DavidMailsTightPerm

It is another opinion - equally, if not more valid, than anyone's opinion on this board. IMO he has actually shown great promise when playing at centre half. There are things he definitely needs to improve on to play the position full time - but I think TM recognises that.

On the positive - I think Johnson (and at times Downing) will help us out defensively this season - defending is as much about the whole team as the 5 at the back. Only time will tell - but getting a taller keeper may help with our vulnerability at corners - as will Johnson.

Interesting that they still gave the green light to the Gallagher deal. But I must admit - even looking it as a business - I would be annoyed that I had invested £7m on a player that hardly ever played. So what is our chance of an experienced defender coming through the door ?

It is funny - didn't read it in the way you did. He mentioned Nyambe played well in the ACN - but also mentions there are parts of his game he needs to improve. You mention playing him out of position to accommodate Bennett - but if his international position is centre half there is obviously more than just TM that feels he do a job there. He talks about getting the right players in - up to 2 (which I think many see as the minimum) - but also promoting youth (how many on here have moaned about us getting in average players that block the route to the first team. More than anything it looks like he is trying to portray a message of - we aren't desperate. I think many fans would disagree - especially in terms of an experienced defender - but I am willing to wait until after the transfer deadline before I start worrying too much.

If the rumours I heard were correct - Reading offered more money !

Not based on some of the comments on here when we was 1-0 down

What was really interesting - at half time I read the forum and thought we must be 3 or 4 nil down - only to find it is only 1-0. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that TM is trying different formations etc - and there will still be a big focus on fitness. Also - Rangers were always going to be sharper - as they are further into their pre-season. By all means whinge when the season starts - but I am amazed that people get so upset over a pre-season match.

I agree he has to start when the league starts - pre season not too bothered

TBH - I am not surprised as we only have a limited budget - especially for wages. Maybe if we sold more Season Tickets it would be different ?

One of my favourite keepers - on the whole we have been very lucky with goalkeepers

Grey shirts - ask Fergie - our players won't be able to see each other ? Personally - take away the big 10 in the centre and don't actually mind. Novel approach to keep halved shirts.

Blackpool have offered a pittance in comparison to us and Reading. Figures I have heard are a 1/4 of what we are offering and 1/6 of Reading. Plus - a commute of Poulton to Brockhall is far less than Stoke or Liverpool.

Rumour in Blackpool - we have bid to sign Adam - as have Blackpool and Reading. Though wages we are offering is less than Reading will still have a chance as his missus doesn't want to move out of area.

£78 million - no wonder so many question BB signing ?

If we can arrange some form of back stop so Lenihan can pass freely to his team mates - we will have achieved BREXIT before the Torys do ?

There has to be some departures - can't see him keeping all those forwards happy. Anyone else think that Gallagher type player is possibly what TM thought he was buying with Brereton ? Though may be interesting to see them paired up front. Two 6ft+ forwards who can dribble and have reasonable pace.

I think £5m is ludicrous - but only time will tell. Also curious as to how that deal has been structured - could be heavily based on things like promotion rather than all up front.

Is this the same Nixon who claimed a £50m transfer budget when Venkys took over ?

Football is a team game - and players need to play to their position. Reed was best on the right wing - TM was right in that Reed wasn't disciplined enough at times to be play in the centre. In no way is Smallwood a better footballer - but does hold is position better.

Interesting reading TMs comments in LET ?

With a few centre mid players unavailable - possibly doing him a favour to help him get his fitness up

That will be a concern until we bring in a new centre half. TM keeps his cards close to his chest - so let's keep fingers crossed

Think this is a little harsh. Also you need to balance those points he cost us - against some world class saves he did that gained us points. Overall though I felt he cost more than he gained.

Given how many times Raya was targeted by the opposition last year - £3m seems good money. Only time will tell - but we don't have the finances to turn that amount of money down for a keeper that many would prefer as a No 2 to a more experienced and commanding keeper.

Who is pushing for the move - Raya or the club ? Or is it just more Nixon rumour mongering ?