CloudFox

2-0, and we ****ed it up eh? Deary me.

Appreciate this summary, great idea! This part is absolutely wild: LCFC argued that it was no longer bound by the Premier League rules after its relegation on 13 June 2023. The Appeal Board agreed with LCFC, emphasizing that liability under the PSRs could only be assessed after the completion of the club's financial year, which ended on 30 June 2023—after the club had left the Premier League. The Appeal Board noted that LCFC’s decision to change its accounting reference date to 30 June 2023 was critical. This decision, albeit coincidental, meant the club's PSR Calculation fell after its relegation, thus placing it outside the Premier League’s jurisdiction So basically, we managed to get out of this on the technicality that we weren't a PL club for 17 days of the 3 year accounting period...and "coincidentally" this was possible because we changed our accounting period. That is 4D chess stuff right there. DeMarco, wow.

Although Rumble was exaggerating a little for effect, I don't think he's that far off the mark. Give Ricky P a proper run in the side and I am convinced he would be up there as at least one of the top 5-8 full backs in the league. He should never, ever have played at Championship level. He is a fantastic footballer. If this is referring to Mavididi, however, I love the guy, but he has not had anywhere near the time to evidence that yet.

Thanks folks. I think Cooper set up poorly, but don't think the players deserve booing at this stage of the season. The ref, however...

Did I hear boos?

This is much better, agreed. Let's hope it shifts to that as the game wears on.

Ricky P is probably most fans' favourite player in our squad. He's a great player on his day. And Cooper is just icing him out? I don't get it at all. Mavididi also deserves his chance—hopefully comes on and plays out of his skin. Buonanotte not playing is also bizarre, considering he seems to have started most of our attacks so far this season.

That is so negative. Especially at home. I get Villa are decent these days, but where are our attacks and chances supposed to come from? Really hope I'm wrong.

I am disappointed with the window overall, but there are a few areas of promise. We still need an understudy to Vardy, and our left back depth is...questionable. But we have a team that should be better than bottom three in theory. The problem is, we have a points deduction coming which will likely drop us in there no matter if we're better than those teams or not. I'm more concerned about us dropping wages and transfer fees on ageing players like Ayew and BDCR. I don't see what either adds. If Cooper actually plays his best players (cough, Ricardo, cough, Mavididi) then our first eleven isn't terrible. I'm more worried about our first few performances to be honest. Arguably Cooper looks like the worst deal we made. Oh, and a shout out for all the players going out on loan. Genuinely looking forward to seeing how they all get on!

Banter on here was much better when we were shit to be fair. Silver linings and all that 😁.

Okay now I just want a league table of ITKs to judge what tier they each are 😂. Points for correct predictions/announcements/rumours, bonus points for being the first to break the news, and deductions if things turn out to be a load of waffle...

Playing that midfield against Tier 4 opposition can only be justified as "practice". And if they don't absolutely tear it up and dominate then that is utterly damning of Cooper. No creativity whatsoever, when you could be using this as an opportunity to rest key players while trying out Alves. Hopefully he comes on for 40+ minutes at least.

Excited for him! This would be a great test to see where he's at now, post-injury.

It'll probably for Rudders to **** off and come back with a bigger bid, I'd imagine.

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?! 👀