Frank's cousin

Always enjoy the cut of you jib Bearsy, and with the last put down to the master of mong, Dune, BS (could there be a more appropriate set of initials?), there is no point in me responding to the clown. my perspective is based on the simple premise that all top class players who end up costing a fortune, have to be nurtured somewhere. The Cortese perspective seems to be based on 1. Establishing a fast track to first team for those good enough so we as a club get the benefit of their talents before some inevitably do want to leave, and 2. Demonstrate enough ambition and provide a quality environment in which they do at least stay to realise their true potential with us... So we benefit from quality AND get their true value when they go for me it's win win. The more the academy is acclaimed for the kids, the more we can attract. The clear path to first team means... The more we can attract, improving the odds of some real gems. In theory that should see year on year improvement. Many suggest with good reason, that without the huge signings and huge wages we will not see European football. The Glass ceiling against clubs with bigger budgets. Personally, I like the fact that NC is more about what is possible than probable. Great things can be achieved with a team greater than the some of its parts. What we lack right now is depth... I suspect that the club want to increase that depth through the youth - but to date the bench lacks experience and we are still short, even with that potential in a couple of critical areas. Timescale, before NC gets narked because we have not achieved his targets? None of us know what timescale he is working to. Media statements are about positive ideals, demonstrating ambition and refusing to fall in line with the establishment. An establishment driven by TV subscriptions and media pundits who like the status quo, as those sides have greater armchair audiences. I like the fact that we have a chairman who does not simply accept our 'place' as dictated by the media and is looking to challenge that perspective, rather than woo oryx just about survival, which is what is 'expected' of us by the establishment. We have no idea whether it can work, either consistently or periodically, or ever.... But it's much more fun and enjoyable having a club with that attitude, than one just happy to survive and take the sky money.

Indeed... as this thread has shown with the usual suspects - interesting that those 'big footballing brains' who were suggesting it was wrong to get all carried away when we wer third, are the same now so hypercritically 'dissapointed and crtical' that we are where they predicted... wooosh - just shows the obviousnous of their wind ups....

Maybe said with tongue in your cheek, but it's total ******. Germany had an open door policy to migrant workers since the war, hence the huge Turkish immigration. It still worked because they enforced a stricter registration policy - eg, if found working illegally you were sent home, and employers prosecuted. But anyone could sign up to tax and other required schemes and then benefit from the usual services. The issue is always controversial, and never helped by those who use it as a political stick, based on fear, prejudice and misinformation. However, economic climates do impact on what a countries services and infrastructure can cope with. Our problem, is that are plenty of unscrupulous employers willing to take on migrants at lower pay and not pay NI or tax.... They are the problem. If there greater enforcement, we would not see such wage competition, and thus 'no threat' to existing citizens employment or pay and conditions- meaning the country becomes a far less attractive option, unless the underlying economic conditions are strong and we need more workers. The freedom of being able to live and work anywhere is a good thing. Unfortunately, until government gets hard with those willing to exploit this situation, there seem plenty of Mail readers and others who are happy to blame the policy and migrants rather than the employers who take criminal advantage.

And imho Lowe's biggest problem was always that he was so divisive. The funniest thing on here are those who don't get what you highlighted above. I was an unashamed LoweluvvieTM - did I think he made colossal errors of judgement? Yes, especially in manager choice - but if you look at the PRINCIPLES of his approach - youth, prudent finance, academy, infrastructure, no one should argue against them. It is what we are doing now, but with more cash, and perhaps with someone at the helm, driven by more than a share dividend. It is and remains unfair to suggest that Lowe, Wilde, and Crouch did not all have the clubs interests at heart. Problem is, they were no different to any of us on here - they all had their own ideas about how to make it work.... And whether through nativity, mistakes or ego, and importantly, financial means, meant none were ever going to be able to see us progress to the level of fan expectation. Crouch, should remain a hero. I was highly critical of the part he played in the ousting, but the reality is he put in and lost a huge amount of money to support the club in its most difficult period. Wilde, wanted to do something... Lowe had become such a hate figure that Wilde was prepared play the John Redman role and start the process of change... IMHO, it should have been more evolutionary, than the coup that happened, as in that vacuum, the spite, etc, we were left with an exec board more at home in a solarium than in a club boardroom... Shortermist, naive, and doomed to fail the moment we spent that 8 mil....and his T Shirts were sh it Raking it all up seems churlish, but should serve as a reminder to fans - be careful what we wish for. We got Soooo lucky with Markus and NC, and it such a shame Markus is not here to see the progress his investment has made. In some respects, maybe his Good cop to NC's 'bad cop' partnership would make it easier for ALL fans to feel more at ease with the current management, but given that period in our history, perhaps we need to accept and appreciate what we have a little more.

Was a general comment on how so many threads seem dominated by a few in an attempt to get reaction, rather than present any rationale perspective. Strange that we have fans who give the perception that they enjoy criticising, more than enjoying how we play. Our recent form has been good... It's the results that have not always given us what performances deserve, especially when you consider the absentees. But, for some it gives greater pleasure to ignore any positives, and assume negativity regardless of what common sense dictates.

Agreed. Suspect it's about relative performance to expectation, the way we are trying to play and the policy of bringing through youth... On those criteria, we are easily 9/10. It's odds how those same posters telling everyone about 1000 times not to get carried away when we were third, and suggesting squad depth would hurt us, are now trying to act all disappointed and critical.... Sad reflection of this site that we have individuals who seem to have so little that brings them happiness in their sad little lives that getting their kicks from seeing 'reactions' to their inane Bo l lox on an insignificant web site is the best they can hope for.... They need our pity.

As others have stated, it's less about criticism and more about the very clear fact that there are those for whom getting a reaction to a 'critique' is the whole purpose of the thread ...or post. There is a post on this thread where the poster describes invest how 'hilarious' he finds it.... A lot truth said in jest. Nowt wrong with debating a controversial topic, if you can trust the opinion being presented is actually held.... Sadly for many on here that is not the case. It's so frequent and easy to to spot, there is more chance of finding truly held opinions in the MS...

Carpet in his bathroom revelation

Which highlights why many have become disillusioned with the elite game. There seems to be a desire to look for short cuts to success, rather than work towards something, build towards it over a number of years. We seem to accept, it's only fans who are loyal, yet in some respects should we not demand more from players? Yet, can we blame them, when fans are also so quick to criticise and insult those that just try and do their best, even though we know they struggle at a certain level? Finally, the thing that annoys me about these sorts of articles and gossip is that what is the point of outlawing 'tapping up' of players, when potentially, a nod and wink, from an agent paper can start to turn heads? .... But can't seem him going anywhere for a 'mere' 15mil, when you consider he would count as home grown....

You are missing the point though. No one 'earns' the right to do something that is wrong. To have an opinion yes, but it is not constructive in a 'Team' environment to start undermining it or worse the managers decisions. We all know Jos struggles at this level, and despite playing a major role in the CC season, he is never going to be first choice. But it's not for Rickie, no matter how he is playing or what he has achieved to voice that opinion in public.

Wow that's him told.... Shame they don't contain any intellect or common sense then. Oh and it's 'strongly' in this case.

Hahaha... Gotta laugh at the clowns on here, even those deliberately playing the WUM special wrist slitting. we have a policy to bring in youth. That means that the back up will lack experience as in Gazza, we also have players who despite not perhaps having the quality to help us progress, played a huge part over the last few seasons as part of that progress (Jos and Fox). I find it pretty sad that some on here are so thick-el (intended) that they insult those in our squad who HAVE made a contribution to our progress. They train, they accept they are not first team, and do what they can when we have 6 first teasers out.... we we also played some nice stuff, scored two nice goals and but for comedy defending, which we knew would happen did ok.... Yet the usual numpties spread their vicious Bo lox for what end? 9th at virtually the halfway stage is progress, whatever the early promise suggested. We won't go out and buy large numbers of players when within another 12 months the kids will have more experience. Ok so maybe a keeper and a Cb, but apart from that I would say things look very bright given how quickly some these youngsters seem to integrate. yes it was diss appointing, but that's all.

Just emailed the FF chap and sent right to the Northern climes - and what a fantastic piece of work it is, up there with the legendary In That Number. I have the complete set (apart from the yellow ribbon one....bah) and we should count ourselves lucky that the club has these dedicated few willing to spend huge amounts of time and money to bring our clubs history to life in such a detailed, and entertaining way. Seriously, go out, buy it and enjoy it, top stuff and thanks to the hagioloioolioygyugyuig boys ;-)

First up a couple of popularly held ignorant myths: 1. Pornography is offensive to women-WRONG some women find pornography offensive 2. Golliwog is offensive to black people -WRONG, some black people find the term offensive there is a difference and it's an important one. the fact is that there are people who find certain things offensive, and it's not for you or I to tell folk what they should or should not be offended by. In an educated, mature , grown up, civilised society, it's POLIITE to avoid causing offence where there is a chance that some might be taken. Taking the selfish route, no matter how 'insignificant' some think a term is , is just plain and simply ignorant. naturally there are plenty in this country as this thread proves who are struggling with this simple concept, are ignorant and still feel it's their right to behave as they see fit. That is sadly a lack of education, or for those in a certain generation a legacy of when such things were 'acceptable' - a less educated time, based on less understanding. Sadly there are some who don't want to be educated, or advance themselves culturally. For such folk help is at hand as the media kindly provided them with a useful term to justify their mind set.... Political correctness - a hideous piece of made up crap. There is no such thing. A decent educated and mature society, will not wait, for everyone to be educated before offence caused by ignorance is stopped. It will implement legislation, and education to try and speed up the process so that those who might take offence are not exposed to it. If nothing else it's good manners... For the Daily Mail set, it's PC gone mad... Make your choice Why? Because it has become a political football.... When it should be nothing to do with your politic. The right wing press use this PC stick at every opportunity and even make up rubbish such as councils banning 'baba black sheep' (the Sun later admitted they had made this up) .... I am not offended easily, but that does not mean I am happy to go round using terms that someone within earshot might... It's just being polite. Sadly there still seem too many happy to remain ignorant on equally petty cultural and nationalistic stances...

Agreed. Anyway, this not really a 'form' guide anyway, more a 'last 6 results table' - we should got a point against the gooners, arguably deserved better against city, and spanked villa in terms of chances,.... Our form despite injuries is actually v good, just been up against better sides and had a couple of games where we did not get the rub of the green..... That is football.

Ha ha. 'Long rant' - I see you have even adopted the 'mantra' of the short attention scanners.... It's a pr piece... It's going to be tot, and it's going to be positive... Which is good no? And wtf... 'You take issue with the way it was written' .... Why, who seriously needs to care when something is positive? As to agenda....Jeez, the agenda was positive pr spin... Which any intelligent person can see, but most don't feel offended by it. Had ad something been deliberately negative, fair Enoch, can understand fans being more sensitive about negative pr, especially if inaccurate, but positive? FFA you need to get out more....

fair point but when including academy scouting, it certainly increases the hit percentage above way above the average. And allowing for journalistic license, it is certainly going to be 'more accurate' than most. i just find it a bit odd, than when good things are written, fans seem to want to find fault and criticise. No one is perfect and that includes Nc, but good pr and press does zero harm even if stretching the reality a little. So why the need to rebuke?

as if by magic a thread on Nc is never complete without Hypo's cynicism. What I want to know first up is what happened to the old/original Hypo? The one who presented a sensible argument, even defending the principles of Chairman Lowe? Did he bottle it in the face of the forum elite cynics and bullies? couple of points: scouting includes identifying youngsters for the academy. Second, No club on this planet gets all transfers right... For every Lovren there will be a Forren. And as with all those castigating a young keeper right now, the names are pretty consistent with those who 'always knew Lallana would never make it' ..... attention on to detail is always going to appear mildly obsessive if not Barry, when viewed from the outside. But as with Brailsford and team sky, it's not the individual elements, but small incremental benefits that add up. Sometimes it's even less about sleeping better or eating the right food when away and more about what the attention symbolises - what it demonstrates.

fair enough... Filling it will be the problem. Build it and they will come does not work... If the price is too high... I wonder what attendance you feel we might get this season if it was £25 for adults and £15 for under 16s and £10 for under 12s ? Or should I say if we were not limited in capacity? on the other thread about 'modern fan' many state £40 is too much and attendance is down as a result... Yet we expect that revenue for the club and don't expect the club to offer any cheaper tickets if it could do so whilst maintaining the current revenue levels.... It about getting that balance right. My whole argument on that was only ever to suggest that capacity in excess of what you know you need, does offer the option of different price brackets.... Should the club choose to do so.

RED WINE, don't let Turks see that, he'll have you down as some sort of alcoholic... Everyone appreciates the huge sums involved in expansion, v build from scratch. But it's a fair debate as to whether you do either whilst it's still just about affordable or wait ... Eg look at the 100m Brighton paid 20k. Infrastructure in place - many might suggest it saved us not so long ago.... Investment early in the 'potential' May save a club a lot further down the line. The issue of sensible pricing and it's impact on attendance is another matter although not unrelated.

....and how could I possibly disappoint you.... Although must be getting mush for brains in your old age if you can't remember that the easy jet thing had not to do with me.... I suspect you probably know this to, but are keen to maintain your patronizing air, but given the costs involved between building to 40k now, do going new with 28 or so and expanding again later, from a financial perspective probably better to go the whole hog now... If a club truly believes it can eventually expand its regular attendance. Even we we built SMS it was 1000 seat - yet expansion is likely to be 8000 a seat... So do the sums. but to please you even more, I have no reservations in saying again, a ticketing approach that provides more accessibility to a broader demographic is not a bad thing. And like many things, the Germans do seem to get that side things pretty spot on.

To be fair - Adkins used to look for 5 positives and 2 negatives - if you ignore the negatives in any positive performance or result ... you dont improve. I have no problem with folks analysing a performance and finding 'negatives' - or as most sensible folk would suggest 'areas in which we can improve'. And thats the point - improvement comes from working hard, gaining experience and develpoing both indicidually and as a unit. Under Pards, Adkins and now MP, we have improved year on year with both additions to the squad and development of our own talent. So when some on here go ape when we lose, or criticise individuals such a Ramierez or Osvaldo.... on and on and on... you realise quite quickly that they are either completely ignorant of the game, or trolls. Osvaldo and Ramierez come under greater scrutiny because of their price tag, fair enough. Maybe they come good, maybe they dont.... but thats life, and thats football - all clubs have this problem, no one gets it 100% right, which is why bringing up our own is so much more risk free - some will make the grade, some wont, but it dont cost 15 mil Euros. But lets be honest, Osvaldo and Ramierez have struggled to date. But we have two choices as fans - we either support them and hope they settle down and gain confidence and show what their undoubted talent can do, or we just slag em off... which does... what exactly? Feck all? Us 'clappies' can see the same 'negatives' as the miserable c**ts and WUMS - we just dont see any value in pointing it out every five minutes. It does feck all good. Instead we hope that the environment, team spirit, support and positive culture that seems to be the big Plus at the club, work to bring the best out of them. As to the positivity about where we might finish? Well that aint naive either - its just that some like to look at life with the perspective of what is possible - not dwell on the probable - its a positive outlook sure, but make life much more entertaining. Our Tiroler is just a reactionary. Over emotive, probably as he has limited oportunity to see full games and as such can not see or appreciate work off the ball etc or how well we may play, even if the result goes against us. Worth a pint or two to try and knock a little saints positivity into him ;-)

hahahahah... Just how fricken stupid are you? This has nothing to do with faith, blind or otherwise- as no one is saying it Will happen, just that given the strategy, it's possible. The odds are stacked against it, which is what makes it even more interesting. Insults... Too right... Like a bad dose of the clap, you keep coming back to try your wind ups... You were even funnier spouting bigoted EDL crap before.... Just a moron, who has feck all real fun in life, if getting off on summing here floats your boat....

Silly boy, you are obviously too daft to get it Dune.... Your life must be pretty dull if you only ever consider probabilities.... Some of us prefer to think of 'possibility' - try it, makes life so much more enjoyable. All Cortese has done is look at what is possible and be determined to try it.... Based on developing talent, create an environment where they might want to stay for awhile at lest so we get the benefit. ... Both in a few years service and eventually the bigger fees... If it works great, if not, we gave it a go..... To be as cynical, miserable, ignorant and obsessive as you, to come in here to pleasure yourself in wind up attempts, is as sad as it is hilarious.....

Thing is, for any normal rational level headed true fan of any club, it matters not who is 'proven right' - that's only a concern for our resident egotists ,WUMs and saddo w@nkers... For the rest of us, the fact that we support a club with a passion for following 'impossible foolish dreams' is what makes these last 5 years so exciting and interesting. The true fan culture of football has always been about such dreams. For most the sky/prem and billionaire owners have crushed this spirit, but we are lucky, we don't seem to be deterred by glass ceilings, and will give a right old go. Whatever happens, the fun is in the trying. Anyone who can't see this is no true fan of football.