Hoddle should have taken him to 98 world cup. Him and le tissier would have given us something different. Especially when we were down to 10 men against Argentina. Hoddle just didn't like players who were equal to his ability

Forest spent well over 10 million under Hughton, had a bad start to the season and Cooper took them up. As Matty says above, its not impossible, as the teams above prove, but its a tough ask and the gap is getting bigger in my opinion.

Wonder when Marinakis will be sanctioned for invading the pitch at full time to confront their manager. He wasn't there in an official capacity - he isn't on their board of directors, isn't on the coaching or playing staff and I don't think is even technically an owner any more after he divested his shares to get around the UEFA multi club ownership rules. So presumably he will be treated as any other civilian would for invading the pitch at full time - banning order or fine / prosecution I would expect. Surely all are to be treated equally.

Yes, look how results went when he did not play.

It is just what I think. The season gone has little or no relevance to next season. I don't expect Manure or Spuds to be near the bottom. I think the Irons will be blowing bubbles around mid table.

…and managers, and minority shareholders.

So by my count Sunderland the 25th different club that has won promotion to the Premier League, some more than once (Dingles done it 4 times) since we were removed from it by these owners, and since when we have managed to avoid so much as a top 6 finish at this level in return for their 'investment'. It's almost impressive.

Danny Batth was imo one of the main reasons we did so well last season. Tying him down to another year is the most obvious decision ever and clearly he deserves to be paid according to his influence. Just get it done for the love of God.

Wolves did ok when they switched manager and he'd got his feet under the table, lost a few recently but only after they confirmed safety. Brighton had a good season for the most part they just seem to be frustratingly inconsistent which meant they just missed out on the top 6. Palace had a solid second half to the season, but if they lose a few it may affect them next time out. Bournemouth may struggle, fell apart around Feb time. Surprised you haven't listed West Ham, they'll be down there unless they throw a sizeable amount of cash at next season and actually use it wisely for once.

Weimann was training with Rovers last summer as there was no interest in him. Batth had spent a year hardly playing for Norwich it is obvious what happened, Rovers picked up both on low cost deals, and are hoping that they can't be bothered with the hassle of moving and/or the possibility they may not play as often as they would be at Rovers

There were claims that Eustace was at the end of his tether last summer and ready to walk, and the stooges buckled and allowed him to bring in Batth, Weimann and McFadzean to give him the experience he wanted and ensure he didn't quit. This time around we've heard Gestede's textbook talk about developing players and the younger end of the scale. I suspect Ismael has less interest in experience and is going to be less forceful when it comes to signings. We ain't giving them a pay rise when a year older and the stooges will fancy not paying them from June to August and then hope they renew at the last minute.

If it wasn't for Venky funding we'd go the same way as Derby you know

Last of these for this season, seeing as technically Markanday is still our player until his contract expires at the end of June. Although this game should also give us the chance to stare longingly at Charlton's Thierry Small, before he inevitably signs for someone else later this summer 😉 1:01pm kick off Markanday - score/update - game on Sky Sports Football

Yet the previous talk also mentioned a policy of higher wage short term contracts for experience being Eustaces preferred method ? Seems Jackson has done a bit of a 360 on that now. I think Weimann will have been on a decent wedge at Bristol and i'm sure there'd have been other interest in him so i'm not sure he'll have signed for peanuts to come all the way up here from down there. Batth maybe a bit different given his career trajectory was on its way down - something i hope he remembers when Rovers rescued him - but similarly he'll have been on good wages at Norwich previously.

According to Jackson, both Bath & Weimann signed up for less than market value last summer to prove their fitness/worth/etc. So any new deal for them will need to be on higher wages "Batth and Weimann both signed on low-cost contracts last year, such was their enthusiasm to join and prove their value. Having done that in excellent debut seasons, any new deals would need to be a fairer reflection of their Championship experience and pedigree." So yes, negotiations have stalled due to low balling them and also, given that they are on "low cost contracts", it is entirely possible that Derby are offering much more

Says it all. Brittain is decent. Better going forward than defensively but also picks up knocks/strains regularly... and he's our best player. Whoop.

They're after more free credit by dripping Nixon stuff. Close to, aiming to, trying to, talking to, will be sorted soon honest, all meaningless. We've heard it dozens of times before. All that matters is actually getting pen to paper on a proper contract extension. Brittain, Travis, Tronstad, Hyam, Dolan, Carter and Batth needed them months ago. I suspect some are already too late now and the others we are rapidly running out of time on as agents and rivals get busy. Rovers will not be getting a shred of credit from me for claims of being close to something. I've seen this one before and it ends with 'admin errors' or 'changes of heart' or something unforeseen changing the situation. As I've said many a time. Feeding Nixon and the rest talk of trying is free, easy and meaningless. Actually getting stuff done, deals complete is tricky and costly. We're good at the former, and have totally failed on the latter.

Look Danny we want you to stay you are one of our main men and will play every week as long as fit and in form. Here's the same wage for another year and we'll give an option for another year on top for you as a bonus if you hit x number of starts. Nothing simpler as that but you can bet your backside there is some low balling going on or talks have stalled altogether due to the Indian court situation. If Derby are offering thousands more then we'd have to swallow it but i really can't see them taking that risk so football wise hes no need to leave here but he has to be made to feel wanted obviously.

For me, Brittain is the best player at the club and so having him on a new contract would be my first priority, closely followed by the same for Tronstadt and Travis. No point looking to sign others when we may then need to recruit into those positions as well.

A once in a generation player at his peak for England.

Assuming Brittain is still here next season, then Duru needs another loan I think it is more of a case that he will need proper minutes, and wouldn't get that if he is playing second fiddle to Brittain.

Be great news if we get Brittain tied down to a new contract. We'll need a backup, if Duru isn't considered good enough.

If you offered Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland a fourth bottom finish now I'm sure they would snap your hand off. I think, Palace, Brighton, Bournemouth and Wolves,as well as the three promoted clubs, may be in the relegation battle next season.

Players thrive away from united. Its like a graveyard for players. Its hard to tell the true ability of a player whilst they're wearing a united shirt

If you offered Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland a fourth bottom finish now I'm sure they would snap your hand off.