um pahars

Just hobbled in and after being poor at Reading I was a bit concerned about how we would bounce back but shouldn't have worried as we were sensational today!!!!! I don't think Boro are that bad a side (their record suggests they're half decent), but we absolutely ripped them apart. 5-0 would have flattered them today, as we were sooooo good. They couldn't compete in the middle fo the park and it seemed as though we could score every time we went forward. The first half hour they were chasing shadows as Lallana, Chaplow, Guly, Lambert, Cork and Hammond were just bypassing them. As for the goals, well they were all pretty decent, but the last one came off the back of 5 minutes of posession, two touch football, 30+ passes and some skilful play by almost the whole team. If they don't show the whole build up on the highlights then it will be a travesty. I'll consider my marks for another thread, but they'll be plenty of 9's!!!!! (only downside is think Connolly was off the pace again).

Off to the match in a bit and really looking forward to a tough battle today. Think being top brings some pressure (expectations, pressure of not wanting to fail), but it also brings many positives (confidence, self belief, good supprt etc) and today has got me wavering between self-belief & confident and a bit concerned at such a tough test.

Indeed!! You only have to consider what you think of the dinlos from opposition teams who sing, "Play Up Pompeii" to get an idea of what you must sound like singing the equivalent of the day.

That's not how it works on here though!! If you happen to disagree with something or suggest that perhaps you're not comfortable with a decision/action then you must be an ungrateful, whingeing, good for nothing anti Cortese renegade. Middle ground??? Not on here!!!

You've hacked someone's account and are just talking to yourself. Pork!!!!

WTF!!!!! Is this for real??? B

So you're in the anti Cortese brigade then!!!

I'm not sure what the answer is, but I'd like to believe there was a third, fourth, fifth etc way!!!! It's not the difference in parity of pay that is a problem for me (I fully accept a pay ladder, meritocracy, rewards etc), it's more that at a time when the "We're all in this all together" and "times are tough, you'll have to take a pay freeze (or cut)" mantras are being spun, a small section of the population don't appear to be "in this all together".

It's like Hymns at junior school, I mouth the words to give the impression some noise is being generated, but it is only for show. I've been up in that control box and can see how far they can zoom in!!!!

I thought Boro were the draw specialists, but noticed that only applies to games at home!!! They've won 4 of 6 away, so they seem to travel wll and we will need to be at our best. Going for a draw on this one. 2-2

Monopoly?? I have no problem maximising income, but at the same time there has to be a balance. This is not a "normal" business and this specific occasion is not normal for a not normal business!!!! I remember when people were first charged for parking at SMS when going to away games and I never felt comfortable with it. Of course one argument is well if they want to park there then they should pay, but surely the other one is we should be encouraging away support (even if it gives us 1% extra on the pitch), not penalising people for supporting the team. It just seemed to be looking at things solely from a simplistic, commercial viewpoint (if you don't like it, then don't come) as opposed to a more empathetic view.

Certainly not too cool to sing and enjoy a decent sing song of an afternoon, but I draw the line at wnkktastic songs like the Cortese one (small town in Blankville, Liverpool at United - & vice versa, etc).

The same ones who were singing, "there's only one Alan Pardew" and renditions of "You don't know what you're doing" over the years. It is cringetastic and when I first heard it at Posh away, it soured quite a pleasant afternoon on the river (some of the other chants that have been mentioned on here are just as bad).

It might be a bit OTT, but I wonder what premium the coach companies are charging that day (I don't think National Express have to pay their drivers a premium for driving to Portsmuff, nor are their coaches brick magnets!!!). I would like to think that the Club aren't ripping us off and would also be "nice" regarding parking at SMS on the day. Would also like an answer as to whether tickets will be available to non season ticket holders as would like to go with a couple of mates.

Indeed, as I certainly couldn't (and didn't) give a monkeys!!!! I don't think we're alone either which just makes me wonder how long this farce of a Cup can stagger on. It's not right when you really don't care if your team wins or not!!!!!

Was around the time when I was a real fanatic (home and away every game), but can't for the life of me remember this one (or the game against Liverpool).

When they popped up in that iced hole with the cameraman dangling his camera in, it was like that scene from Jaws when they were shovelling guts off the back and the plastic shark popped up!!!!! Absolutely quality piece of filming and I always like the piece at the end when they go behind the camera to show how they got the shots.

So why are the CBI and businesses (in the main) so pro EU?

Other players may settle where they finish playing, but I would agree with you in that I seem to think we get more than our fair share of "settlers". Can only assume it's not a bad area to live in (Sea & countryside in abundance)

If there is anyone guilty of constant whingeing and sniping then I'm afraid it would be yourself, with your tiresome and somewhat bitter and twisted barrages aimed at Duncan. You almost appear obsessed and you can almost sense your excitement when you see a post from him as you prepare to fire off one of your witless responses. Rather than discuss and even disagree with the point at hand you just seem intent on banging the same old dull & tiresome drum. Let it go.

I would also say that in all honesty we were the best team (with a relatively decent sized squad) in the bottom two divisions and so should have been quite capable of winning a cup and pushing for promotion (although I accept -10 and rebuilding might have hampered out league campaign). However, with regards this season, being honest we were not going to win the League Cup and as you say the Championship is a much harder proposition.

When I suggested that we were better off out and didn't have a problem losing, one of the replies was that keeping on winning (in any competition) was good for morale and confidence. Did our JPT run help boost our confidence (and get us some dosh) or did it distract us from the main goal of promotion?

Is that correct??? Never heard of it, so thanks for highlighting it. Would something similar work in the League or FA Cups? Should something be enforced?

Am I rewriting history or did we play close to our strongest team in the JPT???? Have to say I enjoyed those games, but this season's League Cup hasn't excited me at all (although a win last night and a home tie against a "big" team in the last eight or an easy route to the semis and I might be saying something different!!!!)

Adkins had a choice and IMHO he made the right one!!!!!