Pilko

tl;dr

Class.

Get to fuck, bring only a red top. You were one of our top performers last time.

:lol:

It was probably agreed beforehand, like. But that's me being pedantic. It does seem odd how Xisco has been omitted though, you're right. There might be some underlying reason why - although if you think about it, the only catalyst is Hughton, maybe it's him giving Xisco bad reports to the gaffers? EDIT: Although saying that, didn't Hughton start him against Hull (h), West Ham (a) and possibly a few more when he was in caretaker charge?

I was thinking about the praise and subsequent place on the bench Shearer gave Ranger. Has he even mentioned Xisco once? I think it's perhaps more that the club has accepted defeat on him. Dunno why I mentioned Keegan really. I suppose so. I think those comments about Ranger were just in the wake of him signing an extended contract btw. I can't remember him mentioning Xisco, although I do recall either him or something mentioning the way he "took Xisco to one side with his arm around his shoulder and had a word" in training - maybe suggesting "you're not going to play for the first team this season, but keep working hard in training and for the stiffs and there's a future for you?" Yeah, maybe so. But why say that to him when he was clearly willing to put even less-proven players on the bench (Ranger, for a massive game at Stoke)? Seems strange to write one player off like that. My memory is hazy, but was Xisco fully fit then? I'm sure he was just about coming back from injury. Fully expect to be corrected on that btw, if I am then you're right, it does seem odd.

I was thinking about the praise and subsequent place on the bench Shearer gave Ranger. Has he even mentioned Xisco once? I think it's perhaps more that the club has accepted defeat on him. Dunno why I mentioned Keegan really. I suppose so. I think those comments about Ranger were just in the wake of him signing an extended contract btw. I can't remember him mentioning Xisco, although I do recall either him or something mentioning the way he "took Xisco to one side with his arm around his shoulder and had a word" in training - maybe suggesting "you're not going to play for the first team this season, but keep working hard in training and for the stiffs and there's a future for you?"

Belter.

It's a bit harsh to say Keegan and Shearer haven't given him a chance - Xisco was at the club for about 24 hours before Keegan quit, and Shearer is clever enough to know that a player who has hardly played any games in this division and is still adapting is not what he needs in an 8-game relegation crunch period. Although point taken, Kinnear clearly hated him. I think he'll play a role next season no matter what league we're in.

Uncromulent.

Well played, good to see us retain the cup. I wonder if Xisco might get a look in for the first-team bench? Can only assume he lasted just 53 minutes to keep him fresh for Saturday, perhaps? I notice Shola is nowhere to be seen for the stiffs again.

People have been saying this. I'm guessing there's a direct quote somewhere? I think it's more Shearer saying Viduka was pretty much gone when he arrived rather than what Kinnear said. Yes, Shearer hinted that if Hughton or Kinnear was still in charge at the club he would have just been doing training till his contract expired - as in they were sick of his poor fitness and willing to leave him 'to rot' as everyone has said.

Yes.

This. That shot from O'Neil that hit Tuncay would have flown in on another day.

Haha, good effort.

Lovenkrands starts up front or not at all. He's dreadful as a winger.

Embiggens? He's embiggened that role with his cromulent performance.

Southgate has talked a load of cobblers like since the match. Alves was fouled, was he? There was no-one within three yards of him. Also, we were lucky for the second goal because Nolan was offside. Lucky? I think you might say the momentum of a defender kicking the ball out of the goalies grasp and into the back of the net would be 'lucky' you ugly idiot. Btw, how much does Captain Planet look like Southgate http://whatsername7287.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/cpt.jpg

"Fuck me Alan, Butty's just played a pass three yards to a black-and-whiter!"

(with a doff of the cap to VegasToon I think it was) http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h296/jwclark2342/Habib-Beye-Newcastle-United-Midd-1.jpg

ManU only won the title on the last day last year. Their second XI will be trying to play their way into the CL final, plus Fergie will probably want to give the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo 30mins to keep them fresh. As for our game, we outplayed Fulham for vast swathes of the game at the Cottage and whilst they're a decent, well-organised team I can't believe how much respect some people on here are giving them. We should be looking to win this. The thing that makes me a bit less worried is that although Fergie will play his League Cup team (Gibson, Fabio, Foster, Welbeck, Macheda etc starting) is that this team won the League Cup and has won games in the FA Cup (against Fulham, Spurs etc) and also the fact he always names a very strong bench to turn the game around if they go a goal down.

However good he was last night I still find it funny how Merson always says he's better than Berbatov when fully fit

We will not lose this. However, whether we'll win or not is a different story.

Inconsistent.

Ran his heart out and looked class for the full 85 minutes, just hope he can play a similar length in the final two games of the season. You can tell Shearer's told him he's playing for an extended contract