Agree that we had to sell him, as he did not want to play for us any longer. However Hughes planned to build the team around him (before he stated he wanted to leave). In Ferguson's book, he mentions how Hughes told him to f off when he stated that he wanted to go.

Not very difficult though I guess, we have a complete lack of quality in most areas.... That said, Ferguson was class against a decent Spurs side yesterday.

He was decent yesterday against Spurs. "I don't want to defend myself or sound arrogant but when Souness left, Mark Hughes wanted to build the team around me.

He has signed Diouf and Givet, so far, who have both been improvements on what we have got. Givet in particular looks a class act. Personally, I am excited about who we may sign in the summer, even though as usual it will be difficult considering we have little/no cash!! As for the style of football, picking up points is the name of the game. Fair enough if we points to games ratio under Sam was not top 8 standard, some could have a go, but some of the sniping is nothing short of ridiculous.

Detractors, are you relating that comment to Big Sam? If so, what has he done wrong exactly?

Agree, he is one of the few players we have with genuine quality. Yes, he can be frustrating to watch, but conversely goalscorers can be hard to find, especially when you only have a few quid to spend.

Barton has obviously got major problems, not just with his temperament, but also with keeping fit. However, bearing in mind we have little/no money, I could understand if we go for him. Sam said when he bought Barton for Newcastle that he thought he could 'control' him. Plus I am not sure ability wise there will be better options out there for us. If we can keep him fit and out of jail, we will have a very good player on our books. As others have said, if a suitable structured deal could be put in place, then I would not be against it... Lot of ifs there!

Blackburn's manager, Sam Allardyce, signed Barton for Newcastle almost two years ago from Manchester City and is ready to offer him another fresh start.

I can see why people are saying sell Santa, but January is so difficult to buy real quality, plus prices are over inflated (for buying a replacement). Especially when trying to buy a striker who can score goals at this level and who will be willing to come to a club in the bottom 3. If it was the summer, I would say sell him because it suits all parties.

Not sure who the apparent club spokesman is: Benni not match fit and overweight

Its not Nicko's fault we have had a horrendous summer.

That is what I was questioning - don't understand....

?????

Point that I was making was that we had an ok season, considering we could not defend or take corners.

True. If only we sorted that aspect of our game out last season, we would have finished in the top 4......

I always stated that when Hughes and his coaching staff were to leave BRFC, we would realise how good they were. This is not a dig at Ince, but I fear he has a very tough task to continue/replicate the work Hughes did. Hughes: "My management team is the best in the Premier League. I would back them against anybody.

For you Lucash lovers..........

We will struggle to find anyone who can spend money as wisely as Hughes. As Sparky said, he cannot keep pulling rabbits out of the hat. It is impossible to keep finding really good bargains. Therefore, we will struggle, especially in this ultra competitive environment.

Before Hughes took over, I had a nightmare over Dowie becoming our manager. Those were tense days...

For those who need their fix of Sparky, he is on Sky Sports One just now as a pundit in the studio (he seems to be doing more pundit work recently on tv). Real Madrid are playing Levante (will be an end of season celebration for Real, as last home match and they have won the title).

Maybe worth the risk, but not sure if it my heart or my head making my decision. However, at 29 years old, injuries may have taken their toll on him.

Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz was carried off the field in the 21st after a hard tackle by Aaron Mokoena.

Hughes recent comments about most of our play going out right to Bentley might have had something to do with it.......

I have always rated Zurab. Classy defender, who has played well on the majority of occasions when asked. However, to reach his full potential, he needs a long run of games in the Premiership. I was about to say, which he will never get. But with Nelsen out for a while, he should get a chance.