Ross Barkley

[tomd2103]

Feels like bit of a statement signing to be honest, even it is only on loan.  Hope he arrives fit, firing and ready to prove a point, and he's not already too far down the path of deterioration that a lot of English players who signed for Chelsea seem to have followed. 

[Jon Crofts]

Better than our last Ross surely? An upgrade on Hot Lips.

[OCD]

A quick look at Twitter (I know) tells me that Chelsea fans are a bit nonplussed about letting him go, which is good.

They aren't thrilled he's gone here either:

https://www.theshedend.com/topic/31484-welcome-ross-barkley/page/47/#comments

Very encouraging.

[Somniloquism]

From that view, I'm glad it is Barkley and not RLC as none seem to rate the latter highly.

[VILLA MOLE]

A quick look at Twitter (I know) tells me that Chelsea fans are a bit nonplussed about letting him go, which is good.

They aren't thrilled he's gone here either:

https://www.theshedend.com/topic/31484-welcome-ross-barkley/page/47/#comments

That's reassuring to read. As much as they're a club for wankers, racists and people with pony tails, Chelsea currently operate at a much higher level than we do. If he's good enough for them, he'll do a job for us.

Definitely give us some physical presence in there

[Tayls_7]

Welcome Ross. Have a blinder please.

[sid1964]

I will reserve judgement hope that we are not loaning a player who sees us as a step down from Chelsea.

Hope we have not just borrowed another Stephen Ireland!!!

[Risso]

I'm very pleased with this.  Gives us options throughout the midfield.  Welcome Boss Rarkley!

[Dave]

Cool. Not that sure he is who I'd have picked, but the squad is unquestionably stronger with him than without him.

[Risso]

Cool. Not that sure he is who I'd have picked, but the squad is unquestionably stronger with him than without him.

I'd guess the thinking is he can play anywhere in the midfield, or in Jack's spot if needed.

[SamTheMouse]

It's a positive reflection on where we are currently that so many of us are slightly underwhelmed by signing an England regular from a top six club.

Good player, though, no question. I'm sure he'll do well for us.

[Drummond]

Just spoke to a Everton ST holder at work. He says good ball carrier, will create but also will make a few mistakes and has not improved in 5 years after a lot of early promise. Let's see...

Chelsea fan at work just said exactly the same to me, he also said he was convinced Ross was staying and Loftus-Cheek would be the one coming to us.

Maybe we'll buy RLC.

[maidstonevillain]

Comment from an Everton supporter.

""On his day"...yes, correct. However, having watched him for years at Everton...his day is the 29th February..."

[Sexual Ealing]

WhoScored.com
@WhoScored
Ross Barkley is one of only 12 players to have started 20+ Premier League games since 18/19 to boast a pass accuracy in excess of 90% (90.2%)

Not bad for an attacking midfielder.
@AVFCOfficial's new signing

[Risso]

The Chelsea fans all seem to be saying he's improved, which absolutely nobody said about Drinkwater, seeing as the lazy fat c*** hadn't played in two years.