benjii

Everyone should tweet that article with #Gaoingdown

That's actually an easy one to do. Although do common-folk carry a handkerchief nowadays?

That fourth paragraph is the main worry, in a nutshell. We're in some sort of grim stasis because Gao is just a statue.

5 in 42.

And Gao. A massive "**** off Gao" banner, would be da bomb.

No one likes it but having the ability to laugh at oneself is a virtue. I think people also hope it might stimulate some change, if we are completely ruined. Oh, 4-1.

Ah, fair enough.

Other people seem to think we are. Are you basing that statement on Ings playing slightly deeper than Long? If so, it's a 442.

Any manager who thinks they can rock up at Man City and play an open 442 is inept and doesn't deserve their job.

We aren't actually playing 442 are we? I mean that would be ****ing obviously idiotic so I assumed we aren't.

I reckon it will need to be at least 6.

He might do a key pass later though.

Terribly sorry, old bean. It's just the same tiresome roundabout of idiocy from the usual suspects. It made me irreverant.

Victim of a good stuffing.

I have full confidence in the FA, the dynamic and professional guardian of the game in this country, to deliver measures to rejuvenate our domestic league, should this happen.

Out of interest, how did you compile that "big 5" list?

Seems to me, the settlement agreement incorporating a confidentiality / non-disclosure obligation (because that's actually what these are - a pure NDA doesn't involve the payment of cash to settle a claim) is the only alternative to forcing victims to seek redress publicly through the courts or via a criminal complaint (assuming it's criminal activity that is alleged). If you ban "NDA" element of a settlement agreement then that leaves the following: - you agree a settlement anyway but either side is free to make the details public. I'm not sure what incentive there is for the alleged perpetrator to settle a civil claim in those circumstances, particularly where there is a big imbalance in power and wealth. They would be more likely to try to bully the claimant into silence via an expensive legal process. - you effectively make it impossible for claims to be settled, meaning that every victim is forced to go through a full legal process, even if they would rather take some money and keep it quiet. Don't forget, in this case, people are alleged to have received a million pounds or more. Inadequate compensation for a sexual violation, perhaps, but not a bad deal for a bit of inappropriate non-criminal behaviour. Would all those claimants have felt empowered enough to go through formal legal proceedings against a billionaire? Would they have had adequate evidence to go to the police and get a prosecution of it was criminal conduct? I doubt it.

If Gao died we wouldn't need more than a post-it note of condolence, never mind a book. I know that sounds harsh but, honestly, would anyone feel personally affected the way they did when Markus died?

P.s. I also think it may be possible to stay up with as little as 31 or 32 points.

Yes, it's looking like 3 from those 5. I would say Cardiff and Huddersfield are virtual certainties, so it's then 1 from 3. If you had to pick an outside bet then as you say it would be Palace or Burnley, but I can't see it. I'll stick my neck out and say the third team will be Newcastle.

5 in 41, I think.

Thieves!

I was in The Archers that evening. Bizarre.