CloudFox

I know it's early in his career, but I would love to see Nelson break through. I think he has so much potential. And he's both footed, I believe?

That says quite a lot really, doesn't it? I think I probably agree, although I wouldn't say he's as good a defender as I'd hoped. Looked great last season, but I do remember him being a bit suspect at PL level. Which, for the time being, is where we are. As @Ric Flair has said, if we replace him with a decent, genuine left footed centre back, I'd be okay with Faes leaving. Should be £20m minimum though.

Slightly off topic, and tinfoil hat conspiracy time, but...Vichai was in charge when they bought OHL. A year later he obviously tragically passed. I don't think the people left behind knew/know how to orchestrate a multi-club model, or what to do with one. We've had what, a couple of permanent transfers between us? And the loans have stopped. There's no linked up strategy there. Anyway, the above aside, the Belgian league is a treasure trove of rough diamonds and hidden talents. It's good to see us looking at it again. Ndidi was a great find there.

Unfortunately, we are no longer on Bournemouth's level. We need a few years established in the PL at least before that starts being possible again. Potential is probably our best avenue, rather than proven quality.

Our guy Kristof has confirmed this too.

Pre-season is as much about establishing patterns of play as getting match fitness. It's why people say things like "give him the pre-season to put his stamp on/shape the team". We have no shape, and no stamp from Cooper. Can you honestly say you know what his plan is? Could you last season/pre-season with Maresca?

He seemed to acknowledge that Ricky can play in midfield, but made no commitment to doing so. Essentially said he's happy with the competition between JJ and Ricky at right back, and "we'll see who he is" (AKA where Ricky can contribute) across the season. Clearly not his first choice, which is baffling.

Appreciate it's very soon after a defeat, but my initial reaction to that was "He's Ricky ****ing Pereira, Steve. Who are you?"

Thanks! What an odd conversation. So if he sees Ricky P as an experienced, valuable player...why hasn't he had any minutes so far this season, and relatively few in pre-season? I really don't get it at all, this is not helping Cooper's case.

I'd actually be happier if we could be confident that was the case. I don't think Top or Rudkin will do that if the Rodgers fiasco is anything to go by. What was he asked, and what did he say?

You mean...they want Rudders in to clean up all the mess?! 👀

God ****ing dammit. Aarrrrgggghhhh why Leicester, why not even try for these kinds of players? 😭

Lacroix is a really decent buy for that amount. I've tracked him for ages and seemed a good fit for us. Oh well, at least no-one has snapped up Nanasi or anything...

This seems like such a strange move. Sideways at best, surely?

A number 10, huh? Wonder who that could be. One of the ones who got away is definitely Hlozek.

I'm confused. Are Ricardo and Mavididi not fit or something? Ricardo is arguably one of our best players. And Mavididi was one of the better performers in pre-season, I thought 🤔. Odd, but okay Cooper...let's see what happens.

There is no way Nketiah is worth £30-35m. What on earth. Transfer fees for PL youngsters are getting out of control.

I'm not sure I'll ever get over us not going in for Gronbæk . Oh well...#WelcomeSkipp. And at least we've got Wilf to play that 10/8 role. Who needs creative, affordable Scandinavian midfielders, eh? 🥺

Pretty surprised Maresca has captained Enzo Fernandez after all that's happened. Yikes.

I'm okay with the signing generally, especially as we are threadbare in terms of midfield quality. But "in excess of £20m", according to the BBC? What the hell is Rudkin playing at.

I keep going over and over and over in my mind: Why tear up the tactics and framework we had that won us the Championship last year? Evolution not revolution, surely? I don't understand what Cooper is trying to do. Fine, change little things here and there to fit the Premier League and different role we'll have to play. But don't abandon it all together. Plus, it makes so little sense to not at least use players in the positions they proved they can play in the past, successful campaign. To me, it screams that he and his team don't know how to coach the players to play like they did last season. So they're just starting again with what they do know how to coach. And it's not working.

The only way I could possibly disagree with that is based on the fact I can't find any stats to back it up 😂. I haven't been able to watch the games (thankfully), but for all that's been said from those attending (and, frankly, the scorelines), it looks pretty bleak. Also, why is Ricardo not playing? That's baffling me.

I feel exactly the same. First time in a long time where I'm genuinely considering avoiding following us for a bit. I love this club, but it feels a bit toxic at the moment. I'd just like one little spark of hope. Just the one! ...and for all I've said above there, I'm sure I'll still find some dodgy stream each week to put myself through it.

Three defeats on the bounce to end our pre-season, with no goals in three either. Love that for us. ****.

As Muzzy says, he wasn't relegated with Plymouth. Whittaker looked good last season, but if I remember correctly, he had a bit of a drop off once their manager went to Stoke. 19 in half a season is very good, agree @JimJams, but does make you wonder if he worked best in a certain system. I think he probably needs to show it again at Championship level before he steps up to the Premier League.