Cabaye challenges Kinnear to come clean on Cabayegate (the full exchange translated)

Posted on October 8th, 2013 | 79 Comments |

Yohan Cabaye at Clairefontaine.
Cabaye: Have we been conned again by Newcastle United?
As I wrote at the time, with Newcastle United, the club of smoke, mirrors and downright lies under current owner, Mike Ashley, there are things we still do not know about the Yohan Cabaye kerfuffle at the start of the season.

In an interview as part of the France squad at the side’s Clairefontaine HQ, Cabaye made some rather suggestive comments about what Alan Pardew called “the situation” at the time. If you recall, Pardew made a series of simlarly suggestive statements, implying that Cabaye refused to play in early season games in order to allegedly force a move to Arsenal. However, he steadfastly refused to mention it outright under the pathetic pretence that he was “protecting” Cabaye, even though he was actually hanging him out to dry with innuendo. When interviewers did ask for a direct answer, interviews were quickly halted by a female press secretary and they quickly got the message.

However, the fleet-footed Frenchman has now cast doubt on the Pardew’s and the club’s narrative, suggesting that only he and Joe Kinnear know the truth of what really happened, challenging Kinnear to play “Deep Throat” and finally come clean on what really happened in the ‘Cabayegate’ scandal.

Below is the full exchange about Cabaye and the Newcastle United imbroglio (translated by myself):

Interviewer: “The Newcastle United fans whistled at you on you return to the team. Do you understand?”

Cabaye: (Pauses) “The State of mind of the supporters was born from what the club wanted. As I have said, I didn’t explain what happened, they attacked. This is part of a career. But I don’t want anyone. No problems. I accept it.”

Interviewer: “Why won’t you explain what has happened with Newcastle?”

Cabaye: “Because it’s in the past. The only person who could explain everything is Joe Kinnear. If he is honest, he will say. Otherwise, it won’t come out of my mouth.”

As I have explained in previous pieces, it could be that Cabaye has a confidentiality clause in his contract which forbids him from saying anything about it. But getting back to the interview:

Interviewer: “Mentally, has your aborted transfer to Arsenal been hard to swallow?”

Cabaye: “At the time, Yes. But I quickly recovered because if you think about it, if you want a lot of people, it is pointless. I quickly got out of that and went back to work.”

Interviewer: “Have you lost time over the past year between your injuries and the problems at Newcastle?”

Cabaye: “Even if the seasons are not as we wish, we always learn. There are things that could be done better in the future. Last season will serve me.”

As I mentioned above, the club never actually came out themselves on what really happened, relying on innuendo, not to mention friendly journalists such as Lee Ryder in the local media (who was more direct in his accusations) to guide the thinking of we fans in the direction they wanted, ie to vilify Cabaye for his disloyalty, rather than the club for hawking him around like a piece of livestock at a cattle market.

Could it be that the club blackmailed Cabaye, forcing him to to keep his mouth shut using the terms of his contract, his place in the France team, or a promise of co-operation in a January move?

Or could it be that when Cabaye said he “quickly got out of that and went back to work” it was an oblique confession that he did indeed refuse to play at one stage?

Alas, it’s still as clear as mud, the only thing being certain is that like many other things which have happened under Ashley at Newcastle United, there is still far more to this than meets the eye.

What do you think? Please vote in our latest poll, and/or leave your thoughts below.

Poll

Do you think that Alan Pardew and Newcastle United misled fans over Yohan Cabaye's alleged 'strike' earlier in the season?

 (view results)

Loading ... Loading ...

NUFCBlog Author: workyticket workyticket has written 1093 articles on this blog.

Related Posts:

Posted on by workyticket in category: Alan Pardew and Club Policies and Politics and Contracts and Interviews and Joe Kinnear and Mike Ashley and NUFC fans and NUFC gossip and speculation and NUFC's coverage in the media and Player indiscipline and Player interviews and Thoughts and reflections and Workyticket and Yohan Cabaye , with tags: , ,
Comment on this post

79 Responses

  3. Yes I see now!

    It appears whether there is a confidentiality clause or not, Cabaye is acting in a professional manner, for the most part keeping schtumm and playing well.

    No doubt with an eye on a role in the French world cup squad.

    As are players like HBA, Sissoko and Remy.

    In which case we should hopefully earn a few more wins
    in the not too distant future, if Pardew doesn’t manage to screw things up as against Cardiff.

    Playing the “Pardew Catanaccio”.

    That’s when leading at half time, bring back nine players
    packing our own end and instead of awaiting our opportunities to spring a counterattack, as they press, just hoof it up to an unsupported forward.

    Great stuff!

    Then there’s the question of what happened with the Douglas deal, could have used someone with his size and physicality lately, having been bullied by big physical forwards like Lukaku and don’t even mention Williamson, unless you want to embarrass yourself.

    Yeah Yanga M’biwa has hit a rough patch, but being dropped could focus his attention.

    But we do need a big physical guy in the CD spot, especially when Colo is about to reach his sell by date.

  5. Chuck: MBiwa was probably bought as a replacement for Coloccini when he got his strop on last year and had personal issues. His form certainly dropped and then he got the back injury and went back to Argentina.

    That said, MBiwa is probably a better defender than Debuchy and Santon and probably should be in the team as a full back. I don’t think we can afford two marauding fullbacks who are better going forward. Do some rotation and alternate the three to hopefully keep them all happy.

    This shows the stupidity of letting Simpson go.

    I also think we should drop Cisse for Liverpool. Not because I think he is a bad player, but because I think we need Gouffran in the team for energy and tracking back. Doing the Jonas role, but hopefully with more end product.

  6. GS @ 5: yeah, letting Simpson go…even after getting Debuchy…who’s the backup RB again? Maybe this has something to do with Debuchy either tackling wildly or abandoning his position for long stretches in EVERY SINGLE GAME?

    Simpson was cut loose for having the audacity to ask for a raise that would lift him above the most lowly-paid players in the league…

  7. workyticket says:
    October 8, 2013 at 5:56 pm

    “I used to live over Whitby fish quay…”

    Mmmm! The Quayside restaurant and The Magpie. Even better than Kristians at the Fish Quay I reckon.

  8. Darth, the Magpie’s fish and chips are absolutely superb. Even Rick Stein the famous fish gadgie gushes over them.

    The Cod and the Haddock are both as good as you can get but the Haddock is probably the best.

  9. I’ve been to the Magpie six or seven times now, worky, and I’ve been queuing well up the street each time (because I’ve never had the sense to book :) ). I always have haddock.

    Tried The Quayside last time (the one James Martin’s always raving about) and I thought they might be even better – no tablecloth though!

  10. DarthBroon says:
    October 8, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    “Tried The Quayside last time (the one James Martin’s always raving about)”

    Aye that one’s Fuscos. I know the fish and chip scene in Whitby and I fried for me mutha a bit many years ago.

    The fish must be fresh of course, the batter mix must be correct with the just the right amount of soda in it for crispiness, and the dripping (and it MUST be beef dripping) must be the right temperature (hot) when the fish hits the fat so it seals as quickly as possible.

    That’s how you make fish and chips like the Magpie.

  12. http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Cabaye-c-est-du-passe/407286

    Above is the interview
    Don’t take up translation as a job you Berk.
    Cabaye admits that he was pulled every which way and had his head turned but couldn’t please everyone in his life.
    Kinnear(he implies)actually talked to him as an ally and
    pointed out the errors of his (Cabayes) approach to the chance of a move.
    At the forefront of YC’s thinking at the moment is the World Cup and Les Bleus.
    He has had it pointed out to him that playing out of his skin for NUFC (who will always pick him if fit) is his best chance for squad inclusion in 2013/2014.
    His value and stock if France have a good World Cup will go thru the roof so it’s win win for Ashley.
    Bloggers like you should come with a health warning

  13. @ 12: hey thanks for stopping in…always nice to have such friendly & gracious guests.

    Worky’s French translations are to be trusted. I dare say there are plenty of regulars on here who read French and can judge for themselves without johnny-come-lately cluin’ us in on the real dope…jog on…

    Anyway, back to fish-n-chips.

  15. i was there saturday and the amount of people wearing wonga made me sick! also guy above “At the forefront of YC’s thinking at the moment is the World Cup and Les Bleus” i call bulls**t all that was on his mind is more money like every other player in todays game! “Bloggers like you should come with a health warning” you have clearly not seen every other website toon related! worky probably puts the most effort into these blogs and 99% enjoy them! i personally think he was just rested in hope of a late desperate bid like carroll

    also i see poyet is mackems manager i doubt he can save them though, well i hope fookin not

  16. MallorcaMag says:
    October 8, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Cabaye-c-est-du-passe/407286

    “Above is the interview
    Don’t take up translation as a job you Berk.”

    Well I took it from Le Parisien and I think it is a fair representation of what was in there so I would suggest you take it up with them. I will check the video too but I would suggest you learned some manners as your parents obviously didn’t bother to teach you any.

  17. I am as friendly and gracious to Worky as he is to Alan Pardew.

    If he can’t take it he shouldn’t dish it out.

  18. The recipe is one cup of water or preferably a lager beer, to one cup of flour and a teaspoon of Baking Soda.

    The amount can be increased directly, according to how much you need.

    Their are all kinds of recipe’s that add all kinds of garbage, but this is one that you can’t miss with.
    Of course using beer you may add a little less Baking Soda, as they have a similar reaction, making the batter crispier.
    You can add a few drops of yellow food coloring to provide a lighter golden colored batter, better appearance.
    Try it you will like it.
    Of course rendered beef fat (lard) will always do a better job than the majority of oils
    And you can add accordingly to the amounts if more batter is needed.

  19. MallorcaMag says:
    October 8, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    “If he can’t take it he shouldn’t dish it out.”

    It doesn’t bother me in the slightest what people like you think so you’re wasting your time I’m afraid.

  20. MallorcaMag says:

    “blah”

    What kind of NUTJOB would actually think Pardew worth defending!?

    Either Pardew, a family member or someone in some backwater sh|thole that hasn’t picked up the news for a couple of years (Mallorca, maybe).

  21. Ooooh ! Mallorca mag,

    What brought that on?

    Doncha know by now it’s my job to keep Worky on the straight and narrow.

    No need to be so aggressive about a simple translation, we can all get the gist of it.

    After spending time and effort all without an agenda other than providing us with more information than we are entitled too, you jump all over his ass.

    Plus now no one will remember my fish batter recipe.

    C’mon guy, lighten up some.

  23. You should start another poll

    Which rag, with zero journalistic integrity would Worky fit in best?

    Daily Mail – The Sun – The Star

    All of the above

    None (he is too blinkered even for those pieces of toilet paper)

  24. Come on then, MorcambeMag

    Let’s hear how good the current regime is. Tell us about Pardew’s success as a manager at NUFC.

    Then we can decide whether you’re an astroturfer or just some kind of sick Pardew groupie.

  25. @ 17: hey, be a douche. You’re free to do so.

    But then you’re still a douche.

    wt MAY be flattered that you consider him as worthy of attention as your hero, AP.

  26. I really fancy some proper fish and chips now, with mushy peas, mint sauce and a pot of tea. I wish you’d never brought it up, Darth! Though I admit I did kind of start the ball rolling by mentioning Whitby fish quay.

  27. Cabaye is right of course, those in charge of the propaganda machine find ways to manipulate the public (fans)

    Plus I certainly (at this place in time) don’t blame him for wanting the opportunity to play for a PL contender, where he could be the best he can (and live in London, with a few bob more in his sky)

    But, it just didn’t happen, in which case he has acted very professionally, knuckled down and playing the kind of football he did in his first season here.

    So next home game, let him know by giving him a big hand, i’m sure it will be appreciated.

    Just wondering, if Joe decides to fess up, who’s gonna do the translating, wiv all the expletives and cockney
    accent.
    “Mallorca Mag” perhaps, as he is a self proclaimed specialist in the translation field.

  28. workyticket says:
    October 8, 2013 at 9:35 pm

    “I really fancy some proper fish and chips now, with mushy peas, mint sauce…”

    Mint sauce :?:

    Anyway, unless you’re near Geales in Notting Hill or The Seashell (can’t remember where that is) you’ve dipped out!

  29. Darth, the Seashell’s on Lisson Grove. I used to work near there when I had one of my little shops in Alfie’s Antique market. Some of the best I’ve had down here.

    And yes, mushy peas and mint sauce! I stand by that combination. I’m from Gosforth don’t you know! :-)

  30. MallorcaMag says:
    October 8, 2013 at 9:23 pm

    “Which rag, with zero journalistic integrity would Worky fit in best?

    “Daily Mail – The Sun – The Star”

    Well I do write for the Metro sometimes, Mallorca, which is part of the Daily Mail group, and hardly something to brag about if you’ve ever read it! :lol:

  31. Worky

    No! No! No!
    Lemon juice is much like vinegar to be added later, you don’t want or need any additions to batter, the simpler the better.
    But on saying that, yes a thin slice of lemon or a few drops of lemon juice can be added to (mostly bland tasting fish) while being cooked.
    The secret to most fish is to eat them as soon as possible, and use as little additions as necessary to them in the cooking process, one should enjoy the taste of the fresh fish itself.
    And my favorite addition has always been a squeeze of lomon.
    There was a time I spent in Cadiz, and in the main square near the cathederal, there was a fish shop, that sold various assorted shellfish and fried fish by the half kilo, they also provided a panecillo to take with it.
    Which you took to the bar next door, sat at a table and ordered a beer, which came with both a fork and supply of lemon wedges, that’s co-operation.
    Of course the Iberian peninsula from the eastern end of Biscay to the Mediterranean border with France, provides some of the most enjoyable fish meals I have had the good fortune to enjoy.
    and i’m sure you are aware of that.

  32. Got a nice piece of Monkfish, which is thawing, have it later, with some parsley boiled Yukon Gold Potatoes and buttered steamed sliced baby carrots and snap peas.

  33. chuck says:
    October 8, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    “they also provided a panecillo to take with it.”

    I’ve eaten in some dodgy places in my time but none of them have ever given out antibiotics.

  34. Chuck, on the subject of food on the Spanish coast, I’ll never forget the first time I had real Paella in the home of Paella, Valencia. I thought it would be a great idea at the time, but it wasn’t just chicken, seafood and that kind of thing. It had eyes, ears, bollocks, arseholes and all sorts in it. I didn’t manage much!

  35. Mallorcamag, Get yourself entered for a W***A.COM Away Day, I’m sure your just the sort they are looking for!

  36. @ MallorcaMag
    leave it out fella if it wernt for dudes like workey,rude dudes like you would not have a place express there stupity

  37. Worky, when this erupted, I felt that Cabaye was sulking because he generally wanted to move to Les Gunners. As such, Pardew found him somewhat out of sorts and not in the right frame of mind to play. Then you posed the argument that he had been ordered not to play. A different take, I must admit, but it had merit based on the underhand bollox that has transpired at the club in the past. In the end, I didn’t go for for a clear yes or a clear no. I think – as I have stated before – that the whole thing was a gray area. However, this latest twist sure makes it more interesting. On which note, players can all be “professional”, but we all prefer operating in a clear, open, friendly atmosphere than one tarnished by towing the party-line. Does “deep-throat” Kinnear have the stomach to come clean? I am not holding my breath.

  38. @TOONARMYLITE

    Rude dudes ffs – you fellas crack me up

    wtf is Stupity – someone who has symapathy for someone called Stewart ?

  40. Paul in Hollywood says:
    October 9, 2013 at 3:22 am

    “Then you posed the argument that he had been ordered not to play.”

    Not quite, Paul. I posed the argument that Pardew didn’t make sense when he said that he was “protecting” him because in coming out and saying he was protecting him he was doing the exact opposite, ie he was dropping him right in it. It was illogical and dishonest BS which insulted the intelligence of fans, or insulted the intelligence of intelligent fans anyway. Also, there was his ridiculous pretence that the club was trying desperately to hold on to him when it was obvious that they were hawking him around trying to pull off another Andy Carroll, ie selling him for an inflated price which was more than he is worth. I knew that Pardew was spinning a line of some sort and not for the first time. Therefore, I wasn’t going to believe that he was on strike just because Pardew kept suggesting it with a lot of innuendo.

  41. MallorcaMag says:
    October 9, 2013 at 9:28 am

    “wtf is Stupity – someone who has symapathy for someone called Stewart ?”

    No, that would be “stewpity,” and it’s “sympathy” not “symapathy.”

    Congratulations, you’ve made yourself look like a complete arse again. :-)

  42. If Cabaye wants to go just let him go. No point in trying to keep players who do not want to stay and play for us.

  43. Worky: I see what you are saying @40 but it might be possible that NUFC were “protecting” their asset by not playing him. I mean, saving him from injury and hoping for the increased bid on deadline day.

    Then Real Madrid threw a spanner in the works and let them have Ozil, maybe just to spite Man U :)

    All of this is pure speculation on my part. I have seen suggestions in the papers that Cabaye was disciplined by the club but I didn’t see any suggestion that there was a fine of wages, which you would have expected.

    Here’s more speculation (unbased). Maybe the club said his head might not be “right” and offered him the opportunity to sit out a game or two until he was in the “right frame of mind”. That’s not a strike.

    Again, pure speculation on my part, but what the hell, it is a blog after all.

  44. Chuck,

    The Monkfish, Yukon Gold spuds with buttered carrots and snap peas does sound a bit good, and way better than Worky’s paella (I know exactly what he is talking about), but I am wondering if you put any kind of sauce on that? “Catsup” for example…

  45. GS says:
    October 9, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    “I have seen suggestions in the papers that Cabaye was disciplined by the club but I didn’t see any suggestion that there was a fine of wages, which you would have expected.”

    It wasn’t just “suggestions in the papers” GS, Pardew announced that Pardew had been discliplined for his “action” though he wouldn’t say what that action was, or what the punishment was either. The club always refused to answer when asked if Cabaye refused to play.

  46. I read a bit of ‘Arry’s serialization of his autobiography in the Daily (hate) Mail. There’s another one who believes his own hype. He is totally delusional.

    It is what I was saying to Joe Hawkins the other day, Arry, like Pardew, is so far up his own @rsehole that they sometimes don’t know where their delusions end and reality begins.

    Some psychologist should do a study of this type of personality disorder. I will even name it for them – self-delusional gobshite.

  48. The bottom line is, We will never get to know what happened!
    We will be kept in the dark, In the same way, As we have, With everything else, Which has occurred under this rotten regime!

    I only wish the production company who did the documentary on Q.P.R, Had picked Newcastle, Under Ashley’s regime.
    We then could have seen how vile and ridiculous these idiots are, First hand!

  49. Hipply says:
    October 9, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    “What is the average age of people on this blog?”

    We don’t know and we don’t care, Hipply.

  50. On Cabayegate.

    I have the feeling, Ashley thought he had another transfer bonanza on his hands and like Pardew has become somewhat deluded, that he believes his own bullshit that he’s some kind of great dealmaker.

    Hell anyone with a brain, would have taken twenty million in a NY second, for Cabaye.

    Fact is he’s not worth it and obviously Wenger agrees.

    However at the time, with Wenger under pressure from the fans to buy, it appeared he may spring for the asking price, or so Ashley, Pardew and Joe thought.

    It’s my belief, Joe was assigned to calm Cabaye and god knows what he might have promised or speculated.

    At the same time Pardew was also probably instructed to keep him out of the team, why ?

    In order to avoid either injury, plus at the same time lead him to believe negotiations were going well.

    And these clowns are so sleazy, they will never give us the truth, well someone will eventually as there will be a falling out in time.

    I could be wrong, but you can bet your ass it’s close to what happened.

  51. Hipply

    Sez, “what’s the average age of people on this blog” ?

    Hipply, only the GCHQ & NSA know for sure.

  54. Paul on the left coast @44#

    Yeah catsup and YR sauce !

    Nah ! Baked it in my toaster oven (very handy machine)with salted butter, a little olive oil (Greek Calamata) a drop of white wine and a sprinkling of parsley.
    Simple really.

  55. Chuck, I like a man who needs to specify “salted” butter as opposed to the unsalted. Before I discovered the wonders of Wiziwig (courtesy of this blog)I used to motor down to a pub in Santa Monica (The Cock and Bull)at some horribly ungodly hour in the morning to watch the Toon. I later discovered that it was basically a hangout for Liverpool fans when I showed up in pitch darkness in my black and white for a game against the Scousers. Anyway, at half time this built like a shite-house door bricklayer chappie seated next to me at the bar ordered his breakfast and I was utterly surprised and impressed to hear him request the white pepper, not the black which was on offer. After that we had a damn good conversation about their rivalry with Everton and basically, as he informed me, it really turned sour after the tragedy at Hillsborough when the Everton fans took the piss.

  56. I should add a PS to the above story: When I asked him which team he liked besides his own, he replied the Toon – in part because even on a miserable wet Tuesday evening, we still put out massive support for an away game far from home.

  57. AndyMac says:
    October 9, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    “Just thinking about the shitey stunts that Fatman has pulled over the past five years makes me wonder why he hasnt tried this yet ?????”

    Err, maybe he has, Andy. I’m not sure at all if these things are related at Cardiff but I was reading about that and Moody’s departure comes in the midst of a bonus sheet dispute just like the one we had here before Hughton was sacked and a group of senior players (Harper, Nolan, Barton, Smith and Carroll) were either moved out of the club or frozen out from the first team in the case of Harper.

  58. Paul in Hollywood says:
    October 9, 2013 at 9:29 pm

    “I should add a PS to the above story: When I asked him which team he liked besides his own, he replied the Toon – in part because even on a miserable wet Tuesday evening, we still put out massive support for an away game far from home.”

    Aye, I’ve had that alot, Paul, but I think it’s just people trying to be friendly and diplomatic. If it wasn’t, 100% of the English football supporters I’ve met would have Newcastle United as their second team and I’m not sure that’s true at all! :-)

  59. Well I am 2300 years old so that may up the average age of people who frequent this blog.

  61. Grumpy Old-Toon says: “Well I am 2300 years old so that may up the average age of people who frequent this blog.”

    Actually, I think it brings it down Grumpy!

  62. Worky the stands were quite primitive in my day, a grassy mound and a few standing stones.

    Used to love the ritual sacrifice before the intertribal game began. Why can’t we bring that back, an offering of the Chief to the great footy god each year if the team was failing would ensure a real focussing of the mind.

    A Wicker Man anyone?

  63. Grumpy Old-Toon says:
    October 10, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    “Worky the stands were quite primitive in my day, a grassy mound and a few standing stones.”

    Grumpy, I saw a stadium in Rome that was built back in your day and it looked pretty impressive to me! They said it could hold as many as 80,000 if they packed ’em in. It looked like it was due for a few repairs when I saw it though.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coliseum

  64. Worky
    Our stand was impressive railway sleepers and ash.More impressive was kicking a leather baal arooond for 90 minutes on a wet Febuary day at SJP or just watching.

  69. Paul on the left coast

    Well of course, white pepper, it has a distinctly different taste to black (stronger)is quite a bit more expensive also.
    There are certain condiments, oils, herbs (preferably fresh) etc. that make that difference.
    It’s interesting to experiment in different ways in the kitchen, if you have the time and patience.
    However too many recipe’s are made complicated by the over use of ingredients, usually in recipe’s by those trying to impress, the more ingredients the better types.
    My attitude is keep it simple and be able to recognize the taste of the main ingredients.

  70. Interesting article in the Independent, concerning the possibility of forming a European super league of twenty of the best sides in Europe.

    Apparently Galatasaray have called for it’s formation, a bit optimistic in my opinion, I mean they may be a top side in Turkey, but again imo, is no guarantee of being accepted as I doubt they would make it as one of the top twenty European sides.

    But the article states Wenger believes it’s inevitability, plus there are the old group of fourteen, which became the group of eighteen, who had a similar aim if I recall.

    Some believe it could become a reality within five years and I have to agree.

    At present former strong leagues, especially Serie A and other south European leagues are suffering due to the economic circumstances plus the popularity of leagues like the EPL, who have much more revenue from tv deals and tend to attract players and top managers away from their leagues.

    In which case, why would a super league not attract them, better revenue and everything that goes with it.

    As there’s not much incentive to continue with the status quo.

    Actually there’s room for two competing Super Leagues,
    That could generate a great rivalry, with no lack of funding by the tv networks.

    It wouldn’t be difficult to form two separate leagues of twenty sides apiece, out of the current top European clubs.

    Our consideration is if Ashley’s ambition is no more than a top ten spot, would that be enough to give NUFC an invitation, or be left behind to what could be considered the second tier of football.

  71. Chuck @70: there is a model for that with your NFL, although I think that developed over time.

    I didn’t read the article, but, if there is to be a pan European super league I would prefer that model – 2 leagues, perhaps with playoffs and a “super-bowl”.

    This might be hard to implement as you would probably have to roll the Champions League into it.

    I am not sure if the Premier League would want to give up the current TV money, although if Man U, Man City and Chelsea were faced with loss of Champions League money they may have to reluctantly accept.

  72. Chuck
    Just been catching up again have been interested in your culinary thoughts.I agree with what you say.For the greater part of my 50year plus career in the trade Ive always advocated not masking or drowning the main ingredients its more the combination of ingredients that works.But don’t worry as it has taken up to this year for me to finally retire I’m not about to get drawn into sharing recipes much to the relief of the majority on here.

  73. Nutmag, your not wrong mate 65, I hope to remain one until the great programmer decides to delete my program. :)

  75. Nutmag

    Well nice of you to say so, not often I get agreement on much, but when it comes to food, I like to taste the main ingredients, but it’s also nice to have that which compliments the dish, without overpowering it.

    On the other hand I especially enjoy sushi, bit of eel, Blue fin Tuna, with crunch, avocado etc.

    Bit of raw ginger topped with some wasabi then dipped in soy sauce.

    Mmmmm ! like an explosion of differing tastes to the palate.

    Soh ! your a chef eh !

    A creative field, but can be demanding and hard work.
    And no, I wouldn’t doubt anything I mention concerning cooking wouldn’t impress you, being an amateur who does it for fun, but I believe I can tell the difference between what’s good and what’s not.

    That also relates to football.

  76. GS
    A super league/s would naturally involve the perennial Champions League sides.
    However I would believe there are enough candidates, including sides from Holland, Portugal, France, Spain, England, Germany, Italy, plus say adding a few sides like Celtic, perhaps Basel and elsewhere, to establish two separate but equal leagues.
    They can be based on geography or randomly with play offs and a final or say four equal divisions of ten sides.
    Though each club plays one game per year against every side with their points average only counting within their differing four leagues, then they go into a final playoff consisting of each leagues two top sides, that’s an eight team playoff, quarter finals and semi finals, then the championship.
    A more realistic way of defining who the best European side is, than the present system.
    Would there be a relegation and promotion, if considered, it’s possible, after all there’s a separation from the Premier league and the other divisions in England.
    Yeah I know it sounds more like the way the various sports leagues in the US are arranged, but is that a bad thing ?

  77. Well that’s just one proposal, there are numerous other versions that could be used, but I believe there are at least forty decent clubs that could stock a European league, which imo is inevitable.

  78. chuck says:
    October 11, 2013 at 6:00 am

    “A more realistic way of defining who the best European side is, than the present system.
    Would there be a relegation and promotion, if considered, it’s possible, after all there’s a separation from the Premier league and the other divisions in England.
    Yeah I know it sounds more like the way the various sports leagues in the US are arranged, but is that a bad thing ?”

    Yes, and there’s already a super league which sorts out who’s the best side in Europe, it’s called the Champions League.

  79. Chuck: I’ll tell you one way it shouldn’t be set up – like the BCS. All that does is satisfy college administrators and Notre Dame.