Yorkie

I'm glad to be associated with them, just don't hugely rate the output. I gather that the customer service has been good (which is the least you'd expect given the criminal prices), so at least there's that.

Adidas are absolutely hopeless at keeping stuff under wraps, like. Is it by design? Not particularly impressed with it all so far (I'm sure they're devastated). The kit is incredibly meh and I can't get over the state of the material, and how it reacts to moisture. The aways look nicer but again I'm not massively enamored with the basic nostalgia-baiting. I'll be in the minority there though I'm sure.

Agree that Bunce seems like the less orthodox and slightly more triggering appointment, from Howe's point of view. If he's been hired with the remit of preventing another injury crisis then it means Howe's methods are going to be scrutinised. You can see why he might recoil at that. Reflecting on it over the past couple of days, it's a bit of a concern that he's aired this stuff publicly rather than in-house because that indicates a communication issue. If there's any reason to be concerned - it's that. But unless everyone is lying, everyone wants Howe to be the Newcastle manager (most of all the man himself) so I can't feel overly concerned, but it definitely seems like there's some stuff to iron out.

Some nice stuff there, and really interesting to see. The home one is an alternative to what we got in 09/10 on the basis of the close-up of the label. Everything looks so much better with an embroidered colour badge as opposed to the monochrome stickers you get now.

Should also be said that both Eales and Mitchell have recently done interviews and spoken in absolutely glowing terms about Howe. Seems like everyone's on the same page to me.

"What do you say to supporters worried about you going to England?" "I'm absolutely honoured and privileged to be manager of Newcastle United and I hope that's for many, many years. My commitment is unwavering, I'm determined to try and win a trophy for the football club. That's my big message." absolute weapon.

Don't see a lot to get worried about but it's definitely a power play, which he's always had in his locker. Jumping to the extreme that all is not well is the type of deviant behaviour I'd expect from those who've done exactly that. There's certainly nothing to indicate he has an issue with the existence of a Sporting Director. It would be lunacy from him if he did as that has been the gig from the word go. Not to mention he's only mentioned Mitchell in entirely positive terms. He's maybe a bit uncertain about the structure and is taking the opportunity to publicly get across that that needs sorting.

I thought this was just a meme? Bruno, Botman, Isak, Tonali - all massive investments, none of them English or PL-based.

Much prefer this to the tedium of a saga or the treadmill of nonsense links. Just look forward to the signings landing out of nowhere.

I wouldn't look twice at it when flicking through the racks at TKMaxx, but it's nice to have something at least a bit bespoke in the sea of bland genericness.

Not hatred man, just batshit and insane. Maybe it's neither, who knows?

'Moans a bit.' Aye, that's all it is with Klopp. As wonderful as a big win would be, and as disappointing as it is when opportunities are squandered - I don't agonise for England to win tournaments. I'm generally content in seeing us competitive and represented by people who I like and can feel pride in. If the cost of success is Jurgen Klopp and the utter horseshit which accompanies that bloke, you can keep it. (Again, agree that it won't happen)

I'd hate Newcastle to lose Howe but I'd argue that him going to England is, at this point, literally the only method of exit I could almost stomach - in the knowledge also that his replacement would be properly considered. Meanwhile I'd be absolutely mortified if England appointed Klopp. Honestly; could you fucking imagine it? Imagine if they won something. Jurgen Klopp, hero of England. Christ on a trike. 🙃 Gun to my head I'd keep Howe but it's a vile thought. All bollocks anyway of course. Neither will happen. Potter or Carsley would be interesting for different reasons.

Do I love Howe more than I can't abide Klopp? Debatable.

Pep would be the ultimate target, like. Would absolutely back that decision. Honestly dunno who I'd want less out of Klopp and Howe. Would be devastated to lose Howe but I also don't want to have to move abroad and never watch international football again.

If it's Klopp I'm claiming nationality of anywhere else. There's no way I give enough of a fuck about seeing England win something to approve of suffering that arsehole in the job. I'd take Pep if he fancied it but doubtful that he would. But just as a comparator.

Sad to see him go in the sense that it's an era I've really enjoyed; admittedly up to about 9pm on the 16th of June this year. He should've gone after the World Cup because it was clear that he was never guiding us to a trophy, despite doing a brilliant job of turning us into a team who could nearly win one. Yes he was blessed with talent but that aspect was often overstated, and I've seen equally talented squads perform far worse in my lifetime. He's achieved more than any other England manager bar Ramsay so I'm grateful to him for that, and for fostering a good connection between the team and fanbase and massively improving the relationship with the media. Would be very curious to see how he dealt with club football and assume he'll give it another crack. His approach - certainly in this tournament - is utterly unsustainable when applied to a 38-game season so he would certainly need to adapt.

It's been done to death so I'm not gonna bother other than to say that that is obviously bollocks.

I feel very disappointed now, like. It's just such a sad ending (presumably) for a manager that has - contrary to 90% of critique - done a brilliant job with the national team. But despite that, I completely accept that he's very much accountable for us probably underachieving in this tournament. We played well for two halves only and jammied our way through, but still - with 15 minutes left in the whole competition - the trophy was there for us. We surrendered that opportunity in the most miserable way.

Can't wait to not hear about Lamine Yamal for a bit, mind.

I think you're underselling them a bit; they've beaten everyone they've faced. Easily the best team at the tournament but, if anything, the standard across the board has been a bit lower in the tournament. There hasn't been any exceptional teams, but Spain were the best of them.

I'm gutted for Southgate because I think very highly of him but, let's face it, we got to the final playing the most unsustainable style of football. It's not remotely surprising that it finally came undone against a team with such attacking talent.

So disappointing but we didn't deserve it.

Sigh. Just let them get in full control all over again. Just far too reactive.

Gol