Dont buy Gallagher, PV will revert to 4-3-3 Eze will be ruined and Doucoure will be Knackered or suspended, or both

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

I didn't see him yesterday, but let's not forget that at the end of the season with us he just wasn't the same player that started it. Is it his position at Chelsea, or is it something with him as a player, maybe?

A stairway to Heaven and a Highway to Hell give some indication of expected traffic numbers

I'd agree generally with most of that, but I think the key questions are:

1. We're not "essentially" playing for mid-table. We ARE playing for mid-table, such is our fate and the state of the game nowadays. But the keyword in your sentence may be "playing", rather than "mid-table". Conor got whatever opportunity he now has at Chelsea because he was PLAYING for us last season, and it's playing that will give him his opportunity to make his mark long-term, at Chelsea or anywhere else. If he's ambitious, then he will know that playing somewhere (at his age) is more likely to serve his career goals than sitting on the bench for a better side. Sometimes, one step back in the short term equals two steps forward in the long term. It must be at least possible that Conor is starting to understand this.

2. It seems pretty obvious that Chelsea WILL sign another midfielder, Fernandez if they can agree terms with Atletico and someone else if they can't. That's almost a matter of record at this point so it's reasonable to think it's not a question of "if things change" but "when things change". Conor must think that if the writing isn't on the wall for him, at a minimum the last few months haven't gone the way he hoped they would.

3. What Potter wants...but will Potter still be at Chelsea by the end of the window? They have an owner who pursues glamour at every opportunity; performances under Potter have been mixed at best...no one appears really happy. If Chelsea is thumped by Man City tomorrow night (possible) will Potter even last the week? Chelsea seem to be in a flux right now; not a good place for a marginal player to be.

As I said originally, Chelsea is Conor's club and I don't think he'd want to walk away even now without a fight. But I have to think he's also pragmatic about what's best for his career, and a return to us on another loan (six or eighteen months) might suit all parties in light of everything above. It would get him back on track with a smile on his face, and let things settle at Chelsea at a time when he clearly isn't front and centre of their thinking. What happens next, who knows but I think we probably have a much better chance of signing him in January than we did in August.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

How about Broja and Gallagher on loan for 18 months?

Now there's an idea. Far too sensible to ever happen, though.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

I think that's fair, and certainly within the bounds of possibility. Though IMO, the guy has had a couple of seasons on loan, so now he's in the mix I'd expect him to want to stay close to the club and fight for minutes. IF by summer he has been frozen out then maybe.

But if the guy has serious ambitions for hte top, he needs to learn to fight for his place with new players and new managers coming in.