Incredible. Just imagine:

Benteke Remy
Zaha. Townsend
cabaye mcarthur

Presumably if we had a different manager he would have different connections which again presumably would be as useful as AP's. More to the point we might -not necessaily would, of course - have or be creating a better zcouting setup. One of the criticisms that's been made of Pardew and CPFC more generally is that there's too much old school tie in our recruitment.

All of which said our acquisitions in this aindow have been excellent, of course; whether an effective team can be made from them remains to be seen. I still see requirements in wing play and attacking midfield.

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The Ferret
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Totally agree with this, suddenly we have a great looking strike force that will give alot off teams problems.

well done super Al and the chairman, now for attacking midfielder and winger.

Great news regarding Remy loan in addition to Benteke. I'd still go for nurturing Robson-Kanu under the potential strike attack from such experience as Benteke; Remy & Wickham, especially when injuries occur...and they are bound to.

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I think its a considerable gamble given his injury record and lack of game time.

I don't think it's TOO much of a gamble... Loan with a view to buy is quite cautious really. Plus we aren't putting all the 'need goals desperately!' pressure on his shoulders alone. We now have 3 good strikers; if one of them turns out to be a crock, it isn't the end of the world.