Bendtner for Upson is the funniest one yet! Not just because Bendtner is so poor but Upson is worth double, despite his age.

In contrast to other posts, I don’t think Sears has had enough chances – it takes more than a couple of sporadic substitute appearances to settle in at this level. The one or two he started with Bellamy, I was quite impressed with his movement. His biggest problem at the moment is that he is similar to one of our best players in Bellamy. However, i would still prefer him on the bench to Di Michele.

Tomkins is also one for the future and should be loaned out again for more experience, Despite his poise and excellence on the ball, he found out last season just how unforgiving the Premiership is for young centre backs.

I’ve noticed the Zola detractors seemed to have disappeared on here now and the “Bring Curbs back” brigade have thankfully gone as well.

Progress is looking good. Passing the ball, good spirit, better fitness and players not dropping like flies back onto the treatment bench.

I’m also all for letting the bellend go – if we can get anything like 12-15m for him, I’d grab your putter with both hands. He’s 29, missed most of last season, has a real attitude problem and probably wants out.

As for Parker, again he’s 29, can be injury prone but has played like a hero all season. I think he’s a great influence on Noble/Collison and I’d sell the bell over him anyday.

Where TF is that Indian billionaire?

We have a lot of strikers though. The only worry I think is if Bellamy is injured because he has the uniqueness of pace which our other strikers don’t have. Sears is quick but not like Bellamy. All our other strikers have attributes that over lap so a injury to one of them would not hurt us too bad.

DiMichelle – I think people are being a bit harsh on him. Technically he is very good. When he got his brace against Newcastle early season, people were raving about him. He just needs a run. He replaced Bellamy recently (suspension) and people criticised him but you’re not gonna get from him what you get from Bellamy – they’re different players.

Also, I really believe there is a lot more to come from Tristan. He used to be one of the worlds top strikers. Yes, strikers do lose pace as they age but the finishing will still be there. When he gets a run together, I think he will be lethal inside the box. I think he can be that one you referred to as being able to “stick it away”.

Sears – he’s worried me to tell you the truth. He’s prolific in the reserves but has had quite a few minutes in the first team with a number of good chances. I am certain he has the ability, certain, but he must impose himself. He needs to be more confident and cocky – needs to stop being the youngster from the youth team. Shout a bit more, take the odd free kick and corner and be more confident. He needs to stop looking up at the first teamers because he is one now. You look at youngsters from other teams e.g Arsenal and they’re well cocky…Sears needs some of that….especially being a striker.

I would be happy with a loan striker. I think a permanent striker signing will be a waste because if all or most of our strikers stay fit then that signing will be a waste unless he’s something special of course. Hence a loan will suit us well because if he does start moaning about lack of games then back he goes! Then, in the summer we can evaluate. Bendter would definitely be a no-no for me.

As for Ashton…I think we’ll get 2 months out of him this season at least…seriously. I agree with Gianfranco when he said that Ashton’s our best finisher. Some fans think we should sell him but I think his injury lay-off has made us forget how good Ashton is.

Striker from Italy….O if Nani can pull DelPiero off!

But what a great draw all round…….fortunately with Man Utd likely to play Spurs, the Mersey derby, the Clough Derby derby and Fulham going non- league the spotlight isn’t likely to be totally on us

Having seen for ourselves exactly what Stoke had to offer we shouldn’t be too worried about giant killing precedent though the media advance billing will no doubt be “expect a shock” in that sort of oxymoronic way they spin stories.

agree with you iain that diego leon looked a good player on saturday, would seem a cheap + gd addition to the squad.

Enjoyed the game on saturday loved seeing etherington and dyer back looked dangerous