sadoldgit

I don't know either person Alps. But I got a different feeling to Markus than I do for Nicola. There is no reason why people become friends, they just do. But I am not going to change my opinion of someone because another person liked them.

That would be the Chris Nicholl that blew the legacy that McMenemy left behind?

Indeed.

Because that is how he comes across to me Alps (and many others apparently). Mr Cortese may have many noble attributes but being avunclar isn't one of them (to me).

Can't let what go? Oh, you mean that some people are ok so we can treat them with an element of humanity and respect but others aren't so they aren't given the basic element of humanity or respect? Tell me, because you hated Lowe with a passion do you think that nobody cares fo him? Really, it is such b*llox.

Then do it. Why start a thread saying you are going to do it? It may well be a tough time for Mr Cortese at the moment. I imagine it is far tougher for Markus's family.

Not watching Dawn Goes Lesbian then?

In 1976 sat in the United end trying to contain my emotion when the lads paraded the Cup around the ground in case I lost my teeth. At Orient crushed against the wall but popped out on to the pitch just before the wall collapsed. Walked off the pitch with the players celebrating the draw that took us closer to promotion. Sat at work when the phone rang with my Dad telling we we had just signed Keegan. Happy days.

So you don't think that he has friends and family who care for him? Most odd. Just because you don't like someone doesn't mean to say others don't.

Interesting. I wonder if many people feel the same? I would have been shocked but I don't get the same vibe about him than I did about Markus. Same with Ted Bates. There is something about them both that makes you think of your favourite uncle. I can think of many things that Mr Cortese makes me think of, none of them avuncular.

Another thing Alps, do you think that they will be telling stories like that when Mr Cortese passes about him? Legod, good point. Time is shorter than we think.

Kindly avuncular old gent befriends hip young gunslinger to do his dirty work for him maybe? You can't see Markus falling out with the Echo or getting involved in some of the stunts that Cortese has can you? In all walks of life unlikely pairings occur. I don't think it is strange that they were close. What is more important now is how is Cortese viewed by the people who own the purse strings.

Not really Alps. I know plenty of people who are total nightmares and forge deep relationships with quite, kind people. Ask yourself this, had Nicola passed away instead of Markus do you think it would have been felt so keenly? It was nice that they were close. I expect people were close to Rupert too!

The Mermaid in Rye is supposed to be haunted. Lovely place but spendy. Didn't see one myself but there was a loud bang on the door.

Another sad point - we have learned more about Markus the man since he passed then we ever knew when he was here.

Read that at work on the Echo page and it brought a tear to my eye. So sad that he was unable to see the job through and buy more watches!

Since relegation from the Premiership we have gone through more players than I have had arguements on here with Alps! We have gotten very used to a spinning door mentality (and with managers). At some point it will stop but I agree with most that we are probably at least 2 short of the squad needed to challenge all season long.

Those were happy days indeed!!!!

Le Tiss by a country mile. And how many England caps did they get respectively? Criminal.

Coppell/Keegan - both could do a job for us but you never how long they are going to stay!

Apparently has was phoned beforehand and told. I guess he felt that Capello should have flown to the States, booked an appointment with Beckham's PA and told him personally? Bobby Moore was a better player, not a bad looking dude and actually lifted the Word Cup but did he generate such a media circus? No. And his legacy is all the greater for that.

Wouldn't have minded him playing for us but he would still not have got in the midfield of Williams, Ball and Armstrong. Agreed - Paine's delivery was better and more consistant (Ron Davies would testify to that). I agree that Capello is on borrowed time, but if his replacement brings Beckham back in any capacity I shall not be a happy bunny. The word "great" should be used for Bobby Moore, Pele, Banks, Maradona, Pele, Cruyf, Eusebio and their ilk. David Beckham does not live in that company.

I know that many people think he was some kind of wonder player and should play for England until he drops. He could certainly deliver a cross and was exellent in dead ball situations (apart from penalities) but he would not have made my England's greatest team let alone World's greatest, even at his best. Personally I think his England career should have ended a while back - a triumph of syle (and hype) over substance. He can now concentate on what he does best, pose for the cameras.

As you say Steve, the financial problems as they were are now behind us so we are in a better position to go forward. I just hope that the person/people who take us forward can supply the same vison and energy to our cause.