Neil

I was flicking to SSN and Merson was even worse - although he is outrageously moronic. Apparently if you stop Cavani and Lavezzi (sorry, "Lavenni"), Napoli will "struggle to win any game of football."

Don't tell me you're referring to Wilkins' commentary in the Chelsea v Man City game as the worst? That was unintentionally class.

Piss off Charlton.

West Ham down to 10 men AGAIN. Robert Green this time, and no keeper on the bench. Henri Lansbury in between the sticks.

Original defending.

Thing is, I wouldn't be surprised if you'd won that back within 24 hours.

Ouch. Unlucky David.

Messi >>>>>> Ronaldo >>>>>> The rest.

'Penaldo' ffs Is it me or has Sewelly turned heel lately? Love him, mind. ffs

Read this comment as a standalone post, and until it got to the Benzema/Higuain bit, I was thinking "eh? Who's this Penaldo character?" Oh dear.

even you're doing it neil, ignoring what's being said and just implying we're having a go at the guy...most people are at pains to say "we're doing well now", "we're 6th"...."but the fact we've played like shit in the majority of games can't be a good thing and won't end well" the two aren't mutually exclusive Perhaps poor wording on my behalf because I don't disagree with what you've said. But the need for continuity - at this moment in time - is paramount for a club like yourselves who are improving. The doubts about the way you're playing - currently - aren't sufficient to warrant any real pressure on his position.

OMG like TOTES sesh it!

True. I should really be congratulating myself for such an accurate preview.

Student territory. Many bants per square mile.

I think it's a bit silly to think any manager is flawless, especially not someone like Pardew who no-one is saying a top-class manager at all. People can have whatever doubts they like about him, but the bottom is line he's got you 6th (a long way clear of 8th) - higher than I'd dare say anyone realistically would have expected: I find on the main Everton forum I frequent that people have quite a set opinion of Moyes and whenever something goes right, they're hard pushed to give credit to him, and likewise, any defeat is by and large his fault. Simplistic way of summing up the situation, admittedly, but the general point stands. I don't see what's wrong with taking games a few at a time and seeing how players and the manager have done instead of having a stubborn mentality that so and so is or isn't good enough for your club. People change. Circumstances change. I couldn't say with any great detail whether that applies here due to me hardly being in the middle of regular lengthy debates about the virtues or otherwise of Alan Pardew, but it would be complete and utter madness to want to get rid of him at the moment IMO. As far as I can see, if he can keep it up, he should be Manager of the Year.

For what it's worth: You're having a smashing season and fingers crossed you can maintain your position. Whatever Pardew is doing, it's working so far - supported by what looks to be an excellent scouting network. It could be said you've been edging a few games by the odd goal/not necessarily deserving to win but winning, yes, but it's now 25 games. This isn't 6 or 7 games at the start of the season. The issue is surely one of continuity here. Why throw away the steady, positive progress you're making so hastily? If the issue is one of the quality of football, then surely give the bloke some more time - he's been with you for only, what, 14 months? You're 6th! I for one am pleased we stuck with Moyes (despite the fact I have much heightened doubts about him now). Providing you don't completely collapse and lose the majority of your last 13 games, you surely have to be behind what Pardew is doing?

Doesn't read like a rumour as such. International Development.

A Dowie / Nigel Quashie dream team.

No Pienaar, Osman, Coleman, Cahill, Donovan or Jelavic today. Blackpool DNB.

Don't be silly, Messi wasn't around when Gordon Banks was playing.[/inevitablereference]

Nah, it's just a trick, Di Matteo is going to get it instead.

Finished 3-0 to Bologna.

Christ, aye. Should really be CM, not so much FM.

Marco Di Vaio. Still going strong. I can't resist: he's an FM stalwart.

Inter. :lol: I go away for 5 minutes, come back and they're 2-0 down at home to Bologna.