🎙ToffeeWeb Podcast: ‘This Is What Progress Looks Like’

It's very clear and obvious that Lampard etc invested in player attitude as a key requirement, so why just put any almost random supposed upgrade as will work in our squad? In my view, it would be more listenable if that side of the discussion was connected to reality.

Pickford has progressed and improved no end. I still wish he'd play outside his 6-yard box and be more commanding, but some of those saves this season have given me breathless moments.

Best saves. It will take something to beat the Neville Southall one away at Tottenham for me. But I'm an '80s kid, so there will be a degree of sentiment with that!!

Europe. We're going to Europe. Believe it and it will happen.

In short, you said it all, in the first 5 minutes. Why drag it out. Give a thought to insight and entertainment value. Stand out or stand down is a good measure. There are so many levels to explore, why be lazy and just go "Yeah, it's okay compared to before, but not like it used to be." Snooze… zzzz.

And while he probably wouldn't command a fee, any player that departs frees up space on the wage bill for signings.

And Paul's reference to our glut of centre-halves includes Michael Keane who isn't near the end of his deal and if the right opportunity came up that suited both him and EFC, I imagine it would be considered.

I'm afraid, I'm not sure of your second point because I don't know what you're referring to in terms of "statements that hang American style like a question but are not actually a question", what is repetitive or what you're referring to when you say: "There are so many levels to explore, why be lazy and just go 'Yeah, it's okay compared to before, but not like it used to be'."

I'm open to constructive criticism and suggestions, I'm just not sure what you're driving at.

He obviously is not first choice having been pretty much so for most of his time here.

Until the arrival of Coady and Tarkowski, he was our oldest and so theoretically most experienced centre-back. But you wouldn't have thought it. I know every player, and everyone for that matter, has different traits, but he always looks to others. He is not a leader, he get's led.

At 29 and without the prospect of regular first-team football, I wouldn't be surprised to see him go in January. But then if we offload Mina, will we keep him as backup? Sorry for not doing my research, but is Branthwaite's loan all season? And can we call him back? We also have Holgate and Godfrey in the wings once they come back.

Sorry again. Too many questions there.

I think Mina will stay until the summer... that is unless we get a cash offer in January. Then it might make sense to let him go and keep Keane.

How long that is for remains to be seen, but both seemed to be training well.

We have too many centre-backs for a club not involved in European competition. With the right partner, Michael Keane could do a capable job as a solid penalty-box defender for a mid or lower table outfit. When he leaves I would expect him to command a fee commensurate with his profile as a former England player and a decent fitness record.

His main weaknesses have been his slowness on the turn, a certain diffidence and crises of confidence following a mistake. But he is far from the worst player we have had in recent years and of course we are all grateful for his goal which launched the fightback against Palace.

With his catalogue of injuries, I will be very surprised if any club will take Mina off our hands before the end of his contract.

I certainly miss the European trips. Seeing our team play in Kharkiv, Minsk, Krasnodar and Kyiv are among the highlights of my time supporting the club. The folk of Krasnodar were as friendly as any I have met anywhere. It is more than regrettable such trips will not be possible for many years to come.

I'm planning next season already even though I don't know the locations yet!

Good points on Keane. Very much a player who has a level and needs a partner to guide him.

Hopefully next time we get to have a drink and proper catch-up. See you soon.