Open End Numb Legs

Probably just getting old but I have become very fussy about TV sport presentation in recent years. Sky do tend to hype everything. It wasn't a good watch last night, the teams struggled to create space, some poor touches. Maybe it was the camera angle or maybe I have been watching the womens world cup where there is an extra second of space on the ball. I just don't like being told what is good and what isn't. Their cricket presentation has always been top class and usually tell it how it is though with the Hundred even that has succumbed to the hype lately, partly I suspect to the swathe of retired players dipping their toe into media work. Take an old pro like Jonathon Pierce, tells what he sees, adds background in quiet moments but makes sure it isn't about him.

I think it is only natural for people to ask what it is about and if it is not answered they get a bit edgy about it. Some people don't like surprises. Sure it is all very well intended and will go off fine.

I think it's brilliant to see a player with exceptional pace run past defenders, a refreshing change from too much tippy tappy stuff. Defenders left behind so far they can't even foul them, trying to pull them back but just grabbing air. He didn't fulfill his potential but I remember a fantastic goal for England, might have been U21.

Weird wasn't it, no one appealed as far as I could see. Scrappy game.

Well there is certainly plenty of room to park the bus behind the goal.

I like a good analogy but it is a struggle to nail our friendly visitor with one. The best I can come up with is:- You buy a well deserved new red car after working hard all your life. Your neighbour comes round and rather than discuss the merits of the new car, they instead only want to remind you of the crap car you had 30 years earlier when you first moved in. In fact, the same type of car that they are still driving today, though in blue. It is essentially, just envy, wrapped up in a deflection technique where they discuss anything to get off the subject at hand. We should nod gracefully and let them get back to their missing bodywork (or the permission to buy it). No offence to any City fans with a blue car....! ?

I live in Kennel Lodge Road and someone nicked a couple of bricks from my front garden wall..... (Ok, this may not be true)

A small hint would be nice. Is it a film, a book or a play?

One of my sons plays youth rugby and as I understand it us parents aren't even allowed to help out with any drills during coaching sessions. You either get yourself passed as a coach or you just watch from the side and talk about the price of fish with the other parents. I don't understand how I, with nothing but a parking ticket in about 1989, can't tie another child's boot laces in front of 50 people but a football coach is allowed to carry on with a history of violence. Is it just a player age thing? Or are we back to 'well he served his punishment and that is that'?

At least it is still August. It wouldn't be so effective on a chilly day in February.

Wow, I don't think I've seen that before. Love the surfers carrying on in the background, just doin' their own thing. I thought everyone associated with young players had to be vetted? How does that work with a criminal record for violence?

That value is becoming a benchmark measure against currencies and inflation. Soon to be quoted by the business news.

Had a look at their forum to see if there was any support for the Barton ban on the BP. About 50/50. Plenty of questions about why? What have the BP done wrong? No one can say why other than a publicity stunt by Barton and the news is all biased to City. What do they expect? The bigger and better club will always get top billing, it works that way everywhere. Sounds accurate reporting to me, would City try to build a stand without planning permission?:- I think Joey does have a point. The way the teams are discussed. With City it is always a serious business tone whereas Rovers it's always a patronizing, rag bag, plucky under dog and not so relevant tone.

Maybe he copied their template but more likely signing players in their prime is a tough thing to nail if you are such an unattractive club to join in L1. The reason I said it is risky is the oldies could easily end up unavailable putting all the pressure on the loaned youngsters. I wouldn't want JB as my boss, especially if the wage bill is as reported, making it a crunch season.

Are they doing the loans again? So young players on loan and contracts for the oldies? It is a risky strategy. It will be important to have a strong squad ethic and not one that splits into cliques. They could easily have the youngsters talking in their group about their parent clubs dreams whilst the oldies are all on the physio couch discussing the merits of schools in the area and how many more seasons their legs will last. Having such a bully for a boss doesn't bode well for bonding any of them, but if they get promoted then fair enough. We will still have a gold mine of laughs to refer to and their team will essentially reset to bare bones when the loans expire.

I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation.

I thought he told everyone he was loaded. Down to his last £20m or something? There is something rotten about fleecing supporters for information his employer should be making freely available. He has criticised his goal keeper for not being a team player then makes money as an individual from club info?

Oh dear. Where do you begin with that? I assume they went on the web looking for a character whose name is Jack or Hunt. Should have gone for Ethan Hunt, that would have looked fantastic as the tag line they have used in the picture (pushing for promotion) would have been followed with 'Mission Impossible'.

I can understand that point of view, I think in our case we are trying to build the right way rather than boom and bust. Time will tell. I suggest you don't say that to Joey though. If you do and he lights up a cigar........

Hang on a minute, this is a trick question. One is a tent.

That was the new Spurs ground, right? We were told they invested the same as them.

Embracing Twerton or 6th richest club and on their way to the Premier League? Please make up your mind though we will laugh at both.

If and when you win more games is what you really mean. The other Gas posters on OTIB don't feel the need to do that so they receive respect.

Not with Stallone in goal. I think they should have all hidden in Wark's moustache to escape.

He was the Dutch guy, right?