S-Clarke

Have nothing against Owen, not sure why there is some bitterness in some quarters. In his younger years he was one of the best strikers in Europe, I think most people assumed he'd go on and become even better, but the reality is that he peaked at around 24/25. It's been an incredibly fast decline since then. He relied a lot on his pace and without that he struggled to make the moves and get away as he used to, the thigh injuries especially completely killed him - which is what often happens with ''quick'' players. I think he tried to adapt his game, but he never managed it and was never as effective without that yard of pace. Gave me some good memories in my teens though, against Argentina in the world cup, winning the penality against Brazil in 2002, the goal against Portugal in 2004. He never quite reached the heights of the likes of Beckham, Scholes et all - but will still be fondly remembered by most English football fans.

Just expect a huge price hike, and it'll be a nice surprise when it isn't as bad as feared!

Or not.

That's basically Sunderland's shirt from this year with our badge on it. That's the problem with stripes. Somehow we've got to make them look unique/different from the likes of Stoke, Sunderland

Doubt it means anything other than us wanting more competition @ RB.

Vidal, seriously? If he leaves Juventus he will move to Real, Barca, Man City. We would't even come into his thoughts. Same with Andrea as well, they're both first choice players at the worlds biggest clubs. They aren't going to come here, wherever we do. The 1st option is a bit more realistic though!

Great thread.

He did to be fair, but he did get his chance and took it. Not sure what happened to him here, but he seriously turned into an effective player.

touting, much?

Ah, the rush to ensure that they don't look like fools for making a mountain out of a molehill. Swing the argument back at us, good one.

Totally agree. People will say that our start was because we didn't buy a CB, but we did......it just took everyone a little bit longer to adapt, it wasn't down to our lack of signings. As we saw as the season progressed, our signings were excellent on the most part. And the same can be said for the last 3 years. Some of our fans act like petulant spoilt brats. They don't know how lucky we are. There are so many clubs in the world who can't buy anyone until they sell, or can't buy anyone full stop. We can, we are and we will sign players. If that's by the 1st of July, August or September, I couldn't care. If they continue their track record then who can complain?

lol

I believe the term sarcasm, has been lost on you.

I believe this is her, behind Markus. But I may be wrong, they keep themselves very private to be fair to them. They probably want it to stay that way!

He was a ****** for getting sent off as he was against Palace. But he did OK for us, but you have to say that we gave him the platform for his career. He then went to Liverpool and stacked up caps for England. I think he's got a lot to be grateful for from us!

Very good news, but it was always a clever bit of brinkmanship really. I'm sure both parties both had their plans, so it's nice for them to bang their heads together and come to an amicable continuation of what has been a incredibly succesfull reign. I'd imagine the ''plans'' include finance to extend the stadium (but, let's not get into that debate on here). And I think we should all start to become very excited by the calibre of players we will be signing this summer. I don't think we need many, but I have a feeling we'll break our transfer record again on someone we shouldn't have any right to sign.

Wouldn't say they're ''our'' stripes though, more so the Adidas branding!

The black one looks great, love the use of the silver crest on that - I've got a feeling that will be used this year on a shirt, as it's being used more and more in media. not sure on the Red one though. Stripes no more it seems. Oh well

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/stoke-city-pigs-head-prank-1895005

Stoke City have announced that they have launched an internal investigation into an incident within the dressing room. Recent reports had claimed that striker Kenwyne Joneshad found a pig's head in his locker at the Clayton Wood training ground as a prank. A statement on the club's official website said: "The club takes seriously reports of an incident at our training ground this afternoon. A full internal investigation will be carried out and those responsible for any unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with in accordance with the club's disciplinary procedures." It is believed that a number of squad members were left feeling angry following the alleged prank.

Err ok, this thread will end well. Locked?

He's wumming, don't worry.

That post demonstrates exactly why we need a fan back on the board. They know so much more than anyone else.

It's one way of twisting it, a good get out argument by Hodgson though. How is a player as bad as Andy Carroll ever going to be made to suit any system other than hoof ball? He even does a bad job of that. At least Lambert and even Holt have football brains, and they know when to pull wide and can put in decent deliveries themselves. Even though they're old, I'm pretty sure they'd contribute more in the match than Andy Carroll would. Although every header he wins would be looked on in amazement I imagine. As you can probably tell, I cannot stand Andy Caroll. He demonstrates all that is wrong with English football.

They don't need to play as long as they're at Manchester United though, that will guarantee them a place whatever happens. Hasn't Welbeck scored like 2 goals all season? For me, it would have been a choice of Welbeck OR Sturridge, and clearly Sturridge would have got in ahead of him - leaving another place for a more deserving player.