Minty

Nothing is 'obvious' at all. It's all supposition.

If we're being absolutely literal about it, there was nothing in the letter to suggest ANYTHING about the long term. So any conclusions drawn are entirely done so based on the readers interpretation and bias. It's right to point that out, as indeed I did, but how you then choose to interpret it is down to personal outlook rather than any further factual analysis.

I would think so too, but then I'm not looking for a problem.

Just a straightforward and sensible business decision for now.

Give it a rest eh guys? The statement reads well and is certainly a welcome one after a period of uncertainty. I think the optimism that arguably most people feel as a result is great, and entirely understandable... nobody is 'falling' for anything, or being duped as some have intimated... it is a positive response to a positive statement, and only by interpreting it with personal assumptions and doubts does it become less so. Of course no one knows for certain what will happen in the future and I personally think that it IS feasible that KL is preparing the club to be sold at some point in the future... but that might actually be a positive thing. It may be that she recognises that the best thing for the club might be to allow an owner with a greater interest to take the club forwards, and she wants to prepare us as best as possible for that by putting a strong management team in place. She doesn't just want to get shot, she may feel that the best thing for the club is to sell, but only to the right people, for our sake. That said, my personal opinion is that she wants to stay and build on her fathers legacy. EITHER way, the most important thing is that it seems she cares about the club about its future, whoever owns it. Given that she is the one in total control, that is the most important thing just now and so her comments about the fans and about the history and tradition etc, are important for us to know that she takes us and the club seriously. I've got no problem with those who are being cautious about the statement. Given our history, it's might be quite sensible, although I liken it somewhat to a person not committing to a relationship for fear of getting hurt, just like before... how about we give her the benefit of any doubt, have a little faith in her and see what happens? We might be even better off as a result. Those wanting specific assurances about signings or other things were always going to be disappointed... those are specific strategies which any business would keep close to it's chest IMO. What we got however was about as much as I think we can hope for just now, whilst the restructuring takes place. Let's be optimistic. And if you want help with that, just keep looking at that lot down the road...

Seen the pic of the 'tackle' on Gaston, shocking decision, but how was Lovren's caused? Another bad tackle or just unfortunate?

My favourite comment underneath:

That's the exact reason I was thinking about it too... Nutjobs day out?! lol

Of course, how silly of me to overlook such obvious reasoning. I apologise.

You're right in that's how it works, but (and this is where it relies on driver discipline) anyone turning right from Albert Rd North should give way to any traffic coming from Saltmarsh Road before turning... So that's another 'should'. Hence my own reservations about this. Not sure if lights are 4-way or not, but apparently they will be different at peak times... how I'm not sure. Pedestrian islands. I thought this comment from Hampshire Constabulary in the Consultation Report was interesting and I fully agree: But the Council's response was (to that and other comments): Time will tell.

Although, look on the bright side for them... James Harper did play in Donny's 1-0 win at Fratton Park last season, so clearly he's able to cope with playing in such a cauldron of noise...

As someone who would usually encourage schemes to make cycling safer, even I am not a big fan of this particular work. I think the money could've been better spent on improving the existing roundabout with modifications on the approach down the bridge to force traffic to slow down as they approach the roundabout, better warning signage and perhaps improved cctv. The theory behind the new crossing is fine... it means cyclists should never have to go across the traffic that is moving across the junction... but by introducing new markings and a new 'system' you are introducing complexity and unfamiliarity. People will perhaps get used to it in time, but also, importantly, it relies upon the discipline of road users to use it in the correct manner, which is the biggest problem in this country anyway... cyclists and drivers who ignore markings and priorities, and do what they want, when they want. With the selfishness and impatience that blights our roads, I fear that well-intentioned schemes such as this will never work as they do in other countries where there is more respect between different road users.

Presumably the postponed Accrington game has yet to be rescheduled? Would love it if Beatts could send them down...

OK, I give up. You aren't stupid and you clearly enjoy this constant attempt to wind-up and provoke responses. It's a shame, it's an interesting topic but how would anything progress if we all had the same attitude as you?

I could engage with Polaroid, but I actually agree with a lot of his points and questions, so it wouldn't add much to the discussion to reply with 'I agree' or 'Me too'. Here's another idea... why not ask him to clarify the bits you don't get, respond to the bits you do, and see how the discussion pans out? Why be so continually evasive?

Are you capable of holding a decent conversation GM? As Polaroid says, there is clearly some wit and intelligence in there, so why not engage it in a constructive way?

I think this is the first time ever that a thread has IMPROVED by going off-topic... ;-) Interesting reading - agree entirely with Hypo's opinion about childcare at younger ages and his 'utopia'.

Surely GM has to be a WUM... even the main board, with its tantrums, bedwetters and knee-jerkers doesn't see this level of utter disregard and abuse for others with different views.

This season was always about consolidation and steady improvement IMO. I am loving it, because I can see potential in the side, and I think we can continue to improve with some more signings in the summer (if not January, but probably not). So whilst in itself, this seasons league campaign might not be exciting, I think in the context of where it can help take us in a season or two, it is very exciting. Agree with some of the comments about the FA Cup though... would very much hope we take it very seriously and go all out to win it. League consolidation and a strong Cup showing would be an excellent season.

Never quite understood this mentality... why would anyone *want* to see controversy and the associated issues it would bring? Irrespective of your opinion on Thatcher, I think everyone recognises that it could be hugely divisive and only contribute to further problems. What would the country as a whole stand to gain?

Has the Accrington game been rearranged yet? Would be nice if Beatts had the opportunity to send them down... :-D

Thing is Viking, I have various views on various things, mostly left of centre but not always, and some which are slightly right... but apparently that can't be possible in Alpines world of generalisation.

Well, obviously *I* know that... you don't frequent this thread and not pick up a thing or two along the way after all! But I wonder how long it'll take *THEM* to! So far the evidence would point towards: Never.

Alps - do you understand the point I am making? This is not about me. You seem to want to bunch all left-wingers together, assuming we all think the same and act the same, and yet clearly this thread (and plenty of others actually) shows that (surprise surprise) we don't. So why do you persist with such a line?

And you include me in that then do you? Given what I posted above? You're happy to generalise ALL left-leaning individuals in to that one box?