On the Ball (new Football Focus)

[Jah Lush]

Ok. I'll try. It was a pretty dull match but a good result. Wayne Rooney was pretty impressive and I thought Frank Lampard had a good game too. I also think Aaron Lennon will keep his place as he did well in the 45 minutes that he was given before David Beckham replaced him for his 109th cap. The real test though comes on Wednesday against Ukraine.

[matthew123]

I dreamt last night that, Aston Villa score a late winner this Sunday at Old Trafford to beat Man United... although I am concerned about it's credibility, as the final score was Manchester United 18 - 22 Aston Villa ::o

[red devil]

The BBC is reporting that Shearer will be appointed Toon boss until the end of season...

[Mick Mac]

I think MU 4-0 Villa is more real Matt. Lets hope so anyway.

[matthew123]

Shearer will not be missed on MOTD...

[Mick Mac]

Actually Matt - I would miss him - I think he has been very good recently - Hanson has been saying the same thing for far too long - I like Lawro though.

[????]

MM - I like Lawro too although most people seem to detest him

MP - Don't think I can swing EDF drinks and Sunderland :(

[Mick Mac]

Quids - your Grand National thread is lacking attention - you should be posting there to bump it along...

[red devil]

Re. Grand National, I'm waiiting for the declared runners and riders, and which horse certain jockeys will ride...

Re. MOTD - I think it suffers from trying to fit in too many matches. Also poor editing, on the post match analysis you sometimes see better action and near misses that wern't shown on the highlights. MOTD 2 is far better, especially with Adrian Chiles and less hackneyed pundits, also the feature items on fans at the match...quality before quantity as they say

[SeanMacGabhann]

None of the channels appear to be showing the Italy v Ireland game tonight. I'm hoping the Vale have a feed - anyone know?

[mockney piers]

April Fool?

[matthew123]

They do show multiple games so you might be in luck.

[SeanMacGabhann]

What, the Irish game not being shown?

I don't think so. It's not even on Setanta Ireland - that is showing the BG game. I'm assuming that is the other feed the Vale uses so I could be out of luck

[mockney piers]

OK, to save you from yourself, how about the White Bear, which has RTE.

[Ted Max]

Ireland are playing already. (and doing quite well)

[matthew123]

Vale can pretty much pick up any channels but unless they have it on their chalkboard in advance you might want to speak with Landlord so he gets his act in order beforehand to have it as additional game. Obviously the big draw is England v Ukraine.

Perhaps the biggest qualifier tonight is Turkey v Spain, and that is a live feed on betfair.co.uk

[Atila Reincarnate]

Shearer to become Toon manager? Beware Alan, you were agreat player, but that doesn't always mean you will be a good manager. Toon faithful see you as god but if you fail...............................

[matthew123]

Well he may have calculated that with only 8 games left he has nothing to lose - as why the hell didn't he offer his services once Keegan resigned or Kinnear had his heart troubles few months back!?

Not impressed.

[SeanMacGabhann]

Apparently he did but Ashley wasn't interested. There is also the problem of Dennis Wise to be dealt with - Shearer wasn't keen, Ashley was. And now Wisey looks to be on his way

[mockney piers]

Southampton seems to eb beating West Ham to the credit crunch punch.

Sad day (well, except for Ratty)

[red devil]

Boost up your Grand National kitty, Rooney to score first goal at 4/1...

[Mick Mac]

That's a good tip RD but very short odds.

[matthew123]

If Crouch starts then I'd say Crouch to score first, as Rooney will be too deep to make it reasonable odds

I'd also tip Andriy Voronin to score at some point during match.

[Mick Mac]

a pc goal has just been scored

[Mick Mac]

Ireland Italy game is interesting - Ireland dominate play but Italy lead 1-0.

I could not understand Ireland dominating possession until I realised Italy had a man sent off after only 4 mins.