tonyXIII

I'm already checking out flights and hotels. I no longer teach, so my Fridays are free for me to travel, which means I won't have to sleep in airports this time. I've probably just jinxed Salford's chances of making the GF.

@Click, @StandOffHalf Sorry, I must have misunderstood the nature of your problem.

I watched the second half on the bbc iplayer. Excellent quality here in my little village in Crete. Some of you must have some crappy connections. My vpn works a treat except when there's very high demand on the internet, such as international football matches involving Greece. PS. I only get 9Mbps, too.

Good luck, Phil. Dealing with the authorities is like trying to swim in porridge. Perseverance will be needed.

Oh, I do hope so, John.

Having heard today what he was being paid, I'd've liked Huw Edwards job, but without the extra-curricular photographic interests. I mean, the best part of half-a-mil a year! I can read aloud, gissa job!

Just heard back from Karen. It was Tessa Sanderson, Karen says she still has the photo. PS. It was a state school, and a bloody good one.

Not as a pupil, but years later, as a teacher, I remember one of the javelin stars visiting our school. Embarrassingly, I cannot remember whether it was Tessa Sanderson or Fatima Whitbread, but it was definitely one of those two. It was an enjoyable day. The children were excited and the sun shone. Considering how isolated Whitby is, it was heart-warming to see a famous athlete visit us. Why can't I remember who it was? Either it's old age or it's the passage of time or, just possibly, both of them visited a few years apart. If I contact Karen (the girls' PE teacher), I'll ask her.

Me too! I think Salford will win, but they will put us through an agony of doubt along the way.

I played Bridge with friends, so not very competitive, for about a month (a bit of a fad) at college fifty years ago. As far as I remember, it was fairly easy to play (think Whist), but the bidding was quite difficult because you are trying to tell your partner what cards you hold without telling your opponents. It was interesting and you can pick it up quickly. However if you have any ambition to become good at it, you will need to commit hours to it. Give it a try and good luck.

That's good. Well done! I always feel pathetic when I try out my best Greek on someone only for them to answer in almost flawless English. I understand that they want to practise their English, but I want to practise my Greek!

I was not aware of a medieval university at York. The current university in York was only opened in about 1963. What happened? PS. Durham university (not shown) does, I believe, date back to the Middle Ages.

@gingerjon I said I would check it out and I have done so. Guess what? You were right. There are grammar notes hidden behind a menu button which looks like a page from a notebook. Αμήχανος; Εμενα; Ναί. (Embarrassed? Me? Yes.)

I haven't seen them. Maybe they're hidden in a menu. It is not a huge problem as I have already done a Uni course in Greek and have mastered(?) the basics. It's just occasionally that I think, "Why that word? Surely there's a simpler way to say that?" Anyway, thanks for the answer. I'll check it out.

My biggest criticism of Duolingo is the lack of any explanation of the grammar. I might be a bit odd (insert insult of choice) but I am old-fashioned and I like to understand the grammar behind the language. It gives me a structure on which I can build the language.

I like the "smattering" of American. Very good!

I don't follow football closely enough to come up with a quick answer. Try Pele in '58. Hurst and Peters in '66. Klinsmann in God knows when. Mbappe more recently. I know they weren't exactly 'unknown', but they were not well-known at the time. I'm trying to find a way to fire things up. Not that I care that much.

It has been mentioned, but not built on. The problem is FEAR. The whole set up is frightened of defeat. This means that the chosen manager is a 'steady Eddie' type. So, his squad is based on not losing, which is why we are serial qualifiers, not serial winners. His team selection is based on stability. His tactics are staid, one-dimensional and boring. IMO, in order to win, you have to take risks. Play 'unknown' players, play strange patterns. Just shake it up!

Watching this England game, I'm reminded of why I prefer Rugby League. Second half has started a bit better.

With your monicker, I thought you already were "here".

What can I say that hasn't already been said? I used to hate it when he played against us, he was almost unstoppable. What a privilege it is to have watched him play. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. Thanks for the memories, even the ones when you destroyed us. RIP Rob.

I'd like to echo all the grateful thanks expressed above. I never realised just how much I would miss this place. Thanks, John.

Hmm. This particular Man City fan certainly isn't!

Well done! Sounds like a decent outcome. Thanks for the update.

I'm intrigued by the £686.59 at Only Fan's. I thought that was a soft porn site. Have you revealed your little secret? Hmmm?