Doaksie

We concede goals, but we are pretty damn good at scoring them. This side rarely has me worried that we won't score again. Enjoy the ride. There will be ups and downs but enjoy the ride. Football is back.

1 each

I'm minded to recall Martin 'Tiny' Taylor, and Souness's numerous inferences that he could be an England international if he added that elusive physicality, a 'nasty streak' if you will. If Graeme Souness can't drag that aggression out of you, it isn't there. And if it isn't there, it can't be taught.

Just as a pointer on the argument that we needed the signings in early to hit the ground running; I'm not convinced, whoever we sign, that the line-up against Ipswich will contain any of the new recruits. Perhaps one. I think Mowbray wants to phase the new players in slowly. Rightly or wrongly. Off the back of a successful promotion season, I don't think he wants to change it too much. Try and reward the lads who got us here. Ingratiating too many new players can have the opposite effect. Coming off a season of struggle, it may work better. I'm not suggesting this is preferable, or dumbing down any expectations. I just don't think it's the unmitigated disaster that some seem to think.

Although it was at home, the goal he scored at Ewood against Wigan springs to mind in that line-up. Another option.

Graham up top, with Arma, Dack and Palmer behind. Lots of variety in that supporting trio, and if allowed to switch and change, the potential to really hurt teams. Some actual competition for Graham would be nice.

Has Rafa nibbled at the D list bait, like a malnourished little pescado? Arma is/was never a D-lister.

If it's happening, really hope it's a permanent deal. Would be a great show of intent. He knows the players around him, gels in the changing room. Very good signing. Nicko seems to commit himself when deals are very close, as if he has known all along. I think this one has legs.

Tugay was a player and a half - does that count?

Good to get Palmer over the line, but a bit of an anti-climax after the social media push. Imagine what they would stretch out of a contracted, seven figure forward? Hopefully we find out.

Is there a thread yet for the agent involvement in this announcement....

We've had worse in recent seasons. That 'turbo green' number being one example. It can't have taken long around the design table right enough; "So, yellow, all agreed?"

I actually meant Davenport with Bennett. It's been a long day! Kind of highlights the point though. I have a sneaky feeling Whitingham will offer more this year in this division also. You could throw Tomlinson and Travis's names in the ring as adequate cover also. A nice problem for Tony.

You could make a case for all 4 of them. And even more at a push. I can't recall the last time we had that luxury in the centre of the pitch.

Graham up top, Palmer, Dack and Arma behind. Davenport and Benno holding. I would be happy with that, but we do need a little more depth to it. Namely the man at the top of the tree.

Hope he isn't car-sharing with Roy Keane.

It sounds strange, almost confusing, but certainly not beyond the realms of possibility

Well that certainly explains the blinkered desire to sign him....

The difference being we are two different clubs. He can be a good signing for Bolton, and not a great one for us. They're not mutually exclusive. We have different priorities. We already have Dack, meaning they don't, and need an attacking central player more than us. If Bolton's business so far was a 4, and ours a 3 (for arguments sake), theirs is better than ours, but still not exactly a level to be excited about. One could argue they have done better than us so far, whilst still being underwhelmed by their business. Anyway, they bought Lowe, so that dwarfs any semantics! We win by default.

Davenport 'does a Bell'. Tired bodies lead to tired minds, in the midst of a fitness push in pre season. Understandable the quality has shone through in the end. Can see another couple, but will do no harm. And at best focus a few minds as to how short we are.

Very slack from Bell. I know the natural assumption is he comes into the side this year. Can't see it. Del is one of Tony's foot soldiers.

Good workout against a very fit Liverpool side. There is a Danny Graham shaped hole as an outlet, but more worryingly, an Adam Armstrong shaped one on the flank.

Well, Dack isn't a forward. At all. Not that there was any doubt. If Samuel isn't played in the central role with us this desperate - he never will be. Ewood looks beautiful in the setting summer sun

Ryan Kent - I think that's what they called Steve Kean in China. As others have alluded to, including Mowbray, loans of this ilk are a last resort. Telling if he joins.

What would be better than a Russian victory for England? A Russian victory after extra time. Another 30 minutes for either side tonight is just another little element going England's way.