EASTLEY

I don't know the details on this - but I do know that the scum who broke into my house with my wife asleep got away with it so a couple of pissed up lads taking a kicking for having a go at Barton doesnt warrant a jail term for me thats all. However if it was a pre-meditated attack with no provocationto it leading then he deserves his sentence, which he has got anyway so either way he is being punished

Joey Barton has been stupid and he is now paying with a custodial sentence. He will serve his time and be back out and playing. Its upto Newcastle to decide if they want him to stay at the club, we are entitled to our opinions but once released he's served his time and is hopefully free to live a better life. If not he'll end up in prison again. BTW lots of non-famous people are continually in front of the magistrate for assault, burglary, car theft and other so called petty crimes and walk free over and over again, so actually I am one of the few it seems to think that he has been harder done to being in the public eye.

I subscribe to the "terrible idea" brigade - it plays into the hands of the big clubs. To be honest 5 is too many - 3 with 1 mandatory goalkeeper would even up the play - managers would then have to readjust tactically rather than like for like swap during a game. This would maybe help keep the operating costs for the smaller clubs in check and stop token substitutes who will never get a game

I didn't know that - but seems strange as the next few seasons were about reducing the size of the premier league?

Actually Ian Stott and one other chairman(I forget who but maybe have been the Swindon chairman)were the only people to actually speak out aginst the formation of the premier league as a seperate entity, however casting votes mean't that had he not then gone with it then we would have not been able to play in that division.

Am with you and Phil on this one - there has to be a re-distribution of wealth at some stage - but I think that may only happen when the top few play full time in Europe and the rest have to re-evaluate the way forward. The premier greed was originally launched to develop the England team and if the clubs prospered then great. Then the FA backed down leaving 80% of the clubs with less than 10% of the money. It all goes in cycles though, I think the real fans are priced out of the game, it won't be too long until you see more fans in the championship, league 1 etc so long as its kept affordable

I can't believe that anyone is seriously suggesting getting rid of the only cup that we have been in the final of!!! Has everyone forgotten the pinch me season beating Arsenal,Southampton and Frankie Bunn's 6 goal haul against Scaraborough. League clubs need to get back behind this competition and rid the FA of its dominance in English Football. This is where the premier greed came from Rant over

I am on the 10990 answer as well

Lee, Can't you make Sunday - you should have a game - Nothing wrong with wanting to win. I hate losing its not good ;-) especially when 7 go past you Gav, See you Sunday Rob

I know and they still hurt to - watch me hobble on Sunday, as I said muppet

Sorry Mrs Gav

I don't think it was as audible as my response to the 7th before looking a pratt and kicking the post - 37 and still I haven't learn't......... do I feel a muppet

I had a great time - thanks to all it was a good fun and cheers Stu for organising it. Chaddy, Did you not see my prediction with my number on the back 2*7, I think I'll revert back to No 1 for next years if I get in At least I'll get to see the look on your face on the DVD after the one in the second half didn't quite get in ;-)

100% always so now know that we are all 100% behind you Ernie for England ;-)

Happy days - 30 mins down the road Maddog - could we have an OWTB fixture here please ? ;-)

Consider yourself sponsored

That'll be oaksey's job I think Jacko is looking for a man 2 owl marking job

Sure you'll get the chance j@cko - a bit of practice against bury the week before too

Oaksey and Jacko at the back - think we have a solid centre this year boys - keeper hopefully won't have too much to do

Leezy spot on

I don't know it but as am travelling from Warwick makes no odds to me

I may still have some articles on this in the attic, I'll try and find them and post for you......

Just a pointer here - Ian Stott was actually one of two original premiership chairmen who voted against the premier league in the first instance, however it was became clear that the premiership would go ahead and that if clubs in the top division didn't vote for it then they would be excluded from the new league. Ian Stott then changed his vote along with the other chairman to vote in favour of the premier league as for Oldham to drop out after their investment in the ground would have seen the club in a perilous position

Or location if he is living in the midlands

No its not a fault thing - its just where we are in a struggle back from the brink and are generally getting stronger every year. We have gone from nearly going down when dare I say it Ronnie Moore's brand of "hoof" football saved us to a team that made the play offs last year though got beaten by a better side in Blackpool and are there and there abouts this year though we may finish 8th or 9th. Last year we punched above our weight this year Shez has worked with an injury ravaged squad and kept us in the hunt though it looks unlikely we will make it. Instant success only works if you have a Jack Walker, Roman Abramovic or even a Milan Mandaric or Madjeski. We haven't trhough we have backing from 3 guys doing their best with their resources. Look at Gretna, Rushden, Coventry and Leeds for teams that have tried to sustain at a level they can't afford. We are getting stronger season by season and are on a better footing than 2, 3 or 4 years ago. So blame - No support yes, there is nothing to blame anyone for - fans or management. Reality is what needs to kick in