Very pleased with this signing. Thought he was one of West Ham's best players a few seasons back, seems to have done quite well for Hull last season. Much needed CMer as well.
You don't genuinely think in this way do you?
Yep. My wifes family are from down that way and are predominantly sunderland fans. Decent enough people until they get on to the subject of football. Anyway her cousin got married last month and I went on his stag do amongst a load of mackems and the bile that come out of their mouths about Newcastle had to be heard to be believed. More disturbing was their staunch support of Johnson and how they'd always see him as a legend because of his goals against us and how ridiculous his sentence was. Took one for the team etc.
How'd he take one for the team? Were they all diddling her?
Rafa Benitez, Newcastle manager.
Sam Allardyce, England manager.
David Moyes, Sunderland manager.
What is 'Things I wouldn't have bet on two years ago' for $300, Alex.
As a team, they really looked like they couldn't be arsed more often than not. I don't dislike him to nearly the same extent as many here. But he's gone now so it's rather moot point and not worthing arguing about.
The "SELL 'IM AT WHATEVUH PRICE!" crowd have always been retards though.
Based on absolutely no evidence whatsoever.
Alternatively, I look at a player who was likely told we wouldn't stand in his way if he wanted to make the next step. As has been the case with transfers for years under Ashley. And then he had to play for clueless Steve McClaren. None of our players looked up for it last season and I can't say I blame them either.
He's a very good player who will probably do very well in a much better squad under a better manager (and I'm talking McClaren, not Rafa).