revolution saint

And so it comes down to sentimentality, tradition and fear of an alternative that have become a lynchpin for defending the Monarchy. None of those reasons are sophisticated or stand up to scrutiny. I'm not sure anyone, not even monarchists, would say this is a fair system (which in itself should be enough to bring the institution down) so I won't bother going down that road - republicans always win that argument. Instead let's talk about an alternative. Can anyone give me a reason why we need an alternative? What would be in the job description? No one so far has come up with any compelling reason why the current functions of mrs windsor couldn't be carried out by the elected government of the day. Unless anyone can point out why it's necessary to have a presidential replacement to do the square root of nothing then I think it's fair to say that we can get rid of an anachronistic, out dated institution without fear of any consequences.

I don't believe we need a replacement for the monarchy (ie a head of state, a president call it what you will). We can happily get rid of them, become a modern true democracy (you know - that thing we wage war in it's name) and suffer no consequence. The only people who defend a monarchy are tied to a dewy eyed, rose tinted vision of tradition. If that's all they've got then it's a pretty poor argument.

To be honest a journo has probably just asked him about Hooper and I'd expect him to answer as he did whether Hooper was staying or leaving. It doesn't really mean anything. Absolutely.

I don't actually think that's true but regardless of that I'm not sure you've made a compelling argument for a Head of State be it as a monarchy or elected.

How would it be communist? That doesn't make sense, and neither does having a head of state who doesn't actually do very much.

So there's no real need for a Head of State then? All those things can be done as part of the function of our current government.

Why do we need a head of state? Honest question - everyone seems to accept we do but I'm not convinced.

Not sure we should get too carried away with this. The only proof we have that further bids have been tabled are through the media (the same ones we rubbish when they report bids for saints players). As for Hooper being interested - we alledgedly went through the same thing with Rodriguez and he turned us down so I'm not getting my hopes up. I hope you're all right but can't help thinking that it's all a bit premature. My predicition is that we'll all be frantically pressing F5 throughout the last day of the transfer window and hoping we get that big striker signing.

Can't really be arsed to trawl through this thread - it crops up every few months anyway. Basically though a monarchy is an affront to democracy - it runs counter to everything a democracy stands for. I don't care if they cost a billion or a pound - I want to abolish them because I want to be a citizen and not a subject. They are not accountable, can't be removed and receive priviledge by way of "divine right". It's a system so laughable, ridiculous that it's pathetic. The only defence I ever hear about them is that: 1. They never use their constitutional powers - Great, no reason for them to have them then. 2. They bring in money due to tourism - plenty of republics do fine and I'd bet a fully open Buck House would probably bring in a few more. 3. The alternative would be another self serving politician as head of state - Yes, but we could choose and also remove them. Personally I don't see the need for an elected head of state anyway so I'd replace the head of state with nothing - it would be a massive improvement.

Bound to be.

There's a flip side to this because if it's true then the figures being bandied around for Hooiveld, Lee, Cork, SDR, Fox etc are unlikely to be as high as some people think as well. Only my opinion but I think we probably do have some cash that we're willing to spend but NC playing hardball doesn't help. The fact that we've managed to sign pretty much everyone on longer contracts seems to suggest that we value players accordingly once they've shown us their worth so I'd hope we aren't too stingy and difficult to deal with. Personally I'm only expecting a loan in a wide position and then a big push for a striker in the final week of the window. The frustrating thing is that by going for players like Sharp, Hooper and Rodriguez does us more harm than good IMO. The important thing is to get them - not just bid for them. Sordell would be my choice if it makes any difference - comparable record to Rodriguez but quicker. Watford have a decent history of producing good strikers as well.

To be fair that's only what NA said after the game on Saturday - it's not really anything we don't already know and the bit about expecting a further bid is just speculation.

You have to wonder why Celtic are releasing information about bids for Hooper because it definitely isn't coming from us. Almost looks as if they are just doing the groundwork for a sale. That said Hooper is still such a huge statement of intent that I can't see it happening.

I know what the OP is getting at but the only games I can't bear to watch are the ones where we've been effing dreadful and had no chance of getting something out of the game. One in particular stands out and it was when Gray was in charge at SMS against Arsenal - we were awful and one nil down at half time. Could and should have been much more so I left.

Very good player and would be very happy if he signed but just can't see it happening. It would be massive money to get Celtic to agree to it even if they are broke and even if they were willing then I could see a prem club coming in for him. Great that we're looking at that level of signing but of course we need to sign someone at that level not just be linked with them. I'm hoping that we're not wasting time looking at players that for whatever reason we don't stand a chance of getting.

Always thought Kris Commons looked a decent player but can't say I've seen much of him recently. Certainly looked a good prospect when he first started.

Jelle Vossen from Genk? Bit of a long shot but there were rumours during the summer and Genk are out of the Chump League now, although still in the UEFA cup. Bit of company for SDR and I'm sure he could sell the club to Vossen.

Well looks my source was wrong then, sorry about that. Whatever happens I hope we have a striker lined up and aren't just hoping on something that doesn't materialise. Jutkiewiscz is decent cover for Lambert and no doubt could partner him as well but just IMO it's a bit of a meh signing, Rodriguez? Despite the hype he just doesn't look that good compared to Sharp and Maynard who are now much cheaper. Sordell fits the bill in terms of potential but would be very expensive and I doubt we'd have much of a chance now anyway. As for a foreign signing? Massive gamble (as of course all signings are) but do we have the time for them to settle in before making an impact? Naturally I'll wait and see before passing judgement though and I'm sure NA and NC have it all under control.

Are we requiring players to get baptised before they sign for us now? I know Markus was big on the god squad stuff but that seems a bit excessive....

There was nothing left of the christmas turkey except feathers - I draw the line at that...

Funny you should say that but yes, I also subscribe to the A 2 B cheap car mentality as well. Nothing wrong with that is there?

Oh right, thanks! I don't really wear jewellery but that makes sense now.

Well I got half way through that clip. Insipid, overly sentimental, boring and pretty rubbish if you ask me,

I'm probably missing something but all watches tell the time, right? And some look slightly smarter than others bit I really can't see the justification for spending more than fifty quid on one.

That would be Gary Lineker, Kevin Phillips, Micky Quinn, Dean Windass and a whole host of others for you. They don't really create chances because it's not their job, and they don't have any real pace either. Of course I'm not putting Sharp in the same category as those I've mentioned but he's a similar style of player and for my money it's not creating chances that's a problem but converting them. In any case if the rumour that we're looking at a wide right player is true then that is hopefully where the pace and opportunities come from - Matt Phillips or McGuggan can do that job easily. Personally I also think an orhodox striker helps Lambert as well.