Okey doke. I haven't actually seen the hand ball, just the goals. I was under the impression from what everybody said that it was almost certainly not deliberate.

I am getting the PC version of this over christmas. How many people have the pc Pro Evo 5? Would anybody be up for a premiership league set up on this message board? We would need 20 players..... I would need to test that I do not lag too much too as I am all the way over in the states.

Well it does sound a little stupid but with amount of neutral support for todd's case (pundits and even some of the opposition fans thought it certainly wasn't a sending off) it seems bizarre we are not appealing it. The only reason I can think of is that Hughes is not that worried about it, and when you drop your captain it can be useful to do it indirectly as it would otherwise seem like an undermining of authority. Just a suggestion.

Shocked about this. Hughes seemed so adament against it as well! Maybe just a diplomatic way of dropping Todd?

I am ususally one of the more positive posters on here but I am feeling nervous about this. The loss against Everton will of sapped some of the confidence of the side and also we now look more than a little unsure about our best line up. After the recent spate of goals against I think Hughes may cosolidate the side a little. If we lose this suddenly our run against the weaker teams looks like it could be wasted. My prediction of who Sparky will go for: After three below average performances and with Matteo coming back I think Gray will, unfortunately, lose his place. This will affect our attacking play somewhat but many of the goals against have come from the left. We need a stiker and another midfielder but it would be such a advantage to have a left back who can get forward while also providing bite and strength in defense. A neill for the left hand side if you like. Sparky seems reticent about starting Kuqi but I think it needs to be done. As Rover6 said we need that long ball get out option and he stirs things up in a way that bentley cannot. I did not see the game on Sat where Thommo was supposed to be atrocious but still I would be suprised if he still does not start ahead of Emerton. After one lacklustre performance sans lily I think Savage will return. With Reid and Bentley likely to be on the bench it could be a possibility that Emo does not even make the sixteen.

Yes there is a general increase in the tax burden, I agree with that and see your point although personally I am in favour of an increase in taxes provided services improve and social issues (wealth gap, literacy) etc. are tackled effectively with it. I think we may misuderstand each other. I thought you were making a general statement on the role of government generally, and now see you a referring to the Labour government specifically. I wouldn't agree it is 'robbing the country' exactly but funds don't seem to be used that wisely ot has to be said. What I was getting at, even if it was proffered erroneously, was that there is an ongoing problem of an increasing amount of people who criticise vehemently without being inclined to get involved in the process of creating solutions. It is very easy to knock things down but much harder to build them up. One of the saddest things in life for me is the constant unabated negativity. It feels like we are increasingly living in a depressed, self pitying and arrogant country while we have a life style unsurpassed in human history. It seems as if we are slowly damming ourselves with laziness and self importance. Sorry for being a bit cranky.

Exactly the chaps. Big guys but nice if you tickle them under the chin. Look you in the eye when you have a fight, none of this fancy martial arts that the small mammals are into these days.

All the fourth round goals are here What an absolute corker from Thompson! And Bentley took his well too.

Who ever knew that squirrals were such newsworthy animals? Bloody pretentious @#/?s. What ever happend to the vole and the friendly otter? Proper animals them.

One of the best articles I have read about football in a long time- informed, wry, balanced. Easily better than a lot of the stuff written by the professionals. I have to say, even if it risks causing a bit of a love in, that on this site the match previews have been of a generally very high (and even more importantly- entertaining) standard. Might have to change all that by doing one myself one day. Lets start an Emerton debate (another one!): I reckon about fifteen of the clubs in the league have better right wingers than him, and I would say that Lazeradis is about as good (I know Lazeradis is a left winger) rather than richer/poorer versions. He can cross well if given space and scores every now and again but that is about it. I am constantly bemused as to why opposition fans rate him as a good player. I would say that only Gray and 'the second striker' are players who generally make less impact. Fully expecting Thommo to start unless he is still not at full fitness.

I can see why you didn't castigate him, he did an excellent job of making himself look a fool without any help! "The single biggest reason that can never happen is because long after football, I have to look at myself in the mirror when I'm shaving, brushing my hair - or what's left of my hair. "I would not argue with anyone who said we were poor, we were bad on the night. That can happen to any team. We were just poor, and that can happen. "At the end of the day, it will be the same when I leave here, the next person in my seat will have to endure the same experiences. But that's the price on the ticket and if you are manager of Newcastle United, you have to learn to live with that. It doesn't sound like he is brimming with ideas....

I would rather a decent left back to be honest. Gray is okay but if we could get someone operating more at Lucas' level that would be great. Even then another striker and central midfielder are bigger priorities. Nakata is a decent shout but I havn't seen much of him. Does he have the work rate for Hughes' tastes?

Then why did Hughes take him off if he was no worse? He wasn't injured and he is obviously highly regarded as a central player by Hughes. To take him off that early suggests that Hughes must not of been that happy with him. Plus (and this is commentary talk but it is all I have...) Reid was supposed to have a good game.

His days have to be numbered. A vast amount of cash spent with very little gain so far. I want him to stay because otherwise they will be shooting up the table (Luque, Shearer, Owen, Emre, Parker, Dyer, Solano, Faye, Boumsong. That is quality) taking up space we want. There has to be a connection between Souness and hamstring injuries- it's f-ing unnatural.

I would take a home tie against anyone but Arsenal. Bolton, Borough, Arsenal, Man Yoo and Wigan away would all be tough. If we can get that then I would say we would be third favourites behind Man Utd and Arsenal as it is home and away in the semi. Hoping the big two go far in Europe as it will make them rest players.

After tonights sublime performance the formation has to be: 2-1 Rovers. (MGP, Bellamy) The big question is whether Hughes will drop Savage. He is Sparky's talisman but how can he stay in after that comeback? Are we going to see the Thompson of two years ago? I am baiting my breath! Such a goal threat when he is on form and just a better attacking player than Emerton all round. Deserves the start even if the Aussie wasn't bad as such. Todd was solid and Zurab actually sounded like he didn't have that good a game tonight, but why delay the inevitable? Give Zurab the spot in the middle and Nelsen the armband. Looking forward to people who actually went to the game slating this! Very happy!

Well, I just wish I was at that game, you lucky @#/?s! Amazing stuff. From the commentary sound like special mentions are needed for Kuiqi, Thompson, Reid, Bellamy and Bentley. This could actually mark a distinct shift in our side. Savage and Emerton dropped I would imagine. I will be amazed if Kuwi doesnt start on Saturday and it sounds like Bentley has a chance to force his way into the side from the bench.

BENTLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a beautiful performance. I wish we played Charlton ever week. Kuqi has apparently been the difference! The guy just tries and tries!

THOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Goal of the Seasoin contender!! I always had faith in the abster

At least newcastle are losing against wigan And KUQI SCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thompson on for Savage. Might leave us a bit lightweight in central midfield but the blond has had a bad game

2-0 to Charlton. H'apparently Savage responsible along with Zurab Feeling a bit glum.

1-0 Charlton half time. Bentley sounds like he has been decent, as does Kishi. Savage and Gray both seem to have had a poor first half. Time for the fabled Sparky team talk!

Full side Friedel, Khizanishvili, Todd ©, Nelsen, Gray, Emerton, Reid, Savage, Pedersen, Bentley, Bellamy. Subs: Enckelman, Kuqi, Mokoena, Thompson, Matteo. Very interested to see what Bentley can do. Make or break for him? If he can add a bit of guile that would be smashing. Not holding my breath though.... Charlton Kiely, Young ©, Hreidarsson, Kishishev, Bent, Murphy, El Karkouri, Ambrose, Johansson, Powell, Smertin. Subs: Myhre, Thomas, Hughes, Spector, Bothroyd. Strong side with Murphy and Smertin in the centre. Suprised to see Thomas on the bench, I thought he was one of their best performers although to be fair I havn't caught too many of their games.

One of the best previews we've had! I feel this has got a draw written all over it but we need a win to set the tone for some 'easier' fixtures over the next couple of months. Also our form at home has been decent which is good. I will leave me prediction 'til closer to the game.