thenige

That Bryn clip really is tragic, poor lad. I know this isn't really the time or the place but Georgie looks amazing in that clip - you'd have thought the SSN lot would have told her to tone it down a bloody bit. Christ.

Read this before I watched the clip, so expected it to be pretty awful. Absolutely nothing in it, to call it an 'assault' is just laughable.

In fairness he did want to stay, then instead of keeping Shearer the board went totally silent and everyone was left in limbo (specifically poor old Chris Hughton who despite everyone's pre-conceived ideas and expectations turned us around completely). Don't blame any player for leaving the club at that stage, only feel annoyed by those who were utter rot whilst they were wearing the Newcastle shirt that relegation season.

This near enough. Although not just players, for a few managers as well (Pulis being one).

Just read this thread title and had to check my wardrobe to make sure he wasn't hiding there.

This pretty much, Simpson hasn't got anywhere near to as good as he was in his pomp for us.

Has still looked impressive every time he's played, yes he's had injury problems clearly but hopefully this is just a blip rather than anything more substantial.

Oh ah Paul McGrath. Followed by Stam. Then Ferdinand.

Bizarre, I'd just signed Dave Watson as assistant manager in my FM game.

Was going to say, considering the circumstance and opposition, best game for us he's ever had?

Great performance from the ref today, let quite a lot go and the game was better for it. Reckon that'll be completely overlooked with the ridiculous amount of goals scored.

There's a Brum fan at my work and he says Chris is just getting on with it like when with Newcastle with exactly the same kind of attitutude. Just comes across composed with complete dignity and respect. From what he said the fans have really taken to him because of it.

Bah, who really wants to end that many years without a trophy (Championship and Intertoto withstanding) with the bloody League Cup anyway? p.s I really wanted to win that

Hopefully will start against Blackburn in the cup and put in a performance that puts pressure on Simpson and Taylor.

Wigan looked quite sharp on the break, did well to get the three points. Must say thought the ref had a really good game out there.

Basically it's win win. Come the next transfer window we're not restricted in looking for a LB or a RB, we could sign either and Santon will play the opposite side. He's more than comfortable at RB or LB so it gives us a wider spectrum to play with.

From what I've seen from Holliet this season and last, he's good but needs to remember his defensive responsibilities as well. Some games he's just left the full back to it and Blackburn have really struggled because of it.

The thing is, as good as Ben Arfa potentially is, we need to play a side that will get the best out of him. Leon Best will challenge for headers and work hard, if we're in a game where we'll be on the back-foot and make numerous clearances we need someone who'll be able to hold up the ball and bring people into the game. Are we good enough to utilise someone like Ben Arfa against a decent side? That's the biggest question that needs asking.

Think the real test comes when we start playing the better teams. Not necessarily Man City or Man Utd, but more the Spurs, Everton and Liverpool. Have been delighted with the start, the only game where we were really second best was at QPR and we still came away with a point. I'm not getting carried away yet, but there's unless we get stung by injuries we shouldn't fear anyone outside the top few teams and at the moment with this kind of momentum should go to anyone thinking we can pick up points.

Fair play to Harper with that. If I was him I'd probably be blowing.

What I love about Marveaux is he's come in and continued to make all the right noises. When he's played in the cups or reserves he's done well and he's pushing hard for a first team spot. I'm really looking forward to him getting his chance, we've had so many players sign in the past who for one reason or another haven't succeeded here but he really strikes me as a hard-working player who's desperate to impress.

I can see what Trapp means, there are certainly times Best can be accused of being lazy and disinterested but he's certainly surprised me this season and has put in some shifts which have been commendable. If this decision can help push him on even further, for Newcastle it can only be beneficial. I just hope he doesn't sulk about it and drop off at all.

Simpson's always been quite renowned for being quick hasn't he?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6094258.stm

There's a bit on him on the Football League show tonight. Nobby sat in his garden!