Epic Swindle

I stopped caring ages ago. I just expect them to win/get bailed out now. Can't deny that I envy their quality and spirit at times though.

I don't think anyone really puts their money into a club in this day and age do they? Isn't it all credit somewhere down the line? As fans we tend to simplify the figures. While it would be nice if someone did turn up with 600 million from their own resources to build a stadium and buy the best players in the world without anything in return, it's not very realistic. I really don't mind who owns the club as long as they build the stadium, keep the debt low and manageble and don't meddle in the football side of things. Football has changed from the loving fan owning his local club and I'd rather spend within our means than be another play thing for some middle eastern circus. This lot, though, strike me as in it just to bail Hicks out and give him more power over Gillett. We could possibly end up even more paralysed even with the debt lowered. I don't believe that for a second. There was plenty of other options available. They seemed like panic buys at the time and still do, though I think Aqualini is a cracking player.

I just hate them.

I'm not sure of the legal requirements of their partnership but hasn't he had numerous opportunities to? If he really wanted to do the right thing he'd have got out ages ago but he's just as culpable as Hicks yet escapes most of the attention.

It gets worse. How can a profesional referee even attempt to give a decision like that.

Is it me or is Hicks always painted as the bad guy? Gillette seems to have escaped a lot of the serious flak despite being just as bad, if not worse. If he had any respect for the club he would have sold his slice a long time ago.

Davies > Higuain.

Instead of sniping at him like he's the enemy maybe you should try looking at the reasons why. If you think it's just down to form then you've clearly got no understanding of how we function under Benitez. If you just want a team of hard workers stifling the opposition and not creating anything, fine, but to get the best out of Gerrard, and Torres, they need quality service, which they don't get from the static pairing of Lucas and Mascherano and complete lack of creativity from wide positions. It was no surprise to see him having more of an influence when Aqualini was pulling the strings with the emphasis on attack.

Elmander off, they might have a chance now. Absolutely woeful player.

Too right. Dirty t***.

Game over.

Bolton are truly dire.

People say Chelsea have been bad for football but they've got nothing on this lot.

Ferguson and Neville berating the ref on the pitch, not even a Yellow.

Atkinson needs to get a grip, they're taking the piss out of him. Can't stand that VDS. Vermin.

Robben out of the CL with a pulled calf muscle. When it rains it pours.

Alan Green saying they deserve that for being the better team. They've been fractionally worse than Bolton.

Unreal.

Great ball from Wiltshire, should have scored.

I can't listen to Champion. I've got the sound turned down and 5 live on. He'll ruin the WC for me if he's there. Berbatove with gloves on, the bell.

More pressure on the mancs the better. It's in their hands now.

Get in Wolves. 0-0.

Now you know.

My point was pretty obvious; that Spurs don't have miles more strength in depth. We have a better starting 11 and, strikers aside, have more quality in reserve, most of whom are full internationals and regulars in the Champions League. If you're going to defend Rafa I'd steer clear of the squad debate as it doesn't exactly improve his standing if after 6 seasons we have an inferior squad to the likes of Villa and Spurs, especially the latter who have had a revolving door policy for years.

1-0 Nasri.