M4

Was at a Shearer and Rob Lee talk yesterday and Lee told the following story about Sir Bobby. He was in his last year at Newcastle, 36 years old and with a contract running out. Goes to Sir Bobby, "Bobby I want a new contract". "Oh, I don't deal with contracts Rob. You'll have to see Freddy Shepherd for that". So he goes to Freddy, "Freddy, I want a new contract". Shepherd: "You know I don't do all that, Sir Bobby you have to talk to" Lee: "...Right" Back to Bobby he goes "Bobby, you're the one who deals with contracts". SBR: "Yeap" Lee: "I want a new contract". SBR: "Can't really do that, Rob. You're 36, legs are gone" Lee: "Okay, well I know West Ham are interested, so how about letting me go?" SBR: "Ohh, Can't do that, Rob. You're my best player!"

I can remember hearing about the Everton goal on the radio. Commentators saying that it was something "you're going to want to see", and probably Alan's best ever goal. Which was some statement at that point in his career. Didn't disappoint. I like that he had those three screamers in consecutive seasons near the end of his career. Villa, Everton and the Chelsea/Desailly goal.

Love Ayoze, but would say Gini. They're quite similar in their style of play and on the ball. Gini is just a lot more explosive.

I would still say Obertan though in answer to this thread. He plays, clearly. Just makes terrible decisions that amuse no one.

The word 'play' seems inappropriate when talking about Williamson. He struggles for his life doing anything out there. Must be an absolute chore.

That's pretty awesome tbh. Was looking to see if that had been posted. How random. Well their new owner is a Sunderland fan, but interesting to know how that happened.

None of them ever were.

He scored another curler type free kick in the cup against Charlton in his first Newcastle season. After that I guess we always had someone better to take the curlers. Solano, Robert...

In the "modern game" it sometimes is and it sometimes isn't. In trying to be unbiased, I'd also think that a challenge with little aggression and momentum in it like Mitro's would much more often not be a red. No reason we should just content ourselves with that.

It's a check mate. *InsertGuessWhoWinsAgainPhoto*

Can barely justify 52 quid for the Premier League either even.

Offer a decent quality kit at a decent price and with a decent sponsor and none of this would happen. Funny how Wonga is again on the kids kits this season. How convenient that it was apparently too late, and that they'll only remove it for the last year of sponsorship. Predictably pathetic.

Wenger going to see Straight Outta Compton

Would love him in a number ten spot. He'd probably get booed by the crowd after losing the ball though.

Agreed, exactly.

Chelsea playing at Wembley for years... yuck. Meh, why give a shit really

Yeah, Robbie Keane it was. Running gag every time he joined a new club.

Wow, horror show. The one-sidedness in Marriner's decisions and general attitude towards the players was something I genuinely haven't experienced before

Hope it really does look like big strips of cardboard.

Let me guess, Man Utd acknowledge everything in Real Madrid's press release is correct and they apologise profusely.

He will never play him up front.

No, I agree there. But frustrations were high and he had failed to book any of the Arsenal players for doing the same. It was the first booking of the game for them.

One of the more grotesque passages of refereeing was the whole Cazorla and Wijnaldum bookings. Carzorla got pulled up for a nothing foul (finally) then Colo came over to have a go. Only then did the ref start to turn around and get his card out. Wijnaldum obviously said something and so he immediately booked him too to make up for it. Was like he was being a caricature of his own self.

A club in Europe and in the top flight. Good stuff. Hopefully that was his preferred option.

In a strange twisted instinct this news makes glad that he is being valued. Because I certainly wish this club would value him a little more.