I know that the "expert opinion" of ex-players is the way the newspapers, radio and TV like to educate the masses on what is going on in football.
It's great to have it all explained by those who've played the game, and can inject their knowledge into our feeble brains.
So imagine how grateful I am for the likes of Claridge and Savage for giving me a real inside view on what's going on in the confusing world of 22 blokes kicking a ball around... and now, the latest addition to my list of heroes: Gary Birtles.
He builds it up with his razor sharp mind, and it's an honour to read the article. But just when you think he can't dazzle you anymore, he comes out with the last line (below)... the killer line. It's f***ing genius.
Enjoy...
Nottingham Post
Garry Birtles column: Pressure is on QPR as Forest look to force title twist
To many, tomorrow's showdown at Loftus Road will be viewed as a potential Championship title decider.
But I am not among them.
Because when QPR take on Nottingham Forest in front of the TV cameras all of the pressure will be on one side.
And I don't mean Forest.
Quite simply, there is more at stake for QPR when the game kicks off at 1.15pm.
They are top of the table; they are carrying the weight of expectation.
Neil Warnock's side will view this as an opportunity to establish an advantage.
And, given that they are the home side and their lofty perch, their fans will be expecting them to win again.
But they are not invulnerable at Loftus Road.
While they have enjoyed three comfortable wins during their last five home outings, they have also been held to a draw by Bristol City and, more significantly, been beaten by Watford.
Even little blips like that will have sowed a seed of doubt in their minds, given the size of the goal they are pursuing.
(here's the killer line...)...If they lose, they will start to feel they are no longer unbeatable.
Man alive, that is f*cking DEEP.
Radical stuff from Birtles there. Really makes you think.
(It makes you think... "how comes I can't steal a living, like he does?)
It's great to have it all explained by those who've played the game, and can inject their knowledge into our feeble brains.
So imagine how grateful I am for the likes of Claridge and Savage for giving me a real inside view on what's going on in the confusing world of 22 blokes kicking a ball around... and now, the latest addition to my list of heroes: Gary Birtles.
He builds it up with his razor sharp mind, and it's an honour to read the article. But just when you think he can't dazzle you anymore, he comes out with the last line (below)... the killer line. It's f***ing genius.
Enjoy...
Nottingham Post
Garry Birtles column: Pressure is on QPR as Forest look to force title twist
To many, tomorrow's showdown at Loftus Road will be viewed as a potential Championship title decider.
But I am not among them.
Because when QPR take on Nottingham Forest in front of the TV cameras all of the pressure will be on one side.
And I don't mean Forest.
Quite simply, there is more at stake for QPR when the game kicks off at 1.15pm.
They are top of the table; they are carrying the weight of expectation.
Neil Warnock's side will view this as an opportunity to establish an advantage.
And, given that they are the home side and their lofty perch, their fans will be expecting them to win again.
But they are not invulnerable at Loftus Road.
While they have enjoyed three comfortable wins during their last five home outings, they have also been held to a draw by Bristol City and, more significantly, been beaten by Watford.
Even little blips like that will have sowed a seed of doubt in their minds, given the size of the goal they are pursuing.
(here's the killer line...)...If they lose, they will start to feel they are no longer unbeatable.
Man alive, that is f*cking DEEP.
Radical stuff from Birtles there. Really makes you think.
(It makes you think... "how comes I can't steal a living, like he does?)
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