trousers

Game now sold out. We're gonna need a bigger ground at this rate....

I believe its the 21st. The century where everyone seems to be offended by everything and everyone...

He said that he's not an emotional person and that anyone with depression should be helped with their condition. I'm not seeing a huge amount of controversy there.

Yep, agree, Pellegrino was much more definitive in the second part of the press conference, stating that it was too early for VvD to be considered for this weekend's game. That said, could be another double bluff of course...

I thought Keir Starmer came across really well in the opening repeal bill debate in parliament today. Don't necessarily agree with all of what he said but he articulated it well.

I think we're in agreement. Yes, both sides of the argument use an arbitrary line in the sand for the basis of their opinion. A Catholic draws said line at the point of conception whereas others draw the line at 167 days after conception. As you say, neither of these arbitrary lines are "right" or "wrong", they're just different opinions.

It could also be suggested that the reverse is also true. i.e. some of those that are criticising a "Tory toff" probably wouldn't be as outspoken had it been a Muslim cleric spouting the same "sh_ite"

Or the second a 167 day old foetus turns into a 168 day old foetus...

Why listen to the interview properly when there are social media knee jerk reactions to go by instead...?

How on Earth do Sky come up with a definitive headline like that from such a non-definitive statement from Pellegrino?

How on Earth do Sky come up with a definitive headline like that from such a non-definitive statement from Pellegrino?

I'm sticking with this...

Indeed

https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017-09-07/team-news-mauricio-pellegrino-pre-southampton-watford-1718

Yep, although the key thing I read into Pellegino's answer is what he didn't say rather than what he did say. He could have easily responded "Virgil won't be ready for the game this weekend" to the journo's question but he chose to be vague instead. Of course, he may have no intention whatsoever of considering VvD for selection, and is simply wanting to sow seeds of doubt in Watford's minds, but the fact he avoided ruling it out suggests to me that VvD is in contention for the squad on Saturday.

Pellegrino on VvD at this afternoon's press conference when asked when VvD will be back in the team: "It depends on the player now. He needs to train and to play games. But we will decide in the future. Everything is normal. He is training with the team on the same level"

...

And a completely different football club

10/10

Come on. Gotta be worth at least a half?

He's in danger of replacing Boris as my favourite politician

Whilst I understand the concerns and issues around lack of match practice and/or fitness - and I suspect you'll be right about him not featuring this weekend - VvD strikes me as one of those players who is such a good footballer and a natural athlete that he could probably slot back into the team straight away with relative ease, or at least not need as much 'easing in' as most players. My opinion isn't based on any tangible, logical or scientific evidence, it's just based on a hunch. But that's probably why I don't run a football club...