Sour Mash

You lads should have an absolute bargain, something like £20 London to Barnsley. Good job you know me really.

Fair play, I'll take any stick coming my way for that Most of what he wrote was still wrong though...............

Is it worth seeing if you've got no interest in Motor Racing?

Anyone ITK on the subject recommend a book? Had a look on Amazon and there's loads of choice, so any advice much appreciated, cheers!

The stuff people come out with on this site really cracks me up sometimes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13792977 More Americanisation/Commercialisation of football or makes no difference?

Exactly. If NC hadn't said go for as big a flag as possible and that he'd make up any short-fall, would we be more than happy with the amount raised so far and the flag that could be bought with it? Is the total not now inflated because of this and not really a "short-fall" in terms of donations from fans? Having said all that, I'm all for being ambitious with stuff like that and there is no point for settling for half-measures.

I've read all of those books and would agree, all quality reads.

I'd actually like us to make as much money out of kits/merchandise etc as possible in order to subsidise ticket prices.

My point exactly mate. Sets the standard for what we're going to be competing against this coming season. Bit of a step up from League One. Lets see what Saints do now.

Maybe, but it'll certainly be competitive, exactly what you need at this level. I'd LOVE Nolan at Saints, exactly what we need really.

Its what I've said all along. You might think they can't afford to shell out a few more quid for some quality to get them straight back up (which is sort of true), but they seriously can't afford to spend more than one year outside the top-flight, especially with Stratford etc on the horizon.

Probably a repost, but if this does happen it'll seriously show those that didn't fancy West Ham this year http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13781218.stm

One could possibly argue that the existence and overall efficiency of NGOs is actually to the detriment of these countries long-term. Third world governments know that certain areas will be picked up by NGOs and western Aid and therefore do not need to address the long-term issues that cause the problems in the first place. I am sure that certain schemes are already in place, but I would much rather Cameron's pledge of money be used as some sort of financial incentive to 3rd world governments to demonstrate that they are working towards implementing effective systems themselves. I'm sure there are plenty on here that understand all this much better than me, but what is the probability that we'll continue to be paying this out year after year for many, many years to come? Yes, buying a bit of fair trade chocolate here and there might make us feel good, but on the grand scale of things, it really is a drop in the ocean. With an ever expanding world population, rising food and fuel prices and various environmental/climate issues, can anyone see a realistic end/long-term improvement to 3rd world poverty?

Yes, agreed and I know a few people that work for NGOs and do a great job, but it's still a relatively short-term strategy that papers over the cracks. What should be invested in, is looking at why the NGOs are there and why is this funding coming in - what is missing in the particular country that stops them being able to function at such a relatively basic level. Much harder to sort out, but surely better for all concerned rather than pouring in an endless amount of our hard-earned.

While you'll no doubt get shot down on here for such comments, there is certainly the argument that structured, long-term systems of governance are more important long-term than just shelling out a fortune to companies manufacturing medicines/vaccinations.

But he's right. 'Poverty' in this country is nothing compared to what many in other parts of the world experience.

Politically I am probably to the right of centre, but I actually agree with this policy in principle. However, what frustrates me is the apparent lack of control and efficiency with which this money is used for. As I say I agree with this policy, but not if we have to keep pouring it down a bottomless pit year after year. My other gripe is that Great Britain really doesn't get the credit it deserves for bending over backwards and making an effort for those less fortunate. From our acceptance of refugess over many hundreds of years, through to things like Live Aid and current regular large-scale fund raising we see every year, I don't think there is another country in the world that can compare to the amount we've given over the years.

Its very similar to pretty much all the other new grounds that were built at the same time, not much better or worse, but with a much better location than most.

Yes, good point, reaching a Cup Final, having several successful years in the Prem, full houses on 30k most games.............

In all seriousness, bit of a strange choice to play Kettering rather than the usual local non-league sides. Maybe Crosby/Adkins as a contact there or maybe they just fancied getting some of the younger lads out on the road.

That'll teach him for trying to mug me off for using the word "probably" ha!

Not really Switzerland related, but another pre-season update, Kettering away http://www.ketteringtownfc.co.uk/ probably a reserve side I'd guess.

Out of all the sh1tty, modern day, media-led phrases and sayings, I despise "man-up", more than any other, no place for it on a decent football forum.

Quite fancy this. Bit of an update from one of my more clued up pals: http://www.fcbiel-bienne.ch/con/cms/front_content.php?idcat=3 "After many years of interruption with FC Biel on Wednesday, 13 July at 18:30 on the clock Gurzelen another international friendly game. Opponent, the English club Southampton FC, ​​which is just been promoted to the Football League Championship, the second highest national league. By their fans, the Saints' England were referred to by 2005 the Premier League before they alighted, and 2 after four seasons in the Even in the Football League Division One (third highest in league) appeared. From this they have now managed as a table in two of the re-emergence. In the Südengländern once played such famous luminaries as Martin Chivers (1962-68, later with Servette), Peter Osgood (1974-77), Alan Ball (1976-78 and 1981-82), the unforgettable 63-fold International and later national team coach Kevin Keegan (1980-82), the goalie legend Peter Shilton (1982-87) and Alan Shearer (1988-99). As references, they have a runner-up title in 1984 and an FA Cup winner-1976 exhibit (1-0 against Manchester United) as well as three FA Cupfinalteilnahmen (1999/00, 2001/02 and 2002/03)."