italian dave

Trying to steal a bit of @Kid in the Riot and @Silvio Dante’s “ITK” thunder here, but my prediction is that NP won’t be manager when that happens.

Indeed, and that’s where I’d accept that @Davefevs is right to sound that note of caution. Financially, we are more constrained than we were 5 years ago, and those compromises mean that we can’t compete for either experienced Czech internationals or for young star prospects from Monaco! What we don’t know is what expectations SL has set (or whether he dares tell NP!). It was very clear that the expectation on LJ his final season was top 6 and nothing less. That’s clearly not the target expected of NP this season, and probably won’t be next either.

I know it’s your nature Dave, and not knocking it, but I think you’re being exceptionally generous to NP here! It’s already way more ‘his’ squad than is the case for most managers at this level. As @Harry said initially, all bar two are players he’s brought in or brought through from the academy. It goes with the territory of football management that you have to work with what you inherit and very few managers get the time to make changes to the extent NP has had. Whether it’s his ‘chosen’ players is always going to be a matter of compromise. Unless you’re a Chelsea or a Man City then financial constraints alone are huge for anyone and it’s just a question of degree. If NP was reporting to me then I’d certainly not be accepting any ‘it’s not my squad’ excuses!

I know Pearson is looking for commitment to the club, but a 35 year deal seems a step too far!

If he does, he’s going to be disappointed. ?

I was just about to comment that “great signing…..the kid is special” (post above yours) reminded me of so many posts about HNM three years ago! ? Proof in the pudding etc, I guess. Main difference now is that it’s NP who’s brought him in and clearly sees him as a fit with the way he wants to set up and play. That’s not been the case for HNM for ages - arguably if ever.

Ah, OK, thanks Dave. I didn’t realise it was a fixed formula. I’m still in the days of us stealing Alan Walsh via a tribunal!!

But option to buy normally requires a price?….…I think they may have just both agreed to wait and see what the tribunal says. As I say, entirely supposition!!

I wonder if he’s got a longer deal with Auxerre ready to go ( I think players are able to negotiate with potential suitors 6 months before a contract ends). Auxerre offered a very small fee to buy him now, along the lines of what they hope/anticipate the tribunal will set. We have higher hopes/expectations and wanted more. So the 6 month loan is a compromise and then see what the tribunal set. Just a theory!

Absolutely this…and he comes with the benefit of the experience that 100 appearances in the Championship brings - something not many midfielders will have at that age.

Preston last season, just for a start.

Rudolph the Red (Nosed Reindeer)…..Gene Autry

I suppose that you get the same sort of thing on most fans forums. For example, there will be posts that take great delight in spreading and discussing gossip and rumours about potential transfers. And there will be posts that talk about all that being just speculation and others that suggest we all wait until it’s officially announced. Difference on here is that they all come from the same poster. ??

And, of course, even now there’s nothing about LJs tenure that gets taken out of proportion or exaggerated…??

And, did you know that if you’ve got two legs then you’ve got more than the average?

I think that’s the big challenge for him. He misses too high a percentage of chances, and you get a lot fewer chances in the PL.

Final choice is still with Semenyo. He didn’t have to go. Nicolo Zaniolo has decided against joining Bournemouth, despite Roma and Bournemouth agreeing a fee. Roma are well pissed off though!!

Antoine is 23. Lloyd is 24. Easy to forget just what a young age Lloyd was when he made the step up.

Me!……..Taylor Swift

Even Watford give a manager 10 games….

Bring back Mark Ashton ?? (I doubt it's that simple - add ons, sell ons, payment schedules, all sort of incidental stuff!)

Easton in Gordano……..The Wurzels

I heard Queens and Rangers were both interested, but not Park

Haven’t Bmouth just spent £20m on another striker. Must reduce their interest, and their appeal to AS