OTF

It's crying out for a stokoeshop

You negative bastard. They should be able to maintain the same level of commitment, which is all you can ask, not the same level of results obviously. I wouldn't say the squad requires a massive overhaul, but in order to compete for the lesser European spots we'll definitely need to bring in some improvements. With Trippier Targett, Burn and another central defender (Botman) we have a very strong defensive foundation. In the midfield it difficult to say how we best strengthen, whether the focus should be wide or in the middle. Up front we need a pacy finisher who can make the runs for Guimaraes and another option as well. So let's say 4 to 5 signings of appropriate quality and we'll have a side strong enough to challenge for those 5-8 spots. Considering the buiness we managed to do in January under the shadow of relegation the sky is the limit over the summer.

Coward's goal

Worth noting here that Fraser looked a very tricky attacking player before he joined us (pre injuries) and since Howe arrived he has been one of our best players. Longstaff looked a real prospect under Rafa, had an injury and was trash under Bruce. Krafth was signed by Bruce. My point is that we shouldn't assume that these players are not good enough based off their previous record, particularly those under Bruce, and I'd not consider them grafters. Of course we want to sign players of the highest pedigree in the same vein as Bruno and Trippier but we should also be looking to reward our own players for their performances. On the surface some may say Wood's scoring record since arriving is poor, but he has fought hard the entire time he's been on the pitch and I only recall two or three clearcut chances that he could have scored in games before tonight. Considering how well he has fit into the team is also a factor - something that all of the new signings have done so well. But yes, I think we should be aiming to compete for a European spot next season. Achieving it will call for a deeper squad providing opportunity for the best of the incumbents to keep a role in the squad. Exciting times.

Essembee has entered the chat.

Agreed, this was his best game in a while, he's not had the same confidence since returning from injury. It would have been a clean sheet here were it not for an unfortunate deflection off Burn for their goal.

Nice subtle rubbing it in.

It's honestly unbelievable the turn around that has occurred with the arrival of Howe and the signing of a few players. We're a completely different team from top to bottom.

Loved Burn celebrating it too. Dan Burn, what a signing.

Nice Dubravka

Nice roll onto the pitch there Krafth

Why rely on the footballing gods when you can just become one?

What a goal! Bruno!!!!

I did like that we had an Australian in the side (likewise for Viduka later) but appreciate that physically he wasn't at his prime when he joined us. He was however a fantastic mentor to Peter Ramage on all things UV protection related. He picked up a hamstring injury early doors which was a crap start but fit in well with our squad of crocks. When he was fit he was far from the worst defender we've had, which is obviously a glowing endorsement for how many poor defenders we've had over the years.

He's come in "and changed that", interesting take on reality there. Everton were 16th, 6 points above the relegation spots when Rafa was shown the door. They're now in 17th, 1 point from the relegation zone.

How much would you rather having Rafa Benitez over Frank Lampard in the position Everton are currently in? I don't even dislike Everton with any sort of ferocity, as Pickford has been very generous to us, they're just so woefully bad currently that there seems no way out of it for them.

How many NUFC players have gone to the world cup and scored? Alan Shearer Craig Moore Aleksandar Mitrovic Possibly more but I can't be f'd going back and checking. Club legend Craig Moore is.

Not to one up you but I once saw a gent blow his nose on a tissue and dispose of it into a bin. Could have picked and flicked and left us all to deal with it. Absolute top lad, pure class, made my heart grow.

He's been in a 'partnership' with google ever since he googled how to spell entrepreneur.

The only business he gets up to is shitting in the bushes. #DoingTheBusiness #Shitting

L to R: Briefcase wanker, Neil, Jay, Dan Burn, Big Simon and Mr Gilbert.

Probably did it his way.

ASM thinking: "Why are the rest of these cunts spoiling my comeback photo?"

Some nerve cutting back towards the goal deep in your box in injury time whilst a goal up. It wasn't initially clear that the free kick had been called either, which made for a very nervous moment.