KelvinsRightGlove

I don't really see myself as a vindictive person - and I am very much against capital punishment, even though stuff like this does test my resolve. In this case, I think that would be far too easy a let off. He will have a horrific time in jail. Though, I suspect he may "take matters into his own hands".

"including attempted rape of a baby" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25108439 Shocking stuff really.

I'll go along with most of that. I wish I could take credit pap. It's well known - nothing to do with me. Pretty sure I learned it at school in Politics? Either way, it's a well-established debate: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jan/17/what-is-west-lothian-question

He does this though, doesn't he? I swear he proclaimed "we will already be part of the EU etc etc", only for the EU to say nah, you won't be - you will need to apply.

Personally think they have a pretty good deal out of devolution. If anything, it gives them a disproportionate amount of power in Westminster. The "West Lothian Question" means Scottish MPs vote for things that don't affect their constituents. So they have a say in the running of the union, and then decide what they want on their own doorstep. I find it baffling that we had a PM introducing laws and legislation, or changes to public services that had no impact on his own constituency. Something really needs doing about that. On Scotland. Up to them really, if they want to go, so be it. Personally, I think it would be a shame. Labour must be bricking it, would make their chances of winning a majority very tricky.

Given Baldini is pretty much responsible for recruitment there now, Lamela was solely down to him they said in the pre-match build up on Sky on Sunday, would his role be massively different? I'm not saying he is at Saints because this is the club of his dreams, or that Saints are "as big a club" blah blah. I'm just unsure whether his role would be all that different? Pretty sure Levy would have a similar view that manager is a head of department too. He is a known admirer of the so-called 'Continental Model' - in that respect I think they and ourselves are quite similar.

Only seen brief glimpses of him - so can't make concrete judgements really. Clearly immensely talented, but I'm unsure of his work-rate and desire to play part of a pressing game. Sounds like another South American already on our books.

Yeah, I hadn't really thought about that, but I would most definitely be inclined to agree. Ossie has (eerily thinking about it so did Gaston) picked up a few niggles here and there as well. It's frustrating, and I hope we do see more from him (both if I'm honest) soon. But it does strike me as very early to be sharpening the knives just yet.

In some respects papster I agree, I do think it is worrying at how much has been borrowed - absolutely. I agree the Tories haven't covered themselves in glory in this government, in many areas, not least the economy - even if things are probably slowly starting to turn around now. In regards HS2, it's been an issue I have been aware of for quite some time, as it's a hot topic for a lot of people local to me as it goes right through Ruislip - where I grew up and lived for most of my life. Though not for economic reasons in the sense of what you discuss, it does have an impact in our area, as it means people in Birmingham can be in Central London in about the same time as us, on the edge of London, and various other concerns which I won't bore people with as it isn't all that relevant here. I personally am very sceptical of the 'business case' for HS2 - but that may be a consequence of the bias against it in my local area. But, I also agree the timing, whilst in a recession is just bizarre. Though I thought that was usually Labour's approach to getting out of debt? Borrow more & spend more? What really worries me, is that whilst I don't really think Dave & Gideon are a safe pair of hands with the economy, do I think Ed plural (both of whom were pretty tightly linked to New Labour's failings, and have done little in opposition to suggest to me they have a better alternate plan) or Clegg & Cable? Nah not really. Worrying really. I'm not really one for parties or ideologies, if I'm honest. I don't see politics like football - I won't brand myself "party x til' I die!" - as I think that is just silly. I prefer a more pragmatic & practical view on things. Who is best to do what, and who has the best policies to deal with problem x,y,z. As always, just my opinion.

He really just needs a solid run in the first team, in my opinion. He hasn't had that yet, so it's hard to make any real judgement on him just yet. I do think there is bound to be a period of adjustment, which is normal (despite some seeming to refute this). I also do think it means Rickie should sacrifice his place in the team for a bit. He could probably do with a rest, and knowing Rickie he will probably work harder and score a hat-trick at his next chance. Not for one minute am I suggesting we should get rid of Rickie, or he has no role to play. I do however, disagree that he isn't used to the system - surely the main reason for him coming here was the MP connection - so Osvaldo should be pretty aware of how MP plays and his role in the team. I largely think Gaston's problem has also been the lack of a real good run in the team, certainly over the past 12 months. It's hard to make a real impression when you are in and out of the team so much and not getting game time.

Pap, I can't help but feel you are being a little blinded by your dislike of the Tories. I'm not saying they have done a great job, or that this borrowing is not concerning - but really? HS2 as an example to prove your point? This was long in the pipeline well before 2010. Are you going to tell me Labour never broke a pre-election promise?

I thought they were in credit by £2m? Though I could be mistaken, but yes - they more or less spent what they received. That said, I hear most of the signings were Baldini, Lamela in particular - so really, AVB didn't spend much himself. Don't think he will be going anywhere soon if I'm honest. Also don't really see Sportsdirect as the most reliable of sources. Like caughtoffside, it is most likely an aggregator/rehasher of other sites online.

I also see MP had no complaints after the game either. The protection thing is for when keepers are in the air, trying to claim a cross/high ball with their hands. In doing so they are off balance, and can land nastily if being unfairly challenged by an attacking player. There is no 'protection' from the refs for you if you dally on the ball and get tackled.

On the other hand, if big Vic dispossessed Wilshire/Ozil in the middle of the park and it's given a foul, I'd be furious. Not a foul for me. Boruc did have a word with the ref after, but it was clearly more in desperation. No other Saints player even tried to appeal - which usually suggests something. Big mistake today from Boruc, and I also thought the Stoke goal was also a mistake on his part. Clearly a very good goalkeeper, but point costing mistakes are worrying. That said, he has also made plenty of pointing saving saves in his time here.

Symptomatic of that season ffs. Was gutting, like so many other games. Didn't we chuck away a 2 goal lead to Boro (was that one of 'Arry's first games?), the Everton game at home, probably more I'm forgetting.

Blimey McCann & Delap combining for both goals http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3947349.stm

Was at that game, in the home stand at Highbury. Seem to recall Henry smacked a pen off the post? Did that happen? RVP in like the 93rd min or something wasn't it? Hoping it won't be the same tomorrow (though actually a 2-2 at the Emirate is not a result to be sniffed at!), as I'm in the home stand once again

Obviously I do too. But of you are right, it's still not an awful result by any means.

Yes lad

If only I could find it!

Cheers Bazza. Not really gf KRG's sort of thing. Bloody xmas.

Yeah, spot on really. I've always been a bit of an xmas eve-buyer type of guy. Resolved to change that this year. Any tips on presents for the gf folks?

I'm not a huge xmas fan if I am honest. But, it takes me little persuasion to get involved in the festivities (boozing basically) - which is never cheap, especially in London. I'm also crap at present buying, so usually panic and throw money at the problem, I mean, I just really like spoiling people and making them feel really special. All in, probs somewhere between 450-600 - pretty scary when I think about it like that.

Haha, you're actually a parody of yourself. Love to dole out the hypocrite card, yet a massive hypocrite himself. How is calling people cretins - then calling someone a drop out, and criticizing their jobs giving examples of why people are hostile to the younger population? Why would people be bothered about young people not having great jobs? Again, all you are doing is highlighting further you actually have no idea what you are talking about. As that isn't the point in hand. Still not contributing anything. I'm not stamping my feet at all, pal, I'm perfectly calm I can assure you.

Haha, lectured for being sarcastic by Turkish. Brilliant. Which part of that is untrue. You aren't inputting anything to any discussion on here. In your first comment on this thread, you are calling young people "utter cretins" and then start taking shots at other people. I have no persecution complex. I said it was an interesting article, which echoed some experiences I have had. Also, the fact that someone else has written this article, who from the looks of it isn't someone directly affected by this perceived hostility, suggests it isn't a persecution complex, and actually a genuine concern. Try reading it, if you disagree, fair enough. Tell us why and it can be discussed or debated. But simply coming on to a thread to start taking shots at people, most of which hadn't even posted on this thread, is pretty sad.