Whitey Grandad

But there wasn't any doubt, or else the flag would have stayed down. He wasn't in line, he was offside. The linesman made a decision that endless slow-motion replays cannot prove was wrong. That's life, lets deal with it and move on.

Lots of practice. Somebody has to make a decision and an independent official running up and down the line is probably the best solution. These linesmen are specialists and very rarely make mistakes. They really don't care who wins or loses. The decision yesterday was disappointing but not wrong.

Now you understand why the shirts are now all red?

Shell of a nut.

You need to look at the supplementary document: http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/worldfootball/clubfootball/01/37/04/27/interpretation%5flaw11%5fen.pdf Basically, 'anything except the arms'. These interpretations change regularly depending on which way the wind is blowing. You're right though, being level is virtually impossible.

If he was in any doubt then he wouldn't have flagged.

On MOTD it showed Fonte catching him on the nose with a leading arm. Fonte immediately tried to apologise but O'Shea wouldn't accept it. It happens.

How can you possibly say that?? He was beyond the second-last defender, nothing more to say.

You've just explained why it was offside. If any part except the arms is nearer the goal then he's offside. Close, but not incorrect. J-Rod needs to time his runs better.

Wasn't Lallana captain?

No, everything except the arms.

Did anybody else see the Lancaster on its landing approach to Eastleigh after the game? We were walking back over Northampton bridge and suddenly there it was with its wheels down making a right turn towards the north.

I couldn't tell. Normally I look out for these things but he didn't look offside to me at the time. I expect it will be proved correct later.

I think the pace of the game caught him by surprise. Will be very good when he settles in and builds his confidence. Good to see Rickie putting his arm around him and calming him down.

A definite improvement on Lallana.

I normally defend refs but not this time. That body check on Gaston belonged in a wrestling ring.

We went there in February last year for a couple of weeks, mostly in South Island. It's a fascinating country, young in every sense of the word. Driving was easy on empty roads, even my wife found it a piece of cake. We packed everything into a hectic itinerary but at least we saw a lot. Next time we'll take it more slowly.

3-0

Sounds like a song from The Lion Ling.

You've just made that one up.

Yes, I thought it must be a misprint or something.

Hmm, highest mark in The Times - 8.

The longer the walk the quicker the getaway. I part at Bitterne and the walk is about 25 minutes but the drive home through Riverside Park is very clean.

They printed my season ticket cards the minute I bought them. The ink was almost still wet.

I thought it went (or was going) to arbitration?