Yeah, very realistic that one T4E He's doing great over in Norway these days, with Viking Stavanger close to relegation for the first time in yonks.

How about it? We've been linked with just about every manager there is now. We are not going for either of those, they are not high profile enough (Dowie) or not good enough (McCarthy). After thinking about it since yesterday, I've come to the conclusion that with the current candidates I think maybe the french "git" Houllier may be the best option. There are still a few worries about him though, as there are with all candidates IMO. He's not the best motivator. At the end of his tenure he had managed to remove any hint of self belief from several players, such as Owen, Riise, Kewell, Baros. He also doesn't tend to play attractive football. But we have to remember what he's achieved at Liverpool. It is quite impressive, and he probably went past his sell by date there a bit like Souness did here. At the moment I can't see a better option that would be realistic, but that's sure to change by tomorrow or the day after.

Whoever it is they have to have experience or be a fans favourite. They have to operate with a limited budget, and they must be advocates of a attractive, attacking football as it is a policy of the club to play entertaining football. So we won't see the likes of George Graham, Neil Warnock or Egil Olsen etc... We also won't see people who love to splash the cash, I'd imagine. So that should rule out Hoddle, Houllier, Dalglish (he wouldn't come anyway). JW will probably be aware of the need for more competent man-management as well. Can't see us going for a european name. It's likely to be british. I think the following are the only realistic candidates: - Mark Hughes or Mike Newell (for the fans, not experience) - Walter Smith or Peter Reid (recommended by Souness) - Strachan or an unknown applicant (don't understand what all the hype about the little scot is though. His record is not exactly impressive. Being funny is not enough.) I'm holding out for the unknown applicant, as none of the names put forward appear to be either a: exciting or b: realistic with the exception of maybe Newell and Hughes who IMO have a lot to prove. Whoever it is, I'm prepared to give a fighting chance before writing him off (unless it's Hoddle of course!).

...bloody hell. That was my reaction as well. It seems like yesterday that he was this young, up-and-coming, future international. I guess it seems like that because the last time we saw him play was so long ago . Oi! 27 is just right. It's the perfect age, I tell you!

Overall it is a better squad, naturally, as we have signed 5 players and sold 2, but we are weaker up front.

You can say what you like about Bothroyd, no matter how little you know about him, the fact of the matter is after tonight the status is: Out: lazy old expensive waster Yorke In: promising young and fast fast loanee Bothroyd I know which one I would prefer.

It's certainly a name that inspires belief in turning an enthralling story into a multi-million pound success...

Graeme Souness profile on Soccernet by Dale Johnson I think it is either updated or new. Anyway it was a pretty good read.

wtf are you on? We have 2pts out of 4 games Voooooooommmmmmmmm!

Pretty obvious handball there by Saha, nothing to do about the terrible refereeing is there? Thought we were good today apart from Amoruso who was his usual self, and Yorke of course... Even Emerton was good. MGP needs more time, clearly a bit awe-struck. Stead was excellent, he must have been taken off because he'd run himself into the ground? Matteo was much better at LB, than anywhere else he's played. Got to be happy with a point, as it turned out. All hail big Brad! Oh and five subs and a red card, should have been 3 mins not 4

Has it been mentioned anywhere that Thommo will play? If not then I don't understand why everyone is predicting him to start the game.. I think we'll line up the same as wednesday, except Fergy for Matteo obviously, and possibly Gamst Pedersen slotting in at left mid instead of Gresko. If Amoruso is fit then Souness will probably play him from the start. He will then yet again drop Nissa after a good performance... So unfair on the lad. Hopefully the bench will feature young Gallagher.

Its not all about age you know. They must have some quality as well....

What a great idea. In fact if anyone is on the phone to Deadwood Park at the moment... HANG UP! It could be that Didier Dechamps is right this moment trying to get through, to finalise his switch to East Lancs. I wasn't speculating whether he would come, dingleboy. He fits the desciption of a manager I'd like to see in charge of the club, and now that you mention it, it's not entirely unlikely he would come, as the wage in this football land is a great deal better than most other places. But you're probably right, he'd most likely end up at a big club like Tottenham or Middlesbrough if he were ever to come to England...

Harford was just like Kidd though, an excellent coach with the respect of the players, who couldn't cut it as manager. I'm also sceptical about Shearer, the last thing we need is another manager with an ego the size of Souness'... If the decision was mine, I'd go for someone with tactical nous, and the ability to motivate/communicate with the players in a respectful manner. Didier Deschamps would be my choice.

Well, for one he teaches his players how too excel at what they are best at, but most importantly gives them faith in their own ability and gives them CONFIDENCE. He also seems to know exactly how his team are meant to play, and never sways from his beliefs. He's a man on a mission.

I'm pretty sure, on the past two games performances, that we will start with Fergy and Tugay in midfield on saturday. Clearly a much more sensible option, but not exactly an option today. If we could get MGP or De Pedro to fit in and play left mid, Emerton to be replaced by Thommo then yes, it does look better for the immediate future. And if Souness is prepared to play Gresko ahead of Flitcroft, Douglas etc in central midfield, I would welcome the signing of Coridon, even if I've never seen him play.

Yes indeed! Please give it a rest now folks. It's never even been funny. Just the sad sad truth.

Credit where credit is due, we played well first half, then poorly in the second. Still a game of two halves tho. Like everyone else said, Gresko and Matteo in central midfield? Poo on you Sou! Hadn't expected to get something from the game, but after the 2nd half performance I was left with a bitter taste in the mouth despite the good first half. Nissa was very good for 75% of the game, Tugay for about the same, Neill decent first 45, Stead and Dickov were ok but both half a pace off the action. Stead because he's not regained his super form of last season yet, Dickov because thats about as good as he gets. Emerton was shocking again. Gresko was poor, despite my high hopes for him playing left mid in the absence of a better alternative. Douglas would have been a much better alternative. Short had a terrible challenge on the edge of the box in the first half but after that was his usual good self, not very good nor was he poor. Friedel was ok, nothing he could have done to stop the goals. Gray was anonymous most of the game, at times getting a bit to far from the opposing player in dangerous situations. I thought Matteo was close to justifying his midfiled role in the first half but he really was terrible in the second half. So not the answer in that position. I can't understand where Gally is either... Surely he deserves a place in our current midfield?

Whoopee! Who reckons he'll debut against his favourite team (manure)?

If they are indeed coming to England tomorrow, no doubt the deal will be done tomorrow before the game, Gamstn will be in the stands along with JW and the TIL board members at the game. It's not as if they are coming here for a week long negotiation. Just to sign the papers.

No WP needed. Have none of you lot played CM? Seriously though, Norway are part of the EEC (Euro Economic Communion or somesuch). Certainly not the EMU, but almost the EU, just even more crap. EDIT: In other words: No work permit is needed.

He winked at me too. Is this really the type of player we want. He seems too friendly. We need to lessen the hostility in the dressing room - get some love in there.

Talks are ongoing and they are positive, according to TIL. They are pleased with the progress and they want to reach an agreement. The negotiations will probably continue until the end of the week, but I'm pretty sure he will sign now that he's agreed a deal with us and his club are obviously prepared to sell him. If we bothered to go back with an improved offer then we are not going to give up over the installment details...

MGP stats: Started all 18 league games since 12th April this year. 9 league goals 4 league assists 2 yellow cards Appeared in 3 cup games, started all games. 3 cup goals Played 11 friendlies 7 goals Caps 2004: 5 2 goals U21 caps 2004: 4 4 goals

Not a done deal yet.. New proposition sent to Blackburn tonight. We're going to have to up the ante me thinks.