Kid in the Riot

Liverpool must really fancy the final against Real. This is not a vintage Real side at all. They've performed three miracles on the trot, surely they'll run out of luck at some point. Pressure for Pep on the Prem now, only trophy they can win, and he's yet again spent an absolute fortune.

Similar mood here. Missus: "so, you're having another beer?"

It's comfortably the best competition in world football. Every season throws up incredible knock out games.

As I was saying.......

Redevelopment. They're adding about 4k capacity and a greenhouse under the bottom tier to preserve the pitch when moved out for concerts etc.

Definitely the better team and should have wrapped this tie up already. But Real have a habit this season of pulling off unexpected comebacks, so who knows. Could be a classic.

I think what's quite impressive about Atkinson's "stats" is that he's our best performer of the season, above three players - WSM - who have been knee deep in goals and assists (among the top 10 attackers in the division) all season. So to be above them suggests his stats are very good. I recall earlier in the season he was leading the division for successful forward dribbles too, with similar stats to Webster at this level. That said, it goes without saying that stats should always only form part of an assessment of a player, and clearly a qualitative assessment of him, based on actually watching him play, is essential. I'm sure the many PL scouts that have watched us this season would've cast an eye over him, as well as Scott and Antoine.

Haven't seen anything, but he's only got a year left on his contract. So, I'd say he's pretty "available" if a Championship team did want him.

Yes, agreed. Their top 5 European leagues team of the season has two Rennes players in it, which seems entirely deserved considering the incredible season they've had. You can be sure those players would be nowhere near a pundit's team of the season.

He's our highest performing player of the season, according to Whoscored.com It's going to be interesting to see if he can really kick-on next season, and remain injury-free. Could be the next one to be worth rather a lot of money.

Not good. But in mitigation. The first one dipped just in front of him and you can't expect him to save the second, a downward header from 6 yards out. As for number 3 though, no idea what he's doing there ?

Unbelievable recruitment again from Liverpool. Already looks a snip at £37.5m.

Unai Emery is some manager. Everywhere he's been over the past 10 years, other than Arsenal, he's delivered trophy upon trophy. Surely in line for the Real or Barca job at some point.

Pure sporting genius.

He'll definitely want 8. He's got his running, and has been through drug and alcohol addiction a long time ago, so I think he'll be OK . He split up with his long term missus a few months ago, which doesn't seem to have caused him any issues in this tournament.

The Kenny is great. Been a few times and booked a private room upstairs. Table service, and you can play your own music on their speakers. Rose of Denmark is good for a roast, as is the Greedy Goose at Gatcombe Farm, out by Long Ashton. All local produce.

Can't think of too many sports where it's so cut and dry as to who the greatest player of all-time is....

Dunno, definitely seen Ronnie play better. Positional play and long potting hasn't been great. Trump has been so bad. That shot a few frames ago which he missed by about a foot was dreadful. If he turns up tomorrow and plays like that then Ronnie will knock off another 7 frames in the afternoon session and we won't get an evening session.

Lovely century from Ronnie there. Leads 7-4. Trump needs to find some form quickly.

Just don't think you can bet against Ronnie. He's won 6 of his 7 Crucible finals. Plus he's been mic'd up for this Netflix documentary all tournament, so he can't lose or it'll ruin the programme ?

Went Marmo last year, and it had the feel of a place still finding its feet for me. Fried pigs head starter (moulded in the shape of a pigs head) was memorable but the rest of the meal was a bit hit and miss. Pretty unusual menu too. I'd say it's Italian inspired food, as opposed to traditional/modern Italian cuisine. One to watch though.

Yep, just posted similar on the "Ashton's Neglect" thread!

Just saw this, below, from Abi Harrison on twitter. She's Bristol City WFC top scorer this season, and as you'll see it backs up what I said last year (above) about Pearson's influence on the WFC. Compare & contrast Pearson's involvement with the WFC, whilst managing the men's first team, with Mark Ashton's complete disregard for the WFC, and it's like chalk and cheese. We're heading in the right direction off-field under Nige.

It's true that English players behave in this way now too. However, diving/play-acting is definitely a South American import to the European and English game.