Robbie09

I think it's more realistic to accept that our better academy players will be sold for fees of around £2-3m such as Craig Gardner which in turn funds the academy in the hope that the odd player comes through and enhances the first team. Those that aren't sold on tend to slip down the pyramid and find their natural level. There will always be the exception but I've always seen the academy as a means to generate funds rather than supplement the first team. The demand for instant success and the need to remain in the premier league for the revenue it generates dictates that there isn't the time or patience to develop too many. I had high hopes for Carruthers after his cameo appearance at Anfield a couple of seasons ago but he hasn't featured since then.

HH - I understand the need to balance the books especially after the MON era, and it's unfortunate that PL has to suffer the consequences. What many of us would like to know is how long do we need to continue balancing the books before we can invest in players that are more likely to have an immediate impact on the first team? I think if we felt once the likes of Hutton, Ireland and Given are off the books then the investment will step up a notch then we'd be a little more relaxed.

Thanks HH - your input as ever is much appreciated

HairyHands where are you when we need you?!

Cardiff, Norwich and Palace for me.

Just because he can't get into the team at present doesn't mean he isn't the best right back at the club. Walker is ok going forward but is no better at defending than Lowton.

I wouldn't - Walker is no better at defending than Lowton.

If he is played in a position he is accustomed to ie right back or central midfield I think he is a decent squad player. His shortcomings are magnified when he has played in the centre of defence.

If he was to spend that amount of money I'd say it's nailed on Tekkers is on his way out.

Great attitude and work rate - would also like to see him play the DM role on sunday.

With all the alleged constraints, it does make you wonder why Lambert took on the job.

Not at his best today. Along with Bacuna at fault for the first today.

If he doesn't start against ManUre then it's reeks of being personal. Bacuna has been dire at right back and if Lowton was dropped for his performances at the start of the season then Lambert must be consistent and recall Lowton.

I've read 2 topics this afternoon and both have been hijacked by the same petty point scoring arguments.

Can't understand the slating both Herd and Westwood are getting. I can't deny they weren't great but in their defence it was Herd's first game in a long time and at least he put in a shift, likewise Westwood didn't hide, he was looking for the ball. Both are young players that will make mistakes. Most worrying for me was firstly the team selection but moreso the fact that Lambert didn't react quickly enough to change it.

3 poor but key decisions shaped the game - 2 from the ref and 1 by Lambert. How the hell did Bacuna stay on the pitch? If Lowton was dropped for a poor performance against Newcastle then I hope Lmabert is consistent in his decision making by dropping Bacuna.

Richards isn't garbage. I'd have him here ahead of Agger but both are non starters sadly.

I've snapped my cruciate ligament twice and there's no chance of seeing him before March at the very earliest. It's a miminum 7 months out.

Glad he is forcing his critics to eat their words. How Cleverley can get into the national squad and Delph can't sums up what a knob Hodgson is.

We need to get another centre half in January. Concrete Ron has improved immensly this season and despite both Baker and Clark also improving we'll be in trouble if he is out for any length of time. We lost all shape at the back once he went off.

Gave the ball away far too often tonight.

I'm confident the football will improve this season. Points on the board are the priority so I'd sacrifice decent football for a healthy points tally at this stage of the season in the expectation that the pressure is lifted and the style of play is easier on the eye.

NO THANKS. a pile of shit that isnt good enough for the Championship, id really question Lambert if we signed shit like him Ditto.

I don't dislike Albrighton but he's a limited footballer. I'd much rather push Bacuna forward and play Lowton at right back if we want better delivery to the forwards. If we want to progress as a team we need better players than Albrighton.

Me too. Hopefully at another club.