Craig

More than likely

I'm at the 'expect fuck all and I won't be disappointed' stage. I'm not actually sure how I'd cope if we actually won it.

I think you're being a tad harsh on him. He was reporting live on the basis of information fed to him by both the police and the club (so too was Alan Green) having no reason to dispute the validity of the information being supplied to him by what everyone at the considered responsible authority. When you consider both Duckenfield and Mackrell went on trial, it's in some way forgivable. Anyway, irrespective he was part of mainstream football commentary when I started getting into football alongside the likes of Barry Davies, Brian Moore, etc. so I'll pay my respects. None of them were fit to lace the boots of Peter Jones mind you. Absolute commentating genius.

Well I missed out on the ballot so decided to go down the charity route instead. If any of you are crazy enough to sponsor me, please head over to the Just Giving page below. The group I'm in are planning to hit Newcastle on the evening of Friday, 8th September so I might see some of you then. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craighayton?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=craighayton&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=ad7c23372f134288b41b1d9bb38eaa71

I get the point you're making but correct. The emphasis was more on the fact he turns up once every six months so yep, I'd give Willock the start.

Somewhat amused at some of the comments suggesting Pope's red card was harsh. It absolutely wasn't. He went to head the ball, stumbled and as he fell his forearms cupped around the ball. Whether it was muscle memory or not, it was a deliberate act to prevent Salah getting to the ball from which he'd most likely have scored. Absolutely the correct call to send him off. It's cruel as fuck man, but it is what it is. As for ASM, he was indeed our best player but that's the first time he's properly turned it on since the Man City game - that was 6 months ago today! Before that the game he made the most signifcant impact was Everton at home which was over a year ago. He reminds me a bit of Sissoko in that he'll turn up for a big game and then go missing in others. Undoubtedly mercurial when he's on his game but it just doesn't happen enough for me. If Willock is fit for Wembley, he starts for me.

Reading it back I realise I didn’t clarify it properly. I meant losing to the Scousers and missing out on top 4 by a point. Still the cup for me, like. I’m intrigued because I’ve read of some dickheads who’ve said CL has to be the priority.

Absolutely tragic 😔 https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/christian-atsu-1992-2023/

If it was one of the other, what would people prefer - beat Liverpool tomorrow but lose the cup final or slip up against the Scousers and come home with silverware next week? Of course it's a massive case of 'why not both' but if I had to choose, it'll be the Cup Final for me. We need to get that first bit of silverware IMO.

Eddie Howe on team news: “We didn't think Miggy [Almiron’s] hand injury was bad. It was enough for him to come off but not to cause any long-term damage. “Maxi [Allan Saint-Maximin] was on his feet and okay, so we knew pretty early that those injuries weren’t too bad. Joe [Willock] was the big concern and after a scan we got some good news that it’s not serious.”

I reckon we'll return to winning ways ... just! 1-0 win, Isak to score.

Somewhat ashamed to admit that in my 45 years on this planet, I've never been to a professional cricket match. All that will change however, got tickets for a T20 match in the summer.

Just finished Ted Lasso and that was the next recommendation so I started watching it a couple of days ago. 3 episodes in - so far, so good.

Obviously avoided the local kebab shop.

Does she like bacon?

7th favourite for the next leader behind Burnham, Reeves, Streeting, Rayner, Nandy & Cooper.

Because it's Yorkshire. You cunts are always forgetting where home is.

This better be someone on the wind up else it's a fucking disgrace.

just keep him away from Tony Adams ….