Zathras

I hope he leaves. He'll get better development as a player elsewhere. NUFC needs someone who has already developed as we're hopeless in bringning along a defensive talent.

I get irritated when people suggest that I'm less of a fan or am not entitled to my opinion on players/issues since I'm not from Newcastle (or England for that matter.) But no, I've never wished to be a geordie nor been irritated by commentators calling the crowd 'the geordie crowd.'

Bah. Had a nice day last week when it got up to 20C. But now it's back down to -5C.

The now defunct Milwaukee Rampage. Just because they no longer exist doesn't mean I'm going to stop hating them.

1 - I don't really care 2 - I don't intend to tell her 3 - I don't know; she moved away not long ago.

My ex-girlfriend:

Doesn't fall into the category of 'reliable sources' though does it? Still, the quotes *are* from his agent. Tbh the only way I can see RM having made a bid (as opposed to some agent made up stuff) for him is to try and sell shirts in the USA. Even as a backup's backup they've GOT to be able to afford and attract better. Although I'm fairly sure Hartlepool players will soon start being linked with Chelski and RM. When the supposed bid was lodged, he was rated very highly after being steady in the Belgian League and having a strong showing at the World Cup. I'm sure his stock has fallen since coming to Newcastle, and rightly so. Whether or not Real were actually in for him? Who knows, but there were certainly big clubs sniffing around.

Fuck me, who was the source, his agent? Actually, there were reliable reports over here that all three clubs were in for him before he went to Newcastle. In fact, one source which is usually quite accurate even reported that he had *signed* for l'OM the day before it was confirmed he was with NUFC. The same sources which failed to pick up on the fact that Fowler was in talks about moving to the US? Actually the reliable sources failed to pick that up, but I did end up finding some of the more 'colorful' sites that had that story. *shrug*

Doesn't fall into the category of 'reliable sources' though does it? Still, the quotes *are* from his agent.

Fuck me, who was the source, his agent? Actually, there were reliable reports over here that all three clubs were in for him before he went to Newcastle. In fact, one source which is usually quite accurate even reported that he had *signed* for l'OM the day before it was confirmed he was with NUFC.

Meh. That's a fairly mundane intersection as Indian streets go.

It is unseasonably warm here and it's going to be quite difficult to focus on work today!

If Gooch becomes half the player Woodgate was/is when fit, then he'll be better than most other defenders ever to wear a Newcastle shirt. I'd take that.

You could email it to me, I suppose if you don't mind me seeing the document. I have full adobe at work.

As I've said before, I want him to prove he's worth a contract before we make the move permanent; regardless of who he is playing alongside. I don't think it is in the best interest of either club or player to sign him if he's going to be a liability. He needs to play consistently to get better for the US and we need a consistent defender. If both of those can be met by a permanent deal, then I'd be over the moon. If not, I'd rather he find somewhere else to play where he will get consistent playing time and see NUFC spend the money elsewhere.

I should probably mention that these are quotes from a conference call and each of those questions is seperated by unrelated questions for both him and the coach.

From a press conference ahead of the USA vs. Ecuador friendly on Sunday:

Aha! You know that, FOR GREAT JUSTICE!!!! So do you know how to adjust the tappets on an engine? In theory I guess so, although in practice I wouldn't. But knowing a bit about your OS isn't at the same level as say solder moding your CPU (which is about the same level as you're talking about in car ownership), more like checking your oil and at least having a vague idea what oil does for it. Nah, the equivalent in computer ownership to checking your oil would be running a spyware checker or defragmenting the hard drive. Not knowing the ins and outs of the operating system. While I agree with your overall viewpoint, I'd say it's more like knowing the difference between a BMW engine and Mercedes Engine.

I must say though, that meeting Romario was probably the highlight of my work in soccer media thus far. He was aloof a bit, but that's to be expected. Very fun to meet him and Zinho who was a lot friendlier during last year's World Cup.

Not saying it's great. Just not quite as bad as all that.

I take issue with the characterization of the US League in which he played--the last place team in our league is still good enough to tonk Sunderland 3-0.

Having now seen the highlights, it was a glaring mistake. But I do have to wonder why no one gave him a shout that Bent was on his back? It seems to have completely surprised him--another example of the poor communication we have at the back. I'm hopeful that he will get better as he adjusts to the Premier League, but I do worry. If he doesn't, I wouldn't like to see his move made permanent. I don't think that would benefit club or player.

ITV are fucking useless. Worse than 5! Trust me, it could be worse. You could be stuck with Rocky Hudson.