KB1862

@Robbie It should be foolproof though, it's been in the game long enough for it to work effectively well. Thing is, if anything, VAR has gone backwards rather than progressing the game. When England played Macedonia, Grealish had a goal ruled out for offside. On first replay, it was clear that it was offside yet they still took over 3 minutes to decide on a simple offside. It shouldn't be like that. Another example Man United v Aston Villa a few years ago in the FA Cup. They checked on a Villa goal for a potential offside. VAR checked the offside. Nothing. Checked for a possible foul. Nothing. Checked for a handball. Nothing. They rewound it so far back they may as well have gone back to kick off. It took over 5 minutes I believe it was for them to come to a conclusion. They shouldn't be looking for multiple incidents. I know they've come out and said they won't re referee the game but sometimes that may be the best use of VAR. The game you mentioned with Real Madrid v Almeria, VAR turned a blind eye to some obvious incidents. Same as with the PL, they come out afterwards to apologise for mistakes made but what good is that afterwards? Nothing changes the result they don't replay the game or award points. The result stays the same which has implications. Newcastle v PSG another one. Never a penalty to PSG but even with VAR they still made the wrong call and that had implications on Newcastle being dumped out of Europe. Had it not been for that error, they could have still been in Europe. I hate when fans use the term "big clubs get the benefit of VAR and the decisions" but when you read the stats, it does seem to suggest that bigger clubs get more benefits.

I don't fully understand the FFP rules if I'm totally honest. I know just about the basics of it all in terms of over a 3 year period clubs can't exceed £105m losses. But, I do think they need to find some sort of alternative. The fact that this is going to be one of the quietest transfer windows in the PL we've seen for a long time speaks volumes. Clubs are scared to buy players and even clubs that have the money to buy players can't because they would be breaking FFP rules. Instead, they have to offload big name players in order to make room for others. Take Newcastle for example. Wealthy owners that people have been critical of saying they're buying their way in but even they can't spend without offloading the likes of Isak and Guimaraes. The Everton situation is quite baffling the fact they are now facing a separate penalty while they are appealing the previous. People said that FFP is there for the "big 6" to stay as that but even they aren't safe from FFP. The likes of Arsenal can't spend without offloading. But, it does make you question the credibility of FFP when Man City have their 115 charges without facing punishment (yet) meanwhile Everton have been punished and Forest are looking likely to as well despite them have far lesser charges against them. I understand the need for FFP to avoid clubs over spending which could result in a downward spiral to non existence but there has to be a better way to avoid it. FFP is part of the problem as to why there is such a massive gulf between teams in mid table and lower to the teams that are up near the top season after season. The gap is getting bigger as the seasons go on.

Not doing much tonight but tomorrow, I will be heading to Nottingham with both kids to watch Notts v Barrow and then tomorrow night will be staying up till early hours in the morning watch the Royal Rumble. Sunday, I'll probably be recovering being out all day to staying up all night ????

@Robbie Exactly the point I was trying to make. I hope he succeeds but I'd much rather focus on who we've got now and how we're doing.

I like the idea of VAR. VAR has all the potential to benefit the game. It's been proven in World Cups and Euros gone by. Imagine needing a point to avoid relegation and you concede a last minute goal that should have been ruled out for handball, offside or a foul. VAR could potentially save you from relegation. The issue I have with VAR is people that run it. Before VAR, there was just the referee and his linesman. As annoying as it may be to concede a goal that should have been ruled out for whatever reason and the goal still stand or a player remaining on the pitch that should have been sent off, the referee and linesman only have real time to go by and humans make mistakes so it's forgivable to a degree. But, when they have all this technology where they can view incidents time and time again, sometimes for 5+ minutes, they HAVE to come to the right conclusion which sometimes they don't and it is absolutely baffling how they fail to make right calls despite being given multiple angles, viewings and time to see what has happened to make a call. EVERY decision made by VAR HAS to be correct. There's no reason for them not to make the right decision. But, the people running it are the ones making the mistakes despite being given every opportunity to get it right. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66612570 The other issue I have with VAR is during cup games. Teams below the Premier League "don't have the facilities for VAR" which then leads to things like this happening.. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/34651/11667940/how-lack-of-var-helped-manchester-city-in-thrilling-fa-cup-comeback-against-swansea#:~:text=Swansea were in the Premier,not used for this match.&text=A Swansea spokesman told Press,used in Premier League stadiums. If they are to use VAR in Cup games make it so that everyone has access to it or play games at stadiums that accommodate it. But then that leads to teams losing out on money that could be bought in.

I understand why people are keeping an eye on LW due to how well he did for us and most of us wish him to do well but whenever you enter social media on Notts pages, LW seems to be the main talking points, especially after it's been a Swansea game. There's more critical stuff than positive. Personally, I don't see the point in constantly mentioning him and being critical of him when his team gets a drumming like they did against Bournemouth. The one I seen the other day was during the Bournemouth game when the GK was playing out from the back and it gifted Bournemouth a goal. Comments like "Sounds familiar" "we've see that before" all these sort of comments. It might be a sense of de ja vu for us Notts fans given some of the goals we've conceded under LW but the players also need to take some stick as they will have worked at this style of play in training ready for game days. LW has taken on a job in a higher league so it was always gonna be tough but I hope it comes good for him and the board, fans and everyone else involved are patient with what he's trying to do there. Last season, we were full of praise for his style because we were winning games and building a title challenge but when things start going against us it all changed. Footballs a funny old game, its good when it's working for you but when it's against you no one likes it.

Be interesting to see where Liverpool go when Jurgen Klopp leaves. Will they remain contenders and a force like they have been or will they go back to where they were pre-Klopp and sit in mid table mediocrity? As @Chris has mentioned, he's transformed Liverpool to be this force of a team that we see today. Before him, Liverpool were still one of the big teams in England but never really cemented themselves as such. This stat I came across on Twitter shows just how much of an impact he's had on this team. Klopp gets credited with some accolades that he has achieved at Liverpool and gets some decent mentions. However, he doesn't quite get the full credit he deserves for what he has done at Liverpool. During his time, he's had to compete with Pep and Man City which is why he doesn't get as much praise as he should have done. Thing that fans often forget when comparing the 2 is where the teams were before and where they are now. Man City had multiple Premier League titles to their name, spent money and were becoming a top team before Pep got there. Credit to Pep, he has made City the team they are today but when it comes to impact on teams from when they both took over to where they are presently, Klopp is ahead of Pep. I remember listening to a podcast with Andrew Robertson as a guest and he said that when Klopp took over he drilled his style in to the players. Players were throwing up left right and centre because of the high intensity Klopp wanted. But, that's paid off and when you see Liverpool play you see what he was trying to achieve in their high intensity high press style. Steven Gerrard was always deemed Klopps successor when the time came but following his spell at Aston Villa and now managing in the Saudi League while signing a new deal, I'd be surprised if he was to become the next manager. Had he stayed at Rangers and continued his hard work that he was doing then maybe. But, I think Xabi Alonso could be a shout and it's no surprise to see that he's the favourite to take over considering how well he's doing at Leverkusen.

@Chris that's what's been happening lately. The superstars given the mic cutting promos and doing shoots are the ones who can do it all whether it be good mic skills, having the crowd eating out of their hands or just a good all round vibe about them being in the Ring mic in hand. The matches that have been going on since HHH took charge have been brilliant. Not just the quality of the matches that is seeable through the eye but chemistry and the story that is being portrayed. Plus, GMs are more involved especially Nick Aldis on Smackdown. He's been fantastic, especially in recent weeks approaching the Rumble. There's some real stars coming through under HHHs creative control.

@Chris I've been subscribed to the Network for 4 years now and I've seen some moments that were a bit MEH but since Triple H has been running the show, it's showing so much promise to getting back to where it should be. Things like bringing back released talents, given superstars meaningful storylines, giving opportunities to those who didn't have them previously. Even things like the tag team division both Men and Women are thriving. I think viewership will go up for RAW and Smackdown. People like me, personally, I refuse to pay the prices of TNT or BT so, as mentioned, I don't get to watch highlights or the shows. I only get to see highlights of whats been going on on RAW and Smackdown via the talk shows they have on the Network that give you a brief half hour run down of what's happened on the shows. It's never gonna be the WWE that it once was like the Attitude Era or Ruthless Aggression but with HHH I think it's still gonna be great to watch. I still never miss all the main events though. WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series even Money in the Bank and the rest of them, I like to watch them live on the Network. I used to be in to AEW then I went off it and never got back in to it. Haven't watched it in about a year tbf.

I cycle to and from work, Monday to Friday, as well as having a physical job it keeps me active and fit. My journey to and from work is 3 miles, takes me about 20-25 mins to cycle there and about 20 mins cycle back. Of course, it's quicker getting home from work than it is getting to work ???? My Wife bought me a smart band for Christmas which allows me to connect to my Huwawei Health app which has allowed me to start logging my activities like cycling and walking which I do quite often. I link this to my Strava account and enter challenges to win prizes.

I know some of you may not be wrestling fans but this is huge news. Especially from a UK fans perspective. Netflix will be streaming Monday Night Raw, NXT and Friday Night Smackdown as well as the Premium LIve Events like The Royal Rumble, WrestleMania etc. They also have plans to make new documentaries, which if Netflix shows and the previous documentaries made on the Network are anything to go by, they'll be epic. I'm just hoping that with this looking like the end of the WWE Network, which I already subscribe to for £9.99 a month, they continue to show old content from like the 90s, early 00s etc. It's one of the things I enjoy about having the Network being able to run back some old classics. Most people in the UK already have Netflix accounts so this can only be a positive. It could see a rise in popularity for WWE. I do think though that with this acquisition, Netflix might rise their prices but I'm sure it'll be a better price than having to pay for TNT Sports/BT Sports that it has been showcased on in recent years. Just out of curiosity, how many on here would watch WWE more often or try get in to it with it moving to Netflix starting next year? Personally, I'm excited with this news. It's been a while since I've got to watch shows like RAW or Smackdown Live or even highlights of it. Instead I opted for RAW Talk or Smackdown Low Down for a catch up. But, I always watch the PPVs live via the Network.

Fantastic stats for a first season in the EFL. Expectation was always gonna be high on him considering how many goals he bagged last season. It took him a bit of time to get going at the start of the season which led to criticism and mocking that he couldn't step up but he's managed to prove doubters wrong. I have read a few rumours, how true they are I don't know, that we've already rejected a £3m bid for him and Bolton are keeping tabs on him if they sell their striker. I'm hopeful that we can keep him for a while to come but if he were to go somewhere else, I'd expect a really good fee.

Really pleased with this signing. I know it might be just a game but this has been my go to first loan signing in the past 3 editions of Football Manager. So I hope he's as good for Notts in real life as he has been for me on Football Manager. However, you do have to wonder when Tiernan Brooks will be given an opportunity. I read a comment on twitter that made me chuckle with agreement that read something like he'll be 30 and still being sent out on loan to gain experience. It just seems that whenever there's a chance he could grab an opportunity, it's taken away by bringing in a loan goalkeeper that puts him further back in the pecking order.

@Dripsey3 I think you're right, I have thought they'd probably do something like that. They seem to be dipping into pretty much everything. Boxing, Golf, WWE, Football (whether it be buying clubs or bringing big names to their domestic league). @Robbie You're bang on. These nations with limitless money looking to invest in clubs in England are the reason why there's becoming such a big divide with the "big" clubs and those looking to establish themselves in the Premier League. Part of me feels surprised that players have lasted this long while another part can't believe it's already starting to crumble. I don't get why these players can't just come out and say they took the paycheck because it was an opportunity to earn big bucks rather than claim things that were already known before they went over. They'd lose less credibility by doing so.

Seems that players are realising the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It's obvious they were money motivated to move over there but the reasons given for why they wish to leave, as reports suggest, makes it even more obvious that they were blinded by the money being offered. It was never about "helping improve the league" it was always about the big sum of money offered. Now that they've had their share of big paydays they're upping and leaving.

Never really watched him play apart from the 66 Final on DVD but everything I've read and heard about him, he was a phenomenal player and revolutionised the sweeper role. Sad loss to the game of football. One of the footballing greats.

I like how you balanced it out with De Gea. Yes he was prone to quite a few mistakes, more than he should really, but nevertheless had it not been for De Gea, United would have potentially been lower down the table without him. He had a tendency to pull off some outstanding saves and help United gain a point or 3. Also comes back to the confidence issue I mentioned, when a back line is constantly exposing you you tend to make a few mistakes because there's a lack of belief in your back line. I was a bit sceptical of Stone coming in in the first place but I was hoping he'd prove me wrong and come good. The main factor for my doubt in him was that when he was sound emphasis was put on how good of a distributor he was of the ball and that he can fit in to a style of playing out from the back with good foot work. From a personal perspective, I'd much rather have a good shot stopper who commands a back line over a keeper with good footwork. The modern day goalkeeping has so much focus on playing out from the back being able to pick passes out from the back and in turn shot stopping, catching etc. all become secondary.

@Robbie yeah fully agree with the open possession football issue, especially from the back. Personally I've never been a fan of playing out from the back and keep ball near and around your own penalty box. I think it's the old philosophy of we'll score more than you hence the goals we've scored during the season but also defensive record is also very high. Same with playing a back 3, if you play that sort of formation and tactics you need to give them some sort of protection as you say about being defensive minded.

You could see in his face how much he enjoyed his time at the club and how emotional it is to be leaving. I liked the way he spoke about the players, fans and everything that surrounds the club. It was a great interview.

Both Slocombe and Stone have disappointed me this season. More so Stone. As a goalkeeper myself, I do understand that when your defence isn't that great and they make mistakes, which there have been quite a few this season, it does hamper a goalkeepers confidence which then results in goalkeepers making mistakes themselves or not doing as well as they perhaps should. Having said that, some of the goals that have been let in are shocking to watch and more time than not it does make you think that they should have done much better than that. I wouldn't mind seeing Tiernan Brooks being given a shot. I've said it for the past couple of seasons now that perhaps it's time he should be given a run and with how poorly both keepers have performed this season, it might be a good opportunity for him.

My site manager, who's a Birmingham fan, messaged the group chat earlier with the message directed to me as "Rooney's available mate ????" Whoever the Reedtz decide to bring in as Luke Williams replacement, I trust that they'll make a good appointment.

LW always managed to handle himself very well when it came to post match interviews, the style of play he bought into the club was to be admired and how much he's achieved at the club, there's no surprise that he was sought after but honestly wasn't expecting it to be this soon. As gutted as I am about his departure, will be grateful for the memories he has given us and I wish him all the best for the future.

@AmericanPie never understood the reason as to why u21s are even included in this trophy. It takes away the competition from teams in League 1 and 2. Not to mention the fact that some of these teams field some first teamers from time to time. The Premier League shuns the EFL of propositions yet the Premier League are able to take into an EFL competition. I think the competition lost its credibility when u21 teams were able to join.

@BlackandWhitePie well on The Rest is Football podcast, they interviewed Howard Webb about VAR and he said that they are constantly working with other sports like Rugby about how to implement VAR properly and what they can take from other sports to improve. Hence why VAR has changed to not re-referee the game anymore. But, the technology is good it's just the people at the back of it that needs more education which he also mentioned that Wayne Allison is an ex-pro who helps them in certain parts. Because Shearer posed the question of why aren't more footballers, who have been on the pitch week in week out, able to give their input. Exactly this. Essentially it is match fixing because you know there's an incident but you've failed to acknowledge it and like you said they should face punishment. It's like the Ronald Koeman situation against England in 93. Should have been sent off but the referee later said that he didn't want to face the wrath of the Dutch fans had he shown him a red despite acknowledging it to be worthy of such punishment. We can all excuse human error before VAR, obviously we'd be angered at the time, but with the implementation of VAR EVERY decision must be accurate.