Whitley mag

Quite laughable how cartel journalists like Sam Wallace from the Telegraph are so anti City, claiming there needs to be financial controls for the competitiveness of the league. The anti competitive measure currently in place is PSR and stopping the very nature of the competitiveness he apparently wants to protect. I have no problem with an equal playing field US sports ensure this and if they wanted to introduce a spend limit for all clubs then so be it, that would be competitive and ensure an equal playing field for those that truly want to compete. But they don’t want an equal playing field and the charade of sustainability is a convenient cover. Furthermore UEFA are also at it with payments to so called legacy clubs, how come we get less for reaching the same stage of the competition as Man United, the elite clubs are guilty of protectionism and anti competitive collusion, hopefully City blow it all apart for what it really is.

We could have had Huijsen in the summer for 12 million mind, don’t think PSR is to blame for everything, recruitment needs refined and hopefully that’s what’s now happening.

Best away support I’ve ever been part of was Derby away at Easter under Keegan when it looked like we were heading for relegation, relentless support that day which made the hairs stand up.

Just watching the highlights of the game and it’s quite clear yet again it’s the space between our defence and midfield that is the problem. If our press is working well and the opposition is struggling we can get away with it, once a team breaks our press the gaps are huge. Despite having 2 great technicians in midfield we still can’t dominate possession in many games. In his time Howe has remained fixated on the 3 man midfield, surely there comes a point in the last couple of season he considers a double pivot like many of the top teams play. I think Bruno and Tonali would work as a double pivot and I’m still yet to be convinced about Bruno as an 8, he just doesn’t have the physical attributes required for this role in my opinion and is often left chasing shadows.

The away end at the Etihad has never been a great one for atmosphere, but our support is grim at times these days, fully expecting the Bruno in the middle chant to become the default of the masses at Wembley which will be horrific.

We used to be one of the best at supporting the team in defiance despite getting beaten on the pitch, the Brum fans did this superbly last Saturday. Our lot just seem to rock up and want entertained, look like a right bunch of fair weather small time cunts these days.

They paid a billion quid to help push the takeover through to BEIN Sports, they’ll be frustrated as much as us, but they’re an investment fund and play by the rules. They’re about to invest approaching 2 billion on infrastructure, we really just need to understand it’s a long term investment and they’re doing it strategically and patiently.

I think for our Cup Final chances alone it’s imperative we up our game considerably in the next 2 fixtures to go in with any confidence of beating them. Forrest will let us have all the possession next week will Eddie have a plan, or will we just get picked off as per by these teams. The transfer situation has been shit, but with no Europe and a full week to prepare for fixtures, days like today are deeply concerning going forward. Last season we were tired and this season we’ve gone stale, he probably gets next season even if he finishes below the likes of Bournemouth, Forrest and Brighton missing out on Europe, but really think he needs to move the dial to convince me that he’s the manager to take us to next level. The final will be very interesting, he was outdone by a much maligned manager on here 2 years ago, yes Liverpool are far superior, but we need to make a game of it and perform on the big stage for once.

We’ve had 3 pretty grim defeats recently to be honest.

Chop House Cross street great little watering hole and food is nice as well.

Possibly the scousers have 3 or 4 songs that drone on for a while, but work well in a neutral venue, hopefully something like Geordie Boot Boys takes off on the day and where loud, really hope we just don’t get that fucking horrific Bruno in the middle chant sung in response, or we’ll look fucking small time. One big hope is that Wor Flags have managed to get like minded people together and the atmosphere takes off behind the goal in lower tier.

Some interesting snippets and not sure for the sake of a few hundred yards and a more costly, complicated build we don’t just build it further up.

The judgement says the old rules can’t be severed by the 3 changes they made and yet Masters and co think the new rules are still in place and need to be adhered to. If the other clubs outside the cartel don’t realise now is the time for a vote of no confidence they never will.

The PL legal team probably anticipated the rules were unlawful and encouraged a new vote in spite of the ruling once first verdict was given, they’ll know their amended rules are also unlawful, however they’re masters of kicking the can down the road and delaying. On very dodgy ground now the PL and this could be very costly for all the clubs.

PL are burying their head with that statement and blatantly ignoring the verdict.

He’ll become a friend of Leazes Park and post videos objecting to the stadium.

Just had a quick look absolutely dismal reading the game as I knew it has gone.

Think the only chance atmosphere wise we have is a constant rendition of Eddie Howe’s Black & White army taking off at some point during the game. Gone are the days where you’d get Geordie Boot Boys, a constant Howay The Lads, or Blaydon Races booming out. Sad state of affairs.

Not sure what enjoyment some of these miserable cunts get out of attending to be honest, got the potential to be very embarrassing in the stands and put on full view how shite our much lauded support really is.

Apart from the pubs on the Kilburn High Road which were full of Man U’s lads and not the smartest recommendation as some found out to their cost.

Got to be a mass invasion of the pubs and streets around Covent Garden, nee body wants to stand in a cold dark park in March as I’ve seen suggested.

Can’t complain being drawn at home in the 5th round, but exactly the type of team we’ve been struggling with at home at this season. Brighton at home in the cup also sends shudders down any older fans, really tough draw in the context of being 2 weeks away from the Cup Final and keeping up the top 5 challenge.

PIF won’t want him going anywhere and will reward him handsomely at the end of his career with a lucrative move to Saudi.

Stood up well to some rough house tactics proud of the lads tonight.

Good feet and powerful going to be a real handful.