Mark Albrighton

Probably a bit late for this but I would highly recommend Budapest. I went last year for a stag do and it was great. Organised it with Budapest Madness and they were fine. Usual things, airport transfers, transport to and from activities, guided pub crawl on the one night with a pretty hostess (two hostesses in our case). The company wanted the payment in cash which was a bit weird but other than that they were sound. Takes a lot of the hassle out of it. They only guided us the one night, the other nights we did our own thing. All the night life is in Pest, rather than Buda. Really cool city. I can honestly say I've never seen so many good looking girls in the space of 72 hours. Would definitely go again.

I'm conflicted on sunderland. I would happily see them relegated, but watching them find new and exciting ways to implode on a regular basis is so entertaining.

No one has scored more headed goals in the premier league in the last 3 seasons than Benteke. I believe that, it's a dying art. Just wondering on numbers. This article suggests it was 13 goals, not sure how accurate it is. http://basstunedtored.com/2015/07/22/the-truth-about-benteke-and-crosses/ Rudy will have no problem beating that anyway.

Nice display of sportsmanship to start the season with. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=itUDDrRcIkQ

Aside from the natural repulsion in seeing Sandler's name on a movie poster (I had the misfortune of seeing 5 minutes of "Jack & Jill" earlier-why Pacino? why??), it always slightly annoys me when the actor's name is above the wrong actor in the poster.

It's that slim fit shirt. Yeah, the unbuttoned, unkempt look like he's just finished a 9 to 5 shift and he's going to enjoy a drink in a nearby beer garden. That and his stubble. He's dreamy.

Did anyone else think he looked ruggedly dashing in the August sun today?

It's easier said than done, but I would try and arrange a catch up away from work. Could be anything, just nothing that screams "romantic intentions". If she politely declines, then you could take it as a sign that she's doesn't see you in that way, ego remains intact. If she fancies meeting up then you can go from there. I could be wrong, but I think the fact you regularly message each other is promising. It's useful to think ahead about how things could turn out, but it could be that you're worrying over something that may not happen. Of course I wasn't ultimately successful in my office romance, so keep that in mind!!!

Sounds to me like you're heading down that road. I know it well! I take it you haven't met up outside of work, for a leaving do or something. Any chance you could subtly suggest meeting up (innocently) during one of these chats? If she wants to it could be a good sign. Really trying to offer sound advice but with caution cos I know it can get messy! In my experience, if you make a move and she knocks you back, she'll at least be flattered, she most likely won't want to stop being friends. I don't know how much you value your current friendship with her. It sounds that you really would like more. Ask yourself this, if on Monday she tells you she's seeing some guy, how would feel?

I sympathise. How long have you liked her? Has she initiated anything or do you feel this situation is mostly being instigated by yourself? Cos that's what I did. And looking back she clearly saw me as "Mr Right Now" rather than "Mr Right" for her. A bit of an ego boost for her. Is there any hint of that for you?

When I google "Aston Villa" and the first result that comes up is no longer last season's cup final.

Yep, it can be a lot of fun. I fancied a cute girl I worked with (same building, different team) for about a year, made my move and we ended up in a casual sex buddy sort of thing which we kept quiet. Although I wanted more of a proper relationship, I was enjoying myself. Bit of fun around the office, etc. Stupidly fell for her quite badly. Then after a while she put a halt on things, citing issues with her ex. For the next few months she treated me completely differently, like nothing had happened. I later discovered she was seeing another guy from work (properly going out) which was obviously a bit of a kick in the teeth. I left my job shortly after. Sorry, that was probably more than you needed to hear! My advice would be if you both want to see each other, go for it. Life's too short etc. But just be wary that even with the best intentions, things can get awkward. If you're both of a similar mind (proper boy/girlfriend or casual sex) and there's no secret feelings on either side, definitely worth considering. Not everyone is such a wuss like me!!

I honestly don't remember seeing him before he won that free kick just before half time. Overall he was ok. He was involved in our most threatening moments (the goal aside). I thought his good run followed by his shot (which the commentator described as a back pass to their keeper) seemed to sum him up. However, his pace does still cause panic.

Listening to 606. They've not kicked a ball yet, but they've already had two calls from Liverpool fans moaning about how bad things are (and by the sounds of it, close to tears). The season is officially underway.

Just echoing a few points already made. Very happy with the win, today was always going to a tricky game. Second half was a massive improvement. Clark & Richards, occasional errors aside, were good. Veretout look decent and will only get better. Gana (Gueye) very good, gabby was better as the game went on, Sinclair was our biggest threat in the first half. Ayew initially looked bright but seemed to disappear. Amavi was out best player. Gestede is going to be a problem for the opposition defences. Great support from us today (could be easily heard via the dodgy feed which I was watching). Nice one Tim, another win on Friday please.

Our best player today. Around the hour mark the camera cut to him and he had such an infectious grin. Loved it. Looks like he could really be a fan favourite.

Great start by Rudy. What I enjoyed almost as much as his goal was his introduction. There was an instant rapport between him & the fans (who sounded fantastic btw). Very encouraging signs.

Happy for him to remain as a back up. His goal line clearance preventing a Stevie G love-in cup final day means I can never take a total dislike to him.

Fantastic news, hope he keeps on improving. Would love to see him get past ten years with the senior team.

He wouldn't have been my first choice (possibly third or fourth choice for me), but it's academic now. I suppose whoever is the most vocal in the changing room should be captain. We can only guess who that might be, so if Sherwood thinks it's Richards, so be it. It does seem to further cement his place in the starting eleven. Will be interesting when Okore comes back. Lead them, Micah!!!

One thing that has been lacking in the last few weeks (as far as I've seen) is the number of videos of the new signings doing their initiation karaoke. Richards & Bunn, fair enough. As we've got the right numbers and to save time, I suggest Sinclair, Gueye, Amavi, Gestede, Ayew, Veretout & Crespo to perform "Reach" by S Club 7. The subsequent recording to be played as the team walks onto the pitch.

I won't believe this is confirmed until SSTUOASF. (Scuba Steve turns up on a Stoke forum)

Hot, cold or lukewarm water? Tap or bottled? For God's sake man, we need to know these things. Yep, and what sort of cereal? Could be crucial.

If we win against Man Utd, it's on.

Sorry, messed up the quote. Heading to the things that piss you off thread....