The Football.....

[No Ta Doctor]

I remember a time when going for a night out at 21:00 was the norm. Anything before that was early.

That's kick off time for a Champions League match throughout central Europe
UK, Ireland and Portugal: 8pm
Greece, ex Soviet states etc 10pm

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

I'm not a huge football fan, but I'll usually have it on in the background at least if it features a usually decent team.

One of the few advantages of my dire sleep pattern is I'm usually awake until at least 0200, which makes late night UK time matches a lot easier to watch live.

 

[albion]

Anyone with travel plans beware...Even if you already have your ESTA.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy2yleex87o

I imagine they found social media criticising Trump. Many will also be cases of mistaken identity, authorities being ultra keen to please that King of all Kings.

A bit if stupidity involved, it simply not being worth the hassle going to the US as of current. I suppose it is more tempting for Scottish supporters, them in the WC finals much less.

 

[No Ta Doctor]

Question. Has anyone read a positive news article about the World Cup? The competition begins in six days and I can honestly say all I hear is negative press from ticket sales, public transport costs, empty hotels to a ban on water bottles.

This morning I read a BBC article on how ticket prices have been slashed. Jordan v Algeria has dropped from £471 to £171! Someone is having a laugh. If pushed I'd pay £171 to watch Rovers in the FA Cup final. Jordan v Algeria? 🤣🤣🤣 The chances of me being aware of the result or turning on the TV for this are zero. Yet FIFA claim the whole event is close to sold out.

My engagement will probably be little more than to check results of the leading nations. If England reach the semis or the final I would probably watch.

FIFA seem to have made a complete mess of this WC. It could well be a total failure.

The Swiss player who's been denied entry due to a criminal conviction for threatening behaviour when he was 21- no jail sentence, just a fine...(he's twenty nine now). Good job England didn't take Maguire I guess. Though Maguire is white so might have got a free pass.

 

[albion]

The Swiss player who's been denied entry due to a criminal conviction for threatening behaviour when he was 21- no jail sentence, just a fine...(he's twenty nine now). Good job England didn't take Maguire I guess. Though Maguire is white so might have got a free pass.

He got his visa, though it has to be said, it might depend on 'mood', so likely no guarantees for all players.

 

[PaulSB]

I imagine they found social media criticising Trump. Many will also be cases of mistaken identity, authorities being ultra keen to please that King of all Kings.

A bit if stupidity involved, it simply not being worth the hassle going to the US as of current. I suppose it is more tempting for Scottish supporters, them in the WC finals much less.

Yep, I wouldn't risk a trip to the US while the Republicans are in power. That could be another six years. One could easily get turned away at immigration.

A great shame as we have several good friends there who I'd like to visit.

 

[wakemalcolm]

Dave Challinor has joined Rovers as Head Coach. During a 15 year career he has never finished lower than the play-off places.

As a Rover I can't be anything other than pleased.

What's happened there: I'm hearng that Uncle Tony's gone back.

 

[PaulSB]

What's happened there: I'm hearng that Uncle Tony's gone back.

No idea. I've just read it myself. The Dave Challinor "appointment" was reported in the local press though tellingly, now I think about it, there was no club announcement and it wasn't reported by the BBC.

Mowbray is on the club website so it must be correct. Challinor was obviously local press getting it wrong.

I've great respect for Tony, he had a good spell at Rovers but going back can be a mistake. I do wonder if Challinor might be the better bet.

 

[wakemalcolm]

No idea. I've just read it myself. The Dave Challinor "appointment" was reported in the local press though tellingly, now I think about it, there was no club announcement and it wasn't reported by the BBC.

Mowbray is on the club website so it must be correct. Challinor was obviously local press getting it wrong.

I've great respect for Tony, he had a good spell at Rovers but going back can be a mistake. I do wonder if Challinor might be the better bet.

He's a good man and his football will be entertaining. Thought Challinor would have been an inspired choice though; he deserves a decent break after his record in the lower leagues.

 

[Elybazza61]

As an Ipswich 'fan' he will always be fondly thought of down this way ; should really have been a manager there.

 

[PaulSB]

He's a good man and his football will be entertaining. Thought Challinor would have been an inspired choice though; he deserves a decent break after his record in the lower leagues.

I agree on both counts but highlight the first. I've always felt a little bit of extra pride when someone who seems to be a decent human being first and foremost is stood on our touchline.

We've been fortunate to have a few; Parkes, Dalglish, MacKay, Hughes, Souness, O'Neil, Tomasson, Eustace. These stand out for me, I'm sure many others could be included.

Then of course we had Steve Kean and Valerien Ismael for a bit of balance 🤣

 

[wakemalcolm]

I agree on both counts but highlight the first. I've always felt a little bit of extra pride when someone who seems to be a decent human being first and foremost is stood on our touchline.

We've been fortunate to have a few; Parkes, Dalglish, MacKay, Hughes, Souness, O'Neil, Tomasson, Eustace. These stand out for me, I'm sure many others could be included.

Then of course we had Steve Kean and Valerien Ismael for a bit of balance 🤣

I remember watching him play alongside Pallister and couldn't understand why Man U were fawning over him instead of Tony.

Anyhow, you might not get promotion, but you'll see plenty goals and develop loads of youngsters.

 

[PaulSB]

@wakemalcolm ........and you know what? I'd be happy with that. Better a decent season in the Championship than a weekly walloping in the PL.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Some great news for us West Ham fans -

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...t-west-ham-to-fight-claims-about-private-life

From what I've heard, he is the subject of a Panorama investigation.

 

[AndyRM]

Great stuff from Scotland this evening. Not often we score 4, let alone in the first half!