Kitman

not just last season, the complete lack of a midfield that can hold the ball has put unneccesary pressure on our defence and keeper for a while now and it contributes to our "defensive problems" that they have so much more to do than most other teams, man for man we have a decent first choice defence, certainly a prem standard one IMO but they can't be expected to shut out opposing sides when they are being attacked constantly every game Certainly doesn't help when your defensive shield is a balding ginger OAP trundling about trying to catch the ball up

tbh they had over 50 minutes and 11 overs to get one wicket including Monty Panesar, possibly one of the worst batsman in test cricket. They should have won easily and it's partly down to the Aussies letting England off the hook and partly down to sheer determination of Collingwood and the tail enders not to throw away wickets cheaply. This is just typical graceless bitter bollocks from Ponting and if I was Australian I'd be embarrassed by the hypocrisy. He should shut his trap, show a bit of class and get on with it. The Aussies were by far and away the better team over the match and they should leave it at that instead of whining like bubbly bairns about timewasting. Even if it's true.

You know things are desperate when senior players can't even trot some vaguely positive cliches

Fabulous result, feels like a win given we were nailed on to lose it when Strauss was out. We're still at 0-0 and live to fight another day, the Aussies will be flat as hell after totally outplaying England. Top marks to Collingwood, maybe his best days aren't behind him after all. Some of his team mates need to have a serious look at themselves though, especially Pietersen and Cook. We also need to freshen up the toothless bowling attack, Harmison anyone?

Are we supposed to be pleased about this? He sounds too small time to me, maybe he should look at Shamrock Rovers instead.

Scotch Egg!

As much as i admire Stevens spirit, unfortunately, I don't think he will ever be a Mr Reliable at centreback like Terry is - decent but a bit lacking at the top level He'd be out of his depth imo

I thought he was supposed to be furious and heading back to the Beeb?

Has the look and feel of a completely made up story. You wonder why they bother.

Back on topic, any half decent manager at this point in time would be preferable to none at all. Strachan would be OK for the CCC imo, but he wouldn't be a long term appointment if we get back in the prem. In all probability it's just bullshit though.

Would anyone seriously think Saylor was a replacement for Terry, even if Terry was for sale?

I think that point is particularly well made. The situation is poisonous and I fear for our start to next season. Compare us to other clubs with a clue about what needs to be done to prepare for the CCC.

More 'messiah' bollocks from the red tops, I notice. Regarding the story, I'd hardly blame Shearer if he did go back to the sofa. Any chance of a decent start to the season has been well and truly depth-charged by our fat moron of an owner. No transfers in or out, bar the free agents. I think Brian Clough would struggle dealt this hand, let alone a newbie manager.

Well done. Disappointing the trust hasn't bought the club yet though [/Rod Liddle]

which reminds me, Michael Jackson was also preparing to place a bid to buy nufc before he died. That's the last thing your mum said as she choked on my 10 inches of chorizo. That'll teach her to take her teeth out first

which reminds me, Michael Jackson was also preparing to place a bid to buy nufc before he died. It just gets better and better. Or maybe not.

This. Sell him or play him. I'd prefer to sell him, mind.

* Sigh * Next.....

Draw seems likely now, unless England collapse second innings

I thought he was still recuperating from injury?

It's difficult to feel disappointed at the thought of Nicky Butt and Alan Smith handing in transfer requests.

Well his user name is Stupeedo

I honestly don't believe any of the rumours doing the rounds as anybody associated with the deal - bankers, lawyers, accountants etc - are tight lipped as a rule. Fringe players won't have any inside information at all. I do however believe that Ashley will do whatever he can to get the best price and to the detriment of the club, which he doesn't care about. A game of brinkmanship could be going on, with Ashley trying to push up the price and whatever buyers there are threatening to walk away unless the deal completes. That's pure speculation of course but it wouldn't surprise me.

It's a shame that we threw away wickets, especially Flintoff and Prior in the last 4 overs. At 337-5 it would clearly have been our day. As it is, if we can manage 400+, it's a good start. The strategy seems to be the wicket will deteriorate as the match wears on making it tough for the Aussies batting last against 2 spinners.

see above