TheBrownBottle

*looks at Southgate’s record at the Smoggies* Yes, I can heartily recommend him for the Man Utd job.

It’s the story of the NE generally. So many genuinely beautiful places which are undiscovered by everyone else, yet neglected and underfunded by central govt

Honestly mate, don’t know how to credit you all enough. I sit in my day job here in Sydney with lads from the UK and other places which aren’t - every Monday it’s now the thing where before our weekly meeting we gawp at WF displays and the dozen football supporters in the group love it. I realise it will probably means nowt outside of that, but all are impressed and it means the world to me. I should’ve donated more than I have. All the best to you all - can’t wait to see what you’ve got up your sleeve next season. HTL

They're an excellent side - and I agreed with your comment the other day; that in the highly unlikely circumstances that Howe leaves, De Zerbi would be one of my first port of calls

It is hard for me to criticise in a sense - I'm no longer an active participant in the atmosphere (unless my voice carries 10,000 miles) - but while I did think it wasn't great today, I do think that generally the atmosphere through the TV is as good as it pretty much ever was post-Taylor Report and post-new Milburn / Leazes. It really doesn't sound that bad to me (in terms of modern football). During my c.20 years as a ST holder, I never thought it was ever that great anyway - it definitely paled in comparison to away games

Why have I never seen this place before? It is gorgeous! I'm sort of pissed off that I left the NE without a visit ...

Completely agree. Enciso was an irritating little shite, but an extremely talented one with it. After our first five mins of fluster, I thought they took control. I actually think it is to our credit (Howe and the players) that we swung the momentum back in our favour. But BHAFC are no mugs.

It is easy to forget just how good Brighton has been for some time. Their form has dipped relatively speaking, but they're easily a top half side and have been for some time. I do think sometimes it is easy to think of the 'badge' rather than the side we're playing, and underestimate the opposition. I still believe that Leicester's PL title win owed something to this - the best counter-attacking side in PL history seeing other clubs playing expansive football against them because 'its only Leicester'. I don't think it is unfair to think that one day Brighton will find themselves in the third or fourth tier again, their 'natural' home. But they are currently an extremely well-run club with an excellent manager and players.

Have to say that I thought the Gallowgate display was canny (once I got to see it like - thanks PL international feed!) I think the issue was more to do with the light - the Leazes, East and Milburn all benefit from the clear roof and are well lit in Spring, which makes the Gallowgate look dark and harder to see displays with darker flags etc All the credit in the world to the lads and lasses behind WF - @Heron and co do an incredible thing for us all (those in the ground, and those of us who are separated by distance). You should all take a collective bow

Yep. The lad is one of us and works his bollocks off. He'll be replaced in the likely not-too-distant future with someone better, but no-one could criticise how hard he's worked and how much he's improved under Howe

I’ll both remember him fondly and as being a bit shite. What can I say, I’m complicated

You think that the European Cup is the equivalent of the FA Cup? Not sure if you’re taking the piss at this point.

It just isn’t. Not even close. If it is like anything it’s the League Cup - and I take it you didn’t bother with last year’s final in that competition

Love how you think we’re more attractive without it

Agreed 100% re folks being upset re a draw, but European qualification isn’t a booby prize

He’s not your guy, friend

Not the owner’s call. It’s a listed building.

The Europa League and Conference League aren’t ‘mickey mouse’ (can we wait until we’ve won stuff before we become this arrogant?) - and in terms of finances, a long run in the Europa League will net us similar numbers to the CL this season (the financial rewards for which are massively overstated unless your club has a high coefficient - which we don’t, because we’ve spent a decade not qualifying for ‘mickey mouse’ competitions)

No, definitely not

I’m scratching my head at it. We needed seven points before the game to mathematically guarantee it (not allowing for Chelsea winning both games 8-0 or something daft). We can still get those seven points - and that’s without others dropping points. It’s completely OTT

He didn’t look right all game tbf - maybe he was also not 100% fit?

Yep. Can’t say I blame Howe for that tbh

Not sure he did. There’ll be reasons for taking off Isak. Other than that, he can’t put his brain in the players’ heads - some bizarre decision-making by the players was the big problem today for me.

Hey ho. Draw probably the right result. Some really poor decision-making and passing really cost us.

Absolutely abysmal this time wasting