Minty

I think most people can tell the difference between just another 'we back the manager' article, and one that goes a little further in terms of the detail given and the obvious belief that is shown in the manager. It's good to read, it still doesn't change the fact that it's results that count as some have alluded to, but you're more likely to get there with a tight camp who believe in themselves and each other.

To be fair I'm not familiar with French supermarkets so I'm not sure what I'd be comparing to. In this country though, for anyone to try and claim some kind of quality high ground because they shop in any other supermarket over Aldi/Lidl would be hypocritical...

If bans start getting dished out to fans who give constant abuse from the stands, we'll never need to expand SMS cos it'll be half empty all the time...

Says more about the 'very classy looking lady' than it does about those who shop in Aldi. And perhaps a bit about anyone else who chooses to use it.

It seems that this fan is known for being a bit annoying at Crawley, but still, I find Holloway's inability to take stick which everyone knows he dishes out all game every game, rather hypocritical. And that's an understatement.

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/10577282.Fan_is_banned_for__winding_up__Crystal_Palace_boss/?ref=twtrec Think it's fair to say I know what most peoples reaction would be to this!

The primary difference between Alidi/Lidl and other supermarkets in this country is their business model and the fact that they source more stuff from Europe. Other than that it's down to personal preference if you like the taste of Aldi's processed stuff over Tesco's processed stuff, and how much you fall for the marketing. A friend of mine works for a large company who make the processed tastes and smells that are put back into food once they've been processed beyond recognition and don't contain any of their original taste and smell... Perceptions of taste of a lot of tinned and processed stuff is down to these additives (which are at least natural), and how much sugar and salt is put in it. Aldi and Lidl are broadly no better or worse than any other supermarket that sells such stuff, they just have a more lean business model and more efficient logistics, which helps them pass on savings to customers. It's the same in the other direction, Waitrose and M+S' basic ranges, which they're now increasingly trying to price match Tesco etc on, is pretty much the same stuff. However, these guys tend to do more higher quality, less processed stuff, hence the perception that they're expensive... when actually they just aren't as keen to win the race to the bottom that everyone else seems intent on pursuing.

alpine in the cap?

It seems there's always room for one more... Nice work Bearsy.

Allowing for the fact that they clearly still have to fulfil their potential, although it looks promising, I wonder what that might save us in transfer fees if they can come good? Good to see that the consensus here so far is very positive and supportive though. They'll probably get games in the League Cup.

So - I didn't see the game the other night, but from what I've heard, the snippet in Cortese's interview this morning etc, it seems Chambers is perhaps further along in his development than I had realised, and might just be ready to be Clyne's understudy this season. Naturally some will be a bit anxious at the thought of this, having seen little of him, but this time last year we were hearing about Ward-Prowse's involvement with the first team in much the same unheralded way. What do people think?

Seems like a normal 4-2-3-1 to me: Davis; Shaw, Hooiveld, Lovren, Chambers; Davis, Wanyama; Isgrove, Rodriguez, Puncheon; Lambert. Front 3 behind Lambert probably interchangeable...

Still quite a mixture of perceived 'first choice' players, and others in that XI...

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/417127/WATCH-Cristiano-Ronaldo-free-kick-leaves-11-year-old-boy-with-broken-wrist Not a bad way to do it... shirt is probably worth a bit.

And the bit that sums it all up:

I see that Ugly even apologised in post-match comments for some of his 'mistakes' last season, and wants to improve. Fair play to him, we would all love to see him make more of a contribution.

What a morale booster for the rest of the squad...

Decent enough - a bit OTT and over-flowery on the language though...

Understatement of the day. Week. Year in fact.

Just out of interest, how does a footballer become a 'pre-Madonna'? Got some weird images in my head right now.

So they do have sprinklers on them apparently...

Apparently they have a decent amount of grass on them, and are good pitches, but will obviously be pretty dry. Mouldies will be the way to go, no doubt.

I think that is exactly what will happen. Some would say that Finn couldn't possibly bowl that badly again, and so should be given the chance to play again and redeem himself, but I think he needs to be replaced.

330-340 lead? You are very optimistic, anything over 300 we will win I am confident of that, we have to get there first. I stand by what I said - I got the lead at stumps pretty much bang on and I think if these two can stick at it a bit tomorrow, that lead is entirely possible now.

Lets just see it through to stumps, by which time hopefully we'll have about a 260 lead. If we do without losing another wicket too, I'd be hopeful of a final lead of about 330-340 and to start getting into them tomorrow afternoon. Optimistic perhaps, but why not... we've responded carefully today and are in a decent position.