Scott7

“Turn that on its head: do you reckon that Portugal has had no decent centre-halfs for the best part of a decade so that he was there at various international tournaments et al?” dB, ten years ago - five, three even- I was a better centre half than I am now. Alves was expected to organise the defence with a steely presence and put an end to the frequent loss of stupid goals. Has he done that?

I would happily play Alves. I would probably win.

My humble contribution about Alves from the Chile v Portugal thread last June: Posted June 28, 2017 “Saw twenty minutes. No tackles. Two headers out straight to opposition. One header missed - chance to Chile. One daft foul embracing opponent right in front of ref. Otherwise marking space. Konterman? Surely not again.” At least Bert was fit.

Great banter, that tweet. But it was sent during working hours by a minister of the soi disant Scottish government.I

See that Giroud? Just the kind of big, scoring centre forward that Arsenal need. Oh wait ...

Wa ha hey. Baggies soaring up the table. There’s boing in the Throstles yet. Will a miracle confound my pre-season prophecy?

Like the rest of the NE excluding Aberdeen city probably still 60% correct.

Most events are polluted by photographers running about looking important and as you say taking the same photo umpteen times.

Forgot to ask. Were any of the clowns from the BBC circus inside the room or was DG doing a voice over on the Sky feed from the studio?

Strange creature isn’t he? If you asked Central Casting for a seminarian he’s the very fellow they would bring up. You wouldn’t give him part, though. Couldn’t trust him with his lines.

We can’t get the press on board because they’re mostly timmish. Actually I don’t want them on board. Sailing alongside observing and reporting accurately is fine provided they’re not firing torpedoes.

Doesn’t have the swaggerng arrogance of Souness but, then, who has?

Aye, them an’ aw. And the rockers. Whaur can I hide?

The D’ited game was at Ibrox. 2 - 0 at half time. 2 - 3 at the end.

I was going to answer that last one but I’m feart of the mods.

This puzzled me at the outset. The Highland League could be nearly empty with a long waiting list for the Lowland League. The system has been working in England. Any observations from followers of the National League North and South?

I don’t think it’s going to happen.

I concur with m’learned friends, Uilleam and Calgacus. There is no interdict though there might be a smidgeon of an interdict’s distant cousin if Laird are excluded from offering without meeting funds validation conditions

No reason why not according to the FA Technical Director, or somesuch (copyright der B) He cited their world class players, Harry Kane (fair enough) Deli Alli (not quite) and John Stones (doesn’t get a regular game for City) So that’s not quite three. But hope is always positive.

G’aun yersel’, big Beattie. I didn’t know you had it in you. 26th, what do you do for your holidays? Spend a fortnight on R4? I doff my bonnet to you. How you can listen to all that RKailyaird rubbish daily? I suspect a previous employer taught you the technique of resistance to brain washing.

I’m thinking our boys are playing like PSG or City then our wee bauchle of a winger gets the ball and hares off up the park crocking the fullback on the way. Shades of times past and Bud.

He should follow the example of Irish English who, though he scotches managerial rumours, never welshes.

That’s why I’ve changed my mind. If the tim crayon pushers are agin it, I’m for it.

Thank God it’s not Billy McPhail.

Don’t mention record score. I’ve been there.