Neil

Great to see them doing well. Saw it with Reading/Wigan in their first seasons - took teams by surprise. A combination of experience, team spirit, a strong work ethic, and a bit of class (i.e. Geovanni) can still get you far. Don't expect them to be anywhere near the top 6 at the end of the season but hey, it's good while it lasts. Good on them.

Oh come on, at least he was positive, give the pie-scoffing cretin some appreciation.

Bad result for us today, had a great chance to get something. As soon as we conceded so early in the 2nd half, there was only 1 winner. Good effort though, at least gives hope that we're still competing in these sorts of matches. Our season will be defined in the next 4-5 games after Manure next week. Hope we can find some of last season's form!

He's had a decent run but it was always going to happen. Owen was made from the same mould as the likes of Bellamy, Dyer and Ashton. It's just the nature of them. they will always struggle mightliy with injuries. He's only getting older too so it won't get any better. What, glass? Nah, tissue paper apparently. Andrex? It's a matter of due importance!

He's had a decent run but it was always going to happen. Owen was made from the same mould as the likes of Bellamy, Dyer and Ashton. It's just the nature of them. they will always struggle mightliy with injuries. He's only getting older too so it won't get any better. What, glass?

Unlike some other Evertonians, I'm genuinely pleased Rooney is starting to find form. But some perspective needs to be used. His overall performances have been improving as of late, he seems to be playing with more of a smile on his face. And for a player like Rooney, that can be the all-important factor. If he's enjoying his game, he's twice the player he is otherwise. I don't however buy all this "what an amazing player!" malarky. A very good player yes, but until he delivers against the quality sides on a regular basis, I am yet to be convinced. Rooney needs a season which is full of excellent performances. He needs to start fully realising his potential - and by the looks of it, this season might just be it.

When young up and coming players are offered contracts from clubs in England, Italy and Spain, I know which two I'd be considering. And as a hint, Italy wouldn't be one.

Haha, that put a smile on my face. Bravo!

Whenever someone mentions Serie A, the first image I get in my head is that Serie A magazine programme for C4 5 years or so ago, where James Richardson without fail always had a big huge contentinal tower of ice cream next to him, and he never ate any of it!

Haha, very good.

I've just realised... isn't Hleb out?

It's fairly simple for Aston Villa Either 1) Wear bright red or 2) Relocate to London. Young and Agbonlahor will be in the squad in no time.

Absolutely, and I believe Alexandre's brother isn't too shabby either. Could cause problems.

Can see it being tricky like, potentially unfavourable conditions, scrappy 2-0 win I think. Flattering most likely.

I think half the season Cole was booed was because of the standard of opposition. Realistically, we knew we were going to win anyway. In a more important, close game, I doubt there would have been as many boos. I despise Cole, think he's the pinnacle of a selfish, arrogant t**t. I don't particularly sympathise with him either. But I don't condone the booing. (Aye, I've retracted my previous statement).

Sensationally flattering scoreline, and as has been mentioned, it was basically our inevitably superior fitness that gave us the gloss on the scoreline. Otherwise, infuriatingly predictable. And "wahh, don't boo Cole"? Bollocks - it was a pathetic mistake, one of complete arrogance. This has nothing to do with the fact I think hes a t*** of the highest order, though. Honest.

How come you support Everton? Entirely irrational. Remember watching them when I was young, and I've followed them since. Not particularly sure why, but there you go.

Born and bred in Darlington, lived there all my 18 years up until 3 weeks ago, now at Newcastle uni. Basically my whole family is based here (Wallsend, Byker etc), grandparents in Gateshead. Only me and my brother were born outside of Newcastle (Darlo). So basically, I saw the uni as a fairly obvious choice. So, it all started back in 19-dickety-2.....

Past: Roy Keane - can never respect him after what he did to Haaland. Now: Take your pick. Bentley, A.Hole (Cole), Carragher (world's best goalkeeper), Eboue, etc.

I actually thought France were decent odds at 11/8, I believe it was. True, France are unreliable but 11/8 is still very good value. I'm a hypocrite when it comes to betting

LEGEND JS for PM, no doubt.

Forgot to say, Italy away to Bulgaria, evens! Czechs I must say not convinced with, even if it is at first good value. There's a reason it's good value. Personally I'm gonna go for £5 on: Turkey, Portugal, Italy, winnings £35 Domestically, £5 on, Bury, Gillingham, Leeds, Scunthorpe, Wycombe, winnings £88

Anyone got any tips for tomorrow? Been looking, some of the highlights for me are Croatia away to Ukraine 15/8 Turkey at home to Bosnia 4/9 Germany at home to Russia 8/11 Czechs away to Poland 13/8 Portugal away to Sweden 13/8 Scotland at home to Norway evens Not putting them all on but that's a few of the ones that caught my eye. Any thoughts?

Yes, my spelling is somewhat poor. Predictions? Gonna go for 4-0/5-0, but not after a typical struggle to get going. Think in the 2nd half fitness will show and we'll rack up a few goals. Borat to get a consolation?

Which is why if those statuses, justifiable or not, are not put into context and not used in every single argument, Newcastle will struggle to truly move forward. I don't understand your point. Could you elaborate? No. Because I don't have a clue what I was on about either! Few drinks may have been to blame. I think my point was along the lines of Keegan and Shearer's statuses obstructing progress. The sooner Shearer is manager of the club and has a go at it and gets it out the way, the better. Does any other manager truly have a chance in the long-term otherwise?