timeEd32

Sounds like he's moved past the sadness phase of his dream becoming a bit of a nightmare and has moved onto a bit of anger.

Wasn't part of the problem that Miggy wanted higher wages and they were taking that out of the fee? When we didn't sell him I assumed he'd have more of a role than we've seen to date. I'm very surprised we didn't jump at the chance to get two years of wages out the door.

I'd be surprised if half of those players still play for us in 2026.

This is not leading to a free for all, which I never expected anyway. All of these things are a positive though: include shareholder loans in financial assessments (presumably with a FMV interest coupon applied). Equity injections will remain exempt under the new rules. return to the original FMV wording that asks if a transaction “could” be sold between willing parties, instead of “would.” The Amended APT rules’ addition of “in normal market conditions” will also be removed to allow broader value interpretations, especially for unique sponsorship contexts. granting clubs access to the Databank of commercial deals that the PL uses in FMV determinations, and this access will come before the appeal stage. roll back stricter FMV criteria introduced in February 2024. It's certainly better than where things were / where they were heading. It will be very interesting to see if this gets the necessary support.

Some have argued here that SJP doesn't really have any character to lose. Personally I love it, but it also admittedly does not have the character of some of Newcastle's city center. What is inarguable though, whether you like it or not, is that it's unique. And that seems like one of the biggest fears some have -- that a new stadium is going to be a soulless bowl. It doesn't have to be that way though. I'm guessing if a promise was made that a new build in Leazes Park would maintain some distinctive features, inside or out, then there'd be a lot more support for the idea.

It's a small sample, but for what these are I don't think it really matters. He may not end the season first in SCA/GCA or key passes, but he's going to be up there. I think they are indicative of what he brings to the team.

Some Longstaff vs. Tonali stats (all per 90) that I think highlight how different they are. I was going to exclude cup games, but Tonali played as a 6 v Chelsea and Longstaff was a 6 for Wimbledon so seems fine to leave in to get a bigger sample. It doesn't change much anyway. Longstaff is first on the team in tackles won with 2.03 per 90 (Joelinton is second at 1.54). Tonali is 9th (1.00) Longstaff's tackles are distributed evenly - 30% in the defensive third, 40% in the middle, 30% in the attacking third 89% of Tonali's tackles have occurred in the middle third. He has one in the defensive third and none in the attacking third. Longstaff is second in total blocks and first in blocked passes. Tonali is 11th (comparable to Bruno). Tonali is first in interceptions. Longstaff is 4th just ahead of Bruno and Joelinton. As a result Longstaff is first in tackles won + interceptions and Tonali is second (Bruno third). Tonali averages a few more touches per game, but very similar overall. Longstaff has more in the defensive third, while Tonali has more in the middle and attacking third. Tonali is 4th in attempted take-ons. He hasn't been very good at them (only 30% success; Bruno 70% for comparison), but Longstaff has only attempted one, which is less than every player who has played as much as him except Pope and Burn. Tonali has been dispossessed less than any other midfielder/forward, but Longstaff fares well in this area also. Our other midfielders - Bruno, Joelinton, and Willock - have been dispossessed the most. Tonali is third in fouls drawn behind Bruno and Gordon; Longstaff is 13th. Tonali is second in loose balls recovered (Tino is first). Longstaff is 9th. You'd think they have two entirely different positions / roles.

I've shared some stats in the last month or so about how we've declined over the last two seasons in things like shot/goal creating actions, take ons, progressive carries, etc. Looking at per 90 stats, Willock is: First in key passes (more than 1 per 90 more than anyone but Gordon) First in shot creating actions (more than 1 per 90 more than anyone) First in goal creating actions First in blocks and second in blocked passes (him and Longstaff way ahead of everyone) Third in successful take-ons (behind Bruno and Gordon) First in progressive carries (carrying the ball more than 10 yards towards goal) Third in carries in the final third and second in carries into the penalty area Second in fouls committed (I don't think this is a bad thing) The stats match the eyes - he brings another dimension to our play.

You can look at these including subs too but it can start to get messy depending on how many there are and the timing.

The problem is if you increased the limit to one of those numbers and a club took it to the max then they'd be massively breaching UEFA's rules.

The way they were slowing down the game early on, taking a long time to take free kicks, etc was very odd to me. They seemed to come in with the mentality of massive underdogs.

He definitely seems impacted by all the negativity towards him and I can't blame him.

Given how Schar is playing, probably Guehi.

Been watching too much NFL.

Schar needs a break.

My opinion has very little to do with the specific player other than the fact that I think everyone can agree he’s not a difference making talent. He’s somewhere between fine and good with no resale value. We just don’t have the flexibility to take on a player like this. It would also be incredibly unimaginative when we’re meant to be rebooting things. Bellamy was like 22 off a down season for a relegated club and had personality concerns that made him less attractive. That’d be a great profile to go for.

He’s 28 in March. He’d need to play at least a year with us to accrue value in this dream world, so you’d be talking about trying to sell a 29-30 year old on high wages. He’s not a player you sign with any plans of future value.

If one of the first moves of the Mitchell era -- one meant to usher in better global scouting in search of the next crop of elite talents -- is signing DCL on a 'free' with huge wages then it will easily be the most disappointed I've been since the takeover.

Ah, the thing I was looking at was wrong. Was missing 1909 and wrong for 1910. Still, only the third time.

I've been in the stadium store recently for the NY Yankees, Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers, and the Chicago White Sox. From Adam P's video the new one looks to be on par or better than all of those. Tottenham's looks incredible, but considering the restriction of retrofitting an existing space this certainly doesn't seem like anything to complain about.

I thought we were number 7 so I celebrated that way twice if it makes you feel any better.

Best I can tell this is the first time we’ve made the quarterfinals of the League Cup three seasons in a row. And we’ve only done it once in our FA Cup history: 1998-00 (Final, Final, Semi)

I think we get £15k for winning that by the way. PSR sorted.

As if it’s not relevant.