can give them as good a game as anyone in the premierhsip. 26342[/snapback] I worry about both our full backs, but if we can sort them out on the cheap(ish) in January, then we have a very good first team. I think we should be challenging for a European spot this season - hopefully the "guaranteed for UEFA and on the outskirts but still in with a chance of CL" spot. I still think we'll be a mile behind whoever wins the title. 26345[/snapback] I would say, taking a team that was 5th in the league and spending 46m quid or so on it, [over 50m if we buy the full backs you want] should demand 2nd or 3rd place, ie get much closer to the top, at least to be honest. None of this "we might still be 5th......" 26375[/snapback] Aye I know you would. But that conveniently ignores the fact that at the time we were punching above our weight, benefitting from the poor performances of the other teams challenging for the same positions, and were a team on the slide. I'm not about to ignore that.

Unluckyyyyyyyy!!

Not like me to be the pessimistic one. 26358[/snapback] Did Renton and you mix up medications? Will we see Renton posting some upbeat endorsements regarding the manager now? 26362[/snapback] Even the finest heroin money can buy wouldn't get Renton doing that.

Spanish lad that I work with (who knows his football) reckons Luque operates best on the left but can work as a striker if asked to.

Not like me to be the pessimistic one.

Haway Dan, we've improved the first 11 a lot over the summer, but to say it's as good as anyone's in the Premiership isn't right. We've always been able to beat anyone on our day, but I can't agree that our first 11 is as good as Chelsea's. Not at all. 26327[/snapback] man for man, maybe not in the defence. and obviously we haven't got anywhere near their strength in depth. i still expect us to challenge for a top 4 place with that starting eleven. souness can ask for no more from his chairman. it's time for him to prove his doubters wrong with results. we should go to places like stamford bridge now confident that we can give them as good a game as anyone in the premierhsip. 26342[/snapback] I worry about both our full backs, but if we can sort them out on the cheap(ish) in January, then we have a very good first team. I think we should be challenging for a European spot this season - hopefully the "guaranteed for UEFA and on the outskirts but still in with a chance of CL" spot. I still think we'll be a mile behind whoever wins the title.

Haway Dan, we've improved the first 11 a lot over the summer, but to say it's as good as anyone's in the Premiership isn't right. We've always been able to beat anyone on our day, but I can't agree that our first 11 is as good as Chelsea's. Not at all.

Aye stick me on the pleasantly surprised list too. EDIT! Obviously if HTT or Wullie turn up, yes I know I've failed to see "the bigger picture".

Yer i was thinking that as well can he take 4 as well ?? As butt is on loan 25435[/snapback] No, Butt is still registered at Newcastle. 25436[/snapback] As was Crespo with Chelsea when he went on loan to Milan last season.... Kezman still took his no.9 shirt though! 25674[/snapback] What sort of a gimp knows shit facts like that?

But a hell of a lot better than Shola or Chopra.. 25656[/snapback] That shouldn't be the basis for a bid, Shirley.

Milner will fail his due to our coaching staff. 25623[/snapback] He too uuuuugleh to pass.

What the hell is that about? 25630[/snapback] Ah it's quality. Go in the Gold Section on the board and find the thread. DanTheMan will point you in the right direction. It's class.

To see what it feels like to be an interesting club? There was a decent thread on there started by wtdog where I actually felt a bit sorry for them when they were on about having to watch us sign Owen while they tried to put together a deal for Preston's third choice right back. Didn't last long like.

I know what you mean, but I think a lot of that is also just him not being one for all that sort of fanfare. He's a quiet down to earth lad and all that cobblers today was cringeworthy enough to watch, never mind be the focus of. I've never seen Michael Owen look like he's enjoying a press conference. I'm sure today was tinged with some disappointment that it wasn't Liverpool that he was signing for, but he's a Newcastle player now. Wait til the Fulham game and he gets back to playing Premiership football. He'll love it I'm sure.

Honesty is the best policy tbh.

Best memories of him are when he first came and he seemed like a decent down to earth kid that really wanted to succeed in the game. Unfortunately he then won that Young Player award, started to believe his own press and then went on a horrendous run of form where he was crying out to be dropped and Robson steadfastly refused. I actually think that run of games where Robson just kept playing him and playing him when he didn't look comfortable ruined him at NUFC - a bit of time in the reserves playing against and alongside lesser players and away from big crowds would have given him his confidence back. From that point on is when he started to hide on the field. Good luck to him at Spurs.

That would be a good plan 25565[/snapback] Yeah, I'd doubt he'd still be happy to stay at Chelsea. 25570[/snapback] Not in a World Cup year maybe. Could be a good shout, although I don't think we'd be the only ones in for him.

That Marcotti bellend on Talksport reckons we could have bid whatever we wanted but would still have had no chance......although I felt the same three days ago about Michael Owen.

Michael Owen in a toon top. Still looks surreal.

Aye, Sky Sports News breaking news! I can just see the Scousers now; "We don't want Solano anyway, we're getting a better right winger, oh hang on a minute..." 25540[/snapback] Still no word on a centre half signing for them either. Yes we are not in a position to mock them as they are European champions, however if i was a Liverpool supporter i would be disapointed with their transfer dealings this summer. 25548[/snapback] Read on teletext today that they had failed in a bid to get Mexes. 25563[/snapback] Isn't it nice for once not to be the ones that have fucked up on deadline day.