The Times report on Rafa's meeting with G&T...

[lfc4ever]

Excellent news, here's hoping we can attract the players that matter to Rafa now, then there will be no excuses, I really hope we don't blow this chance that has come our way though, I hope we can say it's a matter of when rather than if from now on!

A sad symptom of the modern game though isn't, it's how big your wallet is that matters to be able to win the league, ah well, onwards & upwards.

[The Glove]

Hicks and Gillett know that it will take money to make money. making money in football means winning stuff and we wont win stuff unless they give usmoney first. Its win win.

[kurtangle01]

Excellent news, here's hoping we can attract the players that matter to Rafa now, then there will be no excuses, I really hope we don't blow this chance that has come our way though, I hope we can it's a matter of when rather than if from now on!

A sad symptom of the modern game though isn't, it's how big your wallet is that matters to be able to win the league, ah well, onwards & upwards.

With GH in charge I would be worried about where the money was being spent but not with Rafa. He's done reasonably well with what he's had thus far and would definitely spend any new wisely IMHO. He knows as well as anyone that this is his big chance to take us the next step. I'd expect him to takes his chance and make us realistic title contenders. Ideally we will win the title next season but as long as he keeps us in the title race until the very end we can't really ask for much more.

[Craig_H]

Not sure how much i'd pay attention to this article. One of our co chairmen has been quoted as saying the new stadium would begin being built next month. Yet this article states July.

So, doesnt fill me with confidence that this journalist knows much more than we do on the topic.

[REDSCOUSER]

Villa to sign hopefully
Alves as well
And lets throw Et'o for good measure


Am allowed to dream, no senor ?

[Shaggy]

Not sure how much i'd pay attention to this article. One of our co chairmen has been quoted as saying the new stadium would begin being built next month. Yet this article states July.

So, doesnt fill me with confidence that this journalist knows much more than we do on the topic.

Yeah it's full of the usual spin but I don't think the fact that Rafa is happy with how the meeting went should be sniffed at.

[kurtangle01]

Not sure how much i'd pay attention to this article. One of our co chairmen has been quoted as saying the new stadium would begin being built next month. Yet this article states July.

So, doesnt fill me with confidence that this journalist knows much more than we do on the topic.

I'm sure I heard today that preparatory work for the new stadium will start next month with a view the the building work starting in July so either way it could be right.

[AFII]

Looks like Alves will play for us next season then

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

I'm taking a wait and see approach on this one.

I really don't expect Rafa to spend an awful lot, even if the money is avalible. I'd be very happy with Voronin, Alves and Simao for example with the remaining deadwood going.

All this talk of Eto'o and Villa is ridiculous.

[Craig_H]

I'm sure I heard today that preparatory work for the new stadium will start next month with a view the the building work starting in July so either way it could be right.

Hmmm, maybe you're right mate. Hope so.

So it's Ronaldinho, Villa and Eto'o this summer then?

[Craig_H]

I'm taking a wait and see approach on this one.

I really don't expect Rafa to spend an awful lot, even if the money is avalible. I'd be very happy with Voronin, Alves and Simao for example with the remaining deadwood going.

All this talk of Eto'o and Villa is ridiculous.

Voronin, Alves and Simao wouldnt be anywhere near enough.

[AFII]

I wouldn't be surprised if Rafa gets £70m+ to spend if that is what it will cost to sign the three-four special players plus a few quality young players.

Alves
Richards
Dos Santos
Huntelaar/Villa
Ribery

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

Voronin, Alves and Simao wouldnt be anywhere near enough.

Why?

[Rocket]

Why?

think we need more strikers than that, thats just two decent wingers

adding one striker to our sqaud still leaves us too week i think

[kurtangle01]

I wouldn't be surprised if Rafa gets £70m+ to spend if that is what it will cost to sign the three-four special players plus a few quality young players.

Alves
Richards
Dos Santos
Huntelaar/Villa
Ribery

On what basis do you compile most of your list of players when only a few have been linked?