AyeDubbleYoo

Its all about perception though isnt it. Flying off to Vegas just doesnt give the impression that they are concentrating on the Transfer Window - whether it be rightly or wrongly. Fans, I think, like to know that their top boys are in their offices working on things. MA & DL seem incapable of avoiding this kind of thing. Fair point, but should they have to make every decision based on how the Sunday Sun might interpret it? They probably don't give a shit about the tabloids, and I can't criticise them for that.

I hope we will play better football, but with the results we've been getting this season I reckon Hughton will be very reluctant to make any major changes to our style.

I guess you're right, but there doesn't seem to be any realistic chance or fear of further attacks. I thought the issue was over the shock and effects of the attack the other day, not that players are generally now unsafe.

Completley different matter tbh. Who would want hughton doing contracts? Fair point I suppose, although I imagine Ashley and Llambias aren't going to be in Vegas permanently. Of course not. But there's only 4 months of the year when they can do ANYTHING to help the first team. The other 8 months it's down to Hughton and his playing staff. Even in the Summer there's a good month or two when no deals are being done. Basically, Llambias only has August and January in which to support his manager. It would be nice if he could dedicate one sixth of his working year to the club when it needs him. Of course he chooses not to. He just spends the last day of the window at the training ground telling SSN he's doing all he can working around the clock when he's spent the previous month doing sweet FA. I'm with you, if Ashley and Llambias really have anything to do with signings on a day-to-day basis, or actually intend for the club to buy anyone, then they should be available. To be honest though, this could just be a long weekend or anything, and they could still be available on the phone. I just don't think it's a massive deal.

Maybe we should appoint a Director of Football Now we're talking.

Completley different matter tbh. Who would want hughton doing contracts? Fair point I suppose, although I imagine Ashley and Llambias aren't going to be in Vegas permanently. Don't know anything about Charnley, what's his role?

Like I said, Togo players should be treated as being unavailable until they get knocked out in the first round. Perhaps people need to look at this argument from a differnet perspective, i.e. not why Togo players should be allowed to play for their clubs, but why the players from other nationalities are not able to return to their clubs. In my opinion, the whole tournament should be called off and get the players back to their clubs ASAP I agree on the bit in bold, but I don't see it happening. If a player is available, they should be allowed to play. The team chose to pull out of the ACN just like any other country can choose to the same. And if they do, their players can return to their clubs and be available for selection. Not sure the whole tournament should be called off, wouldn't that be a big victory for the people who made this attack? We don't want terrorist groups to think they can derail major tournaments that easily.

I thought we wanted the manager to be in charge of transfers anyway?

Is there a fundamental change of policy from HMRC, or is it just the economic situation causing all these clubs trouble? Seems like a lot more financial problems than ever before.

I often thought about becoming a referee, the main thing that put me off was that nobody seemed to make any progress until the age of 40. Great to have a young man like this to show that it's possible.

Compared to where? Worst weather in 30 years and as far as I can tell from the news most of Europe has stopped. Denmark/Sweden/Norway seem to cope well with heavy snow fall. The only plus point it's called off now and not 1230 on Saturday. Guess the fact we're not prepared for this weather compared to Scandanavian coutries is purely down to being pragmatic. If this sort of weather only happens once ever 20 years it doesn't make sense to plan for it. You can pay to have an army of snowploughs, gritters and staff on standby when 99% of the time they won't be used. All that spending couldn't really be justified.

I think Refereeing should be a profession along similar lines as playing to be honest. The average age of top-flight referees should probably be nearer 24 than 44. I can see a lot of benefits.

For fuck's sake, it's unbelievable how snow affects this country.

Nah, he's a young England international with bags of potential.

Good idea, how did you come up with that?!

Also, one club cities are in a uniquely strong position with the fans, especially in Newcastle as it's so far away from the nearest proper rival.

The Bull, The Tank, Spiderman... sounds like we're forming a new superhero collective.

Strong words from Hughton there, hopefully it's not all made up! He does sound confident of bringing in some bodies.

Party on!

Yeah, it's looking a bit better at the moment I'd say. Guess the only issue is getting all those park and ride buses from Reading station up to the ground. Fingers crossed.

According to the Reading website they have machines out yesterday and today clearing the roads and footpaths around the stadium. Remains to be seen about getting to the ground from the station though.

Spot on TRon, the way everyone ignores present day performances because a player has been decent in the past is a major problem. We end up with the players who everyone else can see are past it.

Nah, I think they're absolute bollocks 99% of the time. Back in the 90s they used to happen occasionally, but mostly it's made up by the press.

The only time in the last 20 years that I heard anyone call themselves 'dude' was jeff bridges in the The Big lebowski' You're right, usually I say 'cat' but I was trying something new.

I've got a ticket in the Reading fans, left it too late to book. Just hoping the game's on now!