All Activity

If Iran doesn't give a shit about its own people, why did it agree to a ceasefire? Why did it commit to the minimum possible retaliation on the US in a bid to avoid escalating things? Why has it taken steps to de-escalate the issue at every turn? Why hasn't it created nukes so far at all, it's had plenty of time to do so? I think you're blinded by your fears and prejudices about religion on this. You're conflating Iran with Hamas and they are two very different entities. Hamas is a trapped animal prepared to destroy everything around it if it can just take down the thing that has it cornered. Iran is not in the same position at all. And incidentally, we have plenty of Israelis, politicians included, calling for outright genocide in Gaza now. https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/database-exposes-500-instances-of-israeli-incitement-to-genocide-in-gaza-16537146 I don't understand why they have your trust based on your red lines for Iran.

Last of us 2 was fucking shite. Felt like a video game this time round, with an absolute shite plot. Poker face 2 has been a bit meh too. Gonna try this Q thing on Netflix next I think.

There's some really great football in those clips. Best season of my life, I reckon.

As long as I'm the hot one on the right.

Semenyo has a touch of the Maxis about him for me - He's too maverick for a Howe side. Albeit that's only based on the limited amount of times I've seen him play. Elanga seems like a RW Gordon - rapid, direct and a workhorse.

Totally agree, I am still an advocate for us doing something stupid just for fun. They'll be decent signings at minimum though and Elanga in particular gives us a ridiculous amount of pace on the break and an extra mate for Isak so it seems a smart buy.

my main doubt with elanga is he seems great option for a counter-attacking team with pace to burn getting in behind and he looks energetic in the press so would fit out current style but if we are gouing to develop into a more possession-based side, does he have the technical ability to break down a low block defence? it's been our achilles heel, and i'm not sure he's that sort of player. i could well be wrong but i sense someone such as semenyo might be a better option in that regard.

RCB is surely along with RW the two positions in the starting 11 that is in most need of upgrade. That's harsh on Schar who pound for pound is one of the best signings we've made since I've been supporting the club. But he turns 34 in December and is far from the quickest anyway.

Elanga gives us an added dimension with his pace, come ~ 70 mins when it seems we now like to drop off/consolidate our position (if winning) with him and Gordon we could cause havoc on the counter. With that pace threat on both wings teams will have to be circumspect in pressing us, which in itself helps defensively.

This is my worry now. Iran are going to be more determined than ever to get nuclear weapons. This will not bring any type of stability to the ME. My own view is that Iran is led by Islamic fundamentalists who will nor act rationally like other nuclear armed actors such as Israel or even North Korea. I genuinely think they would use a nuclear weapon preemptively to facilitate their passage to paradise. These people really believe that Israel is "cancerous tumour" and the US is the great Satan (and recent activities will have reinforced this). Al Khameni is an old man now, he doesn't give a sit what happens to his own people. If he thinks the destruction of Israel, no matter that it will also destroy Iran, will deliver paradise, then that's what he will do. And that risk has only increased. Interestingly of course, there are many Americans backing Trump for similar reasons. They want the prophecy of Armageddon to materialise so they experience the rapture. I wish this religious lunacy was confined to the dust bin of history but it hasn't, and might be the death of us all.

Dippers be dippers.

I think a RCB is paramount. We cannot rely on Schar playing every game next season.

I picture you more as

I suppose. But, honestly, if Elanga was coming from La Liga I'd probably be more excited. Which is stupid and juvenile, but it's true. For what it's worth, I still think we need an RCB and more depth across the board, so lets hope some Uruguayan plying his trade in the J League can get me giddy as fuck.

They're not in the Bruno, Botman, Isak and Tonali category but if I'm honest the signings of Gordon, Tino and Hall didn't excite me either and they have all gone on to become full England internationals since arriving here and key parts of our team so I'd be far from concerned. I don't think think a keeper is ever likely set anyone's heart racing (and I say that as someone who played in goal myself) and we were never likely to be able to sign someone who could fulfil the role of backup to Isak (as well as being able to play other roles) with someone to create a wankfest. But Pedro as a player who can contribute in a number of positions would seem to be a good fit. Elanga is the one I'm least positive about if I'm honest. We've waited years to sign an exciting right winger after making do with players who were never great successes before the takeover, and he just doesn't quite match to what I was hoping for. Still he managed 17 goal contributions in the league last season and he already has an understanding with Isak from the national team so there's certainly reasons to be positive.

still moaning about "dippers at work" though, i noticed

Welcome back Gems man*. I was worried for you, man. You're my ying to your yang. The board isn't the same without you. Where would we be without your football stats and wrong predictions, man? Hope you are feeling better mante. 👍 * I haven't turned into Rayvin, just trying to communicate in the language of your new cannabinoid mindset, man.

FYP

they're not glamour/marquee signings but chelsea have made loads of those and it doesn't guarantee success. athleticism, pace, work rate and personality seem as important as technical ability to howe. he is also the best in the business at improving players. these lads are all young with potential to be improved. elanga is the one out of all of them who i wonder is worth the price mooted, but if eddie fancies him, you have to trust his judgement. i've seen enough from joao pedro to think he can be a really good player and he would also give us a different way of playing. the one question with him is his attitude, but again i defer to sir eddie on that.

World famous in sunderland

aye. but there's invincibles and then there's globally recognised invincibles.

He didn't exactly seem that arsed to be honest. Was probably hoping for a longer run at the Man U job like the kid who was 'at the wheel' ®CamelFaceShitBrain

Ruud Horse face sacked. They've taken their time like.

I think that's fair. But what does make it fizzy is we have Sir Edward Howe. If he can polish turds he can certainly roll them in glitter too.

If he joins Bruno and Joelinton will give him the good Brazilian, bad Brazilian welcome. Bruno will be all BFF and big Joe will do the big, cuddly, friendly giant welcome but with a 'don't fuck about or else' aside to it.