KingsX

70 minutes of brutal, foul-filled agricultural football from Hull. They bring Fabio Carvalho on and - boom - an exquisite volley and the lead.

The "first team" part is what does not add up. Will readily grant he's improved some lately; but he's yet to be consistent at this level, much less PL. Their next Cup tie is Villa. How is he going to see the pitch? I'm wondering if we didn't just tell Chelsea to take him back or watch him mostly warm our bench.

I've found the source of the leeks.

I'd argue this was every bit as much the case before FFP. Your budding star player is a year or two from the end of his contract ... club with a few times your turnover fancies him and will offer a packet far bigger than you can match ... you are effectively forced to sell.

Doesn't the tribunal system usually just compensate for the cost of the player's development? Maybe a minimum should be set at a given percentage (33% or 50%?) of the total value of the player's first contract at the acquiring club.

“FFP is bad … FFP is a plot against us.” This is a new catechism for fans. I used to recite it myself. Then I looked at what FFP (new UEFA rules, and the PL showing teeth in enforcing its own) has actually brought about in the current transfer window. There are lots of sellers and few buyers, and “name” players on obscene contracts are suddenly seen as radioactive. Clubs are finally trimming their sails to do something other than bid up fees and wages in a never-ending spiral. Sky Sports’ deadline day spectacular may be a damp squib. Hmm … this may not be all bad? Sick of spiraling salaries, insane transfer fees, agents making millions fomenting constant player moves, and oil states taking over competitions? FFP is proving to be the only effective restraint. In principle, FFP is good. The only thing it prevents is owners outspending their clubs’ income on playing/coaching staff and operations. Which usually has an awful outcome: - clueless/desperate owners attach ruinous debts to a club, or - oligarch/state owned clubs ruin competitions through unlimited spending. Stop being ostriches, people, and look at how easily LIV destroyed the PGA tour. That is absolute proof of how things work when the Saudis get involved. Absent FFP, Newcastle would already have spent a billion on players. Instead they are fairly quiet in this window. In practice, the rules are too inflexible. UEFA’s in particular are designed as a straitjacket. And yes, it’s on the record that part of the motivation for that design, was cementing the existing upper class’s advantage. But even as they are, they’ve done more good than harm. FFP needs tweaked, not eliminated. How is it bad that Everton, Forest, and hopefully Man City are facing the music? They didn’t make a few small mistakes. They massively outspent their true income buying multiple squads’ worth of expensive players. How is it bad that NUFC are not allowed to follow the LIV script? “Categorically” against FFP? Then you do not believe clubs should be self-sustaining. You can’t have it both ways.

Meet your new American overlords … “The Football Co.” Nothing but good will come from that I’m sure

PL and EFL clubs are an absolute magnet for chancers. Even in 2024, it's the wild west. The independent regulator is years too late. But better late than never!

FFP is finally having its impact. Just look at the current transfer window -- it’s nothing like the obscene spectacle we’ve become used to. There are lots of sellers and few buyers, and “name” players on obscene contracts are suddenly seen as radioactive. Clubs are finally trimming their sails to do something other than bid up fees and wages in a never-ending spiral. It’s slowing down Newcastle, who haven’t been able to continue their wild spree. What amazes me is that lots of nitwits defending Ev and Forest (or our fans saying let owners spend what they want) also gripe about obscene transfer fees and player salaries. Yes, FFP locks in advantage for the richest clubs. But clubs with big advantages in turnover have always been able to outspend the rest -- until the advent of oligarchs and oil states. The only thing a middle class club loses under FFP is the possibility that a very rich, aggressive -- and often foolish -- owner (say, an oligarch or hedge fund or oil state) can buy in and make huge, risky bets on players.

He looks like the puppy that just ate the steak and hasn’t figured out there are consequences.

Give Everton credit. They put the shit into shithousery.

Ohhhh Abdul is a winger He has a teenage brain He could have gone to AFCON, but he felt like holidayin’ Enzo wouldn’t have it, he played him from the off So he went in like a madman, and got his 3 games off

Might need a bit of this today. The joint will be full of dust.

Blame the ref, blame Enzo? Save your breath. This resulted from an incredibly stupid challenge in the LAST minute, in THEIR half.

Cov thanks Fatawu ...

We have reviewed your request. We have determined your desire for a "comfortable" match viewing experience is incompatible with the Enzoball mission statement. You are granted 50 minutes of intense discomfort, with the potential for pure pain at any given moment.

PEN!!

Darren England, notching up another interception. Top ref

Enzo seems to have to the lads to rotate making hospital passes

Huth's Triple Strength "Batman" Marzen, by the case Knocks you on your ass as soon as you get into the box.

Looking forward to the day this thread finally goes "Hot" ...

Million, million and a half pound fee. Worst case, he gets hurt -- and in that case, we can see him off without discussing a new contract. Enzo wants him. Get it done.

There you go Boro!