Neil

Liverpool v Stoke to kick off the season. Could barely think of a worse game.

Of course they scored in the 96th minute. Oh, Brazil.

Very well put, Liverpool fan.

From what I saw of him at Wigan, on certain days he terrorised defenders, other days he looked disinterested at best. Can definitely see him being frustrating in that aspect.

Well I wouldn't say we desperately need Arouna Kone, bringing a lively, mobile striker in who has the capacity to give defenders a very long day isn't a bad move by any means. Interesting to see where Martinez actually plays him and where Jelavic fits in. Gives us another option up front which it's safe to say we definitely could have done with. Undecided. If he stays fit I reckon he'd get us 15+ goals but I don't think we've got ourselves a consistent player. Good and frustrating in equal measure. We'll see.

Decent player, decent addition. But not the sort of player to help us reach the next level and financially for what we're getting, it's debatable.

Nor do I feel it's a singularly defining factor, but it's a contribution to why I justifiably feel pissed off Norwich and Southampton are buying players we should be looking at, except we're looking at far poorer players.

You know my humour.

You should play Montenegro soon.

Games I saw last season Marveaux looked a quality player. I think it was the game vs Stoke he set up Cisse with a class through ball? Think he could be key to how you do next year, if he stays.

Oi! You're signing players, don't whinge You expect me to have sympathy for a club who went on a spending binge last January? Joe Kinnear. Stop quoting Nelly lyrics, they are irrelevant.

Oi! You're signing players, don't whinge You expect me to have sympathy for a club who went on a spending binge last January?

Norwich and Southampton are on the hunt for, have bought, and are able to attract, quality players. Meanwhile our lot, a far bigger and better club (you'd think) are squirming around trying to sign Antonio Alcaraz. Fuck off man.

He's had very bad luck with injuries in his career but when playing he hasn't shown anything like the talent required to be a valuable player for any aspiring team in this league. Scored a couple of key goals for us (Liverpool FA Cup, Man Utd in the league) which I thank him for but the truth is I don't think he's cut out for this level.

So, how'd he do?

Overall, a good Wimbledon Del Potro to reach the semis @ 5/2 Bartoli @ 7/4 (today) ------------ Federer e/w @ 9/1 (oops) Stephens e/w @ 100/1 (good effort) Shock horror, the 2 more likely bets come off. Thinking 5 sets tomorrow, Djok to win. Should be a corker.

"There is a massive fucking spider on my arm, get it off."

Gave a lesson in holding up the ball when they brutalised us at Goodison. Think he's a very decent player, albeit not the sort of player who is going to help us reach the next level. Do want.

Oh no, you're going to get a striker with decent finishing ability. Boo fucking hoo.

Yeah, it was a bit sad seeing Xavi just essentially out of breath. Needs a good amount of time off before the new season. How many starts would you expect him to make next season? 30? 40?

And there we have it, Spain out to 6/1 with Ladbrokes for next summer. So the team who have the last WC and last 2 Euros apparently have a 1 in 7 chance of winning next year. It's an obscene price. £50 on it to start with, with potentially more to come over the coming months.

Credit to Brazil, a thoroughly deserved win and surely a big confidence-booster ahead of next summer. I do think however Spain looked a bit knackered from playing 30 minutes extra against Italy and with a day's less rest. Plus, the referee seemed very lenient with a number of Brazil fouls. So in conclusion, Brazil look like a team now and reports of Spain's demise are premature at best.

Lawro. :lol:

Lawro squealed with excitement. How disturbing.

Thank you Will Hill.