Sifu

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.

Indeed, good appointment though imho.

So he wants to play in the PL......that's done it then. Bring him in! Like I pretty much said on the previous page, hopefully the existence of our French contingent will be a key factor in our favour and will persuade him to come here.

This is getting a bit boring but this is my input: Ben Arfa should be starting games, it's as simple as that. Pardew's handling of this whole affair (comments in public instead of private, etc.) is definitely one thing which I disagree with but to suggest that Pardew shouldn't be managing the club because of such a situation is quite laughable imo. This may be massive wishful thinking on my part but I'm pretty certain Pardew wants to play Ben Arfa in the team but for unknown reasons (we really don't know what's going on behind the scenes), it's simply not happening. Hmmm. Mind you though, I'll go as far as to say that I'm confident Ben Arfa has a future here. I say, let's wait and see what happens between now and the end of the season - on the one hand, the situation could improve very favourably or on the other, the situation deteriorates, ie. he doesn't get into the team even though the likes of Cabaye and Tiote are in the side.

I agree with your line of thinking actually.