CloudFox

Maybe. Perhaps they do need that kind of striker though. And he played a lot with Cole Palmer at youth level, so could be a good link up there.

Could make a mint supplying the hair though 🤔

I'll only accept him if he can match his dad's eyebrow game.

Not a shock at all, Rangers could be a good launch pad for his career. A shot at European football too. Makes you wonder who we are targeting now though. If anyone.

I'm somewhat resigned to the fact we didn't bring Maresca in until 16th June. I think that's around when we'll hear anything. Can't remember when Dean Smith was let go, but at the end of the day, mid June was when we appointed ahead of our last Championship season.

I think we were competing with Liverpool for his signature at the time, if I remember correctly? Wouldn't be surprised if that played a part.

Best take so far. He's not a bad player, he's just not good enough in the areas we need. And unfortunately, his weaknesses (namely pace and aerial ability) far outweigh his strengths for us at PL level. It's his seeming attitude which is a main issue, for me. But I am on the fence about that—as others have said, I have no problem a player calling out a manager and demanding higher standards, if it's appropriate.

That's a great shout.

I would be so excited to see him rip up the Championship and give him time to properly develop. I think I care more about him staying than who our manager is next year. Desperately want to see him, Fatawu, Mavididi and Monga/Evans combine in attacks. Just seems like it would be fun. And I miss watching Leicester being fun.

So let me get this straight, now it's done and dusted. This great Liverpool title-winning team amassed a grand total of—*checks notes*—THREE points more than our title-winning team in 2015/16. In second place, Arsenal again finished 10 points behind. Narrative is really fascinating, you know.

BYE FELICIA.

So Charlton the last to join the list of Championship sides for next season. We can't have played them for years, so at least that'll be an interesting trip away. Shame for Wellens and Orient though.

Without question, fielding that starting eleven today, when there's nothing to play for, confirms once again that he should not be here next season. Honestly, Ruud, is that really the best lineup you can put out? Sigh.

BEK not in the squad is disappointing, even if he is off. What a depressing lineup. Can we skip to the end of this game please?

I can't remember who mentioned it earlier in this thread, but they really should have a "pay to play" type rule with bonds and the like, instead of this anti-competitive system. Heck, maybe even allow some sort of scaling of a bond where if you want to spend more, you have to increase the size of your bond with the league to do so. Any excess could be filtered down to grassroots football too. I'm probably talking nonsense, but it would be one hell of a lot better than what currently exists.

Dyche it is then, eh? TalkSport reporting we've had talks, if that's worth anything.

This is the thing. The PSR charge gives the board an excuse: "oh we can't spend money, look, we're trying to comply...oh no we have to stay in the Championship another season because of a heavy points deduction...well that's not our fault, the EFL/PL gave it to us...ah we've got even less revenue now so we can't invest..." and so on and so on. There's no accountability at this club. I do wonder what it will take for that to change. Probably a complete regime change, you'd have thought.

Liam Delap apparently in talks with Man United.

Good point! I keep thinking of him as a striker rather than a wide player...but he is a wide forward too, isn't he.

Cyriaque Irié moving to Freiburg too. Think we were linked with him in Jan.

Naturally a little wary at times today re: challenges, but not surprising when those are coming from battle-hardened opponents at least 10 years older than you! On the ball he looked really good, and smart with his driving runs. Was so hoping he'd get through that cloud of pink shirts when he was dancing in centrally, but wasn't to be. Really hope we hold on to him. A year in the Championship with regular game time will do him the world of good for his development. Fatawu, McAteer, Mavididi, Monga, Alves. Would love us to have those five to choose from on the wings next season.

Yeah for sure. I know it's probably projection on my part, but it definitely feels like he's channelling the fans a bit.

Will Still would be an interesting option. I just think the board are going to stick with Ruud though 😔

I still remember him being in tears during an interview post-match under Sousa. God that was grim. I know he linked up with Pearson at Hull, but no idea what happened to him after that.

Gotta love the combo of him and BEK. More of that before the end of the season please! He's been criminally underutilised by RvN. He has had some off games, but he's still so young. He'll be great for Brighton, or more likely loaned to one of the promoted teams next season.