ChezGiven

Seemed like quite a supportive piece from Hughton's perspective. The opening sentence is a bit double-edged but it praises his signings, argues for his improved remuneration and concludes favourably.

Aston Villa are a far better team than Sunderland and to be honest I would probably say Stoke are better too. Thing is Tom, only Stevie is really giving it the big one in this thread but thats because thats what Stevie does, most people are fairly circumspect about the whole thing. I think we all know deep down that this is a massive derby and we all really want to win it. Even if only a minority in this thread are bullish, they are right. Sunderland are not quite Everton or Villa and we have beaten both of the frequently 6th/7th placed teams home and away showing us all that on our day, we can play good football. If we are going to survive in this league we have to pick up points from these games. Sunderland up untill last season were equivalent to fulham and blackburn, both teams coming up at home in the next few weeks and ones we will be looking to take points from. If Sunderland believe they have improved on that this season, to push them up from their 13th place, then their away record needs to improve, which has been shit for ages. However, since they have only been beaten once this season and have 3 away draws out of 4 then a score draw looks the most likely result. We'll see. Am flying up on saturday, the strike forecast is modertate with poor visibility. Fucking hell.

Notwithstanding the security fears, if wikileaks provides evidence of human rights abuses then the 'shocking' thread on here is the height of irony. Wikileaks role is to highlight the hypocrisy of 21st century warfare.

Same year as me, we were 15th in 73-74, which i counted as the year i was born as am at the end of August so the previous season had finished.

The one from last year? 'Moth / Wolf Club' or a new one? Fujiya & Miyagi have a new album coming out, track called Ventriloquizzing is knocking about for free. S'alright.

Routledge and Lovenkrands add nothing. Taylor poor. Guthrie started horrible but got a bit better. Hope we keep the score down and keep plugging away.

Routledge ffs. Needs to sort himself out.

The ancient art of the grasscutter.

29,384 Cheers.

Stevie, whats the attendance going to be tonight?

Better shout than Perch tbf given he did so well against Chelsea.

Might play LB if you think about it (Enrique being so crucial and our lacking cover in that position). I reckon he will leave Enrique out too. He needs to be on top of his game against Elmo Fudd or whatever the mackem lad is called. Perch up against Walcott then in that case.

Perch starting but maybe not at RB?

Save your spleen for when the team sheets go up man Playing Carroll and him getting injured before the derby could also be considered 'disgraceful'.

Thats how we planned it at the time but its not what its become. I think your email is indicative of the kind of communications put out these days. Theres one a page or two back which sums up the entire thing where the reply states something along the lines of "those that dont renew dont understand democracy" or something like that. "those suffering a reduced mandate from low renewal rates dont understand the nature of accountability' would have been my reply.

Despite Wenger bringing in a few youngsters, they are taking the competition seriously this year. Should be a decent game.

They met the council at a hearing and got no joy apparently. Did they not present the petition to the council and lodge their protest or something?

He's copied and pasted straight out his powerpoint introduction slide. 'Before i start today's recruitment pitch, i'd like to introduce myself. Point 1...'

On ready to go one of them said if they were closer to the main railway line they would be the economic powerhouse in the North East. Great stuff. That's brilliant

Arsenal's squad better than Chelsea's or something? TicTacWoe got it. Squad, yes, I'd say. First XI, no. And I did say the same about Chelsea. I don't see the point in getting my hopes up. I'd much rather save my deluded optimism for the mackems game. Was reading something about Arsenal putting out a strong side while I expect us to try and keep our first team for Sunday. Eastland, Lansbury and Emmanuel-Thomas to start. Reserve goalie too. Think Bendtner and Walcott were mentioned on Sunday as definitely starting. Wenger has been bigging up Emmanuel-Thomas recently.

Says it all really. Indeed If the highlight of their footballing life is a narrow home win against a side that were in fucking freefall then it cements all the opinions about them being bitter for living in our shadow. Greatest day of my footballing life was when Ned Kelly scored against Pompey back in 1992. But then i'm obsessed with Newcastle winning, not Sunderland losing. I reckon you are obsessed with the fact that we are obsessed !!! BUT YES beating newcastle means more to us than any game of football ...we are always reminded day to day that we live in your shadow (and not just footy) SO to beat you means everything to us.....EVERYTHING !!!! Get a fucking grip man! HAWAY then whats wrong with that .....serious question ??? Course we want to win the derby (its is THE derby, none of this boro shite), but outside of Sunday? I couldnt give a fuck what you do win lose or draw. Mackems need to realise that by and large Sunderland to us is irrelevant apart from two games a season. I think you are maybe over-playing the 'not that arsed' card a bit. This is a big one imo as we've been down and come back up and they think they are mint now. So, if we get a draw, it wont be that much of a disappointment to us whereas they are expecting 3 points off us by the sounds of things. I would say less pressure on us and more players who 'get' the occasion though, so a good start that further enlivens an up for it crowd and they'll start shitting themselves (the fans).

Cos he plays for Wales. Regular reader of L'Equipe are we Rob?

I see Gyan is up for the Ballon d'or.

Arsenal's squad better than Chelsea's or something?