AJ9

I love the optimism @WillingtonMag. I just think over the course of a season there’s not much chance we’re getting near to the big 6 and that’s fine. We still have a squad that is fairly thin and teams will have plans next year on how to play us, players form may drop and we don’t know if the half season under Howe will be replicated or was a flash in the pan. Though if we can keep our home form we might get in the conversation. Aware that other ‘challengers’ are strengthening too mind.

We’re also not going to be challenging the top 4 either

Sensible.

Yeah and whether we like it or not, I reckon other potential players would be quite excited playing with him. He’s a bit of a name.

I feel that we should get rid, but not now. I don’t think he’s the right person for Howe longer term but I can’t see what point there would be to ditching him for an inferior player at this point.

The fetishisation of food is a problem like, especially with Instagram in the mix. That and the decadence of it all I find problematic. I totally agree in that respect. Like, there’s so much “artisan” food out there and I find myself asking, do we really need all of this? Especially when there are huge inequalities in access to food. Though it doesn’t seem to stop people cutting around taking photos of their expensively assembled meal or treat and sharing it all over social media.

One of my mates was like that. Would see food as an inconvenience or just like fuel. Didn’t really enjoy flavours or anything like that, though he almost certainly is on the autism spectrum (not just because of the food thing I might add). I can see his point of view in a way.

Improves us, so is a good signing for that fee.

Both would be fine, but people would whinge. Not exactly the kind of signings to push us on, but maybe they’re finding it difficult to get deals done.

Fwiw I think a major issue with most takeaways is the containers they’re transported in… Metal foil bottom + cardboard lid = sauce all over the shop Polystyrene container (for chips/pakora) = soggy shite Plastic container = spillage and cold Poppadums fucked if anywhere near the hot food You basically need to be living within 10 minutes of the restaurant otherwise it’ll be bollocks. The last Chinese I had would have been in a place called Asian Gourmet in Glasgow. It was class tbh. Usually go for a Kung Pao. Indian I used to have a paneer masala. After many years of searching I found a place called Balbirs. I still don’t think I’ve had a better curry in the U.K. than that place. With Indian, you know if the poppadoms/pakora are served hot and crispy, the rest is going to be good.

I've actually moved so far away from any decent takeaway anywhere. Saving me a lot of money, but when I lived-in Glasgow, Indians were absolutely class. Loads of belting ones too.

100%

My unpopular opinion...Chinese takeaways are the fucking pits.

I can get on board with all of what you're saying...but I still like their songs for a family road trip/sing along. Their fans are insufferable, as are the middle class wanks that latch onto them, added to the fact that they get rolled out any time there's any sort of establishment 'celebration' (see the jubilee). I mean there are far better bands from the UK. However, I say all of that, but I still can detach myself from it and enjoy singing along to Somebody to Love etc.

I’m sure you’ll be great