rocket_scientist

I also found it alarming that McInnes was on telly talking about Shinnie. Did he think it would pressurise him to accepting a deal? What was he playing at? If Shinnie doesn't sign, he will make a hell of a lot more as a free agent. He will know what McLean is getting from Norwich and he will (corrrectly) think he's worth at least that much.

Absolutely.

I'm trying to think of new stadia that work, as there are so many that clearly don't, soullessness being a common reason for their failure. Not having any expertise in architecture let alone how to build a stadium, these are merely opinions and observations (before the pedantic posters with Tamson surnames wade in). The Allianz is class but is that just an impression because the club that plays within it (and the region, city and country) is class? I don't think so. It's an innovation of architecture, something that looks and feels good, possibly due to the fact they spent big bucks picking the right architect. On concerts rather than fitba, The Hydro reminds me of the Allianz, probably because of its curvature and exterior lighting but it also looks and feels good, both inside and out and is the best venue I've ever been to for a concert, the O2 Arena in London being shit. What possessed Falkirk and Hamilton to build such ugly shit? And why is the AECC going to be such an underwhelming anti-climax when it opens? It's a tough gig, designing big buildings. Even when they get it right (architecturally, like the Emirates), it doesn't guarantee that it will work. There's more to it than bricks and mortar. Can't think of any great new stadia other than Bayern Munich. Even Stade de France when it was new and I was there for the 1998 first game of the WC had a feeling that it wouldn't last, despite being a great amphitheatre.

On the subject of the new Roma stadium, the pathos and irony couldn't be more pronounced. Rome is one of my favourite cities in Europe, an architectural masterpiece. The original "stadium for the people" was such a monumental design that it still makes shedloads of cash, many centuries after it was last used. I'm pretty sure that the new one won't outlive one century, concrete, steel and glass not having the properties to endure millennia. Sharing the Olympic Stadium with Lazio was always a temporary accommodation. There is always going to be a need for new stadia as old ones outlive their usefulness and economic, cultural and city-planning requirements change. But isn't it sad that they're only planning for 52,500 seats? And the shopping district attached? This agenda of exclusivity - they're even planning a fanzone outside for the plebs who can't afford it (a demand that won't happen) - and of retail is what developers do, seeking to maximise and squeeze every dollar. But it misses the point and the history of football which was always about the people and the community. Arsenal is a great precedent. The "working man" can't afford the season tickets. In the Platinum Club where we were, it was £6,500 per seat, complete with bevvy at HT (all you could drink, I managed 3 pints) and shit food. The demographic changed overnight with the move to the Emirates. We were surrounded by City types wearing suits and ties (many with pink hues in their shirts and/or ties) that knew fuck all about fitba. These cunts enjoyed their only outlets in their lives to shout and scream but it was embarrassing what came out of their ignorant mouths. They aren't the lifeblood of football. They are unsustainable. They'll get bored of not being the best. They'll not stick with their team through thick and thin. AS Roma are similarly going for the rich buck. They might fill 52,500 for the first 10-15 years but where will they be in 20-25 years time when the steel isn't shiny and their "mall" looks tired? Football has been lost to the moneymen. They never understood the people, the game nor the soul. Stewrat Milne however, he's our saviour.

My opinion on the difference between Highbury and the Emirates derives from exactly the same place as the author of the article you posted - "Grounds grow to match the identity of their team. Character is more important than capacity or a technologically advanced concourse. It can be an ineffable element, but you know it when you see it (or feel it): this sense of where you are, tied not only to geography but to a history". What specifically did I "mid-read"?

In your opinion, my use of the word "soulless" is invalid. I agree that Arsenal fans in the new stadium are "shite". You're obviously trying to agree that there is an atmosphere problem. So how would you try to articulate it? Don't you agree that they were NOT "shite" at Highbury? Wasn't it a brilliant atmosphere there, not just on the North bank but the whole stadium?

I also said it was a very good stadium. "Spectacular amphitheatre" were my words. For what it's worth? You mean, like people have opinions, and some of them are different from other opinions? Yes I knew that. The article knew that too, which is why it acknowledged that the architect's blowing of his own trumpet was countered by others who do NOT like it. Even if a majority think it's brilliant, that doesn't mean that we can't discuss the exact theme that the article was talking about. What did I misread? That you, the architect and a bunch of people like the stadium? I like it too but IN MY OPINION it is 1. soulless (but efficient) and 2. not nearly as good as Highbury was.

If he has been offered it, or is going to be offered it, it must surely be because he's considered box office enough to be a huge success. The colour of his skin wouldn't have been a consideration, assuming that the potential argument based on the traditional perception of the role itself (as I articulated above) doesn't matter. The only people who get upset by stuff like this are closet racists on one hand (like Hopkins, who even though being far from in the closet and is out there, she's too confused to know her own mind, blinded by her own delusions of superiority) and the out-there anti-racists on the other. As Rico said above, the whack jobs who push for "equality" and go too far are actually as bad and objectionable to any sane person as the bigots.

I could ask you why you thought I'd misread the article but that would be cruel, as you would just dig yourself deeper. The architect who built the Emirates waxed lyrical about his own work but the article itself noted that it has its detractors, putting forward a pathetic argument that the football itself was a reason for dissatisfaction. Have you been to the Emirates? I have and it's soulless. A spectacular amphitheatre for sure and convenient for accessing with its total concourse but it's impossible to generate any decent atmosphere within it. Had you been to Highbury? I did, twice and it was superb. I can't remember the reasons they felt they had to move - probably financial - and I'm not therefore in a position to comment on how necessary or otherwise the relocation was. All I do know is that their new home has lost something compared to the old one so I'm not inclined to agree with the architect and his self-aggrandisement. It's best to experience something for yourself rather than taking the word of a vested interest and failing to note the acknowledgment that there were counterviews. When you're on solid ground like that, only then can you imply that a fellow Dons fan is a fucking retard who can't read nor think properly.

Firstly I wouldn't listen to Katie Hopkins. She's a shockjock who gets herself confused. Secondly, not having seen a Bond film for over 40 years and not been to the cinema to see a Bond film since Connery (don't we grow out of this shit by the age of 13/14?), I really couldn't give a fuck who they appoint. But the debate is interesting; It may be the forces of political correctness suggesting a black actor. Distinguishing on ethnic grounds is normally evil but the only articulate argument I can think of for not having a black actor is the role itself. If Bond is supposed to be a traditional quintessentially British spy/action man/gentleman etc. then he's going to be white. Black men haven't been in Britain long enough to fit that mould and I'm pretty certain Ian Fleming wouldn't be casting anything other than what he wrote about, back in the day when there were considerably fewer ethic gentlemen in Britain. But since I've not read any of his Bond shit and I don't give a fuck, as you were...

It doesn't take two dozen games to see that a footballer is pish. Half a season is nonsense. For the record, my jury is out on Gleeson by virtue that he hasn't showed enough either way. But I do love the fact that Rico and TC have jumped in early with their initial impressions. I also think that they're going to be proved right, or at least as a betting man and if forced to stake I would be in the nay camp. He's just not dynamic. He looks pedestrian. Wouldn't be surprised if he's yet another loser journeyman that McInnes has recruited, like so many he's introduced to AFC.

Excellent article. Pity the content of it is beyond the intellect of our chairman and it's theme a potential hazard to his agenda. The example of Arsenal is a sad one. It's not just what's happened on the pitch. It's a sterile stadium that has ripped the heart from a once-great club. West Ham have sold their soul. Those creeps in charge will predecease the club but the club may not survive too long after them.

We are visiting our favourite restaurant on the planet early September, in Lausanne. In Geneva and surrounds, like most places (Aberdeen excluded) you have to be good to survive let alone thrive. It's already going to be the highlight of the week despite going to Crans Montana for the first time. There is great joy in great food in great ambience being delivered with great service. My parents' generation never got that. Good job the old fuckers are dying out.

Echt WILL be good. They do it different. Many dishes on the menu are ones we've not heard of before. Their reputation preceded them and it was thoroughly deserved. Will definitely be back and next time, we will choose to go there rather than just passing. The Jewel has consistently had a great reputation for decades. Having heard from someone a couple of weeks ago that they had a great meal there, we realised we hadn't been for years. Unfortunately all four of us didn't think the main courses were any good but their naans were the best.

A couple of Indian experiences recently. The place in Echt is outstanding. We popped in on the way back from Aviemore and it's superb. Jewel in the Crown on Saturday was very poor. First time been there for years. Service excellent. Food bland.

I think you're underestimating Gerrard although I desperately hope you're right and I'm wrong. The man has passion, he has balls and he's got a winning mentality. These are three qualities sadly lacking in every single AFC manager this century.

This (further) atrocity in Afghanistan is sick. The same sickness as pollutes Glasgow, Belfast and Baghdad. Sunnis and shias, proddies and kafflicks. Can't these people see that they've been divided for a reason, by an agenda that seeks to exploit them? "War is stupid, people are stupid" was a line from a great gay man. There is nothing more stupid than a person who believes in anything the Christian and Islamic "faiths" peddle.

McKenna isn't a brain surgeon. He's a young impressionable loon with a LOT to learn. His signing a new deal with AFC is no barrier to anyone wanting to come in for him. The wages we pay are peanuts compared to the levels some reckon he's capable of. Has he benefitted from McInnes's coaching? Do you know this? We see the same failing in McKenna almost every week and he's not doing anything to improve it. I said at the time that Sone Aluko would never be good enough to play in the EPL and I got that wrong because he did (for Hull if I recall right) but my point was he would never be good enough to be a consistent performer in the EPL. For all the plaudits that we all give to McKenna - undoubtedly our most "valuable" footballer - let me be the first to say that he will never be a consistent starter in the EPL because unlike the other young Scots Robertson and Fraser - he's not good enough. I personally think that McKenna's fatal flaw is something that may not be possible to coach out of him. It would help if our manager can even see it though, and of that I'd be surprised if he can.

Couldn't agree more. This much was obvious to anyone... APART from to McInnes. Within 5 minutes of Zola's debut I turned to my mate and said that this cunt can't play fitba. This is another George Weah's cousin. Did you read about that cunt from South America somewhere who got paid for THIRTEEN YEARS in the professional ranks despite never being able to play (because he fixed everyone up with girls so he was "good to have around the place"). If he was a dick in training, who could blame him? Wouldn't you get pissed off starting only FOUR games in his first FOUR years under McInnes. How could he be properly motivated, being treated so appallingly that donkey journeymen keep on getting starts ahead of him? He was an exciting prospect once upon a time. The killer for me was Rangers at home, the second of the double-header when Kris Commons was already pronouncing that McInnes was destined for Ibrox. He started Wright for the first time in ages and Scott had a shocker, as did every single one of them, the worst two consecutive matches I have ever seen in over 50 years watching. He's never started him again. Whatever promise he once had may well have been extinguished and if that is the case, it's 100% down to mismanagement. If he can't inspire and develop youth, he's not fit for the job. I don't agree with strategies and targets when it comes to player selections. This is football, not a committee in the civil service. A manager should be judged by results but his losing mentality - like Calderwood not believing that he should have been sacked - reckons that coming second is proof of him doing a good job. It's like he doesn't have to change his mediocrity to keep his job. And whilst I agree with you that his failure to give youth a chance is a major failing, I reckon this season is where it will all cave in. We are the weakest we have ever been under McInnes and getting second spot is NOT going to happen, not by a significant margin. We have been up against even worse teams, very poorly managed in previous years. That's not the case for 2018/19. McInnes MUST change - by recruiting properly, getting more out of his journeymen and giving youth a reasonable crack - and as he is incapable of change (due to his major defects in personality), it WILL go tits up this season.

I just saw a film last night. It contained truths about achievement, truths that are invisible to most because most - even within professional sport - are losers, not winners. The parallels between the ruthless methods of coaching adopted by SAF and this musical teacher (albeit extremely illustrated for fictional purposes) were very relevant to the point I was making.

Many of us can see that McInnes has an appalling record of playing youth which is why it is madness to think that our young players aren't good enough and simply just take his word for it and have faith in his judgements. They've not had enough game time to know either way and his judgements haven't been great over the years, his excuse being budget but the reality being his inability to get footballers performing anywhere near their best. Another one I had completely forgotten about, again by reason of so few minutes game time.

You know how it works. People with the balls to express an opinion, who have the courage of their convictions, who stick their head above the parapet are resented by the silent majority, the bairns of Jock Tamson and their sad little lives.

Our youth players are not good enough? McKenna proved otherwise. We would never have known until Motherwell thrashed us 3-0 and his hand was forced to make changes. And he was hardly a kid when he made his debut less than a year ago. He was already a man. How can you say that Wright isn't good enough? He's been totally mismanaged. Same with Frank Ross. Anderson has only had 2 x subs appearances and you don't think he's good enough either? That's insane. You are happy to trust McInnes and anyone who dares to criticise him "has an agenda"? That's nuts too. I watched Whiplash last night with my youngest, a film that had been recommended to her. It was excellent and there were two major themes that are transferable to football. The extreme methods of the "coach" were brilliantly articulated in a speech at the end, the EXACT philosophy that SAF always employed in his managerial career. The other truth highlighted in the film was the value of practise and work ethic. To become the best, you have to want it and work at it. Most lose, a few win. In the SPL, one team will win and 11 lose. In golf each week, 1 will win and 155 will lose. It's a tough business, winning and I've always said that it's DESIRE that separates the best from the rest, the desire to work harder, the desire to work smarter. McInnes is not a winner and neither are his footballers. But you can't include teenagers who never got managed properly, who never got a reasonable chance. They are the only hope AFC had.

Ryan Jack was superb at Right Back for Scotland at Pittodrie under Malky Mackay. A player who can read a game and who rarely loses possession, he is perfect for that position.

You introduced a new angle, one that has got me thinking. I'm still working out what I agree with and what we will disagree on. I'll work through it now to get to the truth (only as I see it of course). McInnes does inspire loyalty, it's true. The players like him. But the exact words you used was "good at getting his players to work for him". You are also hoping that "DM can get him motivated". In my opinion, DM is particularly weak at getting footballers to perform at anywhere near their best. I think there is a massive difference between being popular and being effective. From experience, I also know that most people will never go an extra mile if they don't have to. The only sportsmen who do are self-motivated, they will BLEED for the cause and will stop at nothing to get to where they need to go. We also know that winner mentalities won't accept working with loser mentalities or with charlatans who fake having a winner mentality. The whole culture under McInnes is fake. He doesn't want superstar performances. Ask Maddison. In Northern Europe, we have a culture of the tall poppy syndrome enshrined into our societies. Norway are having the debate about Janteloven - the law of Jante - and we in Scotland similarly adopt the philosophy that "we are a Jock Tamson' s bairn's". Expect the boy to be a dud for AFC. His history is rotten. His new employer isn't a winner.