Gribz

Better if he listed an XI who actually signed. Getting Walker and Dorrans is still possible but I can see us only getting 1 of them. Its a guess game at the moment, there will be more to follow Garner out the door. PC is the only one right now with an idea of who and how we will play. He obviously like a back 4 though but we do have the personnel to play 3 at the back. I think one assuring thing the fans would like to see is a Plan B which isnt just to do Plan A better.

All I can say is - Thank you Mick McCarthy.

I think - along with Messi - that if these guys did do something wrong with tax its purely down to their management side. It would be something to do with endorsements they receive as Im sure the club would handle their spanish version of income tax. They may also be entitled to tax reliefs so which people dont know about - it could be all very confusing but neither need to avoid tax so I cant see it being on purpose if true. The 876m is ridiculous. Thats probably about the value of Reals first XI during a game. Ronaldo is 8 months into a 5 year deal so it will be a world record to release him. If he does want to go then Real should let him for a big fee as he has delivered everything for them. Man City could afford him but he wouldnt go there or would he? Man Utd would probably be able to do a deal but what about Morata they are close to signing. China / MLS / Qatar & UAE - no issues with them affording. On the continent PSG obviously could. I think AC Milan may go in for him with their new Chinese owners. Could he do a Figo / M Laudrup and play for Barca also? But my money would be on a pay rise and staying at Real.

Had to be something behind the scenes. There is a manager merry go round right now, if say Hull or Leeds were to come in for him he would talk to them also. Although they have strange owners also.

Finishing second for 3 years in a row (without Rangers) and a few cup finals. Thats them peaked. Prior to McInnes Aberdeen were 4th one year then 10th the next. He probably improved them to be more consistent.

I get the feeling this is more a case of not agreeing things with Sunderland rather than his preference to stay with Aberdeen. He may have not agreed with the Chairman about available funds, targets, etc. Perhaps Sunderland thought they could get him on the cheap also. But its going to be difficult to replicate what he has done with Aberdeen with players leaving.

Arsenal v Leicester Brighton v Manchester City Chelsea v Burnley Crystal Palace v Huddersfield Everton v Stoke Manchester United v West Ham Newcastle v Tottenham Southampton v Swansea Watford v Liverpool West Brom v Bournemouth Old trafford first game for West ham, difficult start. Good game at St James Park!

Fixtures out this morning. (Scott plenty time to get predictions in )

Have to say Im not disappointed to see Garner leave.

Yes they will get masses. Plus just got 98 million from the Premier League. But how much will McInnes get for players?

Wee statement there from Big Eck???

Started off well enough but faded. Good luck to the lad though. Doubt he will break into Arsenals team.

Jeezo. PC doesnt mess about. Harry will be in at 5am with O Hallaran on the old treadmills

If they arent playing then you may be right but both are as talented as we had in the squad (last season). I think Bluedell was right - Kranjcar took a while to get up to speed but once he did he looked a proper player. But being what 33?? he will need similiar time again.

Especially getting 30 million for their keeper as I just posted on the other thread. McInnes was always going to leave, he has to. He has taken Aberdeen as far as he could and with their squad being sold he would have a huge job rebuilding that. Good luck to him if he goes. Very difficult job as they have been through a lot of managers in recent years.

I know there is a lot of money around the Premier League but 30 Million for a keeper who has had about 8 good games in 1 season is remarkable. EDIT - Third most expensive keeper in history. Only after Buffon and Man Citys recent signing. Makes you think if De Gea leaves Man Utd he would go for double that. Imagine what Neuer would go for!!

Rossiter and Jack in the middle Dell?? Can Rossiter get fit? No Krancjar? I do think his fitness will be an issue but if he gets back then he is a must for me.

No private jet sweeping you back and 4 every weekend old boy??

Hey Craig...is it ok to get excited my friend? On a serious note...how can we not start to get happy. Total unknowns....Im jealous of you guys who have got season ticks!

You are right there. Its an absolute guess game. Whats the odds to see some of the old starting in the next game. I think the transfer window plays its part in the players going out the club.

Scotland Have to win 4 games, nothing else. Lithuania away is tricky, but we have to redeem the home game draw. What an absolute cock up the home draw with them is going to turn out to be. I would swap Strachan for McLeish straight away. Strachan should have went at the end of the last qualification then again after Lithuania. Big Eck is proven at short term pick ups so would probably come in and win 4 games. I dont think Mark McGhee helps. Sacked by Motherwell but kept on as No.2. I saw a clip the other day of training and the only thing that stood out was his belly. He cant be a good example for players. Managers and assistant managers are capable of getting an extra 10% out of players

Isnt it Graeme? Sorry to be pedantic:D

I dont think he will. That would be a full outfield overhaul bar Kranjcar who hasnt played under PC yet. Tav is a good option going forward. Could link up well with Dalcio. Wallace is where the questions start to kick in.

Hodson and Beerman? Pedro obviously likes a back 4 but we do have the squad to go to a 3 if you put Wilson into the side with Alves and Cardoso.

So whats our first XI team likely to be. Obviously 1 or 2 more signings to get over the line but going by the business thats been done we are maybe looking at a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3. (I dont like this 4-2-3-1 talk, there is 3 outfield areas on a pitch so the 2-3 doesnt work ) Its got players in their natural positions and for me is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the dead wood we had. Im glad no Kiernan, Halliday, Forrester, MOH, Garner is listed. Bates, Beerman are for the future. Wilson, Miller, Dodoo, Rossiter, McKay are good options on the bench. But competition is now good and these guys have to earn their place. Is there an argument to sign a stronger keeper or am I being a bit greedy?? This is a total wild attempt: Foderingham Tavernier Cardoso Alves Wallace Pena Jack Kranjcar Dalcio Herrera Candeias