J7

Shearers goal in the 4-3 win v Man Utd in 2001.

Personally, I thought Smith was awful against Man Utd. He wasn't in the game other than one camera block. That said, he was very good in the Villa and Wolves games. Far better than I thought he could still player. He has admitted though that he's finished at the top level, which is pretty worrying when we come up against the leagues better sides. Him and Butt were shocking in the relegation season, not because of effort or anything, just because they're past it. Not their faults. As for Simpson, he just isn't very good. A Championship player for me. I know it was only one game, but to me last season he was ripped appart against Forest at home. I would be worried having to rely on him at right back. Pleased with the rest of the team though. I would go for: Krul, Perch, Williamson, Colo, Enrique, Barton, Tiote, Jonas, Nolan, Carroll, Ben Arfa. 433 at home.

Espn has Jonas down as a homegrown player. Wrong surely. Also doesn't mention Carroll or Vuckic in players we can also use.

Harper has a FIFA 02 heed.

I can imagine Tiote having a massive flute.

Ben Arfa, Xisco, Smith, Jose and erm.....Shola!

Barton looks like he's sorted himself and turned his life around. He's perfect captain material for me. He's also our best player in my opinion. I would be amazed if he was dropped after his start to the season.

Spurs have so many ITK's because 'Arry tells every cunt who he's after. Just a round about way of tapping up. Then when his leaks get back to him its, "Well he's a player I admire, but he belongs to ******"

It was quite funny to be fair. However I'm getting a bit annoyed that basically every pundit now seems to be an ex-footballer. Most of the time they haven't got a fuckin clue what they're talking about. When discussing us its like their views come from 5 years ago. They have no idea of our better players and how we play. Its these idiots who were constantly singing the praises of Nicky Butt and Alan Smith, awarding the man of the matches, then taking the piss out of Enrique. Even yesterday on Soccer Saturday, slavering on about Robbie Keane whilst totally oblivious to the fact we were about to sign Ben Arfa. Paul Merson is thrown forward as an 'expert' ffs! Not to mention Shearer, Likeker and Hanson taking the piss out of Slovakia and other teams at the World Cup, sitting there proudly announcing they know nothing about them. Would much rather when they have a panel of experts on TV, they reserve at least one space for someone who knows what they're talking about and has a bit of knowledge beyond these shores. Someone from World Soccer magazine or that Marcotti guy is quite good. Not some thick slavering idiot there talking absolute bollocks and coming out with ridiculous opinions to try and stir it up as he doesn't know enough about the teams involved.

We're in Yates'. Got in before the bouncers got on the door. They seem to be checking tickets at the door though and it looks like home fans only. Not going to bother leaving here until the ground opens and get a pint in there.

Aye expecting that tbh. Already walked through this dangerous looking underpass from the ground to the city centre. Haha. No colours on so should be fine.

Where do toon fans go to drink here. Got here too early I think. Ha

1965 blackberry pages mind. Wish he'd just sign now. Something about the exciting Friday night I quite like. Haha.

That MsiDouglas guy is pretty negative about Ben Arfa on Twitter. Seems to be having a dig before he's even joined.

Not that I think it will matter, but if we had to drop one of the wingers, for me it would be Routledge.

Nolan can be a bit hitty missy, but he was good on Sunday. Played the perfect supporting role.

I couldn't care whether the youngsters are English or foreign. On a Scottish football forum I visit the Rangers fans are taking the piss out of Celtic for signing him. Slavering on about unknown keepers and how he will struggle against quality strikers like Miller and Weiss. Haha.

One thing I noticed today, even compared to last season, he is massive. When he first came through he was a bit lanky, but now he has filled out and he is beast. Hard as fuck even without a glass. That is all.

Nowhere near as good as Barton.

It serves no purpose to say anything. Im glad he just doesnt mention it rather than play up to the media who want nothing more than a circus. Eventually the media will get sick and start throwing accusations at him about not showing respect to the fans by dodging questions, but its what they do. They will try and claim theyre there to get information for the fans, theyre not though. Dont get me wrong, i wish we would just seal the Ben Arfa transfer, but ive no interest in Hughton telling me whats happening.

I dont think he was being serious. I hope. Haha.

Silly mackems! They should realise that things like that only happen the other way round.

cwarris Skirge - I think you need to get down to the Jesmond Dene House Hotel mate

My thoughts. You're a fuckin slaver!

We need both tbh. And a right back, and a striker....