purpleronnie

Mentally I don't think they ever were good enough, when the big moments happened more often and not they didn't rise to the challenge. Ability with the ball is only part of what makes a winning team. England always seem to lack the mental strength. Not sure what you can do about that.

Saw some early 90's repeats of jools holland on TV.

I sometimes feel this too, it really was miserable last season and its only getting worse.

And as soon as they see european teams making tonnes of cash and spreading their 'brand' the premier league will follow suit.

Agreed I think that would calm any major protests there, compare australia to playing in Saudi, that could be very different, and now makes more sense why they chose Australia.

I'd imagine they'd have to split the gate receipts, not sure any club would want to play half way round the world for a small percentage. Although all their travel costs would be paid, and away teams dont get any gate receipts in the premier league, so 20% of 80,000 at top prices might seem reasonable.

No-ones surprised with league games going abroad. I am a little surprised Australia was chosen, but I guess theres a huge italian immigrant population there and they'd fill any stadium with huge crowds. Just thought the US and Saudi would be the first countries to get games. But like I've said before this is the future of not just football but all sports with every major sporting league have a liquid fixture list with games being played in various countries throughout the season. I don't think any young fan will be against it, probably all for it. The more traditional fan won't like it but the clubs won't care about them, havent for 30 years. Funny how the american fans were criticised for not making more of a stink when NFL matches were proposed abroad but I do't think they'll be that much opposition over here.

Anyone who goes to one of the old firm clubs would understand how tough it can be off the field, there's no comparisson in england. He would've known what he was walking into and not be surprised with the outcome after things went so badly.

edinburgh derby tonight, always fiery with an amazing atmosphere.

Luton went up to the premier league from Non league in 10 seasons. This was reported of course but not on the same scale as wrexham's lesser achievements have been, and luton achieved this with modest funds.

I wouldnt be so sure.

Prefer their first, pretty great follw up though.

Have to say I have a little smirk when I see managers and players applauding the fans when theres barely anyone left. This happens even in big games like Chelsea winning in the Champions league, players walking around applauding half empty stands. In europe they often go to the ultras that stay and sing after the final whistle, with so many foreign managers I guess its what they've always done. Must be a bit weird for them to see people streaming out even before the end.

Man Utd begin significant expansion of rail seating at Old Trafford | Manchester United Manchester United have begun work on a significant expansion of rail seating at Old Trafford, with 6,000 additional safe standing seats being installed in Tier 2 of the Stretford End. The project will double the current provision of rail seats inside the stadium, making Old Trafford one of the Premier League’s leading venues for safe standing. The first phase of seats will be in place for the upcoming fixture against Sunderland. However, the section will remain licensed as seated for that game until the installation is completed and formally approved by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA). The club expects the installation work to be finished by the end of October, though formal approval from the SGSA to use the area as safe standing may follow at a later date. This latest development reflects the club’s ongoing investment in enhancing the matchday experience, with safe standing widely recognised for boosting atmosphere while also improving safety.

I kept saying to my mate that its not over before the singles, knowing the US would be so strong....phew.

Be so much better if they could have their own ground, say a 5000 capacity, like the old Hinckley ground, its must be soul destroying playing in front of crowds of 2000 in a 32,000 capacity stadium.

In my experience americans are obsessed when it comes to making everything 'hostile' to vistors...in sport that is...although at the moment it goes beyond sport. Its part of the sporting culture, thats why it happens so much and nothing is ever done. You'd have to behave pretty appalingly to be ejected in the US, and theres no follow ups, they arent banning anyone, those ejected can often turn up the next day no problems. Americans thrive on thinking of themselves as passionate and being 'hostile' is the way they show it. There's rarely any humour in it like we get in europe, just nastyness in an attempt to gain the advantage...winning is everything no matter what and 'acting' this way is completely tollerated by the vast majority.

They remind me of Bleached, who i really like.

Wish i could be a good artist, the idea of drawing, creating art, appeals to me, but I'm terrible at it. Some of the artists you see who can paint pictures that look like photographs...its incredible, I'd love to have that skill.

we can only hope it does.

He's a legend. I much prefer watching redzone to football shows like match of the day.

I did the same with my older sisters collection, everytime i hear one of those songs from back then it reminds me of going through her 7 inch records and playing them.

Yeah Canada definately have played better, hopefully we can raise our game for the final.

Just like the so called fierce south coast derby this one fell flat, there seems little hope for english atmosphere if derbies are this bad.

I'd be surprised if it wasn't...guess we'll see.