Everton vs Manchester United

How about having a go at them, Ronnie, give us something to cheer about and get stuck right up these fuckers.

3-4-2-1

Stekelenburg;
Holgate, Williams, Funes Mori;
Coleman, Idrissa, Barry (c), Baines;
Bolasie, Barkley;
Lukaku.

Subs: Robles, Jagielka, McCarthy, Cleverley, Mirallas, Deulofeu, Valencia.

With Bolasie & Barkley being allowed to move around the attacking third freely.

Stekelenburg
Coleman, Jagielka, Williams, Baines
Barry, Gana,
Barkley, Mirallas, Bolasie
Lukaku

Deulofeu on after 65 mins for Mirallas, who has been ineffective.
Cleverley or McCarthy on after 75 mins for Barry as the game is passing him by as he's getting tired.
Valencia on after 94 mins for Barkley to try and get back that 3 goal deficit.

Same old shit, same old shit result. Dunno why anyone is expecting anything different after Konman's lastest comments.

It's not working, their not working. So I ask, What is the point?

0-2 to Man Utd, although we may have a shot on goal in this game, we are at home after all

You are probably right about how the game will pan out, as 'the stubborn' prick', as you refer to him, has no choice. Guardiola, Mourhino, etc would get the same negative results with this lot.

He has to avoid a mutiny of dross ,who are finding it hard to accept that their horizons are extremely limited and some could find themselves leaving these shores, if they don't want to accept playing in the Championship.

On the other front, he has fans criticising him for not playing the 'youngsters'. I am quite sure that he knows that these young lads are not ready to play yet. He has seen them in training. Plus, we are not in the position to carry youngsters should they not deliver the full 90 minutes.

We already have a scenario, whereby, 3 or four players are earning their pay and the rest are just turning up. IMO, its only against us, in our recent poor form that teams can blood youngsters.

So, the mutiny effect coupled with the greeness of inexperience, could spell real disaster. Add to this the fact that such an outcome could result in Koemans sacking, which would not be good for the Barcelona project.

So, the bottom line is, the poor fans suffer a little longer!

When you keep picking tactics and teams that are failing, you rapidly lose the respect of the team and the fans. And that, Ronald, is what gets you sacked.

Barry and Gana won't be enough tomorrow if we play the same formation.

More of the same I guess but one bit of good news: if the team changes the sponsor, we might get a better beer at half time to dampen the misery.

It's fair to say they had more quality in their squad beforehand but the main difference for me is they bought more quality in the summer and their manager has continually chopped and changed players and the system until he found a winning team or at least a team that is putting in good performances every game!

Koeman has got to do more to find a way to win with the squad he has! Any players that come in in January will be heaped with pressure and will be thrust into a toxic environment!

Mr Cool needs to start producing the goods!

If he names the same squad without putting and of the young guys in, even on the bench, ffs. He doesn't even have to play them, just give them the experience and excitement.

Put Davies on the bench instead of Cleverley ffs.. Davies is not ready yet? Well Cleverley is not able, simple as that.

Live game, home to Man Utd – if we can get a good start the crowd will really get going and then who knows what might happen. Lukaku and Mirallas are probably angling for moves away so they should step up and put themselves in the shop window.

A massive morale-boosting win would really set up the Xmas period (where we've traditionally been complete garbage – only need to look at the record of thee last two Xmas periods!)

I'm predicting a scrappy 2-1 home win. (All appendages firmly crossed!)

My only real fear is Ibrahimovic. Hopefully Williams will play a blinder (the thought of Jagielka playing and marking him doesn't paint a pretty picture).

The players will walk off at the end of the game, laughing and joking with each other, get in their top-of-the-range four-by-fours and go back to their Mansions. We will go back to work Monday, miserable as hell after another ruined weekend.

I can't feel anything other than sheer dread, and Koeman doesn't help with his comments in the Daily Mirror. If ever there was an "I expect us to get beat" speech the Mirror's column contains one.

He says we shouldn't expect miracles. What the fuck is miraculous about 100% effort for 90+ minutes?

Although, going on our recent form that WOULD be a miracle!

Stekelenburg
Coleman, Williams, Funes Mori, Baines
Deulofeu, Gueye, McCarthy, Bolasie
Valencia, Lukaku
Subs: Robles, Jagielka, Holgate, Davies, Mirallas, Calvert-Lewin, Barry.

I think Holgate has shown that he is definitely good enough, but to play him at centre-back at such a young age is a risk. Centre-backs rely heavily on experience. So that means dislodging Coleman at right-back, but he is a genuine threat going forward – unlike most of our forward players!

I don't think we have seen enough of Tom Davies in the prem to make a judgement. His cameo against Chelsea meant very little as the game was over. He showed energy and commitment but didn't get an opportunity to show much else. It was still more than the rest of the team offered but doesn't mean he can handle the pressure of starting and running a midfield.

If we put him in and he gets annihilated by Pogba and Fellaini, Herrera and Mata then what will that do for his confidence? It will almost certainly set him back in his development. Of course if he were to come in and play excellently than that would be fantastic for his development, but Koeman and Unsworth obviously don't think he's ready yet. If people genuinely think they are in a better position to judge these players than Koeman and Unsworth then they need a reality check.

In saying all that, if Davies or Walsh did make the line-up then it would make the game a helluva lot more interesting as a spectacle. A whole lot more exciting too...b ut is it worth potentially exposing and crushing a lad simply because it would give the fans something to be excited about?

I trust Koeman and Unsworth to understand what it takes to make it at this level better than us fans. They've been there and done it. They watch and chat to these players daily. They know their characters. We don't.

My opinion of our new manager is plummeting week by week.

Why not give Tom Davies a run in the team?

A very interesting January transfer window I hope although I suspect we will get loads off rumours, probably an update on the ground move (haha) and then end up with some loan players who won't get a game coz they are shite anyway.

The joys of being an Evertonian.

If Koeman, and, interestingly Unsworth it seems, doesn't feel the U23s are ready the we have to respect that. Reluctantly so for me in one or two cases.

Maybe it is time to change formation which may spark some life into them but it didn't work too well last time (Chelsea) did it? So I can see why the cautious approach regarding selection.

If we finish the season where we are right now, will that represent progress, stagnation, or a step backward?

Also, why is it that other teams can regularly blood their youngsters whereas we are overly cautious, in my humble opinion?

If we don't play the youngsters, or Valencia up front with Lukaku, and Funes Mori instead of Jags, then I think we are in grave danger of sliding down the slippery into mid- or lower-table oblivion for another season. If this becomes the case or not, I still believe Ronald has something up his sleeve. He may be as dull as dishwater conversationally, but he knows his job. I believe he is buying, or biding time to get the dressing room sorted which will be no mean feat.

My cynical prediction is 0-2 or 0-3, and that really upsets me. I can see no reason to be positive at present, and the average age and formation of the team don't look likely to change in the near future.

I really thought that after what he had achieved at Southampton it would take time but I thought he would start to improve us. Now its still early days and he will take time but I thought, if nothing else, we would play a higher tempo game than we are at present.

I would like to see Deulofeu start the next few games in Barkley's position as I think he would be looking for the early ball to Lukaku which he did at the start of the season. I would also like to see more interplay between our forward 4 but they always seem at least 20 yards away from one another.

So, if nothing else, Ronald, make sure they do start in a higher tempo – surely that's the least we can expect.

And I also haven't read anything regarding Unsworth stating none of them are ready, but you are welcome to point me to something I may have missed.

Koeman stated that he is in contact with Unsworth daily and that the kids aren't ready. He doesn't say that Unsworth has stated unequivocally that the kids aren't ready, but the impression he gave is that they are in agreement.

Regardless, Koeman doesn't think they're ready and I will trust his opinion over anyone on here.

For what little it's worth, I think we'll finish 7th this season, which will be progress. Leicester's freak of a season overshadowed what Koeman did with Southampton last season. Finishing 6th was a fantastic effort.

For sustained success we will need to build slowly and follow Spurs' blueprint not Leicester's. 7th this season, 5th or 6th the next, and then an assault on the Champions League places.

To expect us to dislodge any of the top 5 after the last 2 seasons is fanciful at best. They have better squads, have spent more money, and have the pedigree. Koeman is right when he says we need patience. No manager could have propelled us into Champions League contenders with what we have.

If by Christmas we are 6th or 7th, then I will be satisfied with the progress. That doesn't mean that I have enjoyed what I've witnessed this past couple of months... it's just that I never expected a hell of a lot more. Not yet.

Time for a rethink, Ronald. Barry just sitting in front of the back 3. Coleman and Baines giving the width. Davies just behind a front 2 We have to give Lukaku some support.

If it goes to ratshit, then bring on the usual dross and revert back to your usual system.

Now get back to that Z-Cars re-arrangement!

Chris, if you're good enough you're old enough, especially if you are in and around a team that you know you can do a job for. If we played too many at once, they might be exposed, but a young scouser playing for Everton against The Mancs would give everything. Something which no-one seems to be really giving at the minute.

He was okay when he started the season up top, he just missed the physical presence and finishing ability to be the main striker but his runs and pace definitely created chances!

I think Deulofeu is definitely worth a try in an attacking role!

I would normally agree with you about trust the manger etc, but do you really trust/agree his team selections lately? The Catalan Charlatan was guilty of the same: no inventiveness, daring or intuition to the shite offered up.

Being where we are because we're being beaten despite everyone giving 100% would be bad but understandable. Being where we are because a number of our players are nothing more than cowards is unacceptable.

If everyone played with the intensity and pressing that Koeman wants, we'd be six to nine points better off than we are.

Some of our players need to take a long hard look at themselves because although, as some point out, we're still 7th, if every player had done what's required of them, we'd be a lot better off, without a doubt.

In comparison, we are at best,pedestrian in thought and movement, very little movement or closing down without the ball and the workrate of a squad that is well past its best...

We're crying out for an injection of pace and creativity so until the transfer window opens (fingers crossed we get anything worthwhile) – at least introduce some youth or change the system or both.

Koeman clearly recognises that what we have in the squad isn't good enough, but he believes the answer is in the transfer market and not the U23s. Everyone hopes that a quality addition to the first team will emerge from the Academy, but the fact is that it doesn't happen very often.

Look at the top 4 in England. How many youth team players are currently in Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea or Man Utd's first team? (I realise Man Utd are not top 4, but they are the biggest club in England.) How many of Leicester's title winning team came from their Academy? The only player I can think of is Rashford out of all those teams.

If you want to break into the top 4, then you need players of international standard and not many youth players reach those standards in their teens. Sure, a couple of the youth players could fill in and do a job, but it's unlikely they'll be good enough to help us challenge the top 5. And that is Koeman's target.

Holgate is IMO the most likely to make it. He looks absolute class.

"Finishing 6th was a fantastic effort. For sustained success we will need to build slowly and follow Spurs' blueprint not Leicester's. 7th this season, 5th or 6th the next, and then an assault on the Champions league places."

Chris maybe you're happy for "Jam tomorrow" but the "Jam" has been going on for at least the last 30 years and I for one am sick of the taste.

Kowman should make a statement. He should play at least 5 of the kids and don't even have the dropped five on the bench.

I've had enough of the shit doled out by this club.

I rarely watch other EPL games but I just gave the Man City game a viewing... fuck me, effort by the truck load and passion second to none. I can say one thing: our lot need a reminder of what the EPL is all about and what it means to be wearing the Everton shirt.

It is cold sat in the Park End when there is no passion and very little skill on show from our boys. If nothing else, a youngster or two might pique some interest.

However, I expect to be more angry than thrilled – oh and cold – tomorrow.

I do agree with that. Just not sure what changes will improve us tomorrow.

I think the majority don't want wholesale changes but I think the presence of Holgate as a regular in the side is a must and Davies and a few others on the bench and coming on to gain experience later in the game isn't too much to ask for.

Maybe we have to complain on social media before Koeman makes changes, like the recent Christmas tree episode!

If my aunty had balls... If the team had a few players like Naismith? So long since his sublime hat-trick. Where will we be by Boxing Day?

Also Jags was awful in this fixture last season. He has to sit and Funes Mori needs to play. .

Do you understand Everton first team, a win means you need to score goals, that covertly means you Lukaku, put the ball in the back of the 'opponents' net like you're paid to do and fucking defend from the fron,t you lard arse, stop dawdling like a fat waster waiting for a bus!

Here's to not blowing a blood vessel while I no doubt get frustrated and end up shouting at the TV tomorrow... Up the Blues!

I get where you are coming from.

Some of your detractors want an instant fix, and that is not going to happen.

You won't recognise the current team at the start of next season.

There will be changes in January, but not enough to make the difference we all crave!

So for now we are in transission and that's reality.

I don't know if these players are playing to instructions, but the forwards all have to bust a gut to get a bit of support around Lukaku. Playing a pass then admiring it from 20 yards won't get us anywhere tomorrow. Mourinho will have Lukaku man marked, so it's time someone else stepped up to the plate.

I'd take a draw right now. I'm glad Rooney is missing.

Play compact and then break quick with pace out wide, and upfront. I don't think that you need that much creativity from the middle of the park if we play this way, just a Dogs of War approach, and eleven men who know their job.

Football, the easiest game in the world! Haha!

What I'd settle for: 4 shots on target.

What I'm expecting: 3-0 to Man Utd.

Have our players no shame? If they have, or an ounce of professionalism, they need to be unrecognisable tomorrow in terms of visible effort for every second of the match, minimum. If they need reminding they play for the crowd, the club, and then themselves in that order, because without a club they're fucked, and without a crowd so is the club.

If we get at them quickly, though, we can unsettle them because they are still brittle. Only the players know if they are all going to bother trying, of course.

Apologies for mentioning this, I'm aware that these players are apparently very sensitive to truthful developmental feedback!

Hope they all show us something we deserve to see tomorrow.

With the team that Koeman has been putting out, it looks like we could drop a few places. We need a spark to get things going but where is it going to come from?

Going big and ambitious with saying 2-0 – Lukaku double. COYB!

Let's sign Usain Bolt. He is looking to get into football. He won't score any goals but he will be top of the Sprint charts.

Everton have covered less distance in every Premier League game this season than their opponents with the exception of 1 game.

Another is that Firmino has played 105 minutes more football than Lukaku this season so far but has coved a staggering 23 miles more than the Everton man has.

Koeman's plan does not appear to be working. Our ageing team simply do not have the legs to cope, we cannot be as fit as our opposition and our number 9 is a lazy twat!!

When I saw Koeman's quote about the game acting as a spark, my first instinct was to wonder how he was going to get a spark out of them when they're not having him?

But, as we know, Carragher IS really an Everton fan and maybe this is his way of getting Lukaku to get his act together!

Not to worry – things will definitely start to change tomorrow... even Swansea and Palace came here and nearly won against this shower of shite!

Big or not, explosive or not Lukaku is a lazy shite. Look at Diego Costa, runs, chases what looks like lost causes, a dirty bastard who gets stuck in. He moans and groans all match.

I watched Man City play Chelsea today and just wish our lot could put half their effort in.

I know Koeman wants a clean-out, but the players he wants to clean out are worthless and will generate nothing. We will be lucky to give them away on loan.

All other teams seem to want to win and every Everton player looks like he's doing us a favour by turning up. These next few weeks will destroy us and I am not looking forward to playing the red shite with the players we are using every week.

Expecting a scrappy 1-0 win but any sort of win will do.

I'm just saying Carragher comparing these two players was stupid. We all know that Lukaku can be bullied out of games fairly easily. If he could add 50% of Costa's game to his, he would be on the right track...

Big chance to put himself in the shop window tomorrow if he wants his Champions League club move... let's see!

Hoping against hope that these under-performers will pull out all the stops for the legions of loyal disillusioned fans.

Sounds like Jags and Ross are to be dropped tomorrow and Jags could even be sold to Sunderland in January. Keane, Schneiderlin, Depay and Belotti all serious targets in this window etc .

Like many, I'm not happy with what's happened so far this season but if, in fact, Koeman does have a plan to turn this around, then I'll try and be a bit more patient and wait and see.

As our No 9 does not get to play for us anymore, I just don't care how lazy he is!! Static Kone!!

Jags nearly signed for Sunderland in the summer but he failed the medical. Not sure how he would fare second time around.

It's a forgone conclusion that Koaman, not a stupid man, has seen that not many in this squad are up to his style of play, so expect a mass clearout.

What I can't understand is, if the team of last year, were so unhappy with Martinez and his slow from the back triangular passing game, why can't they adapt to the quick high pressing that Koeman expects?

We quite simply have to give Koeman, a chance. Let's hope he gets it right.

The word I get pissed off hearing is transition, Martinez, Moyes, and now Koaman, let's hope the latter gets it right. Because if it all goes pear-shaped and he's replaced and another top jolly takes over and uses that word 'transition' once more l'll fucking scream.

Oh by the way, my mates a steward at Goodison and he was saying that they were called into a meeting by the head steward, and told they may only approach Koeman, if it is serious issue. And they must address him as Sir, or Mr Koeman. Seems they been calling him Ron, and he doesn't like it. It didn't go down to well by all accounts. A man of the people, hey.

Lukaku could double his sprinting stats, but it wouldn't solve our problems of not gelling a team. Firmino is mediocre compared to Lukaku, that's the only comparison I can draw.

As for those rumors Colin, look back at the summer fiasco, more of the same shite will happen in January. Money to burn my arse. If Koeman can't get the best out of what he rates as one of the best strikers he has ever worked with (hahaha Lukaku) then he has no chance of getting anything from Belotti.

I used to be so positive, now I'm just resigned to face the fact that we are going nowhere fast.

In both our games against these teams they played better against us than today. Trying to compare our games against the same teams is futile and should not be used as a basis for a comparison of our results.

I have become quite impassive with this version of Everton, starting from last season. A lot of the players really have no passion or taste for a hard contest from what I can see. Also, we have become so predictable in the way we set up and the line-ups too. Teams no what to expect. I would like to see more youth, just to spark some energy into the team, but it looks like that isn't going to happen. Like others on here I am not talking about blooding 3/4 youngsters from the start (although Holgate/Galloway have already proven to be 1st team standard imo), but cameos, raising the energy levels, and yes, putting a bit of pressure on those who seem to be guaranteed a place every week regardless of form. I know we don't see the players at Finch Farm, but we have been watching the matches and seeing the same stuff served up now for over 2 seasons, a wee bit longer than Mr Koeman.

Just a thought I had (it does happen occasionally), is bringing in a foreigner from another league (see Niasse etc.) more risky that playing a youngster from the Under 23s? It is certainly more risky financially. However, all of Koeman's signings have all had premier league experience, so I guess it renders that point superfluous for the moment!

What do I want to see from Everton? Fight, passion and a bit of unpredictability in the way we set up! A bit of imagination wouldn't go a miss and a kick up the arse of the under-performers. I still have faith that Koeman can turn this around, but he needs to show a little more imagination in my opinion that he has of late! Here's hoping!

Let's go back to when Martinez took over from Moyes... That first season, went quite well didn't it?

Maybe because Moyes tactics and structures (especially defensively) were still with the players."

Does anyone remember the second and third season under Martinez? When he could get his own tactics & structures & playing style embedded into the players...

Now Koeman has a big job, he has to undo all the piss poor characteristics that Martinez has left - not an easy job!

Give Koeman a year, to allow him to fix what he can, and bring in his own players.

Look at the Red Shite even, Klopp didn't have a major effect until he had been in charge for a year, once he'd bought in a few of the players he wanted & got the players playing his style, rather than Rodgers style.

Have some patience & stop being so fucking pessimistic... Koeman is the best possible manager we can have at the moment, let him do what he needs to do... This season is the platform for the next – he is still finding what he has, what he doesn't have & what he needs to get.

He needs more than 13 or 14 games to fix the mess Martinez made.

In Koeman I trust!

COYB

If Koeman plays the same team as in the last few games, the crowd will need shaking and waking up, because practically nothing will be happening.

If there is one player that I hope suffers a nasty injury in February, it's the kid across the park, because he makes the other crowd play, and is a catalyst for his team and there present style?

I grant that 13 or so games is barely enough to get the team used to his style of play. At the same time providing our players are not totally stupid that number of games is more than enough for a half decent manager to sort out simple basics such as throw ins, corners, both defensive and attacking and movement off the ball.

We are talking about professionals that have spent a life time kicking a ball.

All I see is nil team spirit, players egos bigger than there ability, and there is definitely a clique of senior players who think the club owes them a living.

Forget all comparisons to previous greats of this club – I wouldn't insult there memory and or deeds by mentioning them in the same breath as the current shower of work shy, inept shit houses.

I hope Koeman dumps the bloody lot and starts again. Even a win today won't alter my opinion – I can't respect any man who doesn't respect himself first.

My Under-9s have more self-respect.

You call them professionals, and they are, but that's not how professionals should act. The sooner he gets rid and brings in his own players the better. Then we'll be in a position to judge him.

I am in agreement that Koeman needs time, I 100% think he needs a full season at least to change things around. However, I would still like to see less predictability in the line-ups and also those under-performers getting a kick up the backside by being dropped occasionally! We have become accustomed at Everton to seeing players picked on names rather than form! It goes back to at least the Moyes reign and has continued ever since! I could offer up a list, but I think we could agree on most of the names, so I won't bother.

For the time being I would put up with mixed results if the team looked capable of putting in a shift for 90 minutes, not 30, not 45, but 90 – like they are trained and paid so handsomely to do!

He needs a full season and the next summer transfer window to bring in his own players...

Then you can judge him as a manager.

Gary Neville has told us, that they always hated coming to the bear pit and a "Dogs of War" approach from the off will have a well oiled Goodison on their feet shaking their fist and hurling abuse at anything that isn't blue.

A win today will lift the entire camp (not least the manager) many a season has been transformed with victories in games like this. Its an massive match.

Feed them raw steak this morning and send them out to attack and defend with real aggression, if we cant make it pretty, lets make it fucking exciting.

We owe this crew big time, that poxy semi-final defeat still rankles.

This team clicks and we can beat anyone. Having watched Chelsea destroy Man City, I don't feel so bad about the 5-0 loss as they will bury most teams the way they are playing. John Stones... utter shite, over-rated. Rant over.

I'm a bit puzzled by this whole 'pressing game' thing. The way some managers are focusing on it at the moment puts emphasis on players needing to be long distance runners rather than footballers with a brain. I think our problems are rooted in a system that's not working, so the system needs changing. We need a stronger set up in midfield, more creativity. As well as full commitment from the players. Both things.

I was hoping that Koeman, with his expertise, could adapt the system to best utilise the players he's got. Instead, he seems to be sticking to a particular way, which doesn't seem to be working, and just reiterating that the players need to press more. Well, it's just possible that even if the players pressed until their blue in the face and come off exhausted after 90 min, we'd still have significant problems until Koeman sorts the system out with the players he's got. I thought that £6M/year expertise would give us that flexibility.

I'm trying not to criticise Koeman, and want to give him time, but equally I would by now be expecting to see some adaptability, or flexibility, to work with what he's got, to get better results, until we can get the players he apparently says he wants.

He would have a couple of good games and then revert to being fucking shit. He is shit. I was glad to see the back of him.

If anyone saw the highlights of the West Brom game, that's a good of an example I can think of. Limited but highly motivated players (Matt Phillips apart) playing uncomplicated effective football.

To be honest I'm dreading the game today because I just can't see where a win is coming from, and I will be delighted with a point, just please don't concede early.

Mirallas, Deulofeu and Lennon have pretty much failed so I would bring in Holgate at right back and push Coleman forward. He forgets to defend when he is in attack mode so, with Holgate as cover, Coleman could bring his attacking game into a more positive role and hopefully those runs down the flank and crosses will have the desired effect

"BIG Vic"? One of the most timid players ever to play for the Blues. Frightened of his own shadow. Ossie summed him up in his book.

"Victor used to put himself about in European games because he knew he would not have to face the centre half he was playing against in the future."

A damming statement from a fellow pro. His three recent goals have taken him up to 27 career goals in 190 games. Flatters to deceive indeed.

Until the shop opens in January, we will have to put up with it. Koeman repeatedly saying the same things as the fans, ie, we haven't got the players to play a pressing game.

After slapping it on his (freshly shaved) face he yelps with pain, leans his head back and says "Why I put that stuff on I do not know... fancy paying good money for stuff that hurts."

Funny that line should occur as I get myself ready to head to Goodison Park or the visit of Manchester United.

Up the Toffees!

Do you not think that Deulofeu has done enough floating? He almost cost you money on the top assist. Why don't we build a team around him??

I honestly can't believe how some people can lose patience with Koeman, yet stand stoic with pure dross!

I am dreading today's game as they (United) have been playing well, but in all honesty, if our boys can't get up for this game and bust their collective bollocks for the cause then they should all be dropped.

So come on, Blues give us a decent Sunday evening .

Call me negative or perhaps realistic but I don't think we have much chance of winning this afternoon, and if we do continue in the same manner, serious problems are on the horizon. A pity because most of us thought we'd turned a corner with the new regime.

Well said; succinct and too the point.

I normally get there around 3 hours before the game... but waiting for the bar stool, track-suited went to the game once lifetime jollyboys to settle into their somnambulistic drones... to meet my fellow "go to every game no matter what" Blues. Settle for a chat and a few pints and then off to the iron and tin Blue Palace, shimmering in the slight distance in the winter's sun.

You see, no matter what Martinez, Moyes and Koeman say or do, or whoever we sign or do not sign, this is our Home, our Club and without doubt, our Time will come again... but throughout We are There, We Are The People, Long Live The Spirit of Ma Joad overseeing us lovely Blue Boys.

There you go and off I go. Up The Blues – Cosmic grooves all the way.

Where have you got this info from so early?

Fraser showing what happens when you trust kids. The Southampton kid was pretty decent against us last year too.

Too much money in the premier league means that kids don't get the same chances they do in Germany.

Davies shows passion so I'd have had him in.