Altamullan

I don't know that using a mackem's unnamed source is any better than perpetuating the "cous cous nonce" line tbh. How about we wait for the FA report, eh? Who are you calling a makem? You marmite munching galah! (Whoops, evidently risking a ban now... despite the worst provocation )

'... the three Wolves players called as witnesses gave slightly varying accounts of the alleged insult, with one claiming Shelvey had called Saïss “a smelly Arab”. Another ... claimed he heard the word Arab attached to a different insult while the third [said] he used the word “Moroccan” in a derogatory context... [shelvey] continues to maintain his innocence and is adamant he did not use the words in question. It also appears the midfielder was taunted about his baldness before the incident but claims he did not rise to the bait.' Regardless of burden of proof, no wonder the lawyers want to contest the decision.

From the little I have seen, and from his playing stats and style, can't see this happening. Seems similar in style to Mitro, and not an improvement. Surely if Mitro is offski, then it will be primarily because Rafa doesn't want that style of forward? Unless he does want the option of that kind of forward and doesn't rate Mitro, or I guess young Alek may not be prepared to play second fiddle.

If there were no changes,and we started a Premier League, with the current team, with a successful season and established playing style under their belts, would it inevitably be a constant struggle/relegation fight? I keep veering from thinking we would desperately need at least 6 players to blind faith in the current crop, I.e. some of the players are still developing and we'd already be better than some teams/competitive with most. Darlow Anita Lascelles Clark Dummett Ritchie Shelvey Hayden Atsu Diame Gayle Subs/Options: Hanley Lazaar Mbemba Yedlin Colback Guoffran Mitrovic Others: Mbabu Haidara Gamez Sterry Aarons Tiote de Jong Saivet Murphy Rivière Armstrong

Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to be on the move move in Jan: wing, centre mid, potential no10. (May have lots of better options, than us). Loftus-Cheek looks a great prospect (has been linked in another thread): centre mid , or potential no10/striker. Delph may be on the move, we've tried to sign him before apparently (from Leeds) and he looked a class act at Villa: DefMed, CM.

Shepherds pie w*****. Peaspudding-guzzling frottager.

Lovely shots of Rafa and the team at a local children's hospital, and great to listen to someone with such good values, representing our club (on Sky Sports news). Loving the guy.

Good example! As a child being called lanky made me feel self-conscious, ashamed and different: and not in a good way. It provoked so much raw emotion that by mid-late teens to early adulthood, call me that and I would kick the living shit out of you (without much regret in some cases, Hans...). Talking to two friends of different combos of mixed heritage it had the same impact on them as being called their own trigger words. Only difference being, at that age I was more prone to arguing with my fists. Point is any insult which is aimed at something. the person is sensitive about and can't change can be unfair and damaging. You can't dismiss seemingly 'milder' ones using standard 'headline' E&D criteria, as it the receipt of the insult, the meaning to the insulted, rather than the perception of the person delivering it, which matters. If someone called JJ re his lifelong medical condition, which he was bullied for, then this should be taken into account. IMO.

Given-up on trying to catch-up on this thread a few pages back, but in case it is at risk of fizzling-out (God-forbid...) is calling somebody a 'skin-colour/ethnicity 'expletive, any worse than calling somebody a 'baldy/ginger/working-class/posh/lanky/nationally' expletive? All potentially damaging (to self-esteem) all making a judgement on or drawing attention to something the person can't change.

You didn't happen to frequent a tattooist in Camperdown Street did you Henke?? Haha no I never, but I'm intrigued as to why you'd ask? Saw someone get that 80s badge tattooed (about 5inch diameter)right in the centre of their then shaven, now potentially bald, head.

You didn't happen to frequent a tattooist in Camperdown Street did you Henke??

loving your work.

I haven't heard the alleged abuse. But if it involves cous cous--f*** sake can't type that for laughing--we're not exactly in John Terry territory of offensiveness are we? How long would you get for: 'I'm gonna stamp on your tagine ' vs 'I'll kick your f***ing head in' ?

Exciting prospect. Him and Hayden are two young potential future full internationals: getting a smattering of them in the squad would really bode well for the future (plus, I still haven't given up on Aarons).

Yep, me too . Would have/take a chance on him and Knockaert, but suspect we'd have no chance of poaching either.

Yep, please don't mess with the badge. If it's not broken.... Reminds me of waiting for a tattoo and the lad in front of me getting the mid-eighties circular NUFC badge tattooed on the top of his head. I like to imagine he's now in some high powered executive role, and has male pattern baldness

What a Christmas pud. Nee worries Al, just pinch somebody else's dinner. Ha! to the King goes the turkey ? crown!!

Don't think it so much about who signed who, more is the current manager getting the most out of what he's got; or getting more out of them than previous incumbents. Thankfully (from what I've heard from a dyed in the wool macnamara mate) I haven't seen enough of them to comment.

Next couple of home games seem really important. Brighton snatched a very late three points against Brum, and will obviously drop points soon. I would take a draw against Sheffield Wed if it was followed by a total demolition of Forest. Outside of the obvious (Makems, cup, relegation) I can't recall when I have had a stronger desire to win, actually not just win, but to humiliate a team: robbing hoods.

Done a bit of thorough research, I.e. asked my 7 year old who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of FIFA 16/17 & YouTube! The 'scouts' recommendations which seem plausible are Ntep (Rennes), Cheryshev (Villareal) and Montero (Swansea). Not sure either of latter two are real Prem quality, but former has got potential to develop further (feels risky going back to shopping in France, though). All could provide Afcon cover.

Couldn't help smiling through that last Arse TV interview. Smiling, in between counting 31 uses of the word 'Fam', and 53 of the word 'Blood'. Quite impressive in six minutes. Imagine using that many redundant words, like, man, y'knaa.

Bohemian Rhapsody Thanks man, still chuckling Some random ones in there (forgotten about Goma! Quite liked him as well) nice to hear Gallowgate namecheck.

Loved that Messi goal!

:lol: I was there today and three Arsenal fans (in City family enclosure) revealed themselves with much swearing at second City goal (the charmers were ejected), but that guy is a whole other level of angry man. I actually thought Arsenal looked quite good, in the first half at least. Had a game plan (concede possession, counter attack) and looked quick and dangerous on the break.