Sifu

is that under the wolves fans ? Think so, it's where the Blackburn fans were sitting when we played them in the FA Cup this year. Looks alright but was wondering what the craic/atmosphere is sitting there. Seats in the Leazes middle were all sold out and I didn't want to particularly sit in level 7 so thought I'd try a corner this time.

Utter balls. Good player but to suggest he was better than Chris Waddle is astonishing. I didn't. You're back!

Just bought my ticket for this game. Got a question though, I'll be sitting in the North East Corner for the first time ever (the game's nearly sold out), so was wondering, how good/bad are these seats?

Judging from Mancini's words (or lack of rather), think we won't be seeing Tevez playing any time soon. Hope he rots in the reserves tbh.

Indeed but still, I'm quite bitterly disappointed that Ben Arfa's not likely to start this one. We need to attack Wolves from the off and Ben Arfa can do that. Sure Raylor might be able to chip in and do a decent-ish job but let's be honest, he doesn't exactly fright the life of the opposition. Considering all the factors (home advantage at St. James'; Wolves being defensively s****; us having a full strength team out), the Wolves game is the best time to unleash the Hatem. Hmmm. I've said this before though, let's see what happens between now and the end of the season regarding Ben Arfa before we jump to early conclusions (I can understand people coming to such conclusions but there's still time for things to change). what's up with all the blind positivity mate? Sadly looks as if he's clearly behind Ober and Taylor and I reckon Pards would put Guthrie out there before him too as a reward for past performances. If he's here by Sep 1st it will be a miracle like. Just the way I roll! In any case, think it's best to wait until the end of the season before a proper judgement can be made (unless the Ben Arfa situation doesn't improve whatsoever in the next month and a half so, ie. he's not starting at all. If this is so, then I may change my view but until that happens, still somewhat confident about Ben Arfa's chances here).

I see that an Italian team has beat another English side with relative ease. Though Chelsea do have an away goal so they're still somewhat in this tie (unlikely though judging from the comments in this thread about Chelsea's shitness). (Did not watch the game btw).

Indeed but still, I'm quite bitterly disappointed that Ben Arfa's not likely to start this one. We need to attack Wolves from the off and Ben Arfa can do that. Sure Raylor might be able to chip in and do a decent-ish job but let's be honest, he doesn't exactly fright the life of the opposition. Considering all the factors (home advantage at St. James'; Wolves being defensively s****; us having a full strength team out), the Wolves game is the best time to unleash the Hatem. Hmmm. I've said this before though, let's see what happens between now and the end of the season regarding Ben Arfa before we jump to early conclusions (I can understand people coming to such conclusions but there's still time for things to change).

Banter.

Aye, same here. Best thing to do is to ignore it.

Steady on.

Jonas will score on Saturday.

What business acumen?? They're now down to selling tickets on discount site!! Nothing they do oozes class. http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/east-london/west-ham-united-fc/3523440?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_52&a=2282 Oh dear.

very true, but they've gotten to a point where they rely on a lad who has just turned 20. like people desperate for oxlade chamberlain he start every match - he's too young. he looked out of his depth against sunderland, for example - he wasn't, but he will have games like that being raw, inexperienced and less physically developed. Indeed but imo, Wilshere has actually "made the grade". Overall, he was great last season (first proper one too) and can only get better. He is such an important player for them, so much so that it's got to the point where his age doesn't really matter anymore. Oxlade-Chamberlain however is a different story, he has bags of talent but it is his first season in the PL and he is only 18, Yeah i totally agree however teenage players are likely to break down now and then or have dips as they get used to the rigours of professional football which is where relying on them becomes a bit risky. Indeed. Also just had a thought too - Wilshere will also need to get to grips with the PL again after being out for such a long time. Hmmm.

very true, but they've gotten to a point where they rely on a lad who has just turned 20. like people desperate for oxlade chamberlain he start every match - he's too young. he looked out of his depth against sunderland, for example - he wasn't, but he will have games like that being raw, inexperienced and less physically developed. Indeed but imo, Wilshere has actually "made the grade". Overall, he was great last season (first proper one too) and can only get better. He is such an important player for them, so much so that it's got to the point where his age doesn't really matter anymore. Oxlade-Chamberlain however is a different story, he has bags of talent but it is his first season in the PL and he is only 18,

They have badly missed Wilshere in CM too.

I only said a bit. I didn't say he should bulk up to an extreme level, a little extra muscle will be beneficial to him imo (the management/Shane seems to think so too, otherwise why is he on a special muscle building programme as Michael said above?)

Ah, didn't know that.

The lad still needs to bulk up a bit imo.

That's how most people interpreted it. In my mind, I saw it as "we'll have a good go at them and if we lose, ah well, c'est la vie" - of course this didn't happen. As a result he was criticised for the performance/lack of tactics (and the fact we didn't have a go at Spurs at all).

I did hear some rumours that he was a bit of a pisshead. No idea if they're true though (he did hang around with Ranger quite a lot from what I understand).

I, for one, am looking forward to seeing Ireland play in the Euros. Xavi/Iniesta vs Andrews/Whelan is a mouthwatering prospect.

Naming a stand after him is a bit excessive like! Crazy fools. But tbf, his partnership with ratboy was lethal (the mackems' good times really).

Just thought I'd say that Sullivan, Gold and Brady are absolute cretins of the highest order. Their business acumen is a bit s**** too imho (despite their supposed "track records").

If given the chance, he'll essentially be playing for his future too. Hope he takes his opportunity if given one. It's now down to him to show Pardew that he's worth it and can do a job for the first team when called upon. Seems there's no chance of him being given a go though, no? Even if someone got injured I bet Perch would start ahead of him. Well, unfortunately he is actually one of the players who is going to be released in the summer. So really, he's not going to get a chance like. As it stands, like you've said, Perch is more likely to start if we have an injury at CB. At best, Kadar will be on the bench I think (he was when we played Brighton anyway when Colo was injured). It's an absolute shame.

Think Shane was always going to choose the North. From what I gather, Nigel Worthington was the reason why Fergie didn't properly commit before. Now that said manager is gone, think he's more than happy to be part of the Northern Irish squad.