Official Premier League 2010/11 thread

[R.W.]

I wouldn't say the situation is that bad at all really, but I can't see the article you've linked due to work firewalls.

Wages at the club are higher than they have been in recent years, accounting for 91% of the £50 million annual turnover, which is obviously a problem, but the departures of players such as Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Warnock, Reid et al will reduce that number significantly this year.

But to counterbalance that, debt is only £20.3 million (less than half turnover), whilst last year we made a pre-tax profit of £3.6 million

The wage expenditure is one of the key reasons we don't spend a lot of money in the transfer market anymore - but of course, with the takeover talks that's subject to change.

Still, John Williams is one of the better chairman in the PL, with a sound head and no grand ideas above our station.

[9 to 5]

We spend too much of our turnover on wages and we are just poor. We aren't anything like a Portsmouth wanting to happen. Good job we have alot of youngsters up and coming.

[R.W.]

Think the 25 max squad plus youth players rule could actually benefit clubs like us.

[9 to 5]

Aye, with the quality of players we are bringing up or clubs with more money than sense offering us 8 figure fees for the likes of Jones. >_>

[Guest Mr. Potato Head]

Already finding excuses for why you'll get relegated

[R.W.]

Teams who spend 120% of their turnover on wages and get relegated wish they were as good as us.

10th best team in England, don't you forget it.

[HailtotheYo]

Think the 25 max squad plus youth players rule could actually benefit clubs like us.

Honestly I feel this will do wonders for the "second half" of the EPL clubs.

[Summers]

Man City with 37 senior squad members and adding more constantly are surely confused by the new rule.

[stokeriño]

Presumably everyone is waiting for the August 28th firesale when half of City's strikeforce realise that they can't physically be included in the season's squad and demand transfer/loan moves immediately.

[Summers]

'pool could finally get Barry. >_>

[therockbox]

He'd fit in with what seems to be our current policy of signing average English players so Roy can wink and wave at the FA.

Although at least he'd make the HMS Carragher look quick off the mark.

[Summers]

I dunno, he's got slower at City. He was crawling against the Germans. Want Sidwell with Luke Young?

[Hobo]

And Sparky goes to Fulham!

Fulham have reached an agreement with Mark Hughes for him to become their new manager, BBC Sport understands.

The Craven Cottage club said on Thursday that they expect to name their new boss within the next 48 hours.

Former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Hughes, 46, has been out of work since being sacked as Manchester City manager in December 2009.

The Welshman will replace Roy Hodgson, who left Fulham earlier this month to take charge at Liverpool.

Fulham had wanted to recruit Ajax coach Martin Jol but were forced to look elsewhere when the Dutch club refused to let the former Tottenham manager leave.

Hughes began his managerial career with Wales in 1999, taking them to the brink of qualification for Euro 2004, only to denied by a play-off loss to Russia.

In 2004, he took the helm at Blackburn and guided them to an FA Cup semi-final and also a place in the Uefa Cup.

He was appointed by City in 2008 but the club's change of ownership and hugely increased budget and level of expectation meant he only had 18 months in the job before he was replaced by Roberto Mancini.

At Fulham, he will be working with more modest resources but he will inherit a side left in good shape by Hodgson.

Last season, Hodgson guided the Cottagers on a memorable Europa League campaign, which ended when they lost in the final to Atletico Madrid.

The expected arrival of Hughes will almost certainly be followed by a reshuffle of the backroom staff at Craven Cottage.

First-team coach Ray Lewington, currently caretaker manager following Hodgson's departure, has been linked with a move to Anfield but looks set to stay at Fulham.

However, goalkeeping coach Mike Kelly could team up with Hodgson again, with Hughes expected to bring in his own regular backroom staff including Mark Bowen, Kevin Hitchcock and Eddie Niedzwiecki.

A move to Fulham will see Hughes link up again with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, who he worked closely with during his time at Manchester City.

[Asuka's Gonna Kill You]

Great appointment I think. I'm sure most will disagree, but I think it's worked out better for them with Jol staying at Ajax. I can see Hughes doing pretty well this season, although it's always going to be tough after the brilliant season Hodgson had there last season.

[ONO]

That is a great selection for Fulham.. Two weeks ago there was talk of Sven taking over. Christ.

Bellamy to Fulham?

[Blue Rosler]

I finally got off my arse to go to the Spurs training ground again, they have a bloody game tonight so Wilson told me to come back tomorrow. Fucking no Spurs shirts for sale *anywhere.*

Does anyone know where I can literally find them before 10am tomorrow?

David Bentley waved at me when he drove out, I don't know why, but he is a nice man. However, however, there was something very distressing.

Luka Modric wears denim shorts. I waved at him, and he didn't wave back.

[Pesci]

Eh, I've always found Hughes a bit overrated. But he should be alright for Fulham. He's no Hodgson but he'll keep them steady.

[cmb211087]

Eh, I've always found Hughes a bit overrated. But he should be alright for Fulham. He's no Hodgson but he'll keep them steady.

Why? He got us (Blackburn) to Europe and a few cup semi finals on probably the smallest budget I have ever seen for a top flight club. If only the board wouldn't have been asses and had given him the £6m to buy Diarra from Arsenal :-(

[Pesci]

Yeah, good point. Maybe overrated isn't the word. But I think he'll have problems with a relatively weak (strength wise, not talent wise) Fulham side.

[Baddar]

Furthermore, he ALMOST got Wales into the Euro's. ¬_¬