dbsweeney

Anyone caught any post-match comments yet?

He was there - you must have missed him.

But probably not though, we arent that lucky. We have been, believe it or not, unbelievably lucky recently. Without Hull's continual slide ('till today) and the Mackem's stagnation we would have been a sure thing for relegation almost 2 weeks ago.

No shots of Sir Bobby at the match this time. I hope he wasn't there to see live such an awful match and possibly the last game that will be played at SJP in his lifetime.

At the moment that Viduka's goal was denied, I flicked to the Hull game to see they had equallised ... and then flicked back to see the red card. Felt ill and had to turn the TV off ... and only after a minute of calming down did I turn it back on. Maybe I should stop taking this all so seriously.

Yep , and it hurts like a motherfucker.

THIS. It wasn't the Ref's fault that our players don't give a damn. He got the red card spot on and Nolan was blocking off Schwarzar. He didnt say it was the refs fault, the did you not see the word AND. Bassong's trip wasnt deliberate anyone could see that, he ran into his legs, happens a million times, the ref just cracked under pressure. Reminds me of Beye's card at home against Man City---but at least we got a drawer there.

THIS. It wasn't the Ref's fault that our players don't give a damn. He got the red card spot on and Nolan was blocking off Schwarzar. Nolan was in front of Schwartzer only before the corner kick and not when it landed in the square ... and there's nothing in the books that says he can't do that.

If we have anyone to thank for still having a chance to get of all of this, it's Bolton's 'keeper. He pulled of an AMAZING save (wait till you see the replays of it).

Yep!!!! Now, if we can get Oba and/or Dukes to slam one home ... we are safe!!!!

I've got a bad feeling tonight ... like the players may think at the back of their minds that they're already safe and relying too much on a Bolton d. Hull result. I swear that Hull will get at least a point tonight. God, I hope I'm wrong.

All very true. It's our massive wage bill that's killing us and makes Ashley so miserly with his money in the first place.

Do you think Shearer will use the same starting line up as against Boro? I think he'll start Owen again--but it could work either way as he's either really eager to break the drought or he's so over all of it that he's given up the ghost and dreams of playing for Everton or Spurs while he's on the pitch. Probably best to continue to use Oba as an impact player as who knows how long his groin will hold up. We can't afford to break the lad so close to the end. As much as I like Jonas and his goofy ways, what I did like about him (i.e. his pace up and down the flanks) seems to have gone adrift recently and he's still as shit as always with his finishing. Maybe better to start outright with Guthrie and leave Jonas as a sub? Jonas can then run around later in the game and possibly open up some space in the Fulham defence when they're tired. Really hope Nolan can continue with the form he displayed on Monday night. Maybe the knowledge that the team wasn't gonna be able to rely on Barton helped inspire Kevin? I think it's obvious that continuing to use (and starting with) Viduka is a must. But same as Oba--let's just hope he doesn't break in two. As someone mentioned in the Løvenkrands post, Peter can drift in and out so wildly that again it may be best to use him as an impact player. Maybe Carroll has a part to play?? Anyway, this is all just waffle and daydream musings as I prepare to start work for the day.

Another arguement is that you might even out the playing field for the 20 teams in the Premiership (i.e. that other teams can break into the top 4). But the counter to that is that the Big 4 will still have all the money they presently have and will just use it to buy up the best local talent. That will artifically inflate the cost to purchase local talent and maybe make purhasing decent players even MORE expensive as the clubs will be fighting it out to purchase players out of a smaller pool of players to choose from. All in all, artificially stuffing around with the market may have many unforseen negative effects--even though I do think that the proposal is honourable in intent (as something has to be done to increase the quality of English [or Australian etc. ... insert the name of your country here] footballers in general). Like socialism, good in intent but completely impractical.

Haven't had a chance to catch any of the interview. What were the questions? BTW: Do hope that Boro keep him.

Despite the result tonight, I can't see us getting a full three points against either Fulham or Villa. However, I can see us maybe getting a point from both. That would be all cancelled out by a single win by Hull. Of all the danger games, Bolton v. Hull is the one. What do Bolton have to play for now except pride (which often counts for naught). I am very fearful about this. However, I can't see Hull getting anything from against Man U. A possible saving grace is that we don't lose either game (and just draw) and the Mackems draw against Pompey and lose against Chelsea (a distinct possibility and one that might save us even if Hull do win). Finally, has anyone come across a decent photo from tonight that would be of good enough quality to turn into a desktop photo? Suggestions would be great. Thanks!

Fuck me, I can't believe it's finally coming down to this. I've been quite relaxed all day ... but now it's starting to build. The game stars at 2.45 am my time, but I'm not sure how much sleep I'll get before hand. What I want is a definitive result, whether it be a win or loss-- draw will be just too much to bare. Tell you something. though. A shit season it's been--but it's got us all much more amped than we have been for years. Do or die

Nighty night. I can go sleep with some piece of mind.

I still think they may lose both their games - if we actually win 2 they could still be fucked. Only if Hull can win one though, which is doubtful. Last day at home with Man U having won the title and preparing for Rome could be a chance. I know it's all ifs and buts ... but what if they draw against City ... or the such?

Fuck me, that final shot scared the living shit out of me.

Whistle blown against Hull (not soon enough)... Will this mean anything for our boys and will it fire them up ... or will they just squander it all ...

And just why did we get rid of Faye????

If you go to the Guardian site, some cheeky bastard has already added the three points to WBA's total on the table.

Just wish that Sunderland would drop their goal difference by a shot or three.