OTF

It's definitely the first time in a long time that we've had such a plethora of talented players who look like they could have an impact at the top level. Disappointingly, since he had such a bright start and received glowing praise, has been the development of Vuckic. He's big and he can hit a ball, but he's clumsy, is horribly slow to get moving and most worryingly seems to take far too long to make decisions and even then gets them wrong a fair bit. Because of this I'm not setting my hopes too high for any of our other young players. I'm sure they're all chomping at the bit to get out there and prove themselves but short of injuries, cup runs or a selling spree I think they'll be at most bit players through this season. That's fine if it means that our superior first team are out on the pitch, because as yet none of these youngsters have done enough to unseat any of our first eleven.

Hopefully then they've agreed a fee and it's all pending personal terms and a medical. Certainly not holding my breath.

Shame the Brown Ale logo is the only thing decent on the entire shirt. The Spurs one look like a 60s lamp shade.

...and 'update' as opposed to 'news'. Update indicates that the saga will continue, news would have at least hinted that there was an end. Camping this one for the time being.

It won't hurt Spanish football too badly I would say. If the same happened in English football there would be a much greater impact simply because of the volume of foreign players in the league for money. Spain has so much national depth at the moment and that looks as though it will continue for years to come with them dominating the world stage in youth completion as well.

Wish this saga would come to a positive end already...

One can only imagine that they've more of less decided to keep him. This is the first leg of qualifier for them, and they drew at home 1-1, so there is a chance that they may not qualify. If they don't then maybe they'll chnage their mind on Douglas. Either way you'd hope that we'll be moving on to other targets. Even if Twente were knowcked out we wouldn;t be able to use him until the group stages. And the actual rule itself: 18.07 As a rule, a player may not play in a UEFA club competition (i.e. UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, but not UEFA Super Cup) for more than one club in the course of the same season. Exceptionally, however, a player who has been fielded in the first, second or third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League is entitled to play in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League for another club as from the group stage, provided that his former club did not qualify for the group stage of either the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League; moreover, as from the start of the round of 32 (round of 16 for UEFA Champions League), a player can be registered in accordance with paragraphs 18.18 to 18.21 below. A substitute player who has not been fielded is entitled to play for another club competing in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League in the course of the same season, provided that he is registered with the UEFA administration in accordance with the present regulations.

They're quite small. Get a large unless you have short arms.

The back is shite and equates to having to get a name and number for it to not look crap. That and the collar aside it's decent looking, though still no need for the spikes/paling effect.

Well said. Hope Ferdinand doesn't cop any vitriol over this. The outcome will already ensure that anyone else who is the target of racial abuse will be reluctant to come forward.

Equality. First OJ, now Terry.

CT not even a lightning charged deloreon could take you to an alternate past where you're a good judge of player's readiness for the first team.

IMO at 10 million he'd be good value. But not for us.

He can score goals and runs good lines. Isn't finished, will be handy.

Some amazing stuff comes out of America, some absolute shit as well. Tis a good place to holiday not sure I'd want to live there.

Hulk

Or a teenage american girl... like. the gig is up

Has Shola ever played a full season?

Had buckleys of scoring it anyway. On his left with Buffon closing him down. Less chance of scoring once he passed it though

Looks quite good, silly to have the white paling style/spikes, but more than that what's the deal with the collar? Doesn't look very comfortable.

If nothing else this season coming will show up whether he can be motivated in what will be quite a tough season. Historically when the going gets tough he's not there for to do the hard work. He's capable of being a good midfield player with a good pass and a powerful shot. He has improved his mobility and the defensive side of his game. Basically if I was a Reading supporter I'd be very glad that we'd picked him up and keen to see how he performs with consistent game time.

Good player, but not very mobile. Not sure what style they plan on playing, but he'll at the very least help with set pieces.

Can't see this being any more than a runout for the reserve/youth sides. Maybe a chance for some trialists?

Clubs want to buy the finished product instead of developing it themselves which takes away the chances at the top level. In terms of the league if there was a higher percentage of English players it would no longer be the best league in the world. At the same time the national side would improve as a result. It is a weak time in English football though, the core of the team is underperforming and past it. Is Wilshere the next big hope? Playing with who?

And if Shearer played his entire career at a club perennially challenging for the title he'd have smashed his current record.