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Stevenage - 6:15am - 15/08/07 Another early morning to get to work. The rain is coming down like stair rods. The skies are so grey and bleak you would think it was mid-winter. The building site will be a quagmire of mud and I have a heavy work load today. To help me I am taking my 17 year old nephew. He is a huge Tottenham fan. Life is beautiful.

Totally agree Mod. IMO he had a very good game going forward on Sunday but still had a few defensive lapses thatMUST be ironed out for him to be a regular starter at RB for us. I think it may well be a case of nerves for the boy. I think he's probably trying too hard. He knows this is probably his last shot at the big-time with us, and all the Alves speculation is only heaping more pressure on his shoulders. He needs to relax and play with more confidence and belief, which is easier said than done for a young player in his circumstances. For me he has all the natural physical attributes you could want in a defender. Pacy, strong, athletic and skilful. But he does need to sort out his positioning and decision making at times. He has he got the footballing brain and awareness to do that? I hope so.

On the post-match summary on MOTD2, Dixon & Shearer picked up on Carvalho being caught out of position on a few occaisions and the problems that caused us. He played better than they tried to make out, but he wasn't MOTM by any stretch of the imagination. Best defender for me was Cashley. Worst was GJ, though he did give us much more going forward than PF ever does. And it was ever thus. Paulo is much the better defensive right-back. Glen is much the better attacking right-back. We probably need something half-way between the two. Alves?

See Carvalho got two votes. Our Old friend "Mad Maniche" and his mum must have found the new forum then.

You're a real atmosphere hoover you are. I bet you don't get invited to many parties.

Poor old Rottenham. Scoring all those goals in pre-season, spending all that money, having to listen to all the local yi*ddos, (and there is a f**king lot of 'em round here), harping on about how this is going to be their year, and then .......................... they lose to Sunderland in the 94th minute ! And on top of that they didn't really trouble the Mackems keeper for the entire game. Bloody beautiful game football.

Pier Luigi Collina

I'd save it JM. You're wasting your time when it comes to Brian and Jimbo. Believe me, I've tried. But you are, IMO, exactly right. It's the way the team had to be set-up and play to accomodate Jimmy that hurt us. The comparison with Drogba is spot on. Drogba is a team player. His "team play" brings other players into the game, takes pressure of defenders etc. Jimmy, as Tea Bar Boy pointed out, played for Jimmy. When JFH played up front for us here's just a few of things we more often than not, couldn't do: 1. Play long balls behind defenders into space......................... Jimmy wouldn't run for them, ergo, we surrendered possesion cheaply. 2. Get midfielders bombing on past the forwards......................Jimmy wouldn't cover their forward runs. 3. Hit early crosses into the opponents box from out wide.........Jimmy didn't have the will or aerial ability to get on the end of them, ergo, we surrendered possesion cheaply. 4. Defend high up the pitch.................................................... Unlike Drogba, Jimmy wouldn't even spell defend let alone close opposition players down. 5. Play a lone striker/wide striker formation.............................Jimmy had to have a partner playing close to him to be potent. 6. Move our strikers across the line.........................................Jimmy had to play centrally no matter what. And if you compare Jimbo to the really top-notch EPL strikers of his time he was always found wanting. He was a level below Shearer, RVN, Henry, both in terms of goalscoring and just as importantly, all-round ability. Having paid my money and sat and watched JFH at the Bridge for the whole of his Chelsea career his limitations were always glaringly obvious to me. As such, it was always my contention that we would have been more successful as team with a striker who may have scored less goals than Jimmy but who always contributed in other ways, including those I mention above. The goals would not have been a problem. They would simply have come in greater numbers from other players in the side. A more mobile, hardworking, skilful forward would have made that happen. Jimbo was/is a quality finisher. As I have said many times to Brian, that has never been in doubt. For that he deserves praise. But unfortunately that is his one big plus point, and for me, that one plus doesn't outweigh all the minuses. We would never, in a million years, have won the title with Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink playing week in week out as our main forward.

Via a source at the club I've known about this for over a week now. Apparently, from his multitude of previous clubs, Jimbo chose to come back and train with us because our canteen does the best grub. And I can confirm he was asked if he would consider signing a short term contract to help us out with our current injury situation. But talks quickly ended when he demanded to be paid the same amount as Ballack and JT.

This is Mick Forsell you're talking about? The guy we shouldn't have sold because he was going to become the best striker in the premiership? That Mick Forsell? Well, in that case. I expect him to score more than one. Someone that good - and so much better than JFH ever was remember - can't possibly be happy with just just one goal. Unless it's one goal a season that is... Unfortunatly he probably wont be playing, he has barly put a string of games together since he left us due to continues injurys. Im not sure if its that funny that such a great tallent is wasted due to injuries because it wasnt down to lack of commitment or attitude Heard the other week he has managed only 18 games in the last two and a bit years due to the condition of his knee and other injuries, (but hey seeing as you're so clued-up on EVERY subject, you probably knew that already Brian). Sadly, our medical staff knew he was never going to be the same player after the 2nd cruciate injury, hence the decision to offload him has proved to be the right one. However, like Barak says, how anyone can gloat at a young player's career being effectively ended by such cruel fate is beyond me. I wonder if the learned Brian M would laugh so heartily if Robben were to go the same way.

Had to laugh! Fantastic tackle (which the commentator praised) and yet he gets caned for it! In one of the papers they mentioned that the idea of Joe Cole tackling someone prior to Jose's arrival at the Bridge had a shock factor akin to being mugged by a granny. Just goes to show you that Jose's defensive mentality eventually infects everyone in the team. Couldn't disagree more. Make no mistake. Jose has added a dimension to Joe Cole's game that has made him a better player for it. Today the "modern midfielder" has to be able to contribute on all fronts. Gone are the days of the floppy haired, shirt-outside-the-shorts, I'll-only-run-if-it's- forward-and-me-hair-looks-good, left-winger. Joe Cole's defensive capabilities get him into the team as much as his dribbling skills. When/if Arjen Robben learns that lesson he will become a bigger asset to the team, and probably, a more regular starter as well.

Couldn't agree more. And not only did we not have the best centre-forward in the world available, (a player ANY team would miss), we didn't even have old Shaky Sheva to throw on and make a nuisance of himself! I don't think anyone played too badly to be honest. I'll concede Lamps needed to show more urgency and "up the tempo" at times but he wasn't dire. Ben Haim pleased me, but I've rated him for quite a while now. If he gets enough starts to keep him happy, (and with JT's recent propensity towards Robbenitis he may well do), I think he'll suprise a few people. Molouda looked good in his brief spell and showed enough to suggest Sicknote won't be so badly missed if him and his dad decide to check out the Accident and Emergency Departments in Madrid. And to get us all in the mood for the upcoming season it was great to see such a piss poor refeering decision early doors. Halsey unbelievably blowing up for Joe Cole's immaculate, text-book 2nd half slide tackle on Bambi left me speechless.

And of course when Monsieur Foolier spent 128 million pounds worth of scally giros on, it has to be said, mostly dross, they weren't attempting to buy it then either. They were just investing in the future right.

Sounds a great day out. I hope RedRoBKnob calls in and posts some of it up on the Liverplod Dignity websites. Perhaps it will further cement the Blue Boy/Scouser relationship.

Maltsers has been one of my favs for a number of years now. The sort of pub where you wipe your shoes on the way out! And IMO there's not enough of them left around the Bridge. Their special offer the season before last was a three course meal with a bottle of wine for................ ?9.00................................... In FULHAM !!!!! I didn't partake myself, but I'll bet it was choice. Especially the wine There was a cracking row in there early on the night of one of the Barca games. One of the barmaids got involved throwing the knuckles. After the match she had obviously perked up a bit and was happily lifting the top and flashing the goods. Unfortunately, for us punters she looked like a cross between Vanessa Feltz and Mike Tyson. Only with more tattoos. Still the Maltsers doesn't beat my all time fav.......... The Kings Head circa 1977 - 86. Breaks my heart to walk past it now and see all the away fans in there singing their heads off. They wouldn't have even dared look through the windows in yesteryear. The Aussies who run it now should be shot for what they have done to that boozer.

I couldn't agree more YL. I rarely buy replica shirts because most of them are so naff, (think I've only ever brought three in my entire life). And I would never, ever buy one with a collar. Collars are for polo shirts not football shirts. If they are gonna put a poxy collar on 'em why not go the whole hog and sell it with a clip-on tie as well!

Pauly, I think JM will be playing the old "Sophia Loren" formation this season. Ample at the back to provide a firm base. Not a lot in the middle ,(coz no-one's really looking at that), and so much up front there is a risk of toppling over. We may not win anything, but at least we'll enjoy watching it.

I'm not sure it would be a big problem Kev. We have had a friendly affiliation with Feynoord fans for a number of years now. Apparently it all started with Ruud's arrival at the Bridge. Although I can't recall having seen them for a couple of years now, a whole host of them used to turn up in the MHL at least once a season, and they were received very well. And a few of my mates travelled over for the CL tie in 2000 and got treated like royalty out there.

My point was not just in respect of where Robbe/Ronny actually play, but also in terms of their consistency and their ability to do it in the big games. IMO Goofy is a million light years ahead of Robben on both counts. Mentally as well, I think Ronaldinho is in a different league to Robben. The valuation of Robben is perhaps something that people need to ponder a bit. I think many are still remembering the high-impact player we saw for part of that first season. Unfortunately, that was three years ago. He has rarely, if ever, looked like recapturing that form. OK, yes, probably because of injuries and lack of fitness but he may never reach those same heights again for the same reasons, and any club wishing to buy him will surely have considered that. http://www.4thegame.com/club/chelsea-fc ... obben.html

Tom, IMO, you are normally spot on with most of your comments. But quoting Ronaldinho as a like for like replacement for Robben? I can't agree with that. Back to the question of Lennon's value. I actually think we could get him for around ?13 mill. Possibly even a bit less If we threw in SWP. The Spuds are reportedly very, very interested in Sweep at the minute. And in terms of pace Lennon is probably quicker than Robben.

OK. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFEx3stw7iM Now, be warned, this second one is extremely painful. You may vomit. But there is no arguing it is a very tasty finish for one so young in such a big game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHDiOvZwZTo Here's a list. Younger. Doesn't get injured as much as Mr R, (let's face it who does?). Can tackle. Doesn't go missing in the bigger games, (generally). 90% of Rottenham fans would throw themselves off a tall building if he came to us. He's worth chasing for the last one alone!

Hello haven't been around much lately. But I'm in here now, see me? That little table for one in the corner? I'll have one order of the "I'm not really bothered Robben if went". Followed by the "I'm not convinced he's all that to be honest". And to finish I'll go with the "make it a round 15 mill and I'll drive him to Madrid from casualty myself". As I said it's a table for one at the moment but others are welcome to join me if they want.

I'll definately be going to that one as it's for such a good cause. It'll be worth the admisson money just to watch 5 minutes of Franco Baresi. Plus it'll be great to see Jimbo standing around waving his arms about one last time. And I can shout c**t at Poyet everytime he runs past.

Sorry Just im just a bit of New order snob thats all! It might well be the best football song of all time but lets face it , there is nt much competiton for that accolade is there ?! (Blue Is The Colour apart fo course!) True. Actually, in regard to Blue Is The Colour, I've always felt Blue Day is better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCtLHO8rAVA

I don't normally disagree with you BJD but I do here. The best football pop song ever written IMO. Plus, the rapping bit is John Barnes finest moment in an England shirt!