The Football.....

[AndyRM]

Anyway, in news that I care about and that actually matters, a draw in Warsaw is a bit of a disappointment, though credit has to be given to Millik's rocket of an equaliser for Poland.

Strachan's Scotland is a far more positive beast than we ever had under Levein (who I rate, but not as a manager).

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Anyway, in news that I care about and that actually matters, a draw in Warsaw is a bit of a disappointment, though credit has to be given to Millik's rocket of an equaliser for Poland.

Strachan's Scotland is a far more positive beast than we ever had under Levein (who I rate, but not as a manager).

We looked like a proper international team last night, which is not something I am used to seeing. It's good being able to look forwards to seeing Scotland play for a change!

 

[AndyRM]

'Kin right. We've looked pish for what? A decade?

Strachan has a rocket up those lads arses which is clearly doing the job. And with Anya we have a winger capable of destroying defences.

But no, our game is dire and a joke. We will gloriously fail to qualify and then count ourselves thankful for being allowed to take part.

 

[Dayvo]

Sterling's 'tiredness' was discussed with compassion and insight on 5 Live last night.

You reckon you could have hacked the physical and mental pressure he is under when barely out of puberty?

I know I couldn't.

Norway's latest 'star' is a 15-year-old schoolboy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Ødegaard

OK, so it's only Norway (Division 5 team in international terms) but he looks totally relaxed, confident and composed. Big clubs will soon be after him, no doubt.

 

[Beebo]

This one looks a bit tasty -

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/14/serbia-albania-euro-2016-flag-halted

Total nuts. I feel sorry for the English Ref who has to go over and try to manage that.
And they are reporting that the drone was being flown by the brother of the Albanian PM, who was sitting in the VIP section of the stadium. If that's true then FIFA / UEFA could get very angry as they dont like politics and football mixing.

 

[Dayvo]

This one looks a bit tasty -

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/14/serbia-albania-euro-2016-flag-halted

If it wasn't so potentially serious, it'd almost be funny: bit like like a schoolboyish prank.

I fear things could escalate.

 

[swee'pea99]

Ah, money. Ruining fitba since god was a boy.

Not so, sirrah! When I were a lad players were limited to seventeen & six a week - an extra half crown if they were in the FA Cup Final.

 

[AndyRM]

WTF are Kidderminster putting into their pies? Kobe beef? It's pleasing to see Newcastle at the foot of the table for the right reason.

Killie are down there too which is good, though the majority of our constantly moaning support would have you believe that a visit to Fortress RP is expensive and not worth it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29527838

 

[Beebo]

WTF are Kidderminster putting into their pies?

I'd be more worried about the £1 pie at Braintree!!

 

[AndyRM]

I see Ched Evans has been released after serving half of his sentence for rape. I wonder if he will get another contract? Probably not with Sheffield, though they were cool with Marlon King so you never know.

 

[Piemaster]

Marlon King was never going to be back at Hull, neither club nor fans wanted any association with him. Our attacking force was never as effective afterwards, and eve taking that into account, he still wasn't wanted.
I suspect Sheffield will probably want to get shot of any association with Evans too. It may be a chance for him to reform and restart life elsewhere, if another club will take him on, and just as importantly other players are willing to play with him.

 

[AndyRM]

The thing with Evans is that I have doubts about his conviction. There is evidence to suggest that the woman involved wasn't entirely honest in her version of events. If he does end up clearing his name, and he's pretty clear that's what he wants, is it right that his career as a footballer has been ruined?

That's a far more complex discussion than a football thread warrants though!

Norway's latest 'star' is a 15-year-old schoolboy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Ødegaard

OK, so it's only Norway (Division 5 team in international terms) but he looks totally relaxed, confident and composed. Big clubs will soon be after him, no doubt.

'Only Norway' is pretty much my point. Without the weight of expectation you can play as free and easy as you like. Put that kid into the ludicrously pressured environment of the EPL (or a national team with a deluded fan base) and see how long it takes him to crack.

The last 30 or so years in England have seen people viewed as little more than a commodity for entertainment purposes, to be patched up as required with little regard for non physical issues.

When a game becomes a 'product' it's gubbed.

Is it normal to be so jaded before you hit 30? Jeezo.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Evans would be mad to come back into football, his life will be made an absolute misery by opposing fans. All players are used to taking stick but what he'd get would be constant for the 90 minutes of every game he played.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Another impressive performance this evening from Hamilton Accies, 3-0 victors over Aberdeen:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/29669241?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

[MarkF]

Evans would be mad to come back into football, his life will be made an absolute misery by opposing fans. All players are used to taking stick but what he'd get would be constant for the 90 minutes of every game he played.

Lee Hughes didn't seem to mind, as the abuse hurled down he wound up the fans pro-rata again and again. I recall an opening day fixture at Notts County maybe 5 years ago, Bradford fans spent the whole game chanting "Murderer", Hughes scored a hat trick and celebrated wildly in front of them. Cue Bradford fans running to the authorities to complain!

To my knowledge we had had a armed bank robber (x2), drink driver, wife beater, sexual offender and convicted murderer play for Bradford in recent years, I dare say there would not be too much negativity about us signing Evans, same goes for every other club too. I think he'll end up back at the Blades, it's pragmatic view, Evans is a damn good player and goalscorer, somebody will happily sign him.