Im not one for rumours but I heard he left a school once and left them without a single math teacher They were closed by ofsted Not a nice guy But im not one for rumours
I have no idea on either. To be honest none of us do unless we have some sort of personal relationship with them. Based on meeting him and the way he has carried himself publicly over the years, he seems like a decent fella. Could be kicking seven bells out his missus on a nighttime for all I know. People go on about how great a bloke Peter Beardsley was (or they used to). But my experience of him was somewhat different when his kid was playing on a pitch next to where my Sunday team was playing in Ponteland. He was going on like an arsehole, and the abuse he was giving the ref was a disgrace. Then years later he gets done for racism. I think people think they know the character of these people better than they actually do. Certainly loyalty in football died many moons ago, so anyone using that as a barometer as whether someone is a **** is pretty close to moronic They're all ****s once a cheque gets waved under their nose. Nature of the beast. It also makes me laugh because if someone gets offered a better work environment, more money, etc etc in any occupation, 99% of the time they take it. It is absolutely no different for them and holding them to different standards is more a problem for the person making that assertion.
They gave him a month holiday before he'd done a days work then he ****s them off months later Bit ****ty
I'm not a formations man, people get too hung up on it. However we have moved towards having a back four with the changes in personnel. So I don't think it would be particularly sensible to revert to that, when we've moved on the one better at playing it (Lejeune). So I think we go 4231 and concentrate more on the style we operate. I'd like to see a modern high press, with a focus on retaining possession. Almiron is crying out for this. I think at present looking at it I'd go with the following. I'm chancing that Schar is over his troubles from last season when he looked like he wasn't trying - simply because Lascelles looks stiff as a board and unfit. I'm not one of these who jumps on his current poor form to say he's complete ****e. Clearly that is not the case because Rafa liked him a lot and knows a thing or two about defending, and he has plenty of excellent spells for us. Our defence has been our best aspect, and he has been there throughout. However we can't ignore his trouble against Brighton, the lad isn't fit. Its the same after an injury, he takes 6 games to get up to speed. Well he can do that with the U23's and then fight for his place. Obviously young Lewis had an absolute shocker the other day, but we need to accept that with younger players: Dubravka Manquillo Fernandes Schar Lewis S Longstaff (Matty if he was fit - Sean still needs to do more in terms of retaining the ball) Hendricks ASM Almiron Joelinton (Fraser when he gets up to speed but he has to be way off having not been at a club or kicked a ball in anger since March) Wilson Basically lets get moving for the first time in 4 years and start actually pressing the ****ing ball like we actually want it. That team will concede goals but it will also score goals and amass the points required. Several ways to skin a cat. I feel a bit bad for Hayden because I can't fault his effort. But we need better quality on the ball and we need central guys are who going to get about. Or you're forever locked into defensive counter. Again Longstaff is more the absence of his brother who I think is the better player. I accept Joelinton has been incredibly poor and doesn't look much, but I'd be interested to see how he does in his natural role. Set up and style wise I am comfortable watching a variety of different styles. Nothing against Rafa because he did a good job for us and got what Mike wanted, but I have now had my fill of defensive football. I'd rather go down than be bored to death anymore. I accept to some that PL is be all end all, but it isn't for me.
He did ask Or is it just the inclusion of Big Joe until Fraser is fit Or the inclusion of Longstaff because I don't think Shelvey or Hayden can play anything other than the Rafa way
I'm pretty much on the same lines, but I'd have Schar in midfield instead of SLongstaff - he's considerably better on the ball, can move forward and can shoot. Then either one of Lascelles or Clark at the back. Be tempted by Clark because he's a left footer and dependable. We probably need that with such youth on the flanks. The main purpose is to move it quickly and play between lines. Those three attackers should be able to interchange and if Joe can't sort his **** out with a few games there, we already have his replacement. I'd keep SLongstaff as a 10, MLongstaff as backup for the two CM's. To be honest, barring the stupid favouritism that will kick in, it's hard to argue that isn't the best we can put out. I wonder how many games before we see it. I reckon at least 20.
Bruce must’ve read this thread, quickly reverting to type in the build up to tonight. He puts more emphasis on training ground banter than he does on tactics and style of play.
Was talking about Ritchie's shoulder injury and saying how he'll be missed around the training ground. Not in the team, of course, matchday isn't as important as good bacon, decent biscuits and a fish supper after the Darsley kickabout.