themanupstairs

What has been the official club response to Milliband's resignation btw? I think I've missed it if there has been any forthcoming.

Miliband didn't help Di Canio or sunderland at all with his face saving publicity stunt. It'd have nowhere near the amount of attention without that happening.

 

To be fair to Miliband he could kiss what remained of his political career goodbye if he didn't resign. There's no way he could've spoken with any authority as an ex-Labour MP if he sat quietly while the club he was vice chairman of appointed a self-confessed fascist. He had no where else to go.

 

I agree. Just looks like he dropped them right in it for self serving reasons when he could have done it privately and with little fuss.

is what I meant by shit stirred and handed to the media to do their best

Miliband didn't help Di Canio or sunderland at all with his face saving publicity stunt. It'd have nowhere near the amount of attention without that happening.

 

Absolutely. Wasn't he offski stateside anyway? Expertly s*** stirred and served to the media on a silver platter.

 

Until 24 hours ago he was remaining in his role at Sunderland. USA or not he wasn't going to jack in a job that paid £125k for a fortnight of work.

Hadn't realized it was that significant of a role. I thought it was more a ceremonial one. Fair play to him then.

This is all distracting from what is a shocking decision football wise imo.

Good or bad, only time will tell. It certainly was a massive massive gamble, but if I were them I would have much rather tried an unknown than any of the merry-go-round band of boring rejects.

Miliband didn't help Di Canio or sunderland at all with his face saving publicity stunt. It'd have nowhere near the amount of attention without that happening.

Absolutely. Wasn't he offski stateside anyway? Expertly shit stirred and served to the media on a silver platter.

At the end of the day, unfortunately, this media circus will cause opposition clubs' fans to sing back at Di Canio, which the mackems will have to counter, and it could possibly lead to some bans, investigations, and possibly some ugly scenes. It's completely needless, and once again, totally irresponsible by the media. Par for the course really.

 

Also, this argument that Swindon aren't in the limelight isn't good enough. They're not exactly a pub side, and featured in some big televised cup games this season. Where was the condemnation then?

 

Because we regularly hear about league one sides?

 

I have already posted one article about his behaviour there so it obviously got some attention, plus there is a another video which certainly didn't escape the media where he fell out with a player and was reported to assault him.

 

A premier league club is however going to get a hell of a lot more attention. Not sure why this is a shock to anyone

It isn's a shock to anyone as much as it seems to have been a shock to the national media. A reaction I find absolutely hilarious/irresponsible/hypocritical by them.

Probably Imogen Thomas but where was all this vitriol from the press when he joined Swindon?

 

League 1 club, Premier League club.

 

Obviously one is going to get more media attention than the other. That's why 90% of football followers will know Chelsea won today but how did Crawley get on this weekend?

 

I guess but if everyone (mainly the press) was so appalled by it then as they claim to be now it would never have come to this.

 

Had the situation been reversed and he'd been appointed here there'd be a fair few backing him regardless too such is the exceptionally tribal/cult nature of football.

 

Devils advocate and all that.

Common sense

I understand some people will be making a big deal out of Di Canio's appointment because they want their 5 minutes in the media, but for others of us this is actually a big deal.

 

Say what you want, but the last thing I want is something to 'cry about' - nor am I a raging lefty.

 

I am going to terminate my season ticket until he leaves, and will return once he leaves I will give the club my money.

 

I understand why for many of you it doesn't matter what his ideology is; and that to you you see football and politics as separate etc. but I just can't.

 

I absolutely believe he has the right to whatever political opinion he wants - but having some political opinions make you unfit for certain jobs.

 

Do you agree with the fact it would be inappropriate for someone who believes in abolishing the age of consent to teach kids?

 

Do you agree with the fact it's right that BNP members can't serve in the police force, as being a national socialist may prevent you from doing your job properly?

 

Personally I believe it's also completely inappropriate that a club which takes a strong anti-racism platform and should be open to all in the community to appoint a fascist as our manager.

 

However it's not even just that he's a fascist - he's chosen to introduce it into his football. He chose to perform nazi salutes - twice - once against Lazio's fiercest rivals with traditionally Jewish support and once against a club with left wing support. That salute was used by those who killed Jews and who killed leftists.

 

Regarding fascism - I think some of you need to research on what it means. The fascism he is talking about re. Mussolini is not somehow a 'light' fascism that's actually about just being nationalistic. It's about the government controlling every aspect of citizens lives - the term totalitarian was invented under fascist Italy. Mussolini himself said their was no such thing as a private sphere. Fundamental to this belief was that certain races, or groups, are better than others. Mussolini killed 10's of thousands in Africa in brutal & oppressive wars that were purely for the conquest of land and Mussolini personally oversaw the movement of thousands of Jews from Italy to Hitler so they could be executed in concentration camps. He took over the country by force and oppressed political dissent.

 

There are many children alive today who have no idea who their parents/ grandparents are and it's because of Mussolini.

 

You can't be an Italian fascist and not be racist in one form or another. You can't have researched Mussolini, chosen to have a tattoo of him on you and not sympathise with some of the genocide he committed- it's simply too much of a defining feature of what he was.

 

Regarding the 'worked with black players' 'they're my friends' all I would say is that many, many racist people associate with people of other races (it baffles me too; but it's true). Simply saying 'I have black mates' doesn't really do it. I would also observe at Swindon he was investigated for racism and while the FA did nothing Swindon felt it necessary to apologise to the player involved.

 

 

Overall I completely respect those fans who choose to keep going but for me unfortunately it's a very sore point and the reason I'm posting this is because I want to make clear many of us who are upset about this aren't going on the TV or papers and aren't making a fuss for the hell of it we are genuinely very upset about this and feel like there has been a betrayal of some higher principle which is more important than success on the field.

 

Read more: http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=771017&page=22#ixzz2PFPuWxqc

 

Decency still exists on the SMB.

That's a cracking post, has to be the best post ever made on there.

 

Don't agree. People seriously needs to separate football from politics. FWIW I think Di Canio should have a look at himself if he supports the belief and firm stance that Benito Mussolini apparently had... The opportunist that he was and the left-wing to right-wing switch is really a firm stand. The man clearly knows nothing about his supposed beliefs and should have a look into history books.

 

We seriously need to thrive for football free from politics, it's beyond ridiculous at times. Di Canio is an ignorant person, but I can bet my house that this man will be as happy as ever if Di Canio wins them a trophy ( won't happen ).

 

I'd also like to thank Cajun and TT for getting me to see the great enjoyment that this is.

 

Di Canio was the one that brought his political beliefs into football, not the other way round.  His actions while at Lazio were a disgrace and he was rightly banned for bringing the game into disrepute.

 

Also you can't sperate politics from most things in life, football isn't a exception.

 

First of all, him bringing it in or not, my point is that people is caring more about his political views than his managerial abilities.

 

As for separating politics from most things in life you've must never have played any sports. When you walk into the pitch, you don't care if the other man is a socialist sympathizer or a right-wing extremist. All you care about is winning. That's what sports is about, it's entertainment. Would you refuse to watch a movie if the director said he had fascist views? Sports is entertainment, deal with it. I understand that it's hard to separate politics from most things in life, I'm just saying that people should thrive for it. Obviously that would only happen in an ideal world.

 

Eh? Football and politics are intrinsically linked.

 

It really shouldn't though. Football is about entertainment, enjoyment, it's not about politics.

 

Why shouldn't it be? Politics is a major part of the games history. Club's represent people and places, they're naturally going to take on a political identity too. That's what makes the game great. If you don't like it I suggest you stick to the MLS.

Maybe that's how it all started. But that's a long time ago now. It's a global sport now. You have kids from all over the world growing up to support teams half way across the world without having a clue what the politics behind the club originally were.

At the end of the day, unfortunately, this media circus will cause opposition clubs' fans to sing back at Di Canio, which the mackems will have to counter, and it could possibly lead to some bans, investigations, and possibly some ugly scenes. It's completely needless, and once again, totally irresponsible by the media. Par for the course really.

Also, this argument that Swindon aren't in the limelight isn't good enough. They're not exactly a pub side, and featured in some big televised cup games this season. Where was the condemnation then?

I understand some people will be making a big deal out of Di Canio's appointment because they want their 5 minutes in the media, but for others of us this is actually a big deal.

 

Say what you want, but the last thing I want is something to 'cry about' - nor am I a raging lefty.

 

I am going to terminate my season ticket until he leaves, and will return once he leaves I will give the club my money.

 

I understand why for many of you it doesn't matter what his ideology is; and that to you you see football and politics as separate etc. but I just can't.

 

I absolutely believe he has the right to whatever political opinion he wants - but having some political opinions make you unfit for certain jobs.

 

Do you agree with the fact it would be inappropriate for someone who believes in abolishing the age of consent to teach kids?

 

Do you agree with the fact it's right that BNP members can't serve in the police force, as being a national socialist may prevent you from doing your job properly?

 

Personally I believe it's also completely inappropriate that a club which takes a strong anti-racism platform and should be open to all in the community to appoint a fascist as our manager.

 

However it's not even just that he's a fascist - he's chosen to introduce it into his football. He chose to perform nazi salutes - twice - once against Lazio's fiercest rivals with traditionally Jewish support and once against a club with left wing support. That salute was used by those who killed Jews and who killed leftists.

 

Regarding fascism - I think some of you need to research on what it means. The fascism he is talking about re. Mussolini is not somehow a 'light' fascism that's actually about just being nationalistic. It's about the government controlling every aspect of citizens lives - the term totalitarian was invented under fascist Italy. Mussolini himself said their was no such thing as a private sphere. Fundamental to this belief was that certain races, or groups, are better than others. Mussolini killed 10's of thousands in Africa in brutal & oppressive wars that were purely for the conquest of land and Mussolini personally oversaw the movement of thousands of Jews from Italy to Hitler so they could be executed in concentration camps. He took over the country by force and oppressed political dissent.

 

There are many children alive today who have no idea who their parents/ grandparents are and it's because of Mussolini.

 

You can't be an Italian fascist and not be racist in one form or another. You can't have researched Mussolini, chosen to have a tattoo of him on you and not sympathise with some of the genocide he committed- it's simply too much of a defining feature of what he was.

 

Regarding the 'worked with black players' 'they're my friends' all I would say is that many, many racist people associate with people of other races (it baffles me too; but it's true). Simply saying 'I have black mates' doesn't really do it. I would also observe at Swindon he was investigated for racism and while the FA did nothing Swindon felt it necessary to apologise to the player involved.

 

 

Overall I completely respect those fans who choose to keep going but for me unfortunately it's a very sore point and the reason I'm posting this is because I want to make clear many of us who are upset about this aren't going on the TV or papers and aren't making a fuss for the hell of it we are genuinely very upset about this and feel like there has been a betrayal of some higher principle which is more important than success on the field.

 

Read more: http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=771017&page=22#ixzz2PFPuWxqc

 

Decency still exists on the SMB.

That's a cracking post, has to be the best post ever made on there.

 

Don't agree. People seriously needs to separate football from politics. FWIW I think Di Canio should have a look at himself if he supports the belief and firm stance that Benito Mussolini apparently had... The opportunist that he was and the left-wing to right-wing switch is really a firm stand. The man clearly knows nothing about his supposed beliefs and should have a look into history books.

 

We seriously need to thrive for football free from politics, it's beyond ridiculous at times. Di Canio is an ignorant person, but I can bet my house that this man will be as happy as ever if Di Canio wins them a trophy ( won't happen ).

 

I'd also like to thank Cajun and TT for getting me to see the great enjoyment that this is.

 

Di Canio was the one that brought his political beliefs into football, not the other way round.  His actions while at Lazio were a disgrace and he was rightly banned for bringing the game into disrepute.

 

Also you can't sperate politics from most things in life, football isn't a exception.

 

First of all, him bringing it in or not, my point is that people is caring more about his political views than his managerial abilities.

 

As for separating politics from most things in life you've must never have played any sports. When you walk into the pitch, you don't care if the other man is a socialist sympathizer or a right-wing extremist. All you care about is winning. That's what sports is about, it's entertainment. Would you refuse to watch a movie if the director said he had fascist views? Sports is entertainment, deal with it. I understand that it's hard to separate politics from most things in life, I'm just saying that people should thrive for it. Obviously that would only happen in an ideal world.

 

Eh? Football and politics are intrinsically linked.

Historically, yes absolutely. But it's sickening. And I for one was hoping that we'd seen the end of that link with football becoming a global sport.

Christ some people are really defending this, it's like RTG have invaded the forum

 

As other have mentioned, HE was the one who brought his political beliefs into football, not the other way around. If he hadn't acted the way he has would anyone even know?

No one is defending it. I'm asking the same question Disco just asked. Where was all this condemnation when he came back to manage in this country? Are Swindon and League 2 fans less important than mackems and the PL audience?

I understand some people will be making a big deal out of Di Canio's appointment because they want their 5 minutes in the media, but for others of us this is actually a big deal.

 

Say what you want, but the last thing I want is something to 'cry about' - nor am I a raging lefty.

 

I am going to terminate my season ticket until he leaves, and will return once he leaves I will give the club my money.

 

I understand why for many of you it doesn't matter what his ideology is; and that to you you see football and politics as separate etc. but I just can't.

 

I absolutely believe he has the right to whatever political opinion he wants - but having some political opinions make you unfit for certain jobs.

 

Do you agree with the fact it would be inappropriate for someone who believes in abolishing the age of consent to teach kids?

 

Do you agree with the fact it's right that BNP members can't serve in the police force, as being a national socialist may prevent you from doing your job properly?

 

Personally I believe it's also completely inappropriate that a club which takes a strong anti-racism platform and should be open to all in the community to appoint a fascist as our manager.

 

However it's not even just that he's a fascist - he's chosen to introduce it into his football. He chose to perform nazi salutes - twice - once against Lazio's fiercest rivals with traditionally Jewish support and once against a club with left wing support. That salute was used by those who killed Jews and who killed leftists.

 

Regarding fascism - I think some of you need to research on what it means. The fascism he is talking about re. Mussolini is not somehow a 'light' fascism that's actually about just being nationalistic. It's about the government controlling every aspect of citizens lives - the term totalitarian was invented under fascist Italy. Mussolini himself said their was no such thing as a private sphere. Fundamental to this belief was that certain races, or groups, are better than others. Mussolini killed 10's of thousands in Africa in brutal & oppressive wars that were purely for the conquest of land and Mussolini personally oversaw the movement of thousands of Jews from Italy to Hitler so they could be executed in concentration camps. He took over the country by force and oppressed political dissent.

 

There are many children alive today who have no idea who their parents/ grandparents are and it's because of Mussolini.

 

You can't be an Italian fascist and not be racist in one form or another. You can't have researched Mussolini, chosen to have a tattoo of him on you and not sympathise with some of the genocide he committed- it's simply too much of a defining feature of what he was.

 

Regarding the 'worked with black players' 'they're my friends' all I would say is that many, many racist people associate with people of other races (it baffles me too; but it's true). Simply saying 'I have black mates' doesn't really do it. I would also observe at Swindon he was investigated for racism and while the FA did nothing Swindon felt it necessary to apologise to the player involved.

 

 

Overall I completely respect those fans who choose to keep going but for me unfortunately it's a very sore point and the reason I'm posting this is because I want to make clear many of us who are upset about this aren't going on the TV or papers and aren't making a fuss for the hell of it we are genuinely very upset about this and feel like there has been a betrayal of some higher principle which is more important than success on the field.

 

Read more: http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=771017&page=22#ixzz2PFPuWxqc

 

Decency still exists on the SMB.

That's a cracking post, has to be the best post ever made on there.

 

Don't agree. People seriously needs to separate football from politics. FWIW I think Di Canio should have a look at himself if he supports the belief and firm stance that Benito Mussolini apparently had... The opportunist that he was and the left-wing to right-wing switch is really a firm stand. The man clearly knows nothing about his supposed beliefs and should have a look into history books.

 

We seriously need to thrive for football free from politics, it's beyond ridiculous at times. Di Canio is an ignorant person, but I can bet my house that this man will be as happy as ever if Di Canio wins them a trophy ( won't happen ).

 

I'd also like to thank Cajun and TT for getting me to see the great enjoyment that this is.

 

Di Canio was the one that brought his political beliefs into football, not the other way round.  His actions while at Lazio were a disgrace and he was rightly banned for bringing the game into disrepute.

 

Also you can't sperate politics from most things in life, football isn't a exception.

 

Have you seen the Lazio fans? Why doesn't every club across Europe protest against them? Why don't clubs refuse to play against them? As someone else said earlier in this thread, most of this "fascism" in football is just pathetic gang mentality to make oneself look hard.

 

What's your point?

My point is that it's this "label" that people carry around and choose to identify with, that does the sum total of fuck all in reality. Fascism is not in power now, and if people know what's good for them, they'll never vote for it to be in power ever again anywhere in the world. In footballing context it's nothing more than a "I'm well 'ard" image. IMO

I understand some people will be making a big deal out of Di Canio's appointment because they want their 5 minutes in the media, but for others of us this is actually a big deal.

 

Say what you want, but the last thing I want is something to 'cry about' - nor am I a raging lefty.

 

I am going to terminate my season ticket until he leaves, and will return once he leaves I will give the club my money.

 

I understand why for many of you it doesn't matter what his ideology is; and that to you you see football and politics as separate etc. but I just can't.

 

I absolutely believe he has the right to whatever political opinion he wants - but having some political opinions make you unfit for certain jobs.

 

Do you agree with the fact it would be inappropriate for someone who believes in abolishing the age of consent to teach kids?

 

Do you agree with the fact it's right that BNP members can't serve in the police force, as being a national socialist may prevent you from doing your job properly?

 

Personally I believe it's also completely inappropriate that a club which takes a strong anti-racism platform and should be open to all in the community to appoint a fascist as our manager.

 

However it's not even just that he's a fascist - he's chosen to introduce it into his football. He chose to perform nazi salutes - twice - once against Lazio's fiercest rivals with traditionally Jewish support and once against a club with left wing support. That salute was used by those who killed Jews and who killed leftists.

 

Regarding fascism - I think some of you need to research on what it means. The fascism he is talking about re. Mussolini is not somehow a 'light' fascism that's actually about just being nationalistic. It's about the government controlling every aspect of citizens lives - the term totalitarian was invented under fascist Italy. Mussolini himself said their was no such thing as a private sphere. Fundamental to this belief was that certain races, or groups, are better than others. Mussolini killed 10's of thousands in Africa in brutal & oppressive wars that were purely for the conquest of land and Mussolini personally oversaw the movement of thousands of Jews from Italy to Hitler so they could be executed in concentration camps. He took over the country by force and oppressed political dissent.

 

There are many children alive today who have no idea who their parents/ grandparents are and it's because of Mussolini.

 

You can't be an Italian fascist and not be racist in one form or another. You can't have researched Mussolini, chosen to have a tattoo of him on you and not sympathise with some of the genocide he committed- it's simply too much of a defining feature of what he was.

 

Regarding the 'worked with black players' 'they're my friends' all I would say is that many, many racist people associate with people of other races (it baffles me too; but it's true). Simply saying 'I have black mates' doesn't really do it. I would also observe at Swindon he was investigated for racism and while the FA did nothing Swindon felt it necessary to apologise to the player involved.

 

 

Overall I completely respect those fans who choose to keep going but for me unfortunately it's a very sore point and the reason I'm posting this is because I want to make clear many of us who are upset about this aren't going on the TV or papers and aren't making a fuss for the hell of it we are genuinely very upset about this and feel like there has been a betrayal of some higher principle which is more important than success on the field.

 

Read more: http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=771017&page=22#ixzz2PFPuWxqc

 

Decency still exists on the SMB.

That's a cracking post, has to be the best post ever made on there.

 

Don't agree. People seriously needs to separate football from politics. FWIW I think Di Canio should have a look at himself if he supports the belief and firm stance that Benito Mussolini apparently had... The opportunist that he was and the left-wing to right-wing switch is really a firm stand. The man clearly knows nothing about his supposed beliefs and should have a look into history books.

 

We seriously need to thrive for football free from politics, it's beyond ridiculous at times. Di Canio is an ignorant person, but I can bet my house that this man will be as happy as ever if Di Canio wins them a trophy ( won't happen ).

 

I'd also like to thank Cajun and TT for getting me to see the great enjoyment that this is.

 

Di Canio was the one that brought his political beliefs into football, not the other way round.  His actions while at Lazio were a disgrace and he was rightly banned for bringing the game into disrepute.

 

Also you can't sperate politics from most things in life, football isn't a exception.

Have you seen the Lazio fans? Why doesn't every club across Europe protest against them? Why don't clubs refuse to play against them? As someone else said earlier in this thread, most of this "fascism" in football is just pathetic gang mentality to make oneself look hard.

There are plenty of other clubs and fans with extreme views. If we're going to pander to anyone who gets offended at opinions, we'll never play any football.

Fascist this and fascist that. Why hasn't he been hounded out of England yet? Why was he allowed back in the country to begin with? Are Swindon fans who wanted the club to keep him "a bit special" too?

 

His political views are absolutely irrelevant. He's a football manager, end of story

 

 

 

Number of black managers in the top flight = zero.

 

 

 

Chris Hughton says hello 

 

Fair enough, but even so, it's a depressing statistic, especially the "fascists 1" bit.

I agree about the sentiment. I just disagree with the labeling. It shouldn't matter IMO what or who anyone is. As long as they are not convicted felons, and do not impose their views on others, it shouldn't matter.

Fascist this and fascist that. Why hasn't he been hounded out of England yet? Why was he allowed back in the country to begin with? Are Swindon fans who wanted the club to keep him "a bit special" too?

 

His political views are absolutely irrelevant. He's a football manager, end of story

 

 

 

Number of black managers in the top flight = zero.

 

 

Chris Hughton says hello 

Fascist this and fascist that. Why hasn't he been hounded out of England yet? Why was he allowed back in the country to begin with? Are Swindon fans who wanted the club to keep him "a bit special" too?

 

His political views are absolutely irrelevant. He's a football manager, end of story

 

Thats the thing, you cant just dismiss it like that, it's not him coming out as a Tory or a Eurosceptic, he's a self confessed fascist, and a lot of people - quite rightly - still have a problem with that.

 

You're right, he's entitled to his views, as that's the sort of thing we protect in a modern democracy - see what your average fascist thinks of that.

I'm not even debating that. That's obviously a given. We haven't a clue what most footballers or managers political ideals are. All I'm saying is, he seemed to get on with his footballing job fine at Swindon (as in, without letting his political views get in the way), so why not just focus on the footballing aspect of this appointment? Why do we always seem to cling to details that deter from the matter at hand.

If he'd been a convicted murderer, or a rapist, it would be a completely different story. The day political opinions become a crime is the day the democracy dies.

So this carry-on is still going I see.

 

Fascist this and fascist that. Why hasn't he been hounded out of England yet? Why was he allowed back in the country to begin with? Are Swindon fans who wanted the club to keep him "a bit special" too?

 

His political views are absolutely irrelevant. He's a football manager, end of story. It's typical of the media to stir up this circus around him now because they have f*** all else to fill their column inches with. The title race is over, and their favorite teams are out of the CL.

 

I hope he fails miserably because of who he manages, and there's nothing I can do about his political preferences.

 

Unfortunately it's not irrelevant as he is in the public eye and a role model, also not surprised it offends people due to what fascism has caused in history. Will be interesting to see how their players react to him.

I'm sorry like, but I don't see any extremist Christians being singled out for their beliefs! Extremist Christianity has caused far more death and misery throughout history.

No doubt he made a huge PR mistake with those salutes. But if he was alright to manage Swindon in L2, then why is it not alright for him to manage in the top division? Why haven't we had a thread on him condemning him being allowed to be a public figure/role model as manager of Swindon Town?

This whole circus will die down once the media finds something else to prey on. I just find the whole holier than thou attitude from our fans (and other clubs' supporters) a bit over the top.

There's no denying that SAFC have brought this upon themselves though. Surely they would have known the kind of attention it would raise. From that perspective, to go along with the fact that he's a relatively unknown managerial quantity, this is probably going to be a disaster for them. Thank goodness for that!

So this carry-on is still going I see.

Fascist this and fascist that. Why hasn't he been hounded out of England yet? Why was he allowed back in the country to begin with? Are Swindon fans who wanted the club to keep him "a bit special" too?

His political views are absolutely irrelevant. He's a football manager, end of story. It's typical of the media to stir up this circus around him now because they have f*** all else to fill their column inches with. The title race is over, and their favorite teams are out of the CL.

I hope he fails miserably because of who he manages, and there's nothing I can do about his political preferences.

This has gone about as well as we could have hoped.

 

Why? Am not watching.

 

QPR lost, and Fulham were outplayed in almost throwing a 3-0 lead away whilst picking up a red card for one of their first teamers.

 

Cheers. Was hoping for a Berbs knock to top it off.

 

They way he play's isn't really that conducive to picking up knocks unfortunately.

Bottom line is that I can't wait to draw a line under this season, hopefully with our Premier League status intact and thinking optimistically we may have progressed further in the Europa or at least not shown ourselves up against Benfica.

 

I don't think there's much chance of next season being anywhere near as bad as this season, whatever happens.  I'd imagine if Pardew stays it will just be bang-average, with poor performances and mid-table results.  An opportunity lost in other words, but I don't think we'll be in serious relagation trouble 2 years running.  If that's what people are happy with then fair enough, because I'd be fairly surprised to see us attacking the top 6 again with this guy in charge - it seems like his luck's ran out and what he did last season was built on sand, in terms of footballing ethos to see you through whatever rub of the green you might be experiencing.

 

The style of football has a big bearing on things, it would be far easier to sympathise with Pardew if he wasn't responsible for making your eyes bleed once or twice a week.

That is a top post.

Lee Clark, Steve Watson and Terry Mac on the touchline side by side 

Lovelypants coming on as well.

Penalty to Birmingham now.

It's tough for me to call because I've always been quite big on the cups, but the position we're in I'm pretty concerned.  Annoying that it's came to this.

 

I'd personally just play our strongest team, there isn't much evidence for resting players doing us much good this year anyway.

 

Absolutely. If our players can't play a couple extra games per month (having also bombed out all the other cups very early) then there are serious problems with fitness.

That sentiment is right. Absolutely. Just not when we're in a perilous position in the league! I'd want to wait to see if we beat Fulham and then give it a right go in the home leg.