Careful , Bryan

Been following this thread since the atrocity. Something like the bombings were always going to stir emotions. I've got to admit that I share some of the feelings from both sides of the debate. Knowing as much as we do about the "bombers" I can understand the feelings of Theno, BP and ASEF, after all the "bombers" are of stock that migrated to England and, to my mind, should have assymilated and become English. If you don't want to feel and be English, then go to Pakistan if you feel more Pakistani, or to Saudi or to Iran or Australia for that matter. Having said that, there are tens of thousands of migrants that are quite happy being English of Pakistani or whatever stock, who are being tainted by those radicals amongst them. That, in itself leads to a couple of other problems; 1. Do those that are "tainted" dob the radicals to the local plod or do they acknowledge a bond between themselves and overlook the indiscretions? 2. Should the state search out and deport or imprison those that are furthering the cause of the radicals? It would seem that there are some religious that are preaching the Jihad line and there are those preaching a moderate line. (I heard one British Imam on ABC radio this morning saying he was being critisised by his congregation for preaching a moderate form of Islam). I have been heavily critisised in the past for being "Australian" and turning my back on my English heritage (which I believe that I haven't). I happen to think that had all those migrants to England all those years ago had taken my approach to living in a new country, then there wouldn't have been all the "racial" "religious" problems. You don't have to turn your back on your religious beliefs or traditions from the old country, you just have to accept the way of life in the new country, and if you don't like it there is always the option of returning "home". The other day I heard of a bloke that had investigated all the suicide bombings since the 1980's. Apparently, every single one had involved a person or persons from a "Democratic country". That is, people from countries where there was a totalitarian regime installed were not involved in bombings. Makes you think, doesn't it, freedom of speech and run the risk, or no freedom of speech and "relative" safety Finally, I don't like the idea of censorship on this website and am glad that this thread remains open and would be annoyed if posts were "hidden". It's for me to decide whether something is worth replying to or getting upset about. There is a simple solution to those that get upset, don't read the thread, and certainly don't post. No one is going to hear you calling Theno/BP/ASEF/Colin /Scotty et al a "raging poofter/racist/tree hugger etc" when you are in front of your computer, and it might just vent your spleen enough to stop you posting(or is that part of the problem, the need to be heard?). I don't agree with everything that's posted on these pages and think that some of it is bordering on the downright stupid, but I don't get the urge to show my disgust by firing off a reply.

Do we care anymore? he did good things for us, then he did bad things. He's gone. I'm looking forward to the good things ahead with Blackburn Rovers, not what GS is trying to achieve at the Toon.

Just to add a little matter as to why McGrath is touchy about his wife.... For a quite a number of years she has been battling with cancer (breast, I think). I think that she is in remission at the moment. Finally, in a twist of irony, she's an English girl. He met her on an earlier ashes tour.

DMF, there's a good chance that some phone lines have been cut. Just hope and pray.

RR, there was talk of the government using the police to get the homeless off the streets, but I don't think they gave them one way tickets to anywhere. It's also true that there are very few beggars in Sydney, the closest you'll get is some druggie or some dero asking for two dollars to top up his "train fare". Come to think of it, the police wouldn't have had much to do as there was that much going on any homeless person would have wanted to get out to get some peace. I would think that all the events will be close to the main venue as possible, given secrity concerns and the like. So there is little chance of anything being out of the London area, with the possible exception of the Football. If you are going to go, and want to stay in a good hotel, book now before all the olympic hangers on get in for their piece of the action. There will be talk of people renting their houses for huge amounts, but this didn't happen to any extent in Sydney. If you live or work in and around the Olympic area, be prepared for lots of hassles, special transport lanes on roads, deliveries at odd hours, reduced parking on streets, roads partly or fully closed etc. I can guarantee that you will be fed up with all the hype that will fill the news bulletins and papers leading up to the event, but when the Olympics actually start there's a tremendous feeling, everyone seems so relaxed and friendlyto each other, you'll wonder why it doesn't happen in ordinary times. During the Olympics, I didn't go to any of the events, rather I went into the City to soak up the amazing atmosphere. I did go to the Paralympics where the crowds were less, but it was great to see athletes of all nations trying their hardest.

Whilst it will be a great two weeks, it will be interesting to see the seven years of angst leading up to it. Politicians and bureacrats will be fighting amongst them selves to get involved and blaming others when things go tits up along the way. Perhaps we (The Aussies) should send you copies of that brilliant satire by John Clarke and Brian Dawes called "The Games". Was broadcast in the early days of the preparation for the 2000 games and was remarkedly close to the truth, and very very funny.

M-K, you're not far wrong there. Wait for all the political hoo haa. Money being deflected from the education/hospital/transport budgets to pay for it. This is what the political parties will push at you. You will be heartily sick of it well before it happens. It's good when it happens, it's over in a flash, and there's a feeling of emptiness when it's finished. My advice would be to get involved, it's a bit of (short term) fun.

Steb, quite some time ago we had a discussion on here about Pakistanis living in England, during a series Versus the Pakistan Cricket team. From the TV coverage there seemed to be more support for the visiting team than for the home team. Anyway, the consensus, If my memory serves me correct, was that the majority of these Pakistanis should support England because that's where they lived and many of them born. Not an unreasonable presumption, is it? On that basis, is it unreasonable for people , like myself and Don, to support the country we live in? After all, (from my point of view) it (Australia) has done more for me than England ever did. (A contentious point I know, but I'm the sole judge of that). It's where I've made my life, It's the place where I've brought up my kids, It's the only place that they know as home. The big point is, my kids could play for England, they could play for Australia, pretty much like the decision that Andrew Symonds had to make. He chose his "Home". There are people like Tony Grieg et al who did things for economic expediency, and like Grieg, I wonder whether Strauss and Pieterson will be in England when their cricket career is over. If you asked me if I was English or Australian, I'd have to say Australian, because that's where I live, that's where I feel "at home".

American, there are some that don't realise that it costs money (cold hard cash) to run a professional outfit these days. Sometimes, just sometimes, a soul has to be sold to pay the bills,

Absolutely, purely hypothetical argument there, Vinjay. SGE didn't come. "Long Term" in football! Now short term in the investment market is 12 months to 2 years. Medium term is 3-5 maybe 6 years, long term from there on. Maybe we should have gone for Dario Gradi at Crewe. No "if's", no "but's" no "maybe's", we are talking the present time, Jack is no longer with us and his Trustees have a fudiciary duty to mantain the level of the trust fund to the best of their abilities. Anything less and the beneficiaries of that trust have an arguement with the Trustees. To put it succinctly, Jack would not have continued to throw money at the Rovers. He would have pulled the plug at sometime or other (My guess is at the time he did). He wasn't daft, I'll bet that the first love of his life was his family, and he would have done most for them. The Rovers would have been a distant second at best. To demand, as you seem to be doing, that the Trustees throw money at the Rovers to ensure that the team meets your needs is disrespectful to the Trust and to the Walker family. I'll be polite to you this time, Vinjay, and request that you desist you incessant tirade.

With all due respect to Mr Walker, to his family, his friends, to the Rovers and their supporters, the last time Jack was around, we got relegated. Remember it, tears and the rest. It still brings a tear to my eye even now. Vinjay, no amount of money can guarantee success. We have seen it time and time again in football. If Jack wanted to make money, he would have put it into doing what he knew best. He would not have put it into a football team. The fact that he did showed his passion, but he knew that he couldn't keep throwing money at the Rovers. The Club had to stand on it's own two feet. OK, the club at present is like a toddler learning to walk, we get over the problems of the past couple of years and things might (just might) get better. No guarantees, but we are in better shape than most. God, I don't know why I'm doing this, it's been said to you a dozen times already. Take my advice, go and do a Business degree or course at Tech and then come back and discuss it.

At Ewood Park?

Can I claim a "bite", please?

Paul, Nelsen is, to put it crude terms, a "Virgin", give him a couple of years (maybe less) and he'll meet the criteria of a "modern footballer" I'll bet. Got to agree with you on all the other points though. Performance related has got to be the way, but as long as you have the "big 4" then it's pay what you you can afford. One thing that we could do is send this thread to JW.

Is the club desperate for funds? Is any club desperate for funds? With a few exceptions, most would take any money offered. The only thing that's desperate for anything (with the exception of the truth) is a newspaper. I like the name "Durex Stadium", they could have the slogan of "Come Again"

Philipl, If I remember correctly, there was a time around 96/07/98 when Coar was being pilloried left right and centre. Many were calling for him to be shown the door. There was a great debate on earlier versions of this board about Coar's suitability for the job.

Paul, that's a good point about modern day footballers, but just who would you replace them with, a workaholic, self depricating, motivated, underpaid etc. one? If we did that, then we'd certainly have park football at (Insert your favorite sponsor) Park. The attitude of the modern day footballer comes with the territory, unfortunately.

I think that this move was made to ensure that JW doesn't get poached by another club. He has shown his skill in the job and must have been the envy of some of the other Prem clubs. It will be more difficult for him to move now.

Interesting. There may be more positive and quicker moves into the Transfer market.

Anything that promotes the Rovers, raises their profile and benefits the fans, has got to be good. Got to agree that it's formation should be distanced from this board. There are some who view this place as an "elitist" board that doesn't cater for all of the Rovers supporters, but they shouldn't be excluded from what could become an important input to the club. Now all we need is a pill to help those that constantly critisise without being constructive.

Bryan, Those dunes are a favorite with teams wanting to get fit. They are at Cronulla, about 10 kms from where I live. Steep soft sand, murder to run up, requiring a lot of energy. Just the way to increase your stamina.

Given all the information Philipl has provided, one would wonder why a football fan owning shares in United would sell. Quite simply, Money Talks. I have a mate who is an avid United fan, owns shares as well. He's taking the money and running. Is it of a sign of the times? Most certainly. Will it affect Football in the future? Most certainly. Quite how, only time will tell. Football is no longer the game of the plebs. There's too much money in it now.

What I want to know is, Is Vinjay the person known as "The Artist formerly known as Scott Sellars ate my hamster" on the BBC's 606 Rovers site? He appears to spouting the same line.

Bryan, I wasn't nor have I ever, complained about the way GLS left. I do note that you haven't commented on the way Berg left the last time. It did seem to have a few grapes of the sour variety, if I remember correctly.