brummie

Same in Italy. I never understood why, probably because the media there always refer to it as an "industrial, grey and isolated city in the north east" This is largely because Britain is one of the most capital-centric countries in the world. You basically have London, then - as far as foreigners are concerned - nothing else worth bothering about. France is just as bad. re Italian press, it's funny, but if you go to, say, Milan, outside of a relatively small area in the city centre, you are quickly into some of the most depressing urban environments in western europe - great chunks of the city are taken up by housing projects that look like Caeucescu designed them. That's true, outside the centre "bit" Milan is hideous, absolutely hideous Although, on the flip side, as a filthy rich footballer, you're perfectly able to get yourself a lovely pad on Lake Como, which isn't too far away.

Same in Italy. I never understood why, probably because the media there always refer to it as an "industrial, grey and isolated city in the north east" This is largely because Britain is one of the most capital-centric countries in the world. You basically have London, then - as far as foreigners are concerned - nothing else worth bothering about. France is just as bad. re Italian press, it's funny, but if you go to, say, Milan, outside of a relatively small area in the city centre, you are quickly into some of the most depressing urban environments in western europe - great chunks of the city are taken up by housing projects that look like Caeucescu designed them.

Really looking forward to our semi final tomorrow. Been watching youtube videos of our 94 turnaround of 3-1 from the first leg against Tranmere. One of the best, most atmospheric matches I've ever been to at VP. On the up side, it fired me to believe we'll be alright tomorow. On the down side, it made me wonder at what a fantastically entertaining side Big Ron put together largely with the money we got from selling David Platt, then i reflect on the money we've wasted over the last five years and where it has got us. Somewhat depressing.

I saw him in Eldon Square once, at WH Smiths. His wife had enormous hair, and Mirandinha was just smiling a lot, whilst walking around, looking like he didn't know what he was doing.

Now DEFEND !!!! That's where the problems start. I don't think I can watch the rest of this, I am so fucking nervous.

What a fucking goal that was

We are utterly awful 0-0 No goals in this one if we played all weekend, tbh

Who you got up next? Three points there for you.

Shit the bed Had to score.

I've watched most of your match and am gobsmacked, frankly. Not very good at all. If I arrived from space and was told you finished where you did last year, I would refuse to believe it.

I can see why he prefers Weimann and Benteke, but people go on about that freezing out, whilst forgetting Lambert actually made him captain at one point, and that he's been out with a couple of injuries, too. Bent not playing isn't our problem. Our major problem is a dreadfully lightweight midfield, which allows pressure to be put on the defence, which is also lightweight and inexperienced. If in this window we sign at least a tough central midfielder, a left back and maybe a CB too, we'll stay up. If we don't, we are done for. Any idea if the rumour you owe us more money if Bent plays another league game is true? It's nonsense.

Because Man United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, who win things constantly, whilst Man City are the richest club in the world, and therefore pay obscene wages. A better way of looking at it would have been to consider Man City's pulling power before the advent of stupid amounts of money. So you think Remy went to a smaller club just because they are in London ? No, I was saying it was a mixture of two things - London and money. Not all footballers are like that, though, but it's not a surprise that a lot are.

With all due respect to WBA and their fans (respect that never seems to be returned) WBA don't generate HALF the money NUFC do I'll tell you precisely how much respect is due to Albion and their fans - precisely none, the horrible cunts. They generate a lot less money, but their tightfistedness is still legendary.

Yeah, but like you said, boing boinging from one division to the other, while the owner kept his hands very firmly in his pockets.

Ask an Albion fan what they think of their board. If you think Ashley is tightfisted and doesn't see the need to invest, Albion's lot are way, way worse. Isn't this really about picking a club doing well and saying they must have good owners. What about the fact that until very recently, Albion were a yo-yo club? How good were their owners then?

Why ? Because there are a hell of a lot of shite owners out there. Plus I'd imagine if it got to the point at which Ashley felt forced out (I don't think he'd get what he wants for it otherwise), he'd actively sell us to the biggest cunts he could find. There aren't many good owners in the PL really. Man City maybe, because they have bought success. Everton for sticking with Moyes, but even they are skint. QPR fans might end up thanking the owners eventually, but they might also go bust. Even the Man Utd and Liverpool owners are disliked for various reasons. Swansea's board are good, gotten all their management appointments in last few years bang on the money and doing it all within a sensible budget. Norwich also seem to have their head screwed on right Yes, but how much does it take for "good" owners to start looking like bad ones. For four years, Lerner was hailed by all and sundry as a good owner, one of the best, but a series of terrible decisions, and he's not looking quite so great.

Why ? Because there are a hell of a lot of shite owners out there. Plus I'd imagine if it got to the point at which Ashley felt forced out (I don't think he'd get what he wants for it otherwise), he'd actively sell us to the biggest cunts he could find. http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/01/19/article-0-07ECCB36000005DC-951_468x327.jpg Imagine winding up with PornoDwarf and Mr Tumnus.

It's only going to get worse, too, as income from bums on seats at matches continues to become a smaller percentage of turnover when the TV money goes even more mental.

Because Man United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, who win things constantly, whilst Man City are the richest club in the world, and therefore pay obscene wages. A better way of looking at it would have been to consider Man City's pulling power before the advent of stupid amounts of money.

fernandes doesn't have THAT much money. He won't support them in 5 years time. They have to be in the CL with the wages they have within a few years. Exactly - he'll have spent his entire net worth within a year or two at this rate. Can't see them getting much debt from banks. It is a disaster waiting to happen. One of the Mittals owns a third of QPR. Nuff said about where their money will be coming from. Not that simple, though, having an owner with loads of money doesn't mean that owner is going to plough it in ad infinitum.

Board failed to strengthen with players from a point of strength to keep the momentum going. Been very unlucky with injuries whereas last season apart from Taylor we were very lucky. Too many players playing poorly and a manager who even at times with the better players in the side has seemed clueless this season and lacking ideas.........let alone when we're reduced to all the backups. Hmm. Still, strange to see such a swing, even given things like injuries

As a casual observer, I really do not get what happened there. How did such a good side go to being so mediocre, so quickly?

I can see why he prefers Weimann and Benteke, but people go on about that freezing out, whilst forgetting Lambert actually made him captain at one point, and that he's been out with a couple of injuries, too. Bent not playing isn't our problem. Our major problem is a dreadfully lightweight midfield, which allows pressure to be put on the defence, which is also lightweight and inexperienced. If in this window we sign at least a tough central midfielder, a left back and maybe a CB too, we'll stay up. If we don't, we are done for.

Think you'll manage to hold on to Benteke and Weiss? Weimann you mean? Yes. Not Benteke, though.

He doesn't know what he's doing. Admittedly, we've been let down by higher paid players who haven't delivered under this manager as they didn't under the last, but it's way too much too soon. The concept is sound enough. It's the execution of it that is wrong.