If you look at the squad now, it is anyone born in the greater Basque región whether they are black, brown, of non-Basque origin as well as Basque. There´s even a Rumanian in the squad by virtue of time spent in the Basque región. Having said this, you are right to say that at one time it was only those of Basque birth and blood but that changed a few years back. As for the Iñaki Williams incident I do not know, but he is very popular with the bulk of their supporters otherwise he would have long gone on to a bigger and better club. I still expect him to end up in Germany because at the moment his career has stalled, not surprisingly as the only way Athletic can get new blood into the team is either from their youth team of buying players from other clubs who meet Athletic´s criteria. You could argue that their policy is discriminatory, and you are right. If Athletic continue to do so badly, I suspect many of their fans would want the club to open up their transfer policy, whilst the hard core will remain Basque advocates.
You used to have to be Yorkshire-born to play for Yorkshire county cricket side....though you could be any race.
It's been reported on another forum that the Saints squad travelled up to Leicester today to pay their respects.
The actual post was: "My daughter has gone to the ground after work and said the Southampton coaches have turned up to pay their respects, big respect for that lads and lasses" so may have been fans rather than the squad. Either way, such a wonderful gesture.
I know Harry Reed is on a season long loan. Is Hesketh the same or can we get him back in January? This experience, albeit in League One, might be what he needs to step up for us.
Can't wait for him to be come back then with Ralph proclaiming him like a new signing while Les hides away reading his bank statements.
So Tottenham Man city played Monday night, which meant city now play Thursday thus pushijg our game back to Sunday. Which I don't mind but ... Tottenham are playing their game tonight so what the hell?
Where, no doubt, he will spend time kicking his heles on the bench if chosen for the matchday squad. Pleased for Hesketh that he is getting game time and scoring, except in last week´s match against Pompey.
I would imagine City´s side tonight will bear little resemblance to last Sunday´s or this coming weekend´s side.
Tottenham are to blame for the fixture being played on Monday in the first place so why should they get to play on Thursday?
I wouldn´t wish that on any team. My philosophy on Sunday - just enjoy the match and see what unfolds. If happens to be a master exhibition and 4 or 5 nil to City, so be it, for watching a class team is simply very enjoyable.
Alright then a massive punch up on Saturday which results in 5 City players sent off and they forfeit the match.
Thanks! While I care about SFC and want them to do well, I do appreciate the quality that Manchester City currently possess, and a side like that is to be admired. I have even lessened my dislike of Glasgow Rangers as they have some terrific qualities like a willingness to play to their máximum capability, something that they have demonstrated quite often, particularly in the EL where they are coming up against sides with considerably more ability. Gerrard, aided and abetted by Gary McAllister, has them well set up in this competition.
