Super_Ally

Pretty fair assessment. Unfortunately can't see any "gourmet" players coming in. I think we've probably spent out budget near enough; �£2.37mil Cuellar, �£2.25mil McCulloch, �£700k Beasley. That's what �£5-5.5mil. I didn't expect our budget to be any more than that. There's a chance Whittaker and Naismith may join. I agree its an improved squad from PLG's in terms of size, quality and morale. It looks like WS is trying to build a team and foster a team spirit as we can't afford to supplement it with big names. It will be interesting to see the impact of Adam Owen (if we can reliably gauge his impact as supporters) being a Sports Scientist myself. Totally agree that WS man-management is vastly superior to PLG, perhaps with experience he will learn to improve this aspect of his management and also a little humility.

Damn, how did I not notice that. (Why is there no decent laughing smiley?)

Have they made any signings that are likely to allow them to make a fight of staying up? Or did they manage to poach enough SPL standard players in previous seasons as I know they managed to out-compete some bigger sides in terms of what they could pay for/to players?

If it wasn't for the fact that we would need to recoup his 1.8mil fee to save face and balance the books I think he would already be away. Look at Svensson. If Sebo had been bought for <500k I think we would have a better chance of finding a buyer to recoup his fee, for example his old club A.Vienna.

:admin: Do you mean this is the team you'd like or the team you think will be picked. Because seriously Boyd is going to play more often than not. He's not going to be guaranteed to play every game that he's fit for like Fergie, Weir or McGregor, but he'll play the vast majority of games. If that was to be our first XI (with Boyd if for Sebo), then certainly we must get a right md in. Unless burke can regain the form of the season before last. Even so, a decent right sided mid is needed. Will it be McCulloch, Adam or Beasley on the left? I'm unsure, again it probably depends on opposition/formation/tactics. But at least there are options. These first XI's might all be useless anyway as WS may stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation.

They really not showinh our Ajax and Chelsea games? Bit of a shock as they seem to be showing English sides' and Celtic's less interesting friendlies.

Is this a wind up? Football forums are full of people lumping too much expectation and pressure on this young lad. Btw he's flown out to Germany with Shinnie as Smith, Buffel and Ehiogu are left behind.

I think there will be egg on a few Bears faces. I can sympathise with the feeling that �£2.25 mil is perhaps a bit high. But to describe him as adonkey is too far. I think he will prove to be a decent acquisition. Similar price to Sebo, lets see if he gets the same support?

From official site: Good comments. Showed a real desire to come here. Only shame is Lennon is away and big Lee can't do to that fud what he did to Chris Morgan. :devil:

Glad to have him aboard. Remember he didn't decide the fee.

Lol, na. I wont look like him anymore. I've shaved my head but he's got a dodgy hair do now. How's the Fatherland? Think you'll be dropping in on the team?

Can't argue with that. But unlike previous years it looks like the clubs management and board have the ambition to make a fight of staying up.

I thought Sunderlands problem in previous seasons in the prem (along with Watford) is that they come up with record points totals, but then don't spend any of their cash and end up being humiliated in relegation. I think this year may be different as their not hoarding their windfall but spending some of it and making a real effort of staying up.

Thought it may have been confirmed by now.

Agree from that we lack strength in depth in CM. Is Ponroy not away already?

Temporarily slipped my mind. Guess it depends on opposition and tactics. From what I know of Beasley he is pacey, will beat a man and look to hit the bye line. Will be useful for breaking down stubborn defences when teams have men behind the ball, but also for fast counter attacking. McCulloch might be more useful for a more solid traditional flat four and can also play upfront. I guess it depends what WS has in mind for LMc?

I'm with Gribz here i'm afraid. One of the better performers for Scotland imo.

McCulloch and Naimsith? I don't see us being able to incorporate both of thema s first pcisk, it would likely depend on formation and tactics. Either of those two fit the bill in your opinion? I have previously stated i'd like McCulloch to sign. Good competition for CA. Will attack the back post when we're playing down the right and can also be utilised up front.

Agree, think his signing will suprise a few considering he was a free.

Tbh I don't think Fergie meant being overly aggressive or even dirty. It's just another excuse for people to twist the captain's words.

Hartson-Berkovic? Lol. Seriously though, agree with you. Gotta train the way you play the game imo. There is room for PLG's non-tackling games to try an improve players positioning and other aspects of their defensive play. However this would probably prove more fruitful at a younger age and tackling should not be banned completely at training. It could be used as a drill within training sessions, but there is also a need to practice tackling and competitve games.

Don't know if I missed this when I was awol for a wee while, but not noticed it appear on here: Also Shinnie has signed a 3-year deal: Sorry if already posted.

I agree, but you wouldn't expect anyone to refer to Ally McCoist as the former Sunderland striker would you. It's more usual to refer to a player by his current club if he's playing or the team(s) where he spent the majority of his career if he's retired. Factually its correct, just a strange way of describing the player.

I know the Robinson story is an old one, but in the official site story it mentions a new youth loan signing:

Bit of an odd one, he wasn't exactly there very long. Usual descriptions are Rangers/Scotland Captain/Midfielder.