Doctoroncall

Great WC? You must have seen different games to the ones I saw. Awful WC, too much negative play, shoddy passing and a few dodgy pitches. New Zealand were the only unbeaten side in the WC, which just illustrates what happen at this WC - endeavour, negative tactics and organised teams may get good results but are a bore to watch.

Maybe the contract Saints have offer is subject to this medical condition, hence he's looking around. With KD not getting any younger a decent back up is required. Where did Forecast go on loan to last season btw?

Does it come with a whistle or flag?

My thoughts as well, he's taking up a place and not a good example of a footballer. Lincoln fans didn't rate him when he was on loan with them.

We're discussed that... you're obviously have'nt read through all 574 pages!

...and they are chipping away at that £15m transfer sales figure. It must be about £14.65m to go after this second sale.

... did I miss a smiley?

He had 6 months to impress Pardew here and he didn't do enough. An average player for league one, good going forward with plenty of pace but defensively lacking (positioning, tackling and concentration).

From my days of playing hockey, there are two sorts of 'plastic' pitch the base is on - sand or water. Water is far better as it doesn't shred the skin!

Nearly ran over Brucie when working at Wentworth. The older bugger had a bit more zip in him than I thought. Fortunately, the top of the golf buggy was up so he couldn't recognise me.

Thanks for that, most enjoyable while waiting for my flight to SF in the BA lounge! As a frequent traveller, it's always nice to travel on a reputable airline.

Top bloke for putting in his own cash like that. Glad he's back to see a promotion chasing season.

I wonder what sort of medical set up European (ie. continental) clubs have? It seems NC is more influenced on what these clubs are doing than Bristish ones so far in his remodelling of Saints. I don't understand all this NC bashing when not all the facts have been presented. I'm not saying there are critical points which the club seemed to have ignored (ST payment plan) in their lack of communication/dialog with the fans but some of the comments are over the top (sacking people FOR FUN AGAIN) and not based on fact. Let's not forget the club has tightened up on any leaks and any speculation could be half baked or ill-informed. To paraphrase NC: Various posters have been quick to voice their opinions, which they are entitled to do so of course. However, it must be remembered that running a major football club is a rather different matter from writing about doing so. Our fans and staff should be reassured that any decisions affecting Saints will be based on sound football and business thinking. Perhaps when all the facts are known we can then judge NC, but why string him up before then?

When the road gets dark And you can no longer see Just let my love throw a spark, baby Have a little faith in me When the tears you cry Are all you can believe Just give these loving arms a try, baby Have a little faith in me Have a little faith in me Have a little faith in me Have a little faith in me Have a little faith in me When your secret heart Cannot speak so *easily* Come here darlin' From a whisper start To have a little faith in me When your back's against the wall Just turn around, you will see I will catch ya, I will catch your fall Just have a little faith in me Have a little faith in me Have a little faith in me Have a little faith in me Have a little faith in me Well, I've been loving you for such a long, long time baby Expecting nothing in return Just for you to have a little faith in me You see time, time is our friend *for you and me* Cause for us there is no end All you gotta do is have a little faith in me I said I will hold you up, I will hold you up Your strength gives me enough So have a little faith in me Hey baby, oh, baby All ya gotta do is have a little faith in me All ya gotta do is have a little faith in me A little faith in me

He's the best a man could get so I'm waiting for a top side to sign him. Meanwhile, James has been on trial with Colchester.

Out of interest, if one of the other friendlies were adopted to play for the trophy you'd be happy?

If they get that amount, that's impressive for such a talent with huge wages.

I'll join you in the hope. It's the only way to go to survive without splashing the cash on international stars. I would like to know why Arsenal scourer the globe for talent rather than staying local - what is it about English kids they don't like or are they going for a blend of UK and overseas?

Not sure it was a result of England not being there but it was good to watch. England would only spoil three matches anyway if they manage to qualify.

Well if Ponty brings a different perspective on things in the discussion, I hope he stays as a Mod.

He was lucky to get his license back clean as a ban would be treated in the same was as points to be cleared from the license.

It would be interesting to see the distribution of English players through the PL teams. I suspect more would be in those teams that are focused in staying in PL, whose tactics are to stiffle the opposition and counter attack or play the long ball upfront while playing at top speed. If perhaps there was less fear of failure, players could play more of a passing game but that brings up another problem, especially with the game being played at such pace - the players lack the ability to pass accurately and have close control of the ball. Since the 1950's when Hungary showed how to play the passing game, the FA/clubs have never been keen on innovation. Think of how many great coaches from these shores have gone abroad to ply their trade while the English took pride in physical prowess. Chapman was probably the last innovator with his WM formation in the English game and that was over 70 years ago.

But Phil, the players still wouldn't get it.

Well, comedians do tend to have a higher IQ.

Thanks for that, something I didn't know. I read his blueprint on development a few years ago and it looked good with some ideas from the continent and on how to improve coaching (masterclasses etc). It doesn't seem right for 11 year olds to be playing on big pitches, surely the focus at that age is on fun and technical skills rather than competition and physical development.