Polarboy

Allegri's odds of being the next manager, should the takeover happen, have dropped. I mean for all that's worth, but as I've said before there's no way you can turn your nose up at Allegri. He's at least Rafa's equal when it comes to tactical nouse for one thing.

When I think low rent I think cheap, low morals, and just generally shoddy in every aspect, obviously apart from their bank balances. I don't see how you could get lower rent in those aspects than Ashley when you see how he conducts himself and his businesses.

A low rent Ashley? Is it even possible to be lower rent than Ashley?

That would be like feeding your prized stallion mad cows diseased brain matter mixed with a bit of covid.

He already has a plan drawn up for training ground improvements doesn't he? Or had to be more precise. I think he'd be great in terms of restructuring the club and getting it into the shape it would need to be for a top four push at the very least. Then perhaps we could go after a manager who's more used to stepping into something that's more high level. Of course with regard to the training ground plan it was probably drawn up with what Ashley might have given them in terms of budget, so it's hopefully less than useless now.

Assuming we do get bought, do people want Rafa back, or given that we'll have the money to go after anyone would you fancy someone else like Allegri or Poch? Personally I wouldn't complain at all if they bought out Rafa's contract in China, but a bit of Allegri would do nicely.

Maybe, not sure. Was just putting out a bit of morbid "humour". Honestly though I think pretty much every part of its manufacture is highly questionable. The massive factory in China called Foxconn where a large amount of electronics get made have appalling work conditions and multiple worker suicides a year. But, anyway, for something more cheerful, isn't it great we're probably getting bought off Ashley.

There are ethical smart phones like fairphone. Probably shite like. Nothing like those tiny Asian children's hands for making phones.

It reminds of the type of people who'll sanctimoniously get up on their soap box for anything and everything, and when you point out they have an iPhone they're like, I still have to, like, live in the world that exists man.

Not saying it isn't. What I'm saying is that the press/sports media will likely very quickly find their moral outrage when it's us being bought, fingers crossed. Again I haven't heard anything in that regard with Sheffield United, and very little for Man City either.

And Sheffield Utd already have Saudi money. Although I suppose their money is less directly linked to the ruling Prince. But again the UAE's human rights record isn't that much better than the Saudi's, so if Sheik Mansour, who's the deputy prime-minister and member of the royal family, can get passed so should the Saudi's.

Bird in the Mirror has already done an article about sportwashing, obviously with regard to the Saudi's. No doubt we'll be getting every negative story possible in that regard, when there's hardly been a peep about Sheffield United, let alone Man City. I don't recall exactly what the media was like when the Abu Dhabi group took over Citeh, but I don't think there was that much of a negative reaction. The UAE may not be quite as bad as Saudi Arabia on human rights, but it's relatively marginal.

Is there anyway of blocking the people, likely mostly mackem sore loser wind ups, who piss their pants about the Saudi's being involved in the bid if it happens. I want to luxuriate in being the richest club in the world without their Debby downer behaviour.

He who smelt it felt it.

Steve Bruce football genius. If it's possible I think his subs are worse than Pardew's. Liking the look of Almiron these last few games. His confidence levels are high and he's looking a very decent player. I've no doubt that under a better manager he wouldn't have taken so long to get going. He looks a different player when he attacks from central positions.

The Star, for what that's worth, is saying that someone might have jumped the gun in reporting that he's actually been banned for life. Apparently it's been based on nothing more than random tweets, as opposed to a statement from the FA etc.

Brexit?

A lifetime ban is a bit harsh. Fair enough you shouldn't be getting your knob out when there are women and children about, but surely a temporary ban of a year or two would have sufficed. On a side note ASM's appetite for the bants is incredible. If he's half as happy go lucky as his timeline suggests, he must be a great influence on the dressing room.

Imagine if middle aged teen wolf, which someone on here referred to him as, Richard Keys is actually correct and we'll be sold around mid February. Being sold before or around the same time as them to a Billionaire would be fucking hilarious. I won't be chilling the cans in anticipation though.

Fucking hell, I was expecting a goal in the second half of extra time and no penalties, but I didn't think it would be from us. If ASM can add that sort of finishing in the premier, well, he'll be sold pretty quickly. And again I know it was against Oxford, albeit who played like a top class team at times, but Longstaff had a great game in that advanced position. It's the first time this season I've seen him approach anything like his form from the end of last season. Of course Bruce will likely let normal service resume for the Arsenal game and have him playing further back, if indeed he starts.

Is Dr. Gloom just Peter Graves under a pseudonym given he's just saying what Graves has already said on twitter and insta.

The full Newcastle segment was posted there https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/competitions/premier-league/11924732/sunday-supplement-the-newcastle-debate Edit. Actually having watched it it's not the entire segment. There's a bit from Hope about the takeover which is basically just what he said about it looking very familiar from other fakeovers. Hope though seems to be of the opinion that these approaches aren't sufficient as opposed to Ashley just messing about for his own advantage. He does question Ashley's willingness to sell, and he doesn't shy away from criticising Newcastle, so perhaps he's right and it's a case of both Ashley being an unwilling seller and there not being any particularly reputable buyers. I have to say I find it hard to believe that none of the supposed groups looking to takeover were serious or had the finances, but I'm not a journalist with contacts either.

Vic and Bob should do a Staveley inspired version of "Tiny Eyes" called inbred eyes Fair play to her if she manages prise Fatley's chubby, grease covered fingers off the club, but fuck me are her eyes mental.

How long have you been waiting to use that one? One a side note, and this is question for anyone who cares to answer. Is it always so homoerotic on this board with all the talk of hard ons?

Rose is a bit low energy isn't he. Hopefully that's all it is for his sake primarily of course, and ours. Maybe it's just the way he was lying on the table but he looks like he's carrying a bit of timber. It could be a few weeks before he's close to his best condition.