When did this turn into the SPL thread ?

It was even better. The presenter said he's not in the squad cos he is finnish, to which the caller replied "he's not finished!" then the present said "no, he is FINNISH, he isn't Scottish" One of the best phone in segments ever

Except Anti Niemi

Bennett my tip for 1st goal

I wouldn't be surprised if he went up north. I don't think he was signed for the championship, which is why I don't get why we signed him for 2 years. I am actually flabbergasted that he is still only 30...He looks a decent footballer, but physically way, way off what is required. Get in the gym Paul lad!

I would be happy with the 2 of them, the lad from Hibs, Chapman and Armstrong back on loan and whatever we have to spend laid down on a striker.

Ah Jesus, he is definitely going to be linked so. I am 99.9% sure we wont sign him, but I hate even reading about him being linked. Hopefully someone else signs him quickly

So he has another year on his contract at Birmingham, is that confirmed? Please tell me that is official.

Valid points. My inkling though is that Mowbray is expecting to be backed. His comments leave things open, which will not have other clubs seeing us as a club they can squeeze more money out of. Whatever the budget, it's in the clubs interest that as few people as possible actually know what it is.

Both decent shouts. Good records in the championship. I think hernandez has a few injury problems though. On a free I would be happy with either though

I'm not sure Caddis really comes into the equation unless he goes on some incredibly intensive pre season training. He looks badly out of condition. Putting that to the side, Mowbray didn't actually play him until promotion was secured this season, I can't see him being Mowbrays preferred back up to Nyambe next season. Travis and Bennett can play there, but I dont think we will get away with moving players into different positions on a week by week basis next season. Maybe Mowbrays sees Traviss future as specialising there or Bennett going forward. I would prefer the same situation as we have for left back though, two specialists in completion for the position. Edit* just checked there. Caddis is only 30 according to wiki,is that right?? I thought he was around 36

Perhaps, but if he does well this season and gets an offer, he would be free to leave. The other 12 months is an option, meaning both parties need to agree. That means he could only have 1 season left. I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back with a longer contract and i wouldn't be against it at all

Well maybe it is time we did something different and weren't a club where the manager is only a few bad results away from the sack? I like how Mowbray talks, I like what he has done here so far. We should let him plan long-term. We need stability. Break the mold. The turnover of managers is absolutely ridiculous.

A 3 year contract and a decent budget would be the best decision venkys have made since taking over the club

Nothing patronizing about it at all. If someone says we need a right back, you say Bennett can play there, another CM, Bennett can play there, right wing, Bennett can play there. What if he has to play all in the same game? His adaptability is brilliant, but we need specialists in certain positions and to let Bennett focus on 1 position ideally.

Chaddy you are expecting Travis and Bennett to do some heavy lifting, right back; Centre mid, Right mid, should they bring their gloves in case they need to cover for Raya as well :p

Well I think Cairneys iconsistant time here and eventual transfer is 100% on Bowyer. It was annoying watching him constantly played out of position so that we could have Williamson and Lowe in the middle

Ya, and ye persisted with trying to fit them all in the same 4 man midfield! Drop one and put Duff, Giggs or even Pedersen left midfield and that is one hell of a midfield. Who to drop though...

Ha ha, they will have an article discussing his transfer budget and potential targets when he comes back

Yep, I agree with that

No, more a sitting stone Definitely for Murphy anyway, jury is still out on Whittingham

Cracking deal for us.

Has any player ever signed for the club not seeing it as a stepping stone?? It is and always will be like that. It is a 2 way relationship though as if they don't perform they won't be stepping anywhere, more like sliding back down the banister!

I knew there would be someone who would find the negativity out of what was a very, very positive article. Your two points above contradict each other, as if he is going "humbly" looking to see what our budget will be, how do you know what the budget is? He has said a number of times that he found the owners to be very humble people, so this is obviously the communication style he will be using when dealing with them. Seems sensible to me. You can still get what you want by being humble, it isn't a sign of weakness. Sorry if I am mistaking you for someone else, but are you the same guy who used to come on predicting we would win every game 4-1?

What stats prove I'm wrong? I never said he hasn't been poor to date. I am pretty sure he would admit himself he has been. I have said I think he will come good next season