AlexLaw76

You know full well the reasons why. Take the USA out of the question, we (in Europe) cannot take on Russia, as we have such limited capability (numbers). We sold our defence to the USA, in exchange for more free stuff (Germany being the biggest culprit). The trade-off = USA get to dictate when we act (around the world), and literally run NATO. So far, the US appear to have zero appetite to fight a war in Europe. We could have maintained a significant UK armed service, maybe at the level of the pre-withdrawal from East of Suez in the 60s, but that is never ever a vote winner. More welfare is (for example). You are in cloud cuckoo-land if you think a UK/Fr combined/led effort could do anything meaningful against the Russian army. As said way back in this thread, a bad weekend and it will over for us. Anyway, we are giving away very capable kit to Ukraine, I wonder how long it will take for us to back-fill our own stock?

Why were we 'spoilt'? His output was not much different to what we get now. he was just more quirky, diverse and have a bigger voice.

To do what? Biden (under Obama) stood by when Assad breached publicly defined ‘Red lines’ when chemical weapons were used in Syria If this is true, it will be met with more ‘strong words’ from NATO leaders, possibly more sanctions and Liz Truss had said she will “hold Putin to account”. So all will be fine. In the meantime, the destruction of Ukraine just carries on!

The Chelsea ones and the other English ones. guess you never watched it. Shame.

Could be playing some of these teams soon, given our lofty position. though you would have picked up on that. I was wrong it seems.

Arsenal win with Lacazette to score anytime. Surely that is the insurance bet for weekend?

One thing is for sure, we are defensively terrible under Ralph. 60+ goals conceded every season. Not looked, but will assume we are on track to achieve that this time

I almost agree (I had Redmond instead of Tella, but either would fit) We wont see that, or anything like that. It will 442 (or even 4 diamond 2, noting what he tried at Leeds). Either way, we will surrender the middle of the park and push really high. We are not in the right form to cater for that.

I’d say KwP, Salisu and JwP are the the players evidently improved with Ralph some have gone backwards, whilst loads have been bombed out. Decent manager, nothing more. with amazing PR though!

My team, not that it will look anything like this. Forster KwP Salisu Stephens Perraud JwP Romeu Diallo Redmond Broja Armstrong

Imagine if Southgate left him out and stuck with James (our best) and Walker (who is very very good and can play in a back 3), most of the media would have kittens. That situation was avoided last summer due to his injury

Southgate is not sold on him, that is for sure

City would win the lot if you had Kane in this team.

Not sure I suggested we should challenge injustice in every country. Just the ones we are involved with/enabling would be a start. Anyway, as said, WMD was a massive lie by Blair & Campbell, which was enabled by the press (who I believe were used)

What makes you think we will have 'a bit of money'? I hope you are right, but little has been suggested that what we are doing will change, other than we can buy before we need to sell....but sell we will to finance the purchases.

For the disgraceful horror of that War, we generally didn't give a shit in this country. We kind of pick and choose when to stand up for what is right.

The press didn't lie about WMD. Blair and Campbell however.......

Ultimately, there is a shelf life for all at football clubs. Ralph has already alluded to him leaving in the near future. I think the summer would be a good time to part-ways on a very good note.

Just look at the players he bought? Trippier - injured Guimeraes - rotated a lot Wood - Starts every game Burn - Starts every game Targett - deemed not good enough by saints/saints fans essentially, their form is on the back of Targett, Wood and Burn. Would we have shown such improvement with those? Howe is also supposed to appalling at 'spending money'... he will likely finish above Ralph, despite the head-start we had, Ralph being far superior and Eddie being terrible at managing players bought for big money

Yes, i am sure we would have been delighted with 3 goal Chris Wood coming here.

Howe will probably get his Newcastle side finishing above saints. Despite how bad he apparently is

Who has not scored in an age for Arsenal? put a cheeky 5er on them to get 1

from what I gather, that will not change much going forward.

Remarkable that Man United (+Gary Neville) turned their nose up at Antonio Conte!