aimaad22

Tough luck lads, getting that close after all this time. You have to give credit to Southgate and the team for getting nearly there, but I completely agree with those saying there has to be a change in mentality and tactics to get the maximum potential from this squad. There are some clear differences in the England squad from some earlier ones. A more united, driven, passionate and down to earth bunch of lads. There are some similarities as well, and they mostly have to do with the mindset and tactics. A familiar cautious, safety first approach, players that seem to be playing with shackles at times. And that is down to Southgate of course. The danger is, because he now has gotten this close, he might think its worth sticking too again. It almost worked this time but.. Your traditional international powerhouses, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France etc. They have had some pretty spectacular failures in recent years haven't they? From not qualifying for major tournaments to embarrassing early exits and huge defeats. Yet they're back and winning something again within the next few years. Fear of failure doesn't stop them from backing their best players and taking a chance. England always seem to qualify, move past the group stages only to lose by the odd goal or on penalties. No spectacular failure, and no trophies. Always a restrained, shackled team that seems to be playing in 3rd gear. Southgate is not the man to change this. Playing at Wembley in a final, with your best squad in many years, and you choose to play 5 defenders and 2 defensive midfielders. Says it all really. Predictably someone like Chiesa was the most ambitious player on the pitch rather than Sterling or Grealish or Sancho. With this squad, there is a slight chance Southgate might deliver a Greece/Portugal style tournament victory in the next 3 years, and which England fan wouldn't take that. But there is a chance to build a truly great team with these players, a chance to rival the best for years to come.

Aye Just remembering that is more exciting than anything we've done on the pitch over the last couple of seasons.

Having all those buddies in the media cant hurt.

What a wanker. How can someone with ties to the city and who's been in football this long get the fans so little? Mind you with his record keeping anybody in the league would be a massive achievement so for him that's as big as it gets. It was always going to come to this, we all knew it. Now the slow dreadful wait till things get so bad even Ashley has to get rid of him and make the next inspiring appointment.

Even then he had he odd goal about him and could cause some nuisance in the box with his presence. Joelinton cant even sort his legs out man, he seems lost when he has the ball. As poor a player as any we've seen put on the shirt. Agree with the the others on Joelinton and Hendrick. Almiron has to start ahead of Joelinton, hoofball could be the only barely justifiable reason in Bruce's head of starting him. Hendrick is completely useless on the wings. Cant see what else he offers other than graft, Fraser looked like a far better bet when he came on. Watched a game properly after a long while, didnt have much else to do last night It was much better than we've seen recently. First 25 minutes were quite good actually, decent movement and pressing off the ball. After that the difference was ASM and Wilson really, with odd moments of quality from Shelvey. The first 2 will keep us up if they stay fit.

Yup. I've been saying all along its ridiculous that there isnt a timeframe for the EPL to make the decision. This is exactly why there always is one, in any industry, which can be extended given certain conditions if the case becomes complicated. Now it seems they dont even have to explain the inaction that could turn out to be significant in the history of the club, the city, the region at large. It is just beyond belief. Also, funny how there is no discussion in the media about just how fair the league is now. This should have everyone connected to the sport asking why one particular club was not allowed the sort of investment plenty others already have. The sanctity of the sport, or whatever is left of it, should be in question here.

I honestly think Im more interested in seeing all the jackasses held responsible for this farce than the actual takeover itself. The 350M can go towards dragging Masters and his cunt of a team through the courts. Fuck football I say.

Organisational structure ffs Beyond parody this now.

How can a grown man let the internet bring him down to this level man...

Wonderful to watch an enjoyable Newcastle game for once, great goals too. Thought Almiron's was lush in particular. No doubt Bruce on the whole has done better than we expected. How that can lead to some people comparing him to Rafa or wanting him to stay if we become the richest club in he world is beyond me. Give him enough time and Im still pretty sure he'll take us down.

0-4 me thinks. But hey takeover by the end of the week

FFS what has this thread come to

Comparing him with Benetiz ffs imagine him Bruce in charge the last time we went down.

This whole nonsense these people have built about us expecting to compete with City etc., the fact we could actually soon be in a position to do just that in a few years time cant be easy to swallow, this was not supposed to happen

Not to mention quite a few of the current owners in the league.

They dont, it'll be the embarrassment more than the money if they decide to go after the PL.

Aye I thought Edwards had allowed his emotions to get the better of him recently, he's had a twisted view of us for a while but still there have been stupider journos out there. This puts him right up there with thickest of them though.

FFS man What a farce this has become and the PL are solely to blame.

I think the amount of feather ruffling/pram emptying this will cause if it goes through will be just as enjoyable as winning a trophy.

Its incredible really

No, as an nufc fan. Trying to think neutrally , still yes. PL saying no to a government ally with strong military and trade ties, still seems unlikely. If it wasnt Newcastle it would be damn impossible.

MBS spent 500M odd on a boat a few years back didnt he Look forward to the Saudi's raining hell in litigation and diplomatic backlash if they get blocked. MBS has been making a very clear effort in changing the outlook of the country, I doubt he will let something like this go. I guess many others have said as much already.

I thought neither party could walk away at this point.

It was supposed to take what 2-3 weeks? Where are we now? 9th or 10th? Its clear they are just dallying around. Least they could do is be transparent about the delay if it really is genuine.