It has all the makings of Brendan's most wriggly presser ever. 'I know I said may times that Colin and Mike were absolutely essential to what we were doing here, but it suddenly occurred to me a month or so ago that they were inessential, so I've brought in some really essential people to replace them. This was my decision entirely'.
'Raheem is a lovely kid, he really is, and we had a great relationship, even though he said he would have stayed if I'd have gone. I think he's one who proves how much young kids appreciate the effort you put into their development as kids. You get back all that you put in, and more, that's for sure, and that's why I'll keep doing it. We can look forward, hopefully, to a long line of young kids biting the hand that feeds them. That's the plan we have here, anyway'.
'Last year we brought in a few players who needed a wee bit of time to learn how we do things here, and get used to the league, and become educated in our systems. That's not what we've done this time. We've got Milner this time. And also a few players who'll need a wee bit of time to learn how we do things here, and get used to the league, and become educated in our systems. I think, as a result, we'll click much earlier this time. Probably around November time',