October football: The Sack Race

[Don]

Isn't it the same as Sol Bamba's? He's back to smashing Champ strikers with his massive swinging penis at the age of 53.

We need to cut down the cancer chat on here before we manifest something.

[Dquincy]

Culture war is the way in which every little thing becomes a theatre of battle between the forces of them lot and the forces of the other lot. It's an American import. One lot are taking the knee, others are booing it, Southgate is writing open letters, and Sir Henry Winter is using the applause emoji at three times the rate, all because some unrelated Americans got hot under the collar about George Floyd 18 months ago.

In a world free of the culture war, George Floyd would get done in, justice either would or would not run its course, and then everyone would get on with their lives, rather than employing and/or denigrating pre-match gestures at Cardiff v Rotherham.

Under culture war conditions, many companies (with exceptions like Spoons) need, desperately, to be positioned on one side because urban liberals form a much greater share of their revenue base than do the other lot, and if your company was seen to be reactionary or even neutral in its outlook you're in for a cancelling. Ergo you get John Lewis ads like that. In a non culture war scenario, John Lewis wouldn't make that ad, or if it did, you wouldn't think anything of it.

Everything is the culture war, the culture war is everything, welcome to the 21st century.
This is bang on. Well done.

[phonics]

Watching Jack Wilshere clearly not want to give up playing football but also know that his style of play means he can’t do the drop down the league thing is so depressing.

Abou Diaby had his career ended by a bloke who works in a bookie now but where Wilsheres ended up is just as sad.

I know people will say it’s Arsenal bias but I’ve never seen a player like him. His ankle being in bits is 95% his fault but I think if he played in today’s football where any mistimed tackle is a yellow he’d make Phil Foden look like an absolute no mark.

[Manc]

It is Arsenal bias. You admitted yesterday you only watch THE ARSENAL.

[SvN]

Someone check for Mantralux's IP.

[niko_cee]

I'm sure Xavi will sign him up once he finally gets his feet under the table at Barcelona.

[Spikey M]

This may be Anti-Arsenal bias, but I reckon Jack Wellshites downfall was actually to do with operation Yewtree.

[Lofty]

Diaby was genuinely unlucky with injuries, that tackle that started it all off was absolutely disgraceful.

Jack was a great talent but his fannying about in nightclubs whilst injured always tarnished that 'what if' aura for me, as there is always the question of if he had knuckled down during recovery would he have seen better results on the pitch? Contrast that with the likes of Pires and Koscielny shipping off to live a basically monastic lifestyle to recover from their serious injuries and coming back fine. By all accounts he can stay fit if a team is willing to cater to a different training schedule for him, of course that requires a sympathetic manager etc.

Sign for Newcastle on a free in January :eyemouth:

[SincereTheRebel]

His career never took off. He may have had potential but if he never unlocked it. Its his fault only. One of my mans reckons Bellingham will be a hyperstar. Only time will tell. We have had players like him many times before. A good measuring stick for him is Fabregas.

[Manc]

In English please.

[phonics]

You’re such a fucking weirdo Manc. Sort yourself out. I genuinely have no idea how to read your post as anything but a bit racist and I’d like to give you the benefit of the doubt.

[Giggles]

You’re such a fucking weirdo Manc. Sort yourself out. I genuinely have no idea how to read your post as anything but a bit racist and I’d like to give you the benefit of the doubt.

:D you prissy fucking mong.

[phonics]

You are literally the softest most easily offended person on the board who invents people to get angry at when you can’t find an anti-Irish angle to get offended by. Guy made a perfectly intelligible post and responds with English please? It’s knob shit. Meanwhile, you, Fuck off grandad.

[Spikey M]

It’s knob shit. Meanwhile, you, Fuck off grandad.

In English please?

[Giggles]

You are literally the softest most easily offended person on the board who invents people to get angry at when you can’t find an anti-Irish angle to get offended by. Guy made a perfectly intelligible post and responds with English please? It’s knob shit. Meanwhile, you, Fuck off grandad.

Every Sincere post is full of that mans shite and barely resembles English but you can’t say it because that’s apparently racist in your head, because everyone you deem has to be immune from all criticism for everything. You’re like a living embodiment of shit ever-offended Twitter. Also, Sincere is probably the most racist cunt on here seeing as you’re throwing it about.

[phonics]

Every Sincere post is full of that mans shite and barely resembles English but you can’t say it because that’s apparently racist in your head, because everyone you deem has to be immune from all criticism for everything. You’re like a living embodiment of shit ever-offended Twitter. Also, Sincere is probably the most racist cunt on here seeing as you’re throwing it about.

:D you prissy fucking mong.

[Lewis]

Abou Diaby was the better talent. He could have been Yaya Toure-level.

[Giggles]

:D you prissy fucking mong.

Classic. Living embodiment.

[phonics]

Classic can give it out, can’t take it shite from Giggles.

[SvN]

This is what we need more of.

[phonics]

Abou Diaby was the better talent. He could have been Yaya Toure-level.

Is truly a sliding doors moment that ankle breaker. It’s so fucking brutal as well. I think Sunderland sacked him for it it was that bad.

[Shindig]

Wilshere always struck me as someone who probably had a horrible attitude.

[Don]

Calling out that covert racism is a real positive sign of the times, wp Phonics. If we don't highlight it, these gammons are likely to continue to live in their bubble of thinking it's all fine and any criticism is part of CULTURE WARZ bollocks so we're actually helping them become better people.

[Giggles]

Classic can give it out, can’t take it shite from Giggles.

Fucking hell it’s like you’ve a little book of insults saved up but you’re just picking randomly from it. Is it racist if I call you thick too?

[phonics]

:D you prissy fucking mong.

[Giggles]

Never change phonics lad. You’re absolute gold.

[phonics]

I’d say the opposite about you but making a joke about gold would only be showing my inherent and latent anti Irish racism that infects this board at all times. Buh-bye you truly horrible person.

[Spikey M]

:( you prissy fucking mong.

[wullie]

There was rumour of Wilshere training and then signing with us, he must have seen how Joe Cole fell in love with football again during his spell with us and fancied a bit of that but then spotted Ben Sheaf and Jamie Allen and realised there's no chance he'd get a game.

[Shindig]

"I've got that Jack you ordered."
<enter Jack Rodwell>

Send it back.

[Baz]

Is truly a sliding doors moment that ankle breaker. It’s so fucking brutal as well. I think Sunderland sacked him for it it was that bad.

Wasn’t it in stoppage time when the game was done too?

[Shindig]

Brendan Rodgers in line to take over from Bruce. We truly are in the darkest timeline.

[SvN]

You'd be lucky to have Rodgers, he's a good manager. He's a moron if he leaves Leicester for your shower.

[Shindig]

"Ah, but you know, I've always thought this place was special. Ever since I was a boy."

Money talks and Brendan loves the sound of his own voice.

[niko_cee]

Probably not a sensible career move, but the pay (and pay-off) will be spectacular, so as a professional decision it would be a no-brainer. Also every manager spends their entire existence wanting unlimited backing so anyone turning it down would be a bit daft.

[Ian]

Also if he didn't take it and whoever did goes on to make them into the next Man City he'd probably regret it. And there's probably only so much further he's likely to take Leicester.

[Offshore Toon]

I saw reports yesterday about Brendan but there wasn't any substance to it and he outright denied it. I think he'd be stupid to leave Leicester tbh, but would obviously take him.

[Gray Fox]

He's pushed Leicester about as far as he'll be able to really, but hasn't yet reached the point of the club/fans finding him stale(this will come).

Ticks many boxes for the new owners and I don't see him fighting back if they start telling him what to do over something.

[Lofty]

Abou Diaby was the better talent. He could have been Yaya Toure-level.

Correct, the glimpses of him when he wasn't crocked were really something.


Is truly a sliding doors moment that ankle breaker. It’s so fucking brutal as well. I think Sunderland sacked him for it it was that bad.

I think it was more of a case he was not good enough anyway and shouldn't have been anywhere near the pitch. If I remember correctly weren't Arsenal winning 3-0 at the time and the horror tackle was on touchline in something daft like the 93rd minute?

[mo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMXQspyvsJY&t=80s&ab_channel=souster98

Definite red that, nowadays. Even without VAR.

[Dquincy]

His career never took off. He may have had potential but if he never unlocked it. Its his fault only. One of my mans reckons Bellingham will be a hyperstar. Only time will tell. We have had players like him many times before. A good measuring stick for him is Fabregas.

Do you see what you've caused? Well played.

[John Arne]

Has Kevin "KDB" De Bruyne had a decent game for club or country since he signed his gazillion dollar new contract?

[phonics]

Hasn’t it been less than a month and he scored a worldie against Liverpool?

[John Arne]

About a month, yeah. Goal side, he was pretty anonymous in that game, as he has been in other games I've seen him play this season (I think that may be his only contribution this season?).

[phonics]

Has x player played well in the last 3 weeks (excluding scoring an excellent goal) seems a pretty shit bar to set tbh.

Proper ‘club in crisis’ stuff.

[Spikey M]

Ronaldo has done fuck all for United this week. :harold:

[phonics]

Also I just checked. 10 goals/assists in 15 games. Should have left him leave on a free imo.

[John Arne]

Has x player played well in the last 3 weeks (excluding scoring an excellent goal) seems a pretty shit bar to set tbh.

Proper ‘club in crisis’ stuff.

I mean, I'm just asking a question since the last few games I've seen he has been complete guff, and we are a couple of months into the season now. Still, feel free be miserable cunt, rather than just agreeing or disagreeing.

[phonics]

I am quite literally disagreeing with you and the very premise of your question.

You just said he was complete guff in the game he scored a worldie?

[John Arne]

I am quite literally disagreeing with you and the very premise of your question.

You just said he was complete guff in the game he scored a worldie?

At least read my post properly, I said he was anonymous in the Liverpool game, which he was. But yes, he scored a good goal too.
I wasn't planning on doing an in-depth statistical analysis, more just a passing comment. I had no idea that he scored 2 goals against France, though - that completely passed me by. A quick look on transfermrket shows 5 in 9 - which is a lot more than I thought - where is the 10 in 15 figure from?

[John Arne]

You know what, don't answer that. I really don't want to continue this.

[Dquincy]

You know what, don't answer that. I really don't want to continue this.

He can be rather unpleasant quite a lot of the time can't he. I'm not sure why though.

[phonics]

I used whoscored. I’m really not sure what you’re mad about? I replied to your question and I didn’t agree with you so I’m a dick?

[phonics]

He can be rather unpleasant quite a lot of the time can't he. I'm not sure why though.

I try (and regularly fail) to be a nice person but I’m so happy with how badly you’ve taken me burying you after you called me a junkie. Very satisfying.

[Offshore Toon]

Just ignore him and he'll flutter off to Twitter to find an argument instead.

[phonics]

Just ignore him and he'll flutter off to Twitter to find an argument instead.

You peaked sometime in 2009 and now spend your time relying on familiar joke formats for a cheap pop with a round or two of social bullying in between. Mate, you ARE Twitter.

[niko_cee]

Hasn’t it been less than a month and he scored a worldie against Liverpool?

I didn't really get the hype on that goal, it was massively deflected and was a simple save without the deflection.

[CJay]

Odds are phonics didn’t actually see it.

[Don]

This international break has clearly been as difficult for some of you as it has for me. Absolutely brutal. Another one in less than 4 weeks too and we're now in the Emgland position of having virtually qualified with a useless cunt in charge :sick:

[Offshore Toon]

Now that Scotland have another mode other than 'utter shite' I'm enjoying the international breaks. Similarly to Jimmy's approach, I had a period a few years back where I watched Malta and it was pretty fun.

There are very few moments where picking England is a good choice. Choose your future. Choose Malta.

[John Arne]

This international break has clearly been as difficult for some of you as it has for me. Absolutely brutal. Another one in less than 4 weeks too and we're now in the Emgland position of having virtually qualified with a useless cunt in charge :sick:

Your game against South Korea was so frustrating. So many decent players doing stupid fucking things all the time. Azmoun particularly seemed to make the wrong decision every time.... Taremi looked like he wanted to smash his face in.

[Pepe]

"scored a worldie" is a terrible phrase.

[Spikey M]

Don't be a dippy egg.

[randomlegend]

Stick him on the hob, Spikes.

[Ian]

Leave the hobs alone or I'll phone the RSPCA.

[Shindig]

No need to get on your peddle stools, lads.

[Gray Fox]

I see Bruce has launched a SCATHING ATTACK on the journalists who he said wanted to see him replaced.

Good on him to go out swinging.

[-james-]

It doesn't seem to be being talked about that they could still very well go down if they get things wrong this season. Mon the Burnley.

[Offshore Toon]

He said himself he was likely to go and was okay with it so I don't know why he's so upset at the journalists. Absolute moron.

[Offshore Toon]

It doesn't seem to be being talked about that they could still very well go down if they get things wrong this season. Mon the Burnley.
Newcastle fans are well aware and that's why there's a lot of upset that Bruce hasn't gone, but I'm fairly certain things will be fine if we can get a competent manager before Christmas.

[Gray Fox]

Given I'm not exactly sure what's realistic now given they can chuck money at everything, who would you want?

[Giggles]

Newcastle fans are well aware and that's why there's a lot of upset that Bruce hasn't gone, but I'm fairly certain things will be fine if we can get a competent manager before Christmas.

Is Bruce really the problem?

[Shindig]

Bruce wasn't really the main problem, though. Was it? Mike Ashley's spent the last year keeping his pockets tight waiting for the sale to go through. Imagine having to manage a club knowing you'll get nothing in the way of players.

[Offshore Toon]

Given I'm not exactly sure what's realistic now given they can chuck money at everything, who would you want?
I haven't followed football enough recently to have a clue, but I'm certain we can attract a higher calibre of manager than Steve Bruce given that no other club in the league would go near him.

Is Bruce really the problem?

Bruce wasn't really the main problem, though. Was it? Mike Ashley's spent the last year keeping his pockets tight waiting for the sale to go through. Imagine having to manage a club knowing you'll get nothing in the way of players.
Bruce wasn't the main problem, but now he is. Without ASM and an insane run of goals from Joe Willock we probably would have gone down last season. Would you take the risk of receiving similar fortune this season?

[Shindig]

No because we're going to be spending money in January.

[Don]

You've spent ovet £100m across the last 3 seasons and all you've brought in is £30m for Ayoze. Rest assured Bruce very much is the problem (in addition to recruitment teams but that pretty much applies to all bar about 4 teams).

[Offshore Toon]

Shindig lost it (or whatever he had) some years ago and rarely makes sense anymore.

[Lewis]

Steve Bruce seems like the nicest man in football. If better managers are available then get one, but they seem to be going about it a bit shittily.

[Offshore Toon]

He's not that nice. He's very self-serving and petty.

[Spikey M]

In a world where Newcastles owners won't sit in anything without a Lamborghini badge, Steve Bruce is not "On Brand".

A few years ago this would have had Mourinho written all over it.

[Yevrah]

I wouldn't be surprised if it still does.

[Giggles]

It’ll be a good barometer for where things are going. If they’re thick enough to go for a Mourinho then you may as well have Ashley.

[niko_cee]

In a world where Newcastles owners won't sit in anything without a Lamborghini badge, Steve Bruce is not "On Brand".

A few years ago this would have had Mourinho written all over it.

Still should do really. Following in his mentor's footsteps and all, but maybe he's not very 'on brand' anymore either.

[Shindig]

I wouldn't trust Mourinho to manage well again in this league. He might get somewhere with Roma.


After failing to lead the nation to 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, Hiddink contracted COVID-19 in 2021, prompting Patrick Kluivert to step in as interim manager of the team.[67] On 9 September 2021, Hiddink officially stepped down as head coach of Curaçao and announced his managerial retirement at the age of 74.[68]

I can probably rule Guus out. Probably. Who's that bloke in the crisp white shirts that hops around Africa loads? Can we have him?

[Baz]

Steve Bruce once scored an own goal for Liverpool with his arse. Top lad. A mate from school used to go ballistic at the mere mention of Own Goal Bummer Bruce for a long time after.

[Don]

He's leading Saudi Arabia to the WC ��

[Ian]

What you need is a binman.

[Lewis]

Newcastle only have one binman candidate and they used him up.

[Shindig]

Kevin Keegan, round three.

[Gray Fox]

Joe Kinnear is still alive.

[Ian]

Shay Given is a coach isn't he? But hasn't actually managed anybody and has a shitload of appearances for the club. Prime Binman material. :drool:

[Pepe]

What's Nolberto Solano up to these days?

[Lewis]

I don't know if a goalkeeper can be a binman. Somebody like Buffon could be, but not the mediocre Newcastle and Ireland man. What is the NARRATIVE?

[Shindig]

Steve Harper's a coach for us.

Shola Ameobi's on a human rights organisation's board so .... I don't think he'd fancy it. :D We don't really have a lot of ex-players going into management. Mike Williamson's Gateshead is 4th in the Conference North at the minute. I reckon you could give Steve Bruce a dye job and pretend he's Steve Watson.

Duncan Ferguson. Let's do that.

[Ian]

I don't know if a goalkeeper can be a binman. Somebody like Buffon could be, but not the mediocre Newcastle and Ireland man. What is the NARRATIVE?

I know goalies aren't a common binman but he's up there with the most appearances for them. Surely that's enough.

[Boydy]

Give Steve Bruce a warchest. :drool:

[Ian]

Duncan Ferguson. Let's do that.

Now we're talking. :drool:

[Offshore Toon]

I'd definitely take Keegan. It'd be so much fun and you know ASM would play out of his skin every week.

[Lewis]

I know goalies aren't a common binman but he's up there with the most appearances for them. Surely that's enough.

A load of appearances just sort of being alright in goal. I'm not having it.

[Kikó]

I'd definitely take Keegan. It'd be so much fun and you know ASM would play out of his skin every week.

It would be amazing actually. Let's make it happen.

[Shindig]

If Schmeichel got into management with United, I'd definitely have him down as a binman. For us, I'm not sure Shay cuts it but that's more on club stature.

[Ian]

One Of The Best Shot Stoppers In The League as the pundits and that always used to say.

I'll leave it to the Newcastle lads to say how he's regarded by the fans to decide it. Shinners? Offy?

[Lewis]

There are plenty of Top Reds out there who don't have a lot of time for Peter Schmeichel. Binman status uncertain.

[SvN]

The imaginary cartwheel ruined his legacy.

[Offshore Toon]

Keegan + Graeme Jones could be a good combination. The former should be involved with the club in some capacity anyway as he oozes inspiration. I can't think of anybody better to remind the world what the club is about.

I liked Given a lot but he wasn't really up there. He wasn't the best around and he had little to no personality so he's pretty much been forgotten. It might have been different had he not gone to City, but that was a no brainer for him.

[Offshore Toon]

What's the Binman criteria again? I think Shearer, Shola, Coloccini would fit the bill.

[Ian]

I think we'd previously established it as somebody who Knows The Club and wouldn't get the job if they didn't as the core tenets of Binmanhood.

[Lofty]

Abou Diaby was the better talent. He could have been Yaya Toure-level.

Surely it's Brendan's if he wants it?

[Ian]

What, the tag of being Yaya Toure level??

[Gray Fox]

Good to see Brucey has had the Spurs lasagne laced with Covid for his 1000th game.

[Shindig]

Wilson, Lascelles and Shelvey are back. Hopefully the takeover makes this Championship-ish standard squad start playing for their lives.

[Baz]

What's Keegan upto nowadays? Pardon the pun but I'd love it if he got the job. Top bloke.

[Shindig]

After dinner speaking. I don't think he's got the urge to get back into management at 70.

[Pepe]

What's Nolberto Solano up to these days?

Assistant manager for Peru, apparently. Get him in.

[SvN]

Presenting the Meat management awards.

[phonics]

My Dad loves being in the Championship. Think he’s gladly take West Brom declining promotion every year and just watching them win more than 5 games a year.

[phonics]

On the Steve Bruce thing I don’t really get the issue with him. It seems to begin and end with he replaced Rafa and Mike Ashley hired him. He finished 12th and 13th and got more points than Rafa did.

[Offshore Toon]

What does Steve Bruce do well?

[SvN]

Piss off delusional supporters.

[Danny]

Presenting the Meat management awards.

Cant believe they cancelled Michael's (or was it Chris) ticket.

[Shindig]

What does Steve Bruce do well?

Finish midtable.

[Lofty]

Abou Diaby was the better talent. He could have been Yaya Toure-level.


What, the tag of being Yaya Toure level??

I did multi quote the other day so I am doomed now apparently.

[phonics]

What does Steve Bruce do well?

I’m just not sure what’s expected of him. Were Newcastle fans angry at Rafa for not finishing in European places?

[Lewis]

I did multi quote the other day so I am doomed now apparently.

You have to go back to the original post and un-quote it.

[Offshore Toon]

Rafa wasn't amazing but he wasn't properly backed either. He did a good job of getting us back up and then staying up. Plus, you could see improvements in the players and actual tactics being implemented with a will to control the match.

With Bruce, it doesn't feel like he has a plan at all. He's also the total opposite of Rafa as a person and will blame everyone in sight before taking responsibility. I'll reiterate that we were properly in the shit last season before Willock went mad. King James had us going down around the time Brighton fully outclassed us and won 3-0, and, while I disagreed that we'd go down, it was closer than the table suggests.

I think Bruce should be given respect for holding things together, but he has no future in Premier League football.

[Shindig]

I'm trying to remember when the Covid hit big. Everybody came back in the back half and saved our bacon. Same could be said for the season before. Perez had a mad finish to the season to earn his move away.

[Lofty]

You have to go back to the original post and un-quote it.

Cheers, annoying it doesn't just auto do it after the initial post.

[Mellberg]

All that Bruce stuff rings so true. He did a decent job for us. We were in the relegation zone (of the fucking Championship) when he took over. Kept us up in about 13th and then lost the playoff final the following year. He probably had the best squad in the Championship though. Grealish, Terry, Snodgrass (don't laugh. Class player), Chester, Tuanzebe and others who were too good for that league. Never felt like we had a plan and the excuses were unbearable. Also felt like everyone was out to get him, which I see in his quotes at Newcastle. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy, because people ended up thinking fuck this moaning cunt. He's okay, but we'd probably still be in that league or a really shit Prem outfit with him at the helm. Sack him tomorrow.

[Offshore Toon]

This is it, he's been backed with money and time and we still have no system in place. It's just the same shit every week. There's no reason we can't and shouldn't bring in a significant upgrade.

[Shindig]

Of the 14 players Bruce has signed for us, 9 are free transfers and loan deals. I don't really call that being backed. Still, unless you've got an eye for it, money does you no good. I still don't get the Joelinton deal. He'd been on Rafa's radar for a while but he left because the board wouldn't back him. It feels like the board spending that money out of spite. I'd rather that went on several players because we've never had a big squad under Ashley.

I've never entirely been sure how we've done business in the last decade. Control over transfers has led to Rafa and Keegan leaving and Pardew's deals where all Carr's French fancies.

[Offshore Toon]

Ashley wanted Joelinton, where as Rafa agreed but not at the price we paid (I think it was more £15m-£20m he thought was acceptable).

Simply put, nothing Bruce has done has suggested he can take this club up another level or two. He had no pedigree when he was appointed and he's done nothing since to convince anyone except Shindig.

I'm honestly baffled that there's even a debate.

[phonics]

What’s the debate you’re saying there shouldn’t be. What manager could you have got in the last two years which would have made you a global powerhouse?

It’s not like this debate only started the day MBS threatened the premier league with a bonesaw.

[Offshore Toon]

There should be no debate as to whether Bruce should be replaced as soon as possible, and that second sentence is ridiculous as I'd expect from you at this time of morning.

I could understand wanting to keep him if we were in a decent position so far this season, but we haven't even had a win or clean sheet yet.

For clarity, I don't think the right move is to push him and his team out for the sake of it, however (and I suspect this is the approach the new owners are taking) it should be the first priority to line up a replacement.

[phonics]

I’m with you on the ‘now we have bone saws on our side let’s go get a good manager’ I’ve just never understood the hate against him prior to the takeover happening.

[Offshore Toon]

I think that's largely a personality thing, although that would be forgiven if there was something worthwhile happening on the pitch. He may come across as a nice guy, but most fans see him as someone who is extremely thin-skinned and refuses to take responsibility.

1449008611452194822

"It's not about me" before losing his head and having a go at journalists for reporting he may be replaced. This, a week after saying:


“I want to continue, I’d like the chance to show the new owners what I can do, but you have to be realistic and they may well want a new manager to launch things for them," Bruce told the Telegraph. "New owners normally want a new manager. I’ve been around long enough to understand that.

That decision is not up to me. I accept that and I will accept what comes my way. I have to wait to have those conversations with people when the time is right.

“If I don’t make it to a 1,000 games against Spurs, you might say that could only happen to me, but I don’t think it would be cruel. It’s just football.”
The bolded bit being the most pathetic shit you could hear and he does this all the time. He's always the victim and blames fans, media, whatever whilst showing no improvements on the pitch.

[Max Power]

All that Bruce stuff rings so true. He did a decent job for us. We were in the relegation zone (of the fucking Championship) when he took over. Kept us up in about 13th and then lost the playoff final the following year. He probably had the best squad in the Championship though. Grealish, Terry, Snodgrass (don't laugh. Class player), Chester, Tuanzebe and others who were too good for that league. Never felt like we had a plan and the excuses were unbearable. Also felt like everyone was out to get him, which I see in his quotes at Newcastle. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy, because people ended up thinking fuck this moaning cunt. He's okay, but we'd probably still be in that league or a really shit Prem outfit with him at the helm. Sack him tomorrow.

Was it you who chucked the cabbage at him? :D

[Gray Fox]

Having to do without Alisson and Fabinho for today because they played for Brazil is stupid.
Apparently they’ve flown straight to Madrid so they can play that game instead.

[Don]

Us giving Son COVID has fucked with my FPL ffs.

[John Arne]

Have we worn our away kit this season yet?

[igor_balis]

that pass was disgusting, awesome

[Gray Fox]

That's absolutely outrageous.

[niko_cee]

These match stats are a bit insane.

Ambush inbound.

[Ian]

Loved the Salah pass for the goal.

There's a similar assist from Lampard yonks ago. Can't remember the goal but I remember the pass.

[John Arne]

Rose is having an absolute mare. Probably faking this injury so he can get himself off the pitch.

[Gray Fox]

Remember when he tried to give Levy the “Fuck you, pay me” approach? Looks like he’d be lucky to be in the championship on this showing.

[Ian]

Blimey, there is a Tom Cleverly on the pitch.

Edit: he's the captain???

[Gray Fox]

I like that we've scored but goals like that should not stand.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That should have been offside.

The defender only slid because Salah is there.

[Ian]

Ooft, lovely finish.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's not too bad.

[Gray Fox]

He's mesmerising.

[John Arne]

Such a bollocks offside rule. How on any planet is he not interfering if he is stood behind the defender - forcing him to stretch for it.

Bollocks.

[John Arne]

Wow.

[Lofty]

I’m with you on the ‘now we have bone saws on our side let’s go get a good manager’ I’ve just never understood the hate against him prior to the takeover happening.

According to Lars 'annoying' Sivertsen on Football Weekly, Newcastle spend the same as most mid table teams in terms of wages so their flirtations with relegation aren't reflective of that.

[Boydy]

Why are there Europa league games kicking off at 3:30pm midweek?

[niko_cee]

Whisper it but RL seems to have done a bit of a Taz with this Salah/Ronaldo business. He's been insane since the provocation.

Hold the press, just watching soccer Saturday and Tim Sherwood reckons Newcastle will win the league before Barcelona win the European Cup again. Think it was said in the context of Sterling being too good for Barcelona. I assume he wasn't advocating that he goes to Newcastle, but fuck knows. Some of the kids they've got coming through look pretty special, even if they've been poached rather than Masia que un trained up.

[Shindig]

Tim's probably just looking for the manager's job. The king of binmen.

[Spikey M]

Tim has already had his binman stint. Can you have more than one?

[Danny]

What a hit from Greenwood

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Greenwood :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1449380015330758662

The sound it makes when it hits the post before going in is so satisfying.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Anyone got a decent stream?

The ones I've found seem to keep lagging on my Fire TV.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Maguire is a fanny, class finish though.

[niko_cee]

Cracking assist by Fernandes for that Greenwood goal. :happycry:

[John Arne]

Anyone got a decent stream?

The ones I've found seem to keep lagging on my Fire TV.

http://hockeyweb.site/daily/news/leicester16/?sport=soccer

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The binman strikes again.

[Lewis]

I put this on twenty minutes ago and it has been all Leicester, and all them in exactly the same way it was all *opposition* in the other games since Leeds beat themselves. Fucking hell. What are they expecting to change, and how are they expecting it to change?

[Lewis]

Two like-for-like substitutions, a long ball... Oh but then.

[Danny]

Maguire has been an absolute bombscare. He is no where near match fit.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:lol:

[Gray Fox]

What a mad 10 mins or so.

[Lewis]

Maguire, Fernandes, and Rashford are his comfort blanket players. If they can walk they will play.

[Yevrah]

He's assembled a cracking set of players, but he really has no idea what he's doing with them on the pitch, does he?

So long OGB.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

#OleOut.

[Cord]

Properly piss poor in all areas from Manchester United again. Accommodating Ronaldo has clearly borked any balance the team might have had. Pogba and Matic is completely pointless in all respects, they both need to go in the bin.

[Shindig]

Is this going to be one of those seasons where 15 teams have something to play for in May?

[Yevrah]

Two like-for-like substitutions, a long ball... Oh but then.

The like for like substitution really is one of the hallmarks of the binman.

You can see the cogs whirring in their brain. "It's that time of the match where I should be making a substitution, a proper manager surely would be by now, but who the hell do I bring on..."

[Waffdon]

Tam Courts would sort out Man Utd’s issues. What a manager

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The like for like substitution really is one of the hallmarks of the binman.

You can see the cogs whirring in their brain. "It's that time of the match where I should be making a substitution, a proper manager surely would be by now, but who the hell do I bring on..."

He also waited until after their second goal to make any changes despite us being under pressure from them for a good while.

[Gray Fox]

He's assembled a cracking set of players, but he really has no idea what he's doing with them on the pitch, does he?

So long OGB.

He has good attacking players with an average midfield and poor defence(not sure on what Varane does to that as he hasn't had enough of a run). De Gea at least seems to have turned the corner.

[Waffdon]

Aston Villa :lol:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

You alright, Mel?

[Lewis]

The like for like substitution really is one of the hallmarks of the binman.

You can see the cogs whirring in their brain. "It's that time of the match where I should be making a substitution, a proper manager surely would be by now, but who the hell do I bring on..."

It used to be Lingard/Andrea Pereira around the sixty-five minute mark. The 'double-ended dildo' as manc sean calls it out loud in pubs.

Gary Neville thinks they need to learn to 'play as a team', and that he should get the season to get it right. Would Thomas Tuchel need three years to get them playing to a particular system? We know the answer to that. If he is allowed to flub the Champions' League group and the next six league games then the season is a complete write-off. They need to bin him now.

[Yevrah]

He also waited until after their second goal to make any changes despite us being under pressure from them for a good while.

Another hallmark of the binman. "If I change things now I might lose what we have".

[Smjffy]

You really don't want to be replacing Solksjaer at this point and more to the point, even if they did, they've shown prior to him that they haven't got a clue. It's all about the bank balance, the views, the likes and the follows. Some times I don't think football is even that important to Manchester United, just the frills and tassels that accompany it.

[niko_cee]

United have tried a 'proper manager'. He came in and basically said Pogba, for all his abundant talent, is a waste of space in an organised team game [doesn't show at international level as all teams are basically a collection of individuals]. Wouldn't the next proper man in just do the same but add Fernandes and Ronaldo to the list of luxury wasters who can't simply be indulged at all costs if you want to be a serious team?

There is a potential core of a good side there, and if they could just sort out the central midfield positions maybe they could do something [warning here, when you're striving to regain former glories there are always holes in the team that persistently never get sorted] but it's a hard job when you're in the competitive environment they are in. Get Bissouma and Bellingham signed and then start moaning about whatever the next problem area is [central defence].

[Waffdon]

Toney could have a field day against Sarr

[Gray Fox]

Get Bissouma

Might not want to do that at the minute.

[Ian]

United have tried a 'proper manager'. He came in and basically said Pogba, for all his abundant talent, is a waste of space in an organised team game [doesn't show at international level as all teams are basically a collection of individuals]. Wouldn't the next proper man in just do the same but add Fernandes and Ronaldo to the list of luxury wasters who can't simply be indulged at all costs if you want to be a serious team?

There is a potential core of a good side there, and if they could just sort out the central midfield positions maybe they could do something [warning here, when you're striving to regain former glories there are always holes in the team that persistently never get sorted] but it's a hard job when you're in the competitive environment they are in. Get Bissouma and Bellingham signed and then start moaning about whatever the next problem area is [central defence].

I think a manager with half a clue could do a lot better with these players. Maguire might not be £80ms-worth of defender but he looked better at Leicester in a half organised time. The lack of direction in all areas of the pitch is clear as day. It's all reliant on individuals doing stuff.

Ronaldo mooching about waiting for tap ins is exactly what you don't want in a team with the aforementioned lack of structure because you need a team capable of supplying him with a string of chances. Cavani is more dynamic and helps make things happen when they're just trying to figure it out for themselves.

Ol' Cronaldo hasn't done much when goalkeepers aren't teeing him up. I've no doubt he'd score a hatful with the chances but the team isn't set up to create those for him. It's it really set up for anything beyond hoping an individual has a moment of inspiration or opposing managers do what Bielsa does against us and leaves acres of space to gallop into.

[Don]

Whisper it but RL seems to have done a bit of a Taz with this Salah/Ronaldo business. He's been insane since the provocation.

Hold the press, just watching soccer Saturday and Tim Sherwood reckons Newcastle will win the league before Barcelona win the European Cup again. Think it was said in the context of Sterling being too good for Barcelona. I assume he wasn't advocating that he goes to Newcastle, but fuck knows. Some of the kids they've got coming through look pretty special, even if they've been poached rather than Masia que un trained up.

Look at this moist moist fucking nonce try and discredit me. If Salah was a little less hairy and drank WKDs as a hobby you'd have all laughed at the initial bet long before reality struck, you dirty gammons.

[Waffdon]

Whoever Chelsea play at left wing back seems to always score

[niko_cee]

Might not want to do that at the minute.

Knock down price.

Although I see he didn't play today. :uhoh:

[Waffdon]

Lukaku’s surgery well and truly under way

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Chelsea seriously lucky right now.

[Waffdon]

Brentford are like a hipster Stoke

[Jimmy Floyd]

Mendy's performance in goal one of the finest I have seen.

[Waffdon]

He’s properly good. Weirdly excellent with the ball at his feet, even though he looks clumsy.

[Boydy]

1449442540999036943

:lol:

[Mellberg]

I was about to start the site meeting at 17:00 today when all the department heads are present and have to answer for the day's performance. It's then my job to challenge them on any failings. 16:59 and 30 seconds I had an alert come through for 3-2 Wolves. Turned into a pretty tense meeting...and tbh all in it was a decent day and they did well. Still fuming now.

[phonics]

According to Lars 'annoying' Sivertsen on Football Weekly, Newcastle spend the same as most mid table teams in terms of wages so their flirtations with relegation aren't reflective of that.
Did anyone point out to Lars that they’ve finished mid table both years?

[Lewis]

'...and he's left me in charge, so "Mr Chorizo", or whatever you're calling yourself...'

[Manc]

1449442540999036943

:lol:

Why on earth is he clutching his face? The game's gone.

[Lewis]

I said a few weeks ago that the moment where they started to play half-decent teams, they're going to struggle... The performances have been so shoddy all season in terms of team performances... It's scrappy and scruffy to watch. When you play a team with a clear organisation and a methodology, you're going to get pulled apart and that's what happened here.

Welcome to two years ago Gary you dickhead. Paulp Ogba wants him out get it sorted.

[Ian]

Yeah this has all been the case since those first few weeks of Binman's cavalier free-scoring interim stint.

[Yevrah]

While I wouldn't normally defend Neville, he's gone a lot further than most would already in criticising someone he knows, albeit not directly yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if he goes a step further on Monday Night Football and asserts that the binman must go.

[Lewis]

Yeah this has all been the case since those first few weeks of Binman's cavalier free-scoring interim stint.

People let him off with the embarrassing end to the 2018/19 season and blamed it on what he had picked up. That was reasonable, because they all just seemed weirdly unfit; although, as was pointed out at the time by us here and nobody else, as great as the 3-1 in Paris was, it was only necessary because of how comprehensively he had been out-tacticked in the home leg.

At the same time, it seems to have been completely forgotten though how bad they were in 2019/20 until Bruno Fernandes came in. They were fifth and closer to relegation than third-placed Leicester the day he made his debut, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that the pandemic break saved him, because the end of that season was shit as well.

[Lewis]

While I wouldn't normally defend Neville, he's gone a lot further than most would already in criticising someone he knows, albeit not directly yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if he goes a step further on Monday Night Football and asserts that the binman must go.


They're nowhere near good enough out of possession. They're the weakest team among those near the top of the league without a shadow of a doubt for pressing... The pressure will build on the manager and the pressure will build on the players. They won't do anything with the manager. Ultimately, I think the club are stable in this respect in what's happened in the last 10 years. I think they recognise that they are going to go through these moments. They are integrating Varane, Sancho and Ronaldo and I feel they'll see it through but there is massive pressure.

No chance. He thinks it's some teething issue and the man who hasn't looked like solving anything for three years is the man to solve it.

[Yevrah]

He's not stupid, he knows what the problem is and he also knows that Man Utd will clearly sack OGB if the shit results continue. You might well be right that he won't say it outright though.

[Ian]

At the same time, it seems to have been completely forgotten though how bad they were in 2019/20 until Bruno Fernandes came in. They were fifth and closer to relegation than third-placed Leicester the day he made his debut, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that the pandemic break saved him, because the end of that season was shit as well.

Yeah Fernandes (and Tony M clearly having been even more bored by lockdown than by football) basically was the second half of that season for us. Regardless, the flaws have been very clear for a very long time for anybody paying attention and not just going "yeah but he's signed some better players now!" as if he has any say in that.

I just don't know what it'd take for the Glazers to sack him. They clearly don't care about winning shit so how dire do things have to get this year for his job to actually be under threat? Because I doubt he's close to the sack right now.

Out of all the cups and at risk of not qualifying for the Champions League? Is Europa equalisation enough for him to just keep trudging on making the same mistakes? I've no idea.

I loved the Binman and if you'd told me I'd want him out as much as I have done for the last.... at least six months, maybe a year, I'd have said that couldn't possibly happen. We all knew there was a not insignificant chance he would be shit but I thought he'd at least be loveably hapless, not the full-of-himself nothing of a manager he's turning out to be.

[Yevrah]

I don't know where this 'Glazers don't care so they won't sack him' thing comes from. They've sacked other managers, right?

[Gray Fox]

I just don't know what it'd take for the Glazers to sack him. They clearly don't care about winning shit so how dire do things have to get this year for his job to actually be under threat? Because I doubt he's close to the sack right now.

I think this is the bigger problem from the ownership. They'll happily continue with him if he keeps getting them 4th or better because they're still getting that sweet, sweet, Champions League money. They don't care if he pushes on to win things or not. You're on the longest drought for a trophy of any sort that I can remember for United too and they don't even look remotely interested in it. It's quite bizarre.

[Lewis]

David Moyes was canned the minute Champions' League qualification was ruled out, and that seemed to be what did for 'LvG' as well (even with the FA Cup win), so they clearly put that in their contracts. It won't all turn to AIDS and fall to pieces like it did under Jose Mourinho, so guaranteeing mathematical sixth by April should be the clincher since he won't get back in through the trophy route.

[Ian]

I don't know where this 'Glazers don't care so they won't sack him' thing comes from. They've sacked other managers, right?

Lewis has covered my feeling on it on the United front and I've seen the Glazers not give much of a fuck about their NFL team for donkeys years because that's basically free money if you can afford the franchise in the first place. They won the Super Bowl last year but basically because they'd happened upon some good coaches, etc. and then went "Hey what'd happen if we signed the best player ever now he's available to us?"

It's been clear for a while that unless he keeps being allowed to plug in better players who sort it out themselves (see the Di Matteo 'tail wagging the dog' school of management*) Ole isn't winning anything anybody actually cares about.

* United do not have the on-field leadership / 'personalities' to make this happen.

I'd love to be wrong about all this, mind.

[phonics]

There’s a clause in all the mama gets contracts that they can sack em for nothing if they finish outside the champions league.

That’s when they’ll act.

[Don]

https://i.ibb.co/yQ3nG0g/download-1.jpg

[phonics]

Great content.

[SincereTheRebel]

Podence came on for Wolves and changed the game. Villa throwing that away brings a smile to my face. Once I go back to work on Wednesday, the villa fans will be emotional.

[Mellberg]

Had a night's sleep and I'm still emotional.

[phonics]

Mellin posting at 5am saying he’s had a nights sleep is a sign of how much we’ve grown up.

My dad was at Baggies v Blues. Wish I was. You still in brum or no?

Edit: just seen in technically posting at 6am so the forum clock is ducked but the theme applies. Would love to grab a drink with you if you’re around when I get back.

[niko_cee]

That second Firmino goal is a bit lol rule wot but the real dickhead move with that rule is when Salah is allowed to capitalise on the error himself to score.

Pretty sure if the lunging defender grazes it into his path as well, and then he scores, he is also onside due to the 'deliberate play of the ball' shite [aka the Lovren/Kane debacle].

[John Arne]

The next US wonderkid Axel Kei made his debt for Real Monarchs last week. Born in Ivory Coast and definitely 13.

https://gyazo.com/cc5887d58938123cdfce333e94140564.jpeg

[Yevrah]

13. :d

[phonics]

Look I'm not going to star=t calling people racist but lets have a look at Lukaku when he was 13.

https://i.imgur.com/9QjNbY1.png

https://i.imgur.com/a7VqaEv.png

[Dquincy]

Phonics is growing as a person. The old Phonics would have screamed "you vile racist!!!" followed by calling then a moron.

[phonics]

No I wouldn’t. I wold have judged the situation based on who posted it.

For example,

You, dquincy, are a fucking moron.

Literally your problem arrives from me saying:


I could have spent the last 70 years on angel dust and still have more synapses go off than any attempt you've had at a thought in the last decade.


And it remains true.

[Dquincy]

Scratch that guys, he still hasn't learnt.

[Boydy]

1449652372205182979

"Emotional connection" :D

[Yevrah]

"Distanced himself" :D

Knew it was on. It's going to be glorious giving that insane has been billions to spend.

[Kikó]

I think Mourinho with a lot of money would do well (again).

[Giggles]

When was the last time he was any good?

[Kikó]

2nd season at United? Could argue he did to par at Spurs as well.

[Queenslander]

Is Jack Rodwell broken?

His missus dragged him to Sydney to live and the 3 Sydney clubs have thrown in offers.

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-afc-news-ps10m-flop-jack-rodwell-moves-to-australia-and-holds-talks-with-a-league-clubs-3420031

[phonics]

Is Jack Rodwell broken?

His missus dragged him to Sydney to live and the 3 Sydney clubs have thrown in offers.

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-afc-news-ps10m-flop-jack-rodwell-moves-to-australia-and-holds-talks-with-a-league-clubs-3420031

Premier League Ben Simmons except not as good.

[Waffdon]

I’ve just seen a tweet that says Ivan Toney is 5ft10 and Luke Shaw is 6ft1. My mind has been blown. I thought the former was at least 6ft2 and the latter 5ft9.

[Offshore Toon]

I think Mourinho is washed up and wouldn't be my first choice, but there's a good chance he could build something with us. There isn't a single player at the club that wouldn't be in awe of him and give everything they've got, then he could go out and get players he knows he can trust which would further entrench that ride or die mentality. It's probably his last shot at doing something incredible again.

[Queenslander]

Premier League Ben Simmons except not as good.

Gotcha.

[Yevrah]

Mourinho's done.

The players he trusted have long since got old or retired and he's left with Millennials that you just can't motivate in the same way, in and around that he's also the most toxic thing in football.

I might be wrong, but I suspect he's nailed on for this so we'll get to find out. It'll be fun whatever happens, at the very least.

[Shindig]

I've never seen him as a long-term manager raring for a project. Still, the expectations might be different here. At least until the Saudis go nuts with their wallets.

[Don]

They used to say Rafa and Moyes were done and the sport had moved past them too ��


I’ve just seen a tweet that says Ivan Toney is 5ft10 and Luke Shaw is 6ft1. My mind has been blown. I thought the former was at least 6ft2 and the latter 5ft9.

Toney still multiple inches above the average obvs but yeah, that's mad.

[Yevrah]

Who said that? Rafa's always been Rafa and Moyes was never done, he just should never have been given a top job in the first place.

[phonics]

People definitely said Moyes was done. Come on now. I can’t be I there’d to search for your posts about him.

[Yevrah]

People definitely said Moyes was done. Come on now. I can’t be I there’d to search for your posts about him.

Nope, if that's what you recall then you're projecting an opinion I held about him as Man Utd manager on him managing any club.

And how would that work? Just because he's failed (so miserably) at Man Utd, doesn't undo all the good work he's done with smaller clubs. I suppose the Man Utd experience could have broken him, but he probably wasn't there long enough.

Mourinho's a completely different case, he's spent what, the last 10 years pissing almost everyone off at the club's he's managed time and time again, while playing football that doesn't hold a candle to what he used to oversee.

[phonics]

I’m not accusing you but he was (not that I agreed) a laughing stock for a long time.

[Shindig]

He was but bear in mind there was also that daft stint in Spain and a fairly rough spell in Sunderland.

[SvN]

Moyes' reputation suffered beyond his time at United. He was a laughing stock in Spain, and then got Sunderland relegated.

[Dquincy]

Nice to see an old face. He was brilliant for a short spell back in the day.

1449295029009371139

[Shindig]

He's aged into that face surprisingly well.

FA Cup First round draw was today. Sudbury are the lowest definitely through. Marske held Gateshead yesterday which means a replay on Tuesday to decide who faces Altrincham.

[Manc]

Unplayable at Euro 2008.

[Lewis]

Harold claimed he was the best player in the league once. :harold:

[niko_cee]

Was struggling to see who that was and was thinking to myself that Mark Viduka has bucked the trend and shed the pounds after hanging up his playing boots (although his 4 were at Elland Road and I guess more like 20 years ago).

Those were a mad few days in football, wasn't there another 4-4 (6-5) with Chelsea is the Champions League a few days later?