The Kraken

Get in there

Any good? I saw the Lawrie Mac video of it being introduced and thought the branding (and beer itself) was akin to Hop House. But I believe that's brewed by Guiness, so can't be the same (I do like a Hop House though).

I still don’t get it

Each game VAR studio has a Premier League referee and a VAR systems specialist. So they're the ones who are making the call (well the ref is but he'll ask the systems guy to get the video to the point he deems is correct). They did quite a good feature on Sky of how it all works pre game on Friday night.

Christ, Mayuka. I’d almost forgotten about him. Utterly useless.

You’re basically describing what they currently use, multiple cameras from various angles plus a 3D digital mapping application. The lines shown on TV screens are only for visual reference for the audience. Im not sure I can get on board with the whole “it’s too accurate” argument.

The laws were originally written over a hundred years ago. And they’ve changed immeasurably since. The idea that the laws are sacrosanct is very strange. So many changes have been made that have made the game better: the use of red and yellow cards, the use of substitutes, the back pass law, GLT, countless other minor changes. the game evolves, so do the rules. As for the ideas that local parks should have the same regulations as the top level, nice idea but utterly impractical and it happens in most other sports and has done for years. Cricket, tennis and rugby are the other big games played in this country and they all have technology applied at the highest level, they’ve all benefitted from it, and the grass roots doesn’t suffer one iota.

Looks like Vestergard at fault for all three! Certainly the first two, and his recovery “defending” for the third was questionable at best

I like VAR. It's got its teething problems but overall it’s clear cut on important decisions. Never thought I’d be a fan initially but I think it will be good. Doesn’t detract from the game if they make quick decisions so just need to avoid the previous occasions when they’ve taken minutes to arrive at a decision. VAR officials have been instructed to take a very passive approach to fouls and only intervene if a clear and obvious mistake is made. Offside is as accurate as GLT and a good thing imo.

Can’t do any worse than Norwich. Maybe.

Struggling to work out how Yoshida doesn’t get in ahead of Stephens. Injured? Would much prefer to see a back 4 with Yoshida and Bednarek, until we work out what Danso is about. And Hojberg back to play alongside Romeu.

Nothing like a 3-0 drubbing on opening day to settle expectations! At least West Ham and Watford are keeping us off the bottom for now. Good luck Ralph. Here’s praying big Kev is a wonder kid who can organise a central defence.

Justice at last. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-48608863 Massive kudos to all the lads involved.

I always wondered what type of person would pay money to join the Brexit party. Now I know. Makes sense.

sounds like they must have a massive amount of stretch to them.

Pretty awful design and the cheap stick on logo doesn’t help. Might have been ok without the black panel at the top, but the logo patch would still look rubbish. but then I’m never going to buy the thing so it doesn’t matter.

As if St. Totteringham's Day wasn't cringeworthy enough

So predictable, dear me.

I think it’s both.

Warnock will be fuming at the officials. Rightly so.

They should have had two, clear as day.

I don't know what it costs now; but my mate used to run a pub that had Sky and BT. Around 5 or 6 years ago he decided to knock it on the head as the annual cost went over £20K. A ridiculous amount, and smaller pubs really have to consider if they are able to justify those costs, a lot won't be able to.

And FA cup semi-finals at neutral grounds (not Wembley).

Black football boots.