DoofersDad

Had Salmond paid his way and taken a seat amongst the regular punters then it would be fair enough for him to wave his flag but sitting in a privileged location because of his political position demands behaviour fitting of his position. Let's be clear - this was not an action by Salmond the fan, it was a cynical attempt by Salmond the politician to use Murray's achievement to draw attention to himself. It's no big deal, but it did look a bit naff and will have done nothing to endear him to those who are yet to rally to the cause (if I can use that term in the context of a tennis match). I wonder what the reaction would have been had Cameron sported a Union flag in the same way - no doubt it would have been condemned as unnecessary provocation by those who are currently defending Salmond. Sunday was Andy Murray's day and Salmond should have had the dignity not to do anything to detract from that.

It's hard to think of a sportsman who has ever had so much pressure put on them to win something. It is not just the 77 year wait to win something which is a national institution. it's the nature of the game where it is just you and another guy playing and the whole nation is watching everything you do - there is nobody to help you and nowhere to hide. And the scoring system makes tennis such a tough sport. It doesn't matter that you get yourself into a good lead, you still have to win the last game of the match. Having the mental toughness to cope with all of that on top of having the skill to overcome the world's number one player is some achievement. Could be a close call between Murray and Billy McKay for sports personality of the year.

Rooney also used to hit them low to the keeper's right but he hit them firmer and closer to the post. I agree about MacKay and am frankly surprised he has not had more saved. Personally I'd back Garry Warren to score from the spot - with his head.

Not only is the "R" next to the "T" but the "G" is just below. Not so long ago I wrote an email at work explaining something to a few folk who didn't seem to grasp a point which should have been straightforward. At the end, I signed off using the word "Regards". Fortunately I had carefully read what I had written before hitting the "send" button and it was then I noticed I had pressed the "T" key and not the "G". I quickly corrected my error although in the context of the email I was sorely tempted not to. Personally I think it is a courtesy to others to check what you have written so that you can correct any mistakes you spot. That ensures those who read what you write are more likely to be clear about what you are saying. It might also save you from being sacked! But heaven forbid that we should put people off communicating just because their standard of literacy is not up to the standard of some self appointed judge. As long as folk make the effort and can make themselves understood then it's what they say that matters and not how they say it.

None of it is important. He's a footballer. What is important is how good he is at football. How well he spells is as irrelevant as how good the editor of "The Times" is at football.

Two Under Performing Executives

Should this not now be retitled to "SPFL Transfers" as we head towards the new season?

No.

Offer's now been withdrawn with the club apologising for an error of judgement in offering it.

That's a very bold move by QoS. Just one year in management at Wick and then being offerred a chance to manage in what will be a pretty tough division. Despite winning the 2nd division by miles, survival in the 1st division will be the key realistic target for them. If Barry does take the job I hope that he is not judged on unrealistic expectations.

My expectations for the coming season are that a lot of people on this forum will find plenty to moan about and that others will moan about them having a moan. My expectation for the team is between 5th and 7th although I will be disappointed if we are not in the hunt for a European place at the end of the season either through the league or a cup run. I think Scotty sums up the goals for the season well.

which in Macclesfield means they probably work for Astrazeneca.

Another keeper from Hereford? That's a lot of old bull imho.

Macho! Dreadful sexist remark Should guarantee some clean sheets though!

Just because you are getting on in life and have years of experience doesn't mean you are always right. We have loads of folk on this forum who have years of experience of playing, watching, coaching and refereeing football and who "know what they are talking about" but yet who disagree with each other all the time. Everybody has a different perspective to bring to the discussion and even those who we may feel are generally on the loony side of weird make some very valid points from time to time. Everyone is entitled to make their point without being insulted by those who disagree with them. If any particular contributor normally posts views that you don't think have any merit then don't waste your time reading them. Personally I like to read the rubbish as I find it comforting to know that there are still some people around who are more stupid than me.

And the Transylvanians are looking for new blood.

Whether it is football or any other aspect of life, we are better off embracing people of all nationalaties, races and creeds. Stick us all into the same melting pot and what comes out is a much richer mix than the individual components.

If Spain beat Nigeria then Uruguay just need a draw, but they must assume that Nigeria will beat Spain. If Nigeria beat Spain by a single goal then their goal difference will go up to 5 and Uruguay will need to at least equal that. Asuming Italy don't beat Brazil then Brazil will win the other group and play the runners up in Uruquay's group. I imagine Uruguay would want to save them for the final and therefore they will have an incentive to win their group. To do that they will need to beat Spain's goal difference and so they need to set out to score as many as possible. If the news from the Spain game is that Spain are not going to lose then the incentive is lost and the game may just peter out. But as long as Nigeria have a chance of winning I would expect Uruguay to pile on the pressure. Whilst Italy will already have qualified, I think they will also go all out to beat Brazil as they will not want Spain in the semis. Should be good games!

you can try but it is sure to re-emerge before long.

What a novel concept! Call youself a fan? I don't go to to football to be entertained. I go to support my team and to belong. I go to bleed and suffer with other members of my tribe as we slip to a lacklustre defeat on a wet and bitingly cold December afternoon. I go to share in the sense of communal puzzlement about the team selection. I go to enjoy a strange combination of frustration and moral superiority when none of my team seem to be able to do the most basic things with a football - things which I, of course, could do with my eyes closed. I go to be part of the mob shouting their outrage at the officials for pulling up one of our players for being offside - when they were - and not blowing for offside against the opposition - when they weren't. I go so that I can join the ranks of the oppressed and feel a sense of righteous moral indignation at the conspiracy behind the decisions which led to our defeat. I go to endure the pain of defeat and that feeling that I am deserving of sympathy for my sacrifice and suffering. Of course its not all about the suffering of losing - there is the suffering involved in hanging on for a win when we are totally outplayed and the opposition have wave after wave of attacks and the final 10 minutes seems like an eternity. It is worth it though for the sense of relief and achievement. It's a bit like climbing a munro in a blizzard - you're as miserable as hell doing it but you get a great sense of achievement when you've done it. The nervy win is also good so that you can rub salt in the wounds of opposition supporters - after all, we know how they feel and our bragging rights allow us to play on their sense of grievance and bewilderment. If we were to play the opposition off the park, their supporters might simply acknowledge they were beaten by a better side on the day - and where's the fun in that? I am a fan. I need to suffer to bond with my tribe. I do not go to football to be entertained. But if I am entertained then that's good too, but remember, it is the suffering that's gone before which makes the victories and the success all the sweeter. Ok, so a bit tongue in cheek (but only a bit!) If this strikes any chords with you and you haven't read Nick Hornby's "Fever Pitch" then give it a go. It is certainly the best football book I have ever read - even if he is an Arsenal Supporter.

OK, so what's the bet when they play Spain? 10 goals or more? Go on - you know it makes sense!

Looks like another season free of relegation worries for County. But the prospect of both Hearts and Rangers in Division 1 in 2 seasons time. - or maybe just Hearts.

Funny you should say that, Rodneys middle name is Charlton, named after the club! http://www.brew-wood.co.uk/comedy/onlyfools/OFHCAST.HTM Luvly jubbly

Not going but give my regards to Del Boy and Rodney - or is it Dave?

The quote is actually about the love of money rather than money itself and is attributed to St Paul, It's from one of his epistles to Timothy in the New Testament - but don't let that put you off.