IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER

Bad news. He must have been getting super fit as I am reliably informed that only true athletes suffer Achilles tendon problems.

If Marius needs help we can always loan him out a submarine and perhaps Mike Smith would be the perfect bait to drop into the depths of Loch Ness.

Maybe so but it cant beat hearing it from the man himself.

:001: For once the "pressure" is there for everyone to see. The last time that we were in a similiar position was in the first SPL season - we changed our tactics and the "Dogs of War" camaraderie got us out of a big hole. Not that bad yet and this time there is a bigger, and on paper, better squad to pick from. I would have thought that it was also clear that this is CC is well under the microscope and the next few games will hopefully prove that he is up to job in terms of selection, tactics and motivation. The Huns game was about the worst we have played for a long time, there was an improvement at Well but there was also on-going concerns. Injury has played its toll but that is not an issue now. We have an experienced SPL squad - we should be climbing up the table soon. As the inimitable Hans Seyle once said to me: "Stress is an unavoidable consequence of life. Without stress, there would be no life?. However, just as distress can cause disease, it seems plausible that there are good stresses that promote wellness. Stress is not always necessarily harmful. Winning a race or election can be just stressful as losing, or more so, but may trigger very different biological responses. Increased stress results in increased productivity --- up to a point. However, this level differs for each of us. It's very much like the stress on a violin string. Not enough produces a dull, raspy sound. Too much tension makes a shrill, annoying noise or snaps the string. However, just the right degree can create a magnificent tone. Similarly, we all need to find the proper level of stress that allows us to perform optimally and make melodious music as we go through life.

Fantastic - does this mean that the Dead Pool is back ?

I think that what I am alluding to in this thread is that poor old CC is on a hiding to nothing. BUT on this occasion he has several difficult decisions to make and the performance as much as the result will be the deciding factor on post match comments.

As my good firend Nelson Mandela once whispered to me: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our dark that frightens us the most. When we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same"

It is the feckin tactics, formation and personnel that will ensure that we get the three feckin points. :crazy07:

Saturdays' team selection an tactics are going to be extremely interesting. IMHO this is the most important challenge faced by CC so far in his managerial career. Nobody can second guess the line up as it is based on information behind the scenes but hopefully not "political" pressure. Does he throw Watt into the deep end ? Depends on how fit he is; how has he gelled in training; are there pressures from Swansea? Will he replace Hastings ? Depends on his view of the last two performances, especially at Well. Does he leave it as it is ? Can he ? Does he persist with Cowie or draft back Bazza ? Is Bazza fit ? What would Bazza's reaction be if left warming the bench again ?? Hart was tremendous against the Huns ? Does he start or go on the bench or is he on his way out ? Duncan / McBain or both ? Leave Rankin on the bench again ? Do we need the running and covering power or a bit of extra craft ? Does he change the system to 4-5-1 ? Does he really pull a surprise and include Zander ? Does he start Niculae ? Is he really match fit ? Has his fitness levels improved ? Is he under pressure to start him ? Does he play him up front alone ? I would very much doubt it but ? Is Bayne match fit ? Can he play with Niculae as they appear to both be target men ? Does he go with the trusted Bayne and Wyness ? Does he drop them both and bring in Deano ? And the only real way he is going to "win" is with a good overall team performance and probably a win. In all sincerity - good luck CC - and a quote from the bible to comfort ya: Johndo 4:23 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."

Is that not slightly extreme fer a game of football ?

You have far too much time on yer hands ya Dosser ******. :001: And that report provides us with plentiful feedback in regard to the performance of Steven Watt - he played 90 minutes.

Hey Scotty - ya could get yer old Cellic scarf out as proof of admission, cross yerself at the door and if ya want I can remind ya of the words of Sean South. :001:

Ive got a big one.

After lengthy discussion with my family and friends, in the face of the recent torrents of abuse directed at my good self I still dont give a feck. :rotflmao:

What pub are we going 2 then ?

It is the posting of these doubting words that create all the friction at the club. I sincerely hope that CC, his family and friends are not looking at this. :008:

Here is a recent Swansea piccy: Steve Watt Profile provided by Andrew Thomas Steve would have been the bookies favourite to have been on the released list last June, but that was prior to Kenny Jackett's departure and Roberto Martinez's arrival. Originally signed from Chelsea, Steve played very little football for the club before an injury at Nottingham Forest sidelined him for a long spell. Then, after apparently falling out of favour with Jackett, Watt was once again injured. Having been given a reprieve, and the departure of Izzy Iriekpen, hopefully Steve will be able to demonstrate the class which prompted Jackett to sign him originally. 2006/2007 Profile provided by Andrew Thomas After signing on an 18 month contract from Chelsea during the transfer window, Swansea fans have seen very little of Steve, due to a painful shoulder dislocation suffered at Nottingham Forest. However, during those two League appearances, Steve showed a lot of class on the ball, as well as great reading of the games in which he played. It is hoped that he will be far luckier this year, and should become a genuine asset to the team, providing competition for one of the centre back berths with Austin, Monk and Iriekpen. Following his time at Chelsea, Steve is unusual for a footballer in not naming pasta as his favourite food. Steve Watt - Soccerbase.com

Have to envy the Well fans. I got parked on the street 1/4 mile from the ground - almost welcomed into the Supporters Club 100 yards away from the Main Stand, hot pot and a pint fer ?2.50, Big screen tellies to watch the Bairns game, three bars, packed house and then got a father and kid ticket fer ?26.00. Straight back to the car and back on the Motorway within 2 minutes.

Even I am lost fer feckin words !! Perhaps the reasoning is that we cut the squad to 16 players and save some money. :017:

Being pessimistic about a Top Six spot is a bit different.

I am reliably informed that he is still considering which extension to pick. Personally I think that he may suit the reddish one, second from the left. What do you think ? [img width=500 height=369]

Was having ma morning cuppa when I noticed this. I thought to myself "What ?" and there at the bottom of my mug the tea leaves had created the pattern of a feckin massive seagull with the latters W A T T. D.O.B. 01-05-1985 Birthplace Aberdeen Height 6'3'' Weight 13st 12lbs Position Defender Signed 10-01-2006 Fee Free Former Clubs Chelsea Pen Pic Steven Watt is a tall centre half who signed an 18 month contract with the Swansea during the January 2006 transfer window. He made his debut with the Premiership champions in last season's FA Cup against Scunthorpe and he received compliments from manager Jose Mourihno for his performance. Barnsley were also interested in signing him on a permanant basis after he played 3 games for the League One club whilst on loan. His spell ended early due to injury. After joining the club, Jackett said: 'Steve is a quality player. He is strong in the air and in the tackle. In fact, his all-round game is very good. 'I am delighted to add him to my squad. He is a quality acquisition.' Watt will certainly add competition for places in defence as he'll compete with Monk, Lawrence and Austin for a place in the centre of defence. He made his reserves debut for Chelsea at the age of just 16 and he will now wear the number 12 shirt for the Swans. Swans fans have yet to have seen him play on a regular basis because of on-going injury problems. Despite this, he was offered a 1 year deal by Martinez this summer which he signed. After signing, Martinez said he wants him to be playing regularly next season but that is likely to be on loan

From my position in the stand, at the time, I thought it was a penalty. It must have looked it from where the ref was too. What the feck. No sense in crying over spilt milk.

Far out dude. :crazy07: