KB1862

It could be seen in 2 ways. The first could be that the people in the club have spoken to him, like you've mentioned, and told him how valuable he still remains within the club and he's took that on board feeling appreciated enough to stay on. Secondly, it could have been agreed that this club can be used as a stepping stone for him that when the right offer comes a long the club won't be standing in his way and he'd be free to discuss with other clubs providing a fee has been agreed. It could even be neither of these were had in the discussions, it could be something totally different but whatever was said, as mentioned in this thread, seems to have worked.

Some were sceptical about his arrival, with reason, due to his goalscoring record. But he's proving what he's capable of in front of goal so far hence being given this award which has been well deserved. Long may this form of his continue.

Precisely this. If the team sits back absorbing pressure, what fan can really go to a game and enjoy seeing that? Even if the team comes away with the win. You might get a win here and there but more time than not they'll come away with a loss because there's only so much pressure a team can absorb. However, as mentioned previously, if a team sticks to the game plan and performs to their game fans will still like what they saw even if they come away with a loss probably not as much as getting the win but they can still come away saying the team played well.

That could be solved. It sounds like something that needs to be worked on on the training ground. Pressurised play keep ball. Aligning the players in areas to make options visible and having a get out rather than having to boot it aimlessly long. But, it could also come down to not quite having the suitable players able to carry those tasks out.

Unfortunately, that's the modern day goalkeeping. Keepers much rather punch or parry the ball away rather than catching it these days. Mark Schwarzer has mentioned it on a number of occasions that when he's watched a game he's noticed a keeper has palmed it away or punched it clear when it could have easily been claimed. Apparently, that's what is being taught to them whether it be from the coaching side of things or personal preference. More saves for the cameras as they'd say rather than being safe and catching it. It might not be either one of them, he could genuinely be a goalkeeper that struggles in certain situations to claim the ball and attempts the safety option of getting it gone by punching it away. When I played, I'd get a talking to (it was more than that) by my manager if I used my feet to save the ball or palmed it away when it could have been caught. Sometimes, you have to also look at how the defence has allowed the situation to arise. If there has been an attack where the defence hasn't covered themselves in glory and left the goalkeeper stranded as to what to do, it doesn't fill the confidence of a goalkeeper which can lead to them being more cautious about coming for the ball, reacting to attacks or even general goalkeeping abilities that never normally evaded them.

Of course. There have been some great 0-0 games over the years, not many but still there has been a few, but a 3-3 shows attacking football from both teams and more than likely an end to end game which is always great to see. That's how football used to be and why it was so much more enjoyable to watch than today's game. Teams used to live by the saying "if you score 3 we'll score 4". Especially during the 90s/00s this was the case, it was a faster paced end to end kind of game back then. Now, as has been said, the game today is more about stats and teams seem to be falling in line by playing a generic style of play where it's play out from the back possession based game. Which doesn't always make for great viewing seeing how slow the building up tends to be. Sometimes you do have to win ugly. Obviously managers don't plan out their teams to go out and win ugly they still want to play the style they've worked on in the training ground but that all just depends on how the opposition sets out, how well you can keep them out defensively and how effective it can be to execute the game plan set out by the manager. Sean Dyche has mentioned it on a podcast, I can't remember it word for word but it was something a long the lines of teams must set up for the opposition rather than sticking to a game plan. It's hard to argue with that especially when, as I've already said in this, teams set up generically by playing a build up from the back possession style won't necessarily work against teams that press high up. Sometimes you do just have to re-adjust and ping it over the top due to the high line of the opposition to get in behind. I get the feeling that's what Paterson was referring to in his post-match interview when he said "there's a reason I play Jatta and Dennis together, you can do the maths on that one". Big man little man partnership, unless I'm mistaken by that.

Agree with this. As football fans, we want to go to a game and be entertained watching free flowing football, players performing week in week out, executing game plans perfectly and giving the fans something to admire. But, unfortunately, that can't always be the case there will be days where the players have an off day or the opposition make it tough for the team to get anything going which at that point if they grind out a win despite not being at their best, being second best in the game or having that one lucky break any football fan would take that even with a bad performance. They may not be overly impressed with the match itself but they'd be a little bit happy to have gotten the win. But, if a team doesn't get the win but the players have played exceptional and it just happened to be on a day that it was just against them, fans may come away disappointed because they didn't get the win but they won't be deflated because they acknowledge the fact that the players gave it their all and were just unfortunate not to get the result.

I agree with this. Some prefer Messi while others back Ronaldo. They both have their positives and negatives but they have both been a joy to watch with the "rivalry" and have both achieved greatness during their careers. There is no fact about one being better than the other, it is as you said all about opinions.

Absolutely, people tend to discredit him in this type of conversation due to him playing in teams that have won less than that of Messi or Ronaldo but you can't judge players too much based on team performances. However, as you mentioned, he raised average teams rather than the other 2 mentioned already playing in great teams. Maradona manged to showcase how skilful he was on pitches that ripped up at his feet and having defenders trying to hack him down. That was the goings on during his time. Imagine if he was around during Ronaldo and Messi era where the tackling isn't as hard as it was, defenders aren't able to hack you down and pitches are smooth to play on. Messi is the more skilful of the two but when you compare individual attributes, Ronaldo is definitely the more complete player when comparing them.

I don't think he would have been as dominant in the Premier League as most people think he would. People assume just because of his performances in the Champions League against English clubs that he would come in and do his business. But, doing it week in week out is completely different to having a game against a Prem side on the odd couple occasions. I think if he came against a tough side that get stuck in, he'd struggle in those type of games and in the English game there are plenty of those. Ronaldo did challenge himself by going to teams and leagues where he managed to keep up the competitiveness. Messi could have challenged himself more as he had the ability but as you mentioned he took the easier route. As much as he has lit up the MLS, it doesn't scream greatness given the league he's performing in. Not to discredit the MLS because they've come a long way and it has become more and more competitive but when you've got a team like Busquets, Alba, Suarez and Messi you'd expect Inter Miami to blow that league apart. There's no disputing Messi's greatness but this has certainly helped Messi on his way to greatness by being surrounded by great players who made him look world class. Ronaldo has also been a detriment to his National team. Especially in the last 2 tournaments. Portugal without Ronaldo are a better team than Portugal with Ronaldo in their team. Most of this comes down to his ego. At times it often feels like players must go through him and not be able to do their own thing. As great as Messi and Ronaldo are, I'd place Diego Maradona above both of them in terms of greatest ever.

Twitter was my go to social media platform but due to the toxic feel of the platform I decided to leave a while ago. I have been tempted to go back on it but then I realise why I left it in the first place. Just like @liampie said, there are people on there just looking for reactions and it seems like that's all they're on there for rather than discussing, debating or having conversation. Also like @Chris said, people used the platform just to gain a following and often looked down on people with lesser followers which led to them mocking them just because of the lack of followers they had. Blue Sky has caught my interest about joining but when I first heard about it, I thought it was Twitter 2.0 but after reading some of the comments on this post, I might be tempted to join. Is it still worth joining? It would be great to have a social media platform once again where you can engage with people without having the issues you quite often experience on twitter when it comes to commenting or posting.

I think Paul Mace said what he said in the way that he said it to purposely get this sort of reaction and get people excited about the possibility that Langstaff could return. It would be great to see Langstaff return to the lane but it's doubtful that it is him. As everyone else is saying it could be Etete and I think that's the more likely.

I would love Jatta to stay but maybe these comments along with the rumour of a "former Notts" striker coming in on loan could mean that there is something is in the works for Jatta to depart.

@liampie had Vardy gone for the corner, Vicario was never gonna stop it and it was still a save that needed to be made. The build up play was good to watch. Against a team like Spurs who like to play a high line under Ange this was a way to exploit it.

Got asked about Damian McCrory about a month or 2 ago by my Wife and Kids. They asked if I had heard of a footballer by the name of McCrory and it turns out he has a daughter that goes to the same school as my kids. Apparently, he's often there during pick up times. Don't think I've spotted him though, maybe I have but just didn't twig at the time.

I'm not convinced from the camera angle. It looks as though there's a genuine attempt to play the ball but the ball was knocked past as the challenge came in. Even if players win the ball with a full blooded challenge these days, it's still deemed a foul. A player could win the ball cleanly after going in full blooded but if it causes a leg break, it's automatically seen as a red card offence despite being a great challenge. (not saying that the challenge shown in the video is this but in general) Serious foul play should be a red card offence but only if there is genuinely an attempt from the challenging player to crunch another with the intentions of wiping them clean out and possibly causing serious injury.

Henry Winter has a good insight for the next England manager Jurgen Klopp - Would play high pressing football. He also took on the parent role, like Southgate did, and was adored by the fans because he embraced the culture of Liverpool. He'd continue the harmony between fans and players but would he be tempted by International football? It's less intense than club football in which he wants a break from due to the tiring nature of it. Even if he wanted International management would he rather Germany only or would England be an open position for him to take on? Poch - As in Henry Winter's post has worked with youngsters in a positive way and plays decent football. He was unlucky to be let go by Chelsea, thought he did a good job once he implemented his style. Graham Potter - Deemed to have failed at Chelsea but it was always a tough job. People forget how good of a job he did at Brighton. He had them playing beautiful football that was good on the eye and was successful at doing so. His style laid the foundations for "De Zerbi ball" which had many people raving about Brighton. Eddie Howe - Plays a type of football that would be what this crop of English players would benefit from. He's stated he'd be open to taken the reigns. Lee Carsley - Has gone through the ranks and won the Euros with the u21s. Wouldn't be a statement making appointment but could turn doubters into believers. Pep Guardiola - very unlikely but not impossible. Only has a year left on his City contract and I'm certain he's wanting International management but doesn't want the Spain job. If the FA goes about it the right way, he might be tempted. Give him the last year at City then take the reigns afterwards with an interim taking charge of qualifiers and Nations League games beforehand. We all know how exciting and attractive his football is. Would definitely be able to get the best out of the players. As good as players they were the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney shouldn't be considered but I wouldn't put it past the FA to have talks or even consider them at some point.

@Robbie Donnarumma of Italy and Mamardashvilli of Georgia can feel unlucky not to have been selected ahead of Maignan. But I'm guessing they based it more on who got further in the tournament. No surprise to see those Spanish players in there, they fully deserve it. Especially Fabian, he was excellent during the tournament. Him and Olmo were players of the tournament for me. Kyle Walker had a good tournament, unfortunately his only bad game was in the final. Guehi can feel hard done to to have not made it in this squad, for a first major tournament and given our defence was deemed our weakest link he was solid throughout. Guehi?

@Wheelbarrow repair man The squad does look good, especially with the addressing of defensive needs, and with a few more additions for squad depth I'd be looking at finishing in the play off positions possibly pushing for an automatic position.

Wouldn't put it past the FA to do exactly this. He may be tactically inept and his in game management as well as loyalty to players can be at fault for him not being able to get us over the line but this is why I'm glad it was his decision to part ways because of, as I've mentioned previously, how he's galvanised the team from rock bottom to getting fans cheering again and having a team to be proud of. Southgate has laid the foundations for someone to come in who can actually deliver and get us over the line.

I've got this match on DVD and have watched it numerous times. It's in black and white but I feel like it's the only way to watch it. My personal preference is to watch it in black and white rather than in colour.

Both of these had a good chance to have a decent run in the team but unfortunately as you've pointed out the fee is set.

Maybe that's something for the owners to look in to. Reserve games just don't seem to be the same as they once were though even at the higher levels. But this would be a good way to integrate youth players in to the first team to see if they're up to scratch or not. Even if it's playing them in something like the EFL Trophy. I mean they have Premier League youth teams in there (which I still don't agree with) so why not give them a shot against them? It gives youth players a run out to see if they are capable and it also allows some of the senior squad some rest to focus more on the league. As for the loaning out to teams further down, in some cases it can prove beneficial because it's a tougher game. But, maybe loaning out to same level or higher would be a good idea to improve them further.

Southgate was always going to step down as England manager after the Euros whether that was going out on a high by lifting the trophy or a low by losing in the final. I am glad though that it was left to Southgate to make his own decision though. However, I agree with both @Robbie and @Wheelbarrow repair man both make very good points. Southgate just never got the job done despite falling on the easy side of the draw once again. I'll give Southgate his credit for getting us to these stages but with the squad at his disposal, we should be expected to reach these levels. The only exception was the 2018 World Cup where we over achieved. Even then it was a missed opportunity. World Cup 86 - England lost to an Argentina team with Maradona. Both goals should have been ruled out. World Cup 90 - Lost in the semi final to Germany on penalties. Euro 96 - Beat a Netherlands team 4-1 that consisted of Van Der Sar, Kluivert, Seedorf, De Boer, Bergkamp. Lost to Germany in the semi final on penalties. World Cup 98 - Took Argentina to penalties playing with 10 men for 70+ minutes and having a goal wrongly disallowed by Sol Campbell. World Cup 2002 - Lost to Brazil (R9, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Cafu) Euro 2004 - France (Zidane, Henry, Trezeguet) Lost to Portugal (Rui Costa, Deco, CR7, Figo) despite having another perfectly good Sol Campbell goal disallowed. World Cup 2006 - Lost to Portugal (Figo, Rui Costa, CR7). These teams, especially the golden generation, were considered failures. Even despite managing to go toe to toe with some of the biggest teams around. Even when you consider the level of opposition in the tournaments Sam Cunningham mentions in @Piethagoram post. Germany in 2010, played both France and Italy in 2012, Italy and Uruguay in 2014. The only inexcusable one was 2016. Southgate's England in 29 games against teams ranked in the top 10 of the World Rankings have won just 7. In the last 3 tournaments when they've come up against the bigger teams, we've lost. Italy in 2021, France in 2022 and Spain in 2024. I'm all for the media and fans praising Southgate for what he's done in terms of harmonising the squad and fans, bringing the unity back to the Nation after hitting rock bottom in 2016 and reaching the stages he has but there needs to be perspective when claiming Southgate to be the best manager since Sir Alf Ramsay. Especially considering only Sir Bobby Robson (since Alf) has managed England for as long as Southgate has. But, back then the Euros only consisted of 8 teams rather than 24 that is today. Southgate's England have not come up against top level opposition like previous teams. It's been relatively straight forward or at least easier than previous tournaments. Even so, we came close to messing that up against Slovakia.

@TheSkipper Totally agree with the Marc Guehi comment. He's been quite possibly our best player this tournament and if he's not our best he's definitely in the conversation for being our best player of the tournament. Can't fault his displays. Harry Kane should have been dropped 3 or 4 games before the final. He was not right all tournament, later on Southgate admitted he wasn't quite match fit going in to the tournament which begs the question why wasn't he subbed or dropped sooner? Spain were open all tournament when they got attacked. Every game they played in and teams broke at them, their defence showed cracks that they could be got at but as @Robbie said we just sat back once we got level and that's been a key part of England under Southgate. People have been saying it was the players not applying themselves and going cautious on their own accord rather than Southgate instructing them but if that was the case, again as @Robbie said, Southgate has to be bolder and make the necessary changes to change the mentality and get them attacking again.