the saint in winchester

I'm still confused over the Murty decision. Wasn't he already on a pay-as-you-play deal? So, on the same basis for next season, if he wasn't to play at all or very little, it's not going to cost us very much, is it? But, if retained, he would (have been) still be a motivational force at the club. Or is this a case of the approach being 'they have to go the full journey over the next 4 seasons all the way to the Premiership' to get their contract renewed? And Murty failed that requirement. Or is it something else, like the club not being too happy with him being on Late Kick Off every week, like a media pundit? AP always talked highly of Murty, and I was expecting his PAYP contract to be extended. Didn't happen.

It made me wonder too! Come on Weston, unfrock him. :-) Name and shame!

+1 Yes, I did. I saw the headline and thought "Surman?" They are wags on the OS writing team!!!

WS is playing this quite correctly, and we should compliment him for that, not put him under pressure to ask such questions. If VFTT's info is correct - and it sounds like it is - then and only then should WS consider asking such a question of the family. Even so, a Pardew to McCarthy enquiry would be the only formal way forward.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_6159625,00.html Arfield on his way to Udders? OK with me. You can't miss what you never had. FC, happy to go with your recommendation re this Oxford lad.

Can we move on from 'the attention seeker' and his financial management issues?! Thank you. So ... we think it will be the TBT vs a European side on or before 24th July. 31st July H Reading 3rd Aug A Colden Common 7th Aug L1 season starts ....

"pre-season plans begin to take shape." When is the first game of the new L1 season? I guess the now customary prestigious pre-season friendly with a top European side could take place either before or after this date, 31 July. Barcelona could still be lined up. :-)

I've been going for 40 years. My dad used to take me to The Dell in the 1960s to watch Ron Davies, Terry Paine et al. I had to stand on an upturned milk crate to see over the retaining wall. These days I can see over the wall (joke) and sit with my own teenage son at St Mary's. It's passed from generation to generation. It's one thing to watch sanitised prem football in TV, it's another to see it live at the ground.

Pardew seen having enjoyable lunch with mystery blonde, who apparently could be his wife! Oh heck, if the Echo get hold of this, who knows where this could go. This is like Have I Got News For You ... except no Ian Hislop or Paul Merton in this one. :-)

I'm serious. 20 year rolling contract. Apparently he's the bionic man and will play until he's 47.

We heard you the first time! It doesn't get any more credible by keep repeating it! :-)

We don't want to know! We shall engage in no speculation or gossip or negative thinking, just like that nice Mr Cortese asked us. He's a nice man, a very nice man. :-)

Gary McSheffrey today released by Birmingham. HCDAJFU? Also Gregory Vignal and Frank Quedrue, but we're covered at LB. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11694_6152235,00.html

That's true, too.

That's true. NC is obviously reading the speculation articles, or he wouldn't have gone off like an Icelandic volcano. Just don't read them, NC, I don't.

Pardew's position is confirmed; he and NC have reviewed the first team squad; AP will have a green light to recruit to those positions he and NC identified. Daily Echo links are not credible and are outdated.

I've never bought The Daily Echo and am not inclined to do so either. However, I still think the best way to handle any dispute is with tact and diplomacy, not statements of outrage and disdain. Why can't NC host the Echo editors and chief writers and build bridges, rather than refuse to deal with them? What's so funny about peace, love and understanding?

I agree. Or, I'm happy to share a ST with the bloke who wants to play footie on Saturdays and wants to go to midweek games only.

ooh er, we won't tell Mrs WC, ok :-)

Wotton on for Connolly????? Why?? WTF

SSN now corrected to Lambo!

SSN says Connolly goal. Who scored?

Who says he is leaving? I heard a contract extension will be offered. I must be one of the precious few that I have seen him on the pitch ( I won't say 'seen him play' ) as he was pretty anonymous that night I watched the Reserves at Staplewood. Still, next season could be important for him.

Good one.