Rayvin

I would describe my 'support' for the team as dormant, and my participation on discussions on it now as a passing interest. Although I guess maybe I'm lying to myself because I did thoroughly enjoy that Chelsea win...

Ah yes, I read that one. Marina Hyde is definitely one of the Guardian's better journalists. And she's right ultimately, it's not up to football to work this shit out for society.

This implies that your underwear is sufficiently unrecognisable from normal underwear, that a French security guard, presumably used to rifling through bags of people's underwear, and also presumably having worn underwear himself, was unable to be sure what it was...

If I inadvertently conveyed that I am in any way in favour of rapists, then I can only apologise...

With respect, I'm not hugely certain you've read what I just wrote. I'd support the conviction if they'd found both men guilty. It's the fact that only one of them was that I've struggled with. It seems to say that although she was too drunk to consent to both of them, they've let the first guy off because it was understandable that he would think she had consented. I'm not sure that's a massively helpful precedent, and from Evan's point of view, I'm not sure he couldn't argue the same thing really. Unless you meant the comment about them not being as bad as those who cause two deaths by dangerous driving and then flee the scene, which I stand by...

I guess my issue with that is that if he is then the other guy should have been as well - it's the lack of consistency that gets me. If both were convicted then fair enough. If she was sober enough to go back to the hotel with the first guy, and for this to imply consent, why was she not sober enough an hour later to consent to sex with Evans? I dunno, I'm not going to pretend I understand it, but it seems to me as though she wasn't phased in the slightest by the events of that night (she reported a missing purse, not a rape) and has only subsequently had her life ruined by the fact that some militant members of Evans' supporters group keeping revealing her identity and location. I dunno anyway. Even if he is a rapist, I'd support his right to work. Lee Hughes was allowed to go about his life after killing two people (intriguingly with Oldham, once again) and I certainly don't see this as worse than that.

I've followed that with some interest actually. Not sure to what extent I think he's properly a rapist though, the conviction looks pretty shaky to me, especially when you consider that the police actually had to convince this girl that she'd been raped, not the other way around. That said, even if it wasn't rape he sounds like an utter tosser. Expect he'll do well at Oldham and then the media storm will move on elsewhere. Think of the chants though...

Troubling news but France has to stand strong against this. It'd send a very worrying message if this magazine isn't up and running again in a few days, and could potentially encourage further attacks.

I reckon we might get someone we don't need on the cheap for both appearances and possible resale.

I read the other day that it's proving to be surprisingly resilient as well, actually. I think the format suits a lot of people. Vines are apparently the big threat to it, rather than Sky.

I think the reality is that independence would have been economically difficult for Scotland. That said, the oil price issue is potentially only temporary (assuming that it is a gambit by the US to destabilise Russia). I don't think most Yes voters were ever all that convinced by the SNP's rhetoric in that respect, much of it was very unknowable. I'm not sure though, that this would mean independence would suddenly become undesirable. On the other hand, the romantic notion of 'independence irregardless' would be short lived once standards of living took a dive.

What exactly do you mean by 'inspected'? I'm picturing the use of a pair of tweasers and a stern, frowning expression.

I suppose part of the thinking is that Carver wants to avoid being on the receiving end of the heaviest league defeat in our history. He's an abject enough manager to be capable of that...

The look of disdain is what makes it so good

Pardew is apparently going in for Ricky Lambert. Actually think he'd be a good signing for Palace.

Have you considered unfriending him...?

I don't begrudge him that at all it's nice to have at least one pundit rooting for us, even if he's utterly rubbish. If it wasn't him it'd be some washed up ex-Liverpool star...

I suppose they'll put De Jong in there and change the way we play again. Cue another 10 months of watching the team play like headless chickens until they master the system, before the vital component is sold and the process can repeat.

I reckon £15m - £12m would be letting him for for not much more than his actual value... I've seen £20m floated but that seems highly doubtful.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/06/newcastle-united-remi-garde-foreign-manager It's Louise Taylor so, y'know, treat it with suspicion, but she has at least been reasonably clear on the fact that we're not going to give Carver the job, or even the chance to coach until the end of the season. Not sure who her sources are though.

Thanks - just getting ready to switch the 'preparing for the inevitable' to another player.

Once Sissoko goes, who is our most valuable senior player?

I'm not sure why PSG want him to be honest, it doesn't look like they really wanted Cabaye in the end.. just strength in depth I suppose. Can't imagine him being a regular first teamer there.

That is awesome Also enjoyed the job ad link I always enjoy this thread.

That reaction is precisely why men, as a gender, always lose arguments with women.