I wish that was lying, because if he really believes we played well we are in trouble.

I don't think so this time. Hodgson even said last night that now Mateta's visa has come through, he'll definitely be in the squad on Saturday and he is contemplating whether to start with him.

As for Benteke, it doesn't surprise me that the club are contemplating giving him an extension NOT because I want to see him stay (I don't, I wish he'd go to WBA this window). Unfortunately, as I've previously posted, I don't see us taking up the option to buy Batshuayi; I expect Wickham to be shown the door in the summer and if Benteke also went, we would be left with just Ayew and an on loan Mateta (Wilf may or may not stay - who knows? If he keeps scoring at the rate he has - 9 goals in 17 league games, we may well see serious offers coming in). The club aren't likely to fork out the kind of money needed to bring in another striker, especially with the more pressing needs in midfield and defence Ergo, it will be cheaper to give Tekkers a new one year contract (at a much reduced rate one would hope) and have him on the bench.

Benteke is a symbol of everything that is wrong at the club; he offers a fine example to any freeloader out there how absolute mediocrity can be rewarded handsomely.

agree - never sign a player who considers it a step down to join us - Tekkers, Sakho etc cost loads and are happy to take the money.

Tekkers was woeful yesterday (set up for Wilf, aside) - back to his old ways

I Know it takes time but the structure and long term plan of the playing side of club seem very uncertain to say the least.Why are we in this situation with so many out of contract players and no youth seemingly not able to make step up .Having been in premiership for those many years we should be by now just adding the odd bit of quality and youth, but after current results we don't know where to start with transfers in or out ?

Until this season our youth teams were playing against the equivalent teams of mainly League 1 (and a few Championship teams. Why would promising prospects want to have come to such a shambles? Hopefully the new Academy and our upgrading to Category 1 status should help us both attract and retain better quality youngsters. Unfortunately, it will take time, time we may not have if we wish to retain our PL status.