lookers87

that's precisely the reason he's already turned down an offer from Burnley...he isn't prepared to spend huge chunks of time on the bench. If he's fit he wants to be playing. Can't see it myself...

Rumours are that Manures 'other' right back option this summer (daniel alves) is about to sign for Barca. They've also told Sunderland that they can sign Evans when they have bought in cover. With red nose wanting his signings secured before mid-june could the news we've been waiting for be happening this week????

Loan player in 'Seeing his loan period out and returning to parent club that is paying his wages' shocker!

yep possibly 1m+ already on the table, certainly Middlesbro have already been linked.

All seems like a very sensible and well thought out transfer strategy... 1. Good young players first before others take them - 2. Free/Out of contract established players next - 3. Finally, loan signings. It shows that the club are prepared to pay fees for the kind of players that are most likely to increase in value, as opposed to established players who may be at the height of their respective value. V sensible business sense..invest in assests that have the best chance of making money. It's good to see they've not been put off by the Porter situation. I think we'll still see another 2 or so free signings of more established players by mid july (most of the out of contract /released players are still being paid for the whole of June so are waiting on the best deal). And there has also been mention of utilising the long-term loan market more. So all in all I see the young signings as merely the first step of a structured approach to signings this summer and I wouldn't make any judgements on whether Shez is 'risking' his job by relying on kids yet. It was so important to have some quality young players with the energy they bring added to the squad to complement the experience that is there. If we can keep the spine of that experience fit and on the pitch together this season, I don't know about anyone else but it looks very exciting. After all you never win anything with kids...

Er NO!

The point with some of the other drums that have been mentioned inc the potential Burnley drum is that as I understand it esp with the established ones at Blackburn and Blackpool everyone knows exactly where they will be every game (for the whole season+) as the clubs have allowed them in in specified seats. In Blackburn's case this is at the front row, where the guy has been for years now, and at Blackpool it's the same top corner (where him standing due to the drum doesn't affect anyones view). Having been in the chaddy when he first brought the drum (in my long-term seats) the first season was v frustrating as he moved each and every game. Last season he stayed in his seats - no problem as far as I'm concerned, even though I'm not a fan of the drum. And that for me is the key. The club aren't going to please everyone, but at least by taking the lead in terms of saying 'this is the drum area' this annoying debate wouldn't keep going on. That's exactly what Burnley have done - they've selected an area of the ground (where most of the singing naturally starts), publicised it as the new 'unofficial' singing area and then again publicised that they are looking to put a drummer in there. Gemma06 is right, the decision to allow the drummer in has been taken, lets see how it actually pans out and then allow some review as to whether it goes or stays. The drummer seems like he is willing to try and please so I'm sure if things needed to be adjusted through the season he would be willing to give it a go.

Ok I think marks are always flawed. But having let the dust settle and not getting too hung-up on personal favourites/or not, the assessment of each of the players performance over the season is pretty spot on.

Understand your point, but I think at 8 months difference between the two you are pushing the older bit - Gunter 7/89, Eards 11/88 They are showing no signs of, rejecting a the lashers bid. Think we need to put a bit of faith that they are much more aware of the value of the assets in the current market place than we are. Overrated - I don't agree no-one on here is claiming they are multi-million pound footballers - probably only just 1 between them. We just happen to be the ones seeing them week in week out and remembering each and every thing wrong. In a general context (forgetting it's Eards or Taylor for a sec) in the current day market a 19 rb,wb poss cm with 2 years plus contract remaining, over 100 first team appearances, captained the side and with 7 international caps and several U-21 caps...(micah??? ) and 21 year old winger/mid l/r/c pace, 2 years plus remaining on contract over 100 first team apps, rough diamond??? possible biding war in the offing. Wingers are generally always worth more than defenders which automatically boosts the Taylor value (whether you agree with it or not). I seriously think that TTA will be looking for anywhere from £1m+ combined. Wouldn't be suprised if £750k for either is enough to see them on their way. Having said all that a player is only 'worth' what a buying club is prepared to pay, so talking values is always going to be speculative.

Have to be inclined to bow to this kind of assessment of Eardley 250k...no chance that it'll be that low when people in the game are saying this... flynn's fledglings

Distinct lack of team mates joining in the celebrations on a few of those goals...is he a billy big boots?

Can't see this one myself, but would be more than impressed if it did! He's v v highly rated and in demand at premiership and championship level so I don't think we have a chance.

That was my next suggestion aswell. Being released by Sunderland, 27/28 most of his experience was with L**ds/Sunderland in the Championship. Only thing is there are a number of Championship clubs after him, and he'd be expensive esp wages etc. Couldn't see either him or Eagles here personally as both likely to be out of our budgets.

could chris eagles be the midfielder?

It isn't a question of whether you think taylor is a good player or not, it's what the buying club are prepared to pay. Everyone has their price and with his age, contract situation etc it's in our hands as to what value Donny put on him...if that matches ours then they will speak. So if Donny are prepared to pay £1m for him then that's his value.

True, I was talking from the point of view that if it was £3-5m then we will only get our money when city/buying club exchange theirs. If it had been a few hundred thousand then we'd probably get that all straightaway (with the add-ons to follow if/when they were triggered). As it could be a few million then it is likely that there would be some negotiation as to when we get our 'share' of their fees....all just a bit of fun speculation anyway seen as nothing has happened.

28th March 08

Campbell Figo to name just 2. Things do happen, not like this (as it hasn't as yet) but as it could. Go on Corp let yourself enjoy debating a rumour...

Doubt it, the fact that QPR offered him a deal on the basis he was available on a free kinda does for that theory. Think it's a case of conspiracy theory on top of conspiracy theory. I just think the Lee transfer was down to a young talented footballer becoming available on a free, wanting regular first team opportunities in his prefered position and not wanting to move away from home - therefore went for us over QPR. Also, although any Micah funds ( ) would come in installments, they are more likely to come in a larger lump sum first then a two or three smaller ones than be drip-feed entirely over the 5 years.

I'd happily give the club some of my time to help bring the marketing activities/approach together. I've offered on a couple of occasions before but never had any response. (not a criticism btw, just possibly not the right time). As you say bigfin, free season ticket (even then I'd probably pay for one aswell) and access to the TTA's business contacts and I'd be happy. 10 years in marketing and my own marketing agency, perhaps it's time to drop another call in...

Ah so that's the targets identified for the LW and Creative midfielder positions...not proven at this level, waste of money

...aka Eidel ...he looks happy to me, to me

Could it be a resurrection of the loan move for Sturridge from Citeh could be on the cards...striker/left-side mids/winger? Tommy's talking a lot of sense in his interviews regarding strengthening the squad.

Left-sided defender (LB/CB), experienced outfield player, currently available and around to negotiate contracts at the moment..David Unsworth Turned player/coach deal down at Burnley as he wants to play on for a couple more seasons...that'd make for a formidable backline - Norm, Greegs and Unsworth! Just 2+2 making 85 ...reality is he's probably way out of our budget