80

Hey! You said a mean thing about Dan Burn! Saw @Skeletor make a fair point about Gordon in another thread the other day, saying he was expecting him to be a Bellamy type "our bastard", but he's been nothing of the sort. Know I'm repeating myself but to me he really does feel like he's playing in environmentally friendly mode since he's got here. I believe that's a product of him trying hard to fit in and make a good impression by not making mistakes - on and off the pitch - but in reality the sooner he gains the confidence stamp his authority on situations the better.

Really, where? Fair enough.

Surprised it's even a question to be honest. I wouldn't want Gerrard at my club even if he was better.

All things considered I think I'd have to go with Wilson. Don't know Isak's penalty history, but assuming they're equal, I'd give Wilson the nod due to seniority and having the higher goal tally to aim for. Think it might be a step too far for his morale to take him off penalties.

Wrong thread but an even better one is "NUFC will finally get their Champion's League bid back on track when they put Jacob Murphy in the first team" Would've been bonkers in October.

I think whatever we do Liverpool are playing without pressure in free hit land, to be honest. Very confident we win this though, so not concerning myself with that however.

He's so bad with his feet If the noises he makes were broadcast live during a match 50,000 people would shit themselves.

Great news, especially if there's anything to rumours about Joelinton being hurt.

One went to West Ham a month ago and won 5-1, the other just lost 1-0... Plenty to be concerned about.

Was a decent listen though it covered a lot of the same ground as his podcast with... Under the Cosh I think? Found that one more interesting at the time.

Sounds about right. With the inflation in entertainment prices we've seen over the past couple of decades, that's probably more like £70 today. One of the few benefits, if it even deserves to be called that, of the Ashley years is NUFC became a cheaper day out over time. Which is why our pre-season prices this season came as a shock to some.

I don't know, but even if there are thousands wanting the job, they may not be the right kind of people. "Hypothetically" maybe the job as it stands appeals to bitter, talentless little Hitlers. Exactly the kind who might love to feel they're getting one over on the world. As I understand it, outside the Premier League, you could often take home more money as a plasterer or a lower tier salesman. With that in mind, who could be too surprised about what starts out as a bit of harmless spot fixing to pay for a much needed holiday?

As a side note, I'd probably quintuple referees' wages right down the league structure. The game can afford it and it would make the job much more massively attractive and viable for anyone fit, intelligent and committed, whilst helping reward transparency and disincentivise corruption. I think we overlook the significance of people being asked to wield authority over players who in some cases literally earn more in a day than they do in a year.

I do agree with you, but I'd also say those fans are the victims of UEFA/the business community twisting everything they can to make the Champion's League the only prestigious place to be. As of next season, you'll need to be worse than 25% of Premier League teams to qualify for the Europa League, and garner less attention and respect for getting to a final then CL teams do for making a quarter.

No idea but I'd be surprised if England wasn't what he wanted judging by his accent and birthplace. The guy I was talking to might be getting ahead of himself to be fair, but it's surprising how unanimous West Ham supporters have been about his quality given how little he's played etc. Everyone down on Moyes and the club about him going.

Was talking with a savvy West Ham fan the other day who thinks Ashby is England's next Right Back... They all seem to rave about him to be fair.

Particularly on the personality front, protecting what we've got is our highest priority. It's one of the few blessings we have from the pre-takeover days. If we like the look of someone but believe they'll detract off the pitch, it's worth just hanging on for the right one. With our consistent financial backing, we have that luxury.

Thing is, he doesn't look like someone who's good at attacking headers? Like, the body movement isn't happening, it's not just that he's mistiming the final touch. And for whatever reason, it's usually Burn who is used as our tactical centerpiece for set routines. Not saying he can't be/wasn't good at them, just not sure what's wrong now.

You're probably right, but I wondered if it was to maximise Willock and Isak's relationship also. I was hoping/imagining more of a 4-4-1-1...

That's the thing I'm interested in. Unless I missed something, there was a surprising lack of furious protests from the defender about the decision, if he knew a totally false handball had just been given against him.

Never saw him, but I'd heard that... If so, the question is what are we doing wrong now?

Almost feels like a set up to take the piss out of Arsenal and Leeds

Man United 2-0? Tottenham 6-1? And plenty more besides... They're just not being remembered as big in this moment because we ultimately won them comfortably. Don't disagree with you about signings, though.

Thanks for reminding me. Great bit of leadership there from him.

Yes, assuming that Targett doesn't miraculously become the man, I'd like us to get the best left back money can buy. Would open up so many other options for us.