Altamullan

Iirc Mbabu played right back really well first half in our mauling away to Citeh last year, had Sterling in his pocket/ended-up subbed. .. not sure what's most depressing about that, the fact I am using a 6-1 defeat to illustrate good defending or the fact that dominating a £40m player is now 'meh'. Anyhow, if fit I'd be keen to see young Kev at right back with Janmaat in front of him and Ritchie on opposite side, and Gamez at left back. With two players who put themselves about in the wide MF roles, I think we'd get away with just Hayden in the middle alongside Shelvey.

I was delighted when we signed him. Mainly because of seeing him shine in a couple of Liverpool games. I think he needs pulled-up about his (lack of) contribution to both goals we conceded yesterday. Beaten far too easily for first and was level with eventual goal scorer when he broke from midfield to score the second. That kind of unselfish tracking is as essential in his midfield role as the more eye-catching long passing. Think Gerrard or Solano, both could put it on a sixpence/were great passers, but they also covered the ground and snuffed-out potential threats when their teams weren't in possession.

I did. Thanks

Both parents Italian, but born in Argentina. Moved to Italy as a teenager.

Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge.

Cue Gene Vincent: Chris Babalooba, he's clearly crazy Chris Babalooba, I don't mean maybe.

Here's an unwelcome, but genuine, question. Both goals we conceded today were influenced by a lack of midfield harrying and effort. The guy beat Shelvey far too easily to cross for the first goal. There were three Newcastle players closer to our goal when the eventual goal scorer started his run (including Shelvey) for the second goal; only Dummet, who had the most ground to make up, tracked back. Had Colback been playing centrally with Hayden I'm not sure both plYers would have had as much time. Do you think we might have actually missed Colback?

Great shout. Pity about the absence of first match thread luck. Hayden did have a header early... thought it was going to be on!

I think Shelvey will(should) be disappointed in himself re the first goal: got back ok, but far too easy to beat. Walked past him. Mbemba too easily shrugged off the ball on build-up to second.

Does that mean we should remain tight lipped and not discuss any criticisms on a medium perfect for doing just that? I'm all for discussing, criticising, and generally trying to make sense of disappointments. It's fucking tiresome to read judgements and reasoning as black and white and 'flappy' as the (rather fabulous) Gallowgate flags.

There are piss flaps with more backbone than some people in this thread. Two games, new players, no target man available. Just because you put someone on a pedestal, it doesn't make him God-like; just because he inevitably falls off, doesn't make him shit. Hold your nerve and get a grip.

Sometimes, just sometimes (please), small bits of good fortune like this can prove to be a turning point. Howay the lads!

Nice part of the world. You should pop along to Pennan and whistle Local Hero at the appropriate time. (The film for which Knopfler wrote the tune, was filmed there).

Same. Really should know better by now Enjoy the game gentleman, hope has returned let's make the most of it. I've not looked forward to a new season this much in about 15 years. Nearly skipped my way into Craven Cottage last week Skip there, drag our sorry arses back... Just like the good old days! (majority of them at least).

To anyone involved, good on ye for being willing to put in considerable effort to try and make a difference to the atmos, rather than just moaning about it. Bound to be a bit of teething-trouble, but hope in the main it goes well and the lads on the pitch do there bit by providing a rousing performance.

Quite like Murray. Reminds me of Alan Gowling.

Htsi arelyl si hwo uyo'ev ebmoce... May as well embrace it!

Likely outcomes: stay on better contract, seems unlilkely and his relationship with club soured for good (may as well have donned a SMB t-shirt). Go, and well he's gone, and regardless of the backstory, what he did for the club will be smeared by the manner of his exit, future clubs will be wary of picking-up a loose cannon, and he leaves another PR nightmare for the club to address.

Never mind bedsheets, this kind of dirty washing is far more embarrassing. Never a good idea to go public with a statement like that. What's he hoping to achieve?

Forrin.

^ Mag ^ Only kidding Klaus...

what Im not having anyone see me at work looking at RTG threads. S&M SMB

Charged around like a loon last time he came in as a sub (Fulham). Looked funny at times (ha-ha as well as weird) but can't recall him actually winning possession at any point, though may well have done.

The title of a thread including the word slavery seems to have got everyone angst ridden.