cestrianred

Had the Luid debate in the queue for drinks at the Old Trafford Bowling Club (see just back from the match thread). He was saying Luis drove him mad & hoped he wouldn't start. I said (as I always do in these debates) that "play him because he ALWAYS scores BIG GOALS in BIG GAMES." Thank you Luis!! NB, Got home & booked the Cardiff hotel rooms for all the boys on Lateroom.com for Friday 12th May0there ain't much about be warned!

We had our pre match beer at Old Trafford Bowling Club! It was funny, a load of reds qeueing ever so politely in 'bowing club' etiquette rather than the usual scrum at the bar! A 4 Pint Pitcher was under £8, and we drank overlooking the bowling greeen in the sun....which was nice! Only minor irritant was the 20-30 young Chelsea pups goading over 200yds away at the entrance briefly (brief tense period, a minor chase & a few bottles thrown it appeared unfortunately). But the staff at OTBC (as it was on their signs) were excellent & most un-Manc'ish! A fantastic day followed, could anyone hear Chelsea? I couldn't. And home by abouyt 8.00om, excellent & more so thinking of the chavs on the M6 getting all hacked off!!

If they're from Chester, but of Merseyside stock & origin, they're absolutely fine. If they're from anywhere else or not as the above.....BURN EM!

And Jester Hat if Kev is about

Not me Will, I actually go to games!

The Village Indian?? Owner (Abdul) is a fookin Manc (didn't even recognise Mark Hughes in there 2 years ago _ I had to point it our-he then went up 'fawning). Restaurants in Whitley Bay are lovely if you're up there all week!

Do you go to all the games (honestly, not a wind up)? Because last night, whilst not superb, was a lot better than Brum (post Fowler euphoria), Portsmouth and umpteen others.

He has a 'Get out of Jail' card for me for 5 years minimum. Goals scored. Goals csored in BIG games. Goals scored in BIG games that won those games. Goals scored in BIG games that won those games, that won those ties. Goals scored in BIG games that won those games, that won those ties, that won No 5!..

He shone on a bad day. He was good even when (often) unfit, and had more vision, skill & effect than a Kevin Macdonald, Pauyl Stewart, Jimmy Carter in their dreams on drugs. A very under-rated player.

But ironically a*** fans are normally OK. I was talking to a few in The Arkles before (normally The Sandon, but The Arkles is nearer & [incredibly for once] was not 120% full earlier). The chats (to me) cemented what I have always thought, We get on with, have respect for etc etc each other. This one guy in particular was saying he loved Anfield as "I can wear my colours without threat, have good banter but intelligent debate with it, as long as I don't overstep or respect the line"-said that there was no such situation with the Bitters next door. When I heard the "We pay your benefits" etc chants in the game I was a bit dissapointed, thinking "that's not the Arsenal I respect" - it goes to show!

...stole my thunder!!! Was scanning the thread thinking "it's because of Nationality" and Stevie beat me to it! My mate (there as usual last night) works with/for (in part) Swedes & lived there (suffering) for 2 years-hates them!! JAR was extra hyped against Freddie & it appeared to be Anglo-Scot factor from my (close) view last night!

(Old a*** Says) I like a lot of others can add 30+ years of watching and...... Souness-The best by a way still, was fearless, motivational, hard, skillfull and a lot more (that as a player, as a manager.....well we all know). Big Jan -Joint 2nd in my opinion-but an unfulfilled talent, could have been a World Beater but Carlsberg, Jail and a few other things hindered him. Perverseley though for these shortcomings we loved him even more (Robbie syndrome?). Stevie G-Joint 2nd, but with 5-9 years ahead to make himslf the undisputable No 1. AND one of us, a fan so with everything to ad to skill & talent. Honoroubale mentions in despatches for Ray Kennedy & Terry McDermott.

I suspect the presence of a certain Mr G.Neville may make Saturday's game a little more vocal than other 12.30pm kick offs

The King, KMD.

What is defense? Is it the same as Defence/ If so yes he'll be fine. Start the burning

For a while, it really did look like old times. The Kop chanted 'Fowler' incessantly, while Emile Heskey kept hitting the deck, no doubt feeling a warm glow as he re-acquainted himself with the turf which was a second home to his backside for so many years.

Crikey, Burn him!! He'll be good-trust in the Man from Madrid.

The lad looks promising (Hansen's start-I remember it well-a good comparison) and when he went upfield first half you could see he was comfortable on the ball. All the mental prep in the world would be insignificant to facing Sutton & Heskey's shoulders & elbows in your first game at 100+ miles an hour, after a winter break & lesser league. The lad will be fine.

and Fowler loved him at City.........Not! Steer well clear, a club a season.

Whilst sacking Souness is undoubtedly correct, hiring him in the first place was a HUGE error. Fat Freddie is a horrible, odious lump-wouldn't want him as Chairman of a Sunday XI!

Agree in full Leo-he was excellent. Pity about the dicks in the Centenary stand singing about his jail link-great way to help the deal.

-10

Pennant doing similar on the right next season (he's quick) amd Gonzalez as well and we'd be well sorted on the flanks.

Where you there last night? If you were did you have a blindfold on? Some of the passing & interchange, zipping the ball about was as good as I've seen this season last night.

(Like most others) I watched Robbie close up for his 30 minute spell last night. He is so much more intelligent than our other forwards in that he's constantly looking to find space, see where he can link, assess the pay around him & anticipate ahead-all the things we miss from a top finisher to date. He ain't super fit but he isn't fat-but Pako can probably improve him beyond belief. He WILL put away chances on the end of the link play from Stevie, Harry & Xabi without a doubt. Robbie looks to shape the play up front & influence it-others (Cisse etc) wait for it to catch them.