SME

Isn't the pitch smaller than the required UEFA standard - or Cat A standard or something like that - meaning that we need dispensation to play European games and the ground wouldn't be considered for European finals etc? Or have I made that up?

Nope 8th as you said - my mistake looking at incorrect table.

Would be 9th wouldn't it?

Not sure what Shelvey has done to justify his place and Suso hasn't convinced at all out wide so interesting if he plays there or centrally behind the front 3.

Borini and Cole - and that's not including Sterling stepping up.

According to this article things improved after Dalglish spoke with Riley. But then it also claims that Atkinson was one of the majority of refs who was in our favour over the course of the season! The origin of that site was from an Arsenal website I believe, but some interesting conclusions in there nonetheless.

Pacheco, Wilson (is he still here?), is Flanagan injured?

** Just realised that this is an old article. Maybe a yearly function? ** LMA - Barclays Premier League managers united in aid of referee Mark Halsey, who hosted a sportman’s dinner to raise money for The Christie, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, where he was treated. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle, Everton boss David Moyes and Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce were special guests at the event which was compered by Sky Sports presenters John Gwynne and Geoff Shreeves. The managers were among countless sporting greats who had gathered at Lancashire County Cricket Club for the dinner and auction – which included fantastic prizes donated by the footballing fraternity – which is set to raise thousands of pounds for the Christie charity. Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill also attended and video messages were sent to Mark from fellow referees and former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. The Premier League referee, who lives in Bolton, was diagnosed with Lymphoma in August 2009, just days before refereeing Arsenal and Everton. Mark, whose wife Michelle is also battling leukemia, underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy at The Christie under the care of his consultant Professor Tim Illidge. Mark was told he was in remission earlier this year and in March passed a gruelling fitness test. In April he returned to referee the League Two game between Rotherham United and Port Vale and Mark is now concentrating on getting back to refereeing in the Premier League. Mark said: “When I blew the final whistle that day back in August 2009 I thought I would never referee again, or even be here. But it is thanks to Tim and everyone at The Christie that I am, it is a truly wonderful place.” Prof Illidge said; “Mark’s return to the pitch is a beacon of hope for all cancer patients, that you can beat cancer and return to the day job. That’s what we are all about at The Christie. “The money raised from the dinner will go towards funding pioneering cancer treatment known as radioimmunotherapy or ‘Magic Bullet’ – a highly effective method which targets the cancer cells without affecting the body’s healthy cells.” Speaking of Mark’s aim to return to premier league refereeing, Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, said; “I hope he comes back with a bang.” Mark and Michelle Halsey would like to thank everyone who attended and gave their support so generously to the evening, especially the special guests and Lancashire County Cricket Club. The Christie charity funds groundbreaking research into cancer, new building developments, state of the art medical equipment and innovative services for patients undergoing treatment for all types of cancer.

Official confirmation that Segura has gone as well. Duo gone

Silly question, but is Joe Cole available yet? Sure I saw some pictures of him training last week.

The £400m is only for the over-priced, over-engineered, over-expensed Hicks stadium though. The other design came in much cheaper than that.

There was one near the touch line when he clattered someone - Rafael?

Mates just texted me to say Kelly's done his ACL. B*llocks Official site

You didn't say centre midfield - just midfielder.

Barnes? ..... if you count him as a midfielder.

If we use all 3 subs then yes.

Either him or FSG or both seem to have decided to write off the Comoli / Dalglish era - with the exception of Suarez and possibly Coates. Rumours of trying to offload Enrique to get another left back in at the end of the transfer window, laying the foundation for Henderson being sold off cheaply with claims that Sunderland only valued him at £4m and so on.

And it's not in the printed version

Ok, didn't know that. Cheers.

Peter Brukner has gone but the rest are still there aren't they?

Add Shelvey's contract rise and we have to pay Cole's full wage to that as well.

No problems. Have we really saved £500k per week on top of paying for new additions of Allen, Sahin, Borini, Assaidi and Yesil plus increases for Suarez, Shelvey and Skrtel (and possibly Agger to come) and also having to pay Cole's full salary - wasn't 30k subsidised by Lille?

yes that's what I meant.

If that's supposed to be a net saving then can't see any chance of that being true even if Aquilani's wages are included which they shouldn't be if we're doing a year on year comparison.

Has it been confirmed officially he's left? He's still on the Official website.