I'm happy to watch international games and had a split screen for the Italy/Spain game and for all it looking to end up 1-1 it was a classy game but a huge mistake by Buffoon and a penalty given away by Ramos. ROI winning against Georgia, God knows how, but the luck of the Irish is there.
I agree to be honest. I've been living away from the North East for just over six years now, both in Manchester and now down south, and I've never met anyone as passionate about football as your average north east fan, whether Mackem or Mag. A lot of southern fans I've met seem to mainly view the footy as something to do with the family on a weekend, or something to banter about with their mates in the pub; not saying they aren't passionate, but the result doesn't make a huge difference to their general state of mind, whereas in the NE it really does mean everything to some people. A lot of fans (myself included) will even judge how good their weekend was by their team's results. I think this is why you see people flooding out of the ground in disgust when we concede a few; it's not that they aren't loyal fans, they just care so much that it's painful to watch the club they love perform so pathetically. Back on the original topic, I'm actually quite glad it's the international weekend because it gives us some brief respite from the misery of this season...
Good post Wes, even after 50 odd years watching the lads defeat still wrecks my weekend, so over the past few seasons there hasn't been many jolly weekends in our house but I still hate there being no proper football on in the middle of the season.
I was doing my best to forget about footie. Up at a cabin for a long weekend, in a big sports complex. 2 quality golf courses, so played one yesterday and the other today. A family of bears were spotted strolling across the 1st and18th last month, which could make this mornings round far more interesting. Then it'll be exercise time with junior, inc a bit of swimming. Nee sauna for him yet though. Will watch some ice hockey later. Boring, but better for my blood pressure. Esp so far this season.
I know mate, I was with a pal who's a Reading fan the other week when that horror show v Palace unfolded, he didn't understand just how gut-wrenching that result was for me... Put a downer on the whole day!
When I saw a kid 14/15 year old I used to go to the matches with my dad and 3 sometimes 4 of my older brothers, we used to stand in the Fulwell end paddock next to the players tunnel. My mother used to lay on what I call a proper tea, sandwiches, homemade pies, cakes. etc BUT she would listen for the results at 5 o'clock (this is the early 60s) and if we won she would put out a table full of food but when we lost she just made us a sandwich each as we had no appetite when we got home. I think this is the attitude I've grown up with regards,the club and it still effects me to this day. I've tried several times to distance myself from the club but when kick off time comes along its sweaty palm time again, its in the blood and its a life sentence. I've accepted it now there is nothing I can do about it and in all honesty I'm glad it is this way.
Last summer, after the Copa America, while on extended leave, Yedlin gave an interview at the Sounders training facility. Now Seattle has earned the nickname "Soccer city, USA" because of how well they support the Sounders. In Yedlin's second, and final season with the Sounders; they won The Supporter's Shield, for having earned the most points in the league, and the U.S. Open Cup, (Our FA Cup) but, to be the true MLS champions, you must win the playoff for the MLS Cup. So, when asked, "Which was the bigger challenge, the relegation battle with SAFC, or the playoff run with the Sounders?", he replied, with a wry smile, and something like: You don't understand, the supporters of those clubs in England, have been doing so, for generations and generations, the idea of their team being relagated is just unthinkable. I'm sure Deandre was referring to the ideas posted on this thread and not to Brittish immortality!
Tell you what Hendo is absolutely showing Rooney up here. I know some will say Rooney's out of position but is he though? Because he's **** up front now as well.
What do you mean he's showing him up? He's on the same team and they're not competing against each other. Rooney's won about 15 tackles so far, Henderson has been more creative, they're doing different jobs.
Hendo's matured now, and he's rightly going to be an England regular for a good few years Rooney is past his best, but he's still a decent player, and not in competition with young Jordan
They are playing the same position and one is playing ****e the other is playing well. Rooney's taking too many touches and passing lacks well everything, Henderson is quick and quality with his passing, covering more ground and all round playing much better. Take your blinkers off Tel Rooney is finished and slowing this team down.
And he's not winning that many tackles and when you take into consideration the opposition I'd have a good game in defensive mid surely he should be controlling this game and strolling around the park if he was still anywhere near top class, but he's not any decent nations midfield would eat him alive
What you waffling on about I never said he wasn't having a better game I simply stated they are not in competition so didn't get the comparison. I'll start assessing the qualities of individual players when we're not playing against a bunch of mechanics and teachers, if it's all the same with you.
They'd also eat Jordan Henderson alive, the kid is in a rich vein of form, let's not pretend he's Pirlo. This team has no top quality central midfielders, which I think I already stated as my biggest worry for this team, on here a few days ago.
I think Henderson and Dier would at least compete with the good nations. The main problem for Rooney is his engines gone Henderson is fitter and more mobile so is creating more opportunities to show his quality than Rooney You asked how he was showing him up, I told you
Fair enough, you explained you think they're both doing the same role so that's cool. Rooney's biggest problem is he has no passion left for the game. After the Slovenia game last month he turned up on the golf course pissed out of his mind, straight from the airport. Technically he's better than anybody on that pitch but he doesn't care anymore. He's younger than I am, my engine is running fine, his would if he cared about things but he doesn't, but he'll not turn his back on records or £250k a week. He'll never be a CM.
