I don't know, but that would only count for players going to France rather than coming from there (I think).
Could be worse we could be arsenal they've just signed a 17 year old keeper from the Macedonian league
Very true. In my opinion, we don't have sufficient squad depth to mount a serious European campaign and still do well in the league. In his heart of hearts, I reckon Pardew will be relieved if we get knocked out of the Europa Cup at the group stages so he can focus on the league, not to mention the League and FA Cups. I haven't checked this, but apparently with the new tv rights deal, the team that finishes 10th this season will still earn more than the champions Man City did last season, leading to ever more desperate attempts to stay in the league. For me, the worst thing is the failure to sign a forward to cover for Ba and Cisse. Shola? He sprains his ankle getting out of bed.
My biggest fear is that Pardew believes his own hype too much. He used to be a right arrogant twert, toned it down a bit, but now I wonder if the old Pards has resurfaced. 5th place is gonna be much more of a miracle than it was last season - Chelsea cannot finish below us, it's impossible, and we're now markedly weaker than the 4 who already finished above us. Liverpool, Everton and even Stoke, QPR and Swansea have strengthened significantly. I fear this is going to be a bit of a damp squib.
It's a bloody kop out, no ambition, no hope we had a poor squad last year outside our top 11, this year it's even worse. Fat mike is laughing all the way to the bank
Why will the management team need to "look at it again in Jan" surely if they feel no need to strengthen now, then they must be satisfied with the situation as it stands, and if that is the case then I would have thought there would be no need to look again (except for long term injury cover), and if it's not the case then now is the time we need to strengthen the squad. ACON Jan 2013 will we be relying on the "Ginga Ninja" as a sub for Ameobi, at end of Dec we have Manure (a) then Arsenal (a) then Everton (h) as good as his potential is I do not feel it would be fair to him to be pitched at that level yet. Perhaps we gave MA a fright last season by almost finishing higher than his beloved Spuds.
i agree with all above-but will just wait to be proven wrong once again as always seems to be the case. one i am pi**ed about is debuchy-don't understand the logic in not paying the extra mil and get rid of simpson-rather than not and losing simpson for free-brainless business seemingly
Oh, and one more thing. We spent the ENTIRE Summer "chasing" Debuchy, a right back. We then lose Raylor, a right back. Then Pardew claims he is happy with Tav and Perch for cover. That. Makes. No. Sense. At. All.
Woah - popped back to 606 to see what's happening and can't believe how much negativity is on here tonight. Did I miss something? What happened to the 'keeping our feet on the ground'?
You could be standing next to a sand dune. Or be holding a bucket of sand, which you could potentially bury your head in. Lots of possibilities!
