Everyone saw what you did there...

My wife would kill me. Not a bad tip though ... erm ... for others.

I'd say it's a good league for him (as long as he doesn't have the cultural/language problems he had elsewhere) BUT... I want him to go somewhere I can watch regularly on telly. Selfish bastard.

Italy are a puzzlement. On any given day they'd be a good chance of beating anyone ranked in the top 20, and yet they fall apart when it comes to WC qualification.

Congrats to the placegetters: As there is a tie for first I suppose I can stretch to an extra copy of Mr C. Just need to get addresses or post boxes from the top three.

I suspect he'll get a go if he keeps scoring. Popa probably rates the JL a bit higher than the SPFL so that would have Yengi ahead.

I've been lurking on the forum for a while. Not a lot of activity but they do like Sapsford.

Bit of a thread derailer but I'd suggest that admitting you were wrong or otherwise changing your mind about something is one of the best things you can do for your own personal growth. I changed my mind about Okon-E and O'Neill during the WC - both did far better than I expected (based on my...

Let's not forget picking and starting Leckie, screwing up the Triantis and Segecic situations, and not picking several of our players of choice (for me Balard). Then there was the ridiculous use of Irankunda which totally wasted his potential. And how about taking off Beach when he was having...

Nonsense. The Amelia Rate is something he used to pay to Epstein.

Fair point. Mind you, I meant as assistant to learn, not as head coach.

You were making an unfair judgment - literally - I can only go on what you said. I have my own fairly negative views about the FA's coaching appointments but they have never made a precipitate appointment in terms of a coach's experience and success. Anyway, let's not bore everyone else with...

Yes, one can make inferences about thinking but there is still not one instance of an FA coach appointment after one year of success. All appointments have had much experience with (arguably) plenty of success.

They're probably sounding out Tuchel right now.

Popa had a LOT more than one year's success. He's not relevant to the discussion.

I would happily bet money that if the JL played off against the SPFL - or the top 12 sides of each. The JL sides would smash the SPFL sides. In fact the A League (ranked 1 - 12 playing the SPFL ranked 1 - 12) would smash the SPFL over 12 matches played in neutral zones. Anyone who watches the...

You don't know the FA's thinking and as far as I can see they've never actually appointed anyone on one year's success. Now the fans... you're dead right about the fans. They'll clutch at any success. Cap everyone!!!

Hi Ian Where exactly were the Ashes found? And should the police be involved?

Such a shame about Strain. He was head and shoulders our best right back and then as soon as he established himself he started getting injured. I suspect his boat hasn't quite sailed but they're loosening lines and pulling in the gangplank.

J1 is a better standard than the SPFL.

Who have the FA put in after one season of success? I wouldn't be surprised if Popa moves back to clubland - probably in Asia after the Asian Cup. He'll be aware of the massive wickets some of his peers are on and will be thinking: Me too! How old is Bielsa? Is he getting beyond it? My dream...

Mind you, it was no joke at the time. Except to my friends...

So are jokes

As someone who once copped a bent one during an intimate exchange... you don't want to know. Took about two years to be normal again. Am I over-sharing?

Clearly not a Mariners fan or watcher. Farrell all but invented the LWB role despite playing in a back four. His motor up and down the left was a main reason for him being a fan favourite. Lots of dangerous crosses and a few goals himself in his last two seasons. Better defender than Bos also...

I'd happily give him what's left of mine, if it would help...

There are all sorts of meniscus injuries. I've had three repairs and every time was back on the pitch in two or three weeks. I suspect Jordy's was somewhat worse.

No-one comes close to Nisbet when it comes to progressive passes. Best channel ball passer with an Australian passport.

A mate of mine who has worked with him says JA is one of nature's most excellent gentlemen.

When you consider the number of teams involved, it's actually our second best finish.

So Popa should have said: "You're mad if you appoint me." ?

Probably AI

Asia more corrupt? I see your Sheik Al Thani and raise you Jack Warner and Gianni Infantino...

We can at least refuse to be complicit in their ignorance. The Asian Cup is extremely important, not least as it's the only major tournament we have a chance of winning.

I wonder if Ian has a different G&G user name? If he's in the the tipping comp he'd be delighted to win a copy of a book he published.

You're suggesting we move Australia up to Europe so Euro clubs will take us seriously? It's our only continental cup so we have to take it seriously. And we do. Fuck any Euro club who doesn't.

Yes, my opinion was turned around at the WC. I was outraged that POE was in the squad when Balard wasn't but he certainly did have a very good tournament. That's not to say Balard wouldn't have done even better, but we'll never know. Anyway... well done young Paul and I'll watch his next...

I remember thinking Bos and Farrell were going to fight out LB/LWB for the next ten years but Farrell has been so unlucky with injury. Needs a solid run to get back to where he was. Far in Bos's wake right now.

I know people who have worked with Harry, and ... no. He's not up to the task. At least not yet. He might grow into the job in future but right now he has (apparently) no insight into modern strategy and his man management leaves a great deal to be desired. His entire coaching philosophy is...

And Robertson...

You left out his outstanding man management of Triantis and Segecic.

I'm confident. Either 2 or 3 nil. Irankunda to score and them to get a red card.

Am I the only one slightly bored with the US/Bosnia match? Can we either see a contest or a massive goal fest? Preferably both.

Uruguayan? Hopefully Egypt has ruined their hopes and dreams more often than we have.

Really? In that case I am no longer interested in going.

As will Souttar after someone finally hits his noggin with a dead ball.

Let's not even mention Argentina just yet. Focus MUST be on the next match, and that is all.