Armin_Tamzarian

Are you suggesting that we didn't try to win it? We didn't keep the momentum up after the equaliser but we looked for the winner right up to the whistle.

I'd say the counter argument is that previously the options available for rotation were insuffucient to allow first teamers to be dropped. Either way Rafa will rotate his squad to ensure he wrings every last drop of energy out of them throughout the season. Remember how knackered we were at Istanbul or Cardiff? We've played more matches than virtually any other side over the past 3 years and it shows at the end of the season. Rotation is now an essential part of the game for the bigger squads.

Crouch played full ninety midweek and limped off at the end. He's also essential for the Maccabi game which we can't afford to lose. Unfortunately this game came a week two soon, next week we'll have a genuine alternative to Crouch available in the form of Kuyt. If we hadn't had the injuries I think Pennant on earlier might've made a difference, both in getting behind their defence and in pushing Gerrard infield.

If I paid him extra would he stop doing them? Offer also available to the dancing mortgage adviser.

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The quality of the manager alone should put paid to this kind of thinking. They put together some decent form to rescue their season and their squad grew stronger through the year. They will also draw confidence from having largely put to rest the theory they couldn't compete in Europe.

A gamble with a player that has had 2 serious broken legs in the last 20 months? Or shows that the board are backing the manager to the very limits of the clubs spending power? Depending on which way you care to look at it...

Quite a compliment from Jose.

Thanks for the info Philby.

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Rafa has always selected Harry when fit, he was one of the few creative options available to him, but his fitness problems mean that he can't rely upon him being available. Benitez has just signed Gonzalez and Aurelio, both of whom play in Kewell's favoured position. He's also got Zenden, Garcia and JAR as alternatives. The signals that Harry is available at the right price went out in Bascombe's Echo column weeks ago. He's on big wages and is rarely available. If there's a serious bidder for Kewell I expect him to go.

Sometimes the hyper criticsim of the club does my head in. If there were still stocks available doubtless someone would be posting about disappointing sales. Selling out is good, it means the design is popular and interest amongst the supporters is high. The club and the Adidas designers have clearly done a good job in other words. More supplies will be on their way. Initial deliveries have probably been flown in from the very first production to support an advance launch date whilst the containers of shirts are en route in the 4 week journey from the Far East to the retail outlets of the UK. So unless you want the club to fork out extra cash to meet immediate demand you'll have to accept that we operate in a global market and production lines take time to reach maximum capacity. You'll get your shirts soon so why get shirty?

I wouldn't say you're fat.

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When they sign for us they're automatically upgraded to lovable rogues, frequently misunderstood, spiky and fierce competitor...

Willie if he's on a good contract he must be a valuable player. Of course if Djimi really wants to leave he can request a transfer and forgo having his contract paid up. Of course you might get a smaller slice of the pie were that to happen.

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In a perfect world every journalist en masse would've replied, 'Of course not Jose, it's got feck all to do with football' and left him to it. By ignoring him he could be forced into more and more ludicrous behaviour: 'Are you not going to ask me about my clown nose? It is because we laugh at our rivals attempts to say we bought success' 'Are you not going to ask me about the bondage gear? The G14 are trying to tie us up to prevent us winning the CL this is why we failed' 'Are you not going to ask me about the penguin costume? It is because we are ice cool under pressure' etc...

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We can always support the roof instead.

'Help me Zizou! There's a bomb on my chest. Please destroy it before it take out the stadium'

You'd bring the entire process of random office sweeps into disrepute. Grow some balls Kev and live a little. (Alles les bleus)

Very interesting that a buy back clause was put in. To me this is better than a loan. If he progresses as his talent suggests then we have a chance to get him at a reasonable price later. That is if the parting is on mutually good terms.