November fitba: Is anything interesting happening?

[Giggles]

He needs to stop, he’s damaging his credibility.

It was damaged beyond repair after Liverpool.

[Gray Fox]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e3KJnHBboE

Even Keane wont throw him under the bus.

[Lofty]

Keane needs to do an impression again.

[Adramelch]

Richards' reaction to the stuff Keane says just says it all honestly.

[Kikó]

It's clearly end of the road time for Solskjear. The team he's assembled aren't as bad as they are playing and it's clear the coaching (alleged) is not working and a number of players are playing dreadfully. They were no where near city today and probably a worse defeat than Liverpool for the sheer ease they had.

He's done a good job up until now and should be leaving the squad in a better condition. Obviously it's time to replace (3 games ago) but not sure they've got any clue on how to get that appointment right so he'll probably stay until January.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He'll stay until the end of the season, probably longer.

[Giggles]

https://i.imgur.com/x7CTxyO.jpg

[Boydy]

:lol:

[Shindig]

Gateshead blew a 2-0 lead to draw with Altrincham. :moop:

[Bernanke]

Barca. :lol:

[Don]

Aspas :happycry:

[Shindig]

Blud. Words from a very white man's mouth. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-59189967)

[Bernanke]

Has Ter Stegen just gone to complete shit since the 8-2 Bayern-game?

[Spikey M]

Blud. Words from a very white man's mouth. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-59189967)

Goal of the season, that. What a shot.

[Spikey M]

Has Ter Stegen just gone to complete shit since the 8-2 Bayern-game?

Yes:

1456688722121007107?t=lovqgl_jxTtyyqi9BLvFqQ&s=19

[Giggles]

Blud. Words from a very white man's mouth. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-59189967)


We’d a bit of that last night here too.

1456729489069776906

[Shindig]

That's seriously scummy.

[Don]

Quieroz's replacement (a complete Croatian nobody) had up until today led us to a thoroughly unimpressive 10 wins and 1 draw in his first 11 matches againt largely shite opposition. We were playing like shit and the fanbase were split on whether we should keep faith given his record or call a spade a spade. The fat cunt has now gone and fallen out with Mehdi Taremi and has now not called him up to this latest squad. He better be swinging from a Tehran lampost within a week.

[Lewis]

Carlos Queiroz. There's your man. Ronaldo player-manager, Queiroz on the bench.

[Ian]

The Gary Neville argument that because 'world class managers' (he means Mourinho and 'LvG') failed United shouldn't try and get a better one is genuinely one of the most bizarre bits of punditry ever. Has he actually thought it through?

I have thankfully been out since this morning and seen nothing other than the score. Is this what he's giving it?

[Shindig]

God, this is like watching your kid get beat up.

[Giggles]

I’d love to know what Potter is playing at with Connolly.

[-james-]

I’d love to know what Potter is playing at with Connolly.

How do you mean?

[Yevrah]

Gary Neville has credibility?

As a pundit, yeah.

[Giggles]

How do you mean?

Connolly is out of our squad due to injury. Potter is making it his business to say Kenny has dropped hom yet he’s not even on the Brighton bench today. He’s trying to fuck someone over but not sure who yet.

[Shindig]

Craig from Newcastle with this banger on the BBC ticker:


We have to accept that we're gone. The damage of the Ashley and Bruce era will take a long time to fix, not just one transfer window.

Rent free in his head.

[Ian]

I've just watched the United highlights and it seems we were pitiful as per, but I would like to spare a lol for Silva doing a knee-slide celebration for that second goal.

[Lewis]

I have thankfully been out since this morning and seen nothing other than the score. Is this what he's giving it?

1457007815713820682

'There's no science to that question'. What does that mean?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's shit the bed.

[Jimmy Floyd]

At the moment it seems that the football is just a sideshow, and the real quiz is can somebody bait Gary Neville into saying that Ole Gunner Solskjaer should be sacked.

Hint: he isn't going to.

[randomlegend]

It's not just about him being his mate. He was the same with all the managers since Fergie. He defended Mourinho and didn't want him sacked to the bitter end and beyond.

He honestly seems to believe no manager should be sacked ever.

[Don]

Farke's farked off. Mad scenes.

[Giggles]

After they finally win? Harsh.

[Kikó]

Farke to United.

Ole clearly fuming here

1457027894140604421?s=20

Feels pretty David Brent

[Jimmy Floyd]

There's an earnest 3 minute interview from him on the beeb and apparently he was told he was sacked straight after. You'd think any Championship club would be straight after him, even if he does look like an 18th century smuggler.

[Lewis]

At the moment it seems that the football is just a sideshow, and the real quiz is can somebody bait Gary Neville into saying that Ole Gunner Solskjaer should be sacked.

Hint: he isn't going to.

It's enough that he's sat at home seething about people calling him 'Gary Glazer' on Twitter.

[Luke Emia]

There's an earnest 3 minute interview from him on the beeb and apparently he was told he was sacked straight after. You'd think any Championship club would be straight after him, even if he does look like an 18th century smuggler.

I actually only said to my mate earlier on he’s the best manager Norwich have had in my lifetime. Absolute madness.

[mo]

Nice to get one over John Arne's lot today - not a happy hunting ground for Town of late. Still unbeaten away from home this season and surprisingly into the hat for R2 :cool:

[Dquincy]

Conte would've gone to war with the board within about 10 minutes and it would have been a disaster. That's more a slight against the board than Conte, but since the board aren't going anywhere it would've been a pointless exercise.

Ten Hag seems like the fashionable choice but he won't leave mid season.

You wot? Why would Conte go to war with the board?

Conte is (...or was) clearly a great choice to take charge of Utd and sort out that shambles of a defence. But they fucked it and now he's gone.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This Sudbury shit wanker / big black cunt stramash is a parable of our current struggles in the West. There are a lot of people out there who really, really need an unidentified non-league fan to have said something racist as opposed to something mildly abusive.

[randomlegend]

You wot? Why would Conte go to war with the board?

Conte is (...or was) clearly a great choice to take charge of Utd and sort out that shambles of a defence. But they fucked it and now he's gone.

Because that's what he does.

[Dquincy]

Andryi Shevchenko has been appointed as the new Genoa manager. Working his way to the Milan job.

[Shindig]

Working his way up to the bins, more like.

[Smjffy]

Smith sacked now too.

EDIT: In other news, John Terry joined Twitter and is ruining people.

:D Mellberg - Steven Gerrard to take over.....

[Giggles]

This shit needs to be eradicated from the sport.


1457296730068766720

[Gray Fox]

Dean Smith gone. Sacking season in full effect.

[niko_cee]

It's a bloodbath this year.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I still don't really get it. Few bad games = automatic sacking and the fanbase always fully behind it because of 'the football served up', as if the manager is some kind of maitre d' in a high end brasserie.

I suppose it's an age of entitlement.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Why are we all applauding the First World War dead? They can't hear it.

[Giggles]

Who do Villa even think they are?

[Lewis]

1457007815713820682

'There's no science to that question'. What does that mean?

The extended version of this includes him comparing it to when Souness managed Liverpool (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD60ScJFLd4#t=8m16s), and by the look of the great man's face it probably got him filled in.

[Shindig]

I still don't really get it. Few bad games = automatic sacking and the fanbase always fully behind it because of 'the football served up', as if the manager is some kind of maitre d' in a high end brasserie.

I suppose it's an age of entitlement.

Last year seemed to be all about the points they failed to win in Grealish's absence. Then they sell Grealish. There was always going to be a slump.

[John Arne]

dANNY rOSE ONCE AGAIN PROVING THAT HE HAS NO BUSINESS IN THE pREMIER lEAGUE.

cAPS.

[John Arne]

That's a cracking save given the pace of the shot.

https://gyazo.com/b583cb50ddd65fd597cdac3254da5079.gif

[Dquincy]

This shit needs to be eradicated from the sport.


1457296730068766720

Agreed. Absolute melts. The responses are even better.

[Giggles]

Agreed. Absolute melts. The responses are even better.

This is a cracker. Ole’s at the soup kitchen.


1457320735005978631

[Dquincy]

:D

Incoming pointless twitter stat...

21% of Man Utd's home defeats in PL history have come under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Breakdown:

Ferguson P405 L34
OGS P55 L13
Mou P46 L4
LVG P38 L5
Moyes P16 L6
Giggs P3 L1

[Spikey M]

This is a cracker. Ole’s at the soup kitchen.


1457320735005978631

He's an Arsenal fan on the wind up.

[Dquincy]

Giggles

1457096201661292544

[Giggles]

Fucking poxbottle.

[Mellberg]

I still don't really get it. Few bad games = automatic sacking and the fanbase always fully behind it because of 'the football served up', as if the manager is some kind of maitre d' in a high end brasserie.

I suppose it's an age of entitlement.

It's a top half squad that has cost 300m without McGinn and Mings who were already there. Grealish is a big loss, obviously, but we're in 16th and have just lost five on the bounce (the best side we've played being fucking Arsenal). It's been a season where he's made really obvious bad tactical decisions and you know how it's going to go before a ball's been kicked (or once the changes have been made, see Wolves). Time for a change, and I say that as someone who really likes Smith and appreciates everything he's done.

We're in a time where Everton can get Ancelotti, Spurs can get Conte and Newcastle Benitez. As long as they have the right man lined up and it's not Steve Bruce, it should be a good call.

[Jimmy Floyd]

You may well be right but it's the same thing being repeated at every club which doesn't win for four or five games and fans always have the same 'we can do better' attitude. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can't.

If Leeds sacked Bielsa now (which I very much doubt they will) I'm sure loads of their fans would be all 'ah yeah, run its course' because of a few weeks of results.

[Lofty]

20 points out of the last 24, would have preferred to dispatch Watford without shithousing for the goal but that's life.

[Mellberg]

Yeah, I get that the merry-go-round thing and I wanted him to be at the club for 10 years. But when a manager's done it's just tangible in everything about the club. I do buy into this four year cycle talk, bar the odd genius, and also your manager can be upgraded just like your players can. It's only a good decision if it's backed up by a decent appointment though.

I don't think Villa and Leeds are comparable. We went up because we had the best players. They went up through a combination of good system and players. Smith did well and will be looked back on as a good Villa manager, but he wasn't some irreplaceable maverick.

Edit: Also, it's not just based on this season. Look at our form this calendar year.

[Boydy]

Nuno to Villa?

[Mellberg]

All that talk about big names aside, we should be going all out for Potter imo.

[niko_cee]

That's rubbish by Alisson but I'm not really sure Ogbonna can just jump into him, get nothing of the ball and for that to be legit.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's called winning a challenge. The keeper just didn't get there quick enough.

[John Arne]

Nowt wrong with the goal.

Creswell though is very lucky not to be sent off, let alone not even get a yellow. No need for his studs to be at knee level.

[niko_cee]

I think you need to get some of the ball to legally win a challenge, particularly when it comes to jumping into the [overprotected] goalkeeper species. Still, seems this is a 'let it go' VAR, which is probably the preferable type.

[Gray Fox]

It was very flappy from Alisson. The goal is fine as long as it doesn’t hit the arm, which I’m not sure it did.

[Waffdon]

Allison must chuck a goal in a few times a year.

[Waffdon]

That elbow is 100% deliberate.

[Gray Fox]

That’s lovely.

[Waffdon]

Was never a free kick in the first place, let’s be honest.

[Don]

Waff, dry your eyes, you scumbag.

[igor_balis]

I still don't really get it. Few bad games = automatic sacking and the fanbase always fully behind it because of 'the football served up', as if the manager is some kind of maitre d' in a high end brasserie.

I suppose it's an age of entitlement.

To an extent I agree, but to an extent I think it's fucking easy to say that as a Chelsea supporter. I often sense a bit of "well the mid-table plebs should be grateful for their 20 percent possession and 40 points by April, who do they think they are, Brazil???", usually from people who support teams that aren't shit.

[Lewis]

Also when did Chelsea ever get it wrong sacking somebody?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've been against most of the last few Chelsea sackings. Not Sarri, because he was a stupid twat, but I would have been very happy giving Lampard, Conte, Mourinho II, Ancelotti plenty longer.

I thought Lampard actually did a really good job. Maybe my expectations are just hilariously low, I don't know. In the next two years we'll sack Tuchel, which will also be stupid, and then we'll probably win something again off the back of it. Does that justify it? Maybe, I don't know.

[Waffdon]

Ancelotti probably shouldn’t have been sacked but then he never lasts long anyway.

[Guybrush]

That elbow is 100% deliberate.

:lol:

[Gray Fox]

Alisson should really do better there too.

[Waffdon]

That defending was ab absolute mess all round.

[John Arne]

We need to get Mane off, he just doesn't suit that central role.

[Gray Fox]

What I don’t understand is why we keep getting to good positions and then slowing the attack right down.

[Waffdon]

Is Van Dijk still unfit? He’s looked a bit laboured every time I’ve seen them this season. Defence is general looks a mess

[Gray Fox]

This is a shambles

[Adramelch]

#kloppout

[Waffdon]

Alexander Arnold moving out the way to let Zouma get a free run :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Giggles probably thinks it's 5-0 Liverpool.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Alison Moyet would have done better with that one.

[Shindig]

Run for you lives, West Ham are winning the league.

[Giggles]

Giggles probably thinks it's 5-0 Liverpool.

I’m going to guess at 3-3.

[Gray Fox]

West Ham have been very good Alisson blunders aside.

[Lewis]

I've been against most of the last few Chelsea sackings. Not Sarri, because he was a stupid twat, but I would have been very happy giving Lampard, Conte, Mourinho II, Ancelotti plenty longer.

I thought Lampard actually did a really good job. Maybe my expectations are just hilariously low, I don't know. In the next two years we'll sack Tuchel, which will also be stupid, and then we'll probably win something again off the back of it. Does that justify it? Maybe, I don't know.

Carlo Ancelotti was probably the harshest, but that worked out over the course of the season. United would have had three years of 'AVB' crouching on the touchline like a gimp.

[niko_cee]

Allison must chuck a goal in a few times a year.

At least he seems to localise his disasters to one game [City last season, here today] to limit the damage.

[Giggles]

In my expert opinion they should sell him and start Kelleher every week.

[phonics]

(the best side we've played being fucking Arsenal).

Back in your box.

[Adramelch]

Karius is also still in their books. Just recall him.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

In my expert opinion they should sell him and start Kelleher every week.

Thanks for letting me know his nationality.

[Mike]

Karius is also still in their books. Just recall him.
He’s not out anywhere, just with the reserves.

[Lewis]

Jurgen 'Jurgen Klopp' Klopp doesn't look right without glasses. He has a glasses face with those little crab eyes that glasses wearers (as opposed to glasses users like me) develop over time.

[Giggles]

Thanks for letting me know his nationality.

The name didn’t throw up any sort of a hint?

[Giggles]

The Jaros lad flapped at one badly on Friday night but has looked good most of the season.

[Smjffy]

Can't have any complaints, really. West Ham were set up perfectly, were good value for the win but once again, we made our own bed with silly errors. Also shows the lack of quality we have in depth.

Still, early days.

[Dquincy]

This is a shambles

It wasn't that bad. I think West Ham just FM'd Liverpool. Liverpool had roughly 70% of the ball and a shed load of shots. West Ham scored all of their shots that went on target. These games happen.

But I do agree with the comment on Van Dijk. He's not the player he was before (yet).

[niko_cee]

I think the biggest defensive miss is Wijnaldum not being in midfield, but having Keita play there (or Elliot, or maybe Thiago) makes the games more entertaining to watch. Probably also miss Firmino big time in that sort of game.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Watching an Italian game between Napoli and Verona. Insigne, of Napoli, smashed a shot against a defender's face and it deflected out for a Napoli throw near the corner flag. The defender went down dazed and after he was picked up, the referee restarted play with a drop ball (per the fact it was a head injury) to Verona in their area, which the goalkeeper duly smashed 90 yards down the back to his opposite number.

Is that correct in the new rules and regs? Seems utterly perverse if so.

[Waffdon]

It wasn't that bad. I think West Ham just FM'd Liverpool. Liverpool had roughly 70% of the ball and a shed load of shots. West Ham scored all of their shots that went on target. These games happen.

But I do agree with the comment on Van Dijk. He's not the player he was before (yet).

West Ham won on XG mate

[Adramelch]

He’s not out anywhere, just with the reserves.

Ah thought he was still at Union. Even better, he's readily available then.

[Don]

West Ham won on XG mate

Your source is poor.

[Shindig]

Klopp blaming the officials. Sour.

[Spikey M]

West Ham being good needs to fuck off quick time.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It will, once Moyes goes back to United.

[Shindig]

"Alright, lads. Today we're gonna work on crossing."
"Yes, Mr. Moyes."

[Smjffy]

West Ham being good needs to fuck off quick time.

They've beaten us, City (cup), United, Spurs and Leicester this season. Madness.

[Waffdon]

Your source is poor.

1457414979703951361

I only post in facts.

[Don]

As I said, xG Philosophy is a poor source.

[Mellberg]

I've been against most of the last few Chelsea sackings. Not Sarri, because he was a stupid twat, but I would have been very happy giving Lampard, Conte, Mourinho II, Ancelotti plenty longer.

I thought Lampard actually did a really good job. Maybe my expectations are just hilariously low, I don't know. In the next two years we'll sack Tuchel, which will also be stupid, and then we'll probably win something again off the back of it. Does that justify it? Maybe, I don't know.

I think you've just seen Chelsea win everything, so maybe aren't as bothered and take it on a game by game basis. Which is obviously what the rest of us do, but the holy grail is a trophy of some sort. But I haven't seen us win one of those since 1996, and I saw somewhere last week we're the eighth most recent Prem team to win anything, which is pretty fucking farcical really.

But anyway, when you have a rare opportunity to push forward and have spent 300m in 3 years, having spent a decade going backwards on a shoestring, I think it's okay to sack the manager if you're not performing.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It will certainly be interesting to see who they bring in. With the squad Villa have I would have thought it will need to be an English-speaker if any sort of quick results are the order of the day.

[Smjffy]

6/4 for Stevie G.

"Fuck you, pay me"

[Waffdon]

As I said, xG Philosophy is a poor source.

I’m surprised got over 1. Barely created a chance all game

[Boydy]

1457478407453876224

Lol

[Lewis]

Ronaldo player-manager is genuinely the dream.

[Andy]

I think you've just seen Chelsea win everything, so maybe aren't as bothered and take it on a game by game basis. Which is obviously what the rest of us do, but the holy grail is a trophy of some sort. But I haven't seen us win one of those since 1996, and I saw somewhere last week we're the eighth most recent Prem team to win anything, which is pretty fucking farcical really.

But anyway, when you have a rare opportunity to push forward and have spent 300m in 3 years, having spent a decade going backwards on a shoestring, I think it's okay to sack the manager if you're not performing.

I was surprised how poor it was on Friday from Villa. It took 45 minutes to change shape when it was as clear as day we were pushing up really high on Cash to nullify him knowing Bailey wasnt going to work hard defensively. Then in the second half when you took control after moving Bailey inside it was strange to see such a lack of quality coming off the bench in a 300m squad.

The defence has looked poor all season, I like Cash but he really struggled without getting any support and Targett looked back to his Southampton days without Grealish in front of him. Wasn't surprised to see Smith go.

[wullie]

Another home game, another creaky defeat turned into glorious victory in injury time. I'm sure we went decades where conceding first meant a draw at the very best, now if we're not a goal down at half-time I'm not happy

[Lofty]

https://i.ibb.co/7KQrhvr/FB-IMG-1636377687541.jpg

[Spikey M]

Is he having an episode?

[Gray Fox]

Don't make him rebuke you.

[Pepe]

Spikey is out of the running already. Hate to see it.

[Smjffy]

How is he still going? I missed him joining Perth Glory.

[Dquincy]

1457706296740810760

:D

Dots

[Spikey M]

:D

[Kikó]

What a prick him and all the fan cam twats are.

[Baz]

Brent Di Cesare (born April 1979), better known by his online alias Mark GoldbridgeWhy?

[Lewis]

https://i.ibb.co/7KQrhvr/FB-IMG-1636377687541.jpg

Remember when Jermaine Defoe put that mental advert out for a personal assistant? Was it Defoe? I think he only befriended that ill lad to atone for it.

[Ian]

Remember when Jermaine Defoe put that mental advert out for a personal assistant? Was it Defoe? I think he only befriended that ill lad to atone for it.

I'd forgotten this:
https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/jermain-defoes-job-ad-for-60000-personal-assistant-is-so-ambitious-its-crazy-12269

Same vibes as Wayne Lineker's girlfriend search. Which, when I just went to remind myself of that, I had forgotten his first name so I'd got as far as "gary lineker brother" and then the top suggestions for the next word from Chrome was "nonce." :D

[Gray Fox]

Howe-ay the lads

[Lewis]

I'd forgotten this:
https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/jermain-defoes-job-ad-for-60000-personal-assistant-is-so-ambitious-its-crazy-12269

Same vibes as Wayne Lineker's girlfriend search. Which, when I just went to remind myself of that, I had forgotten his first name so I'd got as far as "gary lineker brother" and then the top suggestions for the next word from Chrome was "nonce." :D

And he cheated on Alexandra Burke with that rotter. That may well have been what led him to organising his life properly.

[Giggles]

Stevie G at the Villa?

[Gray Fox]

It's the first of the jobs he's been linked to I reckon he'll take seriously.

[Shindig]

I'd have preferred him staying at Rangers, to be honest. Not that he hasn't built something there but I feel like he's got more he can do before he leaves.

[Raoul Duke]

Emenalo joining Newcastle as well too Jimmy Floyd

[Jimmy Floyd]

OK, now they're contenders.

[Shindig]

I feel like for every Cesc Fabregas, he probably has 15 Lucas Paizons. Although that would also improve the squad. Go nuts.

[niko_cee]

Aye, Chelsea really plucked that Fabregas guy out of nowhere.

[Spikey M]

:D

[Shindig]

I should've went with Mo Salah as an example but then Chelsea didn't get far with him. :D

[Spikey M]

His record of signing then selling world class players is pretty formidable. They could have Salah and KDB in that team.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We couldn't, as we wouldn't have given them the space of Wolfsburg/Roma to develop into what they now are.

Wolfsburg. Werder Bremen? They're the same club, in my mind.

[Shindig]

Wolfgang Wolf's Wolfsburg. :dc:

[Don]

KDB didn't need development. The muzzy was dogshit though.

[Mellberg]

I was surprised how poor it was on Friday from Villa. It took 45 minutes to change shape when it was as clear as day we were pushing up really high on Cash to nullify him knowing Bailey wasnt going to work hard defensively. Then in the second half when you took control after moving Bailey inside it was strange to see such a lack of quality coming off the bench in a 300m squad.

The defence has looked poor all season, I like Cash but he really struggled without getting any support and Targett looked back to his Southampton days without Grealish in front of him. Wasn't surprised to see Smith go.

Injuries/suspension:

Konsa
Douglas Luiz
Sanson
Traore
Trezeguet
Ings

Most of whom start, but it fills the bench. Not an excuse for the season though. Only the Southampton game it was that bad. Three of the six have generally been available.

And yeah, it's been crap.

[Dquincy]

And he cheated on Alexandra Burke with that rotter. That may well have been what led him to organising his life properly.

Whilst I've looked up Sandra, Alexander Burke comes across annoying as fuck. I don't blame him.

[Giggles]

Translation: “I hadn’t a snowballs chance of ever getting an England cap”.


1458041931812929539

[Don]

Quieroz's replacement (a complete Croatian nobody) had up until today led us to a thoroughly unimpressive 10 wins and 1 draw in his first 11 matches againt largely shite opposition. We were playing like shit and the fanbase were split on whether we should keep faith given his record or call a spade a spade. The fat cunt has now gone and fallen out with Mehdi Taremi and has now not called him up to this latest squad. He better be swinging from a Tehran lampost within a week.

The manager and 2 additional membersm the national team camp have said Taremi did 't pick up their calls so wasn't invited. Taremi's come out and said he didn't know it was them who were ringing :D

[Giggles]

Stevie G at the Villa?

Done and dusted.


EDIT: Or not, unless Villa have a seriously low amount of twitter followers :D
The Rrangers account was a nice touch in fairness.

[Shindig]

If Gateshead win their replay, they have a home tie against Charlton.

[Adramelch]

If Gateshead win their replay, they have a home tie against Charlton.

Well in my experience that means they'll be winning the 2041 Champions League. Only if they win that replay though.

[Dquincy]

Well in my experience that means they'll be winning the 2041 Champions League. Only if they win that replay though.

:cool:

[John Arne]

So, 2 North Korean footballers have been off the radar for a while. Han Kwang Song (former Calgliari and Juve) and Choe Song Hyok (Perugia and Jubilo) haven't really been seen since early 2020.

Turns out both have been living at the DPRK embassy in Rome since Jan 2020, however, the reasons they are unable to leave are not quite evident.

[Gray Fox]

It sounds like Gerrard is going to say yes to Villa.

A good move for him. Villa are an unoffensive club and should stay up as long as he does a decent job. Also gives him something of an audition for when Klopp leaves in 2024.

[-james-]

It's an interesting one. I have no idea how good he is. He's obviously backing himself but it seems mental he's even being considered.

[niko_cee]

Exactly, I mean, have they even asked Gabby Agbonlahor?

[Smjffy]

It sounds like Gerrard is going to say yes to Villa.

A good move for him. Villa are an unoffensive club and should stay up as long as he does a decent job. Also gives him something of an audition for when Klopp leaves in 2024.

If, not when.

[Andy]

I think success in Scotland (or any of the smaller leagues) is usually enough to get a job for one of the teams outside the top 6.

I'd rather take a chance on Gerrard than go round the managerial merry-go-round and get some like Bruce or Hughes.

Obviously might not work out but Villa are the sort of position that it would have to go horribly wrong for it to end up with Villa going down.

[Waffdon]

Callum Davidson has won more trophies in less time than Steven Gerrard has in 3 years.

[Yevrah]

Obviously might not work out but Villa are the sort of position that it would have to go horribly wrong for it to end up with Villa going down.

They're two points above relegation. :cab:

[Gray Fox]

If, not when.

You think he stays longer? It'd be the longest he'll have stayed at a club and I've not heard anything about a contract extension.

[Andy]

They're two points above relegation. :cab:

There's no way that they go down though. Way too much quality there once they get a few players back.

[Gray Fox]

PSG Womens player Aminata Diallo has been arrested after it was found she hired masked men to beat her teammate with iron bars, to get her out of the way and ensure herself more playing time. :cab:

[Danny]

French Tonya Harding

[Kikó]

Could she do it for pogba

[Smjffy]

You think he stays longer? It'd be the longest he'll have stayed at a club and I've not heard anything about a contract extension.

There is always that possibility but then 2022 was meant to be the year he left before his last extension. As I understand it, it'll be a case of wait and see as opposed to anything concrete.

[Offshore Toon]

I didn't know or think much of Howe before he got linked, but everything that has come out since the announcement has been very positive. It's also nice to see the players training properly without being given days off for no reason all the time.

Any of the Bruce fans want to take a bet on us being in the relegation zone on January 1st?

[Shindig]

I'm hoping it gives the Bournemouth lot a new lease. Namely Ritchie who I rate but seems to have spent the last year of his life being Paul Dummett. Any kind of honeymoon period just to get us out of the rut we're in. He's got the international break to break the ice, at least.

[phonics]

What would that prove? They’re a whole 5 points off not being in the relegation zone with a possible 30 points to win in that time.

If I bet a fiver you wouldn’t id expect 500 in return if they were.

[Gray Fox]

He bought Dominic Solanke for £20m.

Don't let him near the cheque book.

[Smjffy]

You know....he did finish as Bournemouth's top goal scorer last season....he also has double figures so far this season....

Just sayin'.

[Danny]

Saying he is a great signing to get them out of the Champ after Howe takes them down?

[Smjffy]

A strike force of Wilson and Solanke would secure an instant return if that did happen tbh. As it is, I don't think he will take them down. There is just enough quality in that squad somewhere to at least have a proper go of staying up whilst the winter window should see them buy their way out if not.

[Shindig]

Buying their way to safety worked wonders for erm .... did QPR survive one season? Tevez and Mascherano were summer signings for West Ham.

[Smjffy]

Not relevant given none had the finances that The Richest Club In The World™ now has.

If Newcastle don't bring in players in January then it would make you question what the actual point of the takeover is.

[Manc]

Sportswashing.

[Yevrah]

As if Saudi Arabia care about the perception others have of them.

[Adramelch]

He bought Dominic Solanke for £20m.

Don't let him near the cheque book.

20m for a 21yo who counts as home-grown doesn't seem like that much in the current market to be honest. It's not a particularly good deal, but it's not that horrible either.

[Lewis]

I wouldn't go to [The] Villa if I was Steven Gerrard. It is a step up in itself, but why not wait for a slightly better one?

[phonics]

As if Saudi Arabia care about the perception others have of them.

I often cut people who say mean things about me into pieces just to show how little I care about what they say about me.

What an ignorant comment.

[Dquincy]

That'll be the marching powder.

[phonics]

I’ve been clean for a month and hope to continue to be. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be thick as fuck the rest of your life.

[Yevrah]

I often cut people who say mean things about me into pieces just to show how little I care about what they say about me.

What a thick comment.

How many people have they cut up in England, which is what we're discussing, you insufferable bore?

[Kikó]

Saudi Arabia clearly are doing it because they love the sport. :harold:

[Dquincy]

I’ve been clean for a month. You’ll be thick as fuck the rest of your life.
Mate, do you feel a bromance developing between us or is it just me?

[phonics]

How many people have they cut up in England, which is what we're discussing, you insufferable bore?

A prominent Saudi dissident who was injured in an attack at his home said yesterday he believed he had been the target of a kidnap attempt instigated by a Saudi prince.

Saad al-Fagih, head of the London-based Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia (MIRA), suffered a broken rib and leg injuries when two unidentified assailants attacked him with a spanner and a gas spray.

And that’s just one that’s public. Believing they do what they do because they just want to invest in the future of England is just ignorant. I’m sorry.

[Yevrah]

He definitely sounds like your average Newcastle Utd season ticket holder.

[phonics]

Do you think the UAE bought City because their opinion polling was bad among Manchester City supporters?

[Yevrah]

Course not. All I'm saying is I don't think it does anything to help the wider world's perception of them, which is one that I doubt they give much of a shit about anyway

[Dquincy]

Fonics, to know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.

Hope that helps.

[Kikó]

That's amazingly naive.

[phonics]

Course not. All I'm saying is I don't think it does anything to help the wider world's perception of them, which is one that I doubt they give much of a shit about anyway

I pointed out that they cared enough to make a massive diplomatic incident about it and you started talking about Newcastle Season ticket holders?

[Yevrah]

That's amazingly naive.

If that's aimed at me then I think you're being naive in assuming they do. Their number one priority will be maintaining the status quo. We already sell them enough weapons to floor The Avengers so what benefit will buying Newcastle bring to that?

[Kikó]

No you're right. They've bought Newcastle to make money from it.

[phonics]

This is like saying Jeff Bezos made Amazon Prime Video because he cares about cinema. It was to shag birds.

[Yevrah]

I pointed out that they cared enough to make a massive diplomatic incident about it and you started talking about Newcastle Season ticket holders?

Because the point you started this shit show with was made on the back on one I replied to that floated the idea that they've bought Newcastle for Sportwashing reasons. I don't doubt they hold a severe dislike for actual dissenters, but do they give a crap what Barry Sauce Stained Geordie thinks of them? Do they fuck.

[Yevrah]

No you're right. They've bought Newcastle to make money from it.

What tangible difference will owning Newcastle Utd make to them getting away with the general shithousery they've been getting away with for decades?

[Dquincy]

This is like saying Jeff Bezos made Amazon Prime Video because he cares about cinema. It was to shag birds.
You definitely would.

Edit: FYI that's Jeffrey's current lass.

https://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/fp/Lauren+Sanchez+Lauren+Sanchez+Showing+Off+PVZo77t8 yW6l.jpg

[Yevrah]

This is like saying Jeff Bezos made Amazon Prime Video because he cares about cinema. It was to shag birds.

I don't pretend to know why they bought Newcastle Utd and frankly, I don't care - I just think the 'Sportwashing' take is moronic and doesn't stand up to any scrutiny.

[Giggles]

I don't pretend to know why they bought Newcastle Utd and frankly, I don't care - I just think the 'Sportwashing' take is moronic and doesn't stand up to any scrutiny.

They’ve obviously noticed how popular a figure Mike Ashley is and thought it couldn’t fail.

[Yevrah]

They’ve obviously noticed how popular a figure Mike Ashley is and thought it couldn’t fail.

Indeed. I don't know what goes through the mind of people who're advocating this as a theory. Manc might have been indulging in a throwaway comment, but Kik's is seemingly all over it.

If you'd bought Newcastle and established yourself as a great bunch (as you say, owning a football club is a fool proof way to do this) before you started chopping hands off and attacking Yemen then I could sort of see the logic, but this way around? Have a day off.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's soft power. It might not 'improve people's opinions' but it gives you fingers in pies, which is basically what sportswashing is.

[Yevrah]

It's soft power.

Makes sense, but don't Saudi Arabia own a shit load of London already. Presumably that's a far more influential place to be than hanging out with Ant and Dec.

[Pepe]

I thought that Arabs bought football clubs for fun. Like, to have something to do.

[Yevrah]

I thought that Arabs bought football clubs for fun. Like, to have something to do.

And that for me makes the most sense. Bit of a flex if you do manage to make them one of the best teams in the World too.

[igor_balis]

You think it's more plausible they've bought Newcastle for a laugh than for any sort of PR exercise?

[Yevrah]

You think it's more plausible they've bought Newcastle for a laugh than for any sort of PR exercise?

Again, what tangible PR would you get that'd offset some of the hideous shit they get up to?

"Well, they do cut hands off, but Utd's xg has doubled since they came in..."

[Pepe]

Look at UAE. Everyone used to hate them, but now they are the most beloved country on the planet. Heard that they will be invited to join the EU soon.

[igor_balis]

Again, what tangible PR would you get that'd offset some of the hideous shit they get up to?

"Well, they do cut hands off, but Utd's xg has doubled since they came in..."

Optics and image management is a lot more complex than this weird binary argument you're making. It's not like they're expecting a Europa League run to make the western world go oh shit fair play, what a sound bunch of lads.

They want the kind of soft power shit that makes people like Gary Neville say stuff like "well you have to admit, Abu Dhabi have really helped investing money in East Manchester and done some good things", and, I mean, sarcastic or otherwise, what Pepe is saying about UAE...I mean, plenty of morons go on holiday to Dubai right?

[igor_balis]

Basically, they're not expecting owning Newcastle to immediately make people forget about the hand choppy journalist stabby stuff, more that it's part of a pretty broad effort at legitimising them as a country, and I think with the bottomless pit of money they have, I mean, why not?

[Shindig]

It did fuck all for Mike Ashley and Sports Direct. :D

[Yevrah]

Optics and image management is a lot more complex than this weird binary argument you're making. It's not like they're expecting a Europa League run to make the western world go oh shit fair play, what a sound bunch of lads.

They want the kind of soft power shit that makes people like Gary Neville say stuff like "well you have to admit, Abu Dhabi have really helped investing money in East Manchester and done some good things", and, I mean, sarcastic or otherwise, what Pepe is saying about UAE...I mean, plenty of morons go on holiday to Dubai right?

But what difference does any of this make? We already sell them all of the weapons, they already do whatever they like.

And people go on holiday to Dubai because it's hot and looks like it's shitting gold, not because Man City have the best training facilities in the North of England.

[Yevrah]

Basically, they're not expecting owning Newcastle to immediately make people forget about the hand choppy journalist stabby stuff, more that it's part of a pretty broad effort at legitimising them as a country, and I think with the bottomless pit of money they have, I mean, why not?

I can sort of see where you're coming from, but if they want holidaymakers they'd be better served tidying up areas of their country and investing in a tourist board.

[igor_balis]

But what difference does any of this make? We already sell them all of the weapons, they already do whatever they like.

And people go on holiday to Dubai because it's hot and looks like it's shitting gold, not because Man City have the best training facilities in the North of England.

Well I'm unconvinced it DOES make that much of a difference, but I think it's pretty obvious the Saudis reckon it will, even if only a bit. I think it's the same reason MBS is trying to market himself as something of a liberal by their admittedly low standards.

[Lewis]

The weapons stuff is related to this. They have no use for half of the shit they buy from us and the Americans, but it keeps their hand in and gives them a bit of leverage should they ever need it. They aren't doing this to change the average punter's perception of Saudi Arabia. It's another 'thing' to buy into, like how they buy up prestige hotels/landmarks in London rather than more potentially lucrative developments. You can't build a film industry there, or other cultural things; but you can buy into football, and then all of the football ecosystem - clothing, sponsors, media, etc. - will have to consider your feelings.

[niko_cee]

I wouldn't go to [The] Villa if I was Steven Gerrard. It is a step up in itself, but why not wait for a slightly better one?

What would be better though? I agree, he should stay treading water with Rangers until THE JOB comes up, but, short of that [The] Villa seem about as good a prospect as he might get, unless you think Brendan's heading your way and the Leicester job is on the horizon.

[Pepe]

If I had an endless supply of money, I would also be tempted to buy football clubs, F1 teams, lol luxury hotels, etc. If you can then use them as leverage against the 'leaders of the world', even better.

[Lewis]

Something overseas.

[Don]

It's a great gig. He'd have to go some to relegate them and if he does actually turn out to be good, that's our future sorted :drool:

[niko_cee]

Are you saying he needs a stint at Molde?

[Shindig]

If he waits six months, the Everton job will be back on the market.

[Lewis]

There must be some Italian side he could go and get playing Good Football. At [The] Villa he either goes down and sets his career back five years, or stays up and then so what mate enjoy fourteenth every year because none of the better teams would think to approach him.

[Waffdon]

Aston Villa is one of the better jobs to take over I’d say. Massive club and absolutely minted now as well. If he’s any decent he’ll have them where Leicester have been the last few years.

Rangers fans are taking this worse than Celtic did with Rodgers. ‘How could he do this on remembrance weeks of all weeks’ lmao

[Don]

Take Curtis Jones for £35m and get them to Europa League. Job done.

[Kikó]

Again, what tangible PR would you get that'd offset some of the hideous shit they get up to?

"Well, they do cut hands off, but Utd's xg has doubled since they came in..."

Maybe you should have advised them. Old plastic face did a terrible job.

[Lofty]

Saudi Arabia isn't getting good PR now but they probably think they will be getting some by osmosis when Newcastle make City look like Norwich.

Buying the club itself was a flex exercise in soft power, the only club purchase the government has stuck it's redacted document oar into surely?

Pretty sure at this point the Saudi hierarchy could order the gangrape and brutal murder of a UK family and not much come of it once the dots were joined by the authorities. They shit their pants over their threats to stop buying weapons last time round.

[Yevrah]

Maybe you should have advised them. Old plastic face did a terrible job.

https://www.themag.co.uk/2021/10/the-myth-of-steve-bruce-newcastle-united/

[Jimmy Floyd]

The cricket was going well for England yesterday until someone spotted Steve Bruce in the crowd and the camera started panning to him regularly. An hour or so later, we were left to regret what might have been and look forward to future World Cup campaigns.

[Kikó]

Oh an article about Steve Bruce being a bit shit from a Newcastle fan. Must have fluked managing at the top of English football for the past 12 years or something.

Anyway, those "we don't care about pr" Saudis and their sock puppets are at it again.

1458469154671968268?t=eMqClhZuwNhiVlDjfPtKew&s=19

[Ian]

I dunno whether I hope "I have pants" is a lost in translation thing or not.

I quite like the idea of that as a putdown in itself. "Oh yeah? I have pants, motherfucker."

[Offshore Toon]

How are you going to use the fact that the article was written by somebody who has actually watched almost every game that Steve Bruce has managed in the last two years to discredit the article? It doesn't make sense. Mellin said he was like this as Villa too.

Make it make sense, boys. Please.

[Yevrah]

Oh an article about Steve Bruce being a bit shit from a Newcastle fan. Must have fluked managing at the top of English football for the past 12 years or something.

He's been trading on the fact he's Steve 'can organise a defence' Bruce and once touched Alex Ferguson for that time. The myth is slowly being exposed though. Newcastle didn't want him, Villa don't want him, hell, even you wouldn't want him until the end of the season at Utd if Ole left now.

Which isn't to say he's a terrible manager, he just isn't a good one.

[Yevrah]

How are you going to use the fact that the article was written by somebody who has actually watched almost every game that Steve Bruce has managed in the last two years to discredit the article? It doesn't make sense. Mellin said he was like this as Villa too.

Make it make sense, boys. Please.

Indeed. Kik's loves listening to experts in other walks of life and always takes their opinion as objective. But here? Get out!

[Yevrah]

Anyway, those "we don't care about pr" Saudis and their sock puppets are at it again.

1458469154671968268?t=eMqClhZuwNhiVlDjfPtKew&s=19

And a load of people who already love the Saudi regime have piled on.

[John Arne]

I know I'm late to this.. but I don't think the Saudi's bought this for PR (what shit PR that would be) or Sportswashing - I think they bought it as a play thing. They are rich and want to spend money and also to prove they can be successful/powerful.

[Offshore Toon]

Indeed. Kik's loves listening to experts in other walks of life and always takes their opinion as objective. But here? Get out!
He's probably lost because the Financial Times haven't written about Bruce since 2008.

[Lofty]

Why not buy a better team then? :eyemouth:

[Kikó]

How are you going to use the fact that the article was written by somebody who has actually watched almost every game that Steve Bruce has managed in the last two years to discredit the article? It doesn't make sense. Mellin said he was like this as Villa too.

Make it make sense, boys. Please.

What are you trying to prove though?

Can anyone manage at the top of the football pyramid?
If no, then can someone who is able to manage for a number of seasons having relative success be considered good?
Is he the best manager in the game? Obviously not but he's not objectively "shit".

[Kikó]

He's been trading on the fact he's Steve 'can organise a defence' Bruce and once touched Alex Ferguson for that time. The myth is slowly being exposed though. Newcastle didn't want him, Villa don't want him, hell, even you wouldn't want him until the end of the season at Utd if Ole left now.

Which isn't to say he's a terrible manager, he just isn't a good one.

I think it all boils down to your last sentence and this can be forgotten for the boring semantic wing of the board.

[Yevrah]

And finally, the "1,000 games, he must be good" argument is so lazy and I genuinely thought we were better than that. By all means defend him based on footballing achievements, but longevity? There are people stealing a living in all walks of life for decades (we all acknowledge that, right?) there's no reason football would be any different.

[Ian]

Anybody seen any good competitive knitting recently?

[Kikó]

Anyone can knit, I can't believe you'd use that as a measure.