Rousseau

VAR will be good for the game. It delivers the correct decisions. 

The only errors are human; mainly interpretation. If the Ref/Panel are unsure it should just revert to the original decision. Timing will improve through practice and experience.

I think there should be challenges, though; like Cricket and Tennis. Instead of reviewing every little decision, let the Captain have 3 or 5 challenges per match; if they win, they keep their reviews, but lose them if they lose the decision. 

2 minutes ago, DMAA said:

An interesting read. However I'm skeptical of the idea that Aribo is a no 10. I think he is most similar to Ryan Jack in terms of what he aims to do for the team and I don't think he would be played in the Arfield/Kent position in the 4-3-2-1.

I think he's more offensive than Jack, but I agree; I see his place as one of the wide central midfield positions (i.e. Jack or Kamara).

@ian1964 posted it in the transfer thread earlier:

I love a signing.

Thinking about Stevie's cryptic post like...

1 hour ago, buster. said:

That said, starting berths for our plethora of wingers should be about performance levels and what they bring for specific games, nothing else.

That's how it should be, I think. Last season we were hampered with very few options. We look to have rectified that for this coming season, even if there is still a question mark over their overall quality.

I actually think I prefer the idea of signing a few creative options, rather than one top-class player. I still want that signing, though!

12 hours ago, alexscottislegend said:

With respect, Rousseau, that's not quite my point. Ojo is likely a Liverpudlian at heart; Middleton - who is also skilful and creative  - is one of our own, part of our soul for years to come, if that is not too pompous.

I don't think Middleton is creative and skilful, but that's an aside. 

I think that's valid, but Middleton won't be here in years to come if he doesn't get games now. He won't get that here, this season. He's not good enough yet. 

Ojo can play a part now, presumably, gives us something different, and we don't have to worry about developing him per se. 

I don't see the issue -- although, I appreciate the sentiment.

To be honest, I don't think the transfers are related at all. We're not replacing one with the other. Middleton should go out on loan--should have last season, IMO--and we needed to bring in another creative option, although I would still hope to see a quality #10 signed.  

Haven't we already installed a hybrid pitch? I'm pretty sure I read it recently.

1 hour ago, alexscottislegend said:

Am I missing something here? We bring in a young player on loan as a direct replacement for a young player (Middleton) sent OUT on loan, one who has considerable first team experience. Unless - Ojo will replace Kent. At least Aribo seems to be a permanent signing - isn't he?

Middleton needs games. He's not going to get that here.

Ojo gives us something different; he's a skilful, creative player that can play a part in the first-team. 

Seems logical, to me.   

12 hours ago, alexscottislegend said:

Arfield Jack and Kamara are my starting 3 at the moment so who is he going to replace?

Arfield plays further forward, so you've got 3 players for 5 positions. It'll be: 

Morelos

Jones (?) - Arfield

Kamara - Davis - Jack

Aribo could replace, or at least provide competition for, Jones, Arfield, Kamara and/or Jack. He could play anywhere. 

We've got decent cover now. 

Striker: Morelos / Defoe / Hardie / Rudden

LAM: Jones / Murphy / Grezda / Hastie

RAM: Arfield / Stewart / Candeias

LCM: Kamara / Aribo (?)

CM / DM: Davis / McCrorie

RCM: Jack / Docherty

I do think the doubts around this signing have some validity (him being primarily a counter-attacking player), but I think that's mainly down to the way Killie played and therefore used him.

However, I do think Jones has more about him than O'Halloran. 

Sarri has now been appointed Juventus manager. 

6 minutes ago, Gonzo79 said:

What sort of midfielder is Aribo?  Defensive, creative or box-to-box?

Probably more creative than anything else; maybe box-to-box too.

According to Transfermarkt, he's played Left-midfield (6 times), Right-midfield (4), Central-midfield (18) and Attacking-midfield (10).

He got 9 goals and 5 assists in 36 games. 

It's been confirmed that Sarri has left Chelsea.

Is Lampard the answer? Too inexperienced, for me. 

Anderlecht finished 4th in the regular season and 6th in the championship round.

Where did they get 3rd? 

I must admit, I find this a strange one. 

Juventus have built their success on tactically pragmatic managers over the last decade. Conte was a very pragmatic, reactive manager; and then Allegri, albeit more adventurous, is also pragmatic tactically, adapting to opponents and what he has available to him. 

Sarri is an idealist. He may have the quality available to him to implement his ideas, though.

Juventus maybe want to transition into a more proactive tactical philosophy? It's certainly where the game's going. 

Finally! I can stop asking if he's signed!

I think this is a good signing.

It all depends on SG getting the best out of him. Stewart was a standout at Kilmarnock, yet floundered at Aberdeen.