Rich

I would love it if a 75 year old posted on here. Based on my experience of the elderly they would probably just argue about the same thing every day and say the same things over and over and over again...

Get in. Unfortunately, I have a feeling this lad is going to be class.

It honestly is just a decent quality kick-about, played at a fantastically slow tempo and in good spirits. Most enjoyable game I've had this year, easily, compared to the stresses of competitive stuff.

So we're down to 21 then? With Greg also not fully committed? Anyone else that may not be making it?

Completely the opposite to Nile Nile's body is capable of turning alcohol into a previously unseen mineral that provides a portion of his superpowers though, so I don't mind if he likes the odd tipple now and again.

He was doing it for fun in the few games he played pre-shoulder injury. Honestly think he just needs a break and he'll be very, very good for us next year if we stay up and Shearer gets him and the rest playing to their potential.

If you can be arsed with the stairs I keep hearing the the L7 corner has been brilliant recently.

You're 33!? Fucking hell.

Viduka himself said on NUFC TV last night that he wouldn't have been playing had Shearer not came in as "Joe" had set him aside.

Exhausted.

Do it by goals per minute, you half-hearted bastards. Even then it hardly tells the full story - more accurate than "per game" though.

That is an outstanding insight like. Can't believe nobody on here or who I've spoken to in real life - or even our friends in the media - have suggested it yet themselves!!

Good thread. Answered "yes". Wages are too big, heart isn't in it, has gone stale, etc.

I'll tell you what's worse. When we get there and numerous fuckers don't bother turning up I've got a couple of mates who live right next to Coach Lane and who are on standby if it's alright. Just if we need them like, as in odd numbers or missing players (or both). Will see what the turnout is like and then give them a buzz if needs be. One of them lurks on here, so meeting you lovely lot might turn him into a full-time poster. Not the two that came last time.

Butt's broken Alves' ankle apparently with that necessary challenge. Sorry if posted already. For all his critics, Butty put in a good shift yesterday - although his classic range of passing was again in strong evidence. Lean back, open your body out.... aaaaaand.... dink it over the top to nobody. Was one of the few noticeably geeing the rest of the lads up after we went 1-0 down and pulled back to 1-1, he was fucking loving it. Still not the answer, obviously, but justifies Shearer's faith in him when he performs like that.

You could see the difference in the players when we went 3-1. The belief was fantastic to watch and it instantly led to some nice football being played. Could have done with Oba putting Carroll in better than he did to really put the icing on the cake but you would hope the lads (and the manager and the crowd) have done enough now to put the momentum behind us to beat Fulham. Even if we go 1-0 down we won't throw the towel in, which you wouldn't have said if we were coming into this game needing to win after a loss/draw in the last game. I believed we would win last night, even when Beye scored the own goal, and I believe we'll win on Saturday. Take nothing away from Fulham, who I have greatly enjoyed watching this season and who I have a massive amount of respect for, but this place when it's rocking is a fucking nightmare for oppositions. 'Boro's young squad couldn't hack it (shown by the amount of misplaced passes, ball kicked out of play by them) and I would hope Fulham are the same. It's a bugger they've still got Europe in their grasp and are therefore still right up for it, but I think the see-saw has swung in our favour now that Viduka's sat on our end (in particular) and Taylor's joined the party as well. If we don't get any major injuries before Saturday then it's a home win. 2-1 or 3-1.

Blocked Taylor's marker for the first as well, hence me saying involved in all 3! Nice to see we learned something from the Anfield annihilation.

Sorted mate! Welcome aboard.

Involved in all the goals, ran his socks off, didn't hide. Much more like what I was hoping to see from him after his signing. Deserves a lot of credit.

Certainly knows where the net is. Was getting into some fantastic positions apart from his goal too. Delighted for him. A goal from midfield, who'd have thunk it?

By far and away the best football player on our books, but it's always been the case. Shockingly mis-managed at times but he has to take the burden for his wasted times here and elsewhere. Could have been an all-time great with better application and more desire.

That would be my preferred option like, interesting to see what he tries! I reckon Lovenkrands could do a nice job in that Oba role, but as you say he's hardly a winger. Then you're getting into the territory of Nolan coming in for Jonas in the middle as well, unfortunately. The team you suggest would be my favoured one too.

He might have enough to be on the bench or something, I'm not sure he's been completely ruled out. He's been utter pants recently anyway, but is playing with an injury after all.

That's the issue that was bugging me, whether he'd be inclined to move Duff up and bring one/both of the Taylors in. Hope he doesn't move Bassong to LB to accommodate a Stevie Taylor return, but even if he does all we can do is hope it works.

Harper Beye Taylor Bassong Duff Jonas Butt Guthrie Lovenkrands Viduka Owen Based on apparent fitness/suspension issues and Shearer's latest quotes, that's my guess for tonight. Smith is struggling, Martins' groin is playing up, Enrique is out and Taylor seems likely to recover. SUBS: Krul, Edgar, Coloccini, Geremi, Nolan, Carroll, Martins. Tough one to guess really, but that's my best effort.