Average age

I was winding my other half up about how much I was looking forward to the women's beach volleyball.

She tried to counter by texting that she was going to watch the men's version. It rained and they ended up wearing shorts and shirts

LH -

I'm a shoe-in for Gold!!!!!!!

Evening all...

Interesting debates, valid points all round to be honest. I'm pretty sure the squad hasnt changed too much in terms of age, but I'm happy that the contract situations look better, and fewer clubs can hold us to ransom..

Elmander walked, as expected and Cahill was sold 6 months before his contract ended.. We can debate the figure received all day, but we were under pressure for ages to cash in..

Now we seem to be able to hold off clubs after our 'stars', but at least most are under lengthy contracts and we can get some decent fees for them..

OC will need to take one step back to go two forward... Blake was a terrible signing, and old, while Eaves is young but not pushing through to the first team yet...

On the other hand, contract extensions to Mavies and CYL give us strength in the market..

On paper, he is signing players that should be performing next season.. Mears was excellent for Burnley and Alonso is a graduate of Real Madrid.. I could go on.... What has always concerned me is the manger getting them to play to a successful system..

The average age debate is fine, but the contracts and length etc are just as important.. I'd give OC credit in improving this...

But promotion this season is a must if we are to benefit from the above & grow with the Sky money..

At some point, people will be asking about the return on Alonso, Eaves and the like... Stuart Holden needs to play regular for me too...

Wilshere & Sturridge worked, Tuncay & Kakuta didn't.. OC and his summer planning will be vital to our season ahead (obviously)... This squad is more than capable... Some (some), are hoping the manager sets them up right...

CEF - even if you finish in the bottom 3, Uncle Phil will still love you

Evening MT - good point about the length of contracts. None of us considered that during this thread.

CEF - I've posted about three times about lengths of contracts pal

LH -

I was too busy loading my inkjet!!!!!!

Evening CEF..

It's the most important thing when you're doing a 'OC Transfer Policy'

I typed away like a good one while I missed 100 Olympic Comments!!!

How come so many games are being played at the DW Stadium though..? Weird..

Because Dave Whelan was hoping to see it full

Absolutely brilliant, women's volleyball team just won, no funding for 2 years, no top level experience for 3 years, cack in the world rankings, smiling from ear to ear! GB!