Hackney has said no to Ipswich so Boro might not have the funds...

Game has changed since Kargbo, Gueye and Alebiosu have come on. Look much better without Ohashi leading the line and Montgomery getting roasted.

Feel sorry for DeNeve getting lumped in with Hedges already by some.

Assume he's just not fully fit yet and they daren't risk him with Brittain leaving and Miller being injured.

Ohashi fluffing two gilt edged chances and Montgomery being roasted for both their goals the difference between the sides today. How anyone can watch Hedges continually lose the ball and duck out of challenges and not think he needs replacing is beyond me.

So it seems.

He doesn't have the pace to run in behind against Championship CBs. He's a Solskjaer - good finisher, good movement and composed. Ferguson didn't start him much either.

I'd sell him for a 6'+ do it all CF with pace - as with our wide players our #9 is going to have to create all his own goals. As that's not going to happen I'd hold onto him.

I don't think we had one for Qatar SC either. Obviously someone had scrambled to dust one off from storage for Elche.

Almost felt sorry for him, but then you remembered he's a massive knob.

Better be a bloody fantastic winger.

Kieffer Moore is a pretty handy player at this level.

Yes, if they get service.

We'll need it 'cos no fucker can put in a good corner.

I mean I'm as anti-Venkys as the next guy, but I don't really give af about a preseason game potentially not being televised. There are other hills to die on - like the home shirt, the lack of investment in the squad, the low season ticket sales etc etc.

Less than inspiring reviews of Miller. Granted most people don't know what they're looking at, but still.

BRFC are short of money. Our owners aren't.

I know these are song lyrics, but the ability to run seems to be #1 on Ismael's priority list.

Is he the best RB in the league? Perhaps he is on the ball. I don't think he is off the ball.

Rigg? Hackney? They weren't stolen before they could sign a pro contract like Phillips, Finneran and now potentially Tyjon.

Bullshit I assume - but how can Boro / Sunderland consistently get tens of millions for their talent and we can't? B

Like Ipswich and co before them - it's crazy how a PL promotion just catapults you into a different stratosphere financially. Sunderland are spending massive.

I'm on the fence. Long term we're obviously fucked because the owners refuse to employ competent people and refuse to fund the club. As for this summer, I'm pleased there's at least a plan. We've signed 3 players that are better athletes than the players they've replaced, which is what Ismael's system requires. Forshaw remains a weird signing. I can see us having a season similar to JDTs first season here, without perhaps the top end results (sitting well within the Playoffs for most of the season - we simply don't have the quality or quantity upfront). We'll either win or lose with this high intensity, pressing style. I don't think we'll draw many.

I must be the only one that thinks Delap is a donkey - well besides Chelsea who have immediately recruited over him.

He wants first team football - when everyone's fit he'd be 5th choice. Can't see that one coming off.