people got bored and it got buried.

No, I'm quietly optimistic about this one. I think we'll win it 3-1 and go on a decent run in the cup.

I don't think that's Flitcroft you can hear. It's the bloke behind me. Whenever the ball goes out of play anywhere on the field, he shouts "I'LL GET THAT!!!" and then chuckles to himself. I know this is a serious thread, but that's the second time I've snorted with laughter and caused colleagues to look round to see what I'm doing. You must really enjoy sitting in front of him!

Just out of thick interest (being a bit numb headed here), when does the transfer window close?

That's completely crazy - the whole thing will explode in on itself in the end.

Nice one AESF. For sure he's not worth 3.5 million and he's not worth 35k a week - greedy git. If we get him, and on those terms, I see the club losing more punters. On the down side, a Rangers friend suggests Ferguson's return is almost a done deal!

Souness can't sign Boumsong because Rangers keep rejecting his offers, and if we win on Boxing Day, he may well be looking for another job. I actually think that his head's gone funny since about 12 months before he left us. He's certainly not the same guy that came in and took over. I gave him odds of at least short term success at Newcastle, at least in a cup or something, but it would seem that his cup's spilled over... Hey ho! At least it's not us.

well, what the bally heck were the Observer doing giving him column inches in the first place! Maybe the same reporter should now go into hospitals and see what cack they're being served, at least in Liverpool! Fancy menus, crap food. Not impressive. (And completely off subject! Sorry.)

did I just hear a penny drop?!

I don't think you've got any, but you'd better check with American.

Hughesy, ask, but expect a slap. It's the least you should expect.

I'd give you a slap for asking, and so should your "bird"!

= people with kids who can't be arsed being ripped off... or tk maxx where you can find all that designer stuff half price... Just call me Mrs Brady.

I can only endorse what Bryan, Morph et al are saying. Those labels label you if you choose to wear them That's your choice but don't expect not to be categorised. That is the nature of the society in which we live and if you want people's perception of you to change you'll have to change designer and maybe find you have some change to buy a drink... Matalan's amazingly good quality and hard wearing all you lot that feel the need to buy Burberry caps. I can't believe that stuff is run of the mill now - Burberry Intertnational must be seriously considering pulling their merchandise given the label it's got. That always used to be associated with country gents with too much money!

4-3 to us. My first prediction of the season I think therefore we must be due a win. Stead, Bothroyd, Friedel (penalty) and Dickov.

Hear hear Four Lane Blue - well written, well argued, well thought out and my sentiments exactly!

I don't understand why anyone expects him to win things at Newcastle. No bugger else has so why should he be any different?!

I'll second, third, fourth the recommendations for Snow Patrol and Keane - both double good in my opinion. The new Duran album is a bit good as well - give it a try and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Come on Bryan. I want to see him doing well at Blackpool so that management credentials become stronger for future possibilities, but he's having a "settling-in" period I'd say.

Gosh, I'm quite shocked but PhilipL has hit the nail on the head. Souness could have been fired in two games time, so we've got well lucky I think. He's done a great job for us, whatever Souness-haters think, but I agree that he seemed to have hit some kind of impasse so the timing should be right for both sides. I favour a Strachan appointment I must say. Please not a "romantic", let's bring in Hendry or Newell ror someone else who isn't proven at this level. Cheers Graeme - enjoy the toon - I hope you lamp some of their prima pansies!

Birmingham fans (well my friend anyway) would like to know if we have any more players that Bruce can "mould" into better players. They're well impressed. I reckon Bruce has got some psychological battle going on with Souness about how to man-manage those that appear to be unmanageable. Long may it continue. I should think the Villa fans will love this m ove as much as us. An opportunity to sing songs to their own once beloved son...

By 'eck, it's refreshing to know that you and Jan are still banging the same drum as you were before I went on maternity leave and Jude's 8 months old now. Someone's not listening to you. Never mind, there's no Peter Reid this season so Graeme's odds of getting the boot have to be shorter, but you might try giving him the benefit of the doubt, just until after Saturday...? I reckon Brownie's right, he'll surprise everybody by making this team produce what even the most optimistic aren't expecting, goal-fest winners week in, week out. Somebody re-raise this in October and see whether he's still here... If he isn't, I'll eat my hat.

Nice questionnaire Mr Sox and Scotty. I appear to be in France for this one, so we'll lose 1-0. That's what happens at the first home game of the season when we choose to go on holiday. However, if that provides a better omen for performance throughout the season than our opening game last year, I'll take 1-0 on the chin.

For what it's worth, it doesn't strike me as being any better or worse than it was when I went on maternity leave in December. There will always be some who irritate others etc. but generally speaking the debate on this board is both informative and entertaining. Would it be possible to prevent users quoting the response immediately above them? [cliquey-mode on - AS, been on leave until now having had baby no. 3, but now back at work and catching up on board politics which is an essential part of my day, time allowing. My connection from home was so slow I only logged in a couple of times, plus I was kind of busy! ]

D'you know what Bryan, I never expected you to respond on this thread. I thought Houllahoop was your favourite! :'>