Point is, we couldn't just wait on the off-chance an extension would fall into place. Remember, Chelsea embargoed a loan move for Ryan until they were sure Cashley Cole was staying put. MacDermott had to make a decision, and we couldn't hesitate over Williams because he'd have been off elsewhere. It...

I hate August.

Thanks - looks like a showcase for any scouts that might be floating about. Ten quid seems a bit steep, too. Might have to give it a miss.

Anyone know what kind of squad will comprise the RFC XI playing the friendly against BTFC tonight? If it's a decent Ressies team we might have a wander over.

I take it Green Park station isn't likely to be an option anytime soon?

Don't laugh, it's a genuine question!

paultheroyal Rumour - town fans and dignatries overhearing and asking questions from boadroom discussions. Fact he played in this match and not last night at Peterboro might put some truth into it

Basingstoke has dignitaries? Who knew?

Thomas L'Heureux http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 830507.stm

All sounds a bit familiar to be honest.

Is it possible for a David Brent to change its spots? Brings me out in a cold sweat reading that and recallng the awful feeling as it slowly dawned on me what we'd taken on.

URZZZZZZZZ Sonko's signed for them now. How?

Loan. Still to be ratified though.

It'll be very interesting to see how he does. He must have only played half a dozen Championship games since his injury spell and his Premier League moves came on the back of his past reputation. I know through my Hull contact that some of their board members were furious at the difference between w...

What a perfect fit! Can a team succeed by drawing every other game 0-0? I think we're about to find out.

Good luck Brendan, hope it all clicks for you. 1. Reading, 2. Bristol C, Swansea promoted as playoff winners....in my dreams.

OS has confirmed that McAnuff has an "injury" and cannot pay today so I think we can definitely assume that he going to QPR now. Sounds like the "injuries" to Kitson and others we have seen in the past to me. Yep, and Kelly must be on the move too, and Kebe is pondering a deal w...

Maguire

rfcjoe Looks like Jake's playing at right back. He used to play there when I played with him LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME

To be fair, why would he boast that a team mate kicked on whilst he ended up pontificating about friendly line-ups on an internet fans' site?

Like others have pointed out, rankings are relative. We didn't do as badly compared to 2006 as some teams around us (notably France, Portugal and Italy). Just wait till we qualify for Euro 2008 - we'll probably be top 5! You are Marty McFly and I claim the DeLorean. (Might you possibly have meant q...

Yeah, I like Davies too but we have to trust Brian on this, especially with money being so tight. Priorities lay elsewhere - in defence, mostly.

sheshnu (Do friendlies count?)

According to the link above, friendlies get a weighting of 1, World Cup a weighting of 4.

Like others have pointed out, rankings are relative. We didn't do as badly compared to 2006 as some teams around us (notably France, Portugal and Italy). Just wait till we qualify for Euro 2008 - we'll probably be top 5!

I'd guess it's a bit more that it's a competitive positition and two of them were away for the season last year so they want to take a good look at them and have them all training together. True, and on reflection you'd expect at least 3 anyway, wouldn't you? Disappointed about Davies - he was in t...

Big Foot 4 keepers

Federici and Andersen a bit behind in pre-season prep because of their participation in recent tournaments.

Ian Royal Good luck Harps. I hope you have a great season despite Hull hopefully being miserable in midtable.

+1

Absolute RFC legend in the greatest CM partnership we ever had. I think his salary and reputation ended up exceeding his desire, but hopefully he's bouncing back. Just not against us, please.

Fernando Torres is 6 ft 1 by the way. They need more like him with pace and height.