Colinjb

Chris Smalling came from Maidstone United, prior to that Millwall.

Despite them actually being better off on a month to month basis then under the current system? (I personally would be approx 80 quid better off) They will owe more overall but would have more to spend in that crucial period after graduation with a higher thresh-hold until they need to start paying back and capped contribution quantities per month. Also, if you never breach that thresh-hold there is no need to pay the money back at all. It also ensures that the universities themselves can continue to operate in the current quantity around the country and with the current variety of courses. Had the system continued it would have been unsustainable and every kid would have suffered, or, even worse, it would have had to revert to something as terrible as no pay up front? No chance! Not to mention the loses of jobs in all the ancillary services, service industries and 'establishments' that students make use of in the cities/towns where Universities are present.

Yes. It's one of the biggest things with the political system that I hate. As things stand politics is a more closed shop then ever, inhabited by people who have chosen the political game as a career rather then a calling. All career politicians, regardless of leaning and party should in my opinion be disposed of. There should be an entry criteria into politics, be it minimum age, outside career, etc. It would encourage those who have lived and experienced the political/social spectrum to actually make the rules rather then those who have no idea outside of their own immediate sphere. It would also give greater scope for people like Owen Jones to put up or shut up.

An example of a domestic policy that was designed to ensure that the university system can continue as it exists albeit at a very high cost (literally) against a policy that had zero effect on 99% of the domestic populace and had extreme outside pressure to make happen. Incomparable.

It wasn't that big a deal to the people in the country who were unaffected. Humanity is fundamentally selfish in nature.

The only party who are willing to make unpopular decisions if there is a bigger picture to consider.

Such is the beautiful tapestry of things.

Far too sensible Tim.

Yes, but if you had the benefit of hindsight to aid the decision would you have done anything different? That's the point for me.

You'll be fine mate, the adrenaline of the situation and crowd support will see you through.

I think we will find ourselves a little more exposed against the league's bigger names. As for conceding against Stoke and Newcastle? Away games. Hull may have been a little harsh but they seem well organised at the moment, wouldn't bet against them at least scoring at St Mary's, the same for Villa... but to balance it I only put one of them scoring.

At the risk of getting a bit too deep with this, I would have been more confident from a younger age and not cared as much about the opinions of others.

A Saints v Fulham type game is there on the Saturday night schedule to fill the quota of getting two more unfashionable clubs out the way so that they can fill the spots with the bigger teams more frequently. Sky will have no expectations for it. Viewing figures are essentially irrelevant. I agree with the OP at the clash with the Classico though, it would have been nice to see that.

Fulham will be on the crest of a wave after monday, Jol will have to ensure they are not complacent. I believe that we are in a prime position to utterly savage them, equally we will be in confident mood but still with something to prove after riding our luck a little v Man Utd. Saints 3-0 Fulham. Osvaldo to open the scoring with Wanyama getting one from a set piece. Either Rickie or Gaston will then wrap it up in the closing stages. Wanyama/Lovren/Fonte will keep the Fulham attack quiet

Oct 26: Fulham (h) 3-0 W Nov 2: Stoke City (a) 1-2 W Nov 9: Hull City (h) 2-1 W Nov 23: Arsenal (a) 3-0 L Nov 30: Chelsea (a) 1-0 L Dec 3: Aston Villa (h) 2-0 W Dec 7: Manchester City (h) 0-2 L Dec 14: Newcastle United (a) 1-1 D 13 Points.

Humans. The ultimate parasite.

I hope he comes good, purely on the basis that it's never good seeing a young man struggle. It would be good to see him make the most of talent too... of course.

Let the brainwashing of the media continue. If you repeat any rubbish often enough it will be accepted, the Skates being the largest fan owned in the country for instance.

You are right, it isn't simply a case of buy a new backup. But then, this has been done to death.... I stand by my assertion that Wayne Bridge would have been the best choice for that role. Fox is however continuing to get game time ahead of the switch you suggest. I agree with your idea and I feel we should be giving Chambers the game time at RB with Clyne at LB if Shaw is out. The remonstrations from Lovren in the Swansea game tell me that the squad know he isn't up to it so I would expect more effort in bringing in someone to cover the position better. There is no certainty that Targett will be able to come through, not every academy player will be a world beater regardless of initial promise.

I don't fear other clubs coming in for our better players. They could have left at other times, why leave when we are looking the best we have for decades and do not need to sell? Another attacking player, like a Lennon, would be excellent. I still feel we need better backup at left back, yet the club seems to have set it's stall out with Fox as the fall back.

Well. This is bizarre!!

Recommending a player that you went on to describe as one of Rupert Lowe's biggest follies?

He can ignore them for as long as he likes! Keep them focused on their club form.

I have a similar one. Love it, beautiful picture quality. Would always recommend Samsung tele's.

Right, just got home. 1-0 down but it looks as though we are playing ok. Hope we've saved the goods for the second half.