The Footie (UK) Thread: 2006/07

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Ais for my authority which many players seem to question, thinking they're somehow going to make me change my mind.
B is for babies which a lot of managers cry like after a decision has not gone their way
C is for the continual criticism i recieve from the touchline, get back in your technical area!
D is for the dunderheads who seem to think we have a conspiracy against their particular team
E is for the eerie silence that echoes around the ground
after I've booked the home teams player and its obvious to everyone that he deserved it
F is the farce into which most games would descend if we werent there
G is for the gnarled face of someone whos on £90,000 a week
and reckoned he should have had a throw in
H is for handballwhich has to be intentional and very rarely is, if only people would study the rules more
I is for innocence, pleaded by many a doe-eyed defender after theyve just scythed down that tricky winger
J is for ju-jitsu, which i quite intend to display given a dark alley and some of the narky blerts ive encountered
K is for the kissing of the badge, how ridiculous that looks 6 months later when theyre at another club
L is for lip reading, at which you dont need to be an expert
to see how odious some people are
Mis for the mistakes we sometimes make. surely a bit of controversy is part of the games appeal
N is for the numbskull who during the boxing day game asks me what else i got for christmas besides my whistle
O is for offside which many forwards tell me they simply could not have been
P is for the penalty shootout, great drama and no pressure on me
Q is the quiet word i sometimes need to have with some of the more fiery participants, i usually choose the word 'pleat'
R is for running backwards, a difficult skill which the pundits never seem to appreciate
Sis the suggestion that i should show a card to an opponent
by a player whos been awarded a free kick, he himself is more in danger of getting one for that
T is for the 21 man brawl which is basically an embarrassing scene of pushing and shoving
U is for the umpire which i sometimes wish id been instead
you never hear a cricket crowd shouting whos the bastard in the hat
V is for vitriol vilification vendetta and volley of verbal abuse
X represents the sarcastic kiss planted on my forehead by the swarthy potugese center half, who i just dismissed
Y is for Yate, the kind of town referees come from
the Z could be for Zidane, Zico, Zola, Zubizaretta, Zoff
Even Zondervan. but is in fact for the zest with which we approach our work
without this zest for the game we wouldnt become refs. and without refs, well zero

..i've just noticed there's no W...

[Epic Failure]

1. Chelsea
2. Arsenal
3. Liverpool
4. Man Utd
5. Tottenham
6. Manchester City
7. Newcastle
8. Bolton
9. Blackburn
10. Wigan
11. Charlton
12. Reading
13. West Ham
14. Middlesborough
15. Everton
16. Portsmouth
17. Watford
18. Villa
19. Fulham
20. Sheffield United

[Captain Stu]

So, the Spastic Plastic one wants to stay now. Gee, I wonder if that could be because United demanded a transfer request if he wants to leave... and he realises that would mean losing his 5% of the transfer fee?

Fucking prick, he's gonna get torn several new arseholes this year - I'm gonna try extra hard to be at the United game at Anfield. :D

[Renegades of funk 8]

1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. Man Utd
4. Liverpool
5. Tottenham
6. Newcastle
7. Blackburn
8. Bolton
9. Manchester City
10. Fulham
11. Everton
12. Charlton
13. Portsmouth
14. West Ham
15. Middlesborough
16. Villa
17. Reading
18. Watford
19. Wigan
20. Sheffield United

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Fucking prick, he's gonna get torn several new arseholes this year - I'm gonna try extra hard to be at the United game at Anfield. :D

i would LOVE for Man Utd to come to the Den this year... i would cream my pants

[Captain Stu]

i would LOVE for Man Utd to come to the Den this year... i would cream my pants

... and then fire several rockets at a certain diving cunt.

[Renegades of funk 8]

... and then fire several rockets at a certain diving cunt.

haha, i'm happy fulham are playing man u first, but then again i doubt they'd let me take a bunch of rocks and stones in

[Captain Stu]

haha, i'm happy fulham are playing man u first, but then again i doubt they'd let me take a bunch of rocks and stones in

Good time to play United, hopefully the players turmoil (Ronaldo and Rooney, Van Nistelcunt, some doubts over Heinze) will give them a slow start to the season.

[Bexster]

Good time to play United, hopefully the players turmoil (Ronaldo and Rooney, Van Nistelcunt, some doubts over Heinze) will give them a slow start to the season.

Yeah. I think we've got them quite early on. That'll be nice.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

... and then fire several rockets at a certain diving cunt.

definitely, i'm hoping for a "millwall, national heroes" headline rather than a "Millwall rocket shame"

[Bexster]

definitely, i'm hoping for a "millwall, national heroes" headline rather than a "Millwall rocket shame"

I wouldn't be against it.

[Bud]

I'd love him to get booed by Man U fans. Prawn sandwich bastards, it's probably the first time they've noticed him.

[Captain Stu]

I'd love him to get booed by Man U fans. Prawn sandwich bastards, it's probably the first time they've noticed him.

They totally will, he wronged the golden boy of Old Trafford. If it comes down to a goal scorer like Rooney... or a ponce like Ronaldo who rarely delivers, it's no contest intit?

[Bexster]

They totally will, he wronged the golden boy of Old Trafford. If it comes down to a goal scorer like Rooney... or a ponce like Ronaldo who rarely delivers, it's no contest intit?

No contest at all. Plus the players must all like Rooney well more that FP. He's gonna suffer, and the nation will join together in laughter.

[EvilElvis]

Huth transfer to Middlesborough collapses - Back to the stand to count his money then!

Allardyce on Hammann "Best bit of business! £400K for a player who never kicked a ball for me"

[Captain Stu]

When will people learn, Huth is nicknamed "Hoof" for a reason, ie, he's a talentless donkey.

Allardyce on Hammann "Best bit of business! £400K for a player who never kicked a ball for me"

Haha, ace. Good move for Bolton afterall then. Cracking buy for City, he's gonna set their midfield on the right path.

[timesfooall]

Ronaldo, woahhhhhhhhhhh, Ronaldo, woahhhhhhhhhh

He comes from portugal, he is magical!! :D

[Captain Stu]

Ronaldo, woahhhhhhhhhhh, Ronaldo, woahhhhhhhhhh

He comes from portugal, he is magical!! :D

Are you serious?

[timesfooall]

Im happy it looks like he is staying

[Captain Stu]

Im happy it looks like he is staying

The big question is "why?"

He's a show-boating, diving, whinging, crying girlypants nancy boy with no end-product.

Oh, he's a cunt too and a constant under-performer.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Im happy it looks like he is staying
You have no concept of football do you? I was willing to forgive the who Beckham bollocks, but you actually want Ronaldo on your team instead of buying a better player with the over inflated sum you will get for him?

[EvilElvis]

Im happy it looks like he is staying

He won't be happy by 3rd away trip.

[timesfooall]

Well then you're happy he's staying then, and you get to abuse him as well.

[Captain Stu]

Pffft, we can abuse him no matter what country he plays in. :D

[EvilElvis]

Well then you're happy he's staying then, and you get to abuse him as well.


All I will say is remember Pablo Escobar.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

All I will say is remember Pablo Escobar.

The drug lord?

Do you mean Andres Escobar, the shot-dead Columbia defender?

[Captain Stu]

The drug lord?

Do you mean Andres Escobar, the shot-dead Columbia defender?

1-0.

[EvilElvis]

The drug lord?

Do you mean Andres Escobar, the shot-dead Columbia defender?

I knew it was Escobar - Shot dead for costing his team the World Cup.


I'm sure some people lost out big time because of FP Ronaldo and will be after revenge...

[sunnydalehighdropout]

1-0.

Pfft, im so far ahead of him at life i wouldn't even begin to keep score there Stu :D

[EvilElvis]

Fucking Hell! (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/5170552.stm) :eek:


IFK Gothenburg 0-1 Derry City


Sean Hargan's 79th-minute header earned Derry City a shock away win over IFK Gothenburg in Thursday's Uefa Cup qualifying round first leg in Sweden.
Stefan Selakovic and Marcus Berg missed first-half chances for the home side, but Derry had a penalty claim turned down when Hargan was brought down.

Derry's Killian Brennan crashed a shot against the woodwork on 59 minutes.

Hargan finally broke the deadlock with 11 minutes to go before two great saves from David Forde sealed a famous win.

Derry had a lucky escape when Selakovic missed a great chance for Gothenburg in the eighth minute.

The home side carved out another good opportunity on 26 minutes, but Berg failed to hit the target from close range.

But Derry felt they should have had a penalty when Hargan was felled in the area by Adam Johansson on the stroke of half-time.

The visitors came out fired up after the break, with Brennan's long-range shot crashing back off the Gothenburg woodwork on 59 minutes.

Darren Kelly and Kevin McHugh also went close for the visitors before Hargan powered home Kevin Deery's cross to break the deadlock.

Gothenburg produced some intense late pressure, but Forde's two brilliant stops kept the home side at bay.

The second leg will take place at the Brandywell in a fortnight.

[Captain Stu]

AHAHAHAHAHA! Bolton wanna pay £3M for Traore! :D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Haha, ace. Good move for Bolton afterall then. Cracking buy for City, he's gonna set their midfield on the right path.

i always thought that Man Citys midfield was pretty good anyway, maybe less so without musampa, but he'll definitely sure it up a bit

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Fucking Hell! (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/5170552.stm) :eek:


IFK Gothenburg 0-1 Derry City


Sean Hargan's 79th-minute header earned Derry City a shock away win over IFK Gothenburg in Thursday's Uefa Cup qualifying round first leg in Sweden.
Stefan Selakovic and Marcus Berg missed first-half chances for the home side, but Derry had a penalty claim turned down when Hargan was brought down.

.

Stefan Selakovic CM98-99 legend... well done derry... bet they get trounced in the second leg!

[Captain Stu]

VERDICT DUE IN THE ITALIAN MATCH-FIXING SCANDAL!!

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/14072006/3/juventus-relegated-division-report.html

Apparently, the ruling is this:

- Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina will be relegated to Serie B.
- AC Milan will remain in Serie A but will be docked points and thus be prevented from taking part in this seasons Chapions League.

- Juventus will be docked 20 Serie B points.
- Fiorentina will be docked 10 Serie B points.
- Lazio will be docked 6 or 7 Serie B points.
- AC Milan will lose 10 to 15 Serie A points.

This is due to be officially announced at 6pm GMT.

[Captain Stu]

Double post. :(

[Two-Bob Peeters]

VERDICT DUE IN THE ITALIAN MATCH-FIXING SCANDAL!!

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/14072006/3/juventus-relegated-division-report.html

Apparently, the ruling is this:

- Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina will be relegated to Serie B.
- AC Milan will remain in Serie A but will be docked points and thus be prevented from taking part in this seasons Chapions League.

- Juventus will be docked 20 Serie B points.
- Fiorentina will be docked 10 Serie B points.
- Lazio will be docked 6 or 7 Serie B points.
- AC Milan will lose 10 to 15 Serie A points.

This is due to be officially announced at 6pm GMT.

so basically, Inter is going to win the title next season

who's going to be in the champs league then? nobody? or the teams that came below this lot? so like Palermo, Roma etc.?

[Captain Stu]

so basically, Inter is going to win the title next season

who's going to be in the champs league then? nobody? or the teams that came below this lot? so like Palermo, Roma etc.?

Yeah, if Milan start of negative points - it's gonna gift the title to Inter on a silver plate. I would imagine, re: Europe, they would bump everyone up a place...

Also, if Juve start on -20, they're gonna have to win basically every single game next season if they want to get instantly promoted.

On a similar note, Gattuso has pledged his future to Milan - even if they were to be relegated, he says he will NOT leave.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Yeah, if Milan start of negative points - it's gonna gift the title to Inter on a silver plate. I would imagine, re: Europe, they would bump everyone up a place...

Also, if Juve start on -20, they're gonna have to win basically every single game next season if they want to get instantly promoted.

On a similar note, Gattuso has pledged his future to Milan - even if they were to be relegated, he says he will NOT leave.

well it'd be out of Roma or Inter, i guess you can't rule out Udinese, Palermo or Chievo, in fact there have been quite a few suprise packages recently.

i think the -20 restriction is a great idea, it means it won't be so simple for them to go straight back up, and if they do get promoted, they'd have definitely earned it.

Good on Gattuso, it's not the fans, or the managers fault that the club officals are tosspots, it's nice to see that he still wants to play for them and for the fans and the club. proper respect to him

[Captain Stu]

Well, the table finished like this:

1. Juventus (C)
2. AC Milan
3. Inter Milan
4. Fiorentina
5. Roma
6. Lazio
7. Chievo
8. Palermo
9. Livorno
10. Parma
11. Empoli
12. Ascoli
13. Udinese
14. Sampdoria
15. Reggina
16. Cagliari
17. Siena
-------------
18. Messina
19. Lecce
20. Treviso

*

Right... but if they're dropping 3 Serie A teams to Serie B (Juve, Fior and Lazio)... would they NOT relegate the bottom three teams? Here's what they COULD do... I can't remember the placings for Italy in Europe but assuming they have the same as us (4 CL and 3 UC)

*

1. Inter Milan (C)
2. Roma
3. Chievo
4. Palermo
5. Livorno
6. Parma
7. Empoli
8. AC Milan
9. Ascoli
10. Udinese
11. Sampdoria
12. Reggina
13. Cagliari
14. Siena
15. Messina
16. Lecce
17. Treviso
----------
18. Lazio
19. Fiorentina
20. Juventus

*

So, in theory, they would be straight-up relegating them... otherwise they'd be overloading Serie B surely which would cause a complete fixture pileup. That makes sense to me.

Good on Gattuso, it's not the fans, or the managers fault that the club officals are tosspots, it's nice to see that he still wants to play for them and for the fans and the club. proper respect to him

Definately. It is a bit mean that the players are being punished, I honestly believe a lot of them are innocent and were completely oblivious to what was going on... but the suggestion is, especially with Juventus, that this couldn't have gone on for so long without at least one person finding out or twigging onto it... and of course, people talk. One suggestion has been that Buffon knew all along as he has a well-documented sports gambling problem although he did apparently stop doing it when the legislature (or whatever) changed in 2005.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i guess we'll find out later, but AC milans points are decucted for this season? do you think it'll be the same for next season also?

interesting if they don't relegate Lecce and co. and if Palermo and friends get champions league places, with the additonal money the recieve (i'd imagine quite a lot for the champs league teams) it could make the league a lot more competitive in the long run. it potentially could work out really well for Serie A.

however we have to take into account the crookedness of these teams officials... if they are just as corrupt the money will just be syphoned away, Theo Paphitis FA cup run style

[Captain Stu]

i guess we'll find out later, but AC milans points are decucted for this season? do you think it'll be the same for next season also?

interesting if they don't relegate Lecce and co. and if Palermo and friends get champions league places, with the additonal money the recieve (i'd imagine quite a lot for the champs league teams) it could make the league a lot more competitive in the long run. it potentially could work out really well for Serie A.

however we have to take into account the crookedness of these teams officials... if they are just as corrupt the money will just be syphoned away, Theo Paphitis FA cup run style

I think the points deduction would be for the coming season, I just moved them down the table up there to emphasise moving them out of European positions which is a good punishment for a big team because that's £30M that they won't touch.

I think they should do it, "relegate" the cheating clubs and, as you say, help out the relegated teams by not relegating them and stick the others into Europe. That'll learn the cheating barstewards.

[Captain Stu]

Some little nuggets of footie news:

- Valencia are close to signing Assier Del Porno from Chelski, thus leaving them practically left back-less.

- Scott Parker has been named Newcastle Captain for the coming season. :confused:

- Bolton set to sign Manchester United misfit and general waste of space, Quinton Fortune Cookie.

- Real Madrid claim to be "very close" to completing an £11M deal for Van Nistelrooy.

- After previously rejecting the move, former Spurs striker, Mido, could still be set for a move to Blackburn Rovers after they made an improved contract offer... ie... more money.

- Reading owner, Whatshisface Madjeski, is a moaning stupid cock. :rolleyes:

[JackTom 2.0]

do juventus still have the title they won last season?

[Captain Stu]

do juventus still have the title they won last season?

Technically, yes, but read my awesome above posts, JACK! :mad:

[Bexster]

Right... but if they're dropping 3 Serie A teams to Serie B (Juve, Fior and Lazio)... would they NOT relegate the bottom three teams? Here's what they COULD do... I can't remember the placings for Italy in Europe but assuming they have the same as us (4 CL and 3 UC)

*

1. Inter Milan (C)
2. Roma
3. Chievo
4. Palermo
5. Livorno
6. Parma
7. Empoli
8. AC Milan
9. Ascoli
10. Udinese
11. Sampdoria
12. Reggina
13. Cagliari
14. Siena
15. Messina
16. Lecce
17. Treviso
----------
18. Lazio
19. Fiorentina
20. Juventus

*

So, in theory, they would be straight-up relegating them... otherwise they'd be overloading Serie B surely which would cause a complete fixture pileup. That makes sense to me.

This would be the most likely outcome, yeah. There's no way they'd want to make anything that difficult for themselves to administer over by changing league numbers and fixture amounts, and I'm sure that's what's been done in the past.

Juve really are gonna have to go some. Yeah, they could in theory win every game, especially if they manage to keep all their players, but that's assuming Lazio and Fiorentina don't beat them, and that they don't have an off weekend and lose to some of the better Serie B teams.

Go Roma :D

Plus, how good is it going to be to see Chievo and Palermo in the Champions League.

[Obiwan]

1st: Chelsea
2nd: Liverpool
3rd: Arsenal
4th: Portsmouth
5th: Man Utd
6th: Newcastle
7th: Spurs
8th: Everton
9th: Blackburn
10th: Bolton
11th: Aston Villa
12th: Sheff Utd
13th: Charlton
14th: Man City
15th: West Ham
16th: Wigan
17th: Middlesbrough
18th: Reading
19th: Fulham
20th: Watford

Portsmouth 4th,:confused: , do you know something the rest of us dont.

[Captain Stu]

Portsmouth 4th,:confused: , do you know something the rest of us dont.

I think the expectation is that they finished the season so strongly and have spent a bit over the summer.

[EvilElvis]

Im happy it looks like he is staying


Still happy? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5180156.stm)


Van Nistelrooy wants Man Utd exit


Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has asked to leave Manchester United.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said the 30-year-old wanted an Old Trafford exit after arriving in Durban for the start of the club's pre-season.

"There may be some interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich," Ferguson said on Friday.

"I am waiting for Manchester United chief executive David Gill to fill me in but Ruud van Nistelrooy has asked to leave the club."

Van Nistelrooy found first-team chances hard to come by in the second half of last season and rumours of a rift with Ferguson grew when the Dutch striker left the ground before United's last game.

The stumbling block to his move could be the fee.

Real are thought to be ready to offer £10m, but United are reported to want £15m.

However, the news that Brazilian striker Ronaldo will miss the start of the season as he recovers from knee surgery could force the Spanish club's hand.

Meanwhile, Bayern are ready to speak to United, with club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge saying: "The player wants to come to us we know that."

"Now we will approach the thing with all calm.

"We have to speak with the player and naturally with Manchester United but there are no grounds for haste."

Van Nistelrooy was a £19m signing from PSV Eindhoven in 2001 and has scored 150 goals in 218 appearances.

[Bud]

yes! fuck of ruuuud!

[EvilElvis]

Players Vs Deadly Doug at Villa Park (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5181952.stm)


Villa players unhappy with Ellis


Aston Villa's players have criticised chairman Doug Ellis for a lack of ambition at the club.
The Villa squad took the unprecedented step of issuing a joint statement raising concerns with Ellis, who put the club up for sale in October.

"The chairman should be behind the club and not working against what we're trying to achieve," said the statement.

"There've been a series of cutbacks and we feel we have to mention this because they are now starting to affect us."

Ellis' attempts to find a buyer for the midlands club have floundered and the players are unhappy at the extent the chairman has tightened the purse strings.

The statement added: "People talk about Aston Villa being a big club and winning the European Cup in 1982.

"We feel it should be a big club but if the chairman has got ambition, he needs to start showing it. It has to come from the top.

"So many other clubs are doing so much to show their ambition apart from us. As players we're all ambitious and we want to improve on last season.

"At the end of last season, the chairman refused to pay £300 for the pitches to be watered. The training ground development, which we were all looking forward to working in, has stopped.

"Now we have lost a masseur because the club refuse to pay for one and are clubbing together to pay for our own.

"We have also heard that the physio, who was on his way to see Martin Laursen, could not claim back for a cup of coffee at the airport.

"We've had no explanation for the cutbacks and we feel if the manager (David O'Leary) can't get one, then we have no chance.

"Maybe the chairman thought he would have left by now because of the takeover. Supporters are concerned with what happens on the pitch and rightly so.

"But we feel with all the cutbacks, it is difficult to attain the targets we all share.

"There are no positives coming out of the club. We need to see a plan where the club is going and all the players feel the same. Every penny is being watched."

[Captain Stu]

Woah, the result is coming out:

AC Milan - Remain in Serie A, out of Europe and a 15 points deduction from the start of the 06/07 season.

Fiorentia - Relegated to Serie B, out of the Europe and a 12 points deduction from the start of the 06/07 season.

Lazio - Relegated to Serie B, out of Europe and a 7 points deduction from the start of the 06/07 season.

Juventus - Relegated to Serie B, stripped of the league title from the last two seasons, out of Europe and a 30 POINTS deduction from the start of the 06/07 season.

*

More details to follow, like what will happen to the three teams who were relegated from Serie A anyway - apparently, they may indeed stay relegated, thus shrinking Serie A to 17 teams as a league shrinking is something the Italian FA has been looking at for a while now.

Also, no details have come out as to whether the title will be awarded to the nearest eligible team (ie, last season's would be Inter) or whether it will just be left as a null/void season.

Juve. Are. Fucked. Kat and I worked it out, even if they won every single game they would still make around a maximum of 90-something points... and that's pretty much impossible to do because Serie B has some good teams and the Juve players will not stay to see that.

Bye bye, Juventus players.

I can see Buffon and Cannavaro going to AC Milan.

[Kraut Balls]

And of course Signor Berlusconi had nothing to do with that.:D

Well, looks like Serie A will be a 3 horse race next season.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Fucking Hell.

My god.

Lets all get some serious betting done on this seasons Serie A and B.

[EvilElvis]

Serie A sale (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/5150260.stm)

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Oh Sweet Lord. What a fucking verdict.

Lazio, Fiorentina and Juventus - serie B (juve minus 30 pts)
Milan - Serie A minus 15 pts.

[Epic Failure]

real madrid must be loving this

[EvilElvis]

real madrid must be loving this

Why Real Madrid?!


I'm sure Inter Milan happier!

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Why Real Madrid?!


I'm sure Inter Milan happier!

Because Madrid want Cannavaro and Vieira

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Why Real Madrid?!


I'm sure Inter Milan happier!

Nah, Inter Milan always find a way to fuck things up. When they had the 2 best strikers alive upfront (Ronaldo and Vieri) in the late 90's they still managed to win nothing due to having no defence.

Roma will walk it next season unless all the 'almost' Italian clubs (Udinese, Parma etc) grab the chance and splash the cash on some players that can get them some much needed consistency. Next years Serie A will be interesting.

[EvilElvis]

Nah, Inter Milan always find a way to fuck things up. When they had the 2 best strikers alive upfront (Ronaldo and Vieri) in the late 90's they still managed to win nothing due to having no defence.

Roma will walk it next season unless all the 'almost' Italian clubs (Udinese, Parma etc) grab the chance and splash the cash on some players that can get them some much needed consistency. Next years Serie A will be interesting.

Inter's owner has spent £400m and got no return at all!


Parma - thought they wernt bankrupt...

[Epic Failure]

Why Real Madrid?!


I'm sure Inter Milan happier!

cos capello is going to take the entire Juve team with him. not to mention the likely addition of ruud and maybe ronaldo.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Inter's owner has spent £400m and got no return at all!


Parma - thought they wernt bankrupt...

£500 million actually :p (officially the only team with worse transferring ethics than Leeds)

Nah, Parma just did the whole Leeds thing but less so, but got away with it. Fiorentina went bankrupt and changed the name of club just before bankruptcy to "Fiorentina [old]" so the new team could be called Fiorentina.

[EvilElvis]

cos capello is going to take the entire Juve team with him. not to mention the likely addition of ruud and maybe ronaldo.

Think he'll go bargain huntng at Juventus.


Like most other people, I want to see FP Ronaldo butchered to death by rioting fans.

My bet is:

Vs West Ham (Away)

[EvilElvis]

£500 million actually :p (officially the only team with worse transferring ethics than Leeds)

Nah, Parma just did the whole Leeds thing but less so, but got away with it. Fiorentina went bankrupt and changed the name of club just before bankruptcy to "Fiorentina [old]" so the new team could be called Fiorentina.


One of my fav memories was watching Rangers beat Parma 2-0 at Ibrox (Could easily have been 5 or 6)

It says a lot that even Tony Vidmar scored for Rangers!

The other amazing European game was when we beat PSV Eindhoven 4-1 at Ibrox and that score flattered PSV

[Epic Failure]

Like most other people, I want to see FP Ronaldo butchered to death by rioting fans.

Judging from what i've heard them say I think the United fans will do it for us:D Most of my best mates are united season ticket holders and none of them want him to be there for the start of the season.

got a text from one of them the night of the match- "He is a complete cock. He can fuck off right now. I'll attend pre-season friendlies just so i can boo him":D

[Chandler]

AC Milan will probably play the UEFA Cup since Empoli F.C. doesnt have a certified stadium and it's not a Uefa team. Anyway as AC Milan supporter im not satysfied.. we have risked to go in Serie B and this didnt happen but we lost the champions league and that is unbelievable since we just did anything but complaining for ref assistants' mistakes..

[Bexster]

My money's on Roma for serie A this year. They really picked up second half of last season, and they'll carry it over for sure.

30 points :eek: I wasn't expecting that at all. Juve are down there for at least 2 seasons.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

AC Milan will probably play the UEFA Cup since Empoli F.C. doesnt have a certified stadium and it's not a Uefa team. Anyway as AC Milan supporter im not satysfied.. we have risked to go in Serie B and this didnt happen but we lost the champions league and that is unbelievable since we just did anything but complaining for ref assistants' mistakes..

As an AC supporter of 15 years, i'm fucking relieved!! I was expecting a drop of a division.

At least this way we get to keep all the best players. Now that we are out of Europe next season, expect a season to rival 1991/92.

My money's on Roma for serie A this year. They really picked up second half of last season, and they'll carry it over for sure.

A good bet is on Totti to win World player of the season after his lacklustre showing in the World Cup Final. He will be raring to go at thought of such an 'easy' season.

[Chandler]

Buffon and Zambrotta are very close to sign with AC Milan. We are following Cannavaro also.. we are really looking forward on him because we want revenge against Real Madrid since they tried to get Kakà during the World Cup. Bastards

[Ian Mc]

- Scott Parker has been named Newcastle Captain for the coming season. :confused:

Really?? Where did you read that?
I'm almost positive that I read an article where Roeder announced that Shay Given was going to be captain. Parker would be okay, he's pretty loud on the field.

I'm a little shocked about Juventus, I didn't expect the points being docked at all. This is totally going to open up investigations in other countries!

[EvilElvis]

Really?? Where did you read that?
I'm almost positive that I read an article where Roeder announced that Shay Given was going to be captain. Parker would be okay, he's pretty loud on the field.

Shay Given will be Vice-captain...

Parker named as Newcastle captain (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/5180090.stm)

Newcastle have appointed former Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker as their new captain following the retirement of Alan Shearer.
Goalkeeper Shay Given, who was also in the running, was made vice-captain.

"It's a decision I gave an awful lot of thought and consideration to," manager Glenn Roeder told the club website.

"Shay's position as keeper came into it obviously, while Scott as a central midfielder is more in touch with the whole side

[Ian Mc]

Ah good good...I had once feared that Boumsong was going to actually get it...Souness threatened us with that many times!

[Chandler]

This is totally going to open up investigations in other countries!
i dont think so, this shit may happen only in italy

[EvilElvis]

i dont think so, this shit may happen only in italy

South American Football

British Football - Remeber Bruce Grobelaar?

[Bexster]

A good bet is on Totti to win World player of the season after his lacklustre showing in the World Cup Final. He will be raring to go at thought of such an 'easy' season.

He wasn't back to his best by a long shot, especially after ending last season out injured. I think they'll relish the chance to give a really strong push for the title this year - I think a few of those teams - Inter and Roma especially - will be happy to show next season that they're the clean, moral teams, and that they're completely worthy of winning.

[Captain Stu]

Really?? Where did you read that?
I'm almost positive that I read an article where Roeder announced that Shay Given was going to be captain. Parker would be okay, he's pretty loud on the field.

Sky Sports and Glen Roeder confirmed it yesterday. Given is now Vice-Captain.

[Captain Stu]

Oh, and HAHAHA I WAS 100% FUCKING RIGHT! :D

Champions League:
Inter Milan
Roma
Chievo
Palermo

UEFA Cup:
Livorno
Parma
Empoli

Saved from relegation:
Messina
Lecce
Treviso

Relegated:
Lazio
Fiorentina
Juventus

:D

[EvilElvis]

What The Hell Is Going On At Villa Park? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5181952.stm)

Villa shocked by players' revolt


Aston Villa have cast doubt on a statement criticising chairman Doug Ellis for his running of the club.
The statement claimed to have been issued on behalf of the first-team squad, but Villa insist several players were unaware of its existence.

Head of communications Phil Mepham said: "Several senior members of the first-team squad had no knowledge of it. All were surprised at its content.

"So to suggest this is a collective statement is ridiculous."

Mepham's response was posted on the club's website under the headline 'Players and chairman unite'.

It added: "The chairman is furious, because he has had no indication from any member of the playing or coaching staff of any dissatisfaction at the training ground.

"This has come as a great surprise."

Ellis, 81, had heart surgery last year and has been in talks to sell the Premiership club.

But no deal has yet materialised, upsetting fans who feel the club has stagnated because of a lack of investment.

Bill Howell, a journalist with the Birmingham Mail newspaper, told radio station talkSPORT on Saturday that the statement actually came from one player only.

Issued on Friday, it read: "The chairman should be behind the club and not working against what we're trying to achieve.

"There've been a series of cutbacks and we feel we have to mention this because they are now starting to affect us.

"People talk about Aston Villa being a big club and winning the European Cup in 1982.

"We feel it should be a big club but if the chairman has got ambition, he needs to start showing it. It has to come from the top.

"So many other clubs are doing so much to show their ambition apart from us. As players we're all ambitious and we want to improve on last season.

"At the end of last season, the chairman refused to pay £300 for the pitches to be watered. The training ground development, which we were all looking forward to working in, has stopped.

"Now we have lost a masseur because the club refuse to pay for one and are clubbing together to pay for our own.

"We have also heard that the physio, who was on his way to see Martin Laursen, could not claim back for a cup of coffee at the airport.

"We've had no explanation for the cutbacks and we feel if the manager (David O'Leary) can't get one, then we have no chance.

"Maybe the chairman thought he would have left by now because of the takeover. Supporters are concerned with what happens on the pitch and rightly so.

"But we feel with all the cutbacks, it is difficult to attain the targets we all share.

"There are no positives coming out of the club. We need to see a plan where the club is going and all the players feel the same. Every penny is being watched."

[EvilElvis]

Cole Slams Arsenal (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5182552.stm)


Furious Cole criticises Arsenal

Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole has heavily criticised the Gunners in the promotional material for his new book.
The 25-year-old was punished by the Premier League for an illegal meeting with Chelsea last season.

Cole subsequently signed a new deal with Arsenal but has now revealed his anger at how the club handled the fall out surrounding his Chelsea meeting.

"Arsenal hung me out to dry, using me as a scapegoat to get back at Chelsea," he is quoted in The Sun as saying.

"The board 'rewarded' me with an insult and threw years of loyalty back in my face.

"I'll reveal the shattering truth about who fed me to the sharks. It changed my view forever on the club I regarded as family."

[Bexster]

Yaay! Exeter have just beaten Fulham in a friendly :D

Yes I know, it's a friendly, but I don't care :D :D :D

[Bexster]

Cole Slams Arsenal (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5182552.stm)


Furious Cole criticises Arsenal

Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole has heavily criticised the Gunners in the promotional material for his new book.
The 25-year-old was punished by the Premier League for an illegal meeting with Chelsea last season.

Cole subsequently signed a new deal with Arsenal but has now revealed his anger at how the club handled the fall out surrounding his Chelsea meeting.

"Arsenal hung me out to dry, using me as a scapegoat to get back at Chelsea," he is quoted in The Sun as saying.

"The board 'rewarded' me with an insult and threw years of loyalty back in my face.

"I'll reveal the shattering truth about who fed me to the sharks. It changed my view forever on the club I regarded as family."

If he really didn't want to stay, then why did he sign the extension. Better he keeps his chavvy mouth shut and get on with his football.

[EvilElvis]

If he really didn't want to stay, then why did he sign the extension. Better he keeps his chavvy mouth shut and get on with his football.


Bit strange how the story is released the day he gets married...

[Renegades of funk 8]

Yaay! Exeter have just beaten Fulham in a friendly :D

Yes I know, it's a friendly, but I don't care

boourns, it's all about the fitness of the players though :p

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Bit strange how the story is released the day he gets married...
hes one of the homo footballers, you know...

[EvilElvis]

Sir Alex Ferguson has sensationally revealed how he plans to raid the Italian transfer market in the wake of the match-fixing scandal. (News of the World)

Rafa Benitez plans to pounce on cut-price deals for Juventus stars David Trezeguet, Gianluca Zambrotta and Mauro Camoranesi. (News of the World, Star on Sunday)

In fact, England's top four clubs are all set to pounce in the wake of the corruption scandal in Italy. (Sunday Mirror)

Manchester United are preparing to open negotiations with Atletico Madrid to sign striker Fernando Torres. (Sunday People, Star on Sunday, Sunday Express)

Portsmouth have made a £7.5m bid for Fenerbahce's French striker Nicolas Anelka. (Sunday People)

Darren Bent will sign an extension to his Charlton contract this week, snubbing a host of offers to leave the Valley. (Sunday Mirror, Sunday People, Star)

Monaco want to take Newcastle defender Jean-Alain Boumsong on loan for the season. (Sunday People)

Aussie World Cup star Lucas Neill is set to reject a new contract and leave Blackburn. (News of the World)


Spurs have been handed a boost in their chase for Roberto Ayala after Valencia told the defender they are willing to sell him. (Star on Sunday)

Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has told Portsmouth to double their money if they want to sign Gareth Barry. (Sunday People)

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder is pursuing West Ham striker Dean Ashton. (Sunday Mirror)

West Brom want Giuseppe Rossi on loan for a year as part of the deal which would take keeper Tomasz Kuszczak to Manchester United. (Daily Star Sunday)

Manchester United's hopes of signing Michael Carrick from Spurs in a swap deal involving John O'Shea plus £10m have been dashed. (Sunday Mirror)

Leandro Gioda, the rising young star of Argentine football, could be on his way to Bolton for £1.75m. (Sunday People)

New Charlton boss Iain Dowie plans a double swoop for free agent Matt Oakley and Aussie World Cup star Scott Chipperfield. (News of the World)

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all on alert after Real Madrid star Guti threatened to quit the Bernabeu. (News of the World)

Wolves' Rohan Ricketts is a target for top-flight new-boys Sheffield United. (News of the World)

Robert Huth's on-off transfer to Middlesbrough will be back on this week if his ankle trouble clears up. (Sunday People)

[Captain Stu]

This week is going to be a very, very important time for Italian and English football. I can honestly see about 6 of the Italian squad ending up over here.

I would be more than happy for us to sign Camoranese, Zambrotta and Guti. Trezeguet I'm not so sure of...

I agree with what Wenger said, the stumbling block could be the amazingly high wages that they will probably want.

*

Also, Ashley Cole is a scumbag. He clearly has no intention of playing for Arsenal, if I was an Arsenal fan - I wouldn't want that little scally cunt in my team, he's a self-serving shit.

[rob3000]

I have no interest in Cameronesi or Trezeguet joining Liverpool.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

I like Camoranesi. He's set up some class goals on Pro Ev.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I'm a happy bunny, Danyul should not be.

Leeds are set to sign Dave Livermore, worst millwall captain in history! the fee is rumoured to be about £400k, but personally i'd take £40 for him! :D

oh man, if you need any info on what kind of player he is feel free to ask! :D

[Wish_Master2100]

I'm a happy bunny, Danyul should not be.

Leeds are set to sign Dave Livermore, worst millwall captain in history! the fee is rumoured to be about £400k, but personally i'd take £40 for him! :D

oh man, if you need any info on what kind of player he is feel free to ask! :D

We could have got about a million for him, but about fucking time. Waste of space for the last three years.

You can have Matt Lawrence for free too.

[Chandler]

7 days ago exactly at this hour the kick off of the WC final match :D

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Man U, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Bolton and Middlesbrough being investigated for bungs.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

I'm a happy bunny, Danyul should not be.

Leeds are set to sign Dave Livermore, worst millwall captain in history! the fee is rumoured to be about £400k, but personally i'd take £40 for him! :D

oh man, if you need any info on what kind of player he is feel free to ask! :D

Oh shit. Coincidentally, he hasn't played one good game since been a lower league legend on CM 99/00. Fuck.

[Edge]

heh
we bought dean marney from tottenham.
I think that's a pretty good signing. I remember him scoring a couple of great goals in the premiership.
Any Norwich fans kicking about? what was he like on loan for you?

[EvilElvis]

Van Nistelrooy 'wants Real move' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5185542.stm)

Ruud van Nistelrooy has set his sights on a move to Real Madrid, according to the Manchester United striker's agent.
The 30-year-old has handed in a transfer request at Old Trafford, with Real, Bayern Munich and another unnamed club chasing his signature.

"We know Madrid want him and he wants to play there," Rodger Linse told Marca newspaper. "Madrid is a dream for any footballer, including Ruud."

Real are thought to have offered £8m but the asking price is at least £10m.

Van Nistelrooy asked to end his five-year career at Old Trafford after falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson last season.

"Ruud has asked to leave and we have to consider that. Obviously I think something may happen," said Ferguson.

"Real Madrid have shown interest and Bayern Munich have shown interest.

"I think another club have shown interest but David Gill is going to fill me in on that one."

Following a turbulent end to his club season with United, Van Nistelrooy headed to the World Cup with Holland, but ended the tournament as an unused substitute in his country's second-round defeat to Portugal.

However, Real's new manager Fabio Capello is optimistic Van Nistelrooy will be a success in Spain.

"Van Nistelrooy has done well at all the clubs he has played for," he told Spanish television station Antena 3.

"He has scored a lot of goals and he is a striker who can succeed at Madrid."

Van Nistelrooy was a £19m signing from PSV Eindhoven in 2001 and has scored 150 goals in 218 appearances

[Edge]

I think it's funny that Ruud is making out as if he is the one who wants to leave.
He has been basically pushed out by ferguson since the last half of the season.
It's bloody good business if they get £10m for him.

[EvilElvis]

England Job For El Tel? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/5184666.stm)

Venables holds talks with England

Terry Venables has revealed he is in talks with England boss Steve McClaren about a return to the national set-up.
But Venables, who guided England to the semi-finals of Euro 96, insists he is not looking to replace McClaren.

"I am not about to join England's staff as a way of getting Steve McClaren's job," said Venables in his column in the News of the World.

"I'm excited by the prospect of working with England again, although I must stress, the deal has to be finalised."

The former Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Barcelona manager added: "My potential role with Steve is very exciting. He is offering me the freedom to take on as much as I want.


"I will obviously be involved around the matches and checking on players and he has already given me areas of the team he thinks need looking at."

Venables was appointed England manager in 1994 and led them to the last four of Euro 96 on home soil after beating Holland 4-1 in the group stages.

But after knocking Spain out on penalties to book their place in the semi-finals, they crashed out to Germany on spot-kicks and he left the post.

Since then he has had a second spell with Palace as well as jobs with Leeds, Middlesbrough and the Australian national side.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Terry Venables has done nothing of note since the 80's. He's seriously overrated.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Oh shit. Coincidentally, he hasn't played one good game since been a lower league legend on CM 99/00. Fuck.

Livermore Trivia: he scored the last ever goal of the old millenium in the 93rd minute of a 3-2 win over Brentford.

Other than that he's absolute fucking pone, even if he can play in loads of different positions (allegedly). he's traditionaly a centre mid, he actually plays okay there, but recently they've mived him to the left. as he's more one footed thatn i am.

incidentally, on a millwall msg board my user name is "livermores_right_foot"

[EvilElvis]

Terry Venables has done nothing of note since the 80's. He's seriously overrated.

I'd still give him a bit of credit for England's Euro '96 run.


Everything since then has been based on that tournament

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Terry Venables has done nothing of note since the 80's. He's seriously overrated.

except bankrupt a few clubs!

[Two-Bob Peeters]

You can have Matt Lawrence for free too.

palace had a bid rejected for him. i wouldn't mind seeing him go, a great player, but just doesnt have any desire anymore.

also, Hayles is off to Plymouth apparantly. doubt we'd get a fee for a 36 year old striker

[sunnydalehighdropout]

I'd still give him a bit of credit for England's Euro '96 run.


Everything since then has been based on that tournament

Oh yeah, winning 2 games out of 5 was a great achievement :D

Switzerland were shit and we drew. Scotland were ok but we underperformed, that game is only remembered for gazza's goal. The game v Holland was one of the alltime great England performances, and we were shit Vs Spain.

[EvilElvis]

Oh yeah, winning 2 games out of 5 was a great achievement :D

Switzerland were shit and we drew. Scotland were ok but we underperformed, that game is only remembered for gazza's goal. The game v Holland was one of the alltime great England performances, and we were shit Vs Spain.

And you still got to the Semi Final...

Against Spain you had the luck which made people think this could be England's time.



God bless Gareth Southgate. :D

[Captain Stu]

I have no interest in Cameronesi or Trezeguet joining Liverpool.

Boo you! Trezeguet I can understand... but Camoronesi would be a good right winger.

[Captain Stu]

Man U, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Bolton and Middlesbrough being investigated for bungs.

Well durr! They've taken their sweet time, it's well known that moves for people like Stam, Ronaldo, Rooney and Van Nistelcunt were as bent as a nine-bob note.

[EvilElvis]

Rangers Home shirt (http://www.rangersmegastore.com/images/prod_1010.jpg)

Rangers Away Shirt (http://www.rangersmegastore.com/images/prod_1460.jpg) (Nice Monaco copy!)



Dumbarton's home shirt (http://www.dumbartonfootballclub.com/uploads//merchandise/Home-strip-03.06-w.jpg)

Dumbarton away (http://www.dumbartonfootballclub.com/uploads//merchandise/Away-strip-03.06-w.jpg)

[EvilElvis]

Man U, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Bolton and Middlesbrough being investigated for bungs.


Where'd you hear that one Marc?

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Where'd you hear that one Marc?

It's in one of the newspapers I think. Will be everywhere tomorrow.

[Wish_Master2100]

Nice one Umbro copying Nike's badge placement.

Dumbarton's kits look like 80's third division strips.

[EvilElvis]

Dumbarton's kits look like 80's third division strips.


They probably are! :D

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

ENGLISH football is bracing itself for its own corruption scandal after Premiership investigators confirmed they have evidence of illicit transfers involving several top-flight clubs.

The stark news will send shock waves through the domestic game less than 48 hours after Italy's match-fixing scandal saw leading Serie A sides Juventus, Fiorentina, Lazio and AC Milan severely punished.

Here, a team of specialist bung-busters — headed by former Met Police chief Lord Stevens — has highlighted a series of highly-questionable Premier League transfers.

Now they want the green light to go further and grill the clubs, players and agents involved in those "dodgy deals" in a bid to bring them to justice.

And the investigators will enjoy unprecedented powers in their search for the truth.

Money

They will be able to demand home, office and mobile phone records, and personal bank accounts in an effort to find out who paid and who received the money which allegedly "went missing" in the deals.

That could then lead to a number of high-profile cases being brought against some of the game's biggest clubs and biggest names — a shameful episode to rival the match-fixing sensation in Italy.

Nothing will happen for a couple of months because Lord Stevens' team will not officially present their interim report to the Premier League until September.

But inside sources say the report will provide enough evidence to convince the Premier League there are serious causes for concern in several high-profile moves.

It will also stress the bung-busters are keen to zero in on the biggest cases in a bid to bring charges against anyone responsible for flouting the Premiership's strict rules on transfers by making illegal payments.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore sanctioned the on-going inquiry into all transfers made since January 2004.

Scudamore looks sure to agree, despite possible resistance and reluctance from club chairmen who may be concerned about the consequences for their teams.

Bungs

An insider said: "What is the point of setting up an inquiry into allegations of illegal payments and illicit transfers if you don't follow the evidence and go all the way with it?

"Lord Stevens' team are sure to carry on this investigation, and a lot of people should be very uneasy about that."

A Premiership spokesman said: "We will receive Lord Stevens' initial report in September and examine it carefully.

"It was always going to be the case the inquiry would identify transfers they would like to look at in more detail."

Scudamore announced the inquiry into alleged transfer irregularities in March, shortly after News of the World published comments by then England boss Sven Goran Eriksson about corruption in the Premier League.

Eriksson claimed the Premiership had a "bungs" culture and he knew of three clubs where illegal payments were paid, including to a boss.

[Bud]

I hope Man U get relegated because of it!

[Bexster]

boourns, it's all about the fitness of the players though :p

Heh, heh. I'll take what I can get. Did you go down? If it was full, then it's neve rlike that during the season. I was there a few years ago when we beat Chelsea in a pre-seaon friendly. That was fun :D

Cole is just being a cuntbag. I'd be quite happy if he fucked off to be honest, Clichy is turning out to be a fantastic left back in his place.

As far as bungs go, I'm interested to see if the FA will go as far as the Italian FA did.

[Captain Stu]

I hope Man U get relegated because of it!

That'd be groin-grabbingly good.

United better get done for it, there have been so many occassions where they've been called on improper transfer conduct and nothing ever happens about it. How many times have big name players come out and said that United tried to "tap them up"? Lots. How many of their preferred agents are scumbags? All of them. Hell, you need only look at the cunt who engineered Rooney's transfer from Everton - he made a cool million of that allegedly.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

I hope we get done as long as we don't get deducted more than ten points.

Anything to get rid of Freddy Sheppard

[EvilElvis]

That'd be groin-grabbingly good.

United better get done for it, there have been so many occassions where they've been called on improper transfer conduct and nothing ever happens about it. How many times have big name players come out and said that United tried to "tap them up"? Lots. How many of their preferred agents are scumbags? All of them. Hell, you need only look at the cunt who engineered Rooney's transfer from Everton - he made a cool million of that allegedly.


Wonder if Liverpool will get done as well - Just look at Kewell's transfer from Leeds.

[EvilElvis]

I doubt they'd find anything dodgy about Villa's transfers - Deadly Doug will have every penny accounted for. :)

[Captain Stu]

Wonder if Liverpool will get done as well - Just look at Kewell's transfer from Leeds.

There we no bungs involved in that, it was just dodgy as fuck because his agent made public that he had a buy-out clause. Plus we already got in trouble for that, I'm sure we got fined by the FA, same as with Ziegler.

[EvilElvis]

There we no bungs involved in that, it was just dodgy as fuck because his agent made public that he had a buy-out clause. Plus we already got in trouble for that, I'm sure we got fined by the FA, same as with Ziegler.

Wasn't sure - I just know the Agent made an absolute killing on the deal!

[Bexster]

It must be so easy to be an agent these days. You make so much stupid money from everyone involved. Get in, represent a player, get the club to pay you if they're so desperate for them, take a cut of the transfer fee for setting it all up, and you're laughing.

Now they're going to make the players alone pay the agents. I heard Sol Campbell isn't using an agent, he's just using a lawyer to make sure the contracts are good. He's negotiating himself.

[EvilElvis]

It must be so easy to be an agent these days. You make so much stupid money from everyone involved. Get in, represent a player, get the club to pay you if they're so desperate for them, take a cut of the transfer fee for setting it all up, and you're laughing.

Now they're going to make the players alone pay the agents. I heard Sol Campbell isn't using an agent, he's just using a lawyer to make sure the contracts are good. He's negotiating himself.


I'll speak to people in the know and see what info I can get about what you need to become an agent.

[Bexster]

I'll speak to people in the know and see what info I can get about what you need to become an agent.

Yaay. That'll be a much better job for me. I can be dishonest and underhand :D

[sunnydalehighdropout]

That'd be groin-grabbingly good.

United better get done for it, there have been so many occassions where they've been called on improper transfer conduct and nothing ever happens about it. How many times have big name players come out and said that United tried to "tap them up"? Lots. How many of their preferred agents are scumbags? All of them. Hell, you need only look at the cunt who engineered Rooney's transfer from Everton - he made a cool million of that allegedly.

Just like Bernie Mandic, who made £2million from Kewell's move from Leeds to Liverpool. Guilty as charged. And David Dein is bound to have used his FA weight to get Arsenal over some stuff in recent years. I'll rephrase that later, im so tired.

[Captain Stu]

Wasn't sure - I just know the Agent made an absolute killing on the deal!

As Dan the Arab already said - Leeds made £3M from Kewell and his agent made £2M. Definately not a very sporting deal but sadly it seems to happen all the time... although frankly I'm bemused as to why such a clause would be written into a players contract and then the selling club be angry when it's made public knowledge...

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Monday's football news is boring so I'm not going to bother posting it.

Only one bit of interest:

Spurs are in for Damien Duff, reportedly for £11m.

[Captain Stu]

I want Duff! :(

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

I want Duff! :(

there's no way in hell are they gonna sell Duff to their main rivals.

[Renegades of funk 8]

Heh, heh. I'll take what I can get. Did you go down? If it was full, then it's neve rlike that during the season. I was there a few years ago when we beat Chelsea in a pre-seaon friendly. That was fun :D



yea i had a good day, it was a bit weird when the game had finished - i was walking out of the ground and the fulham players were just strolling along behind me to get on the coach, and this was only about 10 mins after the game. funny you should mention the crowd, it wasn't full but some landlord tried convincing us that exeter get 4,000 each week :rolleyes: but he got a round in for us so who am i to argue :D

[Captain Stu]

I am really looking forward to this season. :)

[Captain Stu]

Wenger says "Non!" to a move for Saviola... but admits he is interested in signing Curtis Davies.

[Bexster]

yea i had a good day, it was a bit weird when the game had finished - i was walking out of the ground and the fulham players were just strolling along behind me to get on the coach, and this was only about 10 mins after the game. funny you should mention the crowd, it wasn't full but some landlord tried convincing us that exeter get 4,000 each week :rolleyes: but he got a round in for us so who am i to argue :D

Cool. I wouldn't say we regularly get 4,000, that is a bit of an overstatement, but it's probly around 2,500, 3,000. I think the capacity is around 9,500, and I've been in there when it's been over capacity too. Glad you enjoyed though, it's generally very friendly doen there.

Wenger DOESN'T want Saviola???? Arse :(

[Scottyboyrocks]

Oh yeah, Duff man looks like being a Spurs player next season....

[Captain Stu]

Wenger DOESN'T want Saviola???? Arse :(

I can sort of see why, I see the partnership between Henry and Adebayor leading to a fair goals return this year and he must be... for some reason... happy with Reyes. :confused:

[Captain Stu]

Oh yeah, Duff man looks like being a Spurs player next season....

Lennon on the right, Duffman on the left... full-backs of the Premiership beware!

I fucking love Damo Duff, on his day he's easily the best winger in the country... by a country mile... and one of the best in the world.

[Bexster]

I can sort of see why, I see the partnership between Henry and Adebayor leading to a fair goals return this year and he must be... for some reason... happy with Reyes. :confused:

That's the puzzling thing. At the moment, he's the only one. He falls over with more regularity than the portuguese squad AND Emile Heskey rolled into one.

[Captain Stu]

That's the puzzling thing. At the moment, he's the only one. He falls over with more regularity than the portuguese squad AND Emile Heskey rolled into one.

GOOD LORD!! :eek:

I think Saviola would do well, playing with someone like Henry out-wide of him, Adebayor in front of him or Van Persie behind him would seriously improve himself.

Reyes is cleary the weak link.

[Scottyboyrocks]

Lennon on the left, Duffman on the right... full-backs of the Premiership beware!

I fucking love Damo Duff, on his day he's easily the best winger in the country... by a country mile... and one of the best in the world.

You'd just not look forward to playing us at all as a defender, would certainly be a restless nights sleep.....

[Captain Stu]

You'd just not look forward to playing us at all as a defender, would certainly be a restless nights sleep.....

Very true, that wide pairing plus Defoe and the almighty Keane would definately cause sleepless nights in the days leading up to a trip to White Fart Lane.

[Bexster]

GOOD LORD!! :eek:

I think Saviola would do well, playing with someone like Henry out-wide of him, Adebayor in front of him or Van Persie behind him would seriously improve himself.

Reyes is cleary the weak link.

I can only hope it means he's got plans to play Walcott this season a little more than a couple of cup showings. Henry won't play the whole season, and I'd like to actually see him play for once. I really have no idea as yet how he'll fit in.

[Captain Stu]

I can only hope it means he's got plans to play Walcott this season a little more than a couple of cup showings. Henry won't play the whole season, and I'd like to actually see him play for once. I really have no idea as yet how he'll fit in.

Ah yes, the Amazing Theo... didn't someone (possibly Ed?) say that Henry may require surgery on his troublesome ankle that would keep him out for the first part of the season?

[Bexster]

Ah yes, the Amazing Theo... didn't someone (possibly Ed?) say that Henry may require surgery on his troublesome ankle that would keep him out for the first part of the season?

I'd heard something about it, but I've seen nothing official. That'll be the perfect opportunity.

[Captain Stu]

I think I'd sooner see Van Persie playing off Adebayor.

[Bexster]

Van Persie is a great player - he had a pretty good World Cup, and he's proved he can play well for us and can score goals. I think I saw him as more of a replacement for Bergy's position.

[Captain Stu]

Aye, he was looking like having a good World Cup if it hadn't have been for Robben being such a self-serving, ball-greedy cunt.

[Bexster]

Aye, he was looking like having a good World Cup if it hadn't have been for Robben being such a self-serving, ball-greedy cunt.

Absolutely. He just proved that he was suited to Chelski.

Going back a bit, I'd be quite excited for Camoranesi to come over. That'll be a good wide option for the Pool which would benefit players like Crouch no end.

[Captain Stu]

Sexactly, plus he makes good runs inside that a player like Bellamy could beneift off - low crosses from the right and fast balls right through the middle.

After seeing how well he settled in the other day (albeit in a friendly against a crap team) I'm excited to see how he does this season, especially when we unleash Gonzalez!

[meighlough]

Where can I buy tickets for matches from?

I've never ever been to a footie match :( so I have no clue. Obviously, getting tickets to see Arsenal at home is ludicrously impossible, but what about away games. Say if I were suicidal enough to go see them play Chelsea, how would I go about it? Or how about Fulham? Or West Ham, Spurs or Watford? Who else is around this area?

What do I do?

[Captain Stu]

I've never ever been to a footie match :(

G.A.Y. :D

Your best bet is probably the clubs box office, but they usually work on a sliding scale depending on importance. For example, with my beloved Liverpool:

1st - Members of the priority ticket scheme (whoever the hell they are)
2nd - Fan card holders (which I have)
3rd - General sale (phones/internet)
4th - Window sales (ie, box office over at Anfield)

Check the clubs websites and they should give information about when tickets go on sale.

[EvilElvis]

News on the Duffman's transfer (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/5186380.stm)


Tottenham closing in on Duff deal

Tottenham are close to completing the signing of Chelsea's Damien Duff, according to reports.
The 27-year-old winger is thought to have completed a medical on Sunday and is expected to make his move across the capital in the next few days.

The Republic of Ireland star, who moved to Chelsea from Blackburn for £17m in 2003, has a year left on his contract.

Duff has won two Premiership titles at Chelsea but has struggled to hold down a regular slot in the starting line-up.

He would become Spurs' third major signing of the summer so far after the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov, Didier Zokora, and Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Since Jose Mourinho replaced Claudio Ranieri as boss in 2004, Duff has been hampered by knee and shoulder injuries, and the summer arrival of Michael Ballack has put his place in the side under further threat.

The signing of Ballack and striker Andriy Shevchenko could mean that Mourinho will revert to a 4-4-2 to accomodate his new signings, leaving fewer opportunites for Chelsea's wingers.

Duff began his career at Blackburn Rovers in 1996 and made over 200 appearances for the Lancashire club.

Since moving to London, Duff has featured 95 times for the Premiership champions.

[EvilElvis]

Chelsea winger Damien Duff is joining rivals Spurs in an £11m deal. (The Sun)

Cristiano Ronaldo has told his mum he is staying at Manchester United. (The Sun)

Manchester United are ready to lodge an £8m bid with Juventus to make it third time lucky in luring Patrick Vieira to Old Trafford. (Daily Mirror)

Ashley Cole is to persist with his plans to leave Arsenal when he returns from honeymoon despite Arsene Wenger's insistence he wants him to stay. (The Guardian)

Atletico Madrid insisted last night that Fernando Torres was not on his way to Manchester United. (Daily Star)


Rino Gattuso was locked in talks last night with his agent over a "dream" move to Manchester United. (The Sun)

Liam Miller will leave Manchester United once they receive a suitable offer. (Daily Mirror)


Rangers have signed the Senegalese midfielder Makhtar N'Diaye. (The Independent)



West Ham are in talks to sign Ghana World Cup star John Pantail. (Daily Mirror)


Manchester City are reportedly close to signing Bernado Corradi from Valencia. (Daily Telegraph)

Portsmouth are trying to snatch Czech Republic defender Tomasz Ujfalusi from scandal-hit Fiorentina. (Daily Mirror)

Fulham boss Chris Coleman is still insisting Steed Malbranque will never play for the Premiership side again despite the Frenchman's failure to find a new club. (Daily Star)

Adie Boothroyd is trying to push through a £1.2m deal for Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff. (Daily Mirror, Daily Star)

West Brom boss Bryan Robson wants Wigan's former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson. (Daily Mirror)

Millwall have accepted a £400,000 bid from Leeds for midfielder David Livermore. (Daily Star)

[Captain Stu]

That pisses me off, I'd sooner see us move for Duff - who's a cracking winger/forward - rather than sign a forward and a winger seperately. :mad:

[Captain Stu]

Portsmouth are trying to snatch Czech Republic defender Tomasz Ujfalusi from scandal-hit Fiorentina. (Daily Mirror)

Excellent move, I wondered who'd go for him - he's a cracking defender.

[Bexster]

That pisses me off, I'd sooner see us move for Duff - who's a cracking winger/forward - rather than sign a forward and a winger seperately. :mad:

It would be better, but Duffman is too likely to end up at Spurs now, unless he fails his medical. Since when did Spurs become an attractive place to go???

[EvilElvis]

It would be better, but Duffman is too likely to end up at Spurs now, unless he fails his medical. Since when did Spurs become an attractive place to go???

They've apparently made a bid for Nedved aswell!

[Captain Stu]

It would be better, but Duffman is too likely to end up at Spurs now, unless he fails his medical. Since when did Spurs become an attractive place to go???

Innit, he's my ideal player for Liverpool seeing as he wanted to come to us instead of Chelsea but Houllier, the big poofter, wouldn't stump up £11M for him. What a cock of a move that was. :mad:

I think Spurs becoming an attractive move is down largely to Jol, he's a corking manager and he's fast building a very good, attacking side that are difficult to play against.

[Captain Stu]

They've apparently made a bid for Nedved aswell!

Now that doesn't make sense. He's a good player and all... but WELL too slow for the Premiership now surely?!

[EvilElvis]

Now that doesn't make sense. He's a good player and all... but WELL too slow for the Premiership now surely?!


Going for it on reputation alone?!


He struggled against Arsenal and ended up being sent off

[Bexster]

Now that doesn't make sense. He's a good player and all... but WELL too slow for the Premiership now surely?!

But he'd be a good figure for the younger ones to learn from - I think thats what he did with Davids. Play him, get him to guide the younger players around him, and then when he moves, you've got good players left behind.

My new Referees equipment catalogue came this morning :D

[Captain Stu]

Going for it on reputation alone?!


He struggeled against Arsenal and ended up being sent off

More than likely... look at fucking Veron. *coughUSELESScough*

[Captain Stu]

But he'd be a good figure for the younger ones to learn from - I think thats what he did with Davids. Play him, get him to guide the younger players around him, and then when he moves, you've got good players left behind.

My new Referees equipment catalogue came this morning :D

Aahhh yes, Nedved would probably be a good player for Lennon to learn off of, like you say, in the same way that Davids mentored Carrick and improved his game.

Interesting tactic, Mr. Jol...

[EvilElvis]

More than likely... look at fucking Veron. *coughUSELESScough*



We've forgotten to look at one mjor factor that made Spurs interested in signing him.



He's a midfielder


:D

[Bexster]

Aahhh yes, Nedved would probably be a good player for Lennon to learn off of, like you say, in the same way that Davids mentored Carrick and improved his game.

Interesting tactic, Mr. Jol...

It is. I was disappointed in Davids because I've always loved him, but he was rubbish at Spurs. But Carrick just grew in terms of skill, and the rest of the midfield learnt how to play their roles bloody well.

[Captain Stu]

We've forgotten to look at one mjor factor that made Spurs interested in signing him.



He's a midfielder


:D

Good point, well made... never underestimate the power of Midfield Hotspur.

It is. I was disappointed in Davids because I've always loved him, but he was rubbish at Spurs. But Carrick just grew in terms of skill, and the rest of the midfield learnt how to play their roles bloody well.

Aye, everyone expected (myself included) Davids to set the Premiership alight and leave Carrick in his trails... how wrong we were.

[EvilElvis]

Thompson embroiled in Celtic row (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/5186740.stm)


Alan Thompson's Celtic career is in doubt after the player was sent home from the club's US tour.
Celtic insist that the midfielder has a thigh strain but the 32-year-old's agent claims that the player is "surplus to requirements".

But Tony McGill told The Herald: "Alan Thompson wasn't injured when he left the team's hotel in America.

"So, unless he injured himself carrying his luggage on to the plane, that situation is still the same."

Thompson, who has a year of his Celtic contract to run, made just 11 starts last season.

And McGill believes that the club are trying to remove one of of their highest paid players from the wage bill.

"I think Celtic have acted unprofessionally," the agent continued.

"I thought the manager wanted more experienced players in his squad and certainly Alan falls into that category.

"The manager has obviously changed his mind, or someone has changed his mind for him.

"I can only presume that this is more of a financial decision rather than anything to do with his performances, because Alan has always given his best for Celtic.

Thompson has featured in all four of Celtic's warm-up matches so far but had voiced concern about the club's hectic pre-season schedule.

"I don't see how it could be related to the comments Alan made about the pre-season plans because the manager has come out and said practically the same," added McGill.

"I just feel that Alan, with all his service to the club, should have been treated with more respect.

"Why could this not wait until they were back from America? Alan has reacted in a professional manner and we will take it from here."

Thompson has been at Celtic Park for almost six years after moving north from Aston Villa for a £2.75m fee.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Very true, that wide pairing plus Defoe and the almighty Keane would definately cause sleepless nights in the days leading up to a trip to White Fart Lane.

i think they need a target man as well, so they can rotate, if you have lennon and Duff charging down the wings they'll need the equivalent of Mido last season.

incidentally, what happened to Andy Reid? i mean, i know £5m for a division 2 player is highly laughable, but i would have expected hi to at least... well... play once or twice

[Captain Stu]

Not keeping Mido was a bad decision I feel.

[EvilElvis]

Why Do We Always Miss Out On Games Like This (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/5186934.stm)

Falkirk friendly results in farce


Falkirk's pre-season friendly with Turkish side Rizespor in Holland was abandoned when a fight broke out.
A first-half brawl saw play suspended then the match was stopped on 55 minutes when Turkish players reacted to a streaker celebrating a Falkirk goal.

The Turks had shown up three hours late forcing some fans to miss the game in order to catch flights home.

"We are angry about the inconvenience and possible additional cost for fans," director George Craig told The Herald.

[Bexster]

Why Do We Always Miss Out On Games Like This (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/5186934.stm)

Falkirk friendly results in farce


Falkirk's pre-season friendly with Turkish side Rizespor in Holland was abandoned when a fight broke out.
A first-half brawl saw play suspended then the match was stopped on 55 minutes when Turkish players reacted to a streaker celebrating a Falkirk goal.

The Turks had shown up three hours late forcing some fans to miss the game in order to catch flights home.

"We are angry about the inconvenience and possible additional cost for fans," director George Craig told The Herald.

Wow. We never see games like that. I'm disappointed.

[EvilElvis]

Wow. We never see games like that. I'm disappointed.


So am I!

I missed out on a rare occurance of Falkirk actually scoring a goal in Europe! :p :D

[Captain Stu]

All this time I thought Marc (and now Ollie) were getting this info from various websites/papers and collating it... they were just robbing it from the BBC Football page. SCOUNDRELS! I CALL SHENANIGANS!! :mad:

[EvilElvis]

All this time I thought Marc (and now Ollie) were getting this info from various websites/papers and collating it... they were just robbing it from the BBC Football page. SCOUNDRELS! I CALL SHENANIGANS!! :mad:


Marc admitted this ages ago!

[Bexster]

Yeah, I knew that too. Where've you been Stu?

[EvilElvis]

Kuyt To Decide On Future (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/5011150.stm)

Kuyt ready to decide his future


Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt is poised to finally decide his future after being linked with a move to Liverpool.
Kuyt, 25, has asked for time off to make a final decision on whether to quit the club, and recently revealed Liverpool had made an approach.

Holland's £10m-rated World Cup star has also been a target for Newcastle.

He told Dutch sports paper AD Sportwereld: "I have an arrangement with coach Erwin Koeman that I can take some days to think about my future."

Liverpool's move for Kuyt appears to depend on whether they can clinch a deal for Sevilla's Brazilian right-sided player Daniel Alves.

Sevilla are demanding £12m, which would virtually exhaust manager Rafael Benitez's transfer budget.

If he pulls out of a move and switches attention to Birmingham City's Jermaine Pennant, he could then have enough cash to fund a move for Kuyt.

Kuyt said recently: "The Feyenoord president has informed me of a new approach from last year's European champions.

"I am happy at Feyenoord but would like to play in the Premier League."

He added: "Last year that was close to happening so for now I prefer to concentrate only on the World Cup because my hopes could be soured again."

The Dutchman, who is under contract until 2009, has scored 71 goals in 101 games for Feyenoord but has consistently been priced out of a move by his club.

He said: "It is out of my hands. I have several opportunities but it is now down to Feyenoord."

The forward began his career at FC Utrecht in 1998 before moving to Feyenoord in 2003.

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, I knew that too. Where've you been Stu?

Outer Mongolia. :(

I'm unsure about us going for Kuyt, he looked pretty gash at the World Cup to be honest, hopefully that was just because he didn't get a good run-out.

For £10M, I'd honestly sooner see us move for Duffman.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Following a Football Association disciplinary hearing on Wednesday, July 12, a charge against West Ham United, relating to crowd behaviour during our match at Millwall on November 21, 2004, was found not proven.

The Club was charged with failing to ensure that its spectators and/or persons purporting to be its supporters or followers conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from threatening and/or violent and/or provocative behaviour.

However, the FA commission ruled that the Club were not guilty of such a charge, and the case is now closed.

Legal and Commercial Director Scott Duxbury says: "We are very satisfied with the outcome of the hearing, having maintained our innocence against the charge all along, and are pleased that the matter is now closed."

apprantly ripping up 178 seats - throwing dozens of them on the pitch - injuring a disabled person and 2 police horses isn't enough to warrant a guilty charge :confused:

still we should be grateful, last time this happened at the Den WE got charged for it

[Two-Bob Peeters]

FOOTBALL: Chelsea in second group of seedings for Champions League draw; Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool in top group. more to follow

does that mean they're ranked below the other 3?? how odd... i.e they can be drawn in the same group?

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

Yes please to Duff, would be a great signing.

Like the thought of a midefield consisting of: Lennon Carrick Zakora Duff

I don't think Chelsea will want to sell their players to Arsenal, United or Liverpool. They still owe us a favour for the whole Arnesen thing as well.

[Wish_Master2100]

does that mean they're ranked below the other 3?? how odd... i.e they can be drawn in the same group?

The Champions are in the second pot?

That can't be right at all.

[EvilElvis]

The Champions are in the second pot?

That can't be right at all.


But bear in mind, in recent years, man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal have all apeard in the Final, Chelski haven't got further than Semi-Final.

[Bexster]

Yeah, it's all to do with previous appearences in the competition rather than anything else.

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, it's all to do with previous appearences in the competition rather than anything else.

Yeah! :D Fuck Chelsea. :D

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

SSN now saying Duff deal not done, Liverpool are also monitoring the situation.

Bugger.

[Captain Stu]

SSN now saying Duff deal not done, Liverpool are also monitoring the situation.

Bugger.

BONER!!!

[Captain Stu]

Wrexham are expected to come OUT of administration soon, thanks in a large part to Liverpool. :)

[Edge]

have ye sorted out a fantasy football league yet?

[Captain Stu]

have ye sorted out a fantasy football league yet?

I checked the other day and they (Yahoo) weren't taking new registrations yet.

[Edge]

I checked the other day and they (Yahoo) weren't taking new registrations yet.

ah ok, cool beans.

the official premier league game is a no go then?

[EvilElvis]

ah ok, cool beans.

the official premier league game is a no go then?

I've just created a Foos Board league in offical Premier League One (http://fantasy.premierleague.com)


Code to join Foos league: 168251-32032



I've sent out invites to Stoobert, Danyul and Marc as I have their email addresses.

[Edge]

good man.

[Bud]

I'm in.

[Bud]

Anyone care to divulge their team?

[Bexster]

I will in about 20 minutes when I've picked it...

[EvilElvis]

Anyone care to divulge their team?So far, it's only you and me mate!

[Bud]

I'll tell you mine then, you bastards

1. Reina
2. Neill
3. Eboue
4. Young
5. Lescott
6. Fabregas
7. Riise
8. Nolan
9. Bentley
10. Henry (c)
11. Ashton
---
12. Niemi
13. King
14. Parker
15. Pederson

[Bexster]

Why does it always take me longer to think of a bloody team name??????

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Still picking my team, this is a tricky one. Did Portsmouth sign D'Alessandro full time? I can't find him.

[EvilElvis]

Villa team 'demand Ellis meeting' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5188862.stm)


Aston Villa manager David O'Leary says his players want to meet chairman Doug Ellis, as the row over alleged critical comments deepens.
"They wish to meet the chairman at his earliest convenience to discuss their concerns over issues raised at the weekend," O'Leary told Sky Sports News.

"It would be unwise for me to comment publicly until the outcome."

Villa are to investigate last week's publication of a statement allegedly on behalf of the squad, criticising Ellis.

Players will be spoken to in the inquiry, conducted by operations director Steve Stride and non-executive directors David Owen and Steven Kind.

The club says it will make no comment on the affair until the inquiry is complete.

A local newspaper published the alleged comments last week. The club said there was no proof such a statement existed.

Midfielder Lee Hendrie insisted the players were as confused as everyone else as to precisely what had gone on.

"We're in the dark," Hendrie told BBC News 24.

"A lot of the players don't know what's happening, and we're trying to find out. Hopefully it will be resolved.

"We've all had a chat in general about things, and we feel it's been blown out of proportion."

Ellis is out of the country so the players must wait until the 82-year-old returns to thrash out the affair with him face-to-face.

[Bud]

Changed it alittle. King in for Lescott, Ferdinand in on the bench.

[EvilElvis]

Still picking my team, this is a tricky one. Did Portsmouth sign D'Alessandro full time? I can't find him.

Nope - Think he went to Spain.


Bradley Wright Phillips joined Southampton!

[Bud]

C'mon Ollie and Dan, show your sides.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Honorary Leeds

GK - Robinson
D - Taylor
D - Terry
D - Kishishev
D - Fortune
M - Parker
M - Barton
M - Gamst Pedersen (c)
M - Lennon
S - Rooney
S - Defoe

Subs

GK - Stack
D - Rosenoir
M - Downing
F - Fowler

Anyone taking a chance of Shevchenko? Also, im not a West Ham fan, as it says.

EDIT - changes to squad

[sunnydalehighdropout]

C'mon Ollie and Dan, show your sides.

Done.

Team Zizzou, like it.

[Bud]

Done.

Team Zizzou, like it.

Thanks, it's been my team name on everything since the film.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Thanks, it's been my team name on everything since the film.

I still can't decide on one to stick with. It was going to be Squirrel FC, or Danimals but i stuck with my 'lucky' name that got me nowhere in the World Cup. :D

[EvilElvis]

I stuck with my 'lucky' name that got me nowhere in the World Cup. :D

Pffft! You got one place below me! :)

The best thing about it is tha you made a comment about my team being utterly shite!

:D

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Pffft! You got one place below me! :)

The best thing about it is tha you made a comment about my team being utterly shite!

:D

It was. I didn't change my team after the Quarter Finals. :D

[EvilElvis]

OJ Villa

GK - Robinson

D - King
D - Ridgewell
D - Bridge
D - Terry


M - Lennon
M - Duff
M - Davis
M - Malbranque

S - Henry (c)
S - Vaz Te

Subs
G - Chamberlain
D - Chimbonda
M - McCulloch
S- Agbonlahor

[EvilElvis]

It was. I didn't change my team after the Quarter Finals. :D


Neither did I! :)

[Wish_Master2100]

Roman's Cash Point will fuck you up.

[Bexster]

Roman's Cash Point will fuck you up.

I'm steering away from it. No Chelski in my squad.

[EvilElvis]

Roman's Cash Point will fuck you up.


Terry is guaranteed games and Bridge and Duff heavily rumoured to be on way out at Stamford Bridge, they are likely to get more games.

[Wish_Master2100]

You have to have JT and Lamps in your squad. They rack up so many points it's unreal.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Terry is guaranteed games and Bridge and Duff heavily rumoured to be on way out at Stamford Bridge, they are likely to get more games.
I was thinking about putting Duff in for that reason. I think Terry will have a blinder, but it reckon Lampard may have an off season.

[Wish_Master2100]

I was thinking about putting Duff in for that reason. I think Terry will have a blinder, but it reckon Lampard may have an off season.

Lampard had an off WC, but managed to get tons of points just from the shots on goal he had.

[EvilElvis]

Lampard had an off WC, but managed to get tons of points just from the shots on goal he had.


Shouldn't that be - Shots at goal - He accuracy was something like 30% on target

[Wish_Master2100]

Shouldn't that be - Shots at goal - He accuracy was something like 30% on target

But he still got points.

Gotta have Henry in your squad aswell, easy money.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Hmm, made a few changes. Had to have Terry in there.

[Bexster]

Ok. Here's my team.

The Gooners (original I know)

GK - Lehmann

D - Kishishev
D - A Ferdinand
D - Finnan
D - King

M - Fabrigas
M - Nolan
M - Carrick
M - O' Shea

F - Henry
F - Zamora

SUBS

GK - Myhre
D - Neill
M - McCulloch
F - John

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i'm not gonna pick until more players are signed

[sunnydalehighdropout]

i'm not gonna pick until more players are signed

I could bait you into doing so like you did with my league table, but i'll let your cowardice and guilt consume you instead :D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I could bait you into doing so like you did with my league table, but i'll let your cowardice and guilt consume you instead :D

....



....


....bah :(

[EvilElvis]

I could bait you into doing so like you did with my league table, but i'll let your cowardice and guilt consume you instead :D


He's a Millwall fan.

No idea of what guilt and cowardice is!

:) :p

[Two-Bob Peeters]

He's a Millwall fan.

No idea of what guilt and cowardice is!

:) :p

shut it SCHLAAAAAAAG

[EvilElvis]

shut it SCHLAAAAAAAG


The best thing is, no denial! :D

[Epic Failure]

i'm not gonna pick until more players are signed

as far as i know you have unlimited transfers up till the end of the month

[Bexster]

And you get 1 new transfer every game week. That's a bit nice of them.

[Bud]

So, do our subs score points or what?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

The best thing is, no denial! :D

i don't think i possibly could...

[Epic Failure]

And you get 1 new transfer every game week. That's a bit nice of them.

yeah, you can make more each week but it will cost you 4 points for each one. But it's good if 2/3 players all get injured at the same time!

My team is currently(though i'll probably change me mind about 10 times before the start of the season:

GK: robinson (tot)

DEF: terry(chel)
DEF: sun (mc)
DEF: bocanegra (ful)

MID: rosicky (ars)
MID: nolan(bol)
MID: osman (eve)
MID: sidwell(read)

ATT: Henry (c) (ars)
ATT: Rooney (mu)
ATT: Johnson (eve)

SUBS -

GK: Ashdown (por)
DEF: Sommeil (su)
DEF: Fortune(cha)
MID: Johnson(mid)

[Epic Failure]

So, do our subs score points or what?

depends on the circumstance. sometimes the game automatically brings a sub on if your player suffers a last minute injury etc..

EDIT - taken from the help page on the site.....

Do substitutes score points?

Only starting or automatically substituted players will earn points for your team. These automatic substitutions provide cover for unforeseen events like last minute injuries, players being dropped and match postponements. Having a strong substitutes bench also allows you to select a starting 11 each Gameweek based on form and fixtures without suffering transfer points penalties.

Help - Automatic substitutions

If your goalkeeper plays no part in the Gameweek, then the computer will substitute him for your replacement goalkeeper, if he played in the Gameweek.

If any of your outfield players play no part in the Gameweek, then the computer will try to substitute the inactive player for one of your replacements. This is done by replacing him with your highest priority substitute who actually played in the Gameweek and doesn't break the formation rules.

Automatic substitutions are applied at the end of the Gameweek, when all matches have been played.

You can change your substitution priorities at the bottom of the My Team page. Any changes you make to your substitution priorities will become active at the next deadline.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Fascist Hooligan XI

GK:
Given (Newcastle)
Myhre (Charlton)

DEF:
Terry (Chelsea)
Yobo (everton)
King (Spurs)
Chimbonda (Wigan)
Neill (Blackburn)

MID
Reid (Blackburn)
Cahill (Everton)
Arteta (Everton)
Ifill (Sheffield United)
Sidwell (Reading)

STK
Henry (arse)
Crouch (Liv)
Samaras (Man City)


4 millwall players, not bad :D

[EvilElvis]

Brazil and Real Madrid star Ronaldo wants to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. (The Sun)

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is on the brink of landing Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt. (Daily Mail)

Charlton Athletic manager Iain Dowie is hoping to sign Liverpool's out-of-favour defender Djimi Traore. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City have received a £7m bid from Middlesbrough for Sylvain Distin and Joey Barton. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho made an approach for Juventus player Gianluca Zambrotta and is hoping to sign him for £10m. (The Sun)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was in talks to sign French striker Nicolas Anelka. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn Rovers are set to sign former Tottenham striker Mido for £3.5m. (The Sun)

Bolton striker Jared Borgetti is being offered a way out of his Wanderers nightmare by Racing Santander. (The Sun)

West Ham have joined Fulham in the hunt for Blackburn winger Brett Emerton. (The Sun)

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will complete his £12m move to Real Madrid on Tuesday. (Daily Mail)

Watford are preparing a £1.5m bid for Wolves and former Newcastle striker Carl Cort. (Daily Mail)

Sunderland goalkeeper Kelvin Davis is on the brink of a £1m move to Southampton. (Daily Mail)

Portsmouth are to make an improved £9m bid for West Brom defender Curtis Davies. (Daily Mail)

Newcastle United have made moves to prise Dean Ashton from West Ham and are set to use James Milner as a £3m makeweight. (Daily Express)

Everton will give South Africa winger Delron Buckley a trial next week. (The Times)

Chelsea have rejected a £7m bid from Tottenham for Chelsea winger Damien Duff saying they must increase their offer to £11m. (The Independent)

Wigan are expected to sign Hearts star Andy Webster. (The Times)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Carl Cort?
Curtis Davies?
Traore?

what kind of transfers are these?


Landzaat to wigan, now that's a good signing

[Captain Stu]

This official one better not be fucking shit, there was nowt wrong with the Yahoo one. :mad:

[Two-Bob Peeters]

This official one better not be fucking shit, there was nowt wrong with the Yahoo one. :mad:

we should do both i think

[Bexster]

we should do both i think

Yeah. I'll do two. I had three on the go during the world cup, and I liked the Yahoo system.

[boxshapedheart]

Hello new footie thread. Just adding you to my subscribed threads. :cool:

Also, I like the Yahoo one. So yes, can we do that one too please.

[Captain Stu]

ACE FACES! We should deffo do both - Yahoo one hasn't started yet but I check all the time and, as soon as it does, I'll get a league up and inform you cats.

[EvilElvis]

ACE FACES! We should deffo do both - Yahoo one hasn't started yet but I check all the time and, as soon as it does, I'll get a league up and inform you cats.


Nice one mate! :)

[Captain Stu]

Btw, this other one actually looks very good to be honest, good call I reckon, Ollie.

I'm picking a side right now seeing as I'm waiting for massive files to transfer. :)

[EvilElvis]

Btw, this other one actually looks very good to be honest, good call I reckon, Ollie.



Cheers! :)

Best thing is that you can use the one team and put it in a few different leagues!

So far I'm in 3 Colours Red and Foos Board leagues.

[Captain Stu]

Dudes, I am thoroughly ashamed of myself... I picked 2 EVERTON PLAYERS!!! :(

Team coming very soon...

[Captain Stu]

Ok, here be my team, although it will probably change over the coming days/weeks:

MEE KROB

GK - Reina (Liverpool)

DF - Chimbonda (Wigan)
DF - Neill (Blackburn)
DF - Eboue (Arsenal)
DF - Young (Charlton)

MF - Gerrard (Liverpool)
MF - Arteta (Everton)
MF - Neville (Everton) :(

SK - Bellamy (Liverpool)
SK - Keane (Spurs)
SK - Henry (Arsenal) (C)

SUBS:

GK - Filan (Wigan)
DF - Someill (Sheffield United)
MF - Tugay (Blackburn)
MF - Johnson (Middleboro)

*

So, what d'ya reckons? :)

[EvilElvis]

MF - Neville (Everton) :(

So, what d'ya reckons? :)

HOLY FUCK! :eek:

Quasi-Nev!

I know the hot weather has been getting to you Stoob! But fucking hell, never expected that!


Surely a sign of the apocalypse!

[Captain Stu]

I know, I know :( Arteta is a good player... but Neville... well, to be honest, I had 5M left to spend and he had the most points out of players in that bracket. Stupid ugly Quasi-bastard.

[EvilElvis]

I know, I know :( Arteta is a good player... but Neville... well, to be honest, I had 5M left to spend and he had the most points out of players in that bracket. Stupid ugly Quasi-bastard.

I was very tempted to go with Arteta - given his 2 seasons at Rangers,

Then I remembered, when we were struggling he did fuck all and sulked untill he got a transfer.

Everton really struggled in first half of last season. I reckon he'll dissapear again!

[EvilElvis]

Who is the Villain of the piece?
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer


David O'Leary almost achieved Aston Villa's version of mission impossible - hitting a level of unpopularity that briefly threatened to rival the club's octogenarian ogre Doug Ellis.


"We're not fickle - we just don't like you" was one of last season's more memorable terrace banners as boss O'Leary's relationship with Villa fans deteriorated after a dismal campaign.

Villa chairman Ellis has been the villain of this long-running saga, but O'Leary was firmly in the firing line from fans as one of the game's great old clubs lurched from crisis to crisis.

Now, on the eve of a new season and Villa among the favourites for relegation, battle lines are drawn again and long-suffering supporters fear the worst.

Ellis has instigated an internal inquiry into a recent statement, allegedly supported by Villa's first-team squad, criticising the veteran chairman's regime.

O'Leary insists he had no prior knowledge of the statement, but telephone calls and security procedures are understood to be under scrutiny as part of a Villa investigation into how the criticism became public.

The unspoken message is that if the finger of suspicion points in any way towards O'Leary instigating the "revolt", he will be sacked.

Turmoil is once again Villa's watchword.

It is the latest blow for a huge and fiercely-loyal Villa fan base who have watched their club move away from being in European contention towards the relegation zone.

Jonathan Fear, spokesman for the Villa Fans Combined group, told BBC Sport: "The club is on its knees. Doug Ellis has turned the club into a joke and the only people not laughing are the fans and shareholders.


"It is crushing to see us like this. We don't feel we have a god-given right to silverware, but we would expect to be contenders. We used to be 9/2 for the title, now we are 9/2 for relegation. This is the legacy Ellis is in danger of leaving."

Fear believes O'Leary has to accept his share of responsibility, but is convinced the only way Villa can move forward is for 82-year-old Ellis to finally relinquish his hold on the club.

He said: "As I said, we are on our knees. It has been heading that way for a few years, which is what fans' groups like ours have been saying.

"There is collective responsibility, and there seem to be divisions all over Villa Park at the moment, and at a time when we need it desperately there is no leadership or direction. This should come from the very top.

"The finger of blame has to be pointed at Ellis because he is the one who has appointed managers. You also have to look at the players and manager for what happened last season, but they are doing jobs with their hands tied behind their backs."

Fear admits it is hard to envisage O'Leary coming through the latest wrangle, even if he is cleared of any involvement in the dressing room criticism of Ellis.

He said: "It is very difficult to see how he can survive. I'm surprised he wants to stay because his reputation is on the line and it was damaged by what happened last season.

"If Ellis is there at the start of the season, I'm not convinced O'Leary will be, but how can we attract players to Villa Park, or even a top manager, with the current state of affairs?"

O'Leary would lose an expensive pay-off if he quit, while Ellis is hardly likely to want to sign another massive cheque to a sacked manager - leaving Villa with the potential for a damaging stand-off.

Fear added: "The club needs a clean sweep, but what will not wash is simply another new manager and the promise of another golden era.

"There is a cycle at Villa Park. We get a new manager and the promise of better times ahead. The first season is usually relatively good, but then by the third season everybody wants the manager out - and the only common denominator in all of this is the chairman.

"I'm no real fan of O'Leary's and he did himself no favours with the way he talked down about the fans and the club last season, but before we address anything on the manager, we have to address the fact the club has gone stale.

"And I'm afraid this latest episode is just what we didn't need just before the start of the new season.

"Fans are now voting with their feet. Season tickets plummeted last season and attendances dropped, and they have been decimated again this summer."

A £64m takeover bid from a consortium fronted by Irish property developers, the Comer Brothers, appears to have sunk.

Fear said: "Doug Ellis is hiding behind a takeover bid that doesn't exist. We hear talk of consortiums and there is no better time for people to come forward, but at the moment there is nothing.

"It's a real crisis for us, and while O'Leary must take some blame, the first step must be for Ellis to stop treating the club as his baby and leave."

[Bexster]

This Villa thing is just going to keep dragging on for a while. It's not going to be good at all.

Stu?!?!? Regardless of Nevelle having points or not, there are some people you just don't pick. Ever :mad: Shame on you...

He might do well...

[Captain Stu]

I Had To Do It! :'(