supergrass

David Dein (I think it was him at least) was spot on in my opinion when he said that Abramovich isn't going to be around for a long time. He's a man who's just looking for something to do with his money, once Chelsea flops (or even if it does work out) he's going to get bored sooner or later and look for something new.

Whereas Arsenal have owners and directors who love football and have been with Arsenal through the good and bad. Arsenal will be going as they are for a long time, Chelsea only for as long as Roman has interest. If/when he leaves they could be in serious trouble.

You can have all the millions in the world, but if you can't spend it well you're going nowhere.

I've seen pretty much all of Depp's films, at least those that have been mentioned so far.

It's not necessarily his best, but I enjoyed his POTC performance the most. I only recently saw Once Upon A Time In Mexico, I thought he was good in that too. I haven't seen him in a role I didn't like to be honest.

Just got home from seeing them film, I personally enjoyed it. It's a lot better than the first two, the three main kids (Radcliffe, Watson, Grint) get better with each film.

I prefer the book as the film only has a set amount of time and has to cut some things out, but it's still good. The new actors fit in well with the old.

I guess if you like the books you'd like this. Otherwise it could be hit or miss.

I don't even know if Almunia would play that much. Wenger seems set on sticking with Lehmann, though I don't know if that'd change when/if the new 'keeper comes in.

Petit was hardly a youngster when Wenger brought him in. Again, just have some trust in the man.

As stated, I'd have gone for Indie (being still into many bands from the Brit Pop era, namely Oasis and Supergrass). But it's not a choice.

There should at least be an "other" category.

Just to get some perspective on how much money he'll have to spend, how much roughly would a corporate box cost you?

Yeah the story is all over radio stations (Xfm, Virgin). I think Pete is a better singer than Carl, but Carl's certainly a good singer and better guitar player.

The album is more or less done though, so by the time they start writing again hopefully the Libertines will be reunited.

I know what you mean about the 'Free Pete' t-shirts (I opted for Carl's 'Fuck 'Em' one instead). The more the press glorify Pete's problems the longer he'll just keep going with them.

LIBERTINES star PETE DOHERTY has quit the band, I can exclusively reveal.

He dropped the bombshell after I tracked the missing star down to his London hideout.

In a frank and emotional interview, Pete - who is clearly still addicted to hard drugs after quitting The Priory last weekend - told how he was turning his back on The Libertines.

In tears, he said: "I’m heading to Paris to escape with my girlfriend Irene.

"She’s the one person who understands me. She will help me give up the crack pipe.

"I couldn’t do that in The Priory. I was barely aware of what was going on in there.

"All these visitors were coming in to see me and saying they were my family and my sisters - but really they weren’t.

"I want to clean up but it’s something I have to do on my own terms."

Pete, who had all his worldly possessions packed up ready to leave when I spoke to him, had been in hiding for most of the past week.

Not even family or friends knew his whereabouts.

Even though he was dressed immaculately in a suit, fedora, cravat and polished brown brogues, the talented guitarist/songwriter still cut a lonely figure.

He told how he felt neglected by his bandmates - CARL BARAT, JOHN HASSALL and GARY POWELL - and manager ALAN McGEE.

He was particularly disappointed in best friend Carl, with whom he shares a complicated love/hate relationship.

Pete burgled his pal’s home last year to help fund his drug habit, serving three weeks in prison.

He told me: "It’s got to the point where Carl and I don’t speak except on stage.

"It breaks my heart. He treats me badly and every time I come running back like a battered housewife.

"I feel like I’m seeking the ghost of a former friendship but Carl gave up on me years ago. He did come to see me in The Priory but I hardly remember his visit.

"I was drifting in and out the whole time. If he comes to Paris and grabs me by the hand, maybe we can reclaim the empire together.

"But for now I’m out of the band. Surely no one wants to see me trapped in this cage that is only making me miserable.

"Being a Libertine is supposed to be about freedom - but I don’t feel free at the moment.

"I want people to take me seriously as a musician - not just portray me as a junkie."

Pete also told how upset he was at having had little contact with his family.

He admitted: "I’ve broken my mother’s heart. But I’m definitely going to meet up with her in the next couple of days."

Two hours into our interview it was obvious Pete still has a long way to go before he is able to kick crack cocaine.

But he was adamant he had given up heroin.

He said: "People have claimed I’m a fixer. But that’s not true.

"I feel people have greatly exaggerated what I’ve got up to.

"My body is no longer dependent on opiates."

And with that he jumped into a car and left for Dover.

Who knows when he will resurface again. He left the impression of a vulnerable man going through a terrible crisis.

He is clearly one of our most talented stars and still wants to be in The Libertines.

But his ongoing drug problems are dividing a band on the cusp of greatness.

Privately, many in the music industry are comparing him to disillusioned NIRVANA frontman KURT COBAIN, who committed suicide in 1994.

But despite Pete’s paranoia, I’m assured his bandmates, management and family are doing everything they can to help him.

One source said: "Everybody involved has said they would sacrifice The Libertines for the sake of Pete’s health, no questions asked. But he has to want to help himself first.

"Ideally, he will come back to the band - but only when he’s feeling on top form again."

Pete’s dramatic exit has put the The Libertines summer festival appearances at the Isle Of Wight and Carling Weekend in doubt.

The band have also been forced to finish mastering their second album, produced by ex-CLASH guitarist MICK JONES, without him. Thankfully, most of the album had been finished before Pete went into hiding and despite the band’s problems, it’s shaping up as one of the must-have records of the year.

Whether Pete recovers in Paris or The Priory, let’s hope The Libertines are back together again in time for their summer gigs.

As one of Britain’s most exciting bands, the musical landscape is certainly a lot blander without them.

Source: The Sun

Hopefully he'll be cleaned up and return soon. Pete's parts on the new album are done so that'll still be out.

Until when/if he returns it'll be interesting to see what happens. When I saw The Libertines live Pete got in a strop and walked off - but Carl and the others kept playing and it was as good as ever. They'll miss Pete, but Carl is still a great singer/song-wrtier/guitarist so hopefully he'll do something with the time.

Get well soon Pete.

Once again, for team with so little money we seem to splash it about rather well.

Steps - 5, 6, 7, 8

The Baha Men - Who Let The Dogs Out

DJ Otzi - Hey Baby

Those are some that spring to mind.

I do hate it when kit designers make kits more or less the same for every team they design for, Nike have to be the biggest culprits for this.

I quite like both the kits though, I just wish they weren't so similar.

Anyone know when they go on sale?

In the last year:

The Libertines x 2 - 10/10 both times

(supported by Chas and Dave - 8/10, and The Kills - 7/10)

Muse x 2 - 10/10 again for both shows

(supported by Elbow - 7.5/10)

BRMC - 7/10

Electric Six (free tickets from xfm) - 7/10

(supported by Junior Senior - 6/10)

I'm sure there are others but I can't remember. Technically last year's V Festival was over a year ago (saw Damien Rice, Athlete, Ash, Foo Fighters, Coldplay), but it's been so long I wouldn't call it recent so won't rate them or anything.

Indeed, for me this is more like the typical Man Utd fan. Whoever they support, they're great to laugh at.

Me too, papers this morning (namely The Sun for what their print is worth) reckon there's a chance he could be around for another year.

It's got to be a small chance all the same. I can't see him staying with us.

Shame but it's the best thing for him, he won't ever play left midfield with Pires there, and with Cole and Clichy left back he's got even less chance. Then there's Vieira, Edu, Gilberto and Parlour in the middle.

Looks as though Wiltord might be around an extra year. Middlesbrough are interested, but then they've been bidding for every player in Premiership since the league ended.

Source?

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The source for the Wayne Rooney story could be The People, yesterday they reported that the deal was as good as done.

It would apparently be a £40m pound deal, with Solskjaer and Butt going to Everton, as well as maybe two more people going to Everton too (with money on top). Not sure what to make of it though. The paper claimed it was a done deal, I'm not so sure.

Rooney's good and he will get better, especially playing around better players, but at the moment it's all hype around him. He might one day be a £40m pound player, but he's not right now.

The whole "Compulsory Retirement" thing with referees seems stupid to me.  The older referees are generally the best, and if they think they can carry on, why shouldn't they?

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That's something I've always thought. If they can pass their medical/fitness test, and are still competent at making decisions, why should they have to retire?

Houllier to Leeds anyone?

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I think Leeds are going to promote Kevin Blackwell (I think that's his name) from assistant to manager. Cheaper for them to do that too, Houllier would most likely want a decent wage.

They needed to get someone new in.

Liverpool need some new players firstly, and with Houllier's recent flops I wouldn't trust him with my money again. He's taken the club as far as he can take them, they're only going backwards with him charge, somebody new has a better chance of motivating the players again and putting Liverpool back in the top three...though that will take some time.

I'll put in a provisional application for Inter. As with the others it would depend on the time and circumstances.

I can't see what difference foreign referees would make to the game. Some would argue they give free-kicks more than letting the game flow, but a lot of that is to with the kind of players and play in foreign countries too.

It wouldn't take long for him to adapt if any time at all, I think it's a good move.

Ledley King also played, Sheringham spoke on the big screen about Keown. At first he was having a laugh pretending he had nothing good to say, then eventually gave in and said all the good stuff the others had.

The game was about respect for Keown, not Tottenham players making some big statement by playing at Highbury. Certain Tottenham fans should take note of that.

Pennant looks like he wants to give it one more crack at getting into the team which I respect, hope he gets a run.

Edu was in the papers today stating that he thinks Arsenal shouldn't sell Freddie Ljungberg, apparently Wiltord is going to leave though.

I think we could do with a good defender. We could have a look at some good young goalkeepers too, but we can easily get by for another year without a one.

Albums:

1) Oasis - Definitely Maybe/What's The Story... either one

2) The Libertines - Up The Bracket

3) Supergrass - I Should Coco

4) Muse - Absolution

5) Ash - Intergalactic Sonic 7"s

Songs:

1) Oasis - Live Forever

2) Muse - Stockholm Syndrome

3) The Libertines - Horrorshow

4) Oasis - Slide Away

5) Damien Rice - Cannonball

I'd exect those to change a little though over time.

Yeah, such passion. Passion that you don't go and play in a player's testimonial. I do find it quite sad that some Tottenham fans seem to have nothing better to do than just hate Arsenal.

And as for comments before that "Keown must really need the money", well. Yes Keown did give the money away, but even if he didn't, that's the point of a testimonial - to get some money before you call it a day.