Much more like it.

[Saxo1man41]

I'm not coming back, but I am reading. The debate between champs and aucks is good stuff. You are right, the board is better without me.

Keep it up.

[champs95]

When I chat to Auks, we may not agree, or certainly have varying opinions, I will take in what he says. And due to how he is, I can convey my opinion. What I do like about Auks, is he will say when I step out of line. I know I do, everyone does. Robin is the same. I enjoy Despair's views aswell. If we all just had one opinion, and all agreed, how boring would that be?
Nobody wants to see you stop posting, even me deep down. You love sensationalism. Just chill with that a bit.
And while I'm chatting to Auks, even if I don't agree, how he says it means I will then look at it how he does, and my view may change.

[Despair]

I can only speak for myself but, I have no axe to grind with anyone, as its a debating forum where 'views' are aired.
I would not expect anyone to alter their view because I have voiced an opinion of this, that or the other.
What I voice is not declaring undeniable fact, but how it seems / comes across to me.
I take all that Champs posts on board as he's there in the flesh seeing it for himself and thus his opinion counts v highly.
I would take no notice whatsoever from 95% of what is posted on LT or BrFCS
Yes he's v v Optomistic, maybe overly so for cynics like me an Aucks, but so what. Good on him.
All football clubs need Optomistic supporters , there's a 'fact' that I'll happily claim.

[AucklandRover]

I can only speak for myself but, I have no axe to grind with anyone, as its a debating forum where 'views' are aired.
I would not expect anyone to alter their view because I have voiced an opinion of this, that or the other.
What I voice is not declaring undeniable fact, but how it seems / comes across to me.
I take all that Champs posts on board as he's there in the flesh seeing it for himself and thus his opinion counts v highly.
I would take no notice whatsoever from 95% of what is posted on LT or BrFCS
Yes he's v v Optomistic, maybe overly so for cynics like me an Aucks, but so what. Good on him.
All football clubs need Optomistic supporters , there's a 'fact' that I'll happily claim.

Totally agree with that, Despair.
The Telegraph site is actually getting worse. Several long-term posters have left in disgust - which, of course, is a victory for the trolls.
I keep trying to persuade people there to give no response of any kind, but lots can't resist.
As a result, it's almost impossible to have football discussions of the type we can still have on here.
My big regret now, though, is that we have so few regulars on Roversmad. I had a look, the other day at Page 100, and it reminded me how many familiar names have disappeared.
Going back to the Telegraph, I'm appalled that the management there are allowing this to continue. One sensible Claret contributor says it's all about advertising-revenue. That is, the more posts (of any kind), the better. However, that is surely very short-sighted, as at least three regulars have jumped ship in the last fortnight alone.
On the subject of optimism, my wife will tell you that I could easily be elected to the board of the Grumpy Old Men Association. I prefer to see myself as a healthy sceptic.
I always get partially drawn in by Champs' enthusiasm, but then bitter experience kicks in!

[AucklandRover]

I'm not coming back, but I am reading. The debate between champs and aucks is good stuff. You are right, the board is better without me.

Keep it up.

The problem, Saxo, is that your patience threshold is so low!
As Champs explains, the negotiations can drag on for months, but it doesn't mean nothing is happening.
To be honest, I find it bloody ridiculous. The PL and top European clubs are engaged in an obscene "start at 5 million and never stop bidding" war, which goes on to inflate everything else. The agents clearly tell many players at our level not to do an early deal, because that extra 10,000 a week might pop up on deadline day!
Is this really the best way of conducting football?
I am completely unrealistic on the topic, but if it was up to me, there would be an international committee which put a fixed value on each player, based on proven ability, experience and potential. I would also like to see an embargo on the number of senior players allowed at each club. If the price was pre-determined and squad-sizes fixed, we could have a much more rational situation.
Of course, I accept that my politics are showing here. I think the unrestricted "free market" has a lot to answer for - in football, as in every other aspect of life!