The following is a quote from Mr Thompson; ”The current predicament of Channel 4 News says much about the bizarre ways of modern British football. We find ourselves banned today from a major football club because we wanted to ask about football clubs banning the media. The club? Why, Newcastle United of course – under Mike Ashley’s controversial control they have banned more journalists than any other club since 2007.Nowhere else in British public life is this kind of conduct tolerated.” For those that do not know, Alex Thompson is in fact a Newcastle United fan. Here is a follow up article he wrote on the subject. It is an emotive subject and I have read one poster state that people have died for the freedom to express their opinion (so the censorship should not be allowed), whilst I have also read comments suggesting the press have portrayed Newcastle United in a bad light for such a long time that the current stance is proportionate and understandable.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards was allegedly banned for reporting that all was not well in the Toon dressing room, whilst the club has apparently selected Sky Sports and The Mirror as its ‘preferred media partners’. When McClaren was unveiled it was only these two agencies that were invited to the party. The Sun newspaper responded with a piece headlined: ‘We wont dance to your Toon.’ They went on to state they they were the ONLY independent paper that could be trusted to hold the club to account.
Michael Martins of the Newcastle United Supporters Trust had this to say; ”They have had yet another opportunity to change, another opportunity to clean up the mess they have got into and they have failed to take it. This just seems unnecessarily antagonistic. To not have the local media there makes them look like a club that does not even know where their supporters are from. It looks like a club that has no idea what it is doing, it is clumsy, clunking and shows what a daft football club it is. We were told things were going to change, that there would be better communication and more transparency, but this suggests nothing has changed at all.”
It all looks pretty damning on the face of it – but delve a little deeper and you will find that Charnley and Co. are not the first or only football club bosses to take such a stance. Rangers and Celtic have been doing it for years. Sir Alex Ferguson famously refused to talk directly to the BBC, including Match of the Day, for years. The Sun seems to turn on the charm only when it suits itself. It takes the high ground in this particular scenario because it has not benefited from coverage of Newcastle United whilst their competitor have done. Only last year The Sun was accused by it’s rivals of having made a ‘preferred media partnership’ deal with NUFC when it was the only national paper to appear at the unveilings of Cabella, De Jong and Colback.Around about the same time The Sun presented the Country with this headline; ”Why we should love Mike Ashley.” It’s not like The Sun had not seen this coming. Only the year before they were selected as ‘preferred media partners’ for those unveilings, they were banned (together with NCJ Media outlets such as The Chronicle) for printing derogatory stories about the club.
Toon fans have long been accused by rival fans, newspapers and pundits of being fickle. If the above example of The Sun’s ‘changing Toon’ does not reflect the irony of such media allegations leveled towards us fans then I do not know what does?
Newcastle United has a fanatical fan base that lives, sleeps and eats football. That is why there is so much media interest in all things Toon. For a long time, the club has been described as a ‘Goldfish Bowl’ – most notably by Jermaine Jenas when he left for Spurs. Everything that gets reported about the club gets magnified and scrutinised not just by our own fans, but by most other fans too. If you look at a lot of comments on blogs from rival clubs, the fans quite often express their lack of empathy for us in recent years. The ‘fickle’ tag has stuck. Does this harm the club’s reputation abroad – where a very big market is there for the taking and with it an opportunity for the club’s brand to expand? If we ever want to compete at the top of the league again then we have to break into that market.
Newcastle United is high profile, so we get all the attention. But ours in not the only football club in England that has taken this stance in recent times. Swindon Town, Rotherham United, Blackpool, Southampton and Port Vale are all ‘guilty’ of the same policy from time to time. Yet I do not see them getting a massive slating from The Sun? Lee Charnley explained at the recent Fans Forum the current media approach was to; ”control and reinforce the positive messages the club wished to deliver.” Some see this as akin to a dictatorship, some see it as the club genuinely attempting to turn the image of the club around after years of ‘bad’ press. I suspect it’s not been brought about because the Big Bosses have have their feelings hurt by some articles in recent years, but because they have recognised that something has to change if they are ever going to break into the wider market.
The question is, are they going about it the right way?
[poll id=”85″]
Stu – I it doesn’t necassarily make it true of course, even if it was a senior player. I could quite easily be a disgruntled player or member of staff looking to stir up ****. We’ve had plenty of them in the last few seasons.
Sharpy17(Quote)
STUART
Why are you always taking the side of anyone who is going against our club? You’re assuming that Edwards is telling the truth. Also, very senior player could have meant Jonas or Raylor perhaps. I know it wasn’t Barton.
You’re listing things as facts when they come from a hack who wrote an article that was detrimental to our club, yet when our club comes out with things that make perfect sense, you cast doubt on their truth. Seems wrong to me.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
😆 everyone is as happy as they want to be at my place mate! 😎
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
TDS – I am assuming he’s telling the truth, otherwise why didn’t the club take legal action like they said they would? It was a very serious accusation that he made and not to be taken lightly in my view. In fact it would have been the perfect time to make an example of a journo for printing lies but they did nothing. That tells me it was true.
Anyway, I will always give the club credit when I believe they are do some. I have given them credit for their communication this summer, for the 3 signings we have made and I also gave Ashley credit for coming out and speaking last May. But of course I don’t expect people on here to make any comment on that. People only like bringing up my comments that are perceived to be negative. I’m fine with that though.
Stuart79(Quote)
STUART
The club said they would be consulting their legal team. Often it’s more hassle than it’s worth going down the legal route. Are you familiar with other cases of people or companies suing the media for things like this? It takes years and costs a huge amount of money, not to mention generating lots of bad publicity.
There’s probably a fragment of truth in it anyway. The frustrating thing is the way they expand on and twist things to suit their own ends.
So a journo has a text from one player and the club says the article is untrue and you assume that neither the player or the journo has an agenda?
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Aussie… 😆
Richietoon(Quote)
The journo’s only agenda is writing the article as he thinks it’s news worthy. That’s his job I suppose. As for the player having an agenda, who knows. It could have been a player playing regular who just wanted to highlight the problem or it could have been a **** stirrer. Although the performances at the end of that season did not give me the impression everything was rosey and for that reason I think Edwards was on to something.
Essentially we are diametrically opposite in our views regards the club. Your first thought is the club is always right and have done nothing wrong and that’s your perogative, but mine is that the club are more than likely in the wrong and on the balance of the last 8 years I’d say my view is the most reasonable backed up by a big form book of **** ups.
It would be very boring if we were all the same I guess..
Stuart79(Quote)
Credit where it is due, Stu, nicely put. 🙂
Off topic, I’m not much of a cricket fan but gotta love these Ashes.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Related to your point there though, Stu. One if the reasons I love supporting a football team is that to a large extent, unlike most other things in life, reason doesn’t rule the day, a blinkered, passionate, my club is always right does!!!! Ashley has certainly diluted that some what, along with Kinnear and Pardew, but that is surely one of the joys of having a team. I have been telling anyone who would listen for over 30 years that NUFC is the best club in the world!! I do acknowledge, though, the influence Ashley has had on that mind set.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Firstly, you’re massively naïve if you think the journo’s only agenda is writing the article because he thinks it’s newsworthy! He writes the article because people like to read controversial stories and his job is to get hits/readers. Does that make is news? Gossip? Or just trash? Sad that journos don’t spend as much time validating their stories before publishing.
As for the player…why the hell would someone playing regularly want to “highlight the problem” to the public?? That’s insane! What possible benefit would that bring? If a player did send that text then he’s a ***** and I hope he’s gone. On the other hand, sometimes texts get intercepted, sent accidentally, misinterpreted, or forwarded to someone they weren’t intended for.
Finally, you’re talking **** about my perspective. Funny how people who take a very consistent view from one angle, think they are balanced and a person who disagrees is taking an extreme view from the opposite angle!
I slate the club plenty when they do things that are wrong and virtually every one of my posts about topics says both sides of things. Yours are more often that not, negative.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
That is true, Stu, you have spent the whole summer criticizing our transfer policy and activity.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I’ve criticised the club for not addressing the defence more than they have, Lionel. I haven’t criticised the club’s transfer policies or activity as a whole. But to be perfectly honest, if someone wants to criticise the players we have bought they’re allowed to.
Stuart79(Quote)
Aye, TDS, you’re right. It’s negative that I think we need another defender, it’s negaotve that I think the club did have dressing room issues a while back, it’s negative that I happen to believe the club is completely wrong by Gerrymandering stories that come out of the club by banning media outlets that write things they don’t like and finally I suppose it’s negative that I have not been happy about the lack of ambition the club has shown over the last few years.
Others of course, would just say they’re opinions.
Stuart79(Quote)
Of course they are. Anyway, I am not wanting to keep having a go at you but you spent most of the summer criticizing our policy generally, it is only latterly you have turned to focus on the defense, even though of course you did also refer to that at the beginning. You spent ages criticising us for not doing early business, for not just paying the extra to get the deals done, then adding layer after layer of scepticism about whether we would actually get the 3 we did get, as well as insisting that we will sell to balance the incomings, any negative note you could have picked up on about our general transfer activity you did. The only reason I know this, is that it is the reason I started posting again this summer, I couldn’t bare the incessant negativity and criticism, when we were n a position to wait and see after Ashley’s comments. That is why I made my point above about a little bit of self-awareness, Stu. You just said that you haven’t criticized the club’s transfer polices as a whole, that is just not true.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
More or less everybody was frustrated at the lack of progress early on in the transfer window, Lionel. There’s a big difference between criticism and frustration.
I’d also like to point out that having a default position of being a critic of the club is perfectly acceptable based on the history under Ashley. Some would say it’s insane to be anything but…
Stuart79(Quote)
But I must thank you for your character readings again. I admire you to a degree. You continue to argue with me even when 95% of the time I have been proved right when it comes to NUFC under Ashley.
Fair play. Must kill you though…
Stuart79(Quote)
It may surprise, Stu, I am not in the least bit frustrated, I just see you for your inconsistencies, occasional bullying tactics and incessant negativity. I respond on a purely human level. I am not the least bit concerned about being wrong or right vis-a-via yours, mine or other people’s view on things Ashley and NUFC. That is where your lack of humility and lack of self-awarness and thus true awareness of others comes in.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I wasn’t at all frustrated at the lack of activity at the beginning of the window because these things can take time, I didn’t let previous actions under this regime cloud how I saw they were going to go forward. It was possible to read the signs of change and with a new manager things may have been slowed more, too. I thought we would but some decent players and I didn’t think we would sell our best players to do so. If this was a who has got the biggest balls contest, I would have won. But, as I say, that is not really important, I mention it simply to highlight your continued delusion. There is method in the madness, Stu. As many wise men have said, why put off for the future what you can do today. Only joking, mate. Do as you please, it is a free blog after all.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
LS@93 your last comment is correct, its a free blog,your free to put your views and your free to reply to those comments,and of coarse your free to leave if you don’t like it,simples
icedog(Quote)
Indeed.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I’ve basically no idea what you’re going on about, Lionel.
Stuart79(Quote)
🙂
I will repeat. Newcastle to win 3-0.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Bloody hells bells, can people not have a difference of opinion without it leading to a character assassination ? For every insult Stu may cast out, he gets plenty of comments such as pathetic, drama queen, deluded and lack of humility (that’s a peach by the way) thrown in his direction.
It’s a blog we don’t all see eye to eye, get over it.
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM did you see my comment @30??
icedog(Quote)
A lot of good posts from you today Lionel. But to be honest mate, I find it’s not worth it. I’ve disappeared from this place a number of times over the last couple of years but find myself coming back because I do enjoy discussing the toon and footy in general with a few on here. To make it work I find it best to just skip over any posts written by certain regulars
MDS(Quote)
Don’t worry about it, Kim. Lionel can’t see the irony in his insults. He’s good entertainment though.
Stuart79(Quote)
Get over yourself, MDS! In your world nobody is allowed a different opinion, so stay away if that’s how you prefer it. I doubt you’ll be missed you pompous, patronising half bake!
Stuart79(Quote)
you pompous, patronising half bake! Now now Stuart 😀
georgio(Quote)
STUART,don’t insult some stick to what you do best which is putting your strong views over with facts,doesn’t matter what some say you can’t beat “facts”or sometimes you put it over a your opinion, nowt wrong with that imo
icedog(Quote)
Ice, it just annoys me that some come on here about as regular as an NUFC trophy and then start complaining about people who are on here regular because they don’t agree with what they have to say. The sly digs and patronising manner is just weak and feeble.
Stuart79(Quote)
😀 😀
icedog(Quote)
Nothing says coward quite like Internet name calling
MDS(Quote)
True colors and all that
MDS(Quote)
Ice, I did mate, thanks for that. I’m gonna contact them again to see if I can pre-order one. Have you got one yet?
kimtoon(Quote)
How on earth is Williamson still here ?
terry(Quote)
Is anyone dreading next season or is it just me ?
terry(Quote)
Just you Terry. It may seem strange coming from me but I’m looking forward to it. 3-1 on Sunday!
georgio(Quote)
Icedog, Kimtoon and Stu, the fact is I have followed and commented briefly on this blog since it was started after Ed’s, and it used to be a good blog. Your comment Icedog is basically saying if you don’t like get lost, which is fair enough to a point. But, in reality over the last however long this blog has been dominated by some and it had become exceptionally negative, which is of course in part inderstndable, given the shocking way we have been run recently. Stu deserves to be called out because he makes it unpleasant for people who disagree with him and a pretty miserable read for passers by. I have never once called anyone names in an angry and rude way, I have only ever commented about Stu because of his approach and how he treats others from time to time. you smile at his comment above when in actual fact Stu is always make sly digs and being utterly patronizing, be consistent, mate. Stu doesn’t just offer facts, and doesn’t just have strong opinions, if it were just that there wouldn’t be a problem. I couldn’t give a monkey’s about who is right and wrong and I don’t take anything at all personal, it is just a football blog for christ’s sake. But, it should be a place to enjoy our club, not be consistently slating it, and it should be a place where people can have different opnions and not be shouted down. Stu does that. I don’t know Stu’s and MDS history but MDS perfectly calmly shared his opinion above, nothing wrong with what he said, even if some may not agree or like it. Stu responded with an aggressive tirade, and then irony of ironies refers to sly digs and patronizing manner in others. I just want to talk Newcastle in a reasonably positive and open manner. Whatever you seem to think, Stu doesn’t allow that and probably one of the reasons why there is not such a widespread readership on here anymore. I say all this on the basis of I thought Toonsy did a great job with this blog at the beginning and it was a good blog, whether I commented much then or not.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I hope we do win 3-1 Georgio it would certainly restore some of my faith especially after last season. Last season was enough to put me off football for life.
terry(Quote)
Just been looking at last seasons openers, our first 6 games and results
Man City lost 2.0
A.Villa drew 0.0
C.Palace Drew 3.3 ( pre Pards )
Saints lost 4.0
Hull City Drew 2.2
Stoke City Lost 1.0
so after 6 games we were 2nd bottom on 3 points.
kimtoon(Quote)
3-1 to the Toon. But LS, you are posting passive-aggressive stuff mate @43. You are calling him miserable, arrogant and deluded, YOU SAY:
“Sorry Stu, was busy yesterday and didn’t get a chance to check or respond to your comment.
“I do not dictate at all. I disagree with people and call them idiots – sure I do, and that’s because I get frustrated with people not seeing the reality. But I certainly DO NOT and NEVER WILL have a go at anybody for actually having an opinion! It is their right. Whether I agree is a completely different argument as well you know.
But you, Lionel, like many others are frustrated with me because I happen to emphasis my points hard and do not give in during an argument. But probably your biggest bug bare is I am usually always proved correct in the end.”
You really are an arrogant and deluded individual, Stu, and severely lacking in self-knowledge and respect, which are crucial to open debate. Calling people idiots and defining the reality they should see is very much bullying behavior, and carries the essence dictatorialism. This is a blog so of course you cannot control the content but the next best thing for you is to not listen to how other people see reality and shout them down with insults. This way of behaving has been proven to challenge the sense of self that many have, when they are forcibly shouted down and their reality defined as ridiculous, it has been the source of psychological abuse for women for centuries.
You think I don’t like a strong debate, you really are a deluded soul, I love a good debate, the more forceful the better. My bug bear with you has absolutely nothing to do with the points you have made, which just shows how utterly arrogant and deluded you are, Mr. Powerful Orator. The problem with you, as you just articulated with an utter lack of irony, is that you like to define the reality and think you are always right, plus you are a right negative whiner.
Just to be clear, Stu, giving someone the right to have an opinion and then not fully listen to the argument, the logic, the rationality of that opinion and then shout it down with abusive and rude language is bullying, and bullying is maybe not pure dictatorship but it is a long way along the path. So, again to be clear, my bug bear with you is not that you debate hard, because in fact you don’t, it is also not because you are always right, as one, I don’t believe you are, and two, it’s a football blog I don’t care that much, it is that you are an arrogant, deluded, miserable and negative bully,
You and others may think this is too personal, but you are being very personal to plenty of people on here, Stu, when you call their opinions ridiculous and stupid, and when you try and define a reality for others.”
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If I’m unpleasant and make it unpleasant for people these people really need to get out more! The irony is you got very personal recently – now that doesn’t bother me to be honest as I’m big enough to accept it, but I have only once got personal and that’s with MDS. That’s because he’s sanctimonious and pompous.
But to be perfectly honest, it’s only the odd couple of people who can’t handle it. It’s not vicious, or hurtful and my strong opinions certainly can’t be seen as hurtful. If it is we have some seriously thin skinned people on here. Although I don’t see many complaining apart from you, Lionel and MDS. In fact the likes of Aussie, Sharpy, GTE etc give as good as they get and I love it!
If it hurts you, do me a favour and either ignore me and don’t engage or do what MDS does – stay away! Although I would be disappointed if you did.
Stuart79(Quote)
Kim – we had a stinker. I know Prem keeps referring to our points tally when Pardew left, but that was thanks largely to an unbeaten Nov. when you review the whole season, had it not been for that period we would have been relegated for sure.
Sharpy17(Quote)
LS in no way did I mean for you to get lost,the more bloggers the better imo iI like to see peoples views,it was just a general comment to everyone,bloggers do disagree,I get on with most bloggers I think there is one blogger I don’t shall I say don’t get on with at all and don’t comment on his views I just scroll past his comments everytime
icedog(Quote)
As for the bullying! Hahaahahahahahaaha! If calling someone an idiot is a serious bullying incident then dear me you must be one seriously out upon person.
I’m also not sure how you can ‘shout down’ someone on a blog in the written word but there you go…
Stuart79(Quote)
Best way to do it, Ice. Just ignore people you don’t like.
Sharpy – We did have a stinker and you’re right about the Nov run keeping us up. The reason for that was two gold for me; 1) We brought in 7 players and they were always going to need time 2) The players we did bring in weren’t particularly in the positions we needed. Whether they were good enough is another possibility also I suppose.
Stuart79(Quote)
The difference is, Eric, I am not just throwing angry insults. I am responding to someone who does and wants to try and hide from that fact, so I have used evidence and reason to show that the person denying such patronsing beauviour and the person who changes his position all the time and does not simply use facts, actually adds up to a person who is deluded and arrogant, they are logical extensions of his behavior. That is very different to just shouting someone down as ridiculous and stupid, weak and feeble because they disagree with their opinion. I can describe some one as positive, cheerful and fair based on their behavior, I can also call someone arrogant and deluded and lacking self-awarness based on their behavior. And, sadly, that is the evidence that Stu presents to us. In that regard, I am no way insulting Stu, I am describing him. I wouldn’t describe you In that way, not because I like or dislike you, agree or disagree with you, but because the evidence doesn’t point to you being like that. Even if you are!!!! 😆
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Fair play, Ice.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Plenty of rumours swirling about that Spurs and Everton have bid £15m for Austin…
Stuart79(Quote)
LS just to follow on I have played the game myself and coached so at times you can tell who has much idea of the game and who has but I still like to read and enjoy everyone’s view of the game
icedog(Quote)
Lionel – Would I not be insulting you if I called you ugly, or would it just be describing you? Obviously I have no idea if you are of course.
Oh and for the record, I probably am a bit arrogant – but I can afford to be… 😀
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu, behave yourself, mate, you shout people down all the time. You just did it to MDS, and you do it repeatedly when you think you are right and others disagree.
But crickey, enough, you ain’t gonna change and that is why this blog isn’t as good as it was. Hey ho!
I still bloody love Newcastle and I really think this is a turning point for us. And I really think McClaren has found his club. Very positive, in my opinion. Still going for a clean sheet. 😛
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I wholeheartedly agree, Ice. Let’s just hope this really is a turning point.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Eric – It’s the irony with Lionel that makes me have a good chuckle! 😆 I’m not describing people in my opinion when I call them idiots I’m insulting them. But when Lionel does the same to me it’s describing.
Comedy Gold, just comedy Gold!
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – yeah, wasn’t that when we had an injury or 2 to the players Pardew preferred and Obertan found himself getting a game. We had Sammy & Obertan providing width and they were both our best players that month. Then Oba got injured himself and everything went to ratshit again.
That’s what concerns me a little bit at the start of this season. Are some of our better players fully fit & does McClaren clearly know his preferred 11 & what formation he wants to go with – pre season hasn’t suggested so.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Think it’s more likely Spurs will sign Berahino after west brom sign Rondon, Everton will sign someone on loan from Getafe or Osasuna & we’ll sign Austin in the last week of the window
CC(Quote)
Oh and I cant believe I have as much influence on this blog as you say, Lionel for people to stay away. If that’s the case people really are stupid! 😀
Stuart79(Quote)
what a sensitive blog this has turned into.
come back batty – all is forgiven..
roy c(Quote)
Stu, that ain’t comedy, mate. That is the definition of words and their usage. An insult is to treat someone with indignity and contempt in a form of attach, I never do that and certainly was not doing that when I described you. You insult people all the time. Them be facts, Stu, but they not be the facts you like to concentrate on.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
To be fair to Mc he has said plenty of times now that we have never bid for Austin. Are we interested or is it media & fan speculation?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Funnily enough, Roy C, I was just thinking of Batty.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Serious question, Lionel. Are you a Monk? Just wondering as if bullying is really calling someone an idiot or delusional you must have led a very sheltered life.
Stuart79(Quote)
Has not taken Cardiff fans long to suss Shola 2 not one has picked him in their first team,cannot even get on the bench lol
icedog(Quote)
Lionel no one can shout me down mate and I can’t be bullied. I just try not to engage with a few because they become unhinged pretty quickly and you can’t talk sense with people like that. So best not to engage IMO.
MDS(Quote)
No Stu, mate, I have lived far from a sheltered life, I have however spent time in different monasteries, and the reason was to reflect on my actions and the actions of others. I have also spent time in educational institutions both as a student and an educator for many years and in many countries, and worked for various organizations who have dealt with varying kinds of abuse. And the fact is, doing the things you do is bullying, because the consequence often is that it disallows others to feel they can express themselves. Personally, it does not in the least bit bother me, but the main point is not what you do is that you often deny what you do.
However, enough of all this bollocks, Roy C is right, i have said what I have said and I wholeheartedly stand by it but in your more balanced moments, Stu, you are a good read!
To the Toon, and hopefully a new bloody start and the returning of a decent atmosphere at St.James’!! 😆
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I knew your answer would turn into a sermon.
Stuart79(Quote)
I will agree with your last paragraph
Stuart79(Quote)
Sharpy@130 – just think he’s been having a good look at the squad and he couldn’t wait to leave the USA (playing ferguson at CB and Aarons at LB). He’ll know his best 11 alright. It may be a week or two coming but we’ll see it soon enough. And I have to say how nice to talk football and the team. Isn’t that what this blog is about? 🙄
georgio(Quote)
Gotta clear the air, Grorgio, before the new season starts!!! We’ve all gotta be on the new page of positivity!!!! Once free flowing attacking football returns to St.James’. 🙂
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I still think when all fit it picks itself: Krul, Janamat, Mbemba, Colo, Dummet/ Haidara, Tiote, Colback, Gini, Sissoko, De Jong, Mitrovic.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
You’ve got 12 Lionel. We may have a chance playing that team.
Stuart79(Quote)
🙂 Dummet or Haidara – I am not sure which, I am leaning towards Dummett.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Dummett for me as I tend to like defenders who defend first. Shame you can’t combine the two
MDS(Quote)
Yeah, MDS, and early doors we are going to need to be as tight and disciplined as possible at the back. That is why I would go 4-2-3-1. Try and bloody get into some good habits, like keeping clean sheets.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
The defense will certainly need protected at first. I’d expect SM to start Anita and Gouffron (over the likes of Ayoze, De Jong, Aarons, etc) for that reason. Some fans will criticize him for it but it’s the smart move.
MDS(Quote)