Kuszczak relishing Gunners test (From The Argus)

Delighted for Tomas. I really felt for him with that mistake on Saturday. Expected he would bounce back from that in midweek and indeed he did. Shows his character.

Regardless of whether he plays on Saturday or not, it's great to know that we have in him a reliable goalkeeper in hand, both for quality AND character.

Welcome back Captain, we've missed you

By the way, it's good to be back! I haven't been on here for about three or four weeks (if not more) due to being extremely busy, then away.

However , have caught up with all the articles on here and there's been some excellent contributions. Been especially enjoying reading some of the posts from Vegas Seagull Weststander17, SMF20, Tug, Fairweather Supporter, Ballantrrae and others. Some great debate and perceptive observations.

A few quick points:

1) Vegas, if you insist on Americanising your description of the beautiful game is it not "soccEr" rather than "soccOr". Has been bugging me, that!

2) Freeloader, unless I am much mistaken you used to post on here in the past before your recent 'revival'. Can't remember the username but the style is unmistakeable. I believe the exact phrase of choice back then was "brain dead morons". Don't know if humour was the intention or not but did occasionally make me laugh. Most of the time however, you made me scroll past as you became a bit repetitive. Have you considered a creative writing class?

3) FairweatherSupporter and SMF20...keep posting! Your contributions are usually the pick of a great bunch.

4) Andy Naylor is due to appear at Seagulls Over London tonight. If he shows, any (repeatable) questions from anyone?!

dave from bexill wrote:
Welcome back Captain, we've missed you

Gee shucks. Kind of you to say.

He ho captain, where have you been , holidaying or working,
its a big test sat, hope we pass,not worried about a win, just a good performance, cos that was pretty poor at blackburn, and we got away with it , yet i was so gutted sat against birmingham, it felt like a defeat, its that missing 3rd goal , we just cant kill people off....

.Im not a chelsea fan or even like them , but what about that stupid ballman, what was he trying to do????.and then to make a fuss when the player had only kicked the ball..i dont think ive ever seen any thing like it ever before..

Captain Haddock wrote:
By the way, it's good to be back! I haven't been on here for about three or four weeks (if not more) due to being extremely busy, then away.

However , have caught up with all the articles on here and there's been some excellent contributions. Been especially enjoying reading some of the posts from Vegas Seagull Weststander17, SMF20, Tug, Fairweather Supporter, Ballantrrae and others. Some great debate and perceptive observations.

A few quick points:

1) Vegas, if you insist on Americanising your description of the beautiful game is it not "soccEr" rather than "soccOr". Has been bugging me, that!

2) Freeloader, unless I am much mistaken you used to post on here in the past before your recent 'revival'. Can't remember the username but the style is unmistakeable. I believe the exact phrase of choice back then was "brain dead morons". Don't know if humour was the intention or not but did occasionally make me laugh. Most of the time however, you made me scroll past as you became a bit repetitive. Have you considered a creative writing class?

3) FairweatherSupporter and SMF20...keep posting! Your contributions are usually the pick of a great bunch.

4) Andy Naylor is due to appear at Seagulls Over London tonight. If he shows, any (repeatable) questions from anyone?!

Yes Captain. Re No.4 - can we expect to see Ulloa play on Saturday?

graham w wrote:
He ho captain, where have you been , holidaying or working, its a big test sat, hope we pass,not worried about a win, just a good performance, cos that was pretty poor at blackburn, and we got away with it , yet i was so gutted sat against birmingham, it felt like a defeat, its that missing 3rd goal , we just cant kill people off.... .Im not a chelsea fan or even like them , but what about that stupid ballman, what was he trying to do????.and then to make a fuss when the player had only kicked the ball..i dont think ive ever seen any thing like it ever before..

Brought back memories of the "great" Keith Cuss, who became our own world famous Ball Man for his back header into the crowd at the Goldstone against Manchester City.. Legend...

Captain Haddock wrote:

dave from bexill wrote: Welcome back Captain, we've missed you

Gee shucks. Kind of you to say.

get a room...

LesBerry wrote:

Captain Haddock wrote:

dave from bexill wrote: Welcome back Captain, we've missed you

Gee shucks. Kind of you to say.

get a room...

Haha.

Captain, I am so pleased to see you back - I wondered if you hadn't re-emerged with a new alias... However heaping complimentary comments on Vegas is only going to encourage him to write even more and there are limits...!

As for Tomasz, I shall be gutted if he isn't selected (even more so than when he was dropped - or subject of the rotation system - against Newcastle). Having seen 4 Gunner goals in approx 10 minutes last night I think we need to pick the best keeper available (with apologies to Casper and Peter). Fingers crossed

graham w wrote:
He ho captain, where have you been , holidaying or working,
its a big test sat, hope we pass,not worried about a win, just a good performance, cos that was pretty poor at blackburn, and we got away with it , yet i was so gutted sat against birmingham, it felt like a defeat, its that missing 3rd goal , we just cant kill people off....

.Im not a chelsea fan or even like them , but what about that stupid ballman, what was he trying to do????.and then to make a fuss when the player had only kicked the ball..i dont think ive ever seen any thing like it ever before..

Cheers Graham. Been taming lions and wrestling leopards, prior to which I was insanely busy with work!

Missed my first Amex game but it was the Watford match so that eased the pain!!! Have been up-to-date with footy but just no time to catch up on the forums til now.

Can't wait for Saturday. Travelling down with some Seagulls AND Gooners. Should be a blast.

The steward situ' at The Liberty did make me laugh! What a scene! Haha.

And Radio Sussex news has just announced that Ulloa still doesn't have international clearance. What are they doing at the FA - or is the answer in the name (!!!)... maybe they are watching video replays of Eden Hazard trying to find a reason to charge him with something... anything - even when the police couldn't. Oh well... Maybe he (Ulloa) will be OK for the Easter games. Fingers crossed.

Captain Haddock wrote:
By the way, it's good to be back! I haven't been on here for about three or four weeks (if not more) due to being extremely busy, then away. However , have caught up with all the articles on here and there's been some excellent contributions. Been especially enjoying reading some of the posts from Vegas Seagull Weststander17, SMF20, Tug, Fairweather Supporter, Ballantrrae and others. Some great debate and perceptive observations. A few quick points: 1) Vegas, if you insist on Americanising your description of the beautiful game is it not "soccEr" rather than "soccOr". Has been bugging me, that! 2) Freeloader, unless I am much mistaken you used to post on here in the past before your recent 'revival'. Can't remember the username but the style is unmistakeable. I believe the exact phrase of choice back then was "brain dead morons". Don't know if humour was the intention or not but did occasionally make me laugh. Most of the time however, you made me scroll past as you became a bit repetitive. Have you considered a creative writing class? 3) FairweatherSupporter and SMF20...keep posting! Your contributions are usually the pick of a great bunch. 4) Andy Naylor is due to appear at Seagulls Over London tonight. If he shows, any (repeatable) questions from anyone?!

Thank you, Captain.

I've only really started posting on here in the time it sounds like you have been away! There are possibly some that are fed up of me already! Anyway, thanks for the mention, I look forward to hearing your views on things!

As for Tomas, great to see him bounce back from his mishap at Brum. I get the feeling Gus will rotate the keepers again for Saturday's game but we will see. Hope everyone gets right behind whoever is selected!

Capt.Haddock we thought your posts had been restricted by the EU Fisheries Dept. under the sustainable stocks directive.
Blimey, perhaps David Cameron's announcement of intention are having an effect already.
Awesome spell of play by the Arsenal last night, let's hope thats their purple patch over with for this month...

Jonathan Mouette wrote:
Captain, I am so pleased to see you back - I wondered if you hadn't re-emerged with a new alias... However heaping complimentary comments on Vegas is only going to encourage him to write even more and there are limits...!

As for Tomasz, I shall be gutted if he isn't selected (even more so than when he was dropped - or subject of the rotation system - against Newcastle). Having seen 4 Gunner goals in approx 10 minutes last night I think we need to pick the best keeper available (with apologies to Casper and Peter). Fingers crossed

Indeed I'd feel IMMEASURABLY more comfortable with TK between the sticks. Aside from all that football nonsense it means we can sing our song:

"We've got a big Pole, in our goal, we've got a bit Pole..."

Re: encouraging Vegas, you know you love his postings, JM!! ;0) I have to say he (I'm assuming a 'he') is prolific but he DOES raise a huge number of good points for discussion and for an exile he certainly makes up for a lack of match experience with loads of intelligent thoughts and questions.

So I say: Viva The Vegas! ;0)

WestStander17 wrote:

Captain Haddock wrote:
By the way, it's good to be back! I haven't been on here for about three or four weeks (if not more) due to being extremely busy, then away. However , have caught up with all the articles on here and there's been some excellent contributions. Been especially enjoying reading some of the posts from Vegas Seagull Weststander17, SMF20, Tug, Fairweather Supporter, Ballantrrae and others. Some great debate and perceptive observations. A few quick points: 1) Vegas, if you insist on Americanising your description of the beautiful game is it not "soccEr" rather than "soccOr". Has been bugging me, that! 2) Freeloader, unless I am much mistaken you used to post on here in the past before your recent 'revival'. Can't remember the username but the style is unmistakeable. I believe the exact phrase of choice back then was "brain dead morons". Don't know if humour was the intention or not but did occasionally make me laugh. Most of the time however, you made me scroll past as you became a bit repetitive. Have you considered a creative writing class? 3) FairweatherSupporter and SMF20...keep posting! Your contributions are usually the pick of a great bunch. 4) Andy Naylor is due to appear at Seagulls Over London tonight. If he shows, any (repeatable) questions from anyone?!

Thank you, Captain.

I've only really started posting on here in the time it sounds like you have been away! There are possibly some that are fed up of me already! Anyway, thanks for the mention, I look forward to hearing your views on things!

As for Tomas, great to see him bounce back from his mishap at Brum. I get the feeling Gus will rotate the keepers again for Saturday's game but we will see. Hope everyone gets right behind whoever is selected!

Yes I noticed you started posting recently. Don't worry if people are fed up of you. You've been bang on with your comments so far IMHO.

Speaking of which, this recent post of yours captures EXACTLY how I see our team / squad situation:

"WestStander17 says...
7:23pm Wed 23 Jan 13

I don't think we should criticise El Abd. When Gus took over, with us in the lower half of League 1, and immediately tried to pass the ball out from the back, I for one didn't think El Abd had a hope in hell of staying in the team. He out of everyone has probably had to adapt his game the most but he has done it and its a credit to him that he has got this far. The other thing is that he is one player we will never doubt the commitment of. He leaves nothing out there on the park. I agree he is possibly at the peak of his powers but he has worked hard for us and doesn't deserve criticism in my view.

This may sound a silly comment with us having conceded the second least in the division (not my first or probably my last!) but I never have thought our team as a whole is great at defending. This is where Gus' approach has actually got us playing above our weight because it means we don't have to actually defend for anywhere near as long as most other teams do. By keeping the ball, it takes time out of the game. That covers up our potentially shaky defence.

The downside to that is that we also take attacking time out of the game too. So, I understand people wanting us to play 2 strikers, 2 wingers and just Bridcutt holding but it'd end up like a game of Basketball with teams scoring constantly at both ends! We have more control over the situation Gus' way. We won't create hundreds of chances in each game but if we take the chances we get better, we would be even higher than we are now. It's hard on the forwards, CMS in particular so far, because clear chances will be precious but if we take them, we will consistently win games. Unfortunately, that happens to be the hardest part of the game!

With Vicente fit and providing better service, I think Ulloa, CMS, Hoskins et al can score the goals we need between them!

Keep the faith, In Gus we trust and all that!"

Gee Jay wrote:
Capt.Haddock we thought your posts had been restricted by the EU Fisheries Dept. under the sustainable stocks directive.
Blimey, perhaps David Cameron's announcement of intention are having an effect already.
Awesome spell of play by the Arsenal last night, let's hope thats their purple patch over with for this month...

I had been but slipped through the net!

Re: Saturday, I'm hopin both sides swap performance...knowin
g footy it would be typical for us to play a blinder and Arsesnails to slip on the banana skins I nicked from the baboons I came across in my hols!!!

Capt's tip: 2-2

Finally from me for now (at last, they screamed!) is my thoughts in the team circa Jan '13.

Compromises have to be made until the team and squad, as a whole, is at the level required to really take this division by storm as we did in League One two years ago.

It's about personnel. If Gus could, he'd have any number of better players in - there's ALWAYS room to strengthen and tweak - but there are limits on finance and squad numbers...unless you are Chelski or Mancashter Sheikhy!

Ulloa adds a new dimension to our options but will also probably prove to be a strengthening measure both literally and in terms of quality play up front.

Van Dijk, if we can bag him, would definately improve our back line for pace, height, savvy and goals (5 in 28 including some stunners as seen on Youtube). Get him and a "Vieira type" midfielder and we'd storm this division.

Aside from that my views are exactly as Weststander's.

meantime, I'll ask Señor Naylor tonight (if he comes along to Seagulls Over London) if there's any insider info on the likelihood of an improved bid for the Dutchman.

....and B-hove's question about Ulloa's papers.

Captain Haddock, wow, what a welcome back from your fans, lol.
WS' tip 2:1.....UTA...

Yes - welcome back Captain Haddock. You have indeed been missed; the more real supporters we get on here, the better it is for all of us. The trolls then become insignificant.
Question for Andy Naylor: any more developments on the Van Dijk interest?

Captain Haddock wrote:
Delighted for Tomas. I really felt for him with that mistake on Saturday. Expected he would bounce back from that in midweek and indeed he did. Shows his character.

Regardless of whether he plays on Saturday or not, it's great to know that we have in him a reliable goalkeeper in hand, both for quality AND character.

My thoughts entirely. I hope Poyet selects Kuszczak in goal for the Arsenal game. He played well against Blackburn by all accounts and deserves the opportunity.
Good to see you posting again Captain Haddock. Are you going to be at the Seagulls over London meeting tonight ?
Changing subjects there is a report which I picked up via the NewsNow Brighton and Hove Albion site on talkSPORT about Sunderland growing frustrated regarding trying to sign van Dijk. Not only are they interested but the report quotes that Groningen want £4 million for him. So that's that deal off I imagine. I trust that Poyet and Co are pursuing other CB options eg the lad Dawson at WBA and perhaps that powerhouse Midfielder I keep harping on about. Only a week of the transfer window left.
Fingers crossed on Saturday although getting down to the match from London is going to take longer because of the railway line being closed for essential repairs !

graham w wrote:
He ho captain, where have you been , holidaying or working,
its a big test sat, hope we pass,not worried about a win, just a good performance, cos that was pretty poor at blackburn, and we got away with it , yet i was so gutted sat against birmingham, it felt like a defeat, its that missing 3rd goal , we just cant kill people off....

.Im not a chelsea fan or even like them , but what about that stupid ballman, what was he trying to do????.and then to make a fuss when the player had only kicked the ball..i dont think ive ever seen any thing like it ever before..

Apparently the Ballboy is the son of one of the Swansee directors - the plot thickens.
Whilst what Hazard did was completely cras and he should be punished for it one wonders if the Ballboy's 'delaying' tactic should also receive some sanction. Perhaps his Father should be banned from attending the same number of Home Swansee games as Hazard gets banned for !

Captain Haddock wrote:
By the way, it's good to be back! I haven't been on here for about three or four weeks (if not more) due to being extremely busy, then away.

However , have caught up with all the articles on here and there's been some excellent contributions. Been especially enjoying reading some of the posts from Vegas Seagull Weststander17, SMF20, Tug, Fairweather Supporter, Ballantrrae and others. Some great debate and perceptive observations.

A few quick points:

1) Vegas, if you insist on Americanising your description of the beautiful game is it not "soccEr" rather than "soccOr". Has been bugging me, that!

2) Freeloader, unless I am much mistaken you used to post on here in the past before your recent 'revival'. Can't remember the username but the style is unmistakeable. I believe the exact phrase of choice back then was "brain dead morons". Don't know if humour was the intention or not but did occasionally make me laugh. Most of the time however, you made me scroll past as you became a bit repetitive. Have you considered a creative writing class?

3) FairweatherSupporter and SMF20...keep posting! Your contributions are usually the pick of a great bunch.

4) Andy Naylor is due to appear at Seagulls Over London tonight. If he shows, any (repeatable) questions from anyone?!

Good to sea you back Captain,and thanks for the kind mention.

Re No4. Do you think with the lack of up to date stories,we have been getting recently,that perhaps Mr Naylor should join Freeloader on that creative writing class?!. UTA

Captain Haddock wrote:
Finally from me for now (at last, they screamed!) is my thoughts in the team circa Jan '13. Compromises have to be made until the team and squad, as a whole, is at the level required to really take this division by storm as we did in League One two years ago. It's about personnel. If Gus could, he'd have any number of better players in - there's ALWAYS room to strengthen and tweak - but there are limits on finance and squad numbers...unless you are Chelski or Mancashter Sheikhy! Ulloa adds a new dimension to our options but will also probably prove to be a strengthening measure both literally and in terms of quality play up front. Van Dijk, if we can bag him, would definately improve our back line for pace, height, savvy and goals (5 in 28 including some stunners as seen on Youtube). Get him and a "Vieira type" midfielder and we'd storm this division. Aside from that my views are exactly as Weststander's. meantime, I'll ask Señor Naylor tonight (if he comes along to Seagulls Over London) if there's any insider info on the likelihood of an improved bid for the Dutchman.

Wow, Captain, we really do seem to agree! I'm sure we can find something or someone we disagree about at some point!

The "Vieira-type" midfielder really would help. In fact, it could well be enough to see us to the upper reaches of this division without adding to the defence. It would give us more options in attack. We'd be able to play the 4 remaining attackers in a variety of ways without leaving the back door open, as it were. Crofts or Hammond do that sort of job but haven't quite strongly enough to allow Gus to feel comfortable letting the others play with complete freedom. I think he working towards that though and, if we get there, it will be very entertaining!

We would need to add to this defence if we went up though!!!!

Welcome back Captain and thanks for the kind words.

From what you have suggested about your hols I get the idea that you went on a safari, am I correct in my assumption?

Ballantrrae: I will indeed be there...are you thinking of coming? Have we met before / have you been before? I recommend coming if you are deliberating.

Vegas: you are indeed correct.

Wiltshire: thanks

Brightonup: thanks and ill ask him

Tug: not sure I should ask him that! Might probe him about his definition of a big club though - he stated (as "fact") that Wolves were a much bigger club than us recently and when a mate of mine challenged the notion he went quiet apparently. Anyway, that's a whole other debate.

Captain Haddock wrote:
Ballantrrae: I will indeed be there...are you thinking of coming? Have we met before / have you been before? I recommend coming if you are deliberating.

Vegas: you are indeed correct.

Wiltshire: thanks

Brightonup: thanks and ill ask him

Tug: not sure I should ask him that! Might probe him about his definition of a big club though - he stated (as "fact") that Wolves were a much bigger club than us recently and when a mate of mine challenged the notion he went quiet apparently. Anyway, that's a whole other debate.

Yes Captain Haddock I am thinking of coming but I haven't got a note of the time.
Most grateful if you can tell me when it is scheduled to start. Many thanks.

ballantrrae wrote:

Captain Haddock wrote: Ballantrrae: I will indeed be there...are you thinking of coming? Have we met before / have you been before? I recommend coming if you are deliberating. Vegas: you are indeed correct. Wiltshire: thanks Brightonup: thanks and ill ask him Tug: not sure I should ask him that! Might probe him about his definition of a big club though - he stated (as "fact") that Wolves were a much bigger club than us recently and when a mate of mine challenged the notion he went quiet apparently. Anyway, that's a whole other debate.

Yes Captain Haddock I am thinking of coming but I haven't got a note of the time. Most grateful if you can tell me when it is scheduled to start. Many thanks.

Drat! Just logged back on.

It's officially from 7.30 but people are welcome to join us whenever (usually lasts til 9.30/10ish with a little more chat after the guest departs).

Ill be arriving just after 7.30 in dark blue jeans and brown jumper. Introduce yourself if you manage to make it....should be a decent evening!

Captain I took my first safari in Kenya, Tsavo east and west, a very vast area. Loved every second of it.

VegasSeagull wrote:
Captain I took my first safari in Kenya, Tsavo east and west, a very vast area. Loved every second of it.

Very nice. This was my first. Tanzania. Went to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti (of course) and Tarangire. Absolutely loved it.

Want to go to Botswana or Ethiopia next!

Botswana or Ethiopia next!”

Best place for you fish cake !!

Locky wrote:
Botswana or Ethiopia next!”

Best place for you fish cake !!

Oi! I'll have none of that from you, young man!

Will you be quaffing in town pre-match per chance?