Badger

..in the making, if his current form continues. He has been frustrating to watch over the last couple of seasons as at times he's tried to be over elaborate and there has often been no end product. Thankfully with maturity and experience he has become a lot more effective, and he is delivering in the top flight. Well done AL, off to Brazil I hope after a great season at Saints. That said, I wonder if Hansen might have been so glowing in his praise as Alan Shearer was, or would he have been lambasting the Hull defence for not getting a tackle in blah, blah.

Given our current run of form, and frenzied media attention I suspect we will see more stories linking players going out than coming in. A small irritation and price to pay for our success. Agree about some pace, although even if - and I can't see it happening - AOC returned, where and how would he play ? My own preferences, if we learnt anything from the Sunderland debacle, is that we need improved back up as CB, LB, and above all a GK.

A refreshing response, and as said above a welcome change from the likes of Holloway, and most of the big club managers who'd pin defeat on the ref or their own bad luck rather than credit the opposition. My judgement of Bruce has been impaired by his association with Man U, although even there he seemed a lot more acceptable face than the Rio's etc. Had forgotten he was overlooked by England, travesty if Pallister was capped. I think his managerial career has probably been blighted by some poor club choices really.

Just wondering, when did we last have an original song/chant ?

England - Mick Channon Wales - Ron Davies Scotland - Jim Steele Northern Ireland - only a few to choose from, probably Chris Nichol Channel Islands - MLT. Rep of Ireland - not sure if I can think of one ...

*as far as I knew even that though was subject to a further qualification in that the cap had to be in a competitive match, not a friendly. So Woy picking someone next week v Chile might not tie them to England, whereas a 30 second cameo substitute appearance v Poland last month would. Note how Wales gave that 16 year old his debut in their last qualifying game, rather than a friendly.

Decent day out but it was definitely a should, and could, have won fixture. Fluke first goal, just thankful Shawcross failed to connect from 6 yards when it looked easier to score (from a wind assist to concede the corner). Thought our support was a bit tame, but so too was theirs. Find it bizarre they left such great gaps at three corners of the stadium, probably helps create a vortex effect for their high ball hoofing.

Fluke goal. He more than made amends with the second half save when the Stoke player burst into the left hand side of the penalty area. Agree with a couple of comments above that perhaps the board would have been on the back of Kelvin (or Gazzaniga) for the same event, but lets be honest Boruc has built up a few credits this season. Yesterdays goal conceded was easier to "accept" than being routinely beaten at the near post etc.

Only odd w a nk (not a player but a former board member)

As it was only a few days after the Sunderland v Newcastle fixture I suspect this too is pretty close to the truth.

Yes - been advocating something like this for years. Child benefits cease after two. Third = no benefit, and benefits reduce thereafter. How we have got into a situation where sponging pond life(s) have multiple offspring and see it as the states responsibility to fund them is beyond me.

Totally agree with you on this, having noted the toe-rag kids in my son's years at school and there is a constant theme between arsehole children and pleb like names. Trouble is it is difficult to discuss such views without being accused of sounding like, or supporting Katie Hopkins.

Tyne & Wear Police did not want the game the same week as Newcastle v Man City. Presumably as it was also the same week as Sunderland v Newcastle there was a limit to how much overtime they wanted or were prepared to pay.

Keep them away from your garden when your using the flymo then.

Unlike his managerial career of course, which faded long before they even approached safety.

CMFG had a better hairstyle !

The outstanding run continues, long may it be so. After last week, I feared today might be the curse of a fixture we were expected to win, but no. Job done in a canter. The Sky issue overcome as well. Nothing breeds confidence better than a winning run, and we certainly seem to be firing well now, just a shame the score did not reflect our superiority. What has brought it home to me is looking at the table and fixtures today, looking at the likes of Chelsea ,City, Spurs to drop points, for us to stay in the top 4 or 5, rather than the likes of Palace etc to escape the dotted line at the other end of the table. I don't expect us to be top 4or 5 in May, but am happy to enjoy the run.

'magic' stuff !!! Can't recall who sang it - Sailor sprang to mind, but that was Glass of Champagne (equally naff)

With Lee Barnard acting as their minder, and Forepast the Entertainment Secretary.

Could be this year's Christmas best seller.

Yes, remember that one ....

...but the previous two were not.

A winnable fixture at home.... that's the worry.

Yes, as I posted above. It was a significant turning point, not only after the 20 game winless run, but also put some distance between us and Newcastle who I think were relegated at the end of the season. I remember seeing some people crying with joy after that goal, Ruddock's brief icon status started at that point also.

Sorry Turkish but you simply can't claim the credit for this. I recommended him to the club whilst he was still a foetus.