Bert

Pretty sure Sky were saying earlier that it was 26 million euros with another 4 on appearances, etc. Crazy money if its right. Just checked date of golf day - supposed to be away that weekend but might try and change it. Will make some calls!

I see Ribery has gone to Bayern for nearly £20 million. Bet we still end up giving them Cisse on loan for another season!

And we could do with more options in that holding midfield role!!

Yeah, you're right and I've probably not phrased that too well. I just dont think we are as far away as you do. Chelsea came pretty close with Drogba and not a lot else going forward this year. If we got a couple of quick, skilful forward players to give us more "possibilities", and allied that with Gerrard, Crouch (maybe even a fully fit Kewell(!) and Kuyt) going forward, then I think that combo with the solid central midfield and back 5 would get us pretty close. By the way, you'll be able to tell me if I can have brackets inside brackets as I have above!!

I know what you mean Paul but is what we've got really that bad? Like Owen said, I really think the likes of Crouch and Kuyt could do really well for us. I just think we need one or two players going forward with real pace and skill because it is too easy for teams to sit back against us at the minute. At that point, we can start to use the attributes that the others have got. Btw, those who made comments about "threads like these", why dont you fuck off somewhere else then. If you arent interested, then go and do something else. Fuck knows how many shit comments (and jokes) I've seen you make Hermes and never once slated you for it

I know there's a million threads at the minute about new players but bear with me. Was talking to me dad the other night and he was talking about how much we need a striker who will put the ball in the net. Got me thinking tho. If we put Michael Owen in the team now, I think it would make little difference even if it was him at his best. The worst games of ours that I've seen this season (Villa away, City away, Everto home, etc) we have looked so predictable going forward compared to the fast attacking and movement (tho I hate to say it) from United. What we need are players who are prepared to run at the other team with the ball and above anything commit defenders. Far too often last season, as long as the other team had men behind the ball, they were going to be ok, because none of our players were committing opposition defenders, so we relied on hopeful passes/crosses. Its not like we are missing hundreds of clear cut chances (a couple of games such as Blackburn away apart) That is why I think people like myself are not excited by the likes of Malouda. Yes, he is athletic and will get up and down the pitch. But will he take on opposition players or get behind teams? Hopefully, I am wrong and he would, but nothing that I saw from him in the World Cup (and I saw all of France's games) suggests he so. I really think we need a new attacking philosophy based on trying new things and taking players on/getting behind teams rather than just throwing in hopeful crosses and relying on the impressive ability of certain of our players from scoring from outside the box. This is where i take Paul's point about needing a new influx of attacking players with pace and skill, and maybe even giving a chance to the likes of Adam Hamill. Be interested to hear people's views. BTW, if there are spelling mistakes or whatever, I am a bit pissed so dont have a go!

Not bothered mate to be honest as long as I sell them before I go to Glasto so I've got a couple of weeks yet

I've got 4 and will sell mine for £40 a ticket so its a couple of quid cheaper than face value. Just want rid cos I'm off to Glasto

I've actually got 4 tickets for the Staurday I'm looking to sell cos I'm going to Glasto. If you want to go Malarkey then give me a shout

Whenever you post, I actually imagine Jari Litmanen sat in front of a computer for some reason. Also there is a really fit Czech woman at my work and I really fancy her but in the back of mind when I speak to her, I keep thinking how much I miss Patrik Berger.

Cant see how these two players that we're supposedly gonna sign this week could involve Alves or Eto'o. They're both right in the middle of a title race that wont finish for a couple of weeks - cant see them announcing they've signed for someone else in the middle of that

Fair enough. Prob just hit the pub as soon as I get in then to get a decent speck. Got to go to the First National because it was the lucky pub throughout the 2005 run and this year. Gonna be fuckin packed tho. Took me an hour to get served at the bar last year

Fairly shameless bump. Just hoping someone knows if there is anything organised for town tomorrow

Anyone know if there is any kind of gathering there Wednesday afternoon like before the Chelsea game for those not going to athens? I'll be in town from about 4 so thought it would be good to get some of the atmosphere there first

Agreed tho there was something to be said for West Ham going down after the way they got rid of Pardew and then threw ridiculous money at the likes of Lucas Neill and Upson. Still, let me not dampen anyone's celebrations at Neil Warnock's fate. Horrible twat

Ssshhhhh! Seriously tho, couldnt care less about JJB. Just think Whelan is a bit of a knob. No justification or reasoning. Just giving it to you straight like Phil McNulty did (anyone know what happened to him?)

I always thought Dave Whelan came across as a complete bell. Still, made up for Paul Jewell and Warnock (in different ways!)

Another couple of matches behind him and it might have been different but cant see how he can start in Athens. Great option to have on the bench tho I would have thought

Was in Marseille last night cos my mum and dad live near there, and watched the French Cup Final. From what I gathered speaking to locals, the Marseille fans are really fickle and although they were booing him a couple of weeks ago, he scored a diving header in the week and then 2 last night., and they suddenly love him again. Dont bet against it happening

Apologies if this has already been mentioned cos I've been away but there was an article in yesterday's Times which mentioned supporters unrest about how LFC were handling things. They said 9000 ticlets went into the ballot

Just wondered if there was any footage anywhere of him sprinting to the Kop after the pens vs Chelsea. Would love to see that

May well be up for that Owen - got a few mates already booked their tickets up here as it is. Watched the game last night downstairs in the Sports Cafe. Was good except for the fucking DJ playing music when we scored and after all the pens. Twat!

Have got In my Life by the Beatles in my head. Taken on new meaning since Sky used it for "One night in May"

Bit over the top I think mate. From what I've seen and heard he has been far from the most impressive player for the ressies this season, tho he has been better recently. Think he may have to follow Hamill's lead and get out on loan somewhere

Anyone actually going down there?! I'm off work today but my mate that I'm watching the game with wont be around till bout half 5ish. Was thinking about heading down to soak up the atmosphere