GideonShandy

They will be at least semi-immortals. Most of the players who won the Fairs Cup wouldn't make a list of 100 best players to have worn the shirt. But supporters of my age can run off all of their names without hesitation, and have affectionate memories of each of them, because of what they achieved together 55 years ago. The heroes of the 2025 League Cup triumph -- all of them -- can expect the same.

Hauled off this time.

Absolutely this. When pundits, journalists and football insiders were saying she should go for Gerrard or Lampard or give Cabbageheed a "fair chance," she -- a person with no serious football background -- came up with Howe and Emery. Maximum respect to Amanda.

Tino's ability to play on either side should give him an advantage for selection for a month-long World Cup, as opposed to a one-off game.

It's very close to what he was quoted as saying: "Steve Bruce was on the warpath. “It is absolutely the biggest pile of shite I have ever heard,” the Newcastle United head coach said, adding a coating of characteristic indiscretion. It was January 2021 and his team were in the midst of a winless run which eventually stretched to 11 matches and Tyneside was bubbling with rumour; that Bruce had three games to save his job, that Eddie Howe was among the candidates to replace him. Bruce lasered in on one publication. “I give respect,” he said. “When I see polls, the next manager and the fella from Bournemouth, I find it disrespectful, I have to tell you. Your paper was gunning for a manager that got a team relegated last year.” The reality of Mike Ashley’s ownership and its glass ceiling was hitting home. “Am I alone with the managers at Newcastle over the last 15 years? Hasn’t every manager been in exactly the same situation?” Bruce asked. Bruce was angry — Newcastle was an angry place back then, everybody barricaded into opposing camps and sniping at each other — but it was an interesting definition of giving respect. “The fella from Bournemouth” and “a manager that got a team relegated last year,” felt dismissive of Howe, who had done nothing wrong, and needlessly belittling, a sour interpretation of a lifetime’s relationship and years of overachievement." Caulkin & Waugh, The Athletic, 15 September 2022

Probably written by Alex Bruce under a pseudonym.

Now they're just like fingerprints on an abandoned handrail. © Bob Mortimer

fantastic

Drawing with Leicester to qualify for Champions League. Epic emotional celebrations after the game. Winning at Leeds. Shelvey's soft free kick goal.

Always great to see Jonas.

A for Eddie. And I think if we went back and rated our players again now that they're League Cup Champions, most of them would move up a grade.

We Love Eddie

Probably been posted before, but this might be the best of the celebration videos.

The move leading to his goal starts at 1:28.

I'm as frustrated as anyone with PSR, but that really isn't what's happening.

Wozza speaks . . .

It almost was. The clock was at 101:13 at full time. Eight minutes originally indicated plus another 3 minutes 13 seconds for the VAR check and Sandro's shoelaces.

Didn't expect anything to come of it when Tino wellied what seemed like a wild cross with his left foot (the one he's been so reluctant to use lately) and almost fell over in the process. Then Murphy, who rarely heads the ball, outjumps Robertson and Isak pounces. Magic.

Lost it at 5:29 with Bruno crying and hugging Eddie.

Yeah, I thought it might conceivably be serious until I got to the Mackem Cewkbewk. Outstanding.

I really doubt that she knew. Newcastle United isn't usually her beat. And she generally comes across as a nice person, not a shit-stirrer.

More love for Big Dan

Disliking Pardew a bit less after this.