mad_mac

Obviously I was not at the game, but I did see it on TV. I agree with what has been said that we were good in the first half, and poor in the second. This is now 3-4 games in a row that we have not played well, but it is 3-4 games in a row that we have taken maximum points, and to me that is all that matters. remember we lost our most succesful manager this season, and he didn't play the most attractive football. So, it comes down to the question; attractive football over wins? If it is that cut and dry (you can't have both) I am sure we would all take the latter. I don't fully know the role of Top Cate, but I wonder if he is there to inject a bit of flair into our side once we get players and change to a formation more attack minded! This is a team Grant has had to take over amongst one of the biggest shock sackings/ departures of club and manager in recent memory. Vialli was forced out, yes, but he wasn't as succesful as Jose. I rememeber saying that it is unlikely that we would have a good season this time around with the departure of a manager that tore the dressing room apart; the pres were also writing us off imediately (saying that Grant woulld be Roman's puppet and it was the end of Chelsea's season!). Now, we are back within the top dogs in the prem, and one of the biggest games (despite the man u game the week Jose left) of our season so far in the prem. Personally, I don't care how we get there as long as we are there competing Scott

can't say I think van horseface has ever crossed my mind. He is a natural goalscorer, that can not be denied, but I doubt he would come to us after playing for Man Utd (which is the reason I never thought about him playing for us). However, I really think Eto'o could be a great shout. I know there are a lot of people who dislike him as a person, but if he started banging the goals in for us, I think we would soon get over his personality traits...hell, we are even talking about ignoring Anelka's personality traits and he's only a rummoured link with us!! Scott

Never saw the point in signing sidwell in the first place. If we can sell him on for more than we bought him for, then I say go for it. lets be hnoest here, he is not good enough to be in the first team, and if he wants regular first team play then Sunerland will be a better option for him. My only concern is this: if we do let him go, and we want a side of some of, if not the best, players in the world thena re we ever going to have happy "squad players?" I doubt it. People like baba and Paulo are great players in the fact that they are more than competent when they are called on, but don't gripe if they are not starting every game. Right now, the only midfielder we have who could claim this is sidwell. This, for me, furthers the point that we should try and play more of our youngsters. a few games here and there from the reserves to the first team will make them hungry to impress when on, and if they are good enough fair play. If they are not good enough, I am sure some first team games in the premiership will make them attractive to "lesser" teams like sunderland Scott

It could be a ranger or Celtic match, but I think we might be heading to either Greece or Turkey...of course they want it to be as hard as possible for us to travel

Today both big Pete and Paulo were out on the field today, so that is good news. I hope that Ricky will be back sooner too, because he is sorely missed Scott

I remember when Roman came along, we were all like kids in the sweetie shop salivating at the options that we felt were "available" to us. The strikers that I thought we should have gone for at the time (and NO Drogba was not one of them.) were Eto'o and or Torres.... both scored well in La Liga, which is reputedly one of the toughest leagues to score in. However, a few people on here felt that Torres was the darlin of his club and wouldn't leave. Others also felt that Torres was too lightweight. Would I like him at Chelsea? Yes I would, certainly more so than Pizarro and Sheva. As for Eto'o...I would take a fit Eto'o any day Scott

Judging by the reaction of the fans that attended the Ranger friendly, if we were to go to Glasgow in the CL it would be one hell of an atmos. However, the one thing I would prefer would be for Rangers to get through, and then for Celtic to face Rangers in the knockout stages of the CL in the quarters! I doubt that would happen, but imagine the atmosphere at an Old Firm quarter finals in the Champions League??? I think Chelsea will get Barca Scott

I remember someone at the time saying, surely if that had been a Chelsea player who kicked an Arsenal player in the face it would ahve been a red for the Chels and a pen to the Arse

Class read,brings back some good memories, and also allows for a glimpse into times before I was even around!

Not touching that thig again, think last time I put the figures in Man U won, and we got 2nd...so there is no way I am tempting fate again!

Was always sad that I had not found Chelsea until after the days of Speedie or Nevin...obviously being Scottish

If he is back in 3 weeks, then he will undoubtedly be off to the ACN. I don't think we will be seeing him in action again until feb or march. So, the biggest question remains; who will we see arriving in January?

Have to feel bad for Baba, I really liked him when he came to us; and the whole time he was with us! Who can forget his back flipping antics (in fact, didn't he injure himself before an important game while celebrating?) I doubt we will go for him, indeed I would bet big bucks on him NOT coming to us. As for where he will go, Holland?

this is a copy of an emal is sent a gooner at work

No to Gallas because he has made his way out of the team, is playing first team at Arsenal, and it wouldn't be right to Carvalho. Also, I doubt he would come back to play RB or sit on the bench again and again (not the he deserves the RB slot) Diarra, you bet your sweet ass I would take him back. In fact, I really don't think we should have ever let him go. Sidwell was one of the most pointless signings this past season, but he seems to "give it a go" when he comes on. however, Diarra just oozes class when he is on the ball, and even did well at RB when that wasn't his place! He was dubbed the next maka, and we knew maka was out at the end of the season, so why the hell did we ever get rid of the next maka? It just didn't make sense. I actually think Mikel is better off in a more attacking role, and if Lamps were to leave who on here wouldn't be somewhat excited at the prospect of seeing .......................Diarra ........Essien...................Mikel as our midfield 3? Count begins here.....ONE

Don't know if this has been said anywhere else, but if we were to go the Galactico route, I would detest it. But, with Ronnie he is still young enough. Why not pay him a base salary with bonuses, so he has to perform? I doubt he would go with it, but it is just a though!

get into match day chat if you are on here

I am not sure that we will keep a clean sheet for two reasons. Carlo in goal, and no Ricci

The more we do to keep Steve Clarke around, the better. As far as I am concerned. I think he is a vital link between the old regime and the new ideas moving forward Scott

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=38ub4n8-ojY&feature=related translation: "poooooooooooffffffsssss!!!!!!!!!!!"

I don't think any international team are Entitled to anything, nor should they expect to be. Lets face it, England, player for player could go up against any team in the world, and should win. They all play in the best leagues in the world and are in high levels of competition all the time. So, why should they stop when it comes to playing for the national team? I feel it is because the player's don't care. Also,players being called up for international duty are suddenly "injured." Yet by the weekend they are back fully fit and playing for their club. It is obvious from the neutral observer where their loyalties lie. Okay, Scotland have not qualified for a major competition since 98 in France, but they were still pretty well supported (except at the end of the Vogts era), and at no time did the players or the fans feel that we should be in these competitions, let alone compete for the titles. England became too complacent if they ever felt that they "should" be in these tournaments and that complacency has come back to bite you. Look, England have something that Scotland will never, ever have. A world cup to their name, but honestly, your glory of 66 doesn't give your team the God given right to be there every time. England needs that passion back, and happy McLaren was not the person to spark that passion, neither was emotionless Sven. I think that players need to be more focused on the international team and realize that it is every school boy's dream to play for their country. Not every millionaire pansy's right Scott

I can't believe that you are atlking about the future England team (not that I am too bothered) without mentioning Agbonlahor. From what I have seen of that kid, and his performances for club and the U21 side, I think that he may well feature heavily in your lot's campaign for 2010

Give the man a place in politics I say, Scottish politics that is

Okay, I Know that this might sound ridiculous, but what about Sir red Nose for Scotland?

Just when I thought something good might come form this qualifying group, we lose our manager!!! I think it will now be very close between us and Norway