MGLCFC

Enzo knows how long it takes Rudkin to get a deal over the line - he's getting his list in early - hopefully be done and dusted by the Summer.

Yeah, My wife and I had been away to America for Easter and got out of Manchester airport car park ay 10.10am (I had joked whilst on holiday if the plane was on time I might just make the kick off). I didn't even bother going home - the wife dropped me off at the top of Filbert Way, running down to the ground I got inside just as the players were coming out. After 90 minutes, I was wondering why I had bothered, but Howard's last minute goal (and for the life of me I can't understand why Leeds put their smallest player on the line) made it all worthwhile. It took me over and hour to walk home, but it was the smuggest I'd felt for years. Absolutely unforgettable.

Wishing fellow posters a very healthy and happy new year and better times ahead for all of us.

Don't need a back log of Championship games because we might make the 5th round of the cup, because the reality is, unless we get very favourable draws that's as far as we are likely to get. Cup runs are nice if you have a chance of making the final, unfortunately all I see in a cup run is it interfering with the main objective of gaining promotion and risking unnecessary injuries to key players.

Both our first choice wingers have been excellent signings and playing in the Championship should give them the confidence to develop their games. What I like about both players is their work ethic. They've played so many games recently, but still work tirelessly in both attack and defence. Maybe they won't be as effective against Premier League defenders, but they have all the attributes to do well and develop their careers.

I wonder when Maresca said earlier in the season we are only at 20%, that in fact it's 20% of his plan for where he wants us to be further down the line. There are a number of times when posters suggest when we get out of 2nd or 3rd gear we'll be unplayable. Perhaps the truth of the matter is, this is as good as some of our players can perform (which is far superior to others in this league) but to get to that 4th and 5th gear better players will undoubtedly need to be added to the squad in the Premier League. I love the work in progress, how he is developing players who were cast aside under Rodgers, but I don't think we will see the finished project for a another 18 months or more.

Don't understand that the manager confidence has gone down 2%. What are people expecting?

They're always nice, but I'm not fussed this year. Priority has to be promotion. Hope teams we are due to play on the 4th and 5th round weekends are still in the competition. Gives us a bit of a break then.

Unless we offer him and he signs a new contract, they'll get him for nothing as his contract ends in June.

Think the part that says we, makes it obvious.

As someone put it 'Daka is sh!t' He may well be, but we are creating far more chances with him in the team than we did with either Vardy or Nacho

99% of football fans are decent and whilst we have rivalries, come together when times are tough for fellow supporters. So sorry that one of our 1% lets the majority of us down. Maybe both sets of fans can do a minute applause after 22 minutes on the return fixture to show our solidarity.

Fair enough. I still would argue that the people interpreting what's in front of them is so inconsistent and the main cause of frustration amongst fans, players and managers. Personally, I'm enjoying this season far more without VAR. Yes, mistakes are still made, but having a quick look at a lino to check if there's an offside, is far better than waiting 4 minutes or more to celebrate a goal, or any other decision.

The technical side of VAR is not the main problem, it's those setting and interpreting the rules.

But, I'm not saying that - I'm asking are we even allowed to send him back?

Is there a clause in the loan agreement that allows us to send him back early or would it be by mutual consent if Chelsea can find him an alternative loan move?

Hope we get any January transfer business done early (if possible) so we are somewhat covered for AFCON. Perhaps Praet's non inclusion yesterday could be to do with Torino's interest again (unless others know different)?

I don't understand the call for an additional centre back in January. What we have is more than adequate for the rest of this campaign. I agree, it may be required in the Summer, hopefully when we are promoted as we do lack pace which will be exposed in the Premier League.

I take your point, but all teams are in the same situation regarding rest. They too will have to utilise their normal bench players and rotate. Like for like, our bench players are better than our opponents IMO.

Personally feel the last place we need to strengthen is CB. We have Vestergaard, Faes, Coady, Soutter, Nelson, Doyle and at a push Justin and Choudhery who can play there. I like 3 signings, a LB, creative number 8 and maybe a left sided player who can push Mavadidi for his place. I'd keep Praet as, when fit, can play on the left and right as an 8, but happy for Nacho, Ward, Iverson to leave and let Casadei go back to Chelsea. The AFCON throws transfers into doubt somewhat, as if Daka was still here, I'd also let Cannon go out on loan.

Rested, to ensure he's fit for the Cardiff game

Very strong bench, if required

Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas. Let's hope we enjoy a happy New Year.

I had a break for about 9 months from posting but kept an eye on threads (it's quite good if you can sit back and take in the good, the bad and the down right ugly differing views). Take a break, but do come back as differing, sensible opinions is good for healthy debate. Take care and keep watching.

2 things strike me about Daka 1, he gets in the right place to score tap ins (something I thought Vardy would thrive on at this level) 2. He's got endless energy and is always pulling the opposing defences around. It's not a coincidence, IMO, that we are creating far more chances with Daka in the side. Glad Enzo has given him a chance and he has taken it. It's like a new signing.