Runehammer

Rafa is no fool thus he wouldn't pick you at all if you aren't good enough. The fact is that our defence was rock solid last season with Riise in it and that's despite his percieved deficiencies, I rate him and I like him and I don't believe he's let us down so I see no good reason to get shot of him. I don't know why you feel it necessary to abuse me either.

When Rafa decides to play you - at which time you will, like Riise, have my undying support mate!

Apart from the ridiculous nature of this rumour, the only Prem player I'd take over Riise is Heintze and that won't happen either. You don't get rid of players that would "die" for the club and certainly not to replace them with players that have one eye on how big their paycheck is going to be.

I dunno mate, if Kuyt is to be believed (which is admittedly unwise for most modern footballers) he may well tell Newcastle to take a hike.

I can see them having the same problem with Lampard and Ballack as Sven had with Lampard and Stevie - I hope so anyway.

According to the Arsenal fan I know from another forum, there is a supposed to be a £16m buy out clause in Cole's contract with the specific exception of Chelsea who have to bid £30m! This is being touted round Arsenal fora apparently; if true it's a wonderful piece of business by them tho' I have to say I'm a little sceptical since the price quoted for the rentboys seems to fluctuate upwards. On the other hand it would appear likely that there is a "Chelsea "clause in there somewhere that means they can't get him for £16m.

Done his back in carrying his wages to the bank.

Don't you just know some bugger is going to go for the Carling Cup.

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I'm in, cheers MikeD.

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If it had been Ronaldo I think a shooting would be reasonable.

Likewise, Stevie doesn't need all the baggage that comes with it and I think it would have a negative impact on him.

I admit I've not watched all England matches outside of the finals but, to be fair, I can't recall Hargreaves ever being given a fair crack of the whip to be honest. Judging Carra on performances in this competition would also lead to the conclusion that he was rubbish - and we all know that's a load of bull.

A Feyenoord supporter mentioned he'd heard of our interest in Kuyt and a figure of ?14m on one of the metal boards I post on. Whether that's how much they want for him or how much we've bid I don't know.

Welcome aboard mate if the in-fighting hasn't scared you off. Spain will be my second team after England (tho' I understand where people like Anny Road are coming from and actively dislike about half the squad i just can't turn off the fact I'm English).

Damn! I thought he'd end his days with us and I'll miss him loads as he has always been one of my favourites. Understandable tho'.

Italy - I'd rather watch paint dry.

I'm pleased but basically it's only a one year extension isn't it? I dunno about anyone else but I would be way more delighted if he'd signed up for an extra 5 years (or 25 for that matter)!

Mourinho before he became a coach.

Nice one.

The 2006 England tap-up festival starts next month!

I thought it was just me, I was gutted when they escaped on the last day last season and feared a repeat too!

Is right and he's showing signs of improvement, I really don't see Rafa getting rid.

Could be worse tho' just look at this: http://www.manutd.com/opus/Opus.asp?itype=...tompageid=17568 It's kosher too!!!