Swagger

Doubt it. Selling him will leave us short of cover in midfield. Agreed.

Isn't Fig on his yearly three-months summer break?

I reckon its going be a very good season. Barca of course are excellent, RM should be really competitive this year with Capello, Valencia have bought some very good players, and Sevilla - with our friend Alves - should be up there too, their demolition of Barca showing how well balanced and well amanged they are. Should be interesting.

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Exactly!! Sack Parry for concluding the deal with almost 2 weeks of the transfer window still remaining.

I agree that Rafa has assembled a very strong squad. We now seem to have good options in all positions, as well as having a flexible squad that will allow Rafa to play in different formations if he chooses to. I think that it was RP who said in a different thread that now, even if we have to make do without the likes of Stevie or Xabi for a little while, it should not hurt us that much, and I totally agree.

Gracia isn't going anywhere. One of those rare and valuable players that can turn a game with a single touch. Can also play in several positions, and therefore a very useful squad player to have.

Is it really finally over?

Seriously though, we will be a bit short for cover for Finnan. I suppose Carra can play there, but I prefer him in the center.

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Agreed, except with the Robinson bit. He's a good, solid 'keeper, but nothing special.

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I noticed that too. Great close ball control. Many here, myself included, were disappointed when we failed to sign Alves, but hopefully after a few more good performances from Pennant we'll forget all about him.

I agree. From what I seen of him he can be very wasteful at times. The barcodes are welcome to him.

I like him already.

Exactly. Also bear in mind that our squad is pretty balanced at the moment, and providing a striker is bought by the end of the window (Kuyt looking nailed on), there is not really another position we need to strengthen in. Momo is already a fantastic player, and should only get better. Someone here said yesterday (I think it was Big Wayne) that in a few years he could become the best midfielder in the world, and I agree. He totally dominated Chelsea's midfield yesterday that consisted of Lampard, Ballack and Essien. How many players in the world can do that? Just think if someone had told us last year that within 12 months Stevie and Xabi would no longer be automatic choices for CM. Find me one fan who would not have thought that ridiculous. A massive, massive player, and he seems humble and really down to earth, unlike many of his peers. I think a new improved long term contract is his just reward. Just think how close he was to signing for the Bitters.

I would love Klose, but I still expect the club to complete Kuyt's signature by the end of the week - as reported by Bascombe. Regarding Alves, I don't think we will sign him this window. I expect us to go in for him next summer, or possibly during the January window.

Doesn't sound right to me.

Chill people. Rafa has it all figured out. I hope.

Thanks Lecter. A nice, positive article from Bascombe.

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What he said.