Isegrim

I have tried to put forward the case that for some players, a bit of public admonishment might work. When the player has ability but its not translating perfectly, its a question of psychology and motivation. Which is fucking complex and not subject to bland catch-all statements like 'dont criticise them in public'. In fact maybe this is one of the few tools available to a manager when the financial and other motivational factors arent quite cutting it. I understand the thinking behind, however, I'd question the effectiveness of such actions. Given that Hughton appeared to have done such a good job in building team spirit and camaraderie, for Pardew to come in and start to criticise individual players in public isn't the best tactic imo. That's what worries me the most. Football players are modern days prima donnas and football a game where performances and are vastly influenced by factors like confidence. That doesn't mean a manager isn't allowed to criticise players either behind the doors or in public. But the timing of it must be right and the criticism must be just. Pardew wasn't a popular choice and replaced a manager who was very well liked as the first reaction of the team to the decision of the board shows. So imho Pardew first has to win the trust of the players before he can start dishing out criticism. Also, when he criticises he should keep the balance in mind. Singling out certain players when the whole team was utter rubbish last weekend isn't fair and hardly suited to motivate single underperforming players. His special mention of the younger players was utter rubbish when he exculpated others because of fatigue - including wasters like Smith or Perch.

Wolfsburg want to get rid of him though as he has been crap for them for the last two years. Anyway

Well, it's the question if the manager should criticise players in public. Imho it's man managment at its worst tbh. Ferguson does it. http://www.gloryunited.info/4810/2010/08/2...g-silly-points/ You've just heard that a manager shouldnt criticise his players in public and as it sounds like a reasonable thing, now hold it as a form of truth. The reality is that you arent qualified to understand the motivational dynamics at play. Speaking as a manager of people i'd say 'bollocks' to that claim 'it depends on the individual'. Anyway, lets look again at what he said rather than examining the notion of player criticism. 'A few young boys got caught out'. If you deem that language as potentially damaging to player morale, i'd have to question your motives for saying that. This sort of patronising arrogance is wasted on me tbh.

Well, it's the question if the manager should criticise players in public. Imho it's man managment at its worst tbh.

Can someone rename Tiote's Nutz in Ashley's rose tinted specs?

Have you ever seen him?

It isn't. It's Leeedl.

Just for the record, I'd voted you, Stevie, if it was actually a close poll. You post some good stuff tbh as long as emotions don't let you down.

I voted Leazes because behind the wailing wall of ignorance towards those infidels who don't follow his gospel there is hidden a vast knowledge about football. Also, even more votes for Stevie will bring him into the danger of bursting of vanity. This poll will ignite a time loop of bragging anyway.

I am still in awe how Maradona lead Neapel to win the Waffa-Cup in 1989. I'll always remember watching him in the semi final against Bayern and then in the final against Stuttgart tbh

The development of Samba is incredible. He was nothing special when he was here in Germany and Hertha quite happy to get as much money for them as they did, less than 500k if I remember correctly. An absolute steal tbh.

I'll stay frosty.

Gone for 1m then.

I like how the referee also fist gave a straight red and then a yellow afterwards...

Why not? it's the only place I'll see it cos I don't go anywhere else. Happy birthday. How many years younger than me are you? Incontinence isn't a question of age...

Hessen Kassel are top of the table. If they can stay there after the winter break until the end of the season it would mean the return to professional football after nearly 20 years and a bancruptcy.

FYP I remember the shirt. Didn't he wear it when we played football a couple of years ago? Btw. Happy Birthday

The good prospects tend to get signed by the big clubs when they are very young. That's not only the standard in England but also all around Europe. Also, English clubs are not only signing the 16-17 year olds from domestic clubs but also from European clubs. That's why you find all the youth and reserve teams full of foreign players as well. And even then it's in the hope that one out of ten players might be decent. But mostly they are off to a lower league team when they are older with a baheng ... You might be lucky to find the occasional steal, but the talented players from the lower leagues are mostly already overhyped and overpriced.

I.e. the wage demands must be next to nothing, so it probably will be someone serving community service.

How to grow bulbs for Christmas To have hyacinths in flower for the Christmas period make sure you buy bulbs labelled 'prepared'. You may wish to wear gloves when handling the bulbs as hyacinths can cause skin irritation. The simplest compost to choose is bulb fibre, especially if the container has no drainage holes. Alternatively, a soil-based or soilless compost can be used, provided it has a good, open texture and is moisture-retentive but free-draining. It is not necessary to use a fertiliser-rich growing medium or to feed the bulbs after planting. Wet the fibre or compost first and place a layer in the bottom of the bowl or pot. Set the bulbs on the fibre or compost. They can be close together, but not touching each other or the sides of the container. Fill around the bulbs with more fibre or compost, leaving about 1cm (½in) between the compost surface and the container rim to aid watering. The tops of the bulbs should just be showing at the surface. The next step - 'forcing' the bulbs to flower at Christmas After planting, the bulbs need a dark and cool period (ideally 9°C/48°F) to encourage the development of a good root system. Method 1 Place the potted bulbs in a black polythene bag and stand them in a cellar or dark corner of a shed or garage. Check regularly and water if there are signs that the growing medium is drying out or that the vase needs topping up. Bowls or pots without drainage holes should be tipped on their sides for a while after watering to allow the excess to run out. Method 2 Place the potted bulbs in a cool, sunless situation outdoors, such as against a north-facing wall or fence. Cover them with 15cm (6in) of bark or compost. There will be less risk of worms entering the containers if the containers are set on a firm base, such as pieces of slate or old paving slabs. Growing hyacinths in bulb vases This is an alternative method for growing hyacinths. The bulb should be slightly smaller in diameter than the vase so that it sits snugly in the vase. Fill the glass with water to the neck and then place the bulb in the top. The water level should be just below the bottom of the bulb. The plant can then be treated in the same way as potted hyacinths (below). Forcing Narcissus ‘Paper White’ Buy bulbs sold for growing as pot plants indoors. Plant several bulbs per pot, with their tips just below the surface. Use any good multi-purpose compost or bulb fibre. Water well and leave on a warm, sunny windowsill. Be ready to support plants as they can get lanky. After blooming, leave in a frost-free place and plant outdoors in a sheltered, sunny spot.

The richer he gets the better for us. It has absolutely no relevance for the well-being of the club tbh. I'd rather see him going bancrupt and to be forced to sell the club.

And for an extra tenner you can see the chairman running naked across the pitch...

So, that's West Ham playing in Europe next season and Grant the next manager of the year then...

"Media exercises" Ashley and Lambiarse would probably invite them and then charge them for tickets ... or they'd invite those miners from New Zealand

Aye. Confirms my suspicions. Ashley makes decisions based entirely on what the cheapest option is.... http://www.trophy4toon.co.uk/salaries.html I imagine Hughton would have been looking for a contract to give him party with other non-european qualifying managers in the league. So bringing in Pardew has saved Ashley at least half a million. And being on those wages he definitely won't get sacked for the reminder of his contract...