Neil

Sorry, but I just can't get over it: Lescott: £24m Heitinga: £5m

COME BACK LANDON!

Got a lot of time for McCarthy. He's a funny guy - not a comedian but just says it as it is which is refreshing in the football world. Press conferences are usually a good hoot. Moreover, he looks like he's doing a good job at Wolves.

The more I think about it the more this fine (albeit suspended) becomes increasingly pathetic.

Limiting myself to a full £1. Working out how to give myself a decent potential return without it getting stupidly unrealistic.

It isn't about arrogance, it is about the fact that the format of the competition is such that, if you don't have a Champions League strength squad, you can not conduct a decent campaign in that AND in the league. Fulham are a one-off in that respect (if you consider their league campaign respectable). I started watching us last year in the Europa League in July, against Odense, and watched every home match, and it just seemed to go on forever. By the end, I was relieved as much as anything. I thought it would last the rest of my natural life. It is not about arrogance, it is about the fact that the format of the competition is absolutely ridiculous, especially compared to the UEFA Cup. No, the format isn't great, but I'm just pleased to play in Europe full stop really. What would you propose? Possibly a return to straight-knockout? I think it was like that, anyway. I can't say we had much interest in it up until Moyes' reign.

It probably is me really. I was looking about it for a couple of days ago, might have been another site that still had it as "TBC".

It's interesting you mention about him playing the same side - it's something I've noticed when watching you lot play, it's always, give or take 1 or 2 occasions, the same eleven. I'm pleased that Moyes has changed in that respect - he's much more open to squad rotation (well, sometimes enforced) nowadays. I don't think you'll finish as poorly as last season but I still don't think you'll end the season strongly. Crunch game at yours (any idea when it may be re-arranged for?) It is April 14th, confirmed last week. The Everton website is truly useless. Interesting that it's so close, then. I'd arguably take a draw, if we can make up 3 more points this weekend which is a decent possibility.

It's interesting you mention about him playing the same side - it's something I've noticed when watching you lot play, it's always, give or take 1 or 2 occasions, the same eleven. I'm pleased that Moyes has changed in that respect - he's much more open to squad rotation (well, sometimes enforced) nowadays. I don't think you'll finish as poorly as last season but I still don't think you'll end the season strongly. Crunch game at yours (any idea when it may be re-arranged for?)

A shite 0-0, thus virtually confirming promotion.

Yep. Tottenham are out of sight and have long been my pick for 4th. I believe City still have you and Villa to play: we have Villa to play away, and there's no reason whatsoever that we can't go there and win. Liverpool won't drop lower than 6th. They just won't, unfortunately. All we can do is keep our form going and hope the sides above continue to wobble. As you say, our resilience is well and truly back and I was sure we at least wouldn't get beat today and was mildly confident of winning. Let's see where we are after the Villa game. 7th will most probably give you Europe, too. The way it's going, yes. I think I'm right in saying Chelsea winning the FA Cup will make 7th a European spot, as would Spurs or Villa winning it if they finish 5th (or indeed 4th). We have a good chance in that respect. Would love to finish 6th, ahead of Liverpool and City. Unlikely though. Edit: 29 points from the last 13 league games. f***ing injuries. Just imagine what would have been if you didn't have that poor start. Moyes is a genius imo. Even though it might hurt us, i hope he gets a lot of money to spend next season. I want to see what he can do with cash, rather then the current '1 in 1 out' policy. Oh and Hetinga has been very good. I promise you, at Atletico he was a pile of steaming crap (ask Village). Credit to Moyes for that signing for sure. I agree; I wasn't hugely impressed when we signed him. Nervous start (in fairness he came into a decapitated team low on confidence). But now, in his defensive midfield role, he's flourishing massively. The question next year is, how do we fit Fellaini in? Heitinga could drop back but he's added another dimension to our midfield. Bily? We haven't even discussed the massive talent that is Rodwell. Regarding the money thing, theoretically you'd think he'd impress even more but perhaps he's at his best when his back's against the wall? Who knows? Of course, I want some more dosh. But for this summer, we don't need massive additions. Perhaps another striker and the odd squad player but generally, we just need players to be effing fit!

Yep. Tottenham are out of sight and have long been my pick for 4th. I believe City still have you and Villa to play: we have Villa to play away, and there's no reason whatsoever that we can't go there and win. Liverpool won't drop lower than 6th. They just won't, unfortunately. All we can do is keep our form going and hope the sides above continue to wobble. As you say, our resilience is well and truly back and I was sure we at least wouldn't get beat today and was mildly confident of winning. Let's see where we are after the Villa game. 7th will most probably give you Europe, too. The way it's going, yes. I think I'm right in saying Chelsea winning the FA Cup will make 7th a European spot, as would Spurs or Villa winning it if they finish 5th (or indeed 4th). We have a good chance in that respect. Would love to finish 6th, ahead of Liverpool and City. Unlikely though. Edit: 29 points from the last 13 league games. Fucking injuries.

Yep. Tottenham are out of sight and have long been my pick for 4th. I believe City still have you and Villa to play: we have Villa to play away, and there's no reason whatsoever that we can't go there and win. Liverpool won't drop lower than 6th. They just won't, unfortunately. All we can do is keep our form going and hope the sides above continue to wobble. As you say, our resilience is well and truly back and I was sure we at least wouldn't get beat today and was mildly confident of winning. Let's see where we are after the Villa game.

Everyone still talking about the other teams. Perfect stuff.

Mancini ran into Moyes because he's so annoyed, this is sweet. Villa draw, City lose. Lovely stuff.

They're keeping the pressure on you because they're maintaining the same gap...

Sort your lives out, Spurs.

I reckon even they'll be feeling a bit tired at the moment. Can't see them not winning but sticking with a 2-0 prediction, very possibly 2 in the last 20 minutes.

Barca still 0-0. Guardiola out.

Osasuna fluff a free shot from 8 yards, oh dear.

Barca kicking off now.

A surefire 25/1 6-fold: Tottenham West Brom Valencia Udinese Genoa Sheff Wed £5 ==> £125. Hmm.

I think we can win tonight. I don't know why: they're unbeaten at home but something's telling me we can nick it.

Any particular reason they've done the deed, now? They're still in good position for a CL spot. Is it due to with the loss to CSKA? Bit harsh if that is the case. Not harsh at all: the twats screwed me out of £50. Not a harsh enough punishment for doing that, IMO.

Just a quickie - was their "goal" offside? SSN showed just one angle which wasn't helpful. Judging by the fact there were 3 or so of their players in and around the keeper, I'm guessing it was?