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That's what I mean - the minus is the 2nd player with cash - would we really be saying Ayew plus cash for Taylor??? Ditto - Striker plus a back up/competition Left Back and a Centre Back would do very nicely

I read the first one as 1 in with 1 out plus cash not the other way round. Ayew/Taylor swap doesn't really make sense IMO. There may be something separately but I do not think that's the player swap they are talking about.

Yeah maybe they should have but we don't really know what happened behind the scenes. It might have been they had nothing, might have been they were completely covering it up. Maybe the parents didn't want anything said to the police. Maybe there were other pressures. Indeed, the abused says he felt he was pressurised to not taking it further. That's subjective. Only those present, truly know what discussions they had. Indeed, unless there is any written documentation of meetings/discussions/letters then it would be very difficult to determine. Yes, they could (and probably should) have taken the information to the police and let them deal with it. Difficult to say without getting all the facts, which will be impossible. As @Demitri_C says, it is a different ownership/leadership/club and really should look at the individuals rather than the club as a whole if they are to investigate. They speak to the Assistant Manager who has "lawyered up" now and Doug who, as we know, does not appear to be that all too "compus mentus". The abuser has now died so can't convict him for this, even though he was convicted in 2007 for other abuses anyway. However, it is important to note that, as is stated in the article: So technically the club did nothing wrong as a starting point (morally, I agree is different of course). Should that change? Maybe. Rather than simply prosecuting all of the old celebrities/footballers/etc the powers that be should learn from the lessons to make sure this doesn't happen in the future.

Different standards of proof Employment is a civil matter so the standard is "more likely than not" (i.e. 51%). Criminal standard of proof is "beyond reasonable doubt" (i.e. 90%). Whether the club could or should have done more would be difficult to judge to say the least; the fact that they did something at least should be acknowledged. However, as is often the case, you can have enough evidence to suggest that something probably happened but not definitely. Can see why they did what they did though. Agree with comments - people should read into the story - headline is there to grab the attention.

Completely agree - that would be the ultimate homecoming! It also bug me that they are at the NEC rather than NIA - easier to get to (without having to pay stupidly expensive parking costs!).

I know they say that they will do the odd show here and there, I dunno, I just get a feeling that these will be the last ones.... Cannot wait though - got Gold Circle for both shows in Brum.

Nah - Beyonce

Read the start of the Westwood thread - there is only one comment third hand from Crewe fans and he was POTY for them when we signed him and was quite promising... Nothing like "best player for 20 years" And Westwood ... Seriously though welcome Conor; glad you have joined the party!

That 98% was at 99% yesterday?! WTF happened Tony? Seriously though

Well that explains a lot. Wasn't sure of coming here and his arm had to be twisted with an Italian goalkeeping coach. I prefer players that want to be here for AVFC rather than a coach. Shame as I thought he had great potential but if he don't want to be here then bye. Given this I am disappointed we have loaned him instead of selling, but I suppose if he does do well his value will shoot up. Silver lining and all that jazz

Those figures I am sure relate to last season; however lets not forget how many first team players we have. Subject to how you describe them; I count 30 first team players (with Keinan Davies/Rushian Hepburn-Murphy with the least appearances/inexperienced). Given we have 1) now 5 "first teamers" out on loan - who knows what wages are being paid by the other club; 2) the stragglers from last season(s); and 3) Players paid to provide the quality to get promoted this season It is of no surprise that the wage bill will be out of control and why they are probably being told get rid of players. As a guess - I would fathom the wage bill of those not on loan to be £680,000 a week. If you add on the loan players (£115,000 a week). That's is just astronomical do not think that it is because of a lack of funds - it is just going to be unsustainable.

One nice pass you say? Still better than Westwood

He is mentioned in the pre match conference (along with others) by Steve Bruce - waiting on Barnsley but confirmed we are interested! Clip of Press Conference on Facebook And yes I am just listening to the catch up thing now!

Steve Bruce confirmed at press conference that he's here done medical etc so should be done today Clip is on Facebook

Why did he only starting 13 matches last season for Boro? Blackburn I give but the same could be (and was) said about Gestede. Agree with the rest

Will he though? He's strike rate at Middlesbrough hasn't been wonderful and obviously not playing at the moment. Also weren't Gestede, Ayew, Mcccormack all thought to be able to score lots of goals at this level? Hell, even Gabby was thought to benefit from the step down! Whilst Rhodes may be good for us and it might work out, I don't think he is the answer to the problems and I can see him struggling without the supply and I think the money could be better spent elsewhere rather than on ANOTHER striker. This is one that potentially is costing us double what we sold Gestede for - why would we do that?! Only Kodjia has shown he can more or less create on his own and that's the reason why he can score. Sort out the midfield and give the strikers we do have a chance to show what they can do.

Forest are still on a transfer embargo IIRC? They couldn't sign anyone to replace Lansbury. Given he's not playing the only reason to delay seems to be seeing if they can get any more money for him. Barnsley - it might be that they are trying to line up a replacement or otherwise I haven't got a clue! Can we offer them more money and Westwood to push it through?! And I don't get Rhodes - just doesn't seem to make sense - at least Gestede offered an option (and I am happy we sold) - what will Rhodes offer over and above what we have already got?

Steer was injured back in October/November time and out for the season IIRC. Sarkic I think is still on the books in case but its one of those positions I would like good cover for. Johnstone has been brought in for the number 1 role and Bunn back up. Can't see Bruce bringing in someone else. If so they would need to be an improvement on Johnstone otherwise what was the point? Clear that Gollini wasn't settled; hence the move. He is still young, particularly for a Goalkeeper. In hindsight would have probably helped having good experience GK as number 1 but wanted him to do well. An 18 month loan gives him the opportunity to play and develop whilst at the same time we can get the benefit if he does well. Seems to be a win-win in that sense so OK with it.

And me too! First gig of a very busy gig year! Looking forward to it!

This. I imagine we will through RHM a couple extra grand a week or whatever is holding up the contract signing and make him the backup choice. We will save the money on Gestedes wages. Gestede does give us an option but I barely remember any flick ons. He gets muscled off the ball too easily and doesn't have the accuracy. £7million? Yes please!

Queen Elizabeth II Ozzy Osbourne Ian Watkins Marilyn Manson Justin Beiber

Agree with this. Really interesting. Think the songs are a little raw and could be more refined though. Still good support act. I enjoyed UA, certainly though a different experience to Vodun! Can appreciate weren't exactly moving on stage (the bassist looked very stoned IMO) but thought they sounded good though! Fair enough; was thinking the same about Blackmore and Rainbow. Whilst I know the music is all Blackmore, I always associate Rainbow with Dio more. I have already bought a lot of gig tickets this month though, so will have another look later - if still something decent available will probably end up going. Currently sat sat in Camden waiting for Boris... damn getting here too early!

Did try and spot you but couldn't see you! Enjoy it though? Was at this as well. Was really poor - remember sticking around for sweet child of mine and then going back to the tent! Noticed they have now announced a 2nd date. I think if they were in Brum might go, but not worth it for me. You going to Deep Purple as well in November next year? Next on gig calendar is Boris in London tomorrow followed by Clutch on Friday!

Fair play. Appetite definitely by far their best and is a great album - for me don't fancy the trip down to London for it. I have seen the Axl fronted nonsense a couple of times and whilst Slash has saved them (him with Myles Kennedy did the songs much more justice); Axl just bugs me.

Will be there too Mama Roux's is far far better than the Warehouse. Was there last month for Earth and was really pleased. Much better atmosphere and general niceness. Was delighted that this was moved!