Dr Gloom

would be funny listening into his drills on offensive and de-fensive plays

I'd rather play Arfa behind Carroll in a less structured role. Let Routledge and Jonas play on the wings as they have been for us, tell Arfa there's no pressure and it's about fitness and putting in a decent performance. Rather than putting him on the wing where he'll be expected to perform in an unsual team. I know naturally he starts wide, but I'm guessing if you give the option of playing in the hole, he'll jump at it. No responsibility, greater chance of creative expression and less endeavour expected of him. Can't argue with that logic, Fish. I just fancy that role for Routledge as he comes inside a bit anyway and looks to thread players in, rather than get wide and whip crosses in, etc. We know it'll be Nolan there like so it's all moot. Aye that's fair enough and long term it might be an option. But I just look at the strikers we have, we seem to have a few "big men" but nobody but Lovenkrands with any movement. Makes me think that perhaps Ben Arfa has been signed as that kind of striker? we haven't signed him yet. will everyone please stop jinxing it

aw man, did strevie's comments jinx us? could be a reverse kevin affect

if this season pans out how most of us fear and hughton is sacked, he'd be an ideal replacement. whether he'd be daft enough to take on the poisoned chalice is another issue

he might turn out to be the next robert or ginola. equally, he could be the next luque or xisco, who knows? it's encouraging though that we're in for a player who was recently on the fringes of the french world cup and was previously sold for £10m+. don't think anyone expected us to pay the required fee or wages to be in the mix for that type of player, so that alone is encouraging.

first exciting signing (if it comes off) of the summer. sign of the times that it's a loan but at least we can still attract that class of player. we love an equally talented and frustrating french winger here at the toon. bring him on. one or two more like this and suddenly things don't look quite so gloomy

apprently this kid is a good player but he's proper light weight on the field and off the field. when he's out on the piss, he never orders more than arfa lager. i'll get me coat

i wasn't a big fan of that. thought day lewis was irritatingly hammy (as he was in gangs of new york). plus it was way too long.

Well I saw Inception last night and thought it was class. It was quite long, as modern films often are, but didn't drag. Reminded me a lot of the matrix, but way less cheesey. Here's hoping Nolan doesn't spoil it by releasing two awful sequels - the matrix would still be seen as a great film by most if the second two were never released. Inception gets an 8 out of 10 from me

if we had any ambition, we'd be bidding for carrick

go see the angel of the north up close. it's prtetty impressive. baltic gallery and a stroll up the quayside essential. walk around jesmond deane if the weather's nice. if you've got a car and like the great outdoors, a drive up to hadrian's wall and a walk is nice.

it's my favourite. i like a nice scotch but bourbon is less abrasive, more drinkable (more girly basically). i find with some scotch that it takes one or two before they start going down smoothly. borbon usually always slips down a treat from the off

today i'll be most listening to a tribe called quest. ...and test match special

back on topic, i just got a bottle of this. lovely stuff

i couldn't help but think of this picture when i saw it

isn't the thread title mildly offensive?

can't argue with that. i'm sure it sells like hotcakes down here in places like croydon and canning town.

Imagine what leazes would be like if we'd won something with shepherd at the helm

yes! that's what i'm talking about. one of hitchcock's best, alongside strangers on a train, rope and dial m for murder

the 37 goes right past my house.

I still am gonna bring in the big bucks. £80 a week

nufcblog.com? i'm guessing that's not a concrete source. i'll believe it when we see the evidence on jimbo's telly. what we need is for kevin to say he won't be signing. it worked with gosling.

maybe in the provinces. not down here in the smoke, i'd wager. it's budvar, stella, kronenberg etc all the way down here.