Interpolic

As much as you're keen to mock others (EVERYONE WHO EXPRESSES A NEGATIVE OPINION IS SLITTING THEIR WRISTS LOL LOL LOL), this idea that Carroll can only play in an exclusively long ball team is just as mock-able. We weren't that long ball under Hughton and Carroll's hold-up play was phenomenal. Do you think we hoofed the ball to the 5-1 win over the mackems? That was one of the best all-round performances I've seen from an NUFC centre forward, despite not scoring a goal. At his best he allowed us to mix it up, short and long, because his attributes made him an excellent spearhead for our attack. If there's faith we could get him back to that sort of form then the decision to get him back here would be a total no-brainer. What idea that Carroll can only play an in an exclusively long ball team?, I wasn't claiming that and have never claimed that. There were suggestions here that if we bring in Carroll that would help us be successful in the way Pardew wants us to play (long ball) because of his height/ability in the air. I was saying I don't want to do anything to prolong his management if he can't adapt his style away from hoofball. In fact what you've just agreed with below from Colo's Short and Curlies is basically the same point I was making. I've said many times before that under a different manager I'd take Carroll back for the right price. But under Pardew I don't want him anywhere near the squad because I can see how he'll be used. I don't think everyone who expresses a negative opinion is slitting their wrists either, just a silly exaggeration that like. I express negative opinions sometimes like anyone else. What I can't stand is when every single thing is being turned into a negative. I'm saying Carroll could do a job for any manager if on form, which makes your original post pointless at best. It wouldn't be buying a player for Pardew's style, it would simply be buying a good player that could also play for another manager if Pardew were to leave. Man you're still somehow missing my point. I already said Carroll can play in different systems and can do a job. I even said in the post you're responding too that I'd take Carroll back under a different manager, yet your response suggests you didn't even read that.. Its not about Carroll, its about Pardew, how he'll play Carroll and how that will help him to keep his job without having to adapt to any kind of decent Football. I really don't know how I can make this any more clear than I have been. So your point is that we shouldn't buy him yet because we'll do well and keep Pardew in a job? Apologies for not comprehending such a bizarre point of view. It's not that bizarre, Carroll might improve results because he'd suit Pardew's gameplan more, but it's still a shit gameplan which means you will more than likely aim for top 8 at best. Yeah I mean obviously I don't want us to be unsuccessful to get Pardew sacked. I'd love it if we were successful next season even under Pardew as long as that comes from him changing his Football philosophy. What I don't want is to see us signing players that will help him continue with the shit anti Football he's been getting us to play. This is what I was getting at. You'd like us to sign Carroll or you wouldn't like us to sign Carroll. You're contradicting yourself every time you hit post.

As much as you're keen to mock others (EVERYONE WHO EXPRESSES A NEGATIVE OPINION IS SLITTING THEIR WRISTS LOL LOL LOL), this idea that Carroll can only play in an exclusively long ball team is just as mock-able. We weren't that long ball under Hughton and Carroll's hold-up play was phenomenal. Do you think we hoofed the ball to the 5-1 win over the mackems? That was one of the best all-round performances I've seen from an NUFC centre forward, despite not scoring a goal. At his best he allowed us to mix it up, short and long, because his attributes made him an excellent spearhead for our attack. If there's faith we could get him back to that sort of form then the decision to get him back here would be a total no-brainer. What idea that Carroll can only play an in an exclusively long ball team?, I wasn't claiming that and have never claimed that. There were suggestions here that if we bring in Carroll that would help us be successful in the way Pardew wants us to play (long ball) because of his height/ability in the air. I was saying I don't want to do anything to prolong his management if he can't adapt his style away from hoofball. In fact what you've just agreed with below from Colo's Short and Curlies is basically the same point I was making. I've said many times before that under a different manager I'd take Carroll back for the right price. But under Pardew I don't want him anywhere near the squad because I can see how he'll be used. I don't think everyone who expresses a negative opinion is slitting their wrists either, just a silly exaggeration that like. I express negative opinions sometimes like anyone else. What I can't stand is when every single thing is being turned into a negative. I'm saying Carroll could do a job for any manager if on form, which makes your original post pointless at best. It wouldn't be buying a player for Pardew's style, it would simply be buying a good player that could also play for another manager if Pardew were to leave. Man you're still somehow missing my point. I already said Carroll can play in different systems and can do a job. I even said in the post you're responding too that I'd take Carroll back under a different manager, yet your response suggests you didn't even read that.. Its not about Carroll, its about Pardew, how he'll play Carroll and how that will help him to keep his job without having to adapt to any kind of decent Football. I really don't know how I can make this any more clear than I have been. So your point is that we shouldn't buy him yet because we'll do well and keep Pardew in a job? Apologies for not comprehending such a bizarre point of view. Again you're oversimplifying to devalue my argument, its not worth my time discussing this with you. I've encapsulated your point actually, you're just being ridiculously precious. Don't slit your wrists mate.

As much as you're keen to mock others (EVERYONE WHO EXPRESSES A NEGATIVE OPINION IS SLITTING THEIR WRISTS LOL LOL LOL), this idea that Carroll can only play in an exclusively long ball team is just as mock-able. We weren't that long ball under Hughton and Carroll's hold-up play was phenomenal. Do you think we hoofed the ball to the 5-1 win over the mackems? That was one of the best all-round performances I've seen from an NUFC centre forward, despite not scoring a goal. At his best he allowed us to mix it up, short and long, because his attributes made him an excellent spearhead for our attack. If there's faith we could get him back to that sort of form then the decision to get him back here would be a total no-brainer. What idea that Carroll can only play an in an exclusively long ball team?, I wasn't claiming that and have never claimed that. There were suggestions here that if we bring in Carroll that would help us be successful in the way Pardew wants us to play (long ball) because of his height/ability in the air. I was saying I don't want to do anything to prolong his management if he can't adapt his style away from hoofball. In fact what you've just agreed with below from Colo's Short and Curlies is basically the same point I was making. I've said many times before that under a different manager I'd take Carroll back for the right price. But under Pardew I don't want him anywhere near the squad because I can see how he'll be used. I don't think everyone who expresses a negative opinion is slitting their wrists either, just a silly exaggeration that like. I express negative opinions sometimes like anyone else. What I can't stand is when every single thing is being turned into a negative. I'm saying Carroll could do a job for any manager if on form, which makes your original post pointless at best. It wouldn't be buying a player for Pardew's style, it would simply be buying a good player that could also play for another manager if Pardew were to leave. Man you're still somehow missing my point. I already said Carroll can play in different systems and can do a job. I even said in the post you're responding too that I'd take Carroll back under a different manager, yet your response suggests you didn't even read that.. Its not about Carroll, its about Pardew, how he'll play Carroll and how that will help him to keep his job without having to adapt to any kind of decent Football. I really don't know how I can make this any more clear than I have been. So your point is that we shouldn't buy him yet because we'll do well and keep Pardew in a job? Apologies for not comprehending such a bizarre point of view.

As much as you're keen to mock others (EVERYONE WHO EXPRESSES A NEGATIVE OPINION IS SLITTING THEIR WRISTS LOL LOL LOL), this idea that Carroll can only play in an exclusively long ball team is just as mock-able. We weren't that long ball under Hughton and Carroll's hold-up play was phenomenal. Do you think we hoofed the ball to the 5-1 win over the mackems? That was one of the best all-round performances I've seen from an NUFC centre forward, despite not scoring a goal. At his best he allowed us to mix it up, short and long, because his attributes made him an excellent spearhead for our attack. If there's faith we could get him back to that sort of form then the decision to get him back here would be a total no-brainer. What idea that Carroll can only play an in an exclusively long ball team?, I wasn't claiming that and have never claimed that. There were suggestions here that if we bring in Carroll that would help us be successful in the way Pardew wants us to play (long ball) because of his height/ability in the air. I was saying I don't want to do anything to prolong his management if he can't adapt his style away from hoofball. In fact what you've just agreed with below from Colo's Short and Curlies is basically the same point I was making. I've said many times before that under a different manager I'd take Carroll back for the right price. But under Pardew I don't want him anywhere near the squad because I can see how he'll be used. I don't think everyone who expresses a negative opinion is slitting their wrists either, just a silly exaggeration that like. I express negative opinions sometimes like anyone else. What I can't stand is when every single thing is being turned into a negative. I'm saying Carroll could do a job for any manager if on form, which makes your original post pointless at best. It wouldn't be buying a player for Pardew's style, it would simply be buying a good player that could also play for another manager if Pardew were to leave.

As much as you're keen to mock others (EVERYONE WHO EXPRESSES A NEGATIVE OPINION IS SLITTING THEIR WRISTS LOL LOL LOL), this idea that Carroll can only play in an exclusively long ball team is just as mock-able. We weren't that long ball under Hughton and Carroll's hold-up play was phenomenal. Do you think we hoofed the ball to the 5-1 win over the mackems? That was one of the best all-round performances I've seen from an NUFC centre forward, despite not scoring a goal. At his best he allowed us to mix it up, short and long, because his attributes made him an excellent spearhead for our attack. If there's faith we could get him back to that sort of form then the decision to get him back here would be a total no-brainer. Carroll isn't the problem - its the perception of managers that a player of his build can only play as atarget man. We know that Pardew likes to get the ball to the front line quickly rather than build play up through the midfield, which is likely to result in a direct long ball unfortunately. I'm surprised that Rogers didn't try him with the style that liverpool are playing, but the likes of Sam and Pardew would probably try and turn Zlatan into a pure target man just becaue he is 6 foot plus Yeah it's a fair point and I agree, I was more getting at the idea that we shouldn't buy him in case he outlives Pardew though.

As much as you're keen to mock others (EVERYONE WHO EXPRESSES A NEGATIVE OPINION IS SLITTING THEIR WRISTS LOL LOL LOL), this idea that Carroll can only play in an exclusively long ball team is just as mock-able. We weren't that long ball under Hughton and Carroll's hold-up play was phenomenal. Do you think we hoofed the ball to the 5-1 win over the mackems? That was one of the best all-round performances I've seen from an NUFC centre forward, despite not scoring a goal. At his best he allowed us to mix it up, short and long, because his attributes made him an excellent spearhead for our attack. If there's faith we could get him back to that sort of form then the decision to get him back here would be a total no-brainer.

emotionally spent ? possibly, but he never regained the verve he had, more money wouldn't have changed that and he did walk when he realised the cash was coming to an end, probably his best managerial after leaving here was saving us when he came back, better than fulham and citeh where he could outspend the opposition. we went backwards in that we were in the title chase the season before, till the last game, the shearer signing season we never really clicked, even the man utd 5-0 was a one off and we never looked like winning the title for all we finished runners up (we could easy have finished 4th or 5th on the final day). we weren't as good to watch, as fluid, as dominant, as good! In terms of us not being as fluid my memories are hazy but from what I can recall I suppose I agree. I think these things can come and go a bit though. In terms of never looking like winning the title, I suppose you'll have to look at my link and blame Dalglish or something, since we were 5 points off the top when Keegan left in January and on level points with the team that won the league like they normally do, Man Utd. We never got 12 points clear like the previous season, granted.

It's impressive what he managed to achieve without fucking about with Keegan's formula much at all. Could have been so much better if he just tweaked Keegan's squad rather than totally blitzing it, if given licence to do so of course. I do remember the Barnes/Rush/Pearce signings fucking me off something rotten even though I was only 13.

The table when Keegan resigned, we were 4th on 38 points, level with Man Utd. http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1996-1997/table/1997-01-11

The only season he managed Shearer we finished second, same as the season before. That was half Keegan, half Dalglish, mind.

He spent big on one player, I can't really recall how far we went backwards if at all (I'll have to check) but the main issue with Keegan by that point seemed to me that he completely emotionally spent. The point about him being in a huff about not having much/any more money to spend is not what I'm disputing, he probably was. Suffice to say, I disagree with the theory he became worse the more money he was given to spend.

How did he become a worse manager the more he got to spend? We finished 6th after having finished 3rd the previous season, he was then given around £15m to spend on Ferdinand, Ginola, Barton and Hislop and brought us closer to the league title than any of us are ever likely to experience again, playing some of the best football we've ever seen. Better with more backing I'd say.

That whole summer was fucking daft, Shepherd saying it was Robson's last season and it did seem like Shepherd had taken over the transfers by that point. Think the story was that we could have had Carrick from West Ham for less than we bought Nicky Butt for, the manager was keen as was the player but Shepherd wasn't.

Fucking pathetic.

Brilliant.

Well it's quite obvious what I'm saying Ian, I think one thing is morally wrong and the other isn't.

I don't understand the hypocrisy either really tbh. I suppose rich people would bet but wouldn't go to a short term loan company so the latter must be the one who takes advantage of vulnerable people. There's quite a big difference. These scummy loan companies can work for some, particularly in helping people build up some decent credit history, but in many cases they're geared to push people into more and more financial distress. I don't see the comparison with betting companies, unless you want to see gambling made illegal in this country. And before you say it, I would like to see ridiculous 1000%+ APR (or whatever) borrowing banned in this country, but part of the fault of their growing prominence needs to be laid at the foot of the more orthodox lending companies and other factors. I know that there are a few people on here who can't see why poor people would choose to borrow £200 before pay day or whatever but that's your problem if you don't get it and I'm not sure why it's still getting peddled as a reason of justification for these horrible companies existing. "Stupid cunts, being reckless with their own lives/money/choices", it doesn't wash with me in this instance, it reads like a Daily Mail line of thought where the poor being poor is inevitably always their fault.

Fucking grim.

Was clear as mud. That time he took him off v Charlton when he was having a blinder. Was by far the best player on the pitch and the only one making anything happen, I was flabbergasted but it was clearly a bullshit power trip from the manager.

Really stuck in the throat that we sold him for the same amount we paid for him when he was almost completely unproven.

I just genuinely can't remember such an incident. Bellamy would hardly be at the top of the list of suspects if that's all we know. Aye fair enough, that's all I remember for sure but seem to recall people saying they knew who it was or whatever.

Not sure if you're being facetious but I recall the Chronicle printing a small story towards the end of Robson's tenure, saying they had a photo from the training ground of 1 (or maybe 2) players being disrespectful behind the manager's back, but refused to print it or name the players. Think they were using it as an example of the players not having enough respect for the manager or the football club. The Chronicle would get banned from the club for printing something like that these days of course.

Hernanes in pyjamas.

It's been going on for years tbf, used to really wind me up when fringe Man Utd players played so regularly for England.