Bombadil

Does anyone think we could get one or two players from clubs that look like being relegated?

You're right, it starts with "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit für das deutsche Vaterland" - link.

How good is Cannavaro? The bloke is 5 ft 9 in and is superb. There was one tackle that was absolutely outstanding.

Fucking get in, well done Italy! They really deserved it too. Fantastic performance.

That's what I was trying to say. We have an easy start to the season on paper and if we make the most of that, like Tottenham did last season and Everton the season before last, finishing 5th or 6th will be a possibility.

I honestly don't feel it's all doom and gloom - personally, I'm more optimistic about our chances than I was this time last year (admittedly, that was before we bought Owen). Roeder has done okay so far and he seems to have the players on his side, unlike the previous regime. I'm optimistic and I think we'll surprise a few people. Having said that, we really are a piss poorly run club...if we do well, it will be in spite of the people at the top and not because of them.

Don't get too excited, it's probably old news. From yesterday's Chronicle:

Back to the team that really matters... What are everyone's hopes and expectations for the new season? Personally, I'm hoping for a Top 6 spot and a place in the final of the UEFA Cup. Let's face it, the UEFA Cup (provided we qualify for it) is the most winnable competition of them all and it does come with more prestige than the League Cup. Boro proved last season that getting to the final is possible (even though they depended on their opponents handing it to them on plate) and if they can do it, so can we. As for the league, unless we start bringing in players now, it will be even more difficult than last season. We've got an easy start on paper though and if we can make the most of that, it should give us the chance to paper over the cracks (small squad, not enough quality in defence and up front).

I'm supporting Italy. My Italian grandma will make sure I do. I'm holidaying in Liguria in a few weeks, so that's another reason.

No! I woke up this morning and apart from the dull ache in my head (which is entirely down to non-footballing factors), the pain was gone - that's the difference between England and Newcastle.

Exactly!

I'm supporting Italy, but I really hope France can get past Portugal.

I know that, I just wanted us to do those diving cheating cunts Portugal. 155324[/snapback] Same here.

Oh, and I do hope someone breaks Ronaldo's legs.

Let's face it, we didn't do enough to win today and we were never going to get past Brazil (presuming they beat France) in the semi-final without Rooney and Owen. And Eriksson is to blame for not taking more strikers. At least Jenas' inclusion in the squad was fully justified I'm gutted we're out, but I'm even more gutted that we had to lose against the fucking Portuguese. If there's one team I absolutely hate, it's them. I hope Brazil or France arse-rape them in the semi-final.

Well done Italy, Zambrotta and Gattuso both had outstanding games, should be a good semi-final. Forza Italia!

I think Cristiano Ronaldo will probably play. If he does, I hope someone will break his legs "early doors".

I was thinking the same thing last night. I didn't know who I wanted to win before the game, but then I remembered that I can't stand the Argies, so well done Germany.

Why was he only given the injection two weeks ago? The season ended in the middle of May.

Lampard will score tomorrow.

To be fair Federer may have spoiled it from the point of view that you know he'll win it every year at the moment, but he's a great player to watch compared with some of the players who just smack everything down with power all game. 154798[/snapback] Exactly.

Get him signed up, Freddy!

Definitely worth reading, good book.