adrian lord

That Diego must be the swarthy chap I saw looking at Lyndhurst estate agents' windows at lunchtime?

Europa League: Given that it is widely accepted as a poisoned chalice, maybe it's Cortese's master plan to avoid it and 'hide' mid-table this season and maybe next until we are truly ready for a genuine and glorious assault on the holy grail of the Champions' League spots?

The recent promotion seasons were, if I'm honest, far more enjoyable, particularly the awaydays. Better fans all round. Winning loads, terraces (P'boro fondly remembered) However I would not want us relegated as that would likely end our bankrolling by the Leibherrs, and then what?

2-1 score, either way.

I think we can just about overhaul Newcastle if we have no more serious injury problems and hit form again, they are good on their day but we can rely on their inconsistency and terrible luck to undo them. I dream of finishing above Manure, but that is going to be hard. Them and Spurs never seem to fall as low as their press hysteria would suggest.

According to the guardian's twitter Man U are still in the hunt for Shaw

This season refereeing has plumbed new depths.

Shocking decision, the offside players were not interfering with play or sight lines. big club favoritism strikes again

Agree. Citeh in league of own with Chelsea next then Arse. Then the rest all the way down to us, headed by the 'pool.

I take no pleasure in agreeing with you in that assessment. I mooted the same a few weeks back in a post match thread.

Come on Saints!!!

'Tino needs to shake up the tactics at half time

Those stats are damning and make for dispiriting reading.

What was the point of washing your hands when you were already covered in gob spat over from the away pens?

I heard from a well placed source in the Language Tutors world that MP cancelled his English lessons shortly after Xmas. Ominous.

I need convincing of the managerial merits of R Di M, to be honest. OK, he won the CL with Chelski but by common consent that was a bit of a fluke and he inherited the team.

It has a certain face-validity and ring of authenticity I'm afraid, especially when one considers circumstantial evidence such as the lack of contract.

Demba Ba should never have left the Toon.

Rather off topic but I laughed out loud at this, found while I revelled in the twitter furore following Man Us defeat to The Swans in said FA cup.

Leeds are a sleeping giant. They are sorely missed in the top flight by many of us. A key thing about Leeds' support is that it is very large, very solid, global in reach yet not at all plastic. The club, with ££ behind it and a refurbished/new stadium would have all the key structural ingredients of a top 4 outfit once promoted.

Ashley is not far off Tan in the loony stakes.

We may indeed flirt with relegation. Form over last 8 weeks decidedly relegation material, putting aside the obvious mitigation of injuries.

I did caution that this had "Tranmere written all over it" on the build up thread!

Er...Yes.

Thanks - in fact I posted the link to the tweet earlier. My view: I detest Clatts with a vengeance but the specimen charge with which we are trying to convict him is weak and will be seen as pathetic by all neutrals. That's ASSUMING the alleged quotes are accurate....