kpc

And away from the test, interesting finish lined up at the Oval where Warwickshire need 222 to win in a low scoring game on a wicket that appears to be taking spin. Should edge it but think it will be mighty close.

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Can't see far beyond the obvious.... Spain, > Holland and Germany myself. I also expect that > Torres will have a decent tournamnt with Villa > out. I think England will get through their group > and then lose to Spain. Add Italy to those three for the other semi-finalist. Will stick my neck out and say Germany to beat Netherlands in final (should put the kibbosh on that then).

Congratulations to the Irons on their promotion to the other football thread.

There is no play-off final tomorrow, just a vicious rumour. Yours from the bunker of denial.

Nope. As they were early season, if anything I think that they helped to bring the squad together, both in terms of playing style and team spirit given the turnover of players following relegation. Hughton would typically make 5 or 6 changes from league games for these matches. More relevant were the injuries to key players at various stages of the season: at one time, both preferred right backs were out (Steve Carr and Jonathan Spector). David Murphy had a couple of months out, Jordon Mutch slightly longer, Guirane N'Daw and Keith Fahey in midfield, both Marlon King and Nikola Zigic picked up knocks (Zigic landing awkwardly after scoring his fourth at Leeds) and most recently Steven Caldwell and Boaz Myhill. Not that anyone is using this as an excuse, injuries happen. Over two games against Blackpool we under-performed; despite this, had we taken our chances last night, I'd have been forking out around ?80 for a Wembley ticket today. The good thing is, Blues fans are reacting positively to not making the play-off final. Disappointed but realistic. And not one of 8,000 plus who partied in Brugge regrets our European run.

maxxi Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > It's a strange ol'game though... if CH leaves, > what price the owners(?) doing a Redknapp and > bringing McLeish back when he gets sacked? ... or > Steve Bruce is still hanging around... Ha ha ha ha ha. None at all. Now if Barry Fry declared an interest....

Vicious rumour, but given the current circumstances at St Andrews (late accounts and all that) and that he is only on a one year rolling contract, speculation is inevitable. If he leaves, so be it; he will leave with the goodwill and blessings of all (sane) Blues fans for the season he has given us (as opposed to the guy who f*cked off last year). Interesting few weeks ahead.

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Bad luck KPC. Got to be honest and say I'd rather > be facing Blackpool than you but hope you keep > your manager and get back up soon...ideally to > join us :)) Thanks. Disappointed we didn't make it to a 63rd game. Have consoled myself with a large glass of rum. Been one hell of a season all in all, and probably the most enjoyable one for many Blues fans. Last year's accounts out next week - not pretty but "nowhere near bankruptcy". Hope we can keep Chris Hughton so that he can continue the good work.

Maybe it could be arranged for one of them to 'fall ill'. Nothing serious, like.

Looking pretty safe for you - congratulations and hope to join you at Wembley. Decent allocation for final - are you not part of any of the various membership schemes. Or you could try the "spare a ticket for a veteran of '75" line.

That's cos we scare you.....(expecially Zigic).

Bucket and spade - check. Kiss me quick hat - check. Sugar lumps for donkeys - check. Phone number of local STI clinic - er. Blackpool here I come. Good result for you guys last night - see you at Wem-ber-ley.

maxxi Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > Don't get me wrong - I just mean we have hammered > them (Blackpool) twice this season whereas the > Brummies scraped a draw each time. > > Tbh I think Blackpool will prove such a thorn for > B'ham and put them through two really tough games > - so much so that even if the blues win they will > be shot and WH will beat them comfortably... if we > get past Cardiff;-) Sixty games so far, we've been through our tired patch and now on our second wind. Players coming back from injury and others stepping up to the plate. Yeah, too much going our way, we're doomed.... Whatever the outcome, intend to thoroughly enjoy the remaining games, even if that does mean drinking to excess.

I can understand that. ;-)

Happy with our fourth place and B&B already booked on the Prom for next Friday night (incidentally, Blackpool are only charging ?15 to season ticket holders of both clubs). Blackpool's open style will allow plenty of opportunities and I feel reasonably confident of a trip to north London in three weeks. In a one-off final, we fear no team...