Torres' goal today...

[Craig_H]

We've been here before re-read the squad costs thread and tell you'd rather Richie Partridge (in League 2) rather than Jermaine Pennant.

I dont think the difference in their respective levels of contribution would be overly noticable. Or rather, i dont think Pennant is sufficiently better enough than RP to justify sacrificing a top class signing, ala Torres.

[Skillz]

Insua to replace Riise and Finnan can do another season. Worse case scenario if he cant, Arbeloa is there and with Agger, Skrtel and Hyypia also available, Carra can be used at RB where necessary.

I agree. If we want to play 4-2-3-1 and win the league though I believe we need Alves (or the like?). In other words we need one very attacking fullback with pace at least. Insua needs a year to bed in also and prove his ability at this level.

Let's wait and see what Rafa does first because I think he is selling Alonso to help make funds for another position and with Barry might surprise us with a player who is more effective. From what I have seen he will improve our dead ball play, something we very badly need.

[El Jefecito]

I dont think the difference in their respective levels of contribution would be overly noticable. Or rather, i dont think Pennant is sufficiently better enough than RP to justify sacrificing a top class signing, ala Torres.

Well at this point, we part ways. Your just arguing for the sake of it now.

[Craig_H]

I agree. If we want to play 4-2-3-1 and win the league though I believe we need Alves (or the like?). In other words we need one very attacking fullback with pace at least. Insua needs a year to bed in also and prove his ability at this level.

Let's wait and see what Rafa does first because I think he is selling Alonso to help make funds for another position and with Barry might surprise us with a player who is more effective. From what I have seen he will improve our dead ball play, something we very badly need.

Alves would be a lovely signing, and if we hadnt gone around buying people like Leto, Gonzalez, Pennant etc for a total of close to £15m, we might not have struggled to find the extra £3m required to sign Alves back in the day. Been and gone now, i'd like to see us stop making those mistakes though.

As for Insua, he may need to bed in a little, but that can be achieved with more first team experience. In the meantime, you have Aurelio (fitness permitting) who can do the job well.

Naturally, rafa may well surprise us this summer, so we wait with baited breath. It certainly WOULD be a surprise to me, that's for sure.

[Skillz]

Where have i suggested paying £20m for a £10m player?

My point is and sorry for not pointing it out is, Rafa may see a particular player that will make the difference for us and be able to sign him for 10M. Your OP suggests we need more 20M players which may not necessarily be true.

In otherwords we have to back Rafa in what he is doing and also understand the financial restraints he is under this summer. IMO Masher's fee was spent from this summers budget, therefore he doesn't have a lot left.

[Craig_H]

Well at this point, we part ways. Your just arguing for the sake of it now.

Isnt it a bit arrogant to assume that, just because i hold a different opinion, i must be 'arguing for the sake of it' ? I find that offensive to be honest.

Maybe i just DO hold that opinion?

[Craig_H]

My point is and sorry for not pointing it out is, Rafa may see a particular player that will make the difference for us and be able to sign him for 10M. Your OP suggests we need more 20M players which may not necessarily be true.

In otherwords we have to back Rafa in what he is doing and also understand the financial restraints he is under this summer. IMO Masher's fee was spent from this summers budget, therefore he doesn't have a lot left.

No, my main point is that we need top class players, instead of mediocre ones (who are invariably cheaper).

Normally, a top class player will cost you about £20m or so these days. If we can get one for £10m, excellent. Get two of them!

[Guest]

Isnt it a bit arrogant to assume that, just because i hold a different opinion, i must be 'arguing for the sake of it' ? I find that offensive to be honest.

Maybe i just DO hold that opinion?

Do you live in Surrey / Berkshire / Middlesex ?

[Craig_H]

Do you live in Surrey / Berkshire / Middlesex ?

What does that have to do with the price of fish, Craig Bellamy or Wayne Rooney?

[Guest]

What does that have to do with the price of fish, Craig Bellamy or Wayne Rooney?

I'm offering you a pint eventually if I make it there at the end of the year.

Really though. We could bring along these discussion there ...

[Craig_H]

I'm offering you a pint eventually if I make it there at the end of the year.

Really though. We could bring along these discussion there ...

I'm not sure i could comfortably drink something you'd bought me, for fear of poisoning or the less serious 'starting to talk nonsense' disease i'd most likely catch.

[Reece]

Basically Fredo is conducting his internet grooming.

[Roboklopp]

How many "£20m" players are out there available? THere's 2 at Valencia alone I'd welcome for a start.

If we dont have the money tho, we dont have the money.

[Guest]

I'm not sure i could comfortably drink something you'd bought me, for fear of poisoning or the less serious 'starting to talk nonsense' disease i'd most likely catch.

I like you anyway. Good to have a decent discussion going even if we don't share the same views. Life would be boring if we'd agree on everything.

And no, I won't be poisoning you.

[Guest]

Basically Fredo is conducting his internet grooming.

Yes yes I am ... DJS is a 'big fish'.