Newsletter #918

A fairly brief issue tonight with opinion on transfer targets, Wardle, new stadium chants and another good Why Blue – there must be more lurking out there and now is an ideal time to get them penned before the new season begins.

Congratulations to Bournemouth, Cardiff and Wolves on their respective play-off successes this weekend.

OPINION: MOVERS AND SHAKERS

I wonder whether anyone else is concerned about the rumour that Eyal Berkovic may be moving on? I know he was asking for an extension to his contract and his injury record isn’t marvellous but he is a fine player and is known to help the younger players. Why can’t KK just say “we’re very interested and we’d like to review the situation after next season when you have a year to go” – it costs nothing and keeps the player feeling wanted. One thing is for sure, without him or an adequate replacement (for heaven’s sake not McManaman! – see below) we will struggle next season.

I see that there is a rumour that we may be interested in McManaman. He may want to come to us because he has racehorses co-owned with Fowler – wow, that’s a really good reason to have him at the club, not! Are we to become Liverpool old boys? I recall McManaman doing some good things at Liverpool (scored a lovely goal against Rangers – or was it Celtic?) but he can also drift out of games and seem to be disinterested. I’d much rather have Michael Brown or Matt Holland. Guys who would give 100% although I wonder if Brownie is any better than Joey Barton. What are the thoughts of other readers (I see KK still wants Foe – oh dear!)?

OPINION: SPEND, SPEND, SPEND

I’m afraid I find myself agreeing with KK on spending big next season. To avoid relegation, we ended up needing 43 points – we got 51 points. 2 wins and 2 draws.

For much of the season our defensive record was in the bottom three of all teams. We have no idea who will replace Schmeichel, and talk of signing the Reizigers of the world has gone all quiet. On the other hand, the move towards 4-4-2 seems to be underway, which could well save us a tense season. Nonetheless, I think we have to spend between