I may not watch every game but I know enough about Mark Noble to know that he's just a passionate football player who wants to win. Not a twat, in my estimation. In any case, I don't feel sorry for him. He's very rich, so I'm sure his disappointment will be a relative thing.
cheers TSS - I am a bit of a football nut, so bound to get all tingly reading about stuff from back then. Does he mention Sammy Lee hiding behind the grass at Wembley trying not to be offside in the league cup final? I think it was Sammy Lee and I think it was Clive Thomas.
Not that I've read and I'm coming to the end. In fact, not many teams get mentioned apart from Southampton, where he talks about instances involving a game at Southampton, or involving Southampton. Leeds Utd do get mentioned, as I said before. But, on the playing side, it's more about individuals. There's a good story about Alan Ball and Billy Bremner. A good interpretation of Kevin Keegan. Bill Bonds and Peter Withe are mentioned together. Paul Madeley, Allan Clarke, etc.. Lots of stories. Then there's his constant battle with his own colleagues, who he fights for but they never back him up because they're scared of their own positions, but they'll take the benefits he manages to obtain for himself and them [I hate that]. Then there's the battle with the various authorities who, in general, he doesn't have a lot of time for. He's in a ongoing battle to get them to raise their standards, but most of them appear to just want the easy option rather than the right one. There appears to be a lot of jobs for the boys [another thing I abhor]. But he doesn't mind being the maverick as long as it is for the good of football, and they can't entirely kick him out because deep down they know he's the best referee of his era.
I know he's old but I think Defoe would be better than Rashford. With the view that Defoe would be good off the bench to nick a goal and Rashford although having loads of potential isn't yet as likely to score. Defoe this last time as he's been in good form, maybe Rashford next if he keeps improving unless Jay is back of course . Hopefully Kane will keep scoring because it's unlikely Rooney will and although I don't think Rooney should start he probably will.
He was almost, but not quite the worst thing about ManC when we played them at home. And I quite like Delph. Not played enough to be considered, in my opinion. Bit like Wilshere. Shouldn't be there.
Sterling should be no where near the squad on his season's performances - arrogant, overhyped blind alley runner. I would have more faith in Antonio than him - especially given the versatility he has shown this season. Re Wilshire - can't stand the man, but MOTM in 6 out of 7 qualifiers he played in means he has some justification being in the squad. Plus, he cannot roll out the 'long, hard season in England' trash that often accompanies underperformance. Delph is a strange one, has done nothing really to convince he can offer anymore than an average prem midfielder and on that basis Noble (who I do not like) is somewhat unfortunate. I still cannot see what Henderson brings to the table, other than his Liverpool shirt. To be fair, there is little wriggle room for Hodgson - a really good starting 11 (if he chooses the right players in the right positions) but little else to fall back on. Who's going to write the really positive thread for this?!
Is Mark Noble A) a dick. B) a twat. C) a hermaphrodite, who plays for West Hermaphrodite United Vote now.
Glad Noble's not in the squad. Never has so much hype been made about a few lucky deflected goals. Re Rashford v Defoe...I agree Defoe better for the Euros BUT if this is one to be dropped then better o give Rashford the experience, not sure Defoe would appreciate being called up only to be dropped before the comp!
Why some many half fit centre midfielders? Really hope we don't see Henderson, Delph or Wilshere playing. To be honest, not really a fan of Drinkwater either. I don't like Noble, but he's either fitter or better than all of those. Can't complain about the rest of the squad, although Sturridge hasn't looked properly fit for the last few months.
