Doctoroncall

Try this... http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/quiz/2011/dec/24/mario-balotelli-manchester-city-quiz To see what was true or not.

That can add a whole wealth of fun and games to the thread!

none of mine are getting through :-(

from Reuters this morning: Jan 12 (Reuters) - Japan striker Tadanari Lee is regarded as an 'exceptional talent' and has been granted a work permit to complete his move to English Championship (second division) leaders Southampton, despite not meeting international appearance criteria. The 26-year-old would fly to England as soon as possible to sign his contract, the 1976 FA Cup winners said on their website (http://www.saintsfc.co.uk) on Wednesday. The English Football Association ruled that Lee, who has only nine appearances for the Asian champions, was "an exceptional talent that would enhance the game in this country" clearing the way for him to be granted a work permit. Southampton have struggled for goals in recent weeks and have seen their lead cut after only one league win in six matches as they bid to return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2005. Lee, born to South Korean parents, scored 15 goals in 32 matches for J.League club Sanfrecce Hiroshima last season and the diminutive, industrious striker has established himself for the national team under Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni. He gained international attention when he scored a stunning left-foot volley match-winner in the Asian Cup final against Australia in Qatar 12 months ago to claim a record fourth regional championship for the Blue Samurai. (Reporting by Patrick Johnston in Singapore. Editing by John O'Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

It can also imply that there will be some who do not make the grade and either drop out of football or go to lower league clubs.

That'll be me! Bloody iPad with corrective text.

He played well in the first round against Wycombe which I heard on the beeb.

So really that is looking at the balance of the squad and how to utilise it best at any given time. But also there is a responsibility of bringing on the youngsters so we are not reliant on purchasing 'ready made' but will they be suitable players. Personally I think we have missed Chaplow industry and drive on the right and Lallana has been off form (injury?). Plus playing Bristol, a form team at the time didn't help.

I don't really understand the association on not getting players in equates to loss of points. there have been teams that have got players in but have not gained points (boro with Strachan for instance). The team has on the whole played well in the games so far this season and have kept to the system Adkins has worked with them otherwise we wouldn't be top. Players coming in have to be suitable and fit into a budget, that is something we just don't know about. IF we miss out on promotion there will be plenty of disappointed fans.

A complaint was made to the police hence why this is going through the CPS and the courts. If found guilty the FA will have to act, however as Stevie G got off an assault charge quite easily, footballers seems to rise above the law if more of a celebrity.

Colin is not a premiership level manager. I'm sure a club will take him on though as he seems able to get teams promoted. Does anyone know his record?

He signed before that as Saints had held his registration since Celtic are under a different FA iirc. All that needed to happen was agree terms with the player and club.

But membership was not based on number of games attended or are you saying it should be? If so that would be difficult for the club to manage and suspect the cost prohibitive. If it's the old scheme, then anyone can become a member and get priority even if it's only for one or a few tickets.

Agree that Alpine doesn't go for debating (including substance), which is a shame as he can bring up some good topics for debate. Also, Alpine, it doesn't really matter what you write as the persception of posters are set. Remember when you changed your posting style for a bit the reaction you got? Perhaps if you carried on being less negative you could have changed people's perception...

Get yourself a good set of brushes as Hamster suggests. I learned from experience on how much they can effect the finish and of course if you take care of them you'll use them over and over.

If either the PL or FL cannot afford to run a suitable FAPPT, what chance have they got with going over a clubs books to check all the ins and outs? Just saying, may not believe it. What if "TBH, Kitson and a couple of others go in the summer and we're breaking even"? So will their replacements to a threadbare squad be given zero salary, given £10k a week or will they be big names to get the crowd back into Fratton?

If you do a bit of analysis, Brighton are way ahead with the percentage of fouls that cause a booking at 24%, whereas the rest of the division are 15% and below. Even the skates, after changing their manager were top of the discipline charts have improved. Quite indicative of Poyet as a manager. Last year they were 14% and Saints were 11%, top offenders were MK Dons with 18%. Seagull - always good to get a different perspective on matches and other stuff.

Well, I'm now down to three after Chesney has broken something to be replaced by Chico, whoever that is! I only know this as someone at work skates at one of the rinks they use, apparently there have quite a large number of drop outs, either due to injury or just not very good... "stavros flately, some of the TOWIE cast, keith chegwin (broken bone) some french chef that has been on the tv who is good looking, a page 3 model and an actor from hollyoaks" as quoted by her. I had to ask about TOWIE - it stands for The only way is essex - so I'm none the wiser! . S

That was for last year (2011).

Great news, congratulations to you and especially mrs who!

I've heard of four - Chesney (one hit wonder), Rosemary (diet) Charlene (the poisoned dwarf!) and Jennifer Ellison (? Haven't a clue but heard the name).

I see Darlington have gone into administration for the third time in nine years. Let's see what the conference decide on their fate.

Best wishes mate.

Zamora is out of favour as is Johnson and their new striker is only just finding his shooting boots so would think Sharp is a potential target for them.