Saint Mikey

Probably because it was a friendly and he didn't need to be registered.

Just read this story about a fan, being pulled from the crowd to play a game by Redknapp in the 90's. Never heard it before, quite a fascinating story - a dream for every fan! Article is a bit drawn out mind you... http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/05/harry-redknapp-played-fan-west-ham PS - Can we save the obvious Redknapp slurs/gags, it's boring.

You make some good points. However, I think that football has moved on - even since then. Managers are under so much pressure (how long is a Manager's shelf life in the Prem now? Less than a year?). Not saying they weren't under pressure before, but it's just been cranked up a bit. Some Managers particularly in the Top 4 won't take the risk to play youngsters, as their neck is on the line. Even lower level experience doesn't seem to be enough. Look at the question marks on some of our players, Morgan, Lallana and although not a youngster, Rickie too. Undoubtedly Morgan and Lallana have benefitted from game time (200 games for Lallana now), but not all Managers see it that way (not saying this is right). They just don't get a chance unless they are exceptional. For every Ross Barkley who had a loan spell in the Champ and is now getting game time, there is an Andros Townsend or Danny Rose who had loans in the lower leagues, but had to wait to prove themselves at the Top Level before given a chance with their own clubs. Just don't think it's black and white... If there was more stability in Football, then managers could afford to play youngsters and they could develop naturally ala Shearer, Le Tiss, Wallaces etc. However, the 'Win, Win, Win' mentality (that even we, the fans are a big part of) - has made this pretty impossible to ever reverse. That's unless the bubble bursts and we all have to start from scratch...

Being injured according to Wiki. I wondered what was going on with him when we played Sunderland.

Maybe an age limit could be introduced? I agree that in general fees and loans between clubs should be abolished. However, if you look at Wilshere, Sturridge, Caulker, Naughton as examples (probably more, if I think about it). They have all benefitted from going and playing at the highest level, whereas they wouldn't have got a game with their club, or pushed beyond their capabilities at a lower level.

I'm still waiting for a reply to this, plus a reply from the all seeing, all knowing S-Clarke on why Morgan is worth so much more than McCarthy...

Iain Dowie in my youth. I thought he did OK and tried hard, although didn't always have the quality. Remember a couple of great goals, particularly in a home win v Villa... In the recent past, probably Phillips. Scored some great goals for us, never understand the reception he gets.

McCarthy has made 120 Prem Apps and has 19 Int'l caps. Is also younger at 22. Why would Morgan command the same, or as your post insinuates...more?

Puff. Drink something proper, like Old Shoe Leather or Doom-monger...

I've heard Inferno is amazing. Only £2 a pint and has award winning breakfasts made in situ by Jamie Oliver...

Raising awareness for other travellers?

It's not necessarily even that simple. Unless a player hands in a transfer request, they are entitled to their contract paid up or a mutually agreed amount, plus a loyalty bonus. Read the Secret Footballer for how this works. So, in reality, it doesn't help the club that much financially. Hence why these players aren't getting squad numbers etc. It's an attempt to make them agree lower settlements, or hand in a transfer request (which rarely happens in these circumstances) in order to play football. Of course, as in the case of players like Dickson/Barnard etc. even a longer contract elsewhere on reduced wages - still won't make up for what they could earn here (even without appearance and other assorted bonuses) on their current contract. That's why no-one's going anywhere...

They probably want you out of the company for spending too much time on here...

To be fair, it took Neville a few weeks to find his feet and whilst Carragher has an annoying accent - his insight should make up for it. Once he gets used to it. I liked the fact that he swore in relation to Cisse 'all that cr@p with the shirt'. Whilst hardly a massive clanger - I'm sure that's not a well used word across the Sky Sports platforms!

As the first game of the season, on the face of it - this game should sell out no problem. We're also on the back of so many positive stories for the club: - Rickie called up for England - Record signings home debuts - Win last week - 4 academy players in first XI If it doesn't, then you can only point to the ticket pricing and the fact you can watch the game in a shedload of pubs around the city, or at home if you wish...

Exactly what I was going to say! Plus, didn't he walk along a white line according to him?!

There's no place for objectivity on this forum, scotty. Get with the programme!

I noticed this too. Certainly not the same way he celebrated scoring for us...

I received an email out of the blue from a guy from Nigeria who wanted to send me $6M of embezzled funds. I jumped at the chance. He's only had a few obstacles to get over, had to pay a few thousand for an affadavit and a couple more for bribes etc. I'm all in for £10k at the moment, but I'll be laughing when I get my hands on that $6M - suckers!!

You're right. This thread pretty much does sum up this forum, or maybe it's football fans in general. I certainly hear a majority of ****** at the stadium too. I'm all up for supporting your team and giving credit where credit is due, but some reality and/or realisation of the bigger picture needs to be present. This actually reminded me of when there were a voice of our fans claiming we were a bigger club than Spurs, as we'd finished above them a couple of times (when we finished 8th). Delusional.

It's still mental. If our central midfield really was better than the title winning side of last season, then the cream of European football would have been after Morgan and Cork and we wouldn't have been able to keep them.... Don't come back to me with Morgans stats. I know how good they were. When he's up there, for 3 or 4 seasons and still playing for us - then we can have the debate..

This thread is mental. Can we have a poll? If even 30% of people think that our midfield is better than Utd's, then I'll know never to come back on this forum again. Clueless, and people wonder why the WUMs are so prevalent?! It's because you give them gems like this, time and time again...

Certainly could be worse. What will Pompey be? 'Pompey Bell-ends'?

Well done Rickie. I was sure he'd never get a call-up, but I was wrong...

I agree with this, but I hope the fans remember this attitude when Shaw and Morgan demand moves in the future. Loyalty is dead in football and you can't expect it both ways.