OTF

Excellent.

Don't really disagree with any of that. Of course I'd prefer us to have someone more dynamic on our bench, but Shola is not without his merits - as frustrating as he may be on the whole. Starting though, they're having a lend.

Would have been forced into the contract by the agent with just this in mind.

I was thinking more of the impact on sponsorship and other corporate deals. I suppose the fact that we're getting nought from Sports Direct will nullify that somewhat.

No doubt but that would be the same with any player. There's worse players to have sitting on your bench (his brother for one).

More than that I would say, and that's presuming an instant return.

If I was going I'd feel the same (as you). That said, playing a 'full strength' side with the players we have available at the moment is no guarantee of anything.

Except against QPR... and Tottenham... and Sunderland.

Young players all the way where possible, give the rest a break so that hopefully win some additional players it can be a fresh starting point.

Has the rare combination of long limbs and strength, rarely see him get tackled unless he breaks into full stride or he trips himself up.

Definitely a place for him as a sub to come on in the last 20. He's big and awkward and is somewhat skillful, though at times it seems he's as likely to fool himself with a trick as he is a defender. Starting a game is a stretch though.... maybe cup matches against lower league sides. As others have said even though he's as casual as fuck out there he still pulls out the occassional goal, or good pass.

Can understand Coloccini's frustrations and that feeds into a logical explanation for why he's been far from his best of late. It was a given that defensive reinforcements were required over the summer, a fullback and a central defender. They didn't come and Colo quickly found himself partnered with Williamson on a regular basis, playing with the limited Simpson on one side, and the losing interest Santon on the other. I think that if a quality central defender was brought in along with Debuchy we'd quickly see a return to form.

Enrique has been killing it for Liverpool of late, just picked up a hamstring injury though... was frequently on the cusp of a major one here - from his sprinters build iyam.

Read your own post before you move the proverbial ones

That's all she wrote.

Ranger Danger

Fucking hell Santon, even worse on replay. Cisse would have tapped it in

Nice ball Shola, santon bottled it.

Give us our rightful penalty, take away their illegitimate free-kick and suddenly we'd not be in turmoil.

How is he down injured from that? Absolute puff

After how many years does it cease to be a sale?

Can't have heart for an entire match...

Decent from Obertan, he's had a good game.

Lazy from Santon.

Fuck!