AyeDubbleYoo

Genuinely lost the ability to debate the Ben Arfa issue, it doesn't make any sense from the fans' point of view. He's miles better than any other player we've had on our books for years and should therefore be the first name on the team sheet. Then again, Pardew has managed us to joint 5th in the league and I can see why he wants to stick with that system. I would do the opposite, but in Pards we trust I suppose.

Definitely, although obviously Shola will never leave (and I don't really want him to).

Very nice.

Just gone even further up in my estimation. He even boozes in great pubs! Where's the Tyne Bar? Ouseburn - used to be an old sailors knocking shop called "The Ship" - now a brilliant boozer with great range of real ales and lagers from all over the world. Often live music - had a good blues band on on Sunday after the match. Ah right, aye it was The Ship last time I was there. Will check it out again next time I'm back. (I didn't have sex with any sailors FWIW).

I've heard it in the pub, but it was a while ago. Kieran Dyer getting some vile abuse from our own fans. I actually challenged the bloke at the time at was shit scared! The way I see it, human suspicion of people different from yourself will never go away, it's hard-wired. What we can learn to do is bring in our reasoning mind to stop us from expressing or putting too much stock in our instinctive reactions/feelings. I think things have definitely improved in football, ironically the fact that this stuff is now reported more probably indicates that it is more rare. When it was happening all the time there wasn't the feeling that it was exceptional or unacceptable. Loads more work to go, but it's a problem for society rather than football specifically. As we become more familiar with people of different races and religions hopefully this stuff will become irrelevant. It will obviously take years and probably can't be done in one lifetime. I would still love to see more proactive efforts from everyone to encourage people to mix with other cultures.

Nice, thought we'd have to wait til tomorrow. Not the sort of signing I thought we'd be making at all, very very pleasantly surprised.

For our style we're better off with someone who will sit on the shoulder tbh, let Demba drop deep and run wiith the ball. Exactly, Demba thrives with a bit more freedom to roam around.

Just gone even further up in my estimation. He even boozes in great pubs! Where's the Tyne Bar?

Love this thread.

As long as he speaks French he'll fit in fine.

Agreed. Until now there has been no sign of any intention to spend the Carroll money. I was done with thinking the owners wanted anything for this club, other than to balance the books and sell it, when that appeared to be the case. But if we're re-investing in the side, that would suggest otherwise. Nah, I know what you mean, was just stirring. It's a class move to be sure, and something beyond just keeping us ticking over. You could argue it's just a continuation of the Cabaye signing etc, but I can see why it's considered something extra. Keeping a club ticking over suggests doing an Everton. You don't buy players like Ben Arfa, Santon, Cabaye, Marvaux etc to keep a club ticking over. Cisse is a continuation of a policy, not a change of direction. I agree with you, but I can just see why some people think of signings like Cisse as something extra whereas signings like Cabaye are just replacements for outgoings. I don't agree with them either.

Agreed. Until now there has been no sign of any intention to spend the Carroll money. I was done with thinking the owners wanted anything for this club, other than to balance the books and sell it, when that appeared to be the case. But if we're re-investing in the side, that would suggest otherwise. Nah, I know what you mean, was just stirring. It's a class move to be sure, and something beyond just keeping us ticking over. You could argue it's just a continuation of the Cabaye signing etc, but I can see why it's considered something extra.

Strengths = football. Weaknesses = eczema. Seriously, haven't a clue.

Never be bettered, immense moment.

Agreed.

These bloody foreigners, coming over here and stealing our jobs. [/Liverpool]

The January aspect is class like, so rare to get a genuinely good deal.

I used to hate the way Martins took penalties.

I doubt Ashleys attitude has changed to be fair, and he'll not be putting more of his money in. This is all about Llambias getting the finances right, and freeing up the funds earmarked for the second striker. Just proves that we are prepared to spend when the deal is right. And this is oh so right.

Because I find it funny as fuck that the greedy prick is failing miserably. Same here. Same I must admit, really enjoying him not doing well for Liverpool. Imagine if he'd been smashing them in ala Demba - too much to take.

What was the crack with Richards?

That's a really nice badge... we should sign it for below the market value.

The guy is a successful businessman, you don't make a billion without having something about you. Just maybe he's learning to adapt to the football business, and also has the right people around him now. I've always believed that if he can apply the ruthless approach he takes to his other businesses to football we might end up being on the right side of transfer deals for a change. If he's learned to adapt to the environment of football things could be looking up. Not saying he wouldn't sell a player for mega money, but then most clubs who aren't Man City would do that.

Judging by the fact he's gone from being unknown to finishing a medical and at the training ground in about 4 hours, I don't think you need to worry.

Alan Pardwoo!