Segun Oluwaniyi

That's one thing I've noticed babatunde. In general the standard of African goalkeepers seems to be pretty woeful. Is there any particular reason for this? Being a good goalkeeper requires training. Nigeria has produced some great shotstoppers, but few complete keepers. The standard of coaching in Africa is poor. For some reason, it seems alot more difficult to catch up in terms of position, technique,etc. for keepers. Also, if you figure that the average African grows up in "street football" culture, than there is not a heavy desire or need for keepers.

Nigeria go out 3-2 to Germany. Absolutely unbelievable that we managed to lose after being 2-1 up against ten men. I've yet to see the match, but a few of my compatriots have told me that the performance was very encouraging, and that really is my main concern. edit: The keeping for the frist German goal is ridiculously awful As were the tactics at the end. I understand that we had a man advantage and were pushing for the winning goal, but the entire team was in the opposition's half, and Germany won the ball and went on a ludicrously simple one man counter attack to score the winner. I love what Samson Siasia has done a as a player and coach, but I have to question what was happening there.

Beye and Bassong I agree, but the others I don't really think we miss. I think Beye and Bassong are both fantastic, but we have replaced them in a much better way than we have the likes of Martins, Owen, Viduka, and Duff. I'm quite happy with our backline, but I fear our impotence upfront and on the wings could cost us this season. If we had any of those four right now, I would be able to breathe easier. We've still got the best striking options in the Championship though. Name a better one. I think Boro, West Brom, and Cardiff are all equally as good (or better) as us upfront and on the wings. The thing is, we are not trying to finish midtable. The only success would be for us to finish in the top two. (obviously the playoff as well, but I am referring to the first 46 matches). Anything else does not accomplish the goal. Essentially we are in a title race, and I think we are inferior to our rivals in some areas due to the players that have left.

Beye and Bassong I agree, but the others I don't really think we miss. I think Beye and Bassong are both fantastic, but we have replaced them in a much better way than we have the likes of Martins, Owen, Viduka, and Duff. I'm quite happy with our backline, but I fear our impotence upfront and on the wings could cost us this season. If we had any of those four right now, I would be able to breathe easier.

You people can say all you want about Owen, Martins, Beye, Bassong, and Duff but they were alot better than the players playing their positions for us at the moment. Don't be fooled by a month or two of good results in the Championship. Those were our best players, and the current starting lineup would be Watford-esque in the Premiership. edit:I'd be fine with Hughton being given a contract to the end of the season as manager. It is unlikely that the situation will change, and therefore no top manager will be interested. However, if the club is sold, he will only have a one-year contract and could be easily bought out by the new regime.

If anyone falls out of the top four, it will be Liverpool, imo. Of the big four, they seem to be the least united behind their manager and his policies, also they have undoubtedly played the worst football out of those four. Especially, if injuries hit (as they always do in a 9-month season, they could be in serious trouble).

Moat's financial clout is very important because football is a money business. He can be the best owner (decision wise) in the Premiership, but if he doesn't have the pounds, euros, dollars, yen, or naira to back it up, then it is worth nothing. If "Dave from NewcastleOnline Forum" bought the club, I'd be happy to have an informed and intelligent owner, but I'd be worried that a lakc of financial resources would hold us back. (To be fair though, I don't know Dave's financial state.)

Milner will be in trouble when Downing gets fit that's for sure. Unless MON decides to play Downing through the middle alongside Petrov, which he might do I guess. More likely to play Milner in the middle tbh, he's tried it already. The other major possibility is a reversion to 4-5-1 with Ashley Young creating in the middle and Milner and Downing on the wings - if he had a better striker that could be a really good team. I don't see why Villa should do all of this to accomodate Milner, who is arguably one of the worst players in their starting 11.

I will never argue with anyone about his first tenure. From what I gather, he was very good to us. Hell, my father loves the man (as a player too), but I was ages 1-7 during his tenure, so I'll avoid any praise or criticism.

That's a bit like saying Elizabeth Taylor has been happily married 8 times. That's funny...but can you actually make a case that he hasn't done a good job twice without the humour? The second time, he amassed about 3 points in the first eight matches, before the good players returned from injury and we went on a good little 4 or 5 match run through the Sunderland match...at which point the season fizzled out. Then, we had an average start to the next season...before he quit...four matches in. He was an improvement on Fat Sam, but it wasn't great times or anything. 'before the good players returned'...nowt to do with Keegan's tactics? Better tell Man U to get rid of Ferguson, it was Ronaldo that won them 3 titles! Why couldn't Allardyce get Owen, Martins and Viduka playing well? Under Keegan was those three players best ever spells for the club. The reason Keegan started off slowly is because he inherited Allardyce's team which was low confidence and playing s*** football. Once Keegan implemented his own tactics we were flying. As for an average start to the next season? Four point from Man U, Bolton and Arsenal plus through to the second round of the cup...that's average? Bloody hell. Christ, all you do is mock peoples responses and post that damn facepalm picture. It's repetitive and boring. Viduka, Martins, Barton all came back from injury and we got an easier run of fixtures. We went on a good run of about five matches. That's it. Fulham, Reading, Spurs, Pompey (I think), and Sunderland. After that we have average results. Tbh, our results in the next season were nothing to shout about either. We got a creditable draw against an undermanned Man U, laboured to victory against Bolton, struggled to beat a Championship side with a pretty strong team, and were humiliated by Arsenal. That's average. Kinnear was rubbish, and Keegan was obviously better, but still average.

Liam Ridgwell looked f***ing awfull every single time i saw, i remember at one game he catched the ball with both hands for no reason, Cahil is much better imo. I remember that. Was during that match against Birmingham that was the turning point under Keegan. Was hilarious at the time.

How is it a weekend without football? There are important international matches across the world as well as the u-20 World Cup. I think most of you should be able to cope.

That's a bit like saying Elizabeth Taylor has been happily married 8 times. That's funny...but can you actually make a case that he hasn't done a good job twice without the humour? The second time, he amassed about 3 points in the first eight matches, before the good players returned from injury and we went on a good little 4 or 5 match run through the Sunderland match...at which point the season fizzled out. Then, we had an average start to the next season...before he quit...four matches in. He was an improvement on Fat Sam, but it wasn't great times or anything.

He played four matches under Keegan. One was against Coventry and another was us getting raped against Arsenal. Come off it man. And he was quality against Man U and Bolton. Plus the pre-season friendly against Valencia. Are you denying this? Not denying it, I just don't really think it is worth discussing that he was good in two matches. When you're talking about the likes of Martins, Viduka, Barton, Owen who did well under Keegan for a good long stretch of matches I think it is important, but Jonas really barely got to play for him.

Neither. How about we just get a good manager without baggage and with a little bit of experience. edit: If you're asking me to choose, then Shearer. I'm about done with Keegan.

Nigeria get Germany in the round of 16. Should be interesting to see how we do. It doesn't seem like anyone is caring this much time around. I remember it being massive in 2005. why did they move it from the summer? Masterstroke from FIFA.

How do Athletic survive in the modern age of football? No foreign players and they only recruit Spanish players of a certain region. I've said it before, but I'm amazed that they continue to thrive.

He played four matches under Keegan. One was against Coventry and another was us getting raped against Arsenal. Come off it man.

Marseille do this rubbish every year. Big opportunity to catch up to Bordeaux, and we throw it away at Monaco. I can't wait till February, when we make our great run, win all the fans over, and come away with absolutely nothing once again. Hate it. Happy to see Arsenal and Chelsea win today. Want one of those two to win the title.

Who then?

The fans love him and he has obvious talent. Very likeable player and good attitude for sure. However, he is not consistent enough has had injury/been benched quite a few times. He's a good player, but I'm not sure he's good enough for what Lyon want to achieve, and comes nowhere near replacing Juninho. They have been linked with Sissoko. Moussa Sissoko? is he as good as all the hype? He's great. Awesome player. Toulouse have two fantastic ones in him and Gignac. I don't see Sissoko staying in France. He has the world at his feet. Everyone wants him. I would hate it if Lyon got him.

He will be. He always is. He is Shola. Forever.

Man, I just hope he gets his act together. He IS the best player out of the ones remaining at this club, though he hasn't been the best performer this season obviously. I just have this awful feeling I'm going to be watching him tear up Europe with Villareal or Palermo this time next year.

Yeah, but it is no business of anyone on this forum, where I reside, sir. You have access to certain info (my email, IP), etc. being the administrator and I'd rather you didn't go posting it all over the forum, or using it to further a petty quarrel. I am always one to defend players who have done well for us in the past. I saw damn near every minute of last season and Jonas ran harder than any player. I a few of the opening games and Jonas was much the same. I don't think he's garbage because of two games back from injury. I've done my hamstring before and it takes a good while to recover.

The fans love him and he has obvious talent. Very likeable player and good attitude for sure. However, he is not consistent enough has had injury/been benched quite a few times. He's a good player, but I'm not sure he's good enough for what Lyon want to achieve, and comes nowhere near replacing Juninho. They have been linked with Sissoko.