Beren

Looks good Shame Barca will probably win. Considered applying the same principles for much more money, but then saw this http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/214/rulest.jpg

Chris_R: If they draw 1-1, you only get odds of 6/1 - which means it won't cover your losses from the other bets unless you've split £100 like so: 0-0 - £14.3 1-1 - £14.3 2-2 - £12.5 1-0 - £12.5 2-0 - £12.5 2-1 - £12.5 3-1 - £10.7 3-2 - £10.7 If Man Utd win by 3 goals or the draw is 3-3 or above... you're screwed though. Barca win, break even.

Well, it's better than the "Dart and Limbo" thread

In the Gameiro and Gervinho topics, I don't think enough has been made of what a good opportunity Newcastle presents for players - not because I am deluded about the status of the club, but because of the appeal of the league.

"Newcastle reste un grand club, avec sans doute le plus de ferveur convernant les supporters... sans parler de leur magnifique stade. Newcastle, après des années de reusltats médiocres, voire lamentable, essaye de retrouver le haut niveu... ça peut être un challenge interessant!"

I don't like the question mark in the thread title. I think he definitely exists.

Oh dear. Dave shan't be best pleased with Barton. He could OF done a bit better there.

Re: Mr 60-40 Usually, I find Pardew too garrulous and would say he's just setting himself/the club up for a fall by saying "60-40" but I don't think the man's an idiot. If he's said that, I think he's probably intentionally underselling the likelihood of it going through at a time when the club's fans and players crave reassurance about the direction of the club. Whether Mr 60-40 is the person to do that (or whether he even exists!) I do not know for certain. Doesn't seem desperate, seems like trying to engender positivity around the club. Like smile therarpy. [/two cents]

Point stands.

You actually believe the Pardster then? Please don't call him that. With respect to the 60-40 Striker, yes. Bit of a needless lie to tell - I mean we have our conspiracy theorists (and perhaps justifably so) but the convoluted psychology involved in some of the theorising does tickle me. I do fully accept that it could be a load, but I just don't think it is. I could give my reasons for thinking that, but then I too would sound like I was reading too much into small clues

I wonder just how much does hinge on us bringing in this 60-40 Striker (as he shall henceforth be known) and whether that might be a signal of intent for the club which they hope might persaude Luis Enrique Iglesias to stay on.

There's a line between gutsy and idiotic, and Barton's belly-flopped right over it. The two don't necessarily have anything to do with one another. I'm pretty sure he knows he's abetting his own downfall - but his principles of being honest/acting frankly just mean more to him. As I said, not the best for him practically speaking.

I've got to say, it might not do him any favours but I do like that Barton speaks his mind: After the Liverpool match: Pardew had nothing to do with it, he's only been here 2 days (or words to that effect) Gareth Barry is shit and overrated Hope someone displaces the owners Gutsy

You're scaring me, Disco. Porquoi? Until they won the league I'd forgotten how much I despise Man United. And since according to the ill informed all Barca do is cheat these days they might as well win in the most cheating way possible. I'm unsure whether I've already typed the above Dream Scenario out on this forum, but that is precisely the outcome I want. It's more or less the only just outcome! Man Utd - insufferable fans suffer Barcelona - rightfully sullied further

You're scaring me, Disco.

Respect your opinion, but couldn't disagree more on both fronts! Prefer quicker, more lethal attacking football.

Truthfully, I'd like to see someone else starting on the right ahead of him next season. [/tin hat]

Barton is very replaceable. Especially if we have a year of him left. I suspect Ashley won't want to see him leave for free though.

Waste of wage bill.

Quite shocking Blackpool entertained as they did and got the lowest TV money.

Ordinarily, I'd agree with this. The "for free" stuff is a good point, but I don't think we should be that thrifty. I really believe in the core of our team (even if Enrique is exit-bound) and having Boothroyd strikes me as unambitious. Our squad isn't as good as Spurs for example, but I don't think there's anything wrong with at least trying to show the same ambition as them if we ever want to be where they are, or higher, again. They're not thinking of Boothroyd on a free to supplement what other quality striker they're going to bring in, and rightly so. They should be looking for two strikers who will relegate their current first choice to third and fourth choice. I'd like to think we'd be doing the same. [/just IMO]

As a replacement for Kuqi/Ranger away on loan? Well, in my view we have enough strikers of an uninspiring calibre. Currently: Best Ameobi Ranger Lovenkrands Kuqi Xisco + youth strikers Adding Boothroyd just seems a little pointless and doesn't really advance us (but may in Ashley's mind go some way in placating fans - which it won't, of course!), even if it meant swapping him out for someone like Kuqi. Rather get a striker who will challenge for the first team. That way our current first choice strikers will become our back-up and we'll have moved forward.

Desperately disappointing if true.

I just hope he makes cerebral runs and is like an assassin in front of goal.