alpine_saint

Well, that confirms Mane is off.

Interesting you brought up the MARS tankers. I was wondering, seeing how they appear to be doing such an outstanding job (in budget, on time, good quality) why we dont transfer the whole T26 project (up to launch, at least) down there ? Fitting of sensittive systems could be done in the UK still. Laws can be changed. I do sense that BAE / VT have upped their game (at least in terms of quality) with the carriers, however. Pity they are still so damn expensive. Gerald Fords arent costing the US much more money and time to build...

a) if Manyoo meet our valuation, he will b) sure, but with whom ? Will he be as good ? Claise isnt Morgan, and Cedric isnt Clyne c) Bullsh*t. Prove it. Lazy stereotyping d) I'll take your word for that. Point is, according to you, he can't. Your point was ? e) No sh*t batman, but see point b) above.

No surprise really, what with the committment to commission both carriers. QE will be commissioned by then (but not operating F35s yet). Besides, and maybe you can confirm this, there was some controversy about the awarding of the contract to build her; she was considered a very cheap-and-nasty solution I recall. She's probably falling to bits. I notice Wiki is saying she is going straight to scrap. Still, a short life for such a capital ship. I also guess Argus could fill-in if needed (if Albion or Bulwark are not available).

I personally would like to see the UK really have a strategic defence review, the result being that most investment goes into RAF and RN for nation defence (we are an island nearly starved into submission twice in the last century) and contribution to international peacekeeping, and the Army kept at current level or slightly scaled back further for domestic defence and disaster support. We should then tune our contribution to NATO accordingly. The intelligence / special forces increase should remain to combat terrorism and cyberwarfare of course, but I cannot visualise the day of mass infantry and armour formations advancing on tactical targets any more. This means the target should be more planes and ships, not rapid reaction forces. I guess the political lobby for the Army is too big (I note all CDS appointments now come from the Army).

Nothing factual ? You deny we are toothless without Mane ? Who have I called for to be banned ? Not only have I not done this relating to this thread, I have never done it, just like I have never rejoiced when someone has been banned. And I dispute I dont come on here when we are winning. Methinks you pathetic little scrotes go after me and my posts to vent your frustration when we do lose, and ignore them the rest of the time (as is your right)

Yes, there have been some pretty swift clarifications going on this evening. I am also going to hazard a guess that the "lighter frigate" will still be a T26 hull with some scaled down capability at least at first (redesigning is expensive). From what I understand, there was always going to be 2 batches in terms of capability; an ASW batch using the 2087 sonar off the T23s, and a general-purpose batch. Anyway, looks like every hull of the in-service T23s is going to be replaced, and two extra OPVs will take over home patrol. Would have been nice to see the original 16 replaced though. Anyway, I guess the RN will have more presence at sea than it has currently. Just seems that this strange gradual procurement practice is taking over.

Well, we will see I guess. I take from the high level of abuse I have touched a raw nerve and you all know it too.

Gonna be in big trouble in January.

Type 26 reduced from 13 to "about 8". F**king ridiculous.

Oh dear. Another denting for the Messiah illusion that SOGGY has built up over the years...

I didnt say that. I just think if there is any doubt whatsoever, they should err on the side of caution. And I did say if Koeman thinks we can win without him...

Very, very stupid post. Hamstrings need to be thoroughly rested. If Koeman thinks he can do the biz against Sunderland with Maya, Fonte shouldnt be risked lest we lose him for Stoke and ManC.

Its a hamstring.

I'd be inclined to rest him for Stoke.

Completely agree. I thought he look really good when he played against RB Leipzig in our first pre-season game. Was frankly surprised that Koeman favoured Maya in the first few games.

Might as use him to fill a gap until he can leave in January, seeing as we are paying him a kings ransom.

What about his f**king awful corners ?

I'm not so animated by this fixture as I was when Rodgers was in charge. I like the look of Klopp, Rickie has gone (downhill), Lallana and Lovren are massively underachieving, and I am totally meh about Clyne. I am much, much more interested in burying Tottenham.

Do you think 2m commercial revenue increase is sufficient considering our significant increase in profile within English football ? We are the fastest increasing / improving sports brand in the world, apparently. Personally, I find it a little on the light side too, I have to say.

I really wonder what the f**king problem the DM has with us is....

For now. Until the window opens.

I would dispute that too, seeing as he played less than 20 games.

Even better than Killer ?

There have been loads, come on. Sad we never beat a Brenda Liverpool, at Anfield, with Lovren Lallana and Clyne playing; that would have taken some beating. As would beating spurs at WHL under Levy's and Pochettino's noses.