Maybe, but one's played 26 games in the PL, the others made a PL bench twice.

Same applies to Kipre so far.

Going off this season so far, it would've been a bigger blow losing Del rather than Lenihan for the game. Imo Lenihan has been one of our poorer performers (although it's been a high bar set), he's made a few mistakes and has been caught out of position on a few occasions. I think TM has even said that he wasn't expecting Ayala to be involved until after the international break, so his hand must have been forced.

Agree on Keane and Souness. Hard to stomach the former, but I like that he says what he thinks - even if it isn't the favoured opinion or one that I particularly agree with. Of the newer generation. I think he gets a lot of stick, but Neville is relatively neutral. And I do think Carragher does a good job of breaking down some teams tactics. During or after the game. BT sport should cull everyone and start again. I actively turn off anytime I hear Mcmanaman, Owen or Hoddle.

Not sure, that's why I asked about what the financial regulations currently were. In a section of my post that you haven't quoted.

Not a massive surprise, I would imagine the same with Raya to if he moves in the window. Clearly up shits creek without a paddle unless we get some financial assistance. I'm really not clued up on any of the financial regulations in football - mainly because of my own laziness, but i'm guessing Venky's can't just chuck any sum of money into the club (if they were willing) to keep things ticking over?

I think it's another one for the U-23's. Liverpool were looking to see how he progresses this season before deciding what to do with him next year. However, with Jota's arrival - they may offload him. But I agree, we should be prioritising other problem positions in the team first.

Aye, to be fair that was a peach too.

We haven't had a midfielder who could play a pass like that for Armstrongs goal since Tugay*. *This is not me advocating he's as good as Tugay was, he isn't.

He is definitely a different animal this season. He was absolutely shattered by the end of the game and he put a hell of a shift in. When he runs at people he looks ungainly, but he does have a knack of keeping hold of the ball. He holds it up well and brings others in to play. I've also noticed that Kaminski seems to look for him as soon as he's got the ball in his hands for the counter attack. His final pass and shooting needs a bit of work, although he was unlucky to hit the post for Dolans goal.

I've got to be honest. I can see why TM went with JRC instead of Nyambe. I've seen him get drawn towards the ball three times where the opposition have then got in behind us.

I think that's an accurate picture of what we need in the LT. I'd like another CB as well, but if the budget can't stretch that far, then so be it. We'll have to hope we don't get many injuries there and see if there's anything we can do in Jan.

No wonder we're skint If we're including a players wage from the 2022/23 season, in this years budget.....

Yeah that was my thought when reading his comments. He's not exactly singing his praises there. And look at it objectively. Saying we need to strengthen in a few areas rather than just at LB is an accurate statement we can all agree with. He hasn't said LB isn't one of those areas, in fact, he's openly stated its an area he wants to improve. If it's not addressed by the end of the window, then that's a different story altogether.

It is a huge if, but the same form over the course of a season, theres an argument to be had. I imagine his form will dip, its natural, he's a young player. For the time being, let's all enjoy watching his talent unfold.

Maybe the pitch. Someone said it looks well, and it does before a game, but it doesn't half cut up easily.

No. If he continues in the same vein over the course of a season. He's be worth at least as much as Eze has just gone for.

Cut throat move. Playing Rothwell a bit deeper really suits him. What a pass to Armstrong.

@arbitro Is the rumoured £10m bid for Dolan? ?

Very good player. He's a cracking left back both in defense and attack, it's actually part of the reason he's played in midfield on a couple of ocassions. Technically very good and not shy getting stuck in. I chucked his name out last night based purely off the fact that it looks like the kind of deal Rovers are looking at these days (which I saw someone else allude to earlier). A player who's probably available for less than their actual market price for one reason or another, who would add some real quality. If it turns out to be him, i'd be ecstatic because he's probably PL quality IMO.

Touché

Well Ayala has to be an upgrade on any other CH at the club (and I include Lenihan in that bracket). Kaminski is an unknown, but the bar wasn't set very high by last seasons number one. And I won't waste my time talking about Bell.

Well if indeed a LB has finally signed on the dotted line. Then at least the 3 weakest areas have been addressed.

I don't know what they're paying at QPR, but I wonder if there's any chance we could nab Ryan Manning off them. I know he's been linked with some PL and Championship clubs, but there's been no movement yet. He's been frozen out at QPR, due to the contract stand off. Best as a left back and also decent playing left midfield.

Jesus christ. Just imagine, he'd be one of our top earners nowadays. ?