Happinesstan

I still say the Brighton game was the breaking point. I think ASM realised that the extent of Bruce's use of his talent was to win free-kicks, and he got sick of being fouled. He'd have clocked onto Bruce long before that. He was in and around that Monaco squad under Jardim that won Ligue 1, got to CL semis, played for Lucian Farve - both defensive coaches - he'd have noticed standards, and levels in training would have been lower than he'd been at before by end of his first pre-season with Steve n the Gang. Tactics all last season where give it to Alan and let him get us up the pitch. If he has higher enough standard I'd hope he has, he'd been pulling his hair out that we couldn't get past Rochdale or Oxford in 90mins let alone setting up to sneak a 1-0 in the PL. Brighton game, certainly him being frustrated with bullshit approach he's playing in, but it end of day he let Tariq Lamptey rinse him inside out, highlighting weakness in his game at the top level. Not really a criticism, not expecting him to be 2017 Eden Hazard! If he hadn't gone of injured the wee b****** Lamptey would have had Alan in his pocket all game anyway. Annoyingly good that lad. I agree, just think that game he took one knock too many and he snapped. I think he's generally been a great character outside of that period.

I still say the Brighton game was the breaking point. I think ASM realised that the extent of Bruce's use of his talent was to win free-kicks, and he got sick of being fouled.

There may have been a bust up with Steve Bruce? I think that shows great character and personality.

Quite incredible. Although if his response to shite pundits has always been like this, I can imagine how the rumour started.

Just started watching 'Spiral' and the first victim is the spitting double of this cunt.

Darlow's improvement has been encouraging, but Dubs is simply a better keeper. He's not massively better at anything [except maybe crosses, Love Dubs coming for them, still panic with Darlow], but he is minimally better at everything, and overall a far superior keeper.

One caveat to note, Rafa was never allowed to sign his number one targets. So he would work down his list, with us sometimes signing the 4th or 5th choice. You do that and you will get a not so successful transfer success rate. Absolutely. The first name on that list should probably read Andros Thownsend, who might not have been spectacular but he was less of a punt than Murphy. The rest of the list I'm not sure but few of them were first choice. Also I'd argue that Ki, Hanley were solid acquisitions that played their part exactly as expected. Gamez was possibly an influence in the dressing room. McClaren signed Townsend iirc, Rafa sold him but I don’t think he had much choice in that Rafa wanted him back though. And we ended up with Murphy.

How's the clam chowder, did you say?

Got me welling up here mate. Top work. Mate, for families, kids and adults, to go hungry in this day and age in England, well, it’s a shite state of affairs and makes a mockery of our so-called status as a leading nation, I’ve travelled, I’ve seen real poverty, and those suffering here are some of the more worse off in the world and that says it all to me. I couldn't agree more mate. Just wanted to tip my hat to you.

Got me welling up here mate. Top work.

Apart from Gueye, he's the only one who seems to be a midfield enforcer who could play the Diame role. We do need a player of that type, and although I'm not convinced he's much good on the ball, he would be much better equipped to close down opponents than Shelvey or Hendrick. If you think Choudury could play that role, you’ve never watched him play football. He is genuinely League One quality. He’d be a good signing for the mackems. Well he's certainly not a playmaker, I assumed he was being brought into the side to put some legs in midfield. If he's as bad as you say you'd have thought Brendan would have loaned him out in a shot. What use would he be to a CL chasing side? Doesn't want his value decimated after one day training under Bruce.

Stupid, but fun.

One caveat to note, Rafa was never allowed to sign his number one targets. So he would work down his list, with us sometimes signing the 4th or 5th choice. You do that and you will get a not so successful transfer success rate. Absolutely. The first name on that list should probably read Andros Thownsend, who might not have been spectacular but he was less of a punt than Murphy. The rest of the list I'm not sure but few of them were first choice. Also I'd argue that Ki, Hanley were solid acquisitions that played their part exactly as expected. Gamez was possibly an influence in the dressing room.

Pleased for the lad. Fuck it I'm delighted for all the players, they've gone out and proved they're anything but "shite". But I reckon this lad just needed a little less responsibility, and more liberty to get forward and show what he CAN do. What is he, 23? Young, but not a child. He's at that age where his first team appearances should be helping his development massively. But when there is no development plan, no tactical plan, [and no plan to sack the bloated cunt responsible] they have been destroying him. Hopefully today has encouraged him.

Don't wanna be startin' something... It would be nice if the photo had included Andy Cole. I understand that Kelly will play a bigger role in his autobiography, and in that respect it's a lush photo which pays homage to those that launched the Keegan revolution. I guess the fact that he's not even in the periphery is enough to suggest he simply hadn't bonded with them in a way that would make him want to celebrate with them, and the photo op simply never arose. But from a NUFC supporter POV a picture of the three, together, on that day would be lush.

Aye. There's nothing about him that suggests he's going to be a world beater, but he obviously did a competent job for Burnley, and under better management could probably be as useful as Hayden. But you just know Bruce has brought him here and asked him to do the job he did at Burnley, without even recognising what that job was.

Aye. He was just beginning to settle when Rafa left and his performances were pretty good, and he was clearly enjoying himself. Then the arrival of Bruce. All of a sudden his familiar smile started resembling more of a grimace. One of the main reasons I couldn't watch anymore, same with Schar. Didn't the ruptured one say he had to learn how to play right wing in a 442?

Aye but nobody can get into position to be piss poor, quicker than him.

Perfect.

Somebody go try and decipher what Agnew is going on about there. A stupid, clueless bunch of Steves right there. By the way, someone we hated previously also liked to give a thumbs up the way Jones did at the end there. "When they send you on gardening leave are you going to get one of those swinging seats. They look like great fun".

Then you should take a good look at yourself. But if I was Ashley I'd avoid mirrors too.

The question is would any other of the clubs from mid-table (and probably lower down also) up offer new contracts to Clark, Shelvey or Ritchie - the answer would be a big no. It's why this club is a total mess. Absolutely. Clark Yedlin Gayle Shelvey Ritchie Were all on the way out under Rafa. Keep the squad full of shit, don't replace and stand still them while other clubs inch forward is our mantra. Not sure Clark was on the way out under Rafa, mind. I seem to remember he'd staked a claim as a solid squad player and one of 2 CBs to reliably cover the first choice 3. I got the impression Rafa was very happy with those 5 covering the 3 CB positions. That’s how I recall it too. He was considering it but Clark came in and did very well again and Rafa decided against it. Aye. I'm sure Rafa appreciated his ability to step in, when needed, with little fuss. I think he would have been the last of that bunch to be replaced. The others were all promotion first teamers that needed replacing.

Should get his mother to write him a note. "Dear Dinner lady, Steve can't eat cabbage as he suffers from a condition that means he looks like one. Please substitute his cabbage for a sausage roll Steve Mrs Bruce

We could do worse, that suggests its the worst possible option It works in comparison to our usual standard.

To be fair, he's right. It just doesn't apply to us as we haven't got a good manager to have faith in. Or an upcoming game against a club managed by Bruce.