Alex

Did you used to get George and Mildred shown much over there by the way? And On the Buses? Explains the antipathy towards the Poms. I seem to remember Bodyline being canny as it happens. Although that was fucking ages ago. You've made some canny films mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jznUWGC9ewA

We can go again if you want. This time you have to post a good TV programme. Winner starts. Edit: Double the Fist's been taken.

I'll have to concede. Other than the aforementioned shows, plus A Country Practice and Sons and Daughters, I can't think of any more Aussie TV programmes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZtWvzjkAbA

I quite agree.

Aye. You could imagine him being admitted to hospital with pneumonia or something similar and never getting out. That's assuming something more sudden doesn't happen to him first.

Btw, this seemed to happen in just about every episode (with the same props): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfo-BZOxt04#t=91

Oui aye.

Double the Fist:

I think you make a good point there in that he's often at his best against the top sides but, more crucially, when he has creative options in front of him / alongside him. He's hasn't got the ability to make penetrative passes but, when there's no one else able/willing to do it, he often stands up and at least tries to do so. Making himself look shit by at least being willing to take on that responsibility. His staying is purely dependent on whether or not someone is willing to pay about £10m though.

The Sullivans.

More likely to run off with Princess Peach.

Would've been even better if, instead of 'code brown', it was referred to 'DEFCON Marmite'. The dirty bastards.

Even though I rate him, I think Balotelli to Liverpool is a funny one, if it comes off. I don't really think he suits their style of play under Rogers. Plus him and Sturridge will want to play through the middle in the big games. Puts a bit of a dampener on Lambert's move there too.

He's 28. He's got 3 years left on his contract. We've got other players in midfield who can fill in for him in the likes of Colback and Anita. If he's on £40k a week that's £6m-ish in saved wages plus another £8m coming in. That's not me looking at it from a football point of view (as I realise you were), it's just how I think the owner will see it. I tend to think he'll stay though, because I think he'd want to step up in terms of the stature of club he'd be going to and I'm not convinced he's good enough for those sorts of teams (i.e. like the mooted move to Arsenal, which strikes me as a made up Twitter rumour). I agree with you about his importance to us and I don't think it would be a case of letting him go and signing a 'blue chip' striker either. I don't think the latter's planned for this transfer window irrespective of Tiote leaving.

If only Ashley had listened to CT and installed Dennis Wise as manager.

Worth pointing out that he massively raised expectations when he brought Keegan in on the proviso that he would have plenty of money to spend.

And what's the point in taking an interest in a football team with that attitude?

I think the thing that really irks me is his complicity in the club's decision not to bother trying to win a cup. Especially like last season when it carried absolutely no risk to our league status. It probably even cost us league points / prize money when the players had nothing to play for after the home defeat to Cardiff in the FA Cup.

No idea if it's true but someone with insider info told me a while back that Pardew doesn't even take the training sessions.

They're nice in a pasta bake with some chopped roasted red peppers (which you can buy in shops apparently ). Need to be tossed in a bit of oil and grilled or fried until they're starting to brown first though. For the pasta bake I use home made tomato sauce (not ketchup, CT) mixed with some mascarpone. Alternatively you can add some Phillie instead (or Light Philadelphia if you want a lower fat version). I wouldn't use the supermarket's own version of soft cheese as I tried that once and it didn't come out very nice. Top with cheese and bake in the oven. Very easy and tasty comfort food.

Used to go to 'Peppers' post-match back in the 90s for a bit and, to be honest, I'm still not sure why. Unless frottage with a 'Kronenbourg' is your cup of char, I don't see the attraction. I was always bemused by the name along with the pictures of The Beatles, Hendrix, The Stones, etc. when all the music was along the lines of Mud's Tiger Feet. Also, there were always loads of posters advertising drinks offers that were never on when you were there. "Half-Price Cocktails 5-7 on Wednesday's" (sic). That type of thing. Quite glad it's still going though.

I thought satire was supposed to be humourous.

Heard some kid on 6-0-6 last night (I know, I was in the car, in my defence) claiming to be a Newcastle fan and saying everyone should shut up about Pardew because he's doing fantastic job under the circumstances. Had a posh southern accent which instantly got my hackles up (even before the Pardew shite) . The icing on the cake though was that Ian Wright and Kelly Cates had been asking people about their most memorable Premier League goal. Someone had just texted in to say Albert's chip v Man Utd. They mentioned it to him and he had no fucking clue what they were on about. Wright prompted him with "The 5 - nil against Man United" and still no reply from the lad. I hope he stands on an upturned plug.

I reckon if you keep making minor adjustments to your predicted final position after every game then, come the end of the season, you won't be too far off the mark