Jolly Giraffe

Well done the pool. Anyone touting anything other than congratulations should be ashamed. We can now claim to have drawn twice (home & away) last season with the champions of Europe We can also claim to have beaten the mighty conquerers of the Champions of Europe in the FA Cup (only to then be beaten by the eventual winners).

Over-rated and will not be missed. When he's reached the end of his illustrious career and he's showing off his SPL championship medals, he'll know deep down it's like a failed grand prix driver displaying his karting trophies.

Yesterday Todd was, once again, man of the match by far. He won the Orange award but missed out on the other one. Don't know who awards the Peter Jackson man of the match but they felt it neccessary to give it to Lucas Niell???? With every impressive performance Todd is fast-earning his place in the affections of the fans, yesterday I even heard one or two chants of Toddy Toddy show us your @rse!! He's now nearly reached the Hendry-esque level of the fans chanting to bear his rear every week - LEGEND.

Had a feeling of deja-vu this morning on the way to work. Radio reporting that Souness has fallen out with Robert and the player saying "he just doesn't talk to me anymore". Got me thinking about how many other managers often get such publicity. Seems to be something that follows Souness round.

Saying you appreciate good football will be rather difficult with a fist in your mouth. The Notlob fans are not exactly known for their hospitality.

I am as depressed as the next man with our current form but I could not believe my eyes when I saw this thread. It's not Hughes's fault he's been given a side with no skill, spirit or backbone. To enter a Premier league campaign without addressing the most crucial weakness in the side (our defence) was scandalous by Souness. For some reason Gray's form has dipped this season, Niell plays like he is concussed and the middle two is the root cause of all our problems. Amo should never have been allowed south of the border, Matteo is a dirty player who is not even subtle enough to mask his dirty tackles and Short is simply too old for another season in the top flight. When Souey was out acquiring us two left-sided midfielders and another striker he should have gone back to basics and concentrated on the back four. Having said all that the problem is easy to see but not so easy to fix, Hughes must address the defence as a priority in January. If we can tighten up in the second half of the season and build confidence from the back then we may just survive.

Was it the same paper (renowned for it's exclusives) that reported O-Dreary as being the new Newcastle manager the day they appointed Souness?

Please not Houllier Parkes as a stop-gap Mark Hughes for me

Come on guys (and girls) lets think about it..... 1) Souey cocked up in the first half against Southampton 2) He turned it round in the second half 3) Against Southampton we were robbed of a point and a player by a stupid referee not Souey 4) Last night we held our own for 45 minutes against the best side in the country (and probably Europe). From that summary of the season so far (ONLY THREE GAMES) there is only one thing I would have issue with Souness over. Let's pull tpgether for the weekend ang get behind the boys. It's too early to call for anyones head!

There is a limit of loan deals between Prem clubs (it's what stopped the Robinson transfer from Leeds to Spurs last season). As for Matty we are all judging him on what little evidence we have seen on the pitch. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has seen him train, for example.... Is he not as fit as he used to be? Has he lost his first touch when there's not thousands of people screaming his every move? Can he still do those mercurial runs and finishes outside of the pressure of a live game? I suspect he still has the skills and that explains why Rover's have kept faith in him (albeit by not sacking / releasing him).

Excellent news, I can't wait for next season to start now.

It makes sense to handover to Fergie while keeping Flitty on. He can assist / advise Ferguson while still taking an active role on the playing side. I like the idea of building the side around a fresh nucleus.

Some good news - me and my mate are getting a s/t each this time whereas last time we spent the season in different seats but still going to every game. So that's 2 up on last year!

Have to say it seems a bit harsh to be bemoaning next season already. Let's let the Euro's get out of the way and see who comes and goes towards the end of the close season. I still think Souey may have another surprise or two up his sleeve yet.

Leeds United, four days away from going into administration, are believed to have asked their players to take a 20% pay cut, and are now willing to listen to offers for all their big-name stars. The Premiership outfit are believed to have called in Professional Footballers' Association boss Gordon Taylor for an emergency meeting with the club's entire playing staff in a desperate attempt to ease their £83million dept. Leeds have asked Taylor to hold negotiations with the players about taking a 20% deferral of wages for the length of their contracts as the club faces going into administration if they do not find a solution to their financial crisis by the Monday deadline set by creditors. The club's 'stand-still' agreement with their creditors is due to end in four days time, and acting-chairman Trevor Birch is working frantically behind the Elland Road scenes in the hope of attracting a buyer for the debt-laden club, or at least enough investment to see Leeds safely through until the end of the season. The Premiership side are therefore willing to listen to offer for their most valuable players - strikers Alan Smith and Mark Viduka and goalkeeper Paul Robinson. Viduka is expected to be the first to go, as his £65,000 a week salary is proving to be a huge strain on the club. Bahrain Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa has been heavily linked with a take-over bid for the club. However nothing concrete has yet materialised and should Leeds go into administration the Premier League would almost certainly impose a points penalty on the struggling side, which would push them closer to relegation.