Sifu

Totally off subject here but I assume there's no chance there's any NUFC-friendly pubs in Manchester? I, too would like to see the Chelsea-NUFC game...

It's about time (even though it's being introduced at a very low key game).

The RTG environment is rather poisonous. It could even make the most sensible of fans go crazy/delusional etc. RTG needs to be eradicated from the internet tbh.

Good luck to Vilanova. He has some massive shoes to fill but with the likes of Xavi, Messi, Iniesta still there (and players he already knows), he does have the resources to succeed. Barça still need a proper striker though, they have really missed Villa.

Alan Smith as an Academy coach... Hmmm, guess I could accept that if he's offered a modest wage (ha!). He is (allegedly) a model pro so would gain the respect of the young'uns, I think. Cajun makes a good point in the last paragraph of his post, good players don't necessarily make good coaches/managers. I mean, look at Wenger's playing career, it was hardly remarkable but look at him now in his managerial career, he has become one of the top managers in the PL. So I wouldn't rule out Smith's coaching ability as yet. Still a c*** though for his leeching.

Keep these articles coming I say. The more media pressure, the better imo.

Anyone else worried about Dinho? You should introduce a "gambling cap", most definitely.

So our (somewhat) worst fears have been pretty much confirmed, we're going to get that s**** that was leaked in January. Why can't Puma keep things simple man! I suppose the new strip could be one that grows on you after a few games but like last/this season, I won't be buying a NUFC strip.

Up against Clive Woodward this week (who reckons 1-1 in our game). And here's Lawrenson's prediction:

Uncalled for.

Terry Mac to rejoin the backroom staff.

Certainly sounds promising.

This thread has created a betting monster! (Although I guess he just used his winnings from last night for his bets tonight, so don't think he's lost that much money, has he?) Nope. Just seen your post above, £84 isn't that bad I guess - I lost around £80 at the casino once (mind you, I was devastated when that happened ).

Brilliant scenes there. Hope Bilbao go on and win it, would be much deserved

This thread has created a betting monster! (Although I guess he just used his winnings from last night for his bets tonight, so don't think he's lost that much money, has he?)

And I think that's that then.

Llorente!!!

Lovely stuff. Great football.

Well then.

What a chance.

Here we go!

Martin Atkinson's refereeing the Bilbao-Sporting game... (Clattenburg is one of the goal-line refs).

He's done an admirable job at Barça and one shouldn't forget that. This season has been poor by Barcelona's/Guardiola's standards and the timing of his apparent departure is bizarre but he probably does feel he has done all he can for the club. If he does go on a year-long break, it could be the perfect opportunity for him to broaden his horizons and this could help to improve his coaching methods. So, once he comes back from his break, can see him being a better manager than before. Good luck Pep.

But what if Obertan goes through Pardew's famous "renaissance training" and as a result, becomes a legitimately good player?!

Sounds like a disaster. Hopefully. The more PR fails that club gets, the better.