themanupstairs

Top top post One has to wonder why something so logical isn't the strategic basis for operation by a supposedly intelligent businessman such as Mike Ashley. I agree TBH, but I hope/think that we will be able to show some progress under the Ashley approach to transfers. I think it's true we're getting further away from the top 4 (although we've been miles away for years anyway) but I think the Europa League is definitely achievable in the medium term. Last season we finished closer to Europe than for ages, and that was following a relegation and with our best attacking player out for the season. I don't think we're as far away as some people might think. We weren't too far that is true, but I reckon it's down to the entire league panning out quite differently than usual, whereby the teams that finished 2nd and 3rd lost 9 games each (a lot more than normally would lose), and hence meaning that the smaller fish picked up quite a few points off them. If this continues to happen, finishing in a European spot is just as likely as relegation for a club of our stature and an average squad as ours.

Top top post One has to wonder why something so logical isn't the strategic basis for operation by a supposedly intelligent businessman such as Mike Ashley.

i disagree. the higher the fee, the more money ashley will have recouped, and hopefully the faster the knacker will sell up.

source?

The over-reactions and pessimism on here is laughable. The lad's certainly got age on his side. He's clearly talented, with plenty of pace and a strong physique. As long as it's a reasonable fee (which it will be ) it's not much of a risk! I do understand though the frustration if he were to be the only player we sign before the window shuts.

He Drankwell-o, Barnetta.

i respectfully disagree. it's more than a little short sighted to believe that because someone's paid well they should keep their opinions to themselves, and that goes for anyone not just footballers. I'm not sure about you but if I wanted a footballer to be a 'role model' which i'm not sure about anyway! Then I'd certainly want my kids to look up to the sort of person who speaks out on what they perceive as injustices or wrong doing, not the sort of person who takes the money and shuts up, that's an appalling example for any kid. Sportsmen? Noble purpose? What are you talking about? They're paid to play football, that's it. I think there are channels where unhappy players can vent their anger, but it shouldn't be on twitter or in the press. If you're unhappy, it should be discussed behind closed doors. absolutely. seems unlikely though doesnt it? the players will know as well as us it's pointless talking to pardew about it. So go above Pardew's head then. If I'm unhappy with something and my boss doesn't do anything to rectify it, I speak to his boss. yeah So you really don't think this whole Barton thing has gone up to Pardew's boss? all i was doing was making a point about speaking out vs saying nothing because of 'the wages you're on' The wages dictate the level of responsibility that falls on the shoulders of any employee. In the case of top tier footballers it is the responsibility to honor their contracts by staying fit, giving 100% on the pitch, pulling in whatever direction that serves the team, as well as staying well away from any behavior that may disrupt the team and the club that pays their wages. In Barton's case specifically he has violated his contract, now and in the past, on more than one count. Fuck Ashley and Llambias. They're running our club into the ground. It's still no reason for Barton's (and Enrique's) outbursts, as they will not result in Ashley leaving or owt.

i respectfully disagree. it's more than a little short sighted to believe that because someone's paid well they should keep their opinions to themselves, and that goes for anyone not just footballers. I'm not sure about you but if I wanted a footballer to be a 'role model' which i'm not sure about anyway! Then I'd certainly want my kids to look up to the sort of person who speaks out on what they perceive as injustices or wrong doing, not the sort of person who takes the money and shuts up, that's an appalling example for any kid. Sportsmen? Noble purpose? What are you talking about? They're paid to play football, that's it. I think there are channels where unhappy players can vent their anger, but it shouldn't be on twitter or in the press. If you're unhappy, it should be discussed behind closed doors. absolutely. seems unlikely though doesnt it? the players will know as well as us it's pointless talking to pardew about it. This is what I meant by keeping schtum. A disgruntled footballer should speak to their manager/coaches/club directors/agents in private about their problems. Airing their grievances in public is counter-productive in this day and age. Serving a noble purpose? Isn't this what sport is meant to be doing? A way of life that promotes health, equality, togetherness and sporting behaviour? The fact that football is now seen as "entertainment" on par with Hollywood films should never detract from the fact that it is meant to be a positive thing for society as a whole.

Footballers, with the wages they are on, should keep their mouths shut no matter what goes on at boardroom level at their clubs. It's part of being professional role models. At the end of the day they are sportsmen, who are meant to serve a noble purpose. Spouting off at every opportunity shows they don't take their position seriously enough. Fantastic as Barton has been for us recently, he can now f*** off and will have no sympathy as far as I'm concerned.

I do man! I do The sad twats canceled the weekly 5-a-side to see what team "King Kenny" would put out against Valerenga ffs!! Did the same last week to watch Galatasaray. Felt a sense of retribution when the c***s looked mediocre and didn't win. Absolute knackers the lot of them.

Yep, the only hope I have of a forward, is a loan. Really can't think of anyone who fits our bill though. Looking at current bigger squads, Macheda, Vela, Adebayor(lol) Guidetti, Santa Cruz, M Diouff would no doubt all be available although not particularly appealing. Man United and Arsenal have a few kids who wouldnt be good enough for this level i would imagine. Bellamy has said hes going nowhere, Welbeck/Sturridge wont be allowed to leave and cant think of any more clubs in England with a spare striker to loan tbh. Yup. We'll need to buy a striker outright rather than scavenge someone on the fringes of the bigger clubs. Shane Long suddenly looking the best option available sadly. We'll probably end up with Luke Moore #fml.

Bin dippers ffs!! Scouse mates calling him s*** for the last 2 years will be wanking themselves silly into each others' throats over him

Massive understatement. Not only do we not need a keeper, we don't need a dodgy one at that. No thanks.

No age RIP

22222232222221222222222

I find myself clutching at straws as well. Just feels like i'm clutching them with my armpit.

Floodlights gone out. Shambolic tournament tbh

How shit are Brazil Heartless and gutless. No surprises there.

But when City does it, it's disgusting? Well quite. What's refreshing about a team spunking great wodges of cash they've essentially won in a lottery, not earned? That's been the case every year since Abramovich. Weren't Liverpool skint pretty much before they got bought out? Just because they were good 25 years ago doesn't mean what they're doing is any different to Chelsea & City. They were skint because the former owners used the clubs profits to pay the interest on their loan, which was borrowed to buy the club. Those interest payments aren't there anymore. It's different to City and Chelsea in as much as our new sponsorship deals are more lucrative than both of those clubs, and with the debt interest payments being eliminated Liverpool are in a near healthy position. Given the new financial rules Liverpool will be able to hold it's own with both Chelsea and City a few years down the line. Arsenal and Man United, because of their bigger stadiums, will take more matchday revenue than us until we either move or refurbish Anfield. Once that's done only Man United will take more football related revenue over a season. If we were only good 25 years ago where does that put clubs like yourselves?

Kum bay Smudger, my Lord, kum bay Smudger; Sumn bay Smith, the Lord, sumn bay Smith; Kum bay ya, my Lord, kum bay ya, O Lord, kum bay .

Much as I love Tiote, I'd take that.

yawn

RTG 9

Would that qualify for our continuation of the French revolution? indeed it would. i'd take that deal tbh. of course it's most likely to be pure fantasy.