Heron

I've got a 3 match ban for missing the last one

I'm not so sure. Unless it's fitness related. Think we might start him to ride the storm a bit. Boss them about and tire them then brig Gayle on 2nd half and knick it

He's either gonna get a red or a decisive goal this weekend I reckon. Can see it being the sort of game where he'll be a focal point no matter what

A lot of defenders probably have the ability to move in as a DM as a lot of CB's (or at least one of a good pairing) have good positional sense and the ability to read the game. That combined with good physicality and fitness should do the trick and the obvious need for decent tackling ability. Like any position up the spine of a 442 team though if you have one type of CB, CM or Striker you need one of the complimentary type next to them. Unless both are capable of both. For example, Terry and Ferdinand - the shouting, organising, hard tackling, basic defender was Terry and Rio did the cleaning up, ball play, intercepting and sweeping. Tiote could tackle but would play a 5 yard ball to Cabaye to distribute. Or in a better side you had someone like Makelele doing the Tiote role or Kante at Leicester. Up top, Ferguson and Shearer at one stage, the big man and the pace and power. Relating this back to Chancel, he is comfortable on the ball, has the physicality and the ability to tackle, reads the game, distribution - I'm not so sure, but alongside a Shelvey, Hayden or even your Ben Arfa types he'd be put to good effect in my opinion. Without one of those though he'd look a little limited. I'm a big fan of Chancel like. Lascelles and Clark too. I think it's great we have 4 competent CBs (including Hanley) at this level. I just hope that 3 of those 4 make the step up if and when the time comes. For me Hanley would become dead weight and maybe an older, more experienced first teamer would need bringing in to bring the younger lads on.

Looking forward to this now

it's ridiculous. I wonder if he just couldn't hang it straight so had to rely on the ceiling?

i dont think its hatred at all, we've done it for too long now, yes its hurting no one but you pay respect then move on. the lads won't ever be forgotten, ive not clapped for ages now but ive no problem with those that do it . just my personal opinion that it should have stopped by now. I prefer to just sing for the team whenever it comes around. It's what the two lads would have wanted (I assume) rather than a distracting applause

Why the fuck is that picture so high up the wall?

mint

Is that photoshopped or genuine

I just don't think they had the ability to turn the club around. The squad, aye, but we needed a big name to change the mentality of the club and we needed someone of his ability to fix everything behind the scenes. I still rate Hughton and those like him but we really have the one guy who could change it to the extent that he has. I would never say we are lucky to have him like. We sold ourself to him. He came here because he knew what this city was about.

We would have been mid table atm if it weren't for Benitez

Think he'll get either two goals or a red vs Leeds if he starts. I'd take that risk

But they're not even comparable. Pardew was complicit in the worst of Ashley and instrumental in devolving football back to the 1940's, in addition he was thoroughly obnoxious. Sissoko by comparison was an average to decent footballer that looked good in patches with an arrogant nature. He's just an ex-player best forgotten. Pardew is just an old manager best forgotten in reality too. They were both complicit in the application of Ashleys club policy just at varying levels. You could argue some of the current squad were too but at least they're still here trying to make amends under Rafa...and aren't spouting shit about how they're great and everything is everyone else's fault.

Same reason as Pardspew?

Well, apart from the , "we're not thinking about points, only the next game at Leeds, and getting the three points", I could see his face drop when he realized what he just said aye but he still gives nowt away...not a semblance of a story to be made from owt he says. Just plays it safe.

I think we do mind. Was always a big game against Leeds always. I'd like to beat them more than other clubs like I guess... Maybe it's because their mentality / fans...

What a tit

Answers every question perfectly like not even a hint of stupidity. Cool, calm, concise. This bloke is a complete class act. Long may he reign!

You against the move? Aye. Clubs should be doing more to preserve their own atmospheres and fans and not relying on a hard core contingency of away fans to create something to shout down. Introduce safe standing and singing sections where like minded fans can create an atmosphere. That will come with time I suspect now that Hillsborough is being put to bed somewhat. As will reduced ticket prices because actually televised games are killing live football in this country at present. Why spend £30 to sit in a library with a (possibly) shit view? When you can watch it at home or in the pub for nowt. Eventually people will begin to turn away from the club's they so dearly love unless the FA cap ticket pricing. Even then some will still walk away. It will improve atmospheres for the short term but it will lead to increased crowd trouble, stewarding and policing. I'm gonna stick my neck out and say I suspect that this has more to do with preserving the entertainment factor for Sky than it does owt else. The game in this country will implode eventually if they're not careful.

Tnh if it wasn't for the Leeds and Hull games coming up I'd not really car that much. We're a quality side and not just a one man team.

Is it just me or are Leeds playing up to this game a lot more than other sides. I mean...We don't give a fuck about them do we?