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Thumbbass

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Posts posted by Thumbbass

  2. Posted

    On paper the squad looks OK with the additional players brought in this window - however we still have a fairly wretched CM issue until the new lads are in the house. Look at any team in the world and the CDM/CM/AMC is what makes it tick, tempo and creativity wise, so trying to get a tune out of the squad will not happen until that is settled/sorted. 

    We seem to have bought the right players in. I think I can be patient enough to see if they are what is missing. Unfortunately it seems that will be another few games. 

  8. Posted

    I'll flip it and give you my most disappointing - Mark Billingham's Thorne series of books are really good but the TV adaption was terrible. Billingham himself picked David Morrissey to play the lead, I have to say he is one actor I take an instant and irrational dislike to, which probably didn't help!

    Best is Frost though. David Jason is a god among men, if only he could play defensive midfield.

  10. Posted

    20 minutes ago, Capt. Pants said:

    It's a shame he wasn't loaned out last January to a Championship team. 

    Even if he has a successful loan and we are promoted again, he looks way off Premier League standard. Too lightweight, too slow.

    I would not call him lightweight - in fact he seems the opposite - he just hasn't used his physicality in the games he has played for us. Slow yes.

  12. Posted

    We bought him as one of Europe's top prospects (apparently / parallels with Billy g here), he's had very little playing time but at the moment isn't ready for the Premier League (like Billy G) and we want to loan him out to get more game time (like Billy G). A loan to buy is not unreasonable if the purchase price matches our valuation, but I can't see why anyone would insist on it. A decent player who needs more matches going to a club of a level where he can be one of the better playing staff in a league that he can improve and compete in. It's win win.

    We can be choosy about who we talk to and I think that is the only reason he hasn't gone anywhere.

  13. Posted

    11 minutes ago, PurpleCanary said:

    Assuming Smith is telling the truth there, the obvious problem is that most of the clubs that would want to take Tzolis on loan, and do him and them some good,  would want a cast-iron option to buy.

    We took Billy G, Skipp and others without this clause. It's more about getting a player you can't afford the transfer fee or full wages for in a position the squad needs. If the Bruges link has legs I'm sure he will be more than competitive in the Belgian 1st division. Yes, he's not impressed for us, but the PL is top level competition. I know nothing about the Belgian first division but I'd hazard a guess that most of the clubs would struggle in the Championship. Could be a really good move for him and us.

    • Like 2

  14. Posted

    My memory of mooy is that he's a deep lying playmaker not a defensive midfielder? Good touch, control, vision and passing but slow. Probably more aggressive and better at holding the ball than Billy g, but ultimately the same position. Decent player once upon a time but I'd hazard a guess his lack of pace would rule him out now.

  16. Posted

    1 hour ago, TheGunnShow said:

    One for the old-timers, but former Leicester man Pontus Kaamark was apparently quite the linguist.

    Didn't consider myself an old-timer prior to this post. Did dig something out at work today that had an electrical test cert from 2007 which didn't seem too long ago, and then....

  17. Posted

    On 07/07/2022 at 16:39, Pyro Pete said:

    I would be surprised if Rashica stayed. His heart wasn't in it at the end of last season.

    His stats don't exactly suggest he will 'tear up' anything. One (deflected) goal and two assists (one from open play) don't inspire confidence. Even if Championship defences will be more amenable.

    The problem is, will there be anyone to match his wages and transfer fee?

    I think the stats you're quoting are more indicative of the poor overall team output than his contribution. As a winger who's used to crossing the ball with no target man it's a tough old gig. He can drive and beat a man but needs support. Only disappointment for me is his finishing when he gets in the right areas.

    He started to look good, derailed by injury, came back and took a while to get going but was on occasion very good at getting us up the pitch and actually looked our only threat at times. Perhaps by the end of the season he did look a bit despondent, but we're not getting reports of 'Wantaway winger demands move' so the fact it seems he might be willing to give it another season should be to his credit. 

  18. Posted

    For anyone who enjoys Black Midi, check out local weirdos Project Mork, they make a pretty chaotically tremendous noise and have done for a long time. It's not the most accessible, but if you venture from the mainstream this might tick some boxes. I was reminded of them when our drummer recognised their bassist at a local recording studio as 'they guy from cash converters', I would probably say he's the best bassist I've seen live. https://www.facebook.com/projectmork/videos

  19. Posted

    On 25/06/2022 at 11:05, Herman said:

    Did you get to see Amyl and the Sniffers @The Raptor ?

    Was really looking forward to the Glasto set but was a bit disappointed as I've loved all of the recordings I've heard. They actually look and sound like a proper punk band, just competent enough on their instruments but the big stage seemed too much. Amy is a brilliant front person but watching just made me think that they would be much better in a smaller venue or something needed to be done to bring them closer on stage. Idles on the other hand smashed the living daylights out of it absolutely brilliant set. 

    I need to go back and watch the Jack White set, apparently was great.

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  20. Posted

    54 minutes ago, Worthy Nigelton said:

    I thought the national average was around 30k nowadays?

    Maybe. Regardless, £36k +11% is nigh on 40k + pension contributions etc. Fuel and travel expenses are one of the key components to the increase in the cost of living - railway workers travel for free - not to be sniffed at, most regular commuters are paying thousands per year. 

    TBH my position on the whole thing has softened, partially because my hot take was exactly what that mop headed chuff nut wanted people to think.

    I've got no love for the people that I've experienced in my many years as a commuter, we've (Royal we) have generally been treated with disdain for years, disabled people stranded at stations or on trains, terrible 'not my job mate' and non-existent customer service, all of a sudden being asked to support those people doesn't sit well. Ultimately if successful this will increase fares for working class people, robbing Peter to pay Paul when Paul was doing OK anyway. The railways are quieter, but the staff numbers appear to be pre-covid levels - I guess they have a very minimal churn as they know how well protected they are. The union is doing what it's there to do, but I don't support strikes because the staff I have encountered have given me no reason to do so. I appreciate this is quite a personal position and that those who have not been subject to the sham that has been the service for many years might not see it the same way.

  21. Posted

    3 hours ago, BigFish said:

    People often say that, but in reality I am not sure just how much truth there is in it. Footballers are millionaires and can get great lifestyles pretty much anywhere. Robert Green said Norwich was a city the size of a town with the mentality of a village, which was an accurate description of how a footballer might view the area, particularly a young footballer. Plenty of other areas would serve hime better. If he stays it will be because he is happy in his job and/or he gets no better offers. End of story.

    Rob Green used to come back to sit on the fruit machine in the rose tavern when he was playing at West ham so there's more than one way to look at that!

  22. Posted

    12 hours ago, Capt. Pants said:

    BA workers at Heathrow threatening strike action now. I wonder if we're heading for a 'Summer of Discontent'?

    Wouldn't surprise me at all if we see civil unrest in the not too distant future.

     

    I think the BA strike is totally justified. Company reneging on 10% pay recovery once the industry is back after COVID. Rail workers did not take a pay cut during COVID, but some have had a pay freeze, so a real terms reduction in income. 

    Issues on the London line this morning and there was a charm offensive by GA staff the likes I've never ever seen before. Perhaps if they were as proactive each time disruption happened instead of hiding behind the barriers, drinking coffee, and chatting with their workmates I'd feel more comfortable that they were fighting for better pay and no redundancies. Usually it's left to one bloke to deal with 100s of disgruntled customers. 

  23. Posted

    18 hours ago, 1902 said:

    The key striking group are signallers and tbh they are absolutely crucial to the functioning of the railway and the safety of everyone who gets on board. It's a job where you have to be constantly alert and are liable for any mistake that could kill hundreds. It's also relatively highly skilled. Trains can't run without them, so the rest of the strikers are essentially out in solidarity, ironically saving the companies money.

    As for why do they deserve a pay rise. Well this government has screwed up energy policy for 15 years (in fairness, the government before them screwed it up for the proceeding 15 years). That's causing part of the UKs 11% inflation rate and ignores that their previous pay offers were also below inflation. It's an absolute gutting of peoples purchasing power whilst certain select groups continue to get at inflation wealth transfers. Regardless of how you feel about customer service, it's untenable to maintain a stable country when all policy is targeted solely at the over 65s.

    I've spoken to a signaller who said they sit and watch films on their phone all day, I can't remember what he said he was earning but it was a decent salary, over £40k. Might have been bluster, maybe. Hasn't helped my overall opinion.

    I don't question why the strikes are happening, I just don't support it. If 50% of striking workers are on more than £36kpa, £11k above the UK average, is paying them more not just lining the pockets of the wealthier in society at the expense of those who rely on the network - most of whom will be earning less. These are private companies with shareholders who will not accept a reduction in profit so the increase will come from commuters.

  24. Posted

    2 minutes ago, king canary said:

    It would appear so

     

     

    I wonder if the timing of this while that mop headed idiot is at his weakest is helping these figures along a little. But I am surprised. 

  25. Posted

    I've been a regular commuter for nearly 7 years on the London line. I can say that the customer service I've received in that period from Greater Anglia and its staff has been fairly poor to nigh-on atrocious throughout. A recent highlight is being stranded due to cancellations while one of my direct family was blue-lighted to hospital, station staff's answer 'the bus station is about 25 minute walk'. 

    Norwich station is usually, in my opinion, over-staffed by 'guards' who stand in small groups chatting, even through the COVID period. This seems to dissipate when there is an issue on the line, and those left to face customers offer so little as to be useless, perhaps they aren't given any information either? The new trains are more punctual, and on-train staff have always been pleasant but never look overstretched, there will obviously be difficult passengers, but then you'll get that anywhere dealing with the public. Passenger numbers are down due to WFH adoption and digital services are also reducing the demand on station staff. The trains are nowhere near as busy as they used to be, I'd often have to stand for my return journey but there are always free seats now.

    What is the justification in this reported request of an 11.1% pay rise? These are private companies with profits and shareholders and in all likelihood all that will happen is that the commuters using the service will be charged even more to cover any increase. Rail prices in this country are horrendous enough as it is. 

    I'm usually fairly left leaning and I'm no fan of Boris but I cannot support the action. So, I'm just wondering if there is any support for this strike outside of the rail workers?

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