Liverpool Banter Archive May 31 2015

31 May 2015 21:49:39
What's going on with these stories today we have apparently activated Vietto's clause, and also in talks over Lacazette.

I'm not saying I believe either story as that would certainly be too good to be true. nothing further has materialised with the Clyne and Kovacic stories so they may well be completely fabricated too.

I think I'll stop reading them for a week.

01 Jun 2015 06:58:11
if i remember correctly, all this clause thing is only applicable for teams in the country. and lfc is from england.

31 May 2015 18:55:36
Hi eds is it true Liverpool will speak to Ings this week to agree personal terms?

{Ed002's Note - I really don't know. They certainly can.}

01 Jun 2015 13:50:36
I am sure Rodgers want to tell Ings all his plans about playing him at Left wing back.

31 May 2015 17:26:31
If possible eds i was hoping one of you may be able to give me better understanding of what a transfer committee are responsible for?
As name suggests i guess some of it is a give away, but i don't have a good understanding at all?
Would really appreciate it
thanks

{Ed002's Note - Rodgers will have discussed the players he would like to bring in with the transfer committee throughout the season and scouts will bring other names to the table via Barry Hunter and Dave Fallows. These would all be looked at by Michael Edwards and his team and perhaps then a refined list could be considered. Whether this process will still be in place in the summer or not I don't know, but certainly the view point of the likes of these people will be important if it is. When it comes to the financial side and any approaches to other clubs it will be up to Mr Ayre to investigate the availability of players negotiate with FSG and subsequently agents and clubs.

Clubs will typically informally ask an agent (a) if the player is going to be available, and (b) would the player consider a move to the club. There may be some broad discussion on the sort of deal that would be offered. If the answer is yes, it is then necessary for the club to approach the player's club to ask if they would be willing to sell and if they would grant permission to speak to a player's agent and possibly even the player about actually making a move. This will typically involve either broadly (through an offer) or actually agreeing a fee and responsibility for any significant costs (agents fees etc.). Once this has happened the club will be able to speak to the player's agent and perhaps the player himself to look at the package that will be involved. Many players are looked at and discussed at a high-level with agents and clubs; a subset of those have an offer placed; a subset of those involve discussions with the player's club; a subset of those involve discussions over terms, and; a subset of those go ahead.}

31 May 2015 18:19:54
Wow!
Thanks very much ed02. That really helps. I appreicate it.
Like you always ask for people not to ask about money. i get a better idea of how complicated it is.
cheers

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

31 May 2015 23:36:59
Does Rodgers always have last say? Or can he get out-voted? I've always heard conflicting interpretations of this, e.g. 'Rodgers always has the last say' vs 'Balotelli and Sakho were committee signings that Rodgers didn't prefer'.

{Ed002's Note - It is consensus based and he would be able to stop something going ahead - quite frankly, I would think Balotelli was the signing to appease the fans - another lesson to be learned.}

01 Jun 2015 00:08:48
By not stopping the Balo deal from happening, he has in turn, made it happen hence, should bear the responsibility for it. I don't believe signings should be made based on consensus or compromise because that is a recipe for failure as we now know because there is no individual that can really be held accountable even tho we all know that the buck stops with the manager. If Balo had panned out, BR would be all over the media taking all the credit so he should be taking the blame for it as well if we follow that logic.

31 May 2015 14:43:22
Just to make absolutely clear I want Jurgen Klopp to be our new manager. If we can get Jurgen in at Anfield I feel it would be the best news that we have had since FSG took over the club.

If FSG get Jurgen then I will stand by him and FSG 100% and I promise that you will get no criticism from me even if things don't work out straight away.

Klopp is the guy to get I am sure. He would be the biggest investment we can make this summer short of cloning Shanks.

{Ed002's Note - And if it is someone else?}

31 May 2015 14:55:35
If it's anyone else, he's going to throw his toys out the pram and start a hate campaign about how much FSG put into their own pockets(which afaik they don't).

31 May 2015 15:38:46
Hi ed 02 ! Your replies about new manager tells me that you know something about this matter that the media & we don't ? Can u please give us some shed of light ? or more hints !?

laundrap or villas boas or van de boer ??? am I guessing too much ?!

{Ed002's Note - All I am aware of Collins is that (a) Liverpool has a manager, (b) over the past 9 months the footballing side of the club has been subject to scrutiny from the top to the bottom, (c) many changes have been made, (d) Liverpool has made no approach to Klipperty at this time but if they were to move Rodgers on he will be one option they will probably consider. They take advice from third party advisors and I am aware of a different name being suggested (that won't happen). I am also aware of the efforts of a "super agent" to try and foist someone else on them - but that manager now seems secure in his job. There are also a couple of others that should not be discounted.

Whatever happens with the manager will not have a major impact with the transfer plans - I have explained that life goes on regardless.

Maybe if there is a new manager he will want to bring someone with him from Benfica, West Ham, Zenit or wherever, but life has to go on regardless.}

31 May 2015 15:55:12
Good guaranga if we get Sam Allerdyce I will shoot myself.

31 May 2015 16:27:19
If we get allardyce then I'd drown myself in the Mersey

31 May 2015 16:29:02
I'm guessing that ........

{Ed002's Note - No.}

31 May 2015 16:39:43
So Klopp, VB, Jesus or Big Sam (lol)?

31 May 2015 16:40:02
Ed2, I saw you mention Laurent Blanc had been suggested by someone (a third party, was it? Or an agent?) is he who you refer to in there?
Also could you be a real pal and mention a name or two "who shouldn't be discounted" or am I pushing it? Thanks ed2!

{Ed002's Note - There is no secret that someone was looking to push LB in the direction of Liverpool - but he is secure (at least for now). There is no point getting in to other names right now.}

31 May 2015 16:41:40
The decision on Rodgers to stay will be given on Thursday

31 May 2015 16:50:36
Eds either your subtle name drop of west ham is to wind us up or is partly accurate!

Would we entertain someone like big Sam if we were trying to get a dof in? Would he take our job under them circumstances ie coach the players that's it. And someone takes over the majority of manager duties (transfers, academy etc) and I suppose there every chance he would accept all fsg demands because there is no way in he'll he.is going to get any other top jo, (Chelsea, city, untied, arsenal)

It would be us or Sunderland.

I for one do not want Brendan ti go ananywere, but I could see Sam doing a good job if it was just coaching and he accepted he needed to coach an attacking stlyr of play and just tell the dof no big number 9's haha

31 May 2015 17:09:45
Lerchy, why do you think Thursday??

31 May 2015 17:11:56
Is De Boer still being looked at?

{Ed002's Note - It is a year too soon and there are things going on with De Boer right now which strongly hint at him still being at Ajax next season.}

31 May 2015 17:14:49
She's winding you all up in case you didn't realise with the AVB and Fat Sam innuendo.

31 May 2015 17:30:11
Notwithstanding his back operation


I am still keen on Ancelotti.

31 May 2015 17:30:32
Great in depth insight Eds. We can only guess who the other names are that have been suggested to you.

{Ed002's Note - I would rather you didn't bother.}

31 May 2015 17:53:09
Jorge Jesus would be a good option should Klopp not be keen on the move. Tactically great.

31 May 2015 18:34:18
Whoever we get, ed 002 will notify us before any oaers or journalists

{Ed002's Note - I will be travelling a great deal over the next month or so as it is a very busy time - if anything crops up I will try and say.

I am sure Macca will also help out if he can.}

31 May 2015 19:32:48
I say Klopp or no one!

31 May 2015 21:20:21
Klopp or emery I would be very happy

31 May 2015 21:26:55
Da red man, just a rumour I heard lad. Apparently this so called meeting is tomorrow and will conclude Wednesday. Again I must insist this is just a rumour from a friend so could very likely be bs

31 May 2015 23:43:12
"Whatever happens with the manager will not have a major impact with the transfer plans - I have explained that life goes on regardless."

So what you mean by this is that regardless of his future being in the air, Rodgers continues to look for new recruitments, and if those recruitments are almost done deals if he's sacked, the deals will continue to proceed anyway?

Sorry about asking such a tedious question, just making sure I'm correctly interpreting what you're saying.

{Ed002's Note - Managers like players are simply transient employees of the club. I have dealt with this over and over.}

01 Jun 2015 07:22:26
Lion, so if Klopp says no you don't want us to have a manager?
I think that's a little risky.

01 Jun 2015 10:48:20
riskier than keeping BR? i can't think of many riskier than that.

01 Jun 2015 10:51:40
Thanks Ed002. I know you've always dealt with it, I was just never sure if I correctly interpreted it.

31 May 2015 13:15:10
Papers reporting that Sterling wants to stay if Klopp becomes our new Manager.

For me I say we should get rid, any thought?

31 May 2015 14:06:46
Regardless of the manager situation, i would cash in on Sterling and use the funds to sign a quality striker and GK. The team needs a top striker and GK more than a 20 year old novice right now, and Klopp will want funds for new signings if he were to come to LFC. So selling Sterling seems to be the most logical thing to do considering the other unwanted players are unlikely to generate enough cash for the club's needs.

31 May 2015 14:13:55
Papers are making up stories. To be honest, then I wouldn´t be surprised if Klopp was to be at the helm of S.S.C Napoli next season.

31 May 2015 14:16:40
Get rid of whom, BR or Sterling? Obviously he is right on this one, we will not get anywhere with BR.

31 May 2015 14:22:03
Whoever is manager next season, sterling shouldn't be at the club.

31 May 2015 14:23:51
Either way got to go

31 May 2015 15:48:51
Why would Klopp come to Liverpool ? Let's face it,, we all want him,,, but we're crap

31 May 2015 16:25:29
We're not crap mate. Otherwise Ed002 wouldn't have such a high opinion of us 😅. Oh wait.

On a serious note, we have a big summer ahead. I just hope it goes well. Honestly think arsenal and Chelsea are going to kill it next year. City are going to fall a little. United will spend 200 million so they'll be good ish. I'm afraid we risk another very difficult season, but got to keep the faith. If BR stays we have no reason to worry about extra European games; we won't last in Europe because we will play 4 central defenders and 6 midfielders, with Mignolet the 11th man rotating from central defense to goal whenever possible. after the 3-0 loss, it will be an outstanding performance, we just lacked that wee bit of luck.

31 May 2015 17:54:11
I would honestly keep him but only if he wants to stay and continue to improve both his game and attitude.
I would also make him change agents, that guys made him look like a tool. Between him and Rodgers sterling has been made to look like a spoilt brat.
Liverpool (under a proper manager) is the perfect place for sterling to improve and get game time, he should stay.
I see little point in selling one of our better players to a rival for any amount of money.

31 May 2015 19:37:32
Spot on, Mickey! We are where we are with Sterling due to BR, the agent and the club's disgraceful conduct in the media and behind closed doors. To me, the boy has been taken advantage of and has made mistakes which vpcan b rectified but the bridges may have been burnt and we need to cash in now.

31 May 2015 20:49:23
I reckon Klopp will end up at Napoli, we'll be stuck with Rodgers and a season of struggling awaits us.

01 Jun 2015 00:22:19
It is not a case of either/or IMO. BR will be sacked regardless of Klopp's final destination and we will have a new manager even tho it may not be Klopp.

31 May 2015 12:47:41
I know everyone, including me, is impatient for news of, particularly, the manager situation, but the season has only just ended!

Klopp for example, still had a cup game yesterday.

I would expect confirmation, one way or another, on the manager situation in the next couple of weeks, as well as news on players during June as contracts come to an end.

If you ask my opinion, I expect (and hope) we would see Klopp, Ings and Milner coming in in the next 2-3 weeks.

31 May 2015 14:54:30
I wouldn't care if Liverpool signed no one, as long as we got Klopp in as the boss.

I think the squad we have(striker and backup GK aside) is good enough to challenge for the top four, in fact, it's definitely good enough to get into the top four.

Striker aside, I don't think we actually need to buy anyone. The defense is overloaded with CB's, RB's won't be a problem because we have Wisdom and Flanagan(he's injured yes I know), LB we have Moreno and Sahko can cover there is really needed.

We have plenty of Midfield options, Can, Henderson, Lucas, Rossiter, Coutinho, Allen and maybe even Lallana could play CM.
attacking midfielders(wingers which ever you prefer to call them) we have Ibe, Sterling, Markovic, Lallana and Coutinho can play there.

Striker wise we've got the depth, just not the quality. Lambert and Balotelli will most likely be sold in my opinion. Although Lambert was unfortunate not to get more games.

So, a backup GK and a striker would be all we really NEED.

However, with Mr.Excitable still in charge, we may see another 12 faces coming in.

31 May 2015 19:42:32
NSF, you are on the money. Our players as good as they are or can be, have been playing with no direction, strategy or cohesive system due to Mr Excitable and his doublespeak in motion. All we need to do is get in the right manager and the right two or three top players, we would be fine.

31 May 2015 12:34:53
Any truth in these Milner to Man Utd rumours? Surely he wouldn't be willing to go to their rivals would he?

31 May 2015 13:29:35
Why not? Dennis Law went from City to United (via Torino), then direct from United to City.

31 May 2015 17:28:12
Milner came from Leeds when he went to Aston Villa and stated when he went to city that he had somewhat the same offer from United but went to City cause of his love to Leeds, so i highly doubt it.

31 May 2015 20:49:44
I still don't think Milner is what we need, if he went to Man U, I wouldn't be fussed. The Leeds thing means nothing look at Alan Smith?

31 May 2015 11:35:59
Looks like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin not going to get much game time at Arsenal an improvement on Sterling will be a regular here.

31 May 2015 12:07:14
Injured

31 May 2015 12:21:59
He has just come back from injury it even said it on the commentary when he came on.

31 May 2015 12:33:06
It's a broad term !! Injured generally .

31 May 2015 09:20:13
Why are people worrying about us signing Benteke. If what the Eds believe is true we don't have the supposed £32 million for his release clause anyway.
I'd rather have another season of transition under Klopp than Rogers.
Clyne would be a good addition plus "frees" Milner, Ings, Kono, and purchasing a decent proven striker. That would be a good window for me.
I do however feel that as a club we are at a pivotal point between mediocrity and a regular top 4 challenge. We need the right staff in charge at the club. Then I believe things will correct themselves on the pitch. We will always have unhappy players not getting played but that's the beauty of a good man manager which Rogers isn't I'm assuming.

{Ed002's Note - I have not said anything about Benteke not being affordable.}

31 May 2015 09:59:46
Forgive my ignorance but I'd have thought we could only pay that kind of money for a player if we sold others but I would have thought the players that are potentially being sold by the club wouldn't come close to raising that kind of money.
For me it would represent a significant waste of our limited resources. Better players may be available for less money I feel. But I guess its convincing them to come. We aren't a particularly great prospect currently and we don't even have the draw of players such as Gerrard et al. We do tend to live in the past as a club and really we need to start looking forward and moving up that table.

{Ed002's Note - I am sure that the club will find a way to bring the fans the marquee signing they crave. Players will be sold and that will form the basis of what happens this summer from a financial perspective.}

31 May 2015 10:02:15
The "staff" issue is absolutely key, particularly in the broader sense, as we must seek to re-build bridges, respect and reputation

In terms of arresting the sporting decline, it seems obvious that Klopp is one of the best possible "fits" at this point in time

{Ed002's Note - That is based on what?}

31 May 2015 10:36:58
I never mentioned "marquee" signings. I just said better players may be available for less money in my humble opinion. I don't crave big names, I just want someone who'll fit the system and score goals. Suarez wasn't world class when we bought him although his potential was known.

I agree with wiwar1000 Klopp would seem a better "fit" at this point in time as Rogers isn't working out. He's had 3 years and by his own admission wants to be judged on his first 3 years. I think it's time for a change.

{Ed002's Note - Benteke would be that "marquee" signing. As for Klopp eing a "better fit", what the hell does that mean? Would Klopp be a better fit at Napoli? Would Napoli be a better fit for Klopp than Real Madrid? Would 6 months out and being eased in to the Bayern Munich jobe be better fit for Klopp than Liverpool?}

31 May 2015 10:40:58
Based on a number of things e.g. he's relatively young, which seems important to the owners, proven success at the very top levels, he has had to operate on a relatively meagre budget. He also comes across very well to boot.

{Ed002's Note - Sounds like a good fit for Napoli.}

31 May 2015 10:57:17
Klopp wouldn't do that to Dortmund would he? Join Munich 😞

{Ed002's Note - Why not?}

31 May 2015 11:03:35
Who's talking marquee signings? Because I'm not. And if such a thing existed, Benteke would not be classed so because he is unproven on a European/World stage. But what are the parameters to be a marquee player? I'm sure everyone's expectations are very different and in the eye of the beholder.
As for Klopp you're right, he'd fit anywhere because that's his job it doesn't necessarily mean he'd be successful. I think the point being made - barring semantics - is that a change is needed.

{Ed002's Note - You are going on about a striker who will cost Liverpool £32.5M plus all of the fees if they decide to rekindle interest and push for him - that would be the "marquee" striker. I did not realise that "marquee" needed proving on the European and World stage in order to get that title.}

31 May 2015 11:27:12
I don't get all this about us having meagre amounts of money, so should be looking for a transfer market wizard!
We are playing catchup with tomatoes because of the way the money has been spent.
LFC does not operate on a shoe string budget so why would we need to look at that as a quality for any new manager?
What we should be looking for is a manager who knows how to galvanise his players and get them to a level of consistent football. Someone who knows how to represent a top club, in a manner according. Someone who doesn't have to stroke their own ego every chance they get and most importantly, we need a manager. Not a coach square pegged into the position.
Is this person Jurgen Klopp? FSG knows?!

31 May 2015 11:55:34
A 'marquee' player would be a player that had consistently performed at the highest level,playing in a top team against top opposition for a number of seasons,price is irrelevant,lets not forget Andy Carrol!Would Sterling be considered a 'Marquee' signing by 'City'and would he command a higher fee than let's say Philip Lahm who i would consider a 'marquee' signing ! Milner,if he comes and i hope he does would be our 'marquee' signing this summer in my opinion and would be on a free !!!

31 May 2015 14:41:56
I rate benteke but at the price being quoted he represents too much of a risk, in that he is unproven at the top level, lacks consistency and has a worrying injury record

31 May 2015 16:33:26
I think the words "marquee signing" should be replaced with superstar eds. that's what people really mean.

Somebody who the fans already know so they can be excited about signing them (like they were with ballotelli)

And somebody who is proven to score and create goals (like aspas was in Spain)

The money is not necessarily a criteria for a "marquee signing" but a huge fee does give the illusion that the player is sought after by a lot of teams hence the price, therefore he must be a world beater.

31 May 2015 20:50:23
That anyone would even think of paying £32.5m for Benteke is criminal, he's a lumpen one dimensional footballer. Arsenal paid nearly that for Sanchez, Benteke is nowhere near that quality.

31 May 2015 08:55:07
Eds is it safe to say that there will be no transfer activity in or out until the manager and his team are assessed and resolved?
Thanks

{Ed002's Note - No.}

31 May 2015 19:50:31
It is already happening.

31 May 2015 01:25:39
Eds with the clause for benteke being 20 mill for champions league clubs i think he will no doubt go to chelsea or united? I don't see how anybody could even consider paying 32.5 million for him that is world class market money he's average at best! Chelsea may even offer Remy in a deal which would basically make benteke around 10ish million for them which is about right IMO! However, it depends what happens on Falco i know he has close ties to mourinhos agent and failed at united i just can't see him moving there which leaves united & chelsea fighting for Beneke!

To conclude that leave liverpool needing a CF do you know if we have looked to do a deal involving Walcott as part of a PX for Sterling? I know the papers are saying we want 50mill for Sterling but i doubt even City would pay that? i can see Arsenal offering Walcott plus 15ish as a reasonable offer and using the 15 mill for agent fees/signing on deals for Ings, Konoplenkya Garbut and milner?

Thanks in advance! PLFCD

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you are talking about. Sorry.}

31 May 2015 09:04:23
Why does he have to leave?

31 May 2015 08:21:20
Honestly don't see the point in signing Kovacic, he isn't what we need as we have Coutinho, Lallana & Can. We should be looking at someone like Lars Bender, big, strong as an Ox, strong defensively, good technique and a superb tackler. Kovacic has a decent range of passing but frankly doesn't solve the problem we have in midfield, which is a weak spine.

31 May 2015 08:30:57
I agree I would prefer to see a Bender or Kongdogbia but Kovacic is a bit more of an all rounder and someone who could play in a midfield 2 alongside Hendo, so useful if viewed as a replacement for Allen.

In general though it does seem the club is way too intent on signing attacking midfielders which we already have an abundance of. The real gaps are in the fullbacks, defensive mid and in the strikers.

31 May 2015 08:33:35
Good point Lars Bender would be an excellent choice!

31 May 2015 10:59:18
The bender brother will never cone to the prem, 30mil transfer fee,and they wouldn't sell any shirts haha

31 May 2015 20:47:32
I've personally had enough of the square pegs for round holes approach. Look at Mourinho last summer, bought specific players to fill specific shortcomings in the team, how does Kovacic or for that matter Milner deal with our chronic shortcomings.

31 May 2015 20:49:01
Bender may not sell loads of shirts, but if we win more through having a solid centre midfield anchor then it's an irrelevance.

30 May 2015 23:43:02
The interesting thing about rodgers and the situation on the pitch are that most of the fans just want a fresh start, a new manager, a new hunger and lease of life, tactics and overall shake up from the top down.

But the painful reality is . Rodgers gets more time but deep down even the fans that think " ok let's just give him another season" still believe he won't improve the squad or learn from his mistakes and either challenge for the title or ATLEAST get in the top 3.

Knowing this. Is exactly that no matter how much I like liverpool . I can't get excited about the new season I don't trust the man who has had a lot of chances to improve the squad, I don't trust his buys, I don't trust his ability to stop the team passing it a billion times at the back and giving the away team the chance to press and make our non ball playing defenders fluff it and look like a pub team.
I just hate what's going on. And the worst part of it guys is that it's all clear to see . Nothing will happen this summer !

31 May 2015 00:21:57
Agree with your feelings mate, although I'm a bit more optimistic that change might happen!

31 May 2015 00:35:07
Few things, your expectations of.title challenge or top 3 are you means;

1/ that's your minimal requirement based on;

Current Squad

Or

80's expectations?

2/ no matter who is in charge when wr have the ball teams will either have a low block or press depending on there manager. That's not Brendans fault.

3/ the movement in the team is the problem which causing our 'non ball playing defender's' to fluff there lines and that is either ;

Coaching (confusses me because we were very fluid in 13/14)

Or

The players intelligence is getting questioned by the teams defending and they don't know what to do because they themselves aren't either very clever (knowing when to run and we're to run to) or again back to the other one should they begetting coached better or do they not know eachother yet, like does lallana know we're sterling will run, there is a lot that can straighten itself out next term if the problems are team chemistry rather than coaching.

3/ when things get bad you can't just rip it all apart, because you just want freshness. Little story for you, one time me and my cousin were playing lma manager (god bless that game and may it rip) and he started as Newcastle and I as Bolton well he loved it on tyntyneside, didn't really mes with things. Got them a brand new stadium, 5 titles in 10 years, 100 mill in the bank, load of cups and me I went.Bilton, villa, Blackburn, Birmingham and back to Bolton because I kept getting bored and wanting a change. I won zero haha point of the story is if Brendan fails again it will be his time, and the team and all the great talent will still be there for someone els, but a little bit of faith and you just might get rewarded!!

31 May 2015 00:30:16
Forget about this player or that player.

The manager is the most important transfer.

I am informed that Brentford do not want any approaches from Rodgers forna post as manager.

31 May 2015 01:23:04
We are getting worse by the game due to BR and only BR. There isn't even any hope that he will change for us to hang on to because he is so set In his ways and lacks the CV or credibility to impose such ways. I have no prob with a coach making mistakes and improving and learning from them. I DO have a prob with a manager who keeps making mistakes, wasting other people's precious dough, trashing every man, woman and child in the media to deflect blame, and keeps playing a failed system long enuff that even a toddler has figured out after getting thumped by Stoke and CP. That manager should be nowhere near a club period and BR needs to be gone because keeping him will change nothing. In fact, he will see it as positive reinforcement and keep failing because in his eyes, he is not failing.

31 May 2015 11:02:31
But he has shown he can deliever a title challenge aswel!!

Such selective memories!

If we get this summers signings right. Watch us fly 😉

31 May 2015 13:53:40
Spot on Red Lobster.

31 May 2015 20:03:41
He's been here three years and sort of stumbled on that title challenge last year due to the streak of eleven wins because the title was not asked of him unlike this year where he promised said title challenge and failed miserably. He was asked to be in the top four and he delivered on that.Nothing selective about that, just facts. He has failed over his three year here and would not be kept by the other teams ahead of us so why should we keep him? because you're scared we will be worse without him? Good luck with that thought because no one believes that. He is a goner and a disappointment and no amount of excuses his acolytes make for him, will change that. I do agree that we need the signings right BUT the main one we need is THE manager and we will fly. If The Uncoachable One stays in, we will remain stuck in the mud.