Sbragia Doesn't Need Star Quality
I've heard Sunderland are keen to raise Ricky Sbragia's profile as manager, which sounds a bit like the Labour party saying they want to renovate public perception of Gordon Brown and convince us he is a good time guy, the life and soul of any House of Commons bash.
It is, in other words, a public relations exercise, spin doctoring, a deliberately designed media strategy conjured up at a meeting with flip charts, note pads, fancy high-lighter pens and a steady supply of black coffee.
Having lost one of the highest profile managers in Premier League history when Roy Keane stomped off back to Cheshire, the Black Cats are obviously conscious of the fact Sbragia pales in comparison when it comes to grabbing national - and perhaps even - regional attention.
As a result, they want - to coin a PR phrase - get his name out there, Sbragia the man and Sbragia the manager. An admirable objective if that is what you are paid to do - and plenty of people in football are employed precisely to deal with (some would say control) people like me - but do fans really care if their manager is a household name?
I doubt it. Of course, Sunderland supporters loved Keane and his presence clearly did wonders for the profile of the club nationally and internationally, but all a football manager is ever judged on is results, not his star quality and celebrity status.
Sbragia's appointment took a lot of people by surprise because we anticipated another big name manager to carry on Keane's work, but few people had heard of Arsene Wenger when he took over at Arsenal and look what he's done over the last 13 years for the Gunners.
Sbragia's profile will grow in correlation to results. If Sunderland perform well, secure their Premier League place with something to spare and persuade players like Djibril Cisse, Kieran Richardson and Kenwyne Jones they are still heading in the right direction, Sbragia's gravitas as a manager will grow accordingly.
Struggle to stay out of relegation trouble, play unattractive football and struggle for results, Sbragia's lack of kudos before he took the job will come back to haunt him quicker than the star players can say "transfer request."
Encouragingly for Sunderland, Sbragia has done a good job so far, stabilising things behind the scenes after the chaotic final weeks of the Keane era and clearing out dressing room troublemakers like Pascal Chimbonda and El Hadji Diouf.
The Wearsiders are seven points clear of the bottom three and in Sbragia's 12 games in charge, Sunderland have lost just three games, won five and drawn the other four.
So far so good, but there is not a Premier League manager aside from Wenger, Alex Ferguson and probably Martin O'Neill who can ever sit comfortably in their chairs.
There are still 42 points to play for this season and with away games at Arsenal, Liverpool and a home game against Tottenham coming up next, the Black Cats could quite easily be back in trouble by the time they entertain Wigan on March 14. The manager will know this better than anyone.
Forget gimmicks, Sbragia will live or die by what he does in football games, not public relation ones...
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Luke Edwards - is Chief Sports Writer of The Journal and uses his blog to give a unique and entertaining insight into events at Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Oh No - not another Sunderland-bashing journalist. If I were you Mr Edwards, I would take a moment to ponder the meaning of the word "conscience". I presume the word you were looking for was "conscious". I assumed that correct grammar and contextual accuracy were of paramount importance in your profession. Especially if you had any aspirations to command respect for your opinion.
Allow me to shed some light as to why Niall Quinn and the board appointed Sbragia as manager of Sunderland.
It was palpably apparent, both from internal whisperings, and fleeting comments from players, that Roy Keane's biggest and most damaging weakness was his poor man management, and his reluctance and inability to communicate with them. In other words, there was a problem with moral.
In the build up to his departure, Keane himself confessed that he was unable to motivate his underperforming group of players, all of whom were capable of so much more. He all but admitted that he had become "detached" from his players, and for the good of the club, he made his decision.
Sunderland were in a dangerously low league position, showing no signs of improvement, until of course, Ricky Sbragia was appointed caretaker manager.
What does the club do in such a position? Firstly, it would be wrong not to acknowledge that it was mid-way through the season. With regards the appointee making a significant impact, time constraints had to be considered. Do they recruit a "household name" and hope that he has the necessary skills to drag the club from it's precariously fragile position. Or do they give the opportunity to "the players choice", a highly respected, knowledgeable and experienced football coach, unanimously coveted and supported by everyone at the club. Someone whom, given the balance of probabilities, would be more likely to maintain Sunderland's position as a Premiership club than any outsider, irrespective of his reputation or status.
Notwithstanding his comparatively lower profile, Ricky Sbragia inherited the position of caretaker manager, and he had an immediate and undisputed positive impact. He was given the permanent position on merit, and his ability to repair damaged moral through better communication as well as his willingness to listen. The team he inherited is showing signs of playing to their capabilities, and that is credit to him.
What should the club do in the light of his success? A. Undermine and understate him? Or B. Do they do what any business with a modicum of common sense would do, and attempt to raise his profile in an effort to support him in his efforts to manage the club?
That's a toughie. I'm going to stick out my neck and risk my reputation here. I'll say B.
Now that I have presented my case, and hopefully rested it, as I challenge any viewing journalist to put aside your geographical discrimination, and report positively on a club trying it's damndest to give it's long suffering supporters something to be proud of. Trust me, there are no other fans in the world more deserving.
Martin - I would take a moment to ponder the meaning of the word "moral". I presume the word you were looking for was "morale".
(Sorry, couldn't resist)
I wasn't actually aware I was slagging Sunderland off, just needless public relation gimmicks designed to jazz up the manager who doesn't need it if results are going well.
And I quote
"Sbragia's appointment took a lot of people by surprise because we anticipated another big name manager to carry on Keane's work, but few people had heard of Arsene Wenger when he took over at Arsenal and look what he's done over the last 13 years for the Gunners.
Sbragia's profile will grow in correlation to results. If Sunderland perform well, secure their Premier League place with something to spare and persuade players like Djibril Cisse, Kieran Richardson and Kenwyne Jones they are still heading in the right direction, Sbragia's gravitas as a manager will grow accordingly....Encouragingly for Sunderland, Sbragia has done a good job so far, stabilising things behind the scenes after the chaotic final weeks of the Keane era and clearing out dressing room troublemakers like Pascal Chimbonda and El Hadji Diouf."
Hardly a slaughtering of the guy or the football club Martin is it. However, thank you for pointing out my mistake, you will notice I have changed it. I blame spell check!
Do you mean needless gimmicks like promising to go in to interview the NUFC board with hard hitting no nonsence questions before emerging with sad, limp responses which told nobody anything they didn't already know?
The thing is Luke your piece does come across as critical of the Sunderland board who are not gimmicky. They are a solid board who supported Keane to the hilt and who now want to make sure that RS gets the best possible opportunity to be successful.
You would do far better running a piece on Sunderlands leadership in the provision of affordable football with their recent initiative on ticket prices - or do you see that as a gimmick too?
Sunderland fans do my head in.
I'm glad we do something useful Johnny ;)
hahaha Stuart! Touche'
Just re-visited the site. Johnny - thank you for your valuable input. You are a man of many talented words - always a valuable addition to any debate. I commend you for your foresight, sound judgement, and articulacy. And may I add that your parents were very wise to invest so shrewdly in your education. By the way, are you a Barnet fan?
Or, Stuart, clever marketing ploy to ensure the stadium isn't half empty next season. Kids for a £1 is hardly a new idea - they've been doing it at Leyton Orient for years and don't forget the adult has to buy a full-priced season ticket as well. And think of the money the extra bodies in the stadium will spend on merchandise and refreshments. It's a ploy to make money, not just a goodwill gesture. However, I'm being too cynical. Niall Quinn is a very rare thing - a chairman who genuinely has the club's and not his best interests at heart. You will not hear me arguing against that.
Apologies to Sunderland fans not all of you do my head in. Its actually Martin that does my head in.
Martin = Sad, Pathetic, Gay and very very Boring.
Hey Johnny
Thanks for your feedback. How about we meet up and we can discuss your comments further?
My entries have contained some intelligent content and constructive counter-argument. Your entries have been somewhat lame and are equal to the brain power of a dunderhead. I would like to invite you to actually add to this debate, instead of contributing uselessness, childish insults, and nauseating claptrap. But you can't can you? You have the brain of a shrew, and you find yourself in the unenviable position of being "a lamb to the slaughter". You hide behind predictable insults to compensate for your ignorance. I forecast that you'll use the same tactics if you dare to reply, or you'll hire someone with a brain to respond for you.
Keep 'em coming oaf - I'll fence till I drop.
Luke,
Of course you were slagging Sunderland off!!
How else could your reference to "a deliberately designed media strategy conjured up at a meeting with flip charts, note pads, fancy high-lighter pens and a steady supply of black coffee" be perceived.
And there was an inference in your article that Roy Keane was the managerial "Kingfish" compared to the "minnow" that is Ricky Sbragia. I was simply pointing out that positionally, his appointment was the safest and most shrewd in the circumstances. Will his position be permanent - I hope so, because that will reflect his performance.
Stuart's perception of the Sunderland board is a universal one. I can't recall a single year when our fans were even moderately as content with the club, it's leadership and it's direction.
Luke, are you seriously comparing Sunderland to Leyton Orient? I saw a game there once and I'd rather be in Kosovo! Sunderland are a premiership club with attendances of approaching 40,000, a moderately improving team, sitting mid-table, having just held Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates. It baffles me why people like you don't give credit when it's due. This isn't a blind defence of the club I support. It's a last ditch appeal for common sense. I have to say your Orient analogy is sensationally inept! I don't want to continue to berate you, but you're making it easy for me! Why do you look so deeply and critically at issues like this. It's simply Niall being Niall, not for the first time, caring about the financial predicament of supporters, and taking positive action to help out. Of course the attendance is important, and it is admittedly the biggest concern, but his track record for giving a damn about the club and it's supporters is even more evident than the stupidity and dimness of our unwanted southern "visitor" and Barnet fan - Johnny.
However, your last reference to Niall Quinn is refreshingly positive. I only wish your writing would reflect your final sentiment. In fact - why don't you whip up a little "piece' about Niall Quinn. Do you have any idea what he has sacrificed in his efforts to bring back the happy times to us, the long-suffering Sunderland fans? He could easily have downed tools, bought a house on each continent and immersed himself into his one true passion - horse racing. But no - he took it upon himself to single handedly take responsibility for the club and it's fortunes. He has done so with courage, foresight, integrity, passion, undying commitment and determination. Yet all you can focus on is mind numbingly negative trivia!!
One last message to "Sawdox". I'm not a journalist, and mine was a typo!!!!!
Come one Luke - you can do better than this - or can you?
Martin - here fishy fishy hahahahaha
Just go away. I'd meet up with you, but i'd immediately become unbelievably bored by your desire to pretend you are better than you actually are.
You're just a sad little man.
and Gay.
Johnny
Did you know that a Johnny in Sunderland is a rubber thing that you put over your dick?
I love it when my predictions come true! You're a true vulgarian aren't you, ape?
Also, did you know that statistics confirm that men that perpetually accuse others of being "gay" are usually rampant bottom dwellers themselves. Your reference to my sexuality is based on what? The fact that I can use decent diction? Another indication of your low functioning, tiny, skull dwelling organ.
It's obvious from your pitifully inept, crass, futility that I don't have the monopoly on being a sad little man. I thought you might refuse my invitation - have you always been a coward? Maybe you just want to go back to your cree and lay some eggs me old mate. Oh - here's another thing. If you are that bored of me, why do you keep on coming back?
Like I said - I'll give you my personal hotmail address, and we can arrange to have a chat in person. I'm gung ho for that.
Until then son, I suggest you go down to Old Kent Road for another shandy!!!!!!!!!!
Dear oh dear. Martin Robson, what on earth are you getting so wound up about? It was hardly a highly critical piece by Mr Edwards. Blogs pieces do tend to be slightly provocative. If you want sanitised sycophancy, read the Echo.
The strenght of your reaction is very surprising. Oh, hang on. You're a Mackem. And all your actually doing is exhibiting all the usual chip-on-shoulderness that sadly often accompanies said affliction.
Apologies, my mistake Martin. As you were.
PS. I also tend to find that those who feel it necessary to bang on about their own intellect / erudition are compensating for a deficiency in other areas. Knaa what ah mean like?!
Now now children, I leave you for a couple of days and look what happens! Homophobic insults are straight out of the playground and I'd prefer it if people didn't resort to that sort of thing on this blog. Future comments of this nature will just be deleted!
I have been chuckling at the exchanges, but can we also refrain from offering people out via personal hotmail addresses.
Finally, Martin, you are getting a little wound up over nothing much in particular. Nice jibe about rather being in Kosovo than Leyton, send me a postcard when you get there will you.
Seriously, though, I have just finished my work for the day having covered Sunderland's game at Arsenal and as regular readers here will know I am neither for or against either North East club. i would like both to do well - unless they are playing my beloved Orient who, by the way in case anyone is even vaguely interested, beat Hartlepool 1-0 at the weekend!
Luke - you make some fair points. I wasn't "offering him out" - I was trying to rid this debate of a moron. It would be useful to be able to talk about the issues at hand - I know the world is full of people like that mindless oaf, but I would rather deal with them than allow them to roam free, thinking that they have just made a point!!!
Hey look, maybe my entries could be perceived as an overreaction. But I genuinely feel that in the UK we are WAY too critical, and concentrate on reporting the minutia. Is it not to be expected that a club with aspirations to compete with the best would seek to raise the profile of the most important person serving it? That's all folks - that's all.
Can anyone help me as to the meaning of erudition? Never heard of it - and I'm one of the only remaining true wordsmiths!! Although I confess to my enjoyment of the term "sanitised sychophancy" in relation to the Echo.
How much did Johnny pay you to be his mind? Or was it that you felt the need to spring to the defence of a brainless bafoon because he also resides in E10. Your appearance with your own handbag can only be attributed to pecuniary advantage, or geographical prejudice. Because Lord knows that someone of your apparent brainpower wouldn't usually side with a foul-mouthed, watery, predictable irritant.
Or is it that you prefer to practice as you preach. Your deficiencies must be plentiful, considering your "overuse" of the thesaurus!! By the way - do you blow "pretty little bubbles" and wear claret and blue?
Do you dribble when you talk? Of course I'm not claret and blue, I feel violated just talking about it.
Luke
The second part of my last entry was directed towards "Restless Native" - not yourself. Your violation has been officially repealed. And yes - I do dribble when I talk. But mounted on my chin is a kidney shaped aluminium catching tank, so that I can drench suitors to my throne.
Luke, I share your surprise at some of the Exchanges on here. Thats said, I agree with Martin's wholehearted support for Quinny and his motivation. I also agree that you are being unnecessarilly cynical (perhaps deliberately so)in your perception of Sunderland's price cuts as a marketing ploy. I also agree that it is not fair to compare with the Orient when saying that this is nothing new. And no I'm not playing the big club / small club card - we've all been there before and it is excruciatingly annoying and patronising. It's simply this - no one has ever, to my knowledge taken this step so boldly in the Premier league. The fact that an adult has to pay full price to get a kids £19 season ticket is irrelevent. The adult is also going to get a significant reduction in the price of their ticket on top of the massive saving they will get for the child. All that said I disagree with Martin on his comment re. Orient, they are a great club with real character - I know a few fans here in the City and from what I've heard they tick all the boxes for a PROPPER football club.
Stuart,
Be assured that the Orient comment was very much "tongue is cheek". I was joking!! The comparison to Kosovo was an exagerration. Byker may have been more appropriate!
However, Luke's admission that his is too cynical is accurate. To find the negative in something so positive is perplexing to me - to say the least!!
The Orient comparison is irrelevant, especially considering the huge difference in 1. the price of the ticket. 2. the quality of the entertainment, (oh, 0h) and 3. the vast superiority of the stadium and it's facilities.
When I saw there was a blog entry about S*nderland, I groaned. When I saw there were 21 comments, I was surprised. Having not bothered to read the blog and instead go straight to the comments, I have to say I've never been more entertained on this site than now. Johnny -v- Martin Robson, get Don King on the phone, but give Lukey half the royalties!!
I used to work a Mackem called Martin Robson, but he couldn't spell his own name so I doubt it's him. I won't ask the question because he'll only come back with another elongated diatribe on everything outside Wearside.
P.S. Luke, I was disappointed we didn't get to Hartlepool after Sky moved our game to Sunday. When's the Carlisle trip again? Still fancy it?
Orient's trip Carlisle trip is Tuesday March 10th. I expect to see lots of you there, boosting the travelling contingent!
Dear Fauntleroy - In the interest of epigrammatism, I'll keep this brief and eshortgated. I am here to entertain, and thus am happy that you had a titter or two. The only reason I am responding is that I have never met anyone with my name, least of all another filthy Mackem. Therefore the coincidence is too unbelievable. You probably do know me - but I can assure you that I hired a private tutor, and it gives me great satisfaction to be able to impart that I can now spell at least one of my names. Is your name Adrian? If so, I believe we shared the same trout!!! Furthermore, you didn't know me well enough to come to that conclusion!!! Don't be shy - I've had worse!!
Martin Robson, I am truly impressed. It cannot be easy to consistently maintain the soaring levels of self-righteousness and pomposity which you so readily exhibit.
I commend you on your diligence; you are clearly ruthlessly committed to directing your undoubtedly limited talents to the noble cause of being a complete ar5e. The hard work is paying off. Bravo. Excellence is to be applauded, even when it arrives disguised as a verbose Mackem pseudo-intellectual.
As for your accusation that I took Johnny's side, I didn't. I just commented wistfully and in passing upon your stereotype-reinforcing inferiority complex. Let it go Mr Robson. After all, while it might not actually be IN Durham, it is actually a small town. Close to Durham.
Thesaurus? Never found those things necessary. Being English, I consider it my duty - as well as my birth right - to be able to express myself clearly in my mother tongue. I appreciate private education and 7 years in higher education aren't available to all, and I would urge you to continue to supplement the knowledge gained via your one Geography O'level with such lexicons.
Finally, a bubble blowing claret and blue 'appy 'ammer? Moi? Afraid not, kidda. 100% Mag. 100% Keeganite.
I do enjoy having lots of Mackem mates though, due to a quirk of school "house" placement, which saw me co-educated with some fine young men from Whitburn, Cleadon, East Boldon, etc. I would posit the thesis that their superior intellect - relative to your own - enabled them to rapidly grasp their place in the scheme of things (small town near to Durham, etc.), thereby enabling them subsequently develop an effective coping mechanism, otherwise known as a sense of humour. Try it, Mr Robson. Your geographical disability will seem less limiting if you learn to smile at it.
Love and peace.
Restless Native
Do you dribble when you talk? (Love that!!)
First of all - I failed geography at O level - unless of course the letter "F" in bold print, somehow refers to my passing with honours. Can anyone help me out with that?
"Stereotype reinforcing complex" - in my wildest dreams I could never have believed that a Skunk from a small town somewhere near Durham would understand the concept, let alone use it in context. Seven years of higher education - or not!
Blimey Native - talk about throwing stones in glass houses!! Do me a favour will ya. Go stand in front of a mirror and read back your last needless onslaught. Have you done that yet. Good. There's nothing wrong with self-analysis, especially when it leads to a diagnosis. Did you accent the part that states proudly "I appreciate private education and 7 years in higher education aren't available to all"? Now - let me walk you through this pet - don't fret - I'm going to keep it simple. If I do suffer from the "stereotype reinforcing complex" with which you refer, we are brothers inhabiting the same nest - are we not? Now to the diagnosis. You're a twatt. The prognosis however, is somewhat bleak. Especially with Kinnear as manager, Wise as recruitment "officer", and Kevin Nolan as your "best player".
I'll be your shrink. Just send 175 quid to my secretery. Cash or cheque - I don't mind. Next time - and not because I feel so much pity for you - I'll charge you half price.
Therein lies your problem. You read one article and you profess to know the psychological profile of the writer. Do you have any idea how arrogant you convey yourself to be? Once again - it's obvious I don't have the monopoly on pomposity.
I am sorry if - unlike others, you "missed" the humour in my prior entries. Maybe - just maybe, you're not quite as sharp as you evidently believe yourself to be. Although others might perceive your as an upright fellow attempting to put a wag in his place - I see it as a deliberate attempt to show off some of your grammar school education. You have jumped at the chance to bring your eloquence to the table. May I suggest you attend your bathroom and have your daily five knuckle shuffle. Considering your horrid haughtiness I doubt very much if there's a woman in your life.
As for my geographical disability - I too am from a "small town just outside Durham". I am proud of my roots, but I am well travelled. And I can say quite confidently that our friends from London categorise us as a sub species.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it - Mr Restless.
Martin Robson, or is it 'retribution is mine'... schizo tendencies? And 'retribution' for what, being a Mackem? You'll have to speak to your mother and father - if you know who he is - about that I'm afraid. Worrying combo, a split personality, an inferiority complex and seeking 'retribution'. I expect you own a lot of camouflage clothing. Don't try to out-shrink a real shrink.
You're a complete fake. You're trying way too hard. Eg1. anyone who actually has a secretary is likely to be able to at least spell the word. Add a dictionary to your thesaurus. Eg2. you've now accused at least 2 people on here of having relationship issues. Projection methinks. Eg3. ultimately, when challenged by someone intellectually your superior, you've done nothing more than replay my points and resort to exactly the same idiotic, abusive behaviour that you accused Johnny of in the first place. At least Johnny was funny.
One final observation, I have worked and lived all over the country for the past 14+ years. Whether it's been London, Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol, I've never felt that anyone I've encountered has regarded me, or the people of Newcastle, as a "sub species". I have friends from all over the UK and enjoy mutually respectful football banter with every single one of them. If you're regarded as a "sub species", when you tell people from Sunderland, maybe that says more about you than even the small town you're from.
Despite being a Mag, I have written many supportive things about Sunderland on previous blogs, eg. when Kenwyne Jones stayed put. I am not a mindless Mackem-hater. But I honestly think you exemplify everything that's worst about Sunderland fans. Newcastle is a bigger City than Sunderland and NUFC is a bigger club than SAFC, by whatever measures you might choose to compare them. That's just how it is, deal with it and let the anger go. It'll make you ill otherwise.
This is the best blog I've seen in years!!!!!
Ooh! - The tone of your last message has left me smarting in my seat. Oh dear - you've blown it. I irritated you to the core and you lost control. Sensitive fool aren't you? In the words of Johnny "here fishy fishy hahahahaha" It might surprise you to find out that I agree that Johnny was funny. Swashbuckling - maybe - but funny. Victory, as I know from recent experience, is sweet.
I hear Shylock was a Mag. If you pricked him - he bled. If you tickled him - God knows - he wouldn't laugh!!
Keep 'em coming oaf. I'm only just getting started. In actual fact, this comes easily to me. Almost too easily - It's effortless.
In no uncertain terms, you have laid the gauntlet, and my hat's firmly in the ring. Like my team of preference - we've lost no local battles recently - and I'm not about to lose this one.
Ooh! - The tone of your last message has left me smarting in my seat. Oh dear - you've blown it. I irritated you to the core and you lost control. Sensitive fool aren't you? In the words of Johnny "here fishy fishy hahahahaha" It might surprise you to find out that I agree that Johnny was funny. Swashbuckling - maybe - but funny. Victory, as I know from recent experience, is sweet.
I hear Shylock was a Mag. If you pricked him - he bled. If you tickled him - God knows - he wouldn't laugh!!
Keep 'em coming oaf. I'm only just getting started. In actual fact, this comes easily to me. Almost too easily - It's effortless.
In no uncertain terms, you have laid the gauntlet, and my hat's firmly in the ring. Like my team of preference - we've lost no local battles recently - and I'm not about to lose this one.
Despite your chosen profession, apparently interpretation is not one of your strong points. Maybe gynecology may have been more "appropriate" for you. IF you are in the field of psychology/psychiatry, frankly, I fear for your patients' chances of recovery. If you regard me as intellectually inferior, your "delusional disorder" is approaching its final stages. You are becoming overwhelmed by the domination of "abnormal beliefs". Add to the equation humourlessness and oversensitivity, both common symptoms of said affliction, you should know what to do. If not - allow me to help you. Gan doon toon to Boooots and get yourself some anti-psychotic medication. If you become dangerous to yourself (or others) - go to a place of safety - or your office. As for your loss of a sense of humour, try to use your connections – jump the queue for a colonoscopy, and your search will end.
For your peace of mind - I don't really have a secretery - and I don't give a rats ass about spelling it wrang. I do however have a dog - but he can't type. He supports Newcastle and he lives in the bog.
Thesaurus? Dictionaries? Never found those things necessary. Being English, I consider it my duty - as well as my birth right - to be able to express myself clearly in my mother tongue.
On the subject of self-righteousness, Mr. Sanctimonious, you truly rate yourself - don't you, ape! Allow me to put you straight on a few things son. firstly - quoting Freud to me and "career dropping" fails miserably to elevate your status. Am I fake? - I don't really know to be honest. But at least I'm not unoriginal.
Looky here - I'm not labelling everyone South of the Watford gap. I too have enjoyed plenty of lighthearted banter with my Cockney mates, but there is an underlying superiority complex and a definite, well publcised north/south divide. I wish I had a quid for every time I had to respond to the "outdoor plumbing" jibe.
Finally - for the record, I am one of the only Sunderland fans with courage enough to confess that the Keegan era, both as manager and player were great – and good for the area. They were "the entertainers" - the best footballing side in the country, and I wanted them to win the Premiership. I have little to no hatred for Newcastle - except maybe on match day!! The rivalry between fans is way over the top - neanderthalic nonsense. It’s certainly not healthy – not any more.
Which brings me to my last point. I would say the same to you as I would an Evertonian, a Luton fan, or a Mancunian. Who gives a flying shang-a-lang who has the biggest club? Every Premiership club is "big". Listen to yourself - Mr Shrink. "My club's bigger than yours"!! How old are you? To quote Johnny one more time - "you sad little man". Atrocious.
Your hitherto relative intelligence has been catastrophically undermined by your toddler-like rantings. And anyway, you smell of mothballs and I don't like you. I look forward to your reply. Try to be a bit more skillful though - this is getting tedious. Flex that head muscle and give me your best shot - and I shall taunt you for a fourth time!!
Yet another alias.
Yet more repetition of points already made by other people.
And 5 separate rants, including the latest at 3:47am.
You clearly are in fact a well-adjusted genius enjoying a fulfilling life. My mistake.
I live in Canada - 8 hour time difference - hence the time.
I'm glad we got that straight. Taking me on was a mistake. The odds were never that good for you.
The seperation of the rants were due to not being able to post only one. I think our Luke's put some restrictions on submissions. It was all one entry originally. Re the alias - same thing.
In fact, none of the points have been made by anyone else. It's very rare that you make a valid point. If you read my entries carefully - not once did I "bang on" about my own intellect/erudition. You were the first in this blog to do so - unashamedly.
I'm just going to collect my winners medal wearing a "Cheshire Cat" expression.
Good night.
I was funny! Woo hoo!