BlazeT44

Not good enough, if we are honest. Seems a great character, and I do think he genuinely tries his best every minute he's on the pitch. Can't help but wish him well at Forest. Lower Premier League side / Championship contender is probably his level.

Really going to enjoy the two legs. The second leg at home is going to be very special.

Christ, how is he still 30?! Is it just me or does it feel like he's been around forever?

Seems like Brighton are to Chelsea, what Southampton were to Liverpool at one point. Fair play to Brighton though. If this comes off they'll have took c.150M off Chelsea, which if invested wisely could set them up with a good core for years.

Some great reads in here. Really enjoyed reading this thread this evening. I'd be definitely up to meet some of you the next time I'm at a game (getting tickets is bloody hard now like!)

I grew up near Sheffield. My Dad always supported Sheffield United and some other members of my family supported Wednesday. They all took me to games, but I didn't remember them and was never too interested. I remember watching the semi final of the FA cup with my dad in 1998 (Us vs. Sheffield United) and remember cheering for Newcastle. Before you know it, we were in two back to back finals. With the heartbreak that followed. I then went to see Newcastle at Hillsborough when Wednesday were in the Premier League. I just wanted a shirt. I got one -- Brown Ale sponsor, miles too big. Followed by the NTL one. I met Bobby Robson outside of Hillsborough. He was amazing with me and was talking to my Dad. He signed everything I had as he was talking, ruffled my hair and then gestured at both Dabizas and Shearer to sign. After convincing my mum and dad to take me to Newcatle and SJP, I fell in love with the city, the club and the crowd. I remember walking through the city and having my photo took, and I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and pride. A very weird feeling as a small kid. The first time I'd ever experienced it. We walked the stairs to our seats, and I remember coming out on the concourse and hearing the crowd and I fell immediately in love. I've been coming back ever since. I didn't make the trip so much under Ashley's reign to be honest. No one wanted to go with me, and no one would make the trip. My long term girlfriend isn't from England and she never got my love for Newcastle. Until last year, when I convinced her to attend the Burnley game. The first win that kicked off our season. I was then back for the Villa game. At the full time whistle, I'd not heard SJP roar like that for many years. I remember being really emotional and trying to hold it in (I know!). She turned to me and said "I get it! Can we come back?". After the Burnley game, we went drinking with some fans we'd met and had been talking to for hours. She didn't understand a fucking word they said, but loved every minute. There are now 2 Newcastle fans in our home.

Won't hold that against him ??

Imagine spending 47.5m on a player to ship them out months later...

Raheem Sterling being shopped, apparently...

Not at his best today, but not many can be a 7 out of 10 every week. He's one of our most consistent performers, so I'm not fussed at an off week. He's quality.

Him coming back is like a new signing? ?

Never had a problem with (above) average squad players being available to come in and put a proper shift in. Yes, he might be no Bruno or Big Joe, but he's committed to the cause. If we're going to compete on 3 or 4 fronts in the next 5 years, we're going to need a deep squad. He's also part of our homegrown quota. My issue is more with players like Dummett who aren't even available when required.

Might be helpful. Next few games... Man Utd Vs Palace Arsenal Palace Arsenal Vs Spurs Man Utd Everton Spurs Vs Arsenal City Fulham City Vs Spurs Wolves Spurs Liverpool and Chelsea are 9th and 10th and they play each other next ...

Maxi loves a bit of drama. Soon as he gets the ball he'll go 110% down the wing, lose it, then limp a little before repeating.

Still need a new left back?

Best to get it in early...

I think you have to think long term, and Eddie will have been told that by the owners. An unexpected FA cup win would do fuck all for us long term. A Europa or even a Champions League spot would be far more advantageous to us -- both of in terms of being able to attract better players, and better commercial deals. The latter option advances our inevitable progression to consistently challenging for trophies.

Great minds.

He wouldn't get a game...

Some of our team have been stealing a living for a long time.

Was a raw talent that was never developed fully, IMO

Was just thinking we could use a young, upcoming player who can play LB and RB. Without being pinned to the cross on here... A Davide Santon type player who can get forward and add some threat, allowing us to create the overload on either side.

That's it. We've got to sign him.

Legend is thrown around far too often these days, but if there was ever a word to describe Pele it is exactly that. Rest in Peace. They've got quite the football team up there...

Released, apparently? After 3 months he's looking for a new club.