Dr Venkman

nice to be signing players at this age and at little cost (presumably), better than signing them at 21 or 22 for 5m and having expectations put on them

he's an absolute cretin of the highest order and should be removed from his position immediately

he's gonna learn english in a month, apparently

I take it you haven't read Morts comments about spendign in January [/astonished] You must be someone else who can't accept bare facts laid out in front of you, when they don't suit your opinions ? Basically, if the club don't act to fill glaring hole in the team, and say they won't act, what conclusion do you draw ? We haven't been s*** for years either BTW. I thought you were one of the better posters, until you said that. yeah, i've seen his comments, it made sense to me, i'm giving him a clean slate so i'll wait until the end of the season to make my judgement on how their first season in charge went, given the circumstances bare facts? we're specualting over what the club MIGHT do in january, there are no facts yet, and facts change my opinions, so, eh, what? i'm not sure if its a break down in communication but as far as i'm aware by saying years that can class as 2 years at the least, and i feel pretty assured that we've been s*** for at least two years, i dont really mind what you think of me well, I suppose if you've followed the club for 5 or 6 years, then the last 2 years could seem a long time. And if you've only supported the club since 1992, then the last few years have been comparitively not too good. But if you've supported the club longer than that, they have been a long way short of s***, and for that, you'll have to take my word for it. no i wont, there are many other sources of information, i dont have to take your word for anything, you've never said anything thats changed my views, as i'm sure i've never said anything thats changed yours, might aswell just pack it in Aye, and other sources of information will confirm that we have been a damn sight worse in previous decades than in the last couple of years. oh you're joining in are you? i wasnt beamed into the planet 2 years ago, i have a decent understanding of our history, i still think we've been s*** for the last few years, i was simply saying i dont have to take his word for it because he tends to get a bit preachy if you dont nip it in the bud Where was the, "na na ni na na....." I'm sure it would fit in well after your hissy bit in bold. If you have any understanding of the history of the club you'll know that as poor as the last few seasons have been there have been far, far worse in the memory of MANY supporters who still go to matches today. i dont like the beatles, i've never disputed that there's been harder times, ever, irrelevant No, the past is not irrelevant, it never is on any subject. The past provides lessons and information which only the arrogant ignore. Cheers maybe i should have clarified, i felt that what you were saying was irrelevant, not the past as a whole the fact that you and NE5 are questioning the new boards intentions and where it will take us, and yet tell us at the same time that we should ignore/forgive shepherd and co taking us backwards over the last few years because we have been worse off before is a contradiction so glaringly obvious its almost amusing haha, and you called me arrogant then ended your post with 'cheers', hahahahaha, mint So it's a fact I'm questioning the intentions of the board? Good one. I don't think I've made a comment about these remarks from Mort but don't let the truth get in the way. in which case i apologise, i didnt take the time to re-read the thread before posting that comment and thought that was your line of thinking due to what you were saying about the past etc I was picking up on your apparent disregard of the past as unimportant when in fact the opposite is true. In everything. ok, well i've already addressed that

I take it you haven't read Morts comments about spendign in January [/astonished] You must be someone else who can't accept bare facts laid out in front of you, when they don't suit your opinions ? Basically, if the club don't act to fill glaring hole in the team, and say they won't act, what conclusion do you draw ? We haven't been s*** for years either BTW. I thought you were one of the better posters, until you said that. yeah, i've seen his comments, it made sense to me, i'm giving him a clean slate so i'll wait until the end of the season to make my judgement on how their first season in charge went, given the circumstances bare facts? we're specualting over what the club MIGHT do in january, there are no facts yet, and facts change my opinions, so, eh, what? i'm not sure if its a break down in communication but as far as i'm aware by saying years that can class as 2 years at the least, and i feel pretty assured that we've been s*** for at least two years, i dont really mind what you think of me well, I suppose if you've followed the club for 5 or 6 years, then the last 2 years could seem a long time. And if you've only supported the club since 1992, then the last few years have been comparitively not too good. But if you've supported the club longer than that, they have been a long way short of s***, and for that, you'll have to take my word for it. no i wont, there are many other sources of information, i dont have to take your word for anything, you've never said anything thats changed my views, as i'm sure i've never said anything thats changed yours, might aswell just pack it in Aye, and other sources of information will confirm that we have been a damn sight worse in previous decades than in the last couple of years. oh you're joining in are you? i wasnt beamed into the planet 2 years ago, i have a decent understanding of our history, i still think we've been s*** for the last few years, i was simply saying i dont have to take his word for it because he tends to get a bit preachy if you dont nip it in the bud Where was the, "na na ni na na....." I'm sure it would fit in well after your hissy bit in bold. If you have any understanding of the history of the club you'll know that as poor as the last few seasons have been there have been far, far worse in the memory of MANY supporters who still go to matches today. i dont like the beatles, i've never disputed that there's been harder times, ever, irrelevant No, the past is not irrelevant, it never is on any subject. The past provides lessons and information which only the arrogant ignore. Cheers maybe i should have clarified, i felt that what you were saying was irrelevant, not the past as a whole the fact that you and NE5 are questioning the new boards intentions and where it will take us, and yet tell us at the same time that we should ignore/forgive shepherd and co taking us backwards over the last few years because we have been worse off before is a contradiction so glaringly obvious its almost amusing haha, and you called me arrogant then ended your post with 'cheers', hahahahaha, mint So it's a fact I'm questioning the intentions of the board? Good one. I don't think I've made a comment about these remarks from Mort but don't let the truth get in the way. in which case i apologise, i didnt take the time to re-read the thread before posting that comment and thought that was your line of thinking due to what you were saying about the past etc

I take it you haven't read Morts comments about spendign in January [/astonished] You must be someone else who can't accept bare facts laid out in front of you, when they don't suit your opinions ? Basically, if the club don't act to fill glaring hole in the team, and say they won't act, what conclusion do you draw ? We haven't been s*** for years either BTW. I thought you were one of the better posters, until you said that. yeah, i've seen his comments, it made sense to me, i'm giving him a clean slate so i'll wait until the end of the season to make my judgement on how their first season in charge went, given the circumstances bare facts? we're specualting over what the club MIGHT do in january, there are no facts yet, and facts change my opinions, so, eh, what? i'm not sure if its a break down in communication but as far as i'm aware by saying years that can class as 2 years at the least, and i feel pretty assured that we've been s*** for at least two years, i dont really mind what you think of me well, I suppose if you've followed the club for 5 or 6 years, then the last 2 years could seem a long time. And if you've only supported the club since 1992, then the last few years have been comparitively not too good. But if you've supported the club longer than that, they have been a long way short of s***, and for that, you'll have to take my word for it. no i wont, there are many other sources of information, i dont have to take your word for anything, you've never said anything thats changed my views, as i'm sure i've never said anything thats changed yours, might aswell just pack it in Aye, and other sources of information will confirm that we have been a damn sight worse in previous decades than in the last couple of years. oh you're joining in are you? i wasnt beamed into the planet 2 years ago, i have a decent understanding of our history, i still think we've been s*** for the last few years, i was simply saying i dont have to take his word for it because he tends to get a bit preachy if you dont nip it in the bud Where was the, "na na ni na na....." I'm sure it would fit in well after your hissy bit in bold. If you have any understanding of the history of the club you'll know that as poor as the last few seasons have been there have been far, far worse in the memory of MANY supporters who still go to matches today. i dont like the beatles, i've never disputed that there's been harder times, ever, irrelevant No, the past is not irrelevant, it never is on any subject. The past provides lessons and information which only the arrogant ignore. Cheers maybe i should have clarified, i felt that what you were saying was irrelevant, not the past as a whole the fact that you and NE5 are questioning the new boards intentions and where it will take us, and yet tell us at the same time that we should ignore/forgive shepherd and co taking us backwards over the last few years because we have been worse off before is a contradiction so glaringly obvious its almost amusing haha, and you called me arrogant then ended your post with 'cheers', hahahahaha, mint

I take it you haven't read Morts comments about spendign in January [/astonished] You must be someone else who can't accept bare facts laid out in front of you, when they don't suit your opinions ? Basically, if the club don't act to fill glaring hole in the team, and say they won't act, what conclusion do you draw ? We haven't been s*** for years either BTW. I thought you were one of the better posters, until you said that. yeah, i've seen his comments, it made sense to me, i'm giving him a clean slate so i'll wait until the end of the season to make my judgement on how their first season in charge went, given the circumstances bare facts? we're specualting over what the club MIGHT do in january, there are no facts yet, and facts change my opinions, so, eh, what? i'm not sure if its a break down in communication but as far as i'm aware by saying years that can class as 2 years at the least, and i feel pretty assured that we've been s*** for at least two years, i dont really mind what you think of me well, I suppose if you've followed the club for 5 or 6 years, then the last 2 years could seem a long time. And if you've only supported the club since 1992, then the last few years have been comparitively not too good. But if you've supported the club longer than that, they have been a long way short of s***, and for that, you'll have to take my word for it. no i wont, there are many other sources of information, i dont have to take your word for anything, you've never said anything thats changed my views, as i'm sure i've never said anything thats changed yours, might aswell just pack it in Aye, and other sources of information will confirm that we have been a damn sight worse in previous decades than in the last couple of years. oh you're joining in are you? i wasnt beamed into the planet 2 years ago, i have a decent understanding of our history, i still think we've been s*** for the last few years, i was simply saying i dont have to take his word for it because he tends to get a bit preachy if you dont nip it in the bud Where was the, "na na ni na na....." I'm sure it would fit in well after your hissy bit in bold. If you have any understanding of the history of the club you'll know that as poor as the last few seasons have been there have been far, far worse in the memory of MANY supporters who still go to matches today. i dont like the beatles, i've never disputed that there's been harder times, ever, irrelevant

I take it you haven't read Morts comments about spendign in January [/astonished] You must be someone else who can't accept bare facts laid out in front of you, when they don't suit your opinions ? Basically, if the club don't act to fill glaring hole in the team, and say they won't act, what conclusion do you draw ? We haven't been s*** for years either BTW. I thought you were one of the better posters, until you said that. yeah, i've seen his comments, it made sense to me, i'm giving him a clean slate so i'll wait until the end of the season to make my judgement on how their first season in charge went, given the circumstances bare facts? we're specualting over what the club MIGHT do in january, there are no facts yet, and facts change my opinions, so, eh, what? i'm not sure if its a break down in communication but as far as i'm aware by saying years that can class as 2 years at the least, and i feel pretty assured that we've been s*** for at least two years, i dont really mind what you think of me well, I suppose if you've followed the club for 5 or 6 years, then the last 2 years could seem a long time. And if you've only supported the club since 1992, then the last few years have been comparitively not too good. But if you've supported the club longer than that, they have been a long way short of s***, and for that, you'll have to take my word for it. no i wont, there are many other sources of information, i dont have to take your word for anything, you've never said anything thats changed my views, as i'm sure i've never said anything thats changed yours, might aswell just pack it in Aye, and other sources of information will confirm that we have been a damn sight worse in previous decades than in the last couple of years. oh you're joining in are you? i wasnt beamed into the planet 2 years ago, i have a decent understanding of our history, i still think we've been shit for the last few years, i was simply saying i dont have to take his word for it because he tends to get a bit preachy if you dont nip it in the bud

I take it you haven't read Morts comments about spendign in January [/astonished] You must be someone else who can't accept bare facts laid out in front of you, when they don't suit your opinions ? Basically, if the club don't act to fill glaring hole in the team, and say they won't act, what conclusion do you draw ? We haven't been s*** for years either BTW. I thought you were one of the better posters, until you said that. yeah, i've seen his comments, it made sense to me, i'm giving him a clean slate so i'll wait until the end of the season to make my judgement on how their first season in charge went, given the circumstances bare facts? we're specualting over what the club MIGHT do in january, there are no facts yet, and facts change my opinions, so, eh, what? i'm not sure if its a break down in communication but as far as i'm aware by saying years that can class as 2 years at the least, and i feel pretty assured that we've been s*** for at least two years, i dont really mind what you think of me well, I suppose if you've followed the club for 5 or 6 years, then the last 2 years could seem a long time. And if you've only supported the club since 1992, then the last few years have been comparitively not too good. But if you've supported the club longer than that, they have been a long way short of s***, and for that, you'll have to take my word for it. no i wont, there are many other sources of information, i dont have to take your word for anything, you've never said anything thats changed my views, as i'm sure i've never said anything thats changed yours, might aswell just pack it in

I take it you haven't read Morts comments about spendign in January [/astonished] You must be someone else who can't accept bare facts laid out in front of you, when they don't suit your opinions ? Basically, if the club don't act to fill glaring hole in the team, and say they won't act, what conclusion do you draw ? We haven't been s*** for years either BTW. I thought you were one of the better posters, until you said that. yeah, i've seen his comments, it made sense to me, i'm giving him a clean slate so i'll wait until the end of the season to make my judgement on how their first season in charge went, given the circumstances bare facts? we're specualting over what the club MIGHT do in january, there are no facts yet, and facts change my opinions, so, eh, what? i'm not sure if its a break down in communication but as far as i'm aware by saying years that can class as 2 years at the least, and i feel pretty assured that we've been shit for at least two years, i dont really mind what you think of me

i refuse to believe there's just a simple fan/chairman relationship going on with NE5 and Shepherd, its baffling mate, honestly, how you spin things to suit, for example saying things like 'they're happy with mid table mediocrity this season' etc etc, you've removed all context, i'll be happy with mid table this season, it'll be an improvement, we've been shit for years and we need to build back up to strength, i just DONT understand you

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2007/12/15/allardyce-i-m-no-long-ball-merchant-89520-20253368/ interesting read, particularly that bit

to the tune of the intro to 'respectable' by mel and kim 'beye beye beye beye buh buh buh buh buh beye beye'

so we should start planning now to protest 9 months early? and january is the test of any boards buying intentions? yep, ok mate You're obviously unaware of the bigger picture. Inactivity in the January transfer market, especially if we take advantage of the upcoming schedule and find ourselves within 6 points of the top six by January which tbh i thought was unlikely at the start of the campaign as i've always rated us as an outside chance at best, will cost us any shot at a European slot. Need positions have already mentioned ie. an 'all-out' centrally operating playmaker/forward, striking cover for Martins' during the African Cup of Nations, and christ we'll be up the proverbial s**** creek should the board cave in to any supposed unrest, provided there is base to reports, re-Owen in January. If 'damage limitation' moves aren't planned, and they must be on the agenda in Allardyce's mind at least going by quotes of his along the lines "who can we afford to sell", all because of the manager's and chairman's conficting agendas in relation to January spending the resulting inactivity will be classed as a window of missed opportunity akin to the Partizan Summer when the previous board were rightfully lambasted. I think inactivity in our part, when it comes to certain team needs, will see us dragged towards the bottom 6 by the end of the campaign, as was the case recently when Bellamy's departure wasn't covered when the manager at the time banked on Dyer coming good and duly funneled his then January kitty into the signing of Buomsong. The transfer window pertaining to Buomsong's expensive arrival, when Bellamy's depature wasn't covered, was solely down to poor judgement on the part of the manager. Shepherd backed him, however Souness blew the funds. f*** it took Souness nearly two transfer windows to realise - after blowing another 10m on midfielders Emre and Parker - that he needed both goals and creativity in the final 1/3 of the pitch. Something which Bellamy and Robert both provided, something which Luque - a supposed left sided 'wide-operating forward' - was supposed to deliver. The Partizan Summer, as a result of one window of complacency on the previous board's part, contributed to us from solidying ourselves as a top-4 side. The squad needed freshening up, and SBR shouldn't escape the firing sqaud either - his negative tactics on the night handed the attacking initiative to the visitors. The coming January window as i said earlier, fpr reasons already mentioned looms as another potential Partizan Window. If the board doesn't back Allardyce, and if there are ramifications as those outlined Mort & Ashley should be stoned........... as Shepherd, the front-man for the Halls, was in the aftermath of the ill-fated Partizan Window. you obviously like reading your own writing, thanks for the history lesson, fwiw all i was suggesting is that january is not the be all and end all of assessing a boards intentions, that should be blatantly obvious to anyone who knows a bit about football, as you appear to, or not? whatever, some people on here just want to prove they know more facts than anyone else, as far as i'm concerned mort and ashley have acted very well since taking over and i'm happy to let them get on with it anyone who harks back to the shepherd days with fondness needs to have a SERIOUS word with themselves, i dont give a fuck about 'ambition', ambition in the wrong hands can very easily be stupidity, and thats exactly what it turned out to be in our case with an absolutely incompetent cretin running our club, but i dont need to go into it, the FACTS speak for themselves we're in a results business as is so often said, and WHATEVER you want to say about pre 1992 or any of that does NOT erase the fact that this club PLUMMETED during shepherds reign, he spent money taking us backwards, i just dont see how that can EVER be considered good management, however you dress it up

excellent news

so we should start planning now to protest 9 months early? and january is the test of any boards buying intentions? yep, ok mate

happy with that like, couldnt have asked for much better

absolutely lovely bloke

fucks sake, hope they're ok

DV, i like it. for the record i'm really not crucifying the old board all the time, i used to, but the club has moved on now and so should we, i only started talking about them because you did, NE5. i'm more than happy as long as we're progressing, on the pitch obviously. because that's the only place i can persoanlly see the progression with my own eyes. if that takes years, it takes years, so be it. i dont think for one second that ashley/mort want us to be anything other than the best team in the world and will do what they can to make it so. i also think that shepherd wanted that, but thats a whole different thread. i've enjoyed this discussion, but i think we need a few more transfer windows behind us before we can have it properly.

Welcome back BUT we did get in the CL with them some of them kids, two of them won young player of year & one of them was Bellers. You can't turn your back on younger players any more than you can turn your back on the big name player who will raise expectation are you saying that raising expectation is good? if so why? not spoiling for a fight, just seems like a strange thing to say of course raising expectation is good. Why shouldn't it be ? Thats the whole idea. Would you rather support a club who would be happy to just stay up, for instance ? If so, you should have supported NUFC through the 1960's, 70's and 80's. For instance. NUFC and expectations have raised and changed completely since 1992, and not a single NUFC supporter would say otherwise [or maybe there is, there's always one, or two, or three.............] i think that the raising of expectations should go hand in hand with progress though, and by that i mean higher league finishes, you seem to be getting the cart before the horse there, i think trying to raise expectation in any other way is a very dangerous game to play, dont you? surely expectation and whats ACTUALLY happening should be directly related, that way you acheive a greater harmony around the club. i'm not saying dont be ambitious, just dont be daft. Expectations are totally different to when the old board took over the club in 1992 mate. Thats a fact. It's proven by the fact that 52000 people go to home games, whereas before that it was less than half. And people actually demand to qualify for europe, whereas people used to just be happy to be in the top league [and I'm not just talking about the fans here] why cant i have a discussion with you without feeling like your just out on a crusade to vindicate the old board ? you're ignoring what i'm saying and responding to points i haven't made, i didnt say expectations haven't risen, i'm not saying people didnt used to be happy just being in the top league, i'm saying expectations should correlate with how the TEAM and CLUB is progressing. not with how much money we spend, although at some point these things are going to be related, obviously, i think its a much more delicate balance than just throwing money at it its nothing of the kind mate. I realise you have a point - unlike some - and I'm trying to discuss it with you. I'm not vindicating anybody, the very fact you think that suggests you don't fully understand how expectations were raised under the old board. I shouldn't need to point this out at all, it is obvious. People aren't happy that we are only halfway in the top league just now, and last season, but that is because they expect higher placings because they are used to it. While spending money is no guarantee of absolute success - the reason for that is because there are only 2 major trophies - but ask yourself if the teams that have won the trophies spent more. The answer is yes. Draw your own conclusions. One thing is for sure, if we aren't prepared to bring in players to this club that the current top 4 want themselves, we will NEVER join them. Thats not vindicating anybody. Its a stone cold fact. Would you like to ask yourself how many managers in total have these clubs had in the past 10 years? Also, i wouldnt bet against us being the fifth highest spenders in the league. when will people learn that spending money isnt the answer, you have to build foundations first. All the clubs you're talking aobut have solid foundations, and that solidarity starts with a consistent, good manager. Draw your own conclusion. yep, thats what i'm trying to say, also agree with the post above too

academy is the best idea i think, suits his acheivements here and his football mentality the best, plus it honours the fact that he's from round here as there'll be local lads training there

Welcome back BUT we did get in the CL with them some of them kids, two of them won young player of year & one of them was Bellers. You can't turn your back on younger players any more than you can turn your back on the big name player who will raise expectation are you saying that raising expectation is good? if so why? not spoiling for a fight, just seems like a strange thing to say of course raising expectation is good. Why shouldn't it be ? Thats the whole idea. Would you rather support a club who would be happy to just stay up, for instance ? If so, you should have supported NUFC through the 1960's, 70's and 80's. For instance. NUFC and expectations have raised and changed completely since 1992, and not a single NUFC supporter would say otherwise [or maybe there is, there's always one, or two, or three.............] i think that the raising of expectations should go hand in hand with progress though, and by that i mean higher league finishes, you seem to be getting the cart before the horse there, i think trying to raise expectation in any other way is a very dangerous game to play, dont you? surely expectation and whats ACTUALLY happening should be directly related, that way you acheive a greater harmony around the club. i'm not saying dont be ambitious, just dont be daft. Expectations are totally different to when the old board took over the club in 1992 mate. Thats a fact. It's proven by the fact that 52000 people go to home games, whereas before that it was less than half. And people actually demand to qualify for europe, whereas people used to just be happy to be in the top league [and I'm not just talking about the fans here] why cant i have a discussion with you without feeling like your just out on a crusade to vindicate the old board? you're ignoring what i'm saying and responding to points i haven't made, i didnt say expectations haven't risen, i'm not saying people didnt used to be happy just being in the top league, i'm saying expectations should correlate with how the TEAM and CLUB is progressing. not with how much money we spend, although at some point these things are going to be related, obviously, i think its a much more delicate balance than just throwing money at it

got it in one mate, off to see the boss. yeah its most likely we'll just watch it in an arena bar if its on there, almost too good to be true though, something must be up, lets hope its not the result Aye, over at the Odyssey they'll be showing the match. You'd only run into a problem if it wasn't on Sky or Setanta. But, if you want any kind of atmosphere, you'd be best to go to the Bot (Botanic Inn). Was where I'd always go to watch the footy when I was at Uni in Belfast. Had some good nights in there... cheers man, would be nice to seek some atmospehere but there's about 15 geordies going over for the gig so we'll try and create our own if we're just staying at the odyssey, best not say the bot sounds good, people will talk

Welcome back BUT we did get in the CL with them some of them kids, two of them won young player of year & one of them was Bellers. You can't turn your back on younger players any more than you can turn your back on the big name player who will raise expectation are you saying that raising expectation is good? if so why? not spoiling for a fight, just seems like a strange thing to say of course raising expectation is good. Why shouldn't it be ? Thats the whole idea. Would you rather support a club who would be happy to just stay up, for instance ? If so, you should have supported NUFC through the 1960's, 70's and 80's. For instance. NUFC and expectations have raised and changed completely since 1992, and not a single NUFC supporter would say otherwise [or maybe there is, there's always one, or two, or three.............] i think that the raising of expectations should go hand in hand with progress though, and by that i mean higher league finishes, you seem to be getting the cart before the horse there, i think trying to raise expectation in any other way is a very dangerous game to play, dont you? surely expectation and whats ACTUALLY happening should be directly related, that way you acheive a greater harmony around the club. i'm not saying dont be ambitious, just dont be daft.