A'Villan

Think he's got a calm and considered approach to the game. Great to know that he appreciates leadership, not only his own. I'm sure it's as easy to work with his character and under his leadership as it would be to receive one of his passes, he delivers opportunities.

Great breakdown of it all, makes for excellent reading. Agree, but where I've quoted you I am personally not getting used to the idea of anything. I don't see it beyond us to improve exponentially like we did in the Championship. I highly doubt it will be to the same degree, especially in regards to points put on the table, but it wouldn't surprise me if we're experiencing growing pains that will pass shortly.

Yeah. Only if last game proved anything it's that a team that doesn't look much on paper can have the chemistry to outplay their opposition. Besides, everyone in this league has got someone who can turn it on, on their day. Sometimes all it takes is a moment of brilliance to decide a stalemate. Hodgson's pre-match interview stated they considered us a good team and a threat and that they thought they'd identified where we are strong and a way to nullify that. Clearly he was serious and not just blowing hot air. I'm not sure we anticipated the game as well as Palace. Their team and top performer (Zaha) played better than ours (Grealish). Norwich defeating City is another example, and more apt because of the distinction in talent and skill available from each team, of why you should play to win each week.

Nani was being touted for the ballon d'or some years ago. Didn't last very long though.

Certainly no clown in my book, both a successful manager and player, but this sums up my thoughts nicely otherwise.

Told you he was Premier League quality.

I'm struggling with this one. We've not had a lot of success in the last 9 years, and many players who were noteworthy are not current. Guzan Kyle Walker - Vlaar - Clark - Ashley Young Milner - Delph Albrighton - Veretout - Ayew Benteke

Who's the best footballing nation in the world right now, do people think? No guidelines for what constitutes the best, that's for you to define. I think the teams with the most individual talent throughout the squad would be Belgium, Brazil, France and Germany all on a fairly even level. I think France deservedly hold the WC title. English football taking the most improved award in recent years for me, both at club and international level. England's efforts at the World Cup, and their representation in the Champions League last season, were nothing short of fantastic!

And Rivaldo is king of the bicycle kick.

I think Yaya Toure was underrated.

@Chindie I think you're like an owl, and owls are wise. Owls can see through the dark and navigate their journey en route to survival. They have an inner light, which is invaluable, because when darkness falls upon the world, at those times, it can be almost impossible to see. Owls can also turn their head nearly 360 degress, essentially having eyes on the back of their heads, which allows vision that can see things around them where others are blind. You are resilient, and I hope you don't mind me directing this post at you. I can only offer you my take on your situation, and it is pretty much this.. I think just by talking about it, you are showing resilience and strength, especially whilst your in the midst of it. Added to this, you are open to others chiming in with their input. The metaphors I'm using are only because I think you're capable of spreading those wings, and soaring to new heights and destinations. I'll shut up now

You wouldn't want to give a team that's never really played together, under a relatively new coach, any time to gel and allow for chemistry to develop, would you? We've been in every match for the majority of the 90 minutes, except for Palace, which was not good enough. I'm not saying you're wrong, I've just not arrived where you are yet.

This is first track on my playlist for warmup before my quarter final tonight, lyrics are apt for the occasion! Yeah, and if I'm ever at the crossroads And start feeling mixed signals like Morse code My soul start to grow colder than the North Pole I try to focus on the hole of where the torch goes In the tradition of these legendary sports pros As far as I can see, I've made it to the threshold Lord knows I've waited for this a lifetime And I'm an icon when I let my light shine Shine bright as an example of a champion Taking the advantage, never copping out or cancelling Burn like a chariot, learn how to carry it Maverick, always above and beyond average Fuel to the flame that I train with and travel with Something in my eyes say I'm so close to having the prize I realise I'm supposed to reach for the skies Never let somebody try to tell you otherwise There's something in your heart And it's in your eyes It's the fire, inside you Let it burn You don't say, "Good luck" You say, "Don't give up" It's the fire, inside you Let it burn

@KentVillan I'm about to start a long day, will get back to you when I can. I glanced over the post, and as always it seems well reasoned and discerning. I'm not by any means suggesting that drugs will somehow cease to have harmful consequences, should society change the attitude surrounding them. As I mention it's about respect, and that means appreciating that consumption at a certain rate or frequency will have detrimental effect.

Goes down a treat. I have a bad habit of finishing off the entire block, even when I've not been the one to purchase it! I'm about to have vanilla boysenberry swirl ice cream in a waffle cone. Nothing like a good and healthy meal on game day of a quarter final

I have my quarter final tonight for basketball. Will spectate a basketball tournament that a few dozen friends are playing in prior to my game. Tomorrow last game of the futsal season, 3rd place final, apparently it's a bit of a nothing match. To that I say you silly Billies, if it's a "nothing match" then stay at home, I want every moment on court to have a purpose and challenge. And then I will come home and hopefully have the discipline to get some homework out of the way, for both the clinic where I work and my university stuff.

Whilst you're speaking a lot of truth here, I believe your message here is slightly cynical, maybe you would agree? Most of the people I know who do coke, and I know quite a few, are really quite pleasant and even down to earth. Even when they overdo it and talk at me, rather than with. I've done it less than a handful of times and I don't think I ever will again. The quality in Australia is useless and even when our crew had a good connection, it wasn't my thing. Until drugs are legal I don't really see a culture that allows for them to be healthy developing, perhaps most would suggest I am an idiot for suggesting drugs could be healthy. I think in our current state, as it is, consumerism is rife, things are taken for granted, as are people. Superficiality and keeping people at arm's length is the norm. "Mind your business as they say" When you have these underlying traits ingrained into society and as dogma, whether people recognise that it is that way or not, the tendency will be to take it with you in any walk. Whether drugs, business, relationships etc. It's all about respect, I think, and it's great that everyone deep down knows it, but unfortunately for whatever reason it is not so readily accomplished as a practice.

I've just reset my password for fantasy football and am going to put in a team today, I will check out your podcast too.

Ask him if you can volunteer as a coach, if you have the time and interest.

I enjoyed Blackthorn.

I was just being silly and somewhat nonsensical. Don't mind me. And you're right, no need to clog up the thread with it.

A Catholic Mason? Mah Ha Bone? Is this voodoo like business you are sending my way? Come one ol' Brummy, ol' pal, we're both Bulls fans here, I swears I'll be good from now on and I won'ts tells no ones.

@Chindie Just want to echo the well wishes being sent your way. Thanks for speaking about it and letting others in, allowing for potential understanding and even help. I believe, sometimes, those that go through the worst situations are the ones who are able to go on and give the best advice. Sometimes even if they don't know it. There's a wisdom and resilience that is unique to those who fall on tough times, regardless of whether they get through it, brought on by enduring the challenges faced.

Great questions! About all I have to contribute at this point is that mindful meditation is actually getting quite profound results. People who have battled lifelong drug abuse, alcoholism and gambling are walking away from the binds of their habits and rituals. No supplementary drug, or intensive rehabilitation required, although detox prior to entry a prerequisite, just a peer group mindfulness meditation based therapy program.

And yet you asked me if I was a mason, this has got to be one of those gestures I hear that Mason's have to identify membership and even rank. I'm on to you pal!