This is England. And it's not very good.

England 0 Algeria 0

What a shambles. I don't care when the team is announced by Fabio to the players. Whether it's two days before the game or five minutes before getting onto the team coach. If you're in the England squad then you should be prepared to do battle for your country, chests pumped out, full of pride and guile and courage. I can understand uncertainty can perhaps have a negative influence, but please get a grip. The players know what's at stake.

What we witnessed looked like a group of players drafted together last minute and asked to play ninety minutes which they weren't too fussed about doing, going through the motions disinterested and confused. The botheredness level stood at around 1 out of 10. It was just woeful.

We were the perfect illustration of fragmented. Formation was uncomfortable, some of the players completely ineffective others lost in their own shadow of past form. Too slow on the ball and too slow off it. Clumsy, sloppy. Rooney looked unfit - and its best we concentrate more on the fact he hasn't scored for 630 minutes rather than his ill-judged outburst to the camera post-final whistle. And yes, booing isn't constructive, unless you've just forked out 5k to travel to SA to see your nation represented by players earning up to 120k a week. We drew with Algeria. It's frustrating and fairly unacceptable when you can hardly think of one true threatening moment. A boo here and a boo there reminds us at least that some of the players do actually care enough to be pissed off about being jeered and react to it.

Apparently only two England players run over to the England fans to applaud them. I guess the booing was way too hurtful to hear for the delicate ears of some of our representatives.

4-4-2? Doesn't work. Especially doesn't work when you attempt to play all your best players rather than play the best players in their best positions. Gerrard is suited behind a forward, rampaging down the middle of the field. For all this desire for Barry to be fit and selected, I'm confused why a defensive player should be bestowed with so much importance. I'm not critical of Barry and his on the field responsibilities, I'm alluding to the fact that a creative spark (Joe Cole) should be the one ilk of player we need to be selecting, because offensively we appear to have no clue.

There was no cohesion or obvious style to our play. If Fabio means for one, it's lost somewhere between the training ground and the opening seconds of a game. 4-4-2 is not working. In the context of the game v Algeria, Fabio can quite obviously change things with the aid of substitutions. Lennon, who was not effective (not so much his fault other than his reluctance to run down the wing instead of cutting in all the time, but then he had little choice to do otherwise) but to replace him with SWP? I don't see the point. At all. Any player positioned in the role that Lennon is required to fulfil, based on the strengths Lennon possesses, you'd think the one thing to do is not starve the player of the ball. To then bring on a player who is similar to Aaron defeats the impact of changing things around effectively.

Fact is, in this England team, the way it's set-up, he simply cannot be picked. Massive shame considering what we all know he can do. And I can't see how SWP could possibly do any better considering the shape of the team and the rigid boring way we attempt to push forwards in routine and obvious stagnated fashion.

Heskey is Heskey. And for the record, the last time a Heskey/Rooney combo was effective was apparently back in 2009, but then I'm unsure how many times these two have played together since. Heskey alongside an out of sorts Rooney is painful. Defence was okay. James was fine. Terry wasn't perfect, but the back four was the only highlight for me, at a stretch. But then Barry did help out back there too. And Carragher made sure that in the final group game, we'll have to throw Upson or Dawson in at the deep end.

Pressure? What pressure? James, you know anything about that?

So, why are we so disjointed? Why are players lacking the required application? Are they unhappy with their manager? The formation? Is there a player dispute within the camp? Or is all this just part of the traditional 'we'll play crap in the opening two games, win the third and then get to the semi-final' master-plan? I'm knee-jerking for the sake of it because I can't fathom a more sensible logical explanation (i.e. we're rubbish).

I've said we would stumble to the final. A moment of madness, surely. But we all know one result, one positive result could change everything. I can't speak for everyone, but I'm bricking it.

We have to win the next game. No other options available. Drawing lots is not an option. Win. And win decisively.

England really need to start believing and trusting in each other. The fact we've failed to do so in the first two games suggests a frailty that is frankly disturbing. Did we perhaps over-rate our chances based on the qualifiers? When is the right time for that magical click to happen when everything sets up perfectly performance wise?

Dozens of questions, no comprehension with the alleged answers.

Still, onwards we go. And regardless of the empty days ahead before we face Slovenia, by the time our final group game kicks off, it will be once more heart-in-mouth and once more, singing/hoping that we turn up. If we do, we'll soon forget about all this. If we don't, batten down the hatches.

Until then, at least I can enjoy countless repeats of John Barnes dancing in a park with the cast from Shaun of the Dead.

Super Spurs

Fixture list for 2011 is out. As you've probably already seen it and read it a dozen times and worked out our potential points tally for the opening five or six games. Doesn't look too daunting this season as there appears to be no 'month from hell' (ala April of season past). Although that particular month of hell in the end turned out to be nothing more than a skip down the yellow brick road.

Obviously the most telling sign of the list is our inclusion in a couple of Sky Sports Super Sundays.

Feels a bit dirty, doesn't it?

Although I don't believe for a second that we will be embraced into the elite or have Howard Webb award as penalties. And I'm sure to compensate our arrival and aid Keyes and Gray, the Big Four will be refereed to us the Big Three (with an additional special mention to Liverpool and their divine right), and we'll continue to sit amongst the chasing pack again. Plucky Spurs, can they do it again? Quite happy for us to be underdogs/written off once more.

Having been scorned for so long as a team deluding ourselves that we could ever possibly finish 4th, having done so, the hype and pressure will now concern the retention of said position - as anything more would be considered a title challenge, and we're not quite up to that standard yet. Although continued stagnation for the likes of Arsenal (and if Liverpool fail to swim above water once more) we might find ourselves flirting with 'it'. Until Chelsea and Utd pull away once more. One step at a time. But if you look at how fragmented the goons were and yet how close they actually came - it's a very thin line between success and failure. And the line is almost as thin, separating us/others and 3rd spot.

Anything less than a sustained challenge to equal or better ourselves (i.e. failure to get into the CL group stages or/and finishing 5th or below) would be a bit gut wrenching. But it's a risk, the latter more so, because of the sheer openness of the Prem these days.

All depends on about a thousand things. I'm sure City will have their own ideas, if they don't muck up their cohesion with another major influx of players. Villa and Everton should never be discounted. And obviously our rivals, West Ham.

For THFC, there are two areas for improvement:

- Not losing to the newly promoted sides at home (or away for that matter). It's a trend we've seen in the past, but even amongst all the glory last season - we still suffered, especially at the Lane

- Winning a game away against a seasoned 'Top 4' side (Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool)

We've invaded Top 4 space. One of the seasoned members dislodged themselves. Others also harbour ambitions to knock on the door. There's no guest list, it's open invitation. You just have to get there before the lock in.

Fact is, if we do progress and do so with focus and intent and consolidate CL football season in season out, then our standing will change. And that dirty feeling will be near impossible to wash off.

Yet another Jimmy Greaves Q&A

Jimmy Greaves, quizzed by Dear Mr Levy.

Well actually, not quite. I was unable to travel into London and speak face to face with the great man this past Thursday. He was in Leicester Square for the Burger King Whopper Legend promotion, so thanks to Jack Clothier for the one-to-one facetime and the unexpected (and much appreciated) video footage.

The Whopper Legend promotion by the way will see the winner watch the WC final with three mates and Jimmy Greaves. So get whopping.

Back to the interview, a couple of answers you might not like, but then it's Greaves and the last thing he's going to do is appease for the sake of it. Don't get too upset. And no, I didn't ask him whether he preferred Aaron or Theo, because everyone knows Theo is shit. And I'll hazard a guess that he isn't a fan of James Corden either. Just a hunch.

I should add, the questions are not exactly ground-breaking, and that's my fault for thinking that because I wasn't actually present to speak to Jimmy that time would be of an essence and the Q's would not actually be asked. Grateful to Jack for the effort and for Jimmy's honesty and charm. For a far more in-depth interview, check this out over at Spurs Odyssey and this interview at Tottenham on my Mind.

Qs:

Spurs or Chelsea?
King or Campbell?
Park Lane or Paxton?
Levy or Sugar?

Video:

Enjoy.

England Knee-jerks, home truths and facepalms

I know it's one game, and we have a habit of being slow starters, but that was not exactly great against the USA. For several worrying reasons. Green, the risk (and failure) of starting Milner and King. Lack of imagination and guile. Far too many average, fragmented performances from our 'big' players.

My pre-World Cup prediction was that England would stumble all the way to the final, so I guess on performance, they're in the right gear to progress. I certainly think we will, considering the lack of quality possessed by Slovenia and Algeria.

Courtesy of the England v USA match thread over at Rumourwhores.com. Feel free to agree/disagree/discuss:

I'm watching another 'alternative' game here - England were 'in control' for max 10 mins on mine, with the US posing far more probs as the half wore on. The clever & direct interplay from Dempsey, Donovan & Altidore looked to be causing us far more probs than our blunt instrument of Heskey failing to free up the Roonster - Chopper

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England looked confident until that mistake (Green) as well. That one on one from Heskey though, you've got to seriously question his role after that haven't you? It's wonderful grafting for the team and bringing others in to play, but seriously, a one on one with the keeper is a striker's bread and butter. He never even made Howard work. It went straight at him. Dreadful. Shaun Wright-Phillips was completely clueless and Aaron Lennon regressed to his old no end product self. Glen Johnson was superb up that right flank for me though, some superb crosses in to the box, good support of Lennon and played well. USA well organised and both should qualify from here. - Kop

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Someone please find a retirement home for Jamie Carragher...what a useless old fart he is. Should have put Dawson in. England basically look the same lackluster side they did under Sven. - Spiderman

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"A fantastic save from Green" err, no it wasn't, again he didn't get his hands fully behind the ball and was lucky it came of the post. A good save would have been to have pushed it out for a corner to cut out the immediate danger. Thought on the whole we were the better team, and 3 points wouldn't have flattered us.

I'd like to see an England a little less prone to taking their foot of the pedal. After one of the better spells, the last 10 minutes seemed to me to be more concerned at not losing than trying to stretch. There had been some decent balls in from Johnson, Gerrard and Lennon - so with Crouch on the pitch I'd have liked to have seen more effort to get it out wide, quickly.

So I guess James will be in goal for Algeria - assuming his knee improves. Beginning to wonder whether there was any point to Hart going as - despite obviously having had the best season of the three - his lack of Internationals is just going to be held against him. - Skitters

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Right, that was a bit disappointing wasn't it? I'll start with the positives, I actually think we looked good for stretches of the game, perhaps not as much in control as ITV were making out as the US certainly threatened but we opened them up numerous times.

Gerrard took the captains role on well, he had a good game and looked menacing throughout. Johnson also played well, looking more of a threat than either winger and there was really no problems at the back until Carragher came on and got roasted a few times.

On the other side apart from Green f**king up (which is not in the least bit surprising, we've all seen him do it before) and Hart not being picked when he's been the best English keeper this year the most disappointing thing was how quickly we resorted to hoofing the ball. Everything good we did was along the floor, even Heskey main contribution was a clever round the corner pass and yet the closer it got to the end of the game the quicker we abandoned that and started smashing the ball up the field aimlessly, losing possession and looking more and more desperate.

The bit when we held onto the ball for like 30 seconds at the back and then just hoofed it up the pitch in the last minute was cringeworthy.

Get King back in a few days, put Hart and Joe Cole (for SWP or Milner) in the team and I'm still hopeful. - Zero

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I thought England were fair sh*t last night until the last 10-15 mins when it looked like they thought about the passing a bit more instead of rushing everything and struggling to put a couple of passes together. Still dont like the look of our defence down the middle either. With the players we have there a simple ball over the top and the two CB are in trouble .

How come Milner got taken off so soon? Yes i know he got booked, was he still ill or something. Overall the result wasn't that big a surprise to me we normally start off shit in the opening games and either scrape the win or draw. - Stacki

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Said at the time that King's inclusion was f**king insane and it's certainly looking that way now. Thought that Gerrard was very good, as was Johnson, and Heskey probably England's best player for me, which says a lot as I don't rate the guy at all and never have. Green's mistake was a total disgrace - under zero pressure, no-one even closing down, and he still manages to f**k it up. England will still qualify - I fancy them to tank one of Algeria or Slovenia - but it puts them under unnecessary pressure as they had more than enough out there to see of the USA handily. They need to play now with real intent though as if they are gunshy in any way they will come unstuck. I think Capello is too canny a manager to let that happen though.

I rate Capello as probably the most accomplished manager England have had since Robson in 1990. And remember everyone was calling for Robson's balls in 88 when England got dicked in every game. At the end of the day Capello's first job was to get England to the World Cup and he did that with absolute ease. We're at the business end of things now and ultimately he will be judged on how England fare in this tournament. I'm a hell of a lot more comfortable with him in charge than the likes of McClaren or Eriksson as I don't think he'll shy away from making tough decisions or shaking things up.

As for Joe Cole, I think he should defo feature in the next game. Milner looked like he was trying to force things and was wisely subbed so there's a spot for him on the left, where he's excelled for England before. - Chronic

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Call me knee jerk but is he (re: Fabio a canny manager)? People have been blowing smoke up Capello's arse largely because of that thrashing away to a depleted Croatia side, dismissing the ordinary performances and predictable defeats against any half decent team. It all echoes a bit of Eriksson's reign to me. Take last nights performance, it was exactly the same as we have always played - sh*te in possession, fast to adopt the long ball when things aint going our way, a lack of cohesion and a staggering lack of quality from players who have had the season of their lives for their clubs in Rooney, Lennon and Lampard. We played ok in little spells but that is simply not good enough on this stage.

Green has had his worst season for us but there is no way that stat is correct. It was an utterly embarrassing mistake which you will be hard pushed to find at the next 2 or 3 international tournaments. I totally agree with you about the 'wonder save' as well - he got lucky. I don't give a sh*t if he's dropped and it wrecks his confidence and his career. This is about England winning the World Cup (yeah, I know, don't laugh), not Rob Green's mental state. It's ok anyway, he prepares for making a mistake before a game.

Anybody else think we were crying out for Joey Cole last night? Oh, and Carragher. Somebody put this **** down. He was never that f**king good in the first place. - Chazza

For more discussion and verbals, check out Rumourwhores.com here. Fans of all clubs welcome. Back to England...

Do we drop Green for James or perhaps Hart? What's the answer to the CB conundrum with King out (how long for - depends on what report you believe)? Heskey does a job for England but if fails to impress does that have a detrimental effect on the performance of Rooney? And If Heskey is there to aid Ron and bring other players into the game when holding up the ball, does it really out-weigh the ability to hold his nerves (rather than the ball) and take a chance in front of goal when presented with one? Lennon was well marked and rarely had the ball played into space in front of him (it's International football, so it's not going to be easy) so if he's doubled-up on, surely there's more space down the middle to exploit? Was SWP the answer on the opposite side? Not on yesterdays performance. Gerrard and Lampard work? Seemed too. Gerrard played with heart, with Lampard doing well to fulfil his Barryesque duties. But was that enough? No deflected shots or runs from Frank, so was his role too contained?

It's tricky not to over-analyse, because that's what we do thanks to the traditional expecation that England will turn up and turn on. The reality is, we never do but that doesn't mean we should be dismissing our chances just yet. And considering this is the World Cup, we could have had a bit more assured swagger and intent. I'm happy to get this type of result/performance out of the way first game, and get it right in the next one. As long as we get it right, of course.

Roll on the next 90 minutes of torture.

The James Corden Guide to being James Corden

When not in 'Smithy' character, act normally, which is just like 'Smithy' character

Borderline homo-erotic behaviour is essential

Face-palm plenty and talk quietly when upset/angry

Over the top passion when happy

Talk in high-pitched voice when attempting to stress something important

Break dancing or a subtle reference to 'the robot' always helps if extra laugh is required

As much over-exposure on TV as possible, before the bubble bursts. If it's football related, get on it to consolidate yourself as the new face (and gut) of English football celeb-punditry. Fat is funny, in ads, on panel shows, footie post-match commentary and anything with celebs in it

Release a collaborational England song (everyone else is doing it, so why the hell not?) because this further increases your profile as a celeb that loves football (note: don't wear a West Ham shirt in public, there's no money in it)

Reveal your belly at any given moment, for larfs

Follow the Ricky Gervais Guide to Offending Other Celebrities in Public but in a funny 'joke way' 

Thank God each night for that Comic Relief team talk to the England players that kick-started the post-Gavin and Stacey work-load (because the Horne and Corden Show doesn't really count, does it?)

In a nutshell, just continue to do 'Smithy' until you end up back as Smithy in a Christmas Special, thus coming full circle and ending the journey by completing an Ouroboros on ones self

The Tournament pt 2 - The Favourites

It’s no big news that Spain and Brazil are clear favourites for the World Cup. I would even go so far as to say that no other team has a chance of winning the title, with the possible exception of Italy, but even then it’s only out of respect for them as the current Champions. So many things are pointing in the favour of Spain and Brazil, so the real question is which team will have the edge.

Brazil’s fast paced, attacking style will mean they will no doubt rack up the scores against the average teams, but the challenge to Brazil always comes against the more defensive minded of the European Heavyweights. They faded limply against France four years ago. However this is a team that Dunga has built for these type of tactical, attritional battles. People have bemoaned the lack of flair, and it’s true that this Brazil team may not be scoring 3 or 4 goals on a regular basis. But this team will still win those games. Where they hold the advantage will be later on in the tournament. The team does still have its fair quota of attacking brilliance, but they play in a much more European style. Less Samba.

The defence for Brazil is looking pretty strong this time. Juan has been quietly excellent for Roma for about 2 years now. Has such great defensive ability that he sometimes made Mexes look good. Lucio is another superb defender, and a great ball player too. The same could be said of Maicon, a more physically imposing and defensively instinctive full back than we are used to seeing. Gilberto will also basically play as a stationary wall about 5 feet in front of the defence.

Melo is a very un-Brazilian player, again very defensive and not much of a ball player. Is trying to model his game on Emerson, and not really succeeding…yet. That’s a hell of a lot of good defensive players already. This team is built primarily to not concede goals. They are also blessed with 2 great keepers. In the recent past, Brazil teams have been built from the top down i.e Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and then whoever else. Even the inclusion of Elano as a playmaker/point guard is a nod to caution and pragmatism.

The biggest statement is the omission of Ronaldinho. He’s had a decent season, and you know he would produce a few magic moments if he was picked, but it’s a clear message from Dunga. These clear statements of Dunga are part of why he may not be the right man for the Brazil job. He has made the team all about his philosophy and his personality rather than that of Brazil. The Brazilian coach should be a background character. The team will pick itself, play itself, and win itself. Dunga will argue that they won that way in ’94, but then they had Romario and Bebeto. Now they have Luis Fabiano, Grafite, Nilmar and Baptista.

In ’94 Brazil, after failing miserably with their Samba style for 20-odd years, went for a different strategy. They played with midfield cloggers like Mauro Silva and Mazinho. But they won that WC because of the brilliance of Romario, and the ultimate 2^nd Striker Bebeto. They certainly won’t be able rely on the brilliance of their strikers this time, because Pato and Neymar have been left behind, and all they have up front are Luis Fabiano, Grafite, Nilmar and Baptista. None of those players are ones I see setting this tournament on fire. Fabiano is a good player, always has been, but his best years are behind him and he is not genuinely world class. So the burden will fall onto Kaka and primarily (for goals) onto Robinho.

Strikers scoring won’t be a problem for Spain. In David Villa they have a player who is making scoring over a goal every 2 games at the highest level very easy. As far as I can tell, he appears to have completely mastered the art of goalscoring. With the service he will be getting from all areas of the midfield, he won’t fail to score at least 4 goals. This fact alone will probably get Spain to the final. The only slight weakness in the Spain line up is left back, and also that Puyol will get found out a couple of times. But they will ride that out pretty easily.

Fabregas will probably play ahead of Torres, but either way it gives Spain flexibility to switch from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 with devastating effect. They have great players in all levels of the midfield too. They managed to win the Euros without ever having to get out of 3^rd gear. They have a fairly easy group. The one thing against them is history. Spain have never won the WC, and there is the eternal taboo – no European team has ever won it outside Europe. Spain are probably better placed to break this curse than any European team previously. Despite history being against them, I make them favourites ahead of Brazil. Del Bosque is the perfect coach for this team, willing to play the background and let the players take centre stage.

The only other team that stand a chance of winning is Italy. The team is very nondescript, but, as it was 4 years ago, it’s not about the team. It’s about Lippi. In the last WC, you saw with Italy and England the 2 polar opposites of how to mould a team. England was based around the cult of the superstar player, Italy around the cult of the manager. It’s arguably been taken a step further this time with the omission of Totti.

I’m fairly certain Lippi will believe that the squad he is taking this time is actually stronger than 4 years ago. There are a lot of unrecognisable names. But the team is built around collective strength. 4 years ago they were characterized by the likes of Perotta and Iaquinta – hard working, skilful, yet totally unglamorous players. They will play by the same theory this time. They will follow Lippi’s instructions, work hard for each other, and might once again surprise a few people. The fact they are totally unheralded will play right into Lippi’s hands. This team is the footballing equivalent of a ninja assassin – silent, faceless, but brutally efficient.

Would be nice if Capello can achieve the same effect for England.

by guest-blogger Chrisman

Understanding Harry

I do love Harry.

    "I am not being presumptuous turning down Liverpool, because I haven’t been offered the job and haven’t spoken to anyone about it.

    There is no need, as I have one year left on my contract at Tottenham and I am not thinking about anything other than being at White Hart Lane next season.

    I can tell you that I have not been offered a new contract, but that doesn’t mean I am looking to move on – far from it.

    I am loyal to Spurs, I want to stay at Spurs and I have a contract with Spurs, and I’d be happy to sign a new contract at Spurs if I was offered one, but in any case I have one year on my contract"

Subtlety is not his strong point.

contract - 5 mentions
one year left - 2 mentions
Spurs - 4 mentions in one sentence
whereabouts next season - 2

The "Liverpool interested in Harry", story breaks. No word from our gaffer for days, thus building up a little bit of uncertainty from the more paranoid ones amongst us. Rumour festers in the psyche of a certain bald chairman and then Harry strikes, verbally, forcefully, denouncing the Anfield club by repetitively re-educating us on his current predicament. You know, the one about him being one year off from the abyss of uncertainty. I wonder what point he's trying to drum home?

Back in logicworld, Liverpool would never look his way (I don't mean that in a derogatory way, Liverpool's expectations of a manager are of a certain template - foreign and crazy). And geographically, the only chance they would have if they were genuinely favouring our 'arry would be if they upped and moved to the South Coast, and trebled his wages in the process. Back to basics worked for us because we were never a bottom of the table club, just one with an inflated ego that forgot how to stand up and fight. He fixed it up. Restored pride and belief. Considering the plight of Liverpool, they need to suffer a little more indignity before they admit they need to re-think things (starting with new owners and possibly a replacement for Gerrard, if he grows balls and moves on).

For now, we can relax, we won't be seeing Redknapp's face printed on a massive banner alongside Shankly and Paisley with additional witty words beaming below with the Kop singing 'You'll never twitch alone...'

Considering we are two games away from the CL group stages, the only thing on our gaffers mind at the minute is to consolidate his worth with an improved contract/extension for his diligent work. He just needs to calm it down a tad.

I'm sure the next Tottenham good-feel story is not that far off from making the news...

In-ger-lund !

Bookmark this.

If you want more of this:

In-ger-lund Facebook group here.

And if you haven't you really should...teh trunk you-tube page.

Dawson and England

Dawson; gutted and confused with the fact he failed to win a cap pre-squad announcement during England's two friendlies. I bet he's a little (just a little) overjoyed with his call-up in place of the broken Ferdinand (last minute of training, proper merked). Which also means, pressure on Ledley who should be starting alongside Terry. I'm sure they will form a wonderful partnership, what with, you know, Terry...being a...such a nice bloke and stuff.

/cough

I guess Fabio must be wishing now (hindsight anyone?) that he did test Dawson, because if (and I hope not) we lose another CB during the competition, it's a baptism of fire for the lad if asked to participate. Although I'm sure Upson would get the go-ahead (it's based on experience not form - it's the England way). Still, another Spurs player travels. What's that now? Five? It's rhetorical. I can count.

Regardless of the back-door (ooh) entry to South Africa - congrats. It's deserved. The footballing Gods obviously want him there.

I bet his missus is gutted.

Update on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10:38PM by spooky

Nice article from the Guardian.

Do we get to keep our seats in the new stadium?

I know it's early days and appreciate the club are working towards getting everything approved relating to the Northumberland Development Project and our majestic new stadium. And I'm equally grateful for the level of interest shown by the club/chairman re: the supporters input and positively buzzing that Bill Nicholson is being remembered in a fitting way. But there is one thing that I've not managed to see confirmed (although I vaguely remember something post-supporter survey perhaps but can't quite grasp it from the back of my mind) and that is simply this:

Where do the club plan to seat season ticket holders in the new ground?

I'm not talking about first come first served, but rather the option to retain our seat (the equivalent of) in the new stadium if we wish to do so. Thus allowing for an assured transition that people who have sat (stood) together and sang together for years will continue to do just that from practically the same point of view looking out onto the pitch in our new (to be built) home.

You might not be that fussed, but personally would like to see confirmation from the club that they plan to retain seating blocks of fans who wish to remain together. For example - the Park Lane end are suitably moved to say the new kop end thus retaining seasoned vocal support rather than going down the route of let's say Man City, who had a fragmented voice when initially moving to Eastlands where there was no mass movement of blocks of fans. Some would say they still struggle to out sing away fans.

My understanding that from an official standpoint the club have not yet reached the level of detail within the Development project where they look at specific seating arrangements for current season ticket holders. Which is fair enough, as long as the option is one that exists once that level of detail has been achieved.

Like I said, early days, but I believe this is the last piece in the jigsaw with regards to the new development, and it's a vital piece. Looking forward to what Levy and co decide.

Goosebumps

Another top drawer video, this one from Jurgen Lineker. Rejoice.

No Theo? That's fab

You must know deep down something is wrong somewhere when the media lead with the story (genuine shock it would seem) that Theo Walcott has not been included in Fabio's 23.  Surprise omission they called it. We then had to endure various ex-players tell us how for example Theo deserved to go to SA (Really? Based on what? That hat-trick 2 years ago?) and other gems like Kenny Samson explaining he was pleased for the young lad Warnock. That's 28 years young Stephen - three years older than the unlucky (and better) Baines. And Heskey has been included because he's a battering ram. And we all know that if want to win the WC you need a battering ram upfront as a Plan B, to you know, work your way through the best defences in world football when Plan A comes unstuck. Although I won't joke too much here because we lack world class players in forward positions. Rooney being the only one. Would be a bit scary if he got injured in the first group game.

But hey, it's all about opinions. And the persistence on Walcott and the apparent shock must be all part of the pantomime, because anyone following football would point out what is already quite obvious to all. He's not been that good for a while.

I know I'm in broken record mode with this, and I'm not screaming 'I told you so' standing on a soap box pumping my chest out, because everybody knew this already. Well, apart from Walcott himself who is apparently very disappointed. And the people who seem to take to all this shock horror he's not going to SA BS. I'd say he would have been as lucky as he was 4 years ago to have made it in this time round. At least the BBC (news at ten) had a more realistic report on all this citing his inconsistent form. I guess all this hype was created the day David Dein had words with Sven. They created a monster, which has since nested under the bed.

So minutes silence then for the broken hearted and the delusional.

Moving on. Congrats to JD, Crouchie, The King and Azza.

Elsewhere, no room for Tommy or Daws. Experience being the reason at a guess, as Dawson has been superb this season and is arguably a better player on current form than Upson - but Upson has been there before (England setup and selection) and as discussed earlier in the week, some risks - it would seem - are far too big to take. Same with Hudd. Although has Carrick performed better than him this season? Oh yeah right, soz, that's not relevant, it's all about experience. If you want to validate it all, I guess you could say you wouldn't want a newbie ballsing it up and as our mentality (the English) is one that perhaps lacks the natural confidence and bravado to select a 'youngster' and throw them in at the deep end, maybe we should trust Fabio with his final selection. We took a 17 year old to the WC four years ago and never used him. This time round, no wildcards.

So, Heskey WC final brace anyone?