bobzy

There's nothing concrete to suggest that Bertrand is now replacing Luna, not least because it's just a loan. Who said Lambert can do no wrong? Well he seems to have no responsibility for poor signings and his main supporters seem to have little issue with performances or results. So I'd be interested to hear what they think he does do wrong as you rarely read it. What are you on about? Of course he has responsibility for poor signings - they're likely to be even more frequent given the nature of his spend, to be honest - it's what he does to address this that's of concern. Bertrand, as previously stated many times, is an acceptance that our other left backs aren't cutting it at the moment. Maybe they never will, but at least we'd be able to move them on (young, still able to do a job at a certain level). It's a fine policy for a club with limited resource. The difference is that people in favour of Lambert not getting sacked (which you're classing as "supporters", haha) can accept he's made mistakes but can see the long term ambition. Those opposed to him are unable to acknowledge he ever does anything right. I take it you're unhappy with the Bertrand loan?

And before anyone says "not experienced?! He's played 50 times for Chelsea" just remember, Clark and Baker have played more than that for us. Westwood can't be far from that number either, yet they're considered "kids" Probably played another 150 games or so on loan though...

With Okore to come back as well, who seems to have the pace that the others lack. Decent.

We can't sign any more players on loan domestically now. We could still bring in foreign players.

It has certainly improved - I think as a result of the more defensive, possession light play. It comes to something when a 0-4 loss isn't a 'hammering' anymore.... Must've missed that 4-0 league defeat. Remind me when it happened?

And also the fact that there's very little value around in January. Summer is the time to spend a decent amount - it all makes sense really.

It actually speaks more volumes about Lamberts' ability to hold his hands up and say "I was wrong", in my opinion. Rather than stick with our left-hand side getting overpowered game after game in the hope that Luna/Bennett comes good, he's moved to address the issue - acknowledging that the signings he brought in haven't instantly been as good as he'd hoped. I completely respect that.

Always look for the negatives lads; always look for the negatives.

Loved that mask/blood photo of him. Would not mess.

Downing and Carroll basically leveled out the ridiculous Torres fee, though. Spurs signings arguably covered by the Bale signing (and Levy having an infamously tight wage control over the club). These clubs both have more commercial streams than Villa as well - especially Liverpool. Chelsea/Man City/Man Utd can make poor signing after poor signing and simply gloss over it by pumping more money into another signing. There's just no recompense for their mistakes. Didn't work out? We'll throw another £30m at the problem! It's not reality - not at all. The Matic signing underpins this. "Sold" for £5m - bought back for £21m. Money isn't an issue. We simply can't operate on this footing, and neither can most clubs in the league.

Apparently. Twitter rumours say we're "definitely" signing one player - various other tweets saying we're "actually signing 2" players.

Looks like a few tweets going round saying that we're in for a CB and a CM tomorrow. TWO signings? Surely not...

Did we play good football & pick up points between Feb & May last season? Yes we did. I don't really understand what point you're making here?

Exactly! Problem is the whole team are doing. "just fine". fine1 fʌɪn/ adjective 1. of very high quality; very good of its kind. "this was a fine piece of film-making" synonyms: excellent, first-class, first-rate, great, exceptional, outstanding,admirable, quality, superior, splendid, magnificent, beautiful, exquisite,choice, select, prime, supreme, superb, wonderful, sublime,superlative, very good, of high quality, of a high standard, second to none, top, rare; More

Yeah, Young was an expensive risk that worked out pretty wonderfully.

The problem is that we seem to want it all - not to be in a relegation battle, to sign players, to play beautiful football and to have a sustainable club. The reality is that the financial trimming means that we simply can't do this and have to prioritise. In my opinion; 1. Sustainability 2. Survival 3. Additions 4. Beautiful football It's just an added bonus to have a team playing wonderful, easy on the eye stuff. I can put up with a couple of seasons of dross to see a long-term benefit. This summer is huge though, no doubt about it.

But we do play Football Manager, so we know he's awesome.

In a different timescale, but I seem to remember us being interested in signing Ruud Van Nistelrooy from PSV but settled on JPA instead. Didn't we also bid for Falcao under MON in 2008 or something? Just imagine...

Yeah, I'm not even sure ANY of the ball was over the line...

CONTROVERSY! O'Brien once again makes a good run down the right, puts in a deep cross to the back stick and McKirdy (again) bundles it home... ...but wait! The linesman has flagged saying the ball had gone out before O'Brien crossed it. It hadn't

Agreeing with Bunnski, Ryan Kent I think his name is. Been a handful all half.

Half time. Liverpool looked really good early on, we've come into the game since scoring. Some glimpses of good football but I wouldn't say anyone has particularly stood out. The conditions are pretty shit to be fair

Only 15? Won a good header at the back shortly after his run and pass as well by the way.

Ha - it's like I made Green appear! Just made a good little run.

Haven't noticed Green at all. Strain has looked decent, Lyons-Foster just made a crucial interception. It's been mainly Liverpool though.