Raconteur

I know that you know more than me, I’m just struggling to see the logic. If it was Fonseca or his people that put it out that he was interested, did the decision makers then choose not to speak to an available, interested candidate? If it was a betting scam, surely both Fonseca’s camp and our “board” would have refuted it?

Just wondering if anyone who said “it’s definitely not Fonseca” ever said *why* it’s not Fonseca? Just seems that, if Eddie Howe is the backup, surely we should reconsider The Fonz?

If Emery genuinely didn’t feel he was capable of leading the team with a day or two in charge, there’s nothing to say he can’t be announced as manager and him watch Jones’ last game from the stands. Although, that raises the spectre of Emery staying in at Villarreal for their weekend league match. If there’s silence through the weekend, the bedwetters will be having aneurysms.

Kessie or Kamara seems a no brainer

I'm a big fan of Manquillo but he's been fucking pony every single time he's been on the left.

I always had a soft spot for Brighton, like a kid brother done well - in that they lost the 2nd Div to us on the last day, came up with us (and stayed up four years)… They’ve been a decent barometer to mark our (shite) progress. Next time we play them will be the last time any comparison can be made

By all accounts, Barca aren’t allowed to pay ten Hag his market rate salary because of rules imposed by the Spanish FA - Xavi “going home” is not just romantic, it’s affordable. Man U, who knows? There’s the odd chance they stick for way too long this season…

Making a very strong case for the introduction of a "dislike" button to the forum...

I always understood Owen’s hamstring issues to be posture related, mainly because I once went to the physio wearing a Toon top and the physio told me my posture-related hamstring issues was something I shared with the horse botherer…

Also, would support signing Nakamba just for his name

Would instantly be our best midfielder, and our first decent set-piece taker since… Cabaye? Really hope this is a real link and not paper shite.

Yeah, Lords might be nice, but I’ll take being one of 90,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day, thanks

If he goes there, it could go very badly. They might well nip in for the Overmars/ten Haag combo as Barca has long been the Ajax finishing school…

Koeman sacked - that will get the merry-go-round spinning…

Never fear, it was for teens in the late 80s in Australia (so the least important football in the world) - but yeah, definitely got a bum steer somewhere. EDIT Just reflecting on it now, and I also remember being taught to put my flag straight up and use my other arm to show who’s put the ball out for a throw in. Didn’t know better until I started watching televised football. Now I’m doubting my entire knowledge of the rules of the game

Yeah, baseball fans criticising cricket is exactly like mackems saying the Toon are shite…

Yup - I voted for (and put money on) Fonseca because I thought Rafa was sadly unavailable. I also thought ten Haag was out of reach, but I’m a bit excited by the Overmars link and hoping he brings the coach with him. I realise I’ve become a complete snob in the last few weeks, because there’s very few names outside those three I’d be happy with (Conte aside)…

Never heard of him - gave him the quick Wikipedia and he’s played two seasons for the Kiwi team polluting the lower reaches of the Australian top flight. Considering our disgusting hobby of combing the foreign leagues for Aussie blood, if he’s starring in Scotland then he’ll get a call up in no time…

I’m off Favre since that BVB fan went into great detail about his ending at MGB and Dortmund. Top 3 is Rafa, ten Haag and Fonseca. I’m really getting the feeling they’ve got an agreement with Fonseca but they’re aiming higher…

Don't know what you're basing that on - McParland was Liverpool's chief scout when Rafa arrived there, and was made Academy Director during Rafa's time there.

I was just thinking that Shelvey is one of the last people (along with Joelinton and Charnley) we'll be able to say "This cunt still here?" with real venom...

Just checked the law, and you’re right. Is that a new rule? It’s been ten years since I played and nearly 25 since I ran lines, but I definitely remember being taught that specific case as both keeper and lino…

I don’t get it? If the ball is played to the striker in the middle who scored, then he’s offside. If the keeper isn’t the last man, there needs to be two defenders behind the ball to be onside. Right?

Well, looks my bet on Fonseca isn’t going to pan out. I’d be super excited with ten Haag, but I’d also thought the dream of Rafa was dead. If he’s appointed and I don’t post within 24 hours, you can assume I’ve exploded with happiness…

It was just incredible to watch over and over again - players standing around begging to be marked and easily robbed. Long throws are for shit, but it's a step up from every attacking throw in leading to a turnover. Seemed to get no attention too, in an era where clubs employ throw in coaches.