Saint Fan CaM

Really thought France were on a roll and would find a way to get the job done against Spain (who I dislike due to the incessant theatrics). Spain just had a better game plan and more skill across the team. If we manage to see off Argentina this evening I would not hold up much of a hope beating Spain in the final. But we have to beat Argentina first and that is far from an easy task, especially if the officials are going to hold an element of bias which I reckon is likely. Let’s hope we’ve got a decent set of VAR officials and not FIFA cronies. This evening is in some respects Englands final - we owe them a sound beating for their cheating past. Let’s hope we can make ‘em pay.

I believe you’re wrong with this. Eckhert is highly tactical and has team roles to fulfil game plans, so it’s natural to want such an important role as the one Azaz fulfils to be contested. There’s no ‘substitute’ about this - he’s there to press Azaz for his place in the starting line-up and provide an option in the case of injury. It’s looks to me to be a really astute signing given his past success at PNE and because of his anbility to move I actually think he might out-perform Azaz…just a gut feeling.

Yeah, have to say I’m not overly impressed by this guy at that price - looks very average. You can pick up a ‘pest/handful/presence’ type player in L1 who will ultimately be useless in front of goal. This guy doesn’t seem to have any ball skills…just an overrated poacher and nowhere near Stewart or Larins level.

I think there is distinction to be made between him imagining that he was expected to go on the trip to Boro and to not make a fuss, and there actually being any form of direct bullying from anyone in the coaching team. Is there enough evidence that indicates that he had an option to complain and not go? As far as I remember most of the pressure reportedly came from the chief scout and not Tonda as such, who just sanctioned the trip. Now if it’s shown that the culture in the club was not right leading to Salt being scared to complain then that’s a corporate culture issue…not necessarily Tonda’s alone, but the club has received substantial punishment already. My gut feeling is the FA involvement is to ensure going forward that corporate procedures are improved, including perhaps an anonymous whistleblower hotline to an independent arbitrator for example (not uncommon in the modern business world). This might explain the time it’s taken to verify that the preventive action is in place.

Damian needs to find his level and boost his confidence at least a couple of leagues down and allow himself the luxury of scoring a goal. He sure as hell will not be doing that in the Championship. Perhaps Eastleigh or Sholing could take him on loan?

I don’t know why they didn’t just take the roof off the stadium and let the sun torch the seats back to a nice sheen. And while they’re doing that they could add a new layer all the way round too. Then to finish off, in the fan zone, build a monkey chicken petting zoo. Just no imagination at this f-ing football club! 😉

I can see why Eze didn’t start the game - his defensive game is quite poor and looked like he hadn’t woken up to the fact that we were in WC QF when he came on. Bellingham obviously the star of the show, but big shout out to Dan Burns who once again lent his stature to a shaky English defence. Not the best England performance but Norway pressed well and limited us. Despite what TT says, the players were clearly attempting to conserve energy early on and in the end we looked the stronger team. Not only that but we had two French officials that conspired to let a number of Norways fouls go unpunished and of course denied us a 60-40 pen decision.

Nothing like a bit of inspired thought in the kit design studio eh? Think shirt sales will be stunted this season, but perhaps that’s Solak giving something back to fans…”if you’ve got the 24-25 kit, you don’t need to spend a penny more this seasons kit…you’re welcome”. 🤔😉😂

Interesting you mentioning that - it fleetingly crossed my mind that it was rather coincidental that France were pitted against Morocco - a country with many ties to France and clearly unlikely to cause an upset. Another example of FIFA fixing…surely not? 😉

How about failing to address the many ‘misdemeanours’ of Man City FC? Given the number of clubs across the country adversely affected by their ‘misdemeanours’, you’d think they’d be duty bound to punish City swiftly and commensurately against the 100+ charges they face, but that wouldn’t suit their narrative would it? Tantamount to cheating at the very least.

When you think of the current squad options available to Eckhert it’s hard to see any position other than CF where he would need to consider a new player. Possibly a new CM if Charles does get sold (looking likely, paving the way for a JWP return) and a new CB if THB leaves (you’d think likely, but there’s little sign of suitors at this point so perhaps we’re still talking to him about a new contract?). The key to all this I think is keeping as many of the side who are on-side with Eckhert and the club as possible - the team bonding of last season will play a big part in our success in the coming season I would imagine.

Bit quiet on the transfer news - lots of weird speculation though.

Yeah that was kind of my point - the man can make things happen. Fell a bit flat though. 😂

Argentina vs England final - written in the stars. Or is that in Infantino’s fairytale storybook?

I think you’re all ‘pointing’ out the obvious.