Infinitely Content

Who the f*** is Nabi Raita meant to be? The best I've got is Rahis Nabi, Burnley u23 sharpshooter, scored against Newcastle earlier this year.

Oh yeah, loved that. "You can't leave these people." Fucking brilliant

Huge respect and thanks to you all mate, genuinely. It makes sense in regards to the 125 years thing. I was just seeing that article in isolation and wondering what was so iconic about it. I can see how it works in context more now though. Missed that narrative at first. Above offer still stands though.

Fair play. For me the iconic moment of Rafa in the press was when he revealed his daughter told him "You have to stay and win for these people, the fans love you here". I was really moved by that, powerful stuff. There's some great, inspirational imagery & connotations in there. In the most modest, non condescending tone possible, I hear by offer my services to the people making these flags to help them with designs. I love the club and would happily put my time, free of charge into the cause. I don't and never will use twitter so this is my calling to them. If there's any involved on here, PM me, genuine offer. I love the flag movement and the effort going in is clear to see, but the designs & concepts have been lacking at times imo and I honestly feel I could make a worthwhile contribution (no way of saying that without sounding like an uppity arsehole, but it is what it is)

Brazilian Ronaldo would have been above those two and was above those two without the injury. He was genuinely nearly Messi level, as fleeting as it was by comparison. Brilliant to watch he was. For me there's 3 players I've watched where it almost seems like god at play. From another world. Something coming through them. Zidane had glimpses of it, Brazilian Ronaldo has phases, but Messi almost every time I see him play. Best ever, no doubt in my mind.

For a chance of sounding like a negative arsehole, why that article/cover? I like the idea I just don't see what's particularly special about that specific article to have a flag made of it? Think it will look great regardless but I don't get the message.

Many will disagree but I personally don't see how it's even so heavily debated. Messi to me is by far the better football player. Ronaldo's ability is equal to many players I've seen in my lifetime, as a kid I looked up in awe at Zidane and Brazilian Ronaldo, C Ronaldo is about on their level, Messi is on another entirely.

I see, that makes a lot more sense. Obvious really, I should have just looked it up. I thought it was in reflection of the current circumstances in a city and not the potential it has should it win the award. As for the Newcastle thing, it makes sense for it to be centred around and concerned with tourism.

What are these things actually for and in whose interest are these decisions made? I love Newcastle but it's obviously not the best city in the world, probably not even close. And as for city of culture, Sunderland or Coventry clearly aren't the most cultured, exciting places in the country, even after all of the dressing up they do when in the running for such awards. I'm just wondering who actually takes this stuff seriously and what the benefit is? 'Cause when I read these sorts of things I can't help but seeing the elephant in the room that nobody ever seems to address.

Is he even that good like? I can't say I watch West Brom much, I'm not that self-loathing.

Absolutely shitting himself.

At 27 and playing in the German second division, that's a big risk imo. Shows us no signs that he will be better than what we've got. I'm sure Gayle or Mitrovic would tear up that league.

Great, hope he's really starting to feel settled in and inspired to perform for the rest of the season. The past weeks haven't been good for us but could be very important & positive for Murphy's future at the club. Having taken on Man Utd & Chelsea and performed well, he'll hopefully feel like no task is too big for him now.

There was talk of Daley Blind leaving Man Utd, but this is the realistic transfer thread so.....

Good

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42149232 Not exactly that unknown over here as he had a well-documented trial with City a few year ago & he also featured in the Olympics. Absolutely terrific football player. There's some great clips of him on youtube.

Aye. People underestimate how important just having a player who can carry the ball up the pitch is, end product or no end product He's very intelligent with the ball too, he might lack cutting edge but he doesn't waste the ball very much. Agreed, I think some have a view of him that he is wasteful with the ball, but in fact he seems to focus on retaining possession and does so successfully a lot of the time.

Not sure Benitez would allow for the complacency seen in recent years against lesser clubs. Yes I know we went out against Forest earlier but I'm hoping he will take the FA cup more seriously and field a strong team. Any lower league team, home or away would do me, we could really do with the wins to gain momentum back in the league.

Has a bit of a modernist art deco look to it. Not of my taste but it doesn't look bad at all imo. I'm more of a Craven Cottage style stadium person than these new bowl-style designs. Would like to see someone have a good go and designing a stadium which harks back to that old late 1800's early 1900's style but with a modern touch.

Was that an EasyJet flight from Bilbao (or maybe Madrid can't quite remember) to Manchester, just before/after he joined Sociedad? If so I was also on that flight...

I’d rather get on another flight then die in the subsequent crash. Jesus

We will sit back and keep it tight I hope. Don't leave any room in behind. Would love a non-eventful 1-0

Agree there mind, should respect the decision and leave the pitch. The levels of fame and attention he receives in & out of football probably mean he feels he has to make a play of it. Unnecessary. Can understand frustration if you actually have a right to feel aggrieved but after that 'tackle' you should just be f***ing off the pitch with your head hanging. That's it like.

https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/z4awa4/matt-ritchie-scores-for-bournemouth-on-blistering-volley