Alex

So why are you glad he's gone then?

My initial reply was the very definition of sarcasm

I suppose there's a bit of extra prize money (£1m a place or something I think). Plus success leads to extra TV money in theory I think as you get more per appearance. I think HF might be onto something as I think he might get a decent coach in. I don't think it's because of any particular desire to see us win things (and I certainly don't see the 'value' for Ashley in spending the money required for a challenge for a Champions League place). What I do think is that, as the TV money grows, he can spend some of it on making sure he's protecting his investment / keeping us in the league. Aiming for 12th-ish and ticking over is alright in theory but I think Ashley would perhaps regard doing that as an unnecessary risk. Also, the Pardew compensation would probably pay for a decent manager in any case. Carver and relegation (which would be entirely possible and almost certainly too close for comfort doesn't make business sense). I'm no less cynical about Ashley but I could see him spending a bit more (though not necessarily all it earns). You also have to factor in the loss of the exposure to Sports Direct overseas if we went down again.

It's a shame the sarc mark never caught on.

I agree again. I think he'd be a disaster if he got the gig on a permanent basis. I don't think he will but I've given up trying to second guess Pizza the Hutt, so who knows?

I agree. I think doing ok is still a fair enough assessment though in light of their being plenty things against him and the low expectations virtually everyone (my self included) had. Did you think we'd be (more or less) totally safe with 11 games still to go? I didn't.

Spot on

Suarez's favourite drink apparently.

Constipated too by the looks of it.

Just what is it you do for a living again?

Cock or baccy?

A 9 bar was the first thing that came to mind like. Not that I thought that was what was actually being proffered. All herbal these days. innit?

Wtf? Also, wtf is a C bar?

Aye, their relegation would be delicious.

It's an old story isn't it? Meant to be coded clues in certain lyrics etc. (as the article probably states as I couldn't be arsed to read it ).

In the Merlin sticker album he is.

Far from being an advocate for giving him the job full-time but, results-wise, Carver has done ok*. Totally safe now so Ashley will think he's played a blinder. *Under the circumstances

Nice of him to offer like.

Dread to think what that was like pre-edit.

Chez posted something about them in another thread. Reminds me of Bad Boy Bubby.

Look out for who does the best deal re: their buying it back commission free. I think M&S do (or they used to, I haven't been abroad for a while) and same goes for the aforementioned Post Office. Whoever you bank with might do the same.