Nineteen Canteen

I agree but it actually goes a lot deeper than that. Does your local darts or snooker venue have a 'club captain'? How many under priviliged kids or those from an ethnic background do we see take up golf in this country? There was a documentary about competitive Dads on the TV recently and there are plenty of a good many white kids from middle class backgrounds wasting their weekends playing golf with their like minded Dads and Mums chatting up the postman for attention. Why does DP think we'll be interested in the minutae of a golf tournament including the staffing arrangements and place to eat a sandwich? Doesn't that sum up the mentality of golf and majority of those who play it as a kind of superiority complex. Interesting DP mentions a networking day on the golf course in America. Classic situation that excludes immediately those who don't play and reduces the amout of toadying to the 'big man' for those who attend. Many years ago I attended what use to be called an 'offsite' in my company at the time. We had a networking/rest day in which the far majority of senior directors and their underlings, of which I could be classed as and probably lower!, went to play golf. I would rather be looking for another job than play golf so after breakfast sat in the lounge with 2 other like minded and worried souls when the MD joined us. Guess who had the more productive day as we sat chatted and drank and networked in our jeans and t-shirts. Swanny you hit the nail on the head. Sport for me is an activity that requires you to work up a sweat and does not IMO encompass the 'sport for all' philosophy. It's a disgrace its in the Olympics and I suppose they will be letting Polo in next although that takes the pompous exclusivity to another level but one that many golf clubs no doubt aspire. I may have used this quote before but it makes me smile when I hear it. Golf is to sport what masturbation is to sex. Neither are as good as the real thing IMO. I can only hope DP isn't at St Andrews next year - we will be getting a marquee count and a report of the billiard like service of the practice areas accessed only if you are wearing cashmere socks and take yourself far more seriously than you should.

Bridgey, if the loan is unenforceable its because the bank or other FRC has not asked you to sign or complete the documents in accordance with the Consumer Credit act. This company will do your PPI claims and no doubt bank charges but if you feel you were hoodwinked by your provider in any circumstances you can make a claim quite easily yourself and a good place to start would be moneysavingexpert.com. Can't stand Martin lewis myself but the site is informative and there our user forums who can share first hand experience. PPI and bank charges are easily claimed yourself although you will need to wait on the outcome of a court case with regard the legality of the latter. Loan documentation is not as easy to get out of as it may appear but again if you have a case you should write to you bank and give them time to respond usually 30 days and if your enquiry cannot be resolved you can then go to the Ombudsman who will uphold your case if the bank have not completed documentation within the rules of the CC Act. A bit of donkey work but better than paying a fee up front with no guarantee of success and whilst bank charges were criminally high and PPI generally missold usually under the pretence the loan would not be granted trying to get a loan wiped out on a 'legal technicality' is morally wrong IMO as 99.9% of the time the consumers knew exactly what they were signing up for. Its one of many reasons why the credit for many in this country is drying up and unsecured loan rates are in most case now running at a margin of 10% or more over base and mortgages around 3% and 5 -6 % for First Time Buyers a margin that use to be only seen on personal loans. The banks are at fault for a lot of this stuff but as consumers some of us (not suggesting you personally) are helping to exacerberate a bad situation.

Must admit it's got Beyonce like proportions at the back. I enjoyed the Jaguar story, Hamster and you clearly enjoy some leather upholstery. I even felt the dig in the ribs and blurted out a defensive and none to convincing - 'what'. If you get caught again simply say that no matter how hard you look you cannot find anyone who matches her although the woman in the Jag was great, you could tell by her well manicured hands she was no great shakes in the kitchen and you need an all rounder. Usually works for me and is often followed on average by about 36 hours of silence.

What's that thing Andrew Marr drives on the introduction to his Sunday show? I saw one of those a while back in pink with a white roof. Unfortunately, it was parked up but I think we can assume the driver would not be wearing a sensible pair of brogues. I always thought a pink Suzuki SJ40 with a white soft top and Playboy wheel cover was the ultmiate accessory for any blonde bimbo. Perhaps SOB this is the modern day version. Truly hideous.

I read your first paragraph and couldn't go any further as you haven't grasped the basics The police take the case to the Crown Prosecution Service who decide if there is a case to answer and to instruct the police to take matters further. If the CPS decided that there was 'not a case to answer' and completely exonerate MLT in the process then my understanding is they would have done so. However, they issued a statement that it was not in the public interests to pursue this case. Reasons for this I believe were allegedly given along the lines it would not be a good use of police resources taken into account I presume the age and complexity of any investigation. MLT was not told nor were we that 'he did not have a case to answer' IMO. Now if I am incorrect please show me the extract from the Echo or wherever it was reported. If anything MLT was lucky IMO this didn't get out earlier, that the police force in this country is under funded and under resourced and also lucky that thanks to people like yourself fighting his corner who are completely ignorant or have simply chosen to ignore the press reports and the role of the police in this matter. BS your bs simply strengthens my resolve to continue to addres my concerns until such time we receive a full and frank explanation and public apology from MLT and one that doesn't allegedly cost us the price of a paperback. If you want me to read your posts and take them seriously then make sure you have a better understanding of what was reported on this case as it's alarming in this instance you choose to completely ignore the role of the CPS.

I do agree with you and St Landrew and I have to do a trip to Essex once or twice on a Friday evening via the M25 and I have vowed that my next car will definitely be an automatic. Sometimes I can be stuck on that road for 6 hours or a more on a round trip that should take no more than 4. St Landrew I wasn't talking about the old VW Beetle unfortunately and it's not a motif but an actual plastic flower for the dashboard flower pot/cup holder.

I agree Ponty and when I composed my list I was think the shopping trolley versions of a lot of these cars. I would happily own a clio sport for instance if it wasn't impractical for my needs but an entry level Clio? Its like the Mini but even the Cooper S seems to be driven by women of the middle manager / estate agent type and that is a very quick and nimble car. However, the John Cooper Works with its stripped out interior and roll bars instead of back seats then again a great car for a blokey bloke to own. Be interesting to discuss a car you would absolutely never own even if it was free and free of pereceived 'ladies car'. Perouda Kenari has to be the top of the pile of which there is plenty underneath including the Ford Capri of the late nineties and noughties the BMW 3 series. I couldn't afford the hair gel and pink shirts to drive such a car not to mention the queue jumping mentality. How about the Ford Fusion, anything called a SsangYong - personally I have a rule to avoid owning acrs I can't spell let alone pronounce.

A VW Beetle with a Sunflower form the options list? Come one St Landrew even you have a line not to cross.

I can only comment on the material that passes our way, so who knows? MOG just out of interest, if as suggested by Phil that MLT does write an extra chapter in his book to presumably explain all this doesn't that actually exacerbate the situation and show him to be actually capitalising on his poor judgement? If that is the case and none of us know unless it was discussed at Phil's happy gathering isn't that a bit like rubbing salt in a wound still open or healing or otherwise? A kind of, I got it very wrong but if you want me to correct it then you will need to pay for it? If it's true he is going to write another chapter to cover this off then he is shameless IMO and lacking not just judgement but integrity. Write the chapter for free and publish it in the Echo, now that would have alot more resonance with people like me who feel he has not exactly conducted himself as you would reasonably expect from a sporting hero.

Thanks, I consider that progess.

MOG, how many season ticket holder are there? Well a few I know are not happy at all with MLT's lack of acknowledgement and will be even less happy if they have to buy the paperback to get the answer. Also have a read of the Echo comments when some of this stuff gets published.

Daren, no doubt you'll be rushing out to buy the paperback for that extra chapter? I was told that cheats never prosper when I was growing up but perhaps I was wrong. You are very forgiving but in the absence of that 40 minute confession and heart searching answer Phil alludes to, being given to all his adoring fans then he is perhaps not quite the gent we thought he was IMO. Many of us have had a less privilged life than MLT and yet have lived a life of integrity and without the need for the Police to take a case against us to the CPS. See my point? Being a sporting hero does not exempt you from tarnishing your image if you chose to take a less honest approach, whereas as others of less celebrity would be more reviled. I still can't quite understand why he thought it would be worthwhile to include it in his book?

Very strange post

Sorry, I forget the forum is the centre of the universe.

Eric so we have different standards - that is not a crime. As you were there give those of us who would like some proper answers how MLT addressed the Agassi question. Save the sob story about the impact on himself and his family, he's a big boy and made his choices so lets hear why and how.

Recognition needs to come from both sides MOG. Whilst, many still view MLT as a god and continue to push that view some of us feel his image has been tarnished and with no apology or proper explanation unless it appears we buy the paperback? So no in answer to your question I won't at this moment in time.

Is or was? Memories fade if not looked after and nurtured.

Have to agree with this 100% and the fact he has gone on to reach the pinnacle of another sport where winning Group 1 races has long been the reserve of the landed gentry or those from within the racing circle the man has proven himself to be a genius both on and off the pitch. A real hero of great integrity and the only one who gets close to Bates.

On reflection I may not have worded that very well and I was trying to address the previous poster's view as Claus as a playing legend when really he was just a long serving player who we readily identify with. I agree legends is an over used word and the danger is that the loyal and much loved servants become legends for simply being a good player and holding onto their position as is the case for the likes of Benali, Dodd and Lundekvam. If during their time they go on to beat club records as in your example then I agree there is a strong case to be made. I do feel integrity and loyalty are key components of any legend and Ted Bates is the greatest example of that and is IMO the Saints legend and in our lifetime we will not see another with his record, if ever. That is why I am so disappointed with McMenemy and MLT who undoubtedly did much to earn the status of legend as part of their day jobs but in keeping their ties with the club since they retired from their main role they have not exactly conducted themselves in the mould of Ted Bates IMO. Perhaps we should simply set the benchmark for Legend at Ted Bates level and anyone not matching that status is simply varying degrees of much loved, loyal servant etc.

Exactly!

BeatleSaint if you can prove that point to me I will let it lie. Any report from a reputable media source (no red tops or forum comments) that says MLT had 'no case to answer' will suffice. I can't say fairer than that.

Roger I agree but for me it's more was as oppose to is. Pity MLT didn't respect that IMO. I wish someone had told me earlier i am not a Saints fans because I have blown tens of thousands of pounds supporting them over the years and funding my family's support. Perhaps that's why I feel a tad aggrieved with MLT. There's mistakes and deliberate actions and one is easier to forgive than the other.

Professional Golfer = Hard earned money. A better example of a misnomer you will struggle to find. I'm guessing but I suspect throughout my working life I have given more money to the government in deductions than you have earned or ever likely to as a professional golfer or your next chosen profession. Now it seems you are not content with making slanderous comments about my health you now want to move it up a notch and cast derogatory comments on my personal finances. I am 99.9% sure you don't know me and therefore cannot substantiate any of your comments the nearer they get to the knuckle end. I agree though Will there is a lot of problems with this country's benefit system and more of it should be means tested such as child benefit, winter fuel payments, ICB none of which distinguish between a hard up golfer down on his luck and a lottery winner for example. Then again there is alot of good like free prescriptions for those on cancer drugs a new initiative which is well received or those with certain life-long medical conditions. I don't have the full list of those conditions BTW just aware of one. HTH.

Lunatic? I'm not the one doing the stalking. Read the post and put it into context with regards to Gemmel's post. I was just doing the decent thing and replying to his question. Now shouldn't you be out and about caddying for someone? Does the club shop not open on a Monday as I can tell it's going to get very tiresome on here today with you following me around like a lapdog.