Elixir

I really enjoyed most of it. Frankly, just seeing GRRM's world continuing to be fleshed out is great, and I'm glad they are continuing to give characters enough time for us to care about them before things get juicy. Seems homophobes/religious nutters are intent on shitting on it: Pathetic. Book talk:

Yes.

Very, very funny.

Still haven't unhooked this from my veins.

Was this posted? Paul Merson will be shocked. Carvajal or Dumfries should be in instead of Walker, and Oblak or Simón should be in instead of Maignan.

As was touched upon above, the way Fire and Blood was written compared to ASoIaF certainly does give the writers a bit more freedom to easily add things here and there. Many great characters and performances, but Aemond and Daemon are the absolute bois.

He's coming home, he's coming home...

At least something's coming home.

It's called the EPL PR bubble and media brainwashing.

Yup, and their only other 'result of note' against Germany in 2021 was a German team that was absolutely stinking the place out and that nobody fancied. If Denmark had beaten them in the group stage, or indeed they or Slovenia nicked a goal in their final group game, the current Germany side would have dumped them out in the R16 in what would have been a reversal of the previous Euros, no doubt. Hopefully once things calm down a bit, Southgate is given a new deal and these failings none of them want to talk about remain hidden in plain sight. With any luck, this crop may have already had their best chances to end the six decades long drought, and the latest 'golden generation' is crucified. The previous one certainly never had the luck of the draw this current one has enjoyed. It can't be understated how accomplished this Spanish victory was. With the exception of being unable to play Portugal, they swept aside all the very best Europe has to offer. They should only continue to grow in strength, as too should Germany. France should regroup with new management and fresh ideas, and if Portugal end the Ronaldo show, they will be all the better for it. Argentina will still be a huge threat at the next World Cup, and though Brazil seem in shambles somewhat, they did just beat England in a friendly at Wembley and it's a side they certainly wouldn't want to face. Frankly, you won't want to play any South American side in the Americas. The next Euros where they will play every game in their own backyard again will surely be their ultimate opportunity, but is three consecutive finals a realistic prospect now? I'm not so sure. It will be 30 years by then since the host nation won the World Cup or Euros (France 1998) and indeed 44 years since a host nation won the Euros (France 1984).

I'm not seeing any reflection on the fact their runs in recent tournaments have had an awful lot to do with good fortune in avoiding playing the most elite sides. Indeed, England's record against the top sides is absolutely abysmal. Until this is acknowledged, their mentality is unlikely to change. The EPL PR bubble and English media brainwashing continues to expand, it would seem. Glorious.

If my time following the Hertz has taught me anything, it's that: Good pre-season friendly results = shit season ahead Bad pre-season friendly results = good season ahead Basically science at this point.

Tbf, we handled Europe and domestic affairs just fine last time - it was the collapse in March and April after Neilson publicly threw the players under the bus following the 'Snodgrass lone man in midfield against Rangers' debacle that did it for us in the end. Looking at the above, we also have a lot of squad depth, as you'd expect for playing half the season in Europe. Most of those guys should be able to slot in and do just as good a job as whoever they're replacing. I'd still like to see us hit 70-75 points this coming season. If we can continue to pick them up away from home like we did last season, but add to that the sort of home form that Hearts are typically known for, then it really will be an excellent campaign. The 2005/06 side got 74, though the overall quality and competition in the league was considerably higher then. Our goal difference was also +40 that season!