Happinesstan

We should officially rename ourselves to Newcastle United Football Cloob TBH. Ha. Yeah. Could there be any higher honour.

There is the smallest chance that Rafa gets the TV money in the summer. I think he'll stay that being the case. It'll most likely need to cover wages as well as fees, but I think Rafa could do a lot with it.

Hard to imagine where we would be now if he hadn't decided he wanted Steve McClaren's job.

Far from it. It was chanted regularly throughout the mid to late eighties, and was revived when our rivalry reached it's peak.

I'd prefer him back and in our team a f*** sight more than money we don't see the benefit of. Rafa seemed rattled by being questioned about him, but I don't see that as a bad thing if he is giving Mitro a test rather than being just stubborn and sacking him of. This Yeah. I'd like to think the situation is still open to review once his loan is up. I just can't imagine Rafa having a hissy fit about anything, tbh. It would seem short-sighted to accept any offers before he has the chance to show off at the world cup, so there is a chance he'll return for the first day of training, when Rafa can make a judgement.

I take it we don't have an option to buy?

Oh aye. He was often in space, but I think that was possibly more to do with us, as a team, working hard to give him that space. As opposed to Southampton deciding to give him it.

He was excellent today, Southampton allowed him to play which is always a massive f***up. I'm not too sure about that. There were a number of occasions where he destroyed the theory that he needs time on the ball. Not saying there weren't occasions that you are right.

It's already been mentioned, about his lack of pace being compensated by his anticipation and reading of the game. two attributes that depend heavily on knowledge of the league you're in. It's no surprise that he has taken time to show his quality on a consistent level. Actually, considering his long absence, he's done remarkably.

I met that fucker in Tenerife, 1996.

Southampton were shit, bt that is credit to us. It's the way we play. Let the oppostion have the ball and concentrate on restricting the options available. It could be argued that we hae succeeded in making the opposition look decidedly average, for long periods in every game.

I can see Ashley asking for Andy Carroll money.

Quality start. COME ON!

I said it before, once more, time after time. Whooooooa... Until we start investing in the type of player who can perform, on a regular basis, in front of 52000 crowds, our stadium is more of a hindrance. Wonderful though it is.

I have to admit I thought that was a little disrespectful. The only conclusion to be drawn is that Rafa was misquoted. Think the context was in relation to the fact he played so little, rather than him being s****. Ah, fair enough.

I have to admit I thought that was a little disrespectful. The only conclusion to be drawn is that Rafa was misquoted.

He's probably got more chance of fulfilling his potential by playing the rest of his career in the championship.

Assist for Forster.

Have we stopped singing "who's that lying on the runway" when playing Man U?

Do they look capable of rallying in the last ten minutes if they need to?

I really feel like that taxi stunt was done on purpose by the senior players to try to get him out How satisfying would that be?

I'm not so sure about that, Rafa's future at the club is far from assured.

Does Messi never play in the group stages? 98 goals, all in the knockout stages is incredible. Ah right, I see now.

Has Rafa got any history of this kind of thing, just out of interest? I'm pretty sure in his career he must have encountered numerous mavericks that haven't adapted to his philosophies. Obviously the ones who disappeared into oblivion vindicate him, but I wonder if he has ever (choose my words carefully) passed on a player who went on to become a star. Disclaimer: I'm not saying Mitro will go on to be a star.

When he plays well it re-opens the discussion as to whether he has a future at the club. Blame Mitro for doing his job.