80

Total Network Solutions. Red Bull Salzburg.

Yeah Merson you twat

Krul is the best we've had, I'm pleased to say. Never rated Given as highly as some admittedly, but at his best he was a pocket rocket - great reaction saves, flying along intercepting 30 yarders and the like. But Krul offers those - still love thinking back to that Palermo header, it was one of the most in non-goals I've ever seen - and more, not least as I think he's a better character. Given was a bit of an old woman.

Moscow in the final would've been a lot tougher than people make out nowadays. Nobody was that confident at the time, they'd spent massively. And it wasn't a complete capitulation against Lisbon - half a dozen injuries midmatch and a f***ing idiot referee saw us off. That's what I mean. The injuries which led to our capitulation were something that could only happen to a club that's cursed and destined to never win any thing. That's why it was so soul destroying. Ah right, got you, thought you meant we'd surrendered like last night. Yeah, Nut's just put it well, it got Newcastled.

Moscow in the final would've been a lot tougher than people make out nowadays. Nobody was that confident at the time, they'd spent massively. And it wasn't a complete capitulation against Lisbon - half a dozen injuries midmatch and a fucking idiot referee saw us off.

Sounds normal enough. brummie will explain more I'm sure...

You haven't, Player A was Bellamy. And as has been said, Dyer has expressed genuine remorse over it.

Yep.

Do you still think he's a good player playing bad? or are you coming round to the fact that maybe the Championship Andy Carroll is the real Andy Carroll? I'm still not sure in all honesty. One of the most baffling players ever, from utter shit to a worldbeater and then back to shit again in double quicktime. Yep. I know what I saw, and I await to see him play under a good manager again. Always thought he needed to be managed, have to admit I didn't expect he'd be going to such a poisonous environment, though. Fact is, however, when I see someone describe him as a target man who needs long balls to survive, I see someone who isn't very bright. Buffon was way closer to the mathe best part of a decade ago when he described him as a paintbrush striker.

Pretty much

I like it.

Gong on those Donachie comments, I think he's just being circumspect and avoiding stepping out of line, actually. Not wanting to get Prior's hope's too high kind of thing, just get him to embrace the opportunity instead of thinking it's Newcastle or bust. Don't think it means he definitely doesn't have a future here.

After the way they behaved against us that day when we went down ? It's be glorious, if unlikely. I'd be pleased anyway. Just couldn't really give a shit about them in that way. Part of the reason I think it'd be a shame - I want to give a shit about them, and Lerner could have been the man to make them worth noticing in another world. Would like to have seen his decent sort of ownership rewarded, but unfortunately he and his helpers seem to be clueless/completely lacking in confidence over footballing decisions and make safe (read 'shit') choices as a result. The sort of people who actually would listen to Mark Lawrenson. In contrast, Wigan, Bolton and Blackburn aren't ever going to be serious now. Compared to the other realistic clubs they just sort of spoil the view.

Happy for a Lancashire treble. Aston Villa would be funny but a shame.

Cockney yid in a canoe, paddling up the Limpopo. Wait till he finds out he's several thousand miles in the wrong direction, oy.

Aye. This would be a complete nightmare if he was still here. Makes there little to no chance of a move happening this month. The day they introduce the telegram to Africa, that's when we worry.

They might be going for the good publicity? Would mean very little outside of NE1. If they're paying big money they're looking for national/international impact. However if it were to happen I could see a future sponsor incorporating "St.James'Park" into their chosen name. Honestly think it would have national impact if they changed it back - seeing as the original change made such headlines. 'Saint Richard did another lovely thing today' type stuff while providing coverage of the actual sponsorship itself which is the key aim of said sponsorship, of course. Yeah, see your point on a national albeit short term basis. A "Virgin (or whoever) St.James Park" title could be the answer. Finding favour with fans while gaining biggest impact for the sponsor and even get the media off the hook. Yes, I suspect so. Keep it quiet, but I actually think the 'blahblah@SJP' idea was about the classiest idea our wankers could have come up with. Allowed something commercial to be married to history instead of just raping it. The thing is, one thing I felt highlighted Ashley and SD's cynicism over this idea they were 'previewing' this arrangement for potential buyers was that the preview in itself ate the value for any other potential sponsor as the impact was lost - and they must have realised that, because I don't think they're that cretinous. This is why the short term fame of changing it back would be more worthwhile than the long term darkness of just becoming 'Virgin Arena'. No bugger would notice, not even football fans for a good while.

They might be going for the good publicity? Would mean very little outside of NE1. If they're paying big money they're looking for national/international impact. However if it were to happen I could see a future sponsor incorporating "St.James'Park" into their chosen name. Honestly think it would have national impact if they changed it back - seeing as the original change made such headlines. 'Saint Richard did another lovely thing today' type stuff while providing coverage of the actual sponsorship itself which is the key aim of said sponsorship, of course.

How could you think it won't be seen as one? Because all it means is that the two people involved have a difference of opinion. Ben Arfa didn't say something like "Pardew isn't playing me so fuck him" I think it's extremely likely he or most people would say it without it being intended as a dig, but more to the point, as I said, it's even more likely it'll be seen as one at a club that only has followers and enemies. I think Pardew will be more stung than Ashley or anyone else higher up the rung. The buying policy is geared towards buying assets with resale value which means exciting young talent, Ben Arfa and Santon clearly fit into that mould. If Pardew can't make use of them I would imagine Ashley and co will be inclined to agree with HBA that Pardew is the one with the problem. Precisely - Pardew, if he's not stupid, will realise that Llambias will think he's weak if he doesn't slap Ben Arfa down now.

I'm taking this as good news. Hopeful of a buyout, given it must mean there's one person in the world whose now given Ashley enough money upfront to be 'allowed' to negotiate for the club.

How could you think it won't be seen as one? Because all it means is that the two people involved have a difference of opinion. Ben Arfa didn't say something like "Pardew isn't playing me so fuck him" I think it's extremely likely he or most people would say it without it being intended as a dig, but more to the point, as I said, it's even more likely it'll be seen as one at a club that only has followers and enemies.

How could you think it won't be seen as one?

Nobody will pay us anything close to what a lot of us agree he's worth. Circa £6m? I just can't see it. A Turkish side perhaps, but I don't think he'd want that. Could see him going for £3.2m-ish. Quite precise - sure it wouldn't be £3.25m? ;-) Certain.

Nobody will pay us anything close to what a lot of us agree he's worth. Circa £6m? I just can't see it. A Turkish side perhaps, but I don't think he'd want that. Could see him going for £3.2m-ish.