trousers

Another misguided soul jumping on the defending Liam Neeson bandwagon.... https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/whoopi-goldberg-defends-liam-neeson-amid-race-row-he-isnt-a-bigot-a4059541.html

Yeah, I get that they are separate entities, I just don't get why they can't both be negotiated before leaving the EU... In other words, why not this timeline: AGREE WITHDRAWAL TERMS >>>> AGREE FUTURE TRADING TERMS >>>> LEAVE EU Instead of this timeline: AGREE WITHDRAWAL TERMS >>>> LEAVE EU >>>> AGREE FUTURE TRADING TERMS ?

Taking a step back....Can I ask what might be a daft question or two (just for a change)....? Why were the negotiations between the UK and EU split into 2 mutually exclusive parts in the first place? Isn't that the root cause of the problem here? i.e. the backstop is an attempt to bridge the gap between a withdrawal agreement and a future trading agreement. Wouldn't it have been much more logical to have crafted both agreements in parallel and concluded them both at the same time, thus removing the need to bridge the troublesome gap between the two with this backstop insurance thingamajig? I'm guessing the answer is something along the lines of: "there isn't enough time between the triggering of Article 50 and the deadline (2 years?) built into the Article wording to conclude both negotiations".... but....if that is the answer, doesn't it suggest that Article 50 was poorly written in the first place? Logically, surely it would be better for Article 50 to give sufficient time for both a withdrawal agreement and future trading agreement to be drawn up together, rather than setting what seems like an arbitrary timeframe to scupper this happening? Dunno.... Just me thinking out loud, as per usual, and not really knowing much about the mechanics and logistics of the whole Article 50 malarkey....

Given that was my aim, I'll take the compliment with open arms

Shadows

# Devil's advocate klaxon # Conversely, how do you know what the country would look like after 'Remain'? Say, in 5, 10 or 20 years time? I would venture that none of us know what the country would look like in 5, 10 or 20 years time, whether we leave the EU or remain in the EU...

How about this for a random and/or bonkers conspiracy theory...Bertrand has some kind of astronomical appearances bonus in his contract so we're waiting for enough games to pass by so that doesn't kick in before throwing him into the action towards the end of the season. (Did I mention this theory was bonkers?)

I make that at least two of us

Reading between the lines, my hunch is that something can't be right with Bertrand, either physically or mentally or both. He's been injury free long enough to partake in "ten intensive 11 v 11 sessions" and yet hasn't even made the bench in recent times....? I accept there's a case for easing players back into the squad after injury, even more so after a "minor operation", but this seems to be taking cotton wool wrapping to unprecidented levels. One could perhaps understand such a zero risk approach if Targett and Bertrand were of equal calibre, but I think its widely recognised that Bertrand is the superior player (when his mind is in the right place of course), so not sure why we wouldn't be trying to accelerate his return (e.g. take a bit of a punt and pop him on the bench even if he isn't quite ready to play 90 mins). It would seem we've taken risks with getting Ings back into the squad of late (maybe?) so why not Bertrand? I've just got this nagging doubt that something isn't quite right between Bertrand and Hassenhuttl. However, like a lot of my hunches, this one could be well wide of the mark....!

Maybe I should have agreed with Piers Morgan instead

Have you changed your mind about John Barnes being a "moron"?

Invaders

I'm with John Barnes on this one

Haven't they learned from their predecessors at Fratton Park? If you want to maximise your chances in the FA Cup you need to cheat by buying players that you can't afford.

Ah, cheers. Can't remember a game ever being brought forward due to a cup tie before. (Which probably means it's not as rare as I think it is!) I guess this is a choice by the clubs (given I don't believe the sane is happening to Chelsea's league game)?

Probably a daft question but why are Everton and Man City playing an extra game tomorrow?

Arcade

Are you suggesting 'Glasgow' has been rubbing off on me? Last time that happened was in a lovely hotel in Milan...

Slightly contradictory statements from Clough there perhaps? On one hand he says its a shame that they couldn't get Hesketh back but on the other hand he says its good that they didn't because it's allowed their player(s) to flourish instead. Perhaps if he had had enough faith in his own squad resources in the first place he wouldn't have needed a loanee....

This is what was ringing a bell... https://metro.co.uk/2015/03/22/arsenal-and-bayern-munich-are-interested-in-young-southampton-midfielder-callum-slattery-5115569/

Subterfuge

If his natural 'direction of travel' was to the right, how come he veered to the left before falling over McCarthy? To try and ensure he got the penalty, I guess?

If I remember correctly, wasn't there a story a while back saying that Arsenal were wanting to sign him from us when he was 15 or 16 years old? Or did I imagine that? Have been following his progress ever since. Glad he's now made the step up to the senior squad.

This. If the ref was wrong to not award the penalty then he was equally wrong not to send Barnes off.

The hilarity is mutual [emoji38]