Neil

You were at the Middlesbrough game weren't you? Get ready I'm taking you down to Villa Park. Aye I was. Lucky charm Fwiw, I think you're gonna draw today. We'll wait and see what that means...

Good luck btw, will be cheering you on.

It's obviously going to focus on us more though isn't it, what with 16 consecutive premier league seasons, with numerous cup runs, Champions League & UEFA appearances.. Zip it, they're not supposed to know that. YOU'D RATHER LOSE 4-3 THAN DRAW 0-0 LOLZ!!11!1!1!!!

So are Henry and Iniesta fit or not?

Only just came back to me today that Everton missed relegation by beating Wimbledon 3-2 on the last day. Not to mention a lucky escape in 98. Gareth Farrelly saved our arses against Coventry.

Table position is a more accurate indication of how shite they've played.

We were as good as Fulham really, except for letting in that soft goal. After that it was much easier for them, obviously. Us being shit doesn't automatically mean they were any better. That's the thing that really drives home how bad we are for me. For a team as average (at best) as Fulham to be on the brink of qualifying for Europe and us to be so far behind them really highlights just how pathetic we've been this season. I respect what Hodgson has done there, they've come on leaps and bounds, but if they come top 7 and qualify for Europe I think they'll be the poorest side to have done so since the inception of the premier league (apart from possibly us under GR). I was gonna say - it's an example of the league this year. Fulham are a tidy side but mid-table quality. Tottenham will probably complain if they get the 7th spot. Teams seem to be going along with a fairly [carragher]lackadaisy[/carragher] attitude.

Your optimism is pretty much the only thing to admire about that post. The situation's not the same at all - you need to better their result; if you'd beaten Fulham you could have lost and probably still been safe.

Actually that raises an interesting point Mowen; I thought all the medals were given out on Saturday? Not sure what the situation is re: anyone who's on 9, going into the match against Hull. As madras said the hypocrisy of Ferguson is the real irritant here - he can play whatever team he wants but to see him moaning in years gone by just proves what a hypocritical git he can be - as is the case with quite a few people in quite a few situations; Tottenham complaining about Berbatov/Keane sagas, when they essentially stole Ramos, being an example.

This is true,though why a manager would want to sell a player who can do an adequate job,anywhere along the back 4,beggars belief to be truthful. Because the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side, no arguments whatsoever. Always 100% true...

I think it'll lose its edge if it's too regular, but I agree I think it should certainly be more regular than every 4 months or so. I'm up for anytime really. As Rocker says, at the end of the day it's a good match with good lads so you can't beat it really.

My prediction: Kuzscuzszcak Rafael Evans Ferdinand Fabio Nani Fletcher Gibson Welbeck Tevez Macheda

It's an endless cycle - stability breeds confidence and an air of solidity in players, which in turn breeds more stability. Success is very rarely attainable in the short-term. Aaron Hughes is an excellent example picked out by Caulkin, that summarises the whole situation of the past 10 years or so. (Or more, though I can't really comment on further back than that).

I was the Wigan of our game today - didn't do too much wrong but didn't really contribute much either and failed to make a telling impact. Mediocrity ftl.

Which pub did you go to? Black Bull; although I'm sure The Ship (or something like that) was mentioned. We were driving past it and saw everyone outside the BB so assumed this is where everyone intended to go originally. (My geographical knowledge of that area is minimal).

Still very disappointed about the total fuckup from Coach Lane, utterly useless. Thought it was a canny game though, both teams had chances and generally was decent. Shame we couldn't get a 2nd half in. Banter in the pub was good as well. The jobhunt for the summer is looking pretty dry atm so I'll more than likely be free most times. Even if I do somehow get a job I'll be able to make arrangements.

Afaik gimp we'll still have 22, but others are always welcome.

We should still have 22 though, I hope.

neesy: yeah, that's right. Try not to get there any later than 4.45 though

Same. My Victorian appearance of black footy socks with cream trainers will aid our cause. SPAARRRTTTAAAA!

About to have my pre-match meal. It's healthy, I promise. Just gonna check on the chips

You coming along to shout insultive phrases at everyone? It's an essential role that must be fulfilled

It's tough luck really. Of course Man Utd are gonna rest players, its pure common sense. As if they care about other teams, they're doing what's best for themselves. Nothing disgraceful about it.

What has he done wrong? It was a foul on the keeper (in today's game), and Bassong deserved to get sent off. Am I missing something? Total scapegoat.