So if Big Ron didn't mean it in a racist way, then it doesn't count?

So if I call a black person a "black @#/?" - what part of that statement is the bit that he takes offence at? Am I being racist? He is, after all, black, so surely I am offending him by calling him a @#/?? If he calls me a "white @#/?" is that racist? I am, after all, white, and frankly there is more than the hint of a @#/? in me. So far from me considering it to be a racist comment, I'm actually inclined to agree with the statement, rather than complain to the commission for racial equality.

Given that he talks to Super Al on a regular basis, it might be worth tapping him up for the next one (if there is to be a next one). It would be interesting to get the thoughts of as many of the championship winning squad as possible to compare and contrast how they view their time at the club now, particularly those that left "to win trophies" and in fact have won rock all..

A tremendous interview and very good of Tim to take the time out to speak to the fans of an old club. There is obvious affection towards Rovers and it is also good to see that he keeps in touch with other members of the championship squad. Always comes across as a straight character and a decent bloke. One of my favourites. Hendry and Flowers for manager/director of football? Well Done Alan on a really good interview.

Gentlemen, An encyclopeadic knowledge of marillion/fish songs is not a good thing.

Theproblem that your swan has is that it lacks any variation to it's game. You know exactly what you are going to get with a swan. Large, white, surly, lot of noise, a tendancy to focus on the arm. But with your goose, well things are far less predictable. Your average plain white goose (Farmyardus Idlus) would probably be no match for even a rookie swan with little or no experience of the ring. Your Canada goose (moosus goosus) would do well for a while, proclaim to be British whilst it was on top, then slope off back to Canada once the weather over there warmed up a bit. But you've also got your serious heavyweight geese. Your Pink foot goose (Nortonus mincus) is a big old thing that could definately cause the swan a few issues. Big on power, up for it every night, wears you down in an attritional kind of way. Makes you lose the will to live so that you eventually give up and offer yourself up for decorative art work on match boxes. So your choice of goose would undoubtedly influence the outcome of any serious ruck. As for sharks and tigers - over two legs (home and away) the tiger does it every time. Just got too much in it's locker for your shark.

A good explaination by Philipl. I would only add that although the americans will have secured their debts over the income stream from gate receipts (a more or less guaranteed source of income) you can bet your bottom dollar that the Co-op bank (who are their bankers) will have a fixed and floating charge over the entire undertaking of the club. What this means is that they have first call on all the assets of the club, and it is they that will appoint the receiver should the club go under. The americans will only get the gate receipts to fund their shortfall if the bank don't need them to clear the clubs indebtedness. Banks are not known for their patience so it is unlikley that future income streams will be of interest to them. Most likely the club would have to factor that income so that the bank gets paid out now. Ironically, if the club cannot afford to pay the players wages, as employees of the club, the DTI will have to pick up their wages if no buyer is found and no other funds are available. That's yours and my tax money being paid to Alan Smith et al. It's a great system isn't it?!

Was he the chap on the Jonathan Ross radio show the other week?

I had a change of discs yesterday. New car, new discs and all that. For you youngsters out there that seem to like the Punk-wanabees, I suggest you get a copy of the Clash classic "London Calling". I had that on yesterday, and it's still marvellous. Badly drawn boy (Have you fed the fish), Chilli Peppers, Doves (both albums are great) and Bizets' Carmen. That's the current 6. I might try the white Stripes as they seem to get quite good write ups.

Ha, It's a job but someone has to do it The annual debutantes ball in Macclesfield gives me the option of deflowering the cream of the 18 year-old female Cheshire set. Honest. I'll get me anorak and my copy of Parade from the shed. Time to plant the turnips. I think you are confused Colin. I have the feudal right of "first knight" over all of the peasants on my lands, not you! However if your turnips grow really big, I might let you have a go for your birthday. :'> Which reminds me another very good book - Tom Sharpe's Ancestoral Vices. Very dry and very british!

Have you had the chance yet AESF? Colin is actually the chairman of our local conservative society.

Good lord Colin, we are agreeing on something again! Absolutely hilarious in places and very very well written. Stephen Fry - The Hippopotamus is also excellent. If you want something a bit heavier, Sophie's world by Jostein Gardner is also very good, and the Magus by John Fowles is very compelling. My favourite biography (Other than the Downing Street Years obviously) Is "Evil Spirits" - a biography of Oliver Reed. A true legend.

I was lured into buying the new Richard Hawley (Guitarist from Pulp) album "Lowedges" after hearing him on Johnathan Ross' radio show on saturday. It is rather good, and very easy in the ear. Probably not one for you metal heads.

For all you 30somethings out there, the Badly Drawn Boy album "Have you fed the fish" is very good. At the risk of regaining my youth, I also have the latest Chilli Peppers album on in the Jeep. Don't tell the local association......

30. I think that makes me about average in the age stakes, although I am cynical beyond my years. I do have the body of an 18 yar old though. And a 21 year old, a 23 year old and a 27 year old. I suppose I ought to release them, but old habits die hard.....

You must be gutted that your bid to host the European Championships has failed. You'll have to qualify now, and we all know how likely that is.

Well done Modi for collating the awards, and congratulations to all those that won. Just one question - Who on earth thought that Flopsy was funny? TNR - They have spelt your name C H E S........