You sure its 3 not less? Thats a big blow that not many of us noticed. I do remember him getting the red in the last match. What a shame.

Well they are a Bundesliga side 7 days from their first league game so we are a week behind in terms of preparation and I think its alright, irrespective of the numbers. We have about 10 days to iron out the details. Two things Ive noticed: 1. Tugay hasnt played too much of a role in pre-season. 2. Bentley has played central midfield in most of the games . Also did Lucas play central defense today?

Bundesliga? Or the second division?

I dont think the numbers have gone up on last year. Hmm...I just wonder whether they have dropped because overall, I dont think the casual fan would have been enticed by our summer's activity till now.

I agree and will add that the key to our staying in the top 6 or pushing further will be the number of goals scored by MGP and Reid from midfield (obviously any other goalscoring midfielders are welcome).

The guy certainly seems the loyal type but wait till Spurs come in for him next season!

Yes and Barcelona! Well my point is that only the big big fish can compete for the players of these clubs, and we stood no chance, other than for squad players at Lazio or Fiorentina.

Hmm...Yes but nonetheless, Juve have lots of players, yet only a handful moved on, and only to Real and Inter.

Hmm...I have yet to see how the scandal has affected Rovers! And all of Juves top players, the ones that left, joined the big fish of Euro football like I had thought!

Somehow I dont figure some "exotic" English players moving the other way to Spain and play for Valencia!

Better in pre-season than in a months time and we all know Sparky is smart enough to rectify mistakes that he saw tonight. Heck, it might even mean more money needing to be spent. Either way, I dont mind a drubbing in pre-season if it means we learn something from it.

Oh Damien...

"mis-guided"...Thats an understatement Lee!

I will bet with anyone that they will win the league again this season, and no it isnt because of the players, but the coach. Im sure there are coaches out there, top ones even, who would screw up even with Chelsea's squad.

Not if you consider they will probably have the best squad in there, even if loads of their players leave.

They wont get relegated but I dont think they will get promoted either.

If Milan havent been relegated, they should be champions but theyll give it to cheap ol Inter...

philipl, I just dont see us signing any of Juventus' players... Id give you a cheers if we do!

Question is will Mark be interested in the local boy! I wouldnt mind having him in our squad!

So lets list their key players: Buffon, Zambrotta, Fabio Cannavaro, Thuram, Emerson, Vieira, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Zlatan, etc...Do you think we will be the only side who would be interested? No bigger fish around?

We wont even come close to their top players. There are bigger vultures flying around.

Javad Nekounam of Iran has joined Osasuna (4th place in La Liga) on a Bosnam, signing a 2 year deal with option for 3rd. He was the number 6 central midfielder who played the opening 2 games of the WC.

Im disappointed that we havent ever been linked with Gera.

I dont like this business of stripping titles and handing them over to other teams. It doesnt even feel like it was "won".

Monetary business yes, sporting business, yet to be seen.