um pahars

Arsene's worried (not for us mind): http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9403178.stm

Well, I'm sure some would say the dig at MLT was unwarranted and personal, particularly when he was only doing what he thought was the right thing in attempting to save the Club (yes, it was an absolutely noddy bid, but I won't be criticising someone for at least attempting to do something). Additionally, suggesting people are seeking to harm the Club is somewhat forthright (and I doubt that it is on the money). And of course people on the other end of the spectrum would just counter with claims that MLT and Lawrie's statements aren't personal attacks on Cortese or the Club, merely offering up an opinion on the Club they support. It's been going both ways for a little while and whilst I'm sure different people would apportion differing quantities of blame in varying directions, I don't think it is fair to siugest it has just been one way traffic.

Split on whether I would want to be in their position. Huddersfield no (3 pts, inferior goal difference and 2 games in hand is definitely overcomeable), but I think I might rather be in Bournemuff's position. I make our games in hand to be: Rochdale (a) draw would be a decent result unless their form drops away Walsall (a) good chance of winning there Charlton (a) an outside chance of a win, but a draw might not be a bad result Not going to be easy, but I suppose the argument has to be that if we're going up then we have to bloody well earn it.

And I certainly wasn't suggesting you were, and in the same way I'm not solely pointing the finger at him either. But like you I think that maybe he and the Club are best placed to try and bring the various factions together and try and get some resolution on this. Have to agree 100%.

NickG, I don't think it is just for your personal interest as I'm sure many of us appreciate this (I know I certainly do). I agree it means feck all come May (and I pray it doesn't become a what might have been thread!!!!!!!!), but in the meantime it does pose some questions and provides some information, so thanks.

Thanks for the kind words. Glad to be back and hopefully the end of the season will go well, although I think it will go right to the wire!!! I think it might be a bit harsh putting the emphasis on Cortese to start the process (after all two sides are involved here), and if what Doggface has said is true, then he might argue he attempted this last May. That said, he is probably best placed to bang some heads together. Alternatively, I have posed as to whether there is an intermediary out there who could bring the two groups together and sort this out over a beer (or a wine) or seven.

I have to say that disappointingly I think there have been words, actions and "briefings" coming from both sides and it isn't just one way traffic. Here's a few words from Cortese back in May(???) which could well be interpreted by some as a bit of an attack on certain individuals (whether warranted or not is up to you to decide, but the comments have definitely been made which would suggest the "banter" is two way). "This speculation could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to unsettle both the Club and Alan.......various figures with past associations to the Club have been quick to voice their opinions, ........one of whom was associated with a so-called consortium which delayed for an important few weeks last summer our plans to stabilise the Club. ....I will not be influenced or driven by people who seek to harm the Club..." I would venture that this feud does exist and that sadly it is a two way thing.

I'm grasping at a positive from your post in that maybe there is a chance of a reconcilliation at some point in the future if Cortese was willing to extend an "olive branch" back then. I know some things have happened since and further words exchanged, but you never know, there may be a point when both are willing to sit down and talk to each other as IMHO this feud reflects poorly on all involved.

All valid and reasonable points and I think it's good that you won't be getting shouted down for offering them up. Cheers

Indeed, but it's a big leap from suggesting that because he knows MLT (or knew him) that it came from the horses mouth as insinuated by the moderator above.

So why have you got a problem with Mitchell (i.e. what does he bring to the table)?? After all, if success is the only yardstick to be judged upon, then he is undoubtedly currently a success.

If you're referring to Weston Saint, then I'm afraid he said nothing of the sort. If you're not referring to Weston Saint, then just what are you saying?? Methinks you're treading on very dangerous ground here with your insiuations and references (something I would have thought was unwise for a moderator).

Sorry, but if it's OK with you I thought I would contribute to a forum, where people often cross fertilise threads!!! My point was with regards the comment, "and all he brings to the table", as surely what he brings to the table (and how much of a tool he is) is totally irrelevant if success is the only thing that matters.

Didn't you say something like "success and what happens on the pitch" is all that matters??? Therefore, surely you shouldn't give a monkeys about how much of a complete tool this bloke is off the pitch and how he is quite often an embarrassment to their club and town?

Have I got too high expectations (or were they too hyped up), but I just can't help but think that none of those you mentioned (+ Oakley) ever lived up to my initial expectations. Prutton certainly never lived up to the U-21 starlet hype, Svensson showed what he could do but never did it consistently and Delap, well he had a long throw in return for being our record signing!!!

I've always looked out for your posts Delldays and appreciated your point of view (even if I disagreed with the odd one), but have to say you're not doing yourself any favours with these faux postings. You've polarised yourself in to being the exact opposite of the extreme posters you're berating. PS Not even going to bother about Mitchell and his attempts to talk up a small time club who many of us haven't got any issue with one way or the other (from someone who used to cheer Bournemouth's results at The Dell and would sometimes pop down to watch a game).

It is indeed a very interesting comment, and I think most balanced people can see that this petty and bitter dispute is a two way thing, with neither party covering themselves in any particular glory. However, I do think you need to careful with regards individual's anonymity and assigning a greater importance to certain quotes over another. Similarly, unless you are releasing information not posted on here, then the poster does not indicate that it comes from the horses mouth.

Get on a run, get some confidence and a feeling of invincibility and move quickly through the games picking up points. Of course the worry is injuries, travelling etc could see us bogged down. Personally think it is a bad thing, but not much we can do about it.

My bad. Terribly sorry!!!!!!! Just have that Espanyol game engrained on my brain as not the best way to start a new legacy!!!!!! (PS the Sociedad game was Aug 2000 - alost 2-1 as per ITN, but have to say I can't remember it at all!!! Holiday??? Cricket???)

Did you see the programme on BBC4 (I think) earlier in the week called "lying Lessons or lessons in lying"??? Very good (although i do struggle with some of the audience!!!). PS Just found it on iplayer. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00ymjkr/sign/Justice_A_Lesson_in_Lying/

I bet the fees for that place are way above £9k!!!!! (Only joshing - in a friendly manner, as I know intonation is lost on the net - as aware it was a typo)

Thanks for your interpretation of what you thought the posters concerned meant and I think it is a perfectly valid interpretation. I too would have thought that the throwaway line of "success at any price" actually had its caveats and limitations, particular with reference to a football club. I would be interested in how Geneva, DellDays and others perceive this interpretation. But, if we accept that such a term has caveats or obvious ellipsis, then we have to accept that for each individual they have their own limit to what they will or will not accept in the quest for success and therefore berating people for espousing their own genuinely held opinion is somewhat arrogant.

But success is eveything, so to complain about something (if it was legal) could well be classed as bedwetting. I certainly concur with your thoughts on this particular issue (and have said so elsewhere), but I also accept that for some it might be close to their "price too far" limit. I may not agree with that and think it's a bit of an over reaction, but (a) I respect their opinion and (b) I certainly cannot buy in to the mantra that success on the pitch is everything.

I think you're getting slightly emotional and misquoting me if you think this argument is based on the "Has Cortese not done enough wrong yet for your argument to work?" line. Instead, I am merely countering the assertion that "success on the pitch is the only thing that matters". I think it is eminently sensible to suggest you want success, but perhaps not at any price. However, I also accept that the "price" you are willing to pay is down to each individuals moral compass and outlook on life. I am therefore merely trying to ascertain at what point people might say, this is a price too far.

Perhaps you misunderstood my point (or alternatively I haven't communicated it very well). If success on the pitch is all that matters, then surely it would be irrelevant how extreme these hypothetical concerns might be. If success on the pitch is the only thing that matters, then we should be prepared to accept anything thrown at us (no matter how extreme it is). (PS The £40, £50, £60 tickets are for next season LOL).