Beren

Oh god.

Not sure I'd go as far to say the decision was "mental" but I'd say it was both predictable and wrong. FA weren't going to undermine the ref, realistically. Move on. I'd just try and frustrate them and nick a long-ball/set-piece goal. Not pretty but I don't give a fuck. I fully acknowledge we have a paper thin squad and have virtually no depth beyond our first team. I do however rate the footballing prowess of our first team and hope we build on that in the future

Speculating is all well and good, but I can't personally see Pardew instituting any kind of meritocracy when it comes to team selection. Talking of Vuckic/Gosling/Ferguson starting is a fun indulgence, but no more. Pardew will pick four of Barton, Nolan, Gutierrez, Smith, Routledge. FWIW, my zany idea/indulgence would be to play Williamson as a DM as he usually plays fantastically on big occasions and his distribution is far better than you'd expect.

If his red card isn't overturned football is a disgrace. No chance whatsoever. Keep hoping though if you like. Why? Studs not showing, won the ball. Jumped in a bit but ffs, surely even the FA will understand that isn't a red Does not compute.

Barton on the left, Smith and Perch on the pitch, Tiote getting on the pitch just to get sent off. Not much wrong at all, no not at all. I'd like to add "complete lack of motivation" instilled in players to that list.

The ref appeared to see it and make a decision on it, and unless he's a particularly humble fellow, I doubt he will overturn it. It will probably stand IMO.

Worth appealing the red. Don't think it'll get overturned though.

As bad as we were, congratulations to the Stevenage team - showed great desire, commitment and ambition.

Personally I'm genuinely not fussed about being knocked out of the cup. The team we fielded wasn't very strong but they should be embarrassed about the performance they turned in. Looking forward though, with Tiote missing for this match and Carroll 50-50, I'd take a draw against the Mackems.

Pardew is a fucking idiot.

Don't adjust your TV set, it's ESPN.

I'd like if we used our squad - that's what it's there for. We've played a lot of games with our best team, and we're facing a less capable side with some tough fixtures ahead. Our players need rest and our fringe players will relish an opportunity to prove themselves, especially after the way Best seized his big shot. Incidentally we rested about 10 players against Arsenal's reserves in the league cup before our last Mackem game. The 4-0 defeat was unflattering and we did really well until we conceded on the stroke of half-time

Welbeck injured.

Wolves beat Liverpool and beating Chelsea... but get smacked by Blackburn.

Newcastle are nuts. We hammer teams. We haven't hammered teams in the Premiership for years.

No fucking way. Smith must be gutted he can't play tonight.

You were robbed of Funniest poster mate

Can't believe I'm missing this game. Argh. Need to get hold it later.

LOOOVE IT. Love the goal difference, anyway.

Not watching, but this sounds like a match from last season in the Championship

Edit: unable to watch the match, so forced to listen to Five Live (Mark Lawrenson) and check out many football threads

Pardew's omission of Ranger from the starting line-up reminds me (again) that N-O has a wanking smilie () but not a wanker smilie. I guess this is the closest we have: So, Pardew....

This game is far more dangerous than the Wigan IMO. West Ham have some threatening players even though they're not a very good team. Losing Shola makes this much worse, but we should still win provide we don't gift them goals. All goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders need a cold glass of water to the face before they go out so they're awake from the get go.

Stoke 8/1 Tempting. Think they'll win, too lazy to deposit money to bet.