Neil

What a crock of shit.

Obviously I speak from a less personally invested viewpoint compared to you guys, but even though much of his career was before my time, I don't think there's one figure in football I can say I have more respect for than this man. He was a gentlemanly world class manager, and he was a world class gentleman. Very, very rare to see such professional, top-level longevity mixed with such grace, dignity and class.

I think he's a decent enough manager. Should you be aiming higher? Probably. But he'd be a decent appointment and would get you upwardly mobile. Of course, it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things as there's a very distinct ceiling with the current owner.

Thoughts on Stabaek today Tom, is 2/1 good value?

I think it was KI who hit the nail on the head - the difference is the things Messi can do which Ronaldo can't are more impressive than the things Ronaldo can do but Messi can't. Ronaldo is an incredible machine. Messi is simply a genius. And that will always elevate him above Ronaldo.

Genuinely shocked how many people don't know about this. I know plenty do but when the name 'Heysel' is mentioned, quite a few Average Joes don't really cotton on what you're referring to. The sheer fact it was in mainland in Europe and not this country has somehow protected it from much deeper scrutiny. Which is why years of hysterical media coverage over Hillsborough - another horrific tragedy - doesn't sit well with me.

Honestly man, do you spend your spare time thinking of puns for this forum? And I salute you for it.

Great thought, just not the right timing IMO.

I would be inclined to keep things to the Lockwood Cup in October. Let's wait to see what happens with the Craig situation, something doesn't sit right organising something in his memory so soon after something we don't even know the full events of. Very nice sentiment obviously and certainly wouldn't doubt your willingness to get this sorted Kev. Just think it's best to wait.

Where else did you end up? You been over before? There's some real treats lurking about the city which make Gotham seem sophisticated.

Any idea how to get this into a desktop wallpaper? Laptop's playing funny buggers and not having it. I'm also a technical moron sometimes.

The Beeb are fucking class at montages.

This sounded like a bloodbath.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/may/25/augsburg-bundesliga-europa-league

They legitimately seemed to be after Ings and Trippier too, which says a lot for where they're at.

Di Matteo "steps down" from Schalke. Not much of a surprise.

Fucking leave Neesy in charge for one game and this happens.

What happened to Rocker?

Have a good weekend lads, annoyed I can't be there but I'm sure it'll be a blast as always. Howay Neesy, continue the legacy.

They always go through the cycle of being terrible for 7 months then being decent for a bit. They've had loads of chances to get the right signings in the past but it comes down to the fact Sunderland just isn't an attractive proposition at all. They're fucked without an absolutely massive investment which will dwarf Short's funds he has put in in recent years.

We have a game soon?

Ancelotti is fucking quality, one of the very best in the world. No surprises from a club whose supporters regularly boo club legends.

That's my main thought too. Not about whether it's greedy or ambitious, more wondering what he's done to deserve such lofty predictions of greatness.

I'm not sure what he's done to justify this presumption he'll go on to be a key part of the best teams in Europe. He doesn't score anywhere near enough, regularly has poor end product and while obviously he'll get better given he's so young, I can't help feel the classic "young and English" factor is warping some views on him.

:lol: Fucking hell. Vivid.