The Footie (UK) Thread: 2006/07

[danlalala]

Oh whatever.

You have gravy on yours anyway. GRAVY?!

You should be boiled in hot dog spunk for such crimes.
Gravy is the only thing to have on Pie and Mash.

[danlalala]

Captain Poo 100

Lolz@Stu.

[F'jo]

Mourinho's off in the summer anyway - the only chance he has of staying is if he wins the Champions League and I don't think they will.

I think he'll resign in the summer. I don't think the players are listening to him. I can't imagine who they'll have instead. Maybe Roman might get Sven or someone

[Wish_Master2100]

Gravy is the only thing to have on Pie and Mash.

*Vomits on your face*

You take that comment back.

[danlalala]

*Vomits on your face*

You take that comment back.
Hell no. Not so much on the Pie, but definately on the Mash.

And if im having mushy peas with that, some mint sauce goes on the peas.

[Wish_Master2100]

Hell no. Not so much on the Pie, but definately on the Mash.

And if im having mushy peas with that, some mint sauce goes on the peas.

Good Lord, bloody notherners.

*Shakes head*

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pie_and_mash

THAT is Pie and Mash.

Ps, Peckham Manze's is the BEST.

[danlalala]

Good Lord, bloody notherners.

*Shakes head*

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pie_and_mash

THAT is Pie and Mash.

Ps, Peckham Manze's is the BEST.
Damn, i bet you'd be dead mad if i told you my favourite pie was cheese and vegetables.

[Wish_Master2100]

Damn, i bet you'd be dead mad if i told you my favourite pie was cheese and vegetables.

I also like Mince Beef and Onion, so we can be sinners together.

[EvilElvis]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6227681.stmFerguson 'could stay with Gers'

Barry Ferguson could remain with Rangers despite losing the captaincy and his place in the first team, says his agent John Viola.
"Anything can happen in football, every relationship can be repaired," Viola told Five Live Sport.

Viola held talks with the Rangers chairman Sir David Murray on Wednesday to explore Ferguson's future at Ibrox.

Viola added: "We had discussions and we'll be discussing the scenario over the next few days."

Ferguson was axed from the team and stripped of the captain's armband for the 1-0 win at Motherwell.

Rangers manager Paul Le Guen claimed after Tuesday's stormy encounter at Fir Park that he had no choice but to drop Ferguson after being undermined in the dressing room.

With Gavin Rae taking over the captaincy of the Glasgow club, the 28-year-old could be poised to exit Rangers, with a number of Premiership clubs rumoured to be interested.

"As soon as we can sit around the table and get everything concluded the better," said Viola.

"Barry wants to stay at Rangers - he's made that abundantly clear to everyone.

"If it doesn't work out, the next step would be to speak to other clubs, but we haven't spoken to anyone because he's still under contract to Rangers."

Viola added: "He's extremely unhappy and pretty gutted about the whole scenario."

Earlier, Viola revealed how the deposed Rangers captain felt "physically sick" when he was axed by Le Guen.

"Barry has been left feeling sick by what has happened to him after his meeting with the manager," said Viola.

"I've already had calls from two people at the highest level of other clubs concerning Barry's future but I want to talk to the Rangers hierarchy first of all."

Meanwhile, Ferguson's brother, Derek, who played for Rangers in the 1980s, says that Le Guen's action has taken his sibling by surprise.

"Barry is totally shocked by what's happened and is struggling to come to terms with it," he told BBC Sport Scotland.

"He is very proud to be the captain of Rangers and he didn't see this coming at all.

"The only other time I've seen him this down was when he had his bad knee injury at Blackburn Rovers.

"Barry is aggressive on the park and in the dressing room, and you tend to get that from captains and leaders in Scottish football.

"He only wants 100% from everyone," added the Stranraer assistant manager.

"But now it's really down to Barry to try and sort out the situation with John Viola, Paul le Guen and Sir David Murray."

[Captain Stu]

Erm, did any other TalkSport listeners this morning here about the DiC fronting Liverpool some money to buy Henry? :confused:

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Oh whatever.

You have gravy on yours anyway. GRAVY?!

You should be boiled in hot dog spunk for such crimes.

i can explain that.

i've always had liqour all my life, then i went to deptford manzes with pearce and mus (not a real manzes! btw, it's owned by a 2nd cousin of the manzes) and theirs was disgusting and put me off for a while.

Once i had liqour again from tower bridge it was fine, 've always had liqour since! besides you don't get the best of looks/reactions if you order gravy in there, they must have thought i was queer/northern.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Erm, did any other TalkSport listeners this morning here about the DiC fronting Liverpool some money to buy Henry? :confused:

i couldn't see that happening in a million years

[Captain Stu]

i couldn't see that happening in a million years

Snap.

[EvilElvis]

i couldn't see that happening in a million years


I agree.


Henry is settled with Arsenal

[boxshapedheart]

West Ham believe they have succeeded with a £9.8m bid for Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. (Sun)

Preston have turned down Sheffield United's £6m bid for striker David Nugent. (Daily Mail)

Fulham are ready to bid for Southend's Freddy Eastwood and also want Chelsea's Lassana Diarra on loan. (Daily Star)

West Ham's Javier Mascherano must ask Fifa to allow him to join Liverpool as rules disallow playing for more than two clubs in a season. (Daily Star)

Alan Curbishley will swoop for Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka or West Brom's John Hartson to save West Ham's season. (Daily Star)

The Hammers are also chasing West Brom's Nigel Quashie (Sun), Tottenham's Anthony Gardner (Daily Mail) and Blackburn's Lucas Neill. (Guardian)

Arsenal have turned down Curbishley's audacious bid to sign Theo Walcott on loan. (Times)

Viduka is set to snub West Ham and opt for a summer move to Italy. (Sun)

Manchester United have made contact with Bayern Munich once again about midfielder Owen Hargreaves. (Sun)

Inter Milan will block Luis Figo's move to a Saudi Arabian club after failing to land David Beckham. (Sun)

Chelsea are refusing to pay Bolton's £3.5m asking price for defender Tal Ben Haim. (Daily Star)

The Blues are also interested in Deportivo's Jorge Andrade, Man City's Sylvain Distin and Roberto Ayala of Valencia. (Times)

Fulham have signed Italian striker Vincenzo Montella on a six-month loan deal from Roma. (Daily Express)

Manchester City defender Micah Richards wants to join Chelsea but he could be forced to wait until the summer for his dream move. (Guardian)

Manchester United's David Jones will join Derby for £1.1m. (Daily Star)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says he is not sure if Milan Baros wants to stay at the club. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth want West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun but if that bid fails, they will go for West Brom's Zoltan Gera. (Independent)

Villa and Everton are leading the chase to sign Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson on loan. (Times)

Ferguson has held talks with Rangers chairman Sir David Murray in a bid to save his career. (Daily Record)

Ferguson's former Ibrox manager, Dick Advocaat, is monitoring his situation with a view to bringing him to cash-rich Russians Zenit St Petersburg. (Daily Record).

Rangers and Celtic will step up their interest in Hibernian pair Kevin Thomson and Scott Brown in the next 24 hours. (Daily Record)

In-form Falkirk striker Alan Gow has been in talks with both Hibernian and Aberdeen, with Rangers, Celtic and Wolves also interested. (Scottish Sun)


OTHER GOSSIP
Sven-Goran Eriksson is in talks with Marseille, one other club and a national association. (Daily Star)

Wigan are set to lower their ticket prices in a bid to lure fans back to the JJB Stadium. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool will not have a big transfer kitty when the Dubai takeover goes through as the club will be mortgaged for £300m. (Daily Express)


AND FINALLY...
Tamworth general manager Russell Moore has promised Norwich co-owner Delia Smith a warm welcome when the two clubs meet in the FA Cup on Saturday. "We'll have a bacon sarnie, then a hot buffet afterwards," he said. "My wife Pam is particularly looking forward to meeting her. No doubt she'll have a chat with her and hopefully pick up some tips." (Various)

[Captain Stu]

West Ham believe they have succeeded with a £9.8m bid for Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. (Sun)

As much as Shaun needs a move... Wham? Now? Seriously? Why the fuck not Portsmouth? At least they're not gonna get fuckin' relegated in 5 months time. Why would Pompey be chasing Uggo Bennayoun instead of Shauny Shaun?

Preston have turned down Sheffield United's £6m bid for striker David Nugent. (Daily Mail)

That's retarded. Nugent's alright but £6M for a Championship/U21 striker? Utter garbage, totally over-priced.

West Ham's Javier Mascherano must ask Fifa to allow him to join Liverpool as rules disallow playing for more than two clubs in a season. (Daily Star)

Fuck off, I don't want you - you're another centre mid to try and fit in plus you've been utter garbage this season and proven yourself to be a whiney cunt.

Alan Curbishley will swoop for Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka or West Brom's John Hartson to save West Ham's season. (Daily Star)

Why not try to sign someone who'll score more than 5 goals between now and the end of the season and who isn't a self-serving mercenary?

Inter Milan will block Luis Figo's move to a Saudi Arabian club after failing to land David Beckham. (Sun)

BUUUUUURN!! He was set to make about £5M or something for 6 months worth of football.

Chelsea are refusing to pay Bolton's £3.5m asking price for defender Tal Ben Haim. (Daily Star)

Not actually surprised, he's totally over-priced... especially seeing as he plays for Cheapo United.

Fulham have signed Italian striker Vincenzo Montella on a six-month loan deal from Roma. (Daily Express)

ACE! That's a cracking signing!

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Manchester United have made contact with Bayern Munich once again about midfielder Owen Hargreaves. (Sun)

i hear Kuyt might be moving to liverpool or Newcastle soon...

[boxshapedheart]

As much as Shaun needs a move... Wham? Now? Seriously? Why the fuck not Portsmouth? At least they're not gonna get fuckin' relegated in 5 months time.
Exactly what I thought. Wham? Eh?? I saw the story - apparently Jose hasn't approved anything yet as he's not sure about letting him go while Cole isn't fit.


Fuck off, I don't want you - you're another centre mid to try and fit in plus you've been utter garbage this season and proven yourself to be a whiney cunt.
you really don't need him.

[boxshapedheart]

i hear Kuyt might be moving to liverpool or Newcastle soon...
hehe. it might happen!

[Two-Bob Peeters]

The Hammers are also chasing West Brom's Nigel Quashie (Sun), Tottenham's Anthony Gardner (Daily Mail) and Blackburn's Lucas Neill. (Guardian)

Why do clubs insist on buying players like Quashie? he's been relegated with every team he's gone to, clearly not good enough!

and as if Lucas would move to a team worse than his own

[Captain Stu]

Exactly what I thought. Wham? Eh?? I saw the story - apparently Jose hasn't approved anything yet as he's not sure about letting him go while Cole isn't fit.

Yeah, and seeing as though Chelsea are lacking some attacking flair in midfield seeing as Ballache is being shit and Cole could well miss the rest of the season (unless he does the retard thing and delays surgery) then Shaun SHOULD be playing the rest of the season... if Jose had a brain.

you really don't need him.

Aye. We would do if we didn't have Sissoko and, even though he's injured, he'll be back soon enough (this month apparently) and then we're stuck with a cunt.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Aye. We would do if we didn't have Sissoko and, even though he's injured, he'll be back soon enough (this month apparently) and then we're stuck with a cunt.

you could do a chelsea and play 4 centre midfielders!

[rob3000]

Damn, just found out I'm not working all day saturday and so could have gone the game! Hopefully they'll be some spares somewhere.

[Captain Stu]

you could do a chelsea and play 4 centre midfielders!

No! :(

[EvilElvis]

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says he is not sure if Milan Baros wants to stay at the club. (Daily Mirror)

He and Angel are too similar to play together (And I don't mean hairstyles either!)

However, they did provide Villa with this wonderful moment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfPnLVAs_wE)


Rangers and Celtic will step up their interest in Hibernian pair Kevin Thomson and Scott Brown in the next 24 hours. (Daily Record)


Thomson has just been stripped of Hibs captaincy and is "Gutted" about that.

He's on his way and Brown is a big Rangers fan. Apparently Celtic made a bid for him last season that was accepted and he refused to sign.

[Renegades of funk 8]

montella,dempsey,onyewu, not too shabby

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Football.

[Captain Stu]

onyewu

I want them to sign him simply so I can keep calling him The Gooch.

[Bexster]

I am surprised at Montella going. He's always been such a pivotal player for them.

[Renegades of funk 8]

I am surprised at Montella going. He's always been such a pivotal player for them.

i'm not sure if its true but i think he's been injured alot for the last 2 years

[Bexster]

i'm not sure if its true but i think he's been injured alot for the last 2 years
He scored some fairly crucial goals for them last season - I know they didn't finish as high up as maybe they could have done, but they could have been lower.

Mind you, Totti's top scorer so far this season, and doesn't look to be stopping any time soon.

[Renegades of funk 8]

just hope he gets the goals for us, also i think he'll be the first italian to play for fulham

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

The Premiership.

[Bexster]

The Premiership.
I'm gonna be so disappointed if you don't look like Peter Crouch in real life...

[Captain Stu]

Crouch to Juve? lollerpops.

[Renegades of funk 8]

montella

[EvilElvis]

Le Guen quits Rangers!

[Captain Stu]

montella

That's a fantastic signing for Fulham that is, if he can stay fit.

Le Guen quits Rangers!

That's even better though. :D Will any Rangers fan really give a shit though? I highly doubt it. Plus I heard he quit.

[Renegades of funk 8]

Le Guen quits Rangers!


furguson can stay now

[Bexster]

Le Guen quits Rangers!
Wow. That was slightly unexpected. It was probably going to happen soon, but I didn't expect it now. I heard the supporters were quite split between their support for Le Guen and Ferguson.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I thought Le Guen was going to be the saviour?

backlash against the Ferguson desicion perhaps? maybe he felt the chairman was going over him by talking to Ferguson to 'resolve' the situation when Le Guen had already made his desicion?

[Bexster]

I thought Le Guen was going to be the saviour?

backlash against the Ferguson desicion perhaps? maybe he felt the chairman was going over him by talking to Ferguson to 'resolve' the situation when Le Guen had already made his desicion?
Last thing Rangers want is unrest behind the scenes. They're not doing wel this season, and maybe the board thought it was best to stop the problems before they got worse and ruined the rest of the season. Rangers still have the UEFA cup to think about, I think.

[Captain Stu]

17 points behind Celtic and pissing off the fan-adored club Captain? That's suicide.

[EvilElvis]

Last thing Rangers want is unrest behind the scenes. They're not doing wel this season, and maybe the board thought it was best to stop the problems before they got worse and ruined the rest of the season. Rangers still have the UEFA cup to think about, I think.

Still got UEFA cup, Scottish Cup and if miracles happen the League...


I just wonder how much of a say Martin Bain had in this

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Scottish football.

So so.

[EvilElvis]

17 points behind Celtic and pissing off the fan-adored club Captain? That's suicide.

For Rangers fans, it'd be like Benitez dropping and threatening to sell Gerrard.

[EvilElvis]

Odds on who will replace Le Guen (http://www.willhill.com/iibs/EN/buildcoupon.asp?couponchoice=FB1517047)


Walter Smith 1.57
Ally McCoist 4.00
Billy Davies 5.00
Graeme Souness 9.00
Terry Butcher 13.00
Jimmy Calderwood 13.00
George Burley 15.00
Sven Goran Erikson 26.00
Gus Hiddink 26.00
George Graham 26.00
Dick Advocaat 26.00
Terry Venables 34.00
Richard Gough 34.00
Iain Durrant 34.00
David Moyes 34.00
Craig Brown 34.00
Alex Mc Leish 34.00
Alex Ferguson 34.00
Bryan Robson 41.00
Barry Ferguson 101.00



Ones in bold are my preffered choice.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

George Graham is a legend... some people thought he was gonna return to Millwall after Spazman got sacked! the jokers

[Wish_Master2100]

they must have thought i was queer/northern.

Same thing.

You know about the gossip with Millwall and the Bristol City player?

Who could it be?

[EvilElvis]

George Graham is a legend... some people thought he was gonna return to Millwall after Spazman got sacked! the jokers


My reasoning for Graham - He can at least get his defenders to defend.


Unlike Le Guen - I lost count of the amount of goal we lost because of confusion in the defence. This goal is an example of how bad we are (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STuwFUSNLs8)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Same thing.

You know about the gossip with Millwall and the Bristol City player?

Who could it be?

Scott Murray, Right Winger who scores quite a few, i sincerly doubt our enquiry will be successful as he's a bit good.

[EvilElvis]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6231489.stm

Le Guen and Rangers part company

Rangers manager Paul Le Guen has left the club by mutual consent.
Chairman David Murray said: "Having met with Paul it was clear that in the interests of the club we agreed jointly to him stepping down as manager."

The Frenchman had stripped Barry Ferguson of the captaincy after claiming the player was undermining him in the dressing room.

Le Guen was in charge at Ibrox for just seven months and 31 games - the shortest reign in the club's history.


Le Guen was hugely successful in French football with Lyon, helping them win three successive Ligue 1 titles.

However, he struggled to make the transition to the Scottish game.

"We are all clearly disappointed with our current circumstances and will now focus on securing a suitable replacement," added Murray.

"I would like to wish Paul and his management team well in the future."

Le Guen added: "I am disappointed to leave the club, but I think it is the best solution for all concerned.

"I would like to thank all the people who helped me and my team during my spell in Scotland.

"In particular I would like to thank the directors who at all times gave me their total support."

Barry Ferguson's brother believes the Scotland captain will stay at Rangers following Le Guen's exit.

Derek Ferguson, who also played for Rangers, said: "Hopefully he's going to remain a Rangers player and see out the rest of his three-and-a-half-year contract.

"Barry can look back on being a successful captain.

"The most important thing is that Barry is going to remain a Rangers player."

Reserve-team coach Ian Durrant will take charge of training on Friday before Sunday's Scottish Cup tie against Dunfermline.

[Wish_Master2100]

Scott Murray, Right Winger who scores quite a few, i sincerly doubt our enquiry will be successful as he's a bit good.

I think our Millwall fella asked for the academy number though... Imagine that, Millwall stealing other teams youth players, that'd make a nice change!

[Renegades of funk 8]

apparently we're selling boa morte to wet spam and getting etherington as part of the deal

[Two-Bob Peeters]

apparently we're selling boa morte to wet spam and getting etherington as part of the deal

dunno about that, Boa Morte is the C'pn isn't he? and can be pretty good on his day. whereas Etherington is a Championship level winger

I think our Millwall fella asked for the academy number though... Imagine that, Millwall stealing other teams youth players, that'd make a nice change!

pfft we bloody need to! we haven't had a good crop since the class of '98. Reid, Ifill, Cahill etc.

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, when Etherington's off-form, he's dire... Boa Morte's a useful player even when he's not scoring.

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

Looks like it might actually be a quiet window for Spurs for once.

*shocked*

[Renegades of funk 8]

you should see boa this season though, anyways it's sounding like he's going for 5m

[Renegades of funk 8]

Looks like it might actually be a quiet window for Spurs for once.

*shocked*

only 4 days in though, you never know what might happen

[EvilElvis]

Looks like it might actually be a quiet window for Spurs for once.

*shocked*



You'll get at least 3 midfielders Eddie!

[Captain Stu]

Looks like it might actually be a quiet window for Spurs for once.

*shocked*

Tomorrow morning's papers:

SPURS IN GLOBAL FOOTBALL RAID!!

Tottenham Hotspur launched the most audacious transfer bid last night by simultaneously trying to sign 15 players at once including Spanish forward, Fernando Torres, Italian World Cup winning Captain, Fabio Cannavaro and ugly French midfield, Bruno Ribery.

Sources close to the club say it was all prompted by an uncharacteristically quiet transfer window build up that was completely lacking in wild stories and claims.

:cool:

[Wish_Master2100]

dunno about that, Boa Morte is the C'pn isn't he? and can be pretty good on his day. whereas Etherington is a Championship level winger



pfft we bloody need to! we haven't had a good crop since the class of '98. Reid, Ifill, Cahill etc.

Quote from Big Willie in the Bermondsey news today, paraphrasing of course, but 'If we recieve a good offer for players such as Byfield, Williams or Elliot, then we'd have no choice but to listen'

Noooooooooo, not again!

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

You'll get at least 3 midfielders Eddie!

Yeah probably, in the the last hour of the window we'll panic and sign some obscure english talent.

I'd still like to see a left winger and another centre-back to come in this window though. Maybe a new left back, Bale would be nice but it ain't gonna happen.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Quote from Big Willie in the Bermondsey news today, paraphrasing of course, but 'If we recieve a good offer for players such as Byfield, Williams or Elliot, then we'd have no choice but to listen'

Noooooooooo, not again!

we'd get a good fee for Williams and Elliott, i'd be happy to recieve it if the offer is right. Byfield is also hit and miss.

In other news, Harris is in talks with the club. if he signs, i'd be beaming. 1 more goal!

[Wish_Master2100]

we'd get a good fee for Williams and Elliott, i'd be happy to recieve it if the offer is right. Byfield is also hit and miss.

In other news, Harris is in talks with the club. if he signs, i'd be beaming

Not Marvin Williams. We cannot get rid of ANY first team players in the transfer window.

Skeptical about Harris too.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Not Marvin Williams. We cannot get rid of ANY first team players in the transfer window.

Skeptical about Harris too.

when we sign Jeff Whitley/Dave Brammer (it's gonna be one fo the two) and when Morris and Brighton are fit we won't need Elliot, he's been shit since the cup final. Williams doesn't want to play for us, he's pretty much said so. sso he can bog off. so can Dunne come to think of it.

Harris - 1 more goal to beat Teddys record!!!

[Wish_Master2100]

when we sign Jeff Whitley/Dave Brammer (it's gonna be one fo the two) and when Morris and Brighton are fit we won't need Elliot, he's been shit since the cup final. Williams doesn't want to play for us, he's pretty much said so. sso he can bog off. so can Dunne come to think of it.

Harris - 1 more goal to beat Teddys record!!!

Well, I suppose you're in more of a position to comment than I am... I just don't want any more massive disruptions to the team. We're doing well considering we've had 8 owners and 45 managers this week.

[weeniebeenie]

Odds on who will replace Le Guen (http://www.willhill.com/iibs/EN/buildcoupon.asp?couponchoice=FB1517047)


Walter Smith 1.57
Ally McCoist 4.00
Billy Davies 5.00
Graeme Souness 9.00
Terry Butcher 13.00
Jimmy Calderwood 13.00
George Burley 15.00
Sven Goran Erikson 26.00
Gus Hiddink 26.00
George Graham 26.00
Dick Advocaat 26.00
Terry Venables 34.00
Richard Gough 34.00
Iain Durrant 34.00
David Moyes 34.00
Craig Brown 34.00
Alex Mc Leish 34.00
Alex Ferguson 34.00
Bryan Robson 41.00
Barry Ferguson 101.00



Ones in bold are my preffered choice.

And the odds on Neil Lennon?

[EvilElvis]

And the odds on Neil Lennon?



On a par with Barry Ferguson being named new Celtic Manager

[weeniebeenie]

On a par with Barry Ferguson being named new Celtic Manager

Cool. I'll put £5000 on each.

[danlalala]

My reasoning for Graham - He can at least get his defenders to defend.


Unlike Le Guen - I lost count of the amount of goal we lost because of confusion in the defence. This goal is an example of how bad we are (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STuwFUSNLs8)
Yep. He sorted Leeds defence out in the mid-90's and set us up for a good few seasons whilst he left, and the attackers (Kewell, Hasselbaink) stepped up a notch.

[EvilElvis]

This is in the "Commentary box" section in nuts magazine


"Footballers' wives are just as bad as benefit scroungers. It's just a higher class of scrounger."

Cheryl Cole, Fotballer's wife/Classy Benefit Scrounger




It's funny cause it's true.

[Captain Stu]

Some bloody weird ones today... so I put 'em in italics:

Javier Mascherano will join Liverpool in a few days - but needs to check he is eligible to play because of Fifa regulations limiting the number of clubs a player can represent in one season. (Various)

West Ham will spend more than £20m in January in a bid to save their Premiership status - with £5m Fulham skipper Luis Boa Morte their first target. (Various)

Other targets for the Hammers include Matthew Upson, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Mark Viduka. (Various)

Tottenham have made a £4m bid for West Ham's Anton Ferdinand. (The Sun)

Spurs boss Martin Jol has seen a £7m offer for Charlton's Darren Bent rejected. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham are ready to offer Wayne Routledge and Calum Davenport to Watford, in return for Watford striker Ashley Young. (The Guardian)

Young is closing in on a £5.5m move to Liverpool, with Watford ready to replace him with £1m Will Hoskins from Rotherham. (Daily Express)

Manchester United will try to sign Blackburn's David Bentley - if their move for Owen Hargreaves falls through. (Daily Mirror)

Charlton boss Alan Pardew has made a shock bid for Portsmouth's veteran striker Andy Cole. (Daily Mirror)

Rangers are closing in on a double swoop for Wigan defender Andy Webster and Falkirk striker Alan Gow. (Daily Record)

Aston Villa will sign Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley, but not until the two teams have played in the FA Cup and league. (Daily Mirror)

Charlton have agreed a £2.7m fee for Arsenal striker Anthony Stokes. (The Sun)

Newcastle are still confident they can capture the signature of Liverpool's Peter Crouch. (Various)

Chelsea want to sign Valencia's veteran Argentine defender Roberto Ayala. (Daily Mail)

Fulham striker Collins John has rejected a move to Watford after they failed to meet his personal demands. (Various)

Real Madrid are considering a shock £7m bid for Everton defender Joleon Lescott. (Daily Mirror) :confused:

Sheffield United are on the verge of signing Egypt international defender Ahemed Fathi from Ismaily in a £700,000 deal. (The Sun)

QPR have rejected two £2m bids from Spurs and Man City for winger Lee Cook. (Various)

Southampton's young star Gareth Bale has rejected a new contract with the club. (Daily Mirror)

Hibs player Scott Brown says he has been threatened by the club's supporters after requesting a transfer. (Daily Record)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane will raid former club Celtic for midfielder Stephen Pearson in a £400,000 deal. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is lining up a surprise swoop for Coventry's Stern John. (The Sun)

Benfica's Manuel Fernandes is keen to stay in England despite his loan spell with Portsmouth coming to an end. (The Sun)

Marseille star Franck Ribery says he has snubbed a second bid by Arsenal - but will consider joining the Gunners in the summer. (Daily Star)

Millwall want to re-sign their joint-record scorer Neil Harris from Nottingham Forest. (The Sun)

Sheffield United winger Paul Ifill will join Crystal Palace. (Daily Mirror)


OTHER GOSSIP
Macclesfield boss Paul Ince claims institutional racism is blighting black players' chances of becoming Premiership managers - but says he still hopes to move there one day. (Various)

Walter Smith is poised to return to Rangers to take charge of the club for the second time - with Ally McCoist and Ian Durrant as his assistants. (Various)

Liverpool legend Sammy Lee has told boss Rafa Benitez to stop being so criticial of Bolton. (Daily Star)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill fears Manchester United's veteran striker Henrik Larsson - who played under him at Celtic - will come back to haunt him in Sunday's FA Cup tie. (Various)


AND FINALLY...
Macclesfield's £600-a-week defender Matty McNeil hopes laughter affects Chelsea's megabucks stars in Saturday's FA Cup tie.
The 29-year-old former fruit and veg van driver is nicknamed Borat by his team mates - because of his resemblance to Sacha Baron Cohen's character. Although he hates the name, he hopes it will make the Blues' players lose concentration. (Various)

Palermo's sporting director Rino Foschi received an unwelcome festive present after his team fell 13 points behind leaders Inter Milan - inside a nicely wrapped parcel was a bloody goat's head. (Daily Express)

[Bud]

Why would Liverpool want a player who looked lost in all the games he's played in? They already have Gerrard, Sissoko and Alonso in the middle.

[Captain Stu]

Why would Liverpool want a player who looked lost in all the games he's played in? They already have Gerrard, Sissoko and Alonso in the middle.

I have absorutery no idea, we need effective wingers not more centre mids.

[Bud]

I think it shows Rafa still wants to play Gerrard wide right

[Bexster]

Manchester United will try to sign Blackburn's David Bentley - if their move for Owen Hargreaves falls through. (Daily Mirror)

Hmmm... Bit of a difference there. David Bentley has been doing well this season for Blackburn without a doubt, but still :rolleyes:

Can't see how Mascherano is going to fit in at Liverpool to be honest. He's short match practice, and judging on Liverpool in the last few games, they don't need him.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i'm bored of the transfer window already...

until we sign Harris!

[Captain Stu]

I think it shows Rafa still wants to play Gerrard wide right

I can't see it, he even admitted about 3-4 weeks ago (publically) that Gerrard has proven that his best position is in the middle. Plus, Jermaine Bambi seems to be slowly finding his feet (still a way to go though) so hopefully there's no need to farm Gerrard out again. :)

Hmmm... Bit of a difference there. David Bentley has been doing well this season for Blackburn without a doubt, but still :rolleyes:

Innit! That's what really got me... why would they lose out on a defensive/holding midfielder and then go out and buy an attacking midfielder (albeit a very good one)... it makes no sense at all.

[Epic Failure]

I can't see it, he even admitted about 3-4 weeks ago (publically) that Gerrard has proven that his best position is in the middle. Plus, Jermaine Bambi seems to be slowly finding his feet (still a way to go though) so hopefully there's no need to farm Gerrard out again. :)



Innit! That's what really got me... why would they lose out on a defensive/holding midfielder and then go out and buy an attacking midfielder (albeit a very good one)... it makes no sense at all.

pah Man U signing our rejects:D

[Captain Stu]

Oh my lord, a Blackburn fan?!

[Epic Failure]

Oh my lord, a Blackburn fan?!

no an arsenal fan!

[Captain Stu]

no an arsenal fan!

Oh yeah. :o

Arsenal made a mistake in letting Bentley go, he's pretty damn good.

[Captain Stu]

Holy crap, Boa Morte has confirmed he's definately moving to West Ham. Should be finalised today. :-|

£5M!! Christ, that's a bit much.

[boxshapedheart]

Oh yeah. :o

Arsenal made a mistake in letting Bentley go, he's pretty damn good.
He is. But, can't see us goin for an attacking player.. unless we're flat out refused Hargreaves. In which case we may just want an addition to the squad for rotation.. But still, :confused:.


Boothroyd was having none of the transfer talk for Young a couple of days ago when he said 3 prem teams had come in and he was just gonna keep saying no. So if that's true, must be that either he or someone above Boothy has had a say.

[Epic Failure]

Oh yeah. :o

Arsenal made a mistake in letting Bentley go, he's pretty damn good.

he was a whinging bastard, he didn't want to stay and we have better players. fair play if he makes it somewhere else but i don't think he's that good that he deserved to play ahead of other players we have.

[Captain Stu]

He is. But, can't see us goin for an attacking player.. unless we're flat out refused Hargreaves. In which case we may just want an addition to the squad for rotation.. But still, :confused:.

Aye, the only way I could see that happening (really small chance) would be to sign Bentley as an eventual right-winger with Cuntface moving onto the left-wing once Sheep Shagger retires... but I doubt he'd leave Blackburn for a subs role at United for the next 2 years.

Boothroyd was having none of the transfer talk for Young a couple of days ago when he said 3 prem teams had come in and he was just gonna keep saying no. So if that's true, must be that either he or someone above Boothy has had a say.

Boothroyd's a fucking hack, I really don't like the guy. His overly-chirpy optimism gets right up my nose and I wonder if he genuinely thinks Watford aren't already relegated.

I totally agree with you, Sarah, I wouldn't be surprised if the board didn't accept some bids against his wishes because they KNOW they have to trim the wage bill and bring in a bit of extra cash because they're playing Championship football next season. £5.5M is a fucking ripoff but from Watford's point of view, that's a spicy meatball that you can't turn down even if they were staying up.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Holy crap, Boa Morte has confirmed he's definately moving to West Ham. Should be finalised today. :-|

£5M!! Christ, that's a bit much.

great manager, that Curbs :D

[Captain Stu]

... and Eggy must have more money than brains.

[boxshapedheart]

Holy crap, Boa Morte has confirmed he's definately moving to West Ham. Should be finalised today. :-|

£5M!! Christ, that's a bit much.
yep, £5M plus Etherington going the other way (apparently worth £2M).

Curbs on a spending spree.


Aye, the only way I could see that happening (really small chance) would be to sign Bentley as an eventual right-winger with Cuntface moving onto the left-wing once Sheep Shagger retires... but I doubt he'd leave Blackburn for a subs role at United for the next 2 years.
Unless he's as stupid as SWP of course.

Cunface and Sheep Shagger. :)

And here's Cuntface, with a crossfield pass to Sheep Shagger. Sheep Shagger running at one man, gone past one, he's gone past two. Cross-in to Cuntface! And Cuntace with a bullet into the top corner! What a goal!


Boothroyd's a fucking hack, I really don't like the guy. His overly-chirpy optimism gets right up my nose and I wonder if he genuinely thinks Watford aren't already relegated.

I totally agree with you, Sarah, I wouldn't be surprised if the board didn't accept some bids against his wishes because they KNOW they have to trim the wage bill and bring in a bit of extra cash because they're playing Championship football next season. £5.5M is a fucking ripoff but from Watford's point of view, that's a spicy meatball that you can't turn down even if they were staying up.
I dunno, I quite like him. The interviews with him I've seen, he doesn't make excuses (even though they've had shedloads of bad luck). He doesn't seem to like people's pity and just wants to get on with it and turn it around. Even though they won't.

Yep, as soon as I heard figures in the 5M region I thought he'd be kidding himself that Young's not on his way.

[timesfooall]

I thought theres no way Masch can go to liverpool. You can't be registered with 3 clubs in a season apparently.

I think Hargreaves will come to united, bayern have said that they have to seriously consider the offer thats on the table.

[Captain Stu]

I thought theres no way Masch can go to liverpool. You can't be registered with 3 clubs in a season apparently.

Yeah, FIFA might actually do something worthwhile for once. It's fair comment to, the rule clearly states that you can be registered for 3 clubs within the period of 1st July to 31st June but are only eligible to play for 2 - Mascherano has already played during that period for Corinthians and West Ham.

Case closed, fuck off back to Upton Park and continue to cry and underperform, ya big nonce pot. :D

I think Hargreaves will come to united, bayern have said that they have to seriously consider the offer thats on the table.

Didn't United learn with Carrick? Buying over-priced English players doesn't work and €30M (just over £20M) is extortionate. He's average at best and for that money you can do a lot, lot better.

[Bexster]

Didn't United learn with Carrick? Buying over-priced English players doesn't work and €30M (just over £20M) is extortionate. He's average at best and for that money you can do a lot, lot better.
Yeah, but Hargreaves is clearly better than Carrick.

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, but Hargreaves is clearly better than Carrick.

Really? You reckon? :eek:

I, personally, would put them both on the same level - average. They do a job, they don't do it spectacularly but they do it reasonably well but you can buy players who will do it better. Fair enough, Hargreaves had a good world cup, but somehow I can't really see him setting the Premiership alight. I don't think he'll "flop" as such (and I may be wrong on this, only time will tell) but I can't see him being the pivotal player in United's midfield - he's a poor replacement for them missing out on Diarra (who is a LOT better and going for about the same price).

Bayern are just asking high because they're pissed that their precious Canadian/Brit boy is leaving after they thought they'd fought off the interest and Franz is right, with £20M they can get a better replacement.

[boxshapedheart]

We are usually overpriced on any player, especially English players. So kinda used to it. And Hargreave's will be better than Carrick. I've liked him for a while before he had his good run with England in the world cup.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Yeah, Hargreaves is better i'd say. Carrick is a crab

[Bexster]

Really? You reckon? :eek:

I, personally, would put them both on the same level - average. They do a job, they don't do it spectacularly but they do it reasonably well but you can buy players who will do it better. Fair enough, Hargreaves had a good world cup, but somehow I can't really see him setting the Premiership alight. I don't think he'll "flop" as such (and I may be wrong on this, only time will tell) but I can't see him being the pivotal player in United's midfield - he's a poor replacement for them missing out on Diarra (who is a LOT better and going for about the same price).

Bayern are just asking high because they're pissed that their precious Canadian/Brit boy is leaving after they thought they'd fought off the interest and Franz is right, with £20M they can get a better replacement.
Thing is though, Carrick proved himself to be a flop at United, whilst Hargreaves plays fairly consistantly at Bayern. He's a slower player, more methodical, and I think he'll suit the United attacking players really well. The Bundesliga seems to be one of the closest to our own in Europe in terms of style of play, so I don't think it'll be all that much of a difference for him.

Admittedly, this should have been the case for Ballack too when he came over, but he's failed pretty miserably. Chelsea are a more scrappy team though, which doesn't suit him.

[Captain Stu]

This is a prime example of why trying to buy British is bullshit, everyone adds about an extra £5-10M just because they're fucking British:

Carrick = £18M (worth probably half that)
Hargreaves = £20M (approx - worth about half that again)
Pennant = £8M (worth about 5)
Owen = £16M (I'd say a little less than that)

Everyone else chip in. :D

Admittedly, this should have been the case for Ballack too when he came over, but he's failed pretty miserably. Chelsea are a more scrappy team though, which doesn't suit him.

That's something I thought of too! Ballack ruled the Bundesliga with an iron fist, he did what he wanted... when he wanted... and that was that. Then, he comes over here and has looked yards off the pace for the entire season, he's got a couple of goals to his name but his performances have been gash - he's being out performed by people like Steve chuffing Sidwell!

[Bexster]

This is a prime example of why trying to buy British is bullshit, everyone adds about an extra £5-10M just because they're fucking British:

Carrick = £18M (worth probably half that)
Hargreaves = £20M (approx - worth about half that again)
Pennant = £8M (worth about 5)
Owen = £16M (I'd say a little less than that)

Everyone else chip in. :D



That's something I thought of too! Ballack ruled the Bundesliga with an iron fist, he did what he wanted... when he wanted... and that was that. Then, he comes over here and has looked yards off the pace for the entire season, he's got a couple of goals to his name but his performances have been gash - he's being out performed by people like Steve chuffing Sidwell!
Steve Sidwell = another Arsenal reject :D

I agree that British players to tend to be overpriced - but there is some quality over there. Beyond that though, most players these days are overpriced.

But yeah, Carrick hasn't been worth his price at all, Owen hasn't returned on his price (admittedly due to injury and not his fault) I'm not sure I agree with you about Pennent, only I suppose if you put it in perspective with the prices of the other British players. He's been worth most of his price at least this year.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Overpriced:

Kevin Davies - Free Transfer

[Captain Stu]

Overpriced:

Kevin Davies - Free Transfer

Hahaha, totally, Bolton should've asked for at least a million.

[Epic Failure]

come to think of it the worls is full of over-rated arsenal rejects. Pennant, Bentley, Upson and Ashley to name a few :D

And then there are the arsenal rejects who are actually not over-rated, just rubbish - people like Dickie Wrong, James Harper, Franny Jeffers.

and occasionally there are a couple i wish we had kept hold of - Kanuuuuuu and Steve Sidwell. I think Sidwell is a decent player, dunno why, i just think he's good.

[Captain Stu]

Sidwell's been good this season but I couldn't see him fitting in there now, he's too un-flairy.

Kanu can suck my balls, he's done a Robert Johnson and sold his soul to the devil for some skill because he doesn't look as confused, gangly and shit as he did for you lot. You've got a much, much, MUCH better all-rounder in Adebayor.

[Epic Failure]

Sidwell's been good this season but I couldn't see him fitting in there now, he's too un-flairy.

Hmm we aren't overwhelmed with gritty midfielders who give the proverbial 110%. even Gilbert Silver can be a bit of a fairy at times. I'm looking forward to getting Diaby back and fit - he looked a decent player before the injury.


Kanu can suck my balls, he's done a Robert Johnson and sold his soul to the devil for some skill because he doesn't look as confused, gangly and shit as he did for you lot. You've got a much, much, MUCH better all-rounder in Adebayor.

Granted that Adebayor is younger, quicker and better, but i still love Kanu. will never forget his hattrick against the Chelski when he scored the third from the most ridiculous angle after rounding de goey.

[Captain Stu]

Hmm we aren't overwhelmed with gritty midfielders who give the proverbial 110%. even Gilbert Silver can be a bit of a fairy at times. I'm looking forward to getting Diaby back and fit - he looked a decent player before the injury.



Granted that Adebayor is younger, quicker and better, but i still love Kanu. will never forget his hattrick against the Chelski when he scored the third from the most ridiculous angle after rounding de goey.

Was that the one where he curled it in when he was basically stood on the touchline? That was cuh-lass.

[Epic Failure]

Was that the one where he curled it in when he was basically stood on the touchline? That was cuh-lass.

that be the one. I almost creamed myself when that went in - 2-0 down with 20 mins to go, win 3-2. Almost as good as Nigel "The Rocket" Winterburn's 30yrd screamer against the same back in 97/98. same result as well that day.

[Bexster]

Was that the one where he curled it in when he was basically stood on the touchline? That was cuh-lass.
That's the one. Was amazing, and no one could quite believe it had actually gone in :D

But yeah, I always kind of wished we'd kept Sidwell. And I kinda wish we'd kept Upson too. He'd have been in the defence now, and he'd be good in there.

Also, I was most puzzled when we got rid of Owusu-Aboue. He was a good little player, and was playing quite often, and he just got shipped out.

[Renegades of funk 8]

boa for 5m, can't complain with that price, he's had one good game this season (vs the arse) and knight or brown make a better captain then him


i really hope west ham go down now

[timesfooall]

Carrick was over priced, but to say he hasn't performed is a bit harsh. He defo had a slow start to the season but i think he is playing well at the moment, its a shame hes not scoring goals but Scholes is covering that. He hardly ever loses out on a tackle, his passing and vision is top notch. Im very happy with him.

Hargreaves is a bit more defensive minded but hasn't got the range of passing Carrick has, but i feel Hargreaves would score more goals, if that mkaes sense:rolleyes:

[rob3000]

Hargreaves is much better than Carrick.

I'm very suprised about these Maschereno reports, why do Liverpool need another centre midfielder? I know we're a bit short as Sissoko is injured but he'll be fit soon enough. I can't imagine he'll ever be in the starting 11, unless his form drastically changes.

[rob3000]

Just heard that the echo has reported the deal is always done, and Chris Bacombe to date has never been wrong. Macherano will be cover for Stevie and Xabi it seems, and also "one for the future."

[EvilElvis]

Nigel "The Rocket" Winterburn's

Twins:
Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell (http://www.gooner.com/images/winter.jpg)


Nasty Nigel Winterburn (http://www.speaker-mag.de/photo/Motorhead/Phil_Campbell_6_02_2.jpg)

[EvilElvis]

Latest from Ibrox:


Bookies no longer taking bets on Walter Smith and Ally McCoist being appointed as management team - The new management team is set to be announced on monday. Ian Durrant will be in charge for Sunday's Scottish Cup game with Dunfermline.

Wigan's Andy Webster is having a medical at Ibrox with a view to a loan deal till the end of the season.

Hibs pair Scott Brown and Kevin Thompson have announced they've been getting abuse from fans on the street because they are wanting to leave. Rangers have been monitoring their situation.

[timesfooall]

Just heard that the echo has reported the deal is always done, and Chris Bacombe to date has never been wrong. Macherano will be cover for Stevie and Xabi it seems, and also "one for the future."

How? Its against the rules isn't it?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Just heard that the echo has reported the deal is always done, and Chris Bacombe to date has never been wrong. Macherano will be cover for Stevie and Xabi it seems, and also "one for the future."

i thought Socko was cover for Steve and Xabi. i can't see there being any point in signing him for the future, the other three still have plenty of years in them yet.

He'll make the reserve team look good though

[rob3000]

i thought Socko was cover for Steve and Xabi. i can't see there being any point in signing him for the future, the other three still have plenty of years in them yet.

He'll make the reserve team look good though
Sissoko starts when he's fit, he's never really been cover for Stevie and Xabi. I still thinks it's weird, Zenden will probably be offloaded in the summer leaving Maschereno on the bench I guess.

[rob3000]

How? Its against the rules isn't it?
Well yeah, I thought so. But if he's asking the governing bodies for special dispensation then who knows.

What sort of money do you think we're talking here, if any at all?:confused:

[Captain Stu]

That's bloody weird... Gerrard is 25/26, Alonso is about 24 and Sissoko's only 22 I think. It's not as if they're some aging cripples who can barely stand.

I hope to christ that he doesn't fuck the midfield up again when Momo is fit, he needs to leave Gerrard and Alonso where they are - it's no surprise that we put them back together, give them a string of games together and our form improves drastically.

[timesfooall]

If he does go its loan deal. Juve were gonna buy him but didn't want to get involved with MSI?

[Captain Stu]

If he does go its loan deal. Juve were gonna buy him but didn't want to get involved with MSI?

Yeah, that's another worrying thing - I don't want us to become involved with those bent bastards at MSI. There's something very fishy about them and the way they do business.

[EvilElvis]

Yeah, that's another worrying thing - I don't want us to become involved with those bent bastards at MSI. There's something very fishy about them and the way they do business.



It's a bit strange how no details have emerged about the Tevez and Maschereno deals

No transfer fee info
No info on wages
No info on length of deals

[Two-Bob Peeters]

It's a bit strange how no details have emerged about the Tevez and Maschereno deals

No transfer fee info
No info on wages
No info on length of deals

it shouldn't be allowed, how can someone other than a football club 'own' a player?

[EvilElvis]

Only An Excuse taking the piss out of Le Guen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Qnw23ZQBQ)

[EvilElvis]

Villa Bag Bardsley (http://msnsport.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=439656&cpid=8&clid=7&lid=&title=Villa+to+bag+Bardsley)



Skysports.com understand Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley.

Villa are set to beat off competition from Sunderland and some Premiership sides to land the full-back.

Bardsley spent a spell on loan at Rangers earlier this season before returning to Old Trafford earlier this month.

United are willing to loan him out again so that he can get valuable first team action and Villa are leading the chase for his signature.

Bardsley's agent Des Wroe confirmed Villa's interest and intimated a deal could be done in the next few days for the player.

"Yes, Aston Villa have shown an interest in Phil," Wroe told skysports.com.

"There are a few other clubs interested along with Villa and I am hopeful of sorting something out in the next two or three days."

Bardsley has held talks with Sunderland, but Wroe admits the player's first choice would be to stay in the Premiership.

"He has been up to Sunderland and met Roy Keane," added Wroe. "He was very interested in what Roy had to say, but he wanted to weigh up his options as other clubs have been interested.

"Phil wants to get back to playing as soon as possible and he would like to stay in the Premiership.

"He believes playing in the Premiership would help catch the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson and put him in his plans for the future."

[danlalala]

Bayern are just asking high because they're pissed that their precious Canadian/Brit boy is leaving after they thought they'd fought off the interest and Franz is right, with £20M they can get a better replacement.
Bayern will rinse Man U for as much as possible for this one. German tax law states that any figure received as income over 1million Euros is taxed at tha rate of 50%...

[Wish_Master2100]

Bayern will rinse Man U for as much as possible for this one. German tax law states that any figure received as income over 1million Euros is taxed at tha rate of 50%...

FUCKING HELL!

How are you supposed to make any money!?

[danlalala]

FUCKING HELL!

How are you supposed to make any money!?
Dunno. But if you think about it, in England you might get charged 40%. It wouldn't go out of the packet immediately (in England) but it would need to be filed in the clubs tax return form. Whether or not that would be non-tax eligible due to it being the sale of a business asset or not, i do not know.

...The Liberal Democrats want to make any income over £100,000 charged at 50% tax. Just a good job they will never ever see government. :D

Can anyone shed any light on whether the sale of footballers counts as tax free?

[EvilElvis]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6234501.stm

Bayern Munich will consider selling Owen Hargreaves to Manchester United - but not for less than £20m.
Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer told German newspaper Bild that if an offer of that size was tabled "we would have to think about it".

Beckenbauer added: "That is a figure that would allow us to be active in the transfer market."

Hargreaves has just been told that he is not ready to return to full training as he recovers from a broken leg.

The 25-year-old sustained the injury in a league match against Arminia Bielefeld in September and had hoped to return in January.

But he is now unlikely to be ready to play against Borussia Dortmund when the Bundesliga restarts after its winter break on 26 January.

Hargreaves had hoped to return to full training with his Bayern team-mates, who are on a training camp in Dubai.

However, tests on his leg revealed the healing process was not as advanced as previously predicted and he will instead only take part in light training.

Hargreaves has been repeatedly linked with United over recent months - with the player admitting he would relish a move to Old Trafford.

Bayern had previously stated that they would not sell a player who last season signed a contract to keep him at the club until 2010.

And Beckenbauer added: "It is normal to want to keep a player who has just extended his contract and who only wants to join another club because they will pay him better."

Hargreaves has always maintained that his desire to play in the Premiership is not motivated by money.

The England midfielder said: "It's about the opportunity to possibly play in another league I haven't played in before, which is also the country I represent and where my family lives.

"It's not like I'm saying I want to go to AC Milan or Inter Milan because they're offering me more money.

"It's because it's England and because Britain is where my family is. My parents and my brothers are in Canada, but the whole of my dad's side of the family is in Bolton and my mum's side is in Rhyl.

"I think some people don't realise that. They think I'm half-German or something, but I'm not. I was brought up by a British family. It just happened to be in Canada."

[rob3000]

Players wages, for example Gerrard at 100 grand a week, is that after tax?

And woohoo I got a ticket for tomorrow's game.:D

[danlalala]

Players wages, for example Gerrard at 100 grand a week, is that after tax?

And woohoo I got a ticket for tomorrow's game.:D
All that will be before tax unless stated.

[EvilElvis]

I remember West Ham wanted to sign Amoruso from Rangers about 6 years back.


Amo demanded £20k per week after tax.


He stayed at Rangers. :D

[danlalala]

I remember West Ham wanted to sign Amoruso from Rangers about 6 years back.


Amo demanded £20k per week after tax.


He stayed at Rangers. :D

Shit, thats about 37k a week.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

boo-urns

[EvilElvis]

boo-urns

If Amo was chocolate he'd eat himself.

He rated himself a lot more than most other people rated him.


He once claimed that Arsenal and Man Utd were after him - he joined Blackburn where he was soon banished to the reserves.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

oh my god...

i think i'm going to cry...

welcome home bomber

#Suuuuuper, Super Neil....... #

[danlalala]

oh my god...

i think i'm going to cry...

welcome home bomber

#Suuuuuper, Super Neil....... #
oh god. you haven't resigned him? how old is he now?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

oh god. you haven't resigned him? how old is he now?

29

Millwall is his club, his home. he'll be a different player. and i know that's still nowhere near how he was pre-cancer. but it's still better than the shit cunts up front who don't put in any effort that we've got at the moment(Bar Hubertz)

i can't believe it... and i'll be seeing his return match away at brighton...

[danlalala]

29

Millwall is his club, his home. he'll be a different player. and i know that's still nowhere near how he was pre-cancer. but it's still better than the shit cunts up front who don't put in any effort that we've got at the moment(Bar Hubertz)

i can't believe it... and i'll be seeing his return match away at brighton...
damn, i thought he was pushing mid-30's. He seems to have been around forever.

Is he to Millwall fans what Batty is to Leeds fans then? (when batty came back to Leeds in 1998, the club admitted 7000 fans into the stadium to just give him a round of applause and watch him sign his deal)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Pretty much. He's even above sheringham in most people eyes, especially after the judas claimed his boyhood club was West Ham (not to mention Spurs and Man Utd, Ted!) he has 93 league goals along with Teddy.. when he gets that 94th... i can't imagine the emotion of the crowd...

probably give the police another well deserved kicking :D

[EvilElvis]

What is it with Mick McCarthy?

He went and signed Neil Collins from Sunderland - After he brought him to Sunerland.

Do you not remember what happend to the SUnderland defence when you were manager?


On the plus point, it's good to see an ex Dumbarton player make a decent step up.

If the Sons win tomorrow I will piss myself laughing.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

What is it with Mick McCarthy?
.

he's just a shit cunt of a manager.


#Harrrrrrrrrisssssss!!!!#

[EvilElvis]

he's just a shit cunt of a manager.


#Harrrrrrrrrisssssss!!!!#

I assume the re-signing of Harris has eased the pain of the Stoke result?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I assume the re-signing of Harris has eased the pain of the Stoke result?

what result? :D

seriously though, the only annoying thing about it is 3 different media outlets saying that we havent won an FA cup match since the final on '04.

how do they think we got to the third round this year?

[EvilElvis]

The race to sign Charlton striker Darren Bent is on, but Chelsea have been put off by the Addicks' £18m asking price. (Sun)

West Ham are also in the frame but the player would prefer to go to Tottenham, who are prepared to offer Calum Davenport plus cash. (Daily Express)

Chelsea are considering a shock move for Aston Villa striker Milan Baros. (Various)

Charlton will win the race to sign Arsenal's Anthony Stokes. (Daily Star)

Tottenham are favourites to sign Watford winger Ashley Young - but the deal will not involve Wayne Routledge going the other way. (Daily Mirror)

Everton are the latest club to show an interest in Young. (Daily Express)

West Ham will turn their attentions to Young if their bid for Chelsea's Shaun Wright-Phillips fails. (Independent)

Spurs have joined Aston Villa and the Hammers in the chase for Wright-Phillips but their £5m bid for West Brom's Curtis Davies failed. (Sun)

Chelsea will make cut-price bids for Blackburn's Lucas Neill and Bolton's Tal Ben Haim. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United are confident of wrapping up the £17m signing of Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves in the next couple of days. (Daily Mirror)

Wigan are still persevering with a bid to sign Alan Smith on loan even though the Manchester United striker is determined to stay. (Daily Mail)

Bolton want to sign Swiss utility player Blerim Dzemaili. (Daily Mail)

Blackburn are poised to offer midfielder David Bentley a new deal worth £1.2m a year. (Daily Express)

West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker will leave the club in the next week - with Tottenham and Bolton ready to pounce. (Daily Mirror)

Charlton want former Chelsea midfielder Alexei Smertin and have made bids for Colchester's Greg Halford and West Brom's Nigel Quashie. (Times)

But West Ham could hijack the Addicks' move for Smertin. (Independent)

Aston Villa are poised to sign Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley on loan. (Times)

Birmingham are on the verge of signing on-loan Arsenal midfielder Sebastian Larsson for £500,000. (Independent)

Walter Smith's first act as Rangers director of football will be to sell misfiring striker Filip Sebo for £1.8m. (Daily Record)

Celtic have made an official bid for Hibs duo Kevin Thomson and Scott Brown. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
The Scottish FA want Walter Smith to carry on as the national boss even if he takes the director of football post at Rangers. (Daily Record)


AND FINALLY...
Newcastle defender Titus Bramble has his kit sponsored by 'Mr Long, Your Local Grocer'. (Daily Mirror)

[EvilElvis]

Chelsea are considering a shock move for Aston Villa striker Milan Baros. (Various) Sign him!

Newcastle defender Titus Bramble has his kit sponsored by 'Mr Long, Your Local Grocer'. (Daily Mirror) Lol!

Someone actually wants to sponsor Branble?!

[Bexster]

Chelsea are considering a shock move for Aston Villa striker Milan Baros. (Various)
HA HA HA HA HA :D

That's really gonna worry Shevchenk, innit.

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

Maybe it isn't going to be a quiet window for Spurs.

In the last few days I've read that we're after -

Bent - WHY?!?! Ok he's a decent enough striker but he's not gonna be a guaranteed starter. If true, must mean Mido is off.

Reo Coker - No surprise there really, he's a central midfielder afterall.

Wright Phillips - Yes please, him and Lennon on the wings would do nicely.

Ashley Young - Haven't really seen enough of him. Could solve our left sided problem. English prospect so we're obviouly after him.

[EvilElvis]

Lollerz @ Charlton and Sheff Utd

[friartuck]

Liverpool Arsenal is a tough one to call. I'm looking forward to the game.

[Epic Failure]

Get In!!!! We love you Tomas!!

[Epic Failure]

Get In!!!! We love you Tomas!!

x2 :D :D shocking defending from the liverpool.

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

x2 :D :D shocking defending from the liverpool.

The defending for the 2nd was a joke. Terrible terrible defending.

Common Liverpool!!

[weeniebeenie]

I love watching Shearer saying Bellamys name. You can tell he wants to spit after he says it. Don't blame him, guys a cunt.

[Epic Failure]

what an eminently satisfying game of football:)

[danlalala]

Wright Phillips - Yes please, him and Lennon on the wings would do nicely.

That's how i'd play England.

[Bud]

Are you Tottenham in disguise? Are you Tottenham in disguise?

:D

[danlalala]

what an eminently satisfying game of football:)
is that you, George Galloway? :D

[EvilElvis]

Ollie and Stoob's text convo's on the game:

O - You watching the game mate?
S - Unfortnatley yes. Awful Innit?
O - You got loads of possesion with out looking threatening. Teh Arse look as if they could score a few more. Look on plus side at least you got beat by a decent side. Unlike Charlton.
S - I hate losing to Arsenal
O- Who'd you rather lose too? Arsenal, Everton or Man Utd
S - Your face.
O - You should have taken Garcia off. About 90 mins ago.
S - Innit. He was awful, even by his lame standards. Think Benitez is more concerned with league cup or Bellamy wouldhave been on instead of Aurelio

[EvilElvis]

That's how i'd play England.

I'd play England with Wright Phillips on from the start as well.


I'd also stick him in goals. :D

[Bud]

Ollie and Stoob's text convo's on the game:

S - I hate losing to Arsenal

:D

you would have thought he'd be used to it by now..

[EvilElvis]

Twins!

Prince Adam/He-Man (http://liputanbola.com/files/pic/img_dirk_kuyt.jpg)/Dirk Kuyt (http://www.heman.altervista.org/He-man.jpg)

Ray Parlour (http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38692000/jpg/_38692211_dimmock_150.jpg)/Charlie Dimmock (http://www.soccermania.dk/eng-arsenal/arsenal_Ray Parlour.jpg)

[rob3000]

The result today was completely irrelevant, I witnessed something special today. The atmosphere was really special those opening 6 minutes.

[Epic Failure]

The result today was completely irrelevant

I think you'll find that depends somewhat on your opinion. I'm comfortable saying that the result today was very relevent. ;)

Don't worry, we'll let you win in the CC to cheer you all up a bit:D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

The result today was completely irrelevant, I witnessed something special today. The atmosphere was really special those opening 6 minutes.

it's going to happen in every FA cup game apparantly, will the results still not be relevant if Liverpool contnue to keep losing in every third round match? :D

Also, RE: Liverpool match. I know i always complain about commentators, this time it was so bad, i just found it hilarious. i've never seen more biased commentary (Bar England matches) on television. someone even mentioned it on the 606 site and said. I thought Motson was going to cry when Rosicky made it 2-0. so true. 'RETIRE MOTTY!'

[Renegades of funk 8]

volz is a goal machine :)

[Bud]

But it doesn't win you the game :D

[EvilElvis]

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Charlton's £15m-rated striker Darren Bent. (Sunday Mirror)

Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy have again hinted at the capture of Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham after saying they are poised to sign a player who will make a "monumental impact" on and off the field in the United States. (The People)

West Ham will compete with Chelsea for Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim. (Sunday Mirror)

Newcastle are planning a move for Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson. (The People)

Sunderland may snatch striker Anthony Stokes, who has been on loan to Falkirk from Arsenal, from under the noses of Charlton. (Sunday Mirror)

Southampton defender Gareth Bale will decide in the next 48 hours whether to join Manchester United. (The People)

Charlton have failed in a bid to land Portsmouth striker Andrew Cole because they cannot match his terms. (The People)

Real Madrid are keen on signing misfiring Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko and are offering Ronaldo in exchange as part of the deal. (Various)

Ronaldo has also been offered, along with fellow Bernabeu striker Antonio Cassano, to AC Milan but they have rejected any deal for the pair. (AS in Spain)

West Ham have upped their bid for Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and are now chasing Arsenal right-back Lauren as well as Man City's Joey Barton. (The Daily Star on Sunday)

Real Madrid are set to sign Arsenal target Franck Ribery from Marseille for £15m. (The Star)

Reading and Charlton are competing for the services of Colchester defender Greg Halford. (The Star)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is lining up a £4m bid for french Under-21 and Auxerre defender Younes Kaboul. (The Star)

Chelsea could ease their defensive problems by luring Sylvain Distin from Man City for £3m.

Arsenal are ready to let Freddie Ljungberg leave the club. (News of the World)

Sven-Goran Eriksson is set to take over as manager at Marseille and wants David Beckham to join him at the French club. (News of the World)

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho's future is in doubt and he may walk away from Stamford Bridge in the summer. (Various)

Mourinho would have played Lassana Diarra instead of Frank Lampard in the FA Cup win over Macclesfield but the French youngster missed the pre-match briefing after turning up 40 minutes late. (News of the World)


Bradford City could be set to bring Peter Reid back into the managerial ranks as they look to replace current boss Colin Todd. (The Star)

Arsenal will offer striker Emmanuel Adebayor a new deal to fend off any advances from Manchester United. (News of the World)

Wigan will renew their interest in Man Utd striker Alan Smith by tabling a £6m bid.

AND FINALLY...
Fulham's new striker, Vincenzo Montella, is getting used to his new surroundings in London. He now orders a single espresso as..."otherwise you get given a cup of dishwater." (The Sunday Express)

Arsenal's stadium sponsors, Emirates, want the club to have a third-choice white kit similar to that of rivals Tottenham. (Sunday Mirror)

[EvilElvis]

Stokes signs for Sunderland.

[danlalala]

Arsenal are ready to let Freddie Ljungberg leave the club. (News of the World)


He's still got at least 2 good premiership years left in him.

[EvilElvis]

He's still got at least 2 good premiership years left in him.

I didn't realise he was still at Arsenal.

[EvilElvis]

Bye bye chances of winning Scottish Cup. 3-0 down 2 mins after half time. :mad:


Hope the fans that helped push Le Guen out are really happy now.

[Bexster]

I think you'll find that depends somewhat on your opinion. I'm comfortable saying that the result today was very relevent. ;)

Don't worry, we'll let you win in the CC to cheer you all up a bit:D
No we won't. :D

I agree with earlier comments that Liverpool's defending was shocking. If you look at the the amount of space they gave Rosicky and Henry, you'd have thought they didn't know the players at all.

Arsenal are ready to let Freddie Ljungberg leave the club. (News of the World)
We could do with not letting any more of our senior players go at the moment. We lost a lot before the season started, and we need a few still there to help the younger players through at least this season.

[danlalala]

Bye bye chances of winning Scottish Cup. 3-0 down 2 mins after half time. :mad:


Hope the fans that helped push Le Guen out are really happy now.
It's not the boss at Rangers, it's the team.

The club and the fans need to prepare themselves for 5 years of poor success, maybe the odd Scottish/CIS cup whilst alot of money is invested in youth players and the occasional experienced head to guide them through. Walter Smith has done this before with Rangers, and is more than able to do it again. Having a striker of Ally McCoist's ability in a coaching role (or whatever he has taken on) should put them in good stead for spotting young players.

[EvilElvis]

It's not the boss at Rangers, it's the team.

The club and the fans need to prepare themselves for 5 years of poor success, maybe the odd Scottish/CIS cup whilst alot of money is invested in youth players and the occasional experienced head to guide them through. Walter Smith has done this before with Rangers, and is more than able to do it again. Having a striker of Ally McCoist's ability in a coaching role (or whatever he has taken on) should put them in good stead for spotting young players.


3-2 now. Boyd's got 2 goals back


Sir David Murray (Rangers Chairman) stated when Le Guen arrived that he was here for the long haul and that things would get worse before they get better. A lot of the signing's were player who are quite young. Svensson has got pelters all season, but he's only 21.

After we lost to St Johnstone, Murray said he'd look at Le Guen's future at the end of the season.


So let him go now? Murray has always shown loyalty to managers. It makes no sense, Unless Le Guen resigned as there is a job tempting him in France.

Since Murray took over in 1988 the managers list at Ibrox:
Souness '86 -'91
Smith '91-'98
Advocaat '98 -'01
McCleish '01-'06
Le Guen '06-'07

[danlalala]

3-2 now. Boyd's got 2 goals back


Sir David Murray (Rangers Chairman) stated when Le Guen arrived that he was here for the long haul and that things would get worse before they get better.

After we lost to St Johnstone, Murray said he'd look at Le Guen's future at the end of the season.


So let him go now? Murray has always shown loyalty to managers. It makes no sense, Unless Le Guen resigned as there is a job tempting him in France.

Since Murray took over in 1988 the managers list at Ibrox:
Souness '86 -'91
Smith '91-'98
Advocaat '98 -'01
McCleish '01-'06
Le Guen '06-'07
Yeah, there's definately more going on that we're being told. Not sure whether it was a total loss of confidence/trust after the Barry Ferguson fiasco, but something isn't right.

Al the mentioned managers bar Le Guen have brought some good youth players through too, and this is what the club really needs to concentrate on now, especially with it's not-entirely-good finances.

[EvilElvis]

Yeah, there's definately more going on that we're being told. Not sure whether it was a total loss of confidence/trust after the Barry Ferguson fiasco, but something isn't right.

Al the mentioned managers bar Le Guen have brought some good youth players through too, and this is what the club really needs to concentrate on now, especially with it's not-entirely-good finances.

Le Guen made an effort to sign the like of McGregor and Smith on long term deals, Burke is still negotiating a contract as his deal ends in the summer.

Apparently Ferguson ignored Le Guen's orders during his last game as skipper and ignored the request to cancel the team night out - which was not for all the players.

Le Guen was also concerned about the boozing done by certain players and would not have been pleased with this news. (http://i13.tinypic.com/40lgm83.jpg)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Villa v Man Utd is always a good cup match

[danlalala]

Le Guen made an effort to sign the like of McGregor and Smith on long term deals, Burke is still negotiating a contract as his deal ends in the summer.

Apparently Ferguson ignored Le Guen's orders during his last game as skipper and ignored the request to cancel the team night out - which was not for all the players.

Le Guen was also concerned about the boozing done by certain players and would not have been pleased with this news. (http://i13.tinypic.com/40lgm83.jpg)
Ok, im starting to think Le Guen got the harsh end of this. I'd probably have done the same.

Maybe an Arsene Wenger style 'booze ban' was in order or something. Last thing you want is a 70's style drinking culture.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Best moment of the match. Agbonlahor spints to get in front of Ronaldo, then goes down after the faintest of touches. Ronaldo looks absolutely disgusted at Agbonlahor and shakes his head :D

[danlalala]

Best moment of the match. Agbonlahor spints to get in front of Ronaldo, then goes down after the faintest of touches. Ronaldo looks absolutely disgusted at Agbonlahor and shakes his head :D
Oh the irony.

[EvilElvis]

Ok, im starting to think Le Guen got the harsh end of this. I'd probably have done the same.

Maybe an Arsene Wenger style 'booze ban' was in order or something. Last thing you want is a 70's style drinking culture.


Before Le Guen went into management, he spent a year working alongside Wenger.

I think the biggest mistake he made was not to have a Brit as part of his management team

Chelsea have Steve Clarke as Jose's assistant
Liverpool have Alex Miller as Benitez's assistant
Arsenal have Pat Rice as Wenger's assitant

Helps the home grown players help settle and can help with the communication problem.

When Le Guen left Lyon, his players thought he was going to Man Utd and when Rangers got him as manager, Real Madrid had admitted they wanted him. He can't be that bad a manager.

[rob3000]

I haven't seen the game on tv, but could you hear the chants at Anfield on tv?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I haven't seen the game on tv, but could you hear the chants at Anfield on tv?

i wasn't specifically listening out for the songs so i couldn't tell you what was sung. but it was pretty loud

[Bud]

Very loud!

[danlalala]

Larsson - 1-0

[Two-Bob Peeters]

great finish by Baros

[danlalala]

great finish by Baros
Yeah, that one was very easy to hit straight at the keeper.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Yeah, that one was very easy to hit straight at the keeper.

the gaps either side of the keeper were very small, he just about squeezed it in. nice.

Anyone tell me why Rooney is practically playing as a holding midfielder?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

dear oh dear. i call Bung!

[Jamie]

Thank god. We really didn't need a replay. Villa definatley didn't deserve to lose though.

[EvilElvis]

Dear Mr O'Neil,

I know we have a goalkeeper crisis, but get rid of the Crippled Alice reject.

Do you remember the amount of time Stefan Klos frustrated you in Old Firm games? Rangers (For some stupid reason) won't play him, take him and get him some first team games.

Ollie


I feel the need to emphasise this point again.

[rob3000]

Arsenal could have been 3-0 inside the opening 10 minutes and I don't think I'd have noticed.

Bring on tuesday, I hope we win that one at least!

[EvilElvis]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6233237.stm

Rangers' Smith approach revealed


Scottish FA chief executive David Taylor has confirmed that Rangers have enquired about the availability of national manager Walter Smith.
Former Rangers heroes Smith and Ally McCoist are expected to be named as the new management team at Ibrox.

"We have had some contact with Rangers but that is as much as I'd like to say," Taylor told BBC Radio Scotland.

"We will be sitting down and talking to Walter on Monday but, for now, he is under contract and employed by us."

It will be Smith's second spell at Ibrox and he will be assisted by Scotland coach McCoist.

They will take over from Paul Le Guen, who left after just 200 days in charge.

Smith helped Rangers win nine successive titles before resigning in 1998 and moving to Everton.

Both Smith and McCoist have played a pivotal role in Scotland's stunning start to their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Scotland are the surprise Group B leaders in the Euro 2008 qualifying phase, ahead of world champions Italy and World Cup runners-up France.

It has been suggested that Smith will fill a dual role and continue as Scotland manager until the end of the present European Championship campaign.

"It would be a major disruption to lose Walter and I would be disappointed if it does happen," added Taylor, who revealed that McCoist does not have a contract with the SFA.

Sheffield United assistant manager Stuart McCall could also be part of the new management team that may see McCoist and McCall take the reigns in the long-term.

But, while McCall told BBC Sport he would "crawl over broken glass" to return to Rangers, he also added that "I don't think it will happen".

Smith has maintained close links with Rangers' chairman Sir David Murray, since leaving Ibrox.

And former Scotland boss Craig Brown confirmed the pair's close relationship had been maintained in recent times.

He told BBC Sport: "The chairman is very, very close to Walter Smith and Ally McCoist and they would make an excellent appointment in my opinion.

"There would have to be a compromise if Walter was going there.

"There is a possibility in the short term of him doing both jobs, there's been a precedent for that.

"Guus Hiddink was PSV manager and also managed Australia and Mark Hughes for a time did both jobs for Wales and Blackburn.

"It is far from ideal, but you could imagine it being a short-term solution."

Ian Durrant took charge of the first team for Sunday's Scottish Cup third round defeat at Dunfermline Athletic.

"If it does happen that Walter comes I will be delighted," said reserve coach Durrant.

"He will get the help he needs and hopefully if it does happen he will bring in the calibre of player to get the club back on track.

"It's not just a massive job to turn things around, it's a massive job - period - working at Rangers."

[JackTom 2.0]

Lollerz @ Charlton and Sheff Utd

Sheff Utd were beaten by decent opposition though

:D

[Bexster]

Sheff Utd were beaten by decent opposition though

:D
I was very impressed. And watching MOTD, there were hardly any Sheffield fans there in comparison, which was rubbish.

I would think most people would want to avoid the swans in the next round.

[Renegades of funk 8]

I would think most people would want to avoid the swans in the next round.

yea, i've already been there, it was the grand opening of the new staduim in fact :)


and if we get through we would probably do something silly like lose to the swans :rolleyes:

[Bexster]

yea, i've already been there, it was the grand opening of the new staduim in fact :)


and if we get through we would probably do something silly like lose to the swans :rolleyes:
True, but you're not going to get past the mighty, mighty foxes :D

[Renegades of funk 8]

True, but you're not going to get past the mighty, mighty foxes :D


ooh i'm beggining to like the idea of having to beat the foxes, and then i hope we get the swans, beat them and maybe we'll get the robins after that...


...anyone else, the canaries etc

:D

[Bud]

Leicester City FC! :D :D

[Bud]

Careful, we knocked out Spurs last year!

[Renegades of funk 8]

Careful, we knocked out Spurs last year!


and we lost to leyton orient, the pressure is on you :D

[Bud]

haha. Would be good if City could have a little run. Things aren't going too well in the league, but at least the take-over is finally going through.

[Bexster]

haha. Would be good if City could have a little run. Things aren't going too well in the league, but at least the take-over is finally going through.
Bout time. Could have done with some money to spend in the transfer window to be honest. But you never know. There maybe still time.

Fulham can't beat the Gulls. They're already out :D

[EvilElvis]

Just when I think things can't get worse at Rangers.

This Scares me (http://sport.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=63&id=33262007)


Thursday's morning training session was cancelled in light of Le Guen's resignation. The Scottish players knew it, and didn't turn up at Murray Park. But nobody bothered informing their foreign team-mates.

"It was all quite bizarre," a disillusioned Hemdani recounts. "Part of the squad turned up Thursday morning, thinking there was training, and the other half were sat comfortably at home. Clearly, half of the players knew it was cancelled, and the other half didn't. Let's just say it was a bit strange. We should have been told."


No fucking wonder we can't defend a corner. We can't even organise training properly.

[Captain Stu]

The result today was completely irrelevant, I witnessed something special today. The atmosphere was really special those opening 6 minutes.

Innit mate, innit just.

I've been there for a game right around the Hillsborough anniversary and it's an amazing atmosphere. Shame we couldn't have capped it off with a win.

I think 3-1 was a tad unreflective, Arsenal won the first half easily thanks to some dire "defending" if you can even call it that but we deserved the 2nd half at least - just goes to show you can't have 70% of the possession and not score.

Henry's goal was very well taken, just unlucky - 50% of the time, that ball would've gone out, on this occasion it went to Henry and when he's through like that, the boy don't miss.

Rosicky can suck the fat one, if any defender had some fucking balls (I know one goal was definately Garcia's fault) then he never would've had the chance but c'est la vie. Let's try and win the mid-week game, eh? Please, seeing as you ruined my chance of a trip to Wembley this year.

[Captain Stu]

Sell Bellamy to Villa for £9M in order to buy Bent? FUCK OFF!! DO NOT DO THIS!! :mad:

Villa can also fuck off, I was growing accustomed to the idea of us signing Young.

*

Aston Villa are leading the chase for Watford winger Ashley Young and are also set to take Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips on loan. (Daily Mirror)

Nigel Reo-Coker has been told to sort out his West Ham future by Tuesday. (The Sun)

Bayern Munich have cooled talk that Owen Hargreaves will move to Manchester United in the transfer window. (Various)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has pulled off a major transfer coup and landed Arsenal's Anthony Stokes - ahead of Celtic and Charlton. (Various)

Newcastle are set to extend the contract of Nobby Solano by another year. (The Sun)

West Ham have failed in their attempt to offload £7m defender Anton Ferdinand to Spurs or Chelsea - beacause neither club will match the asking price. (Daily Mail)

Southampton will hold a board meeting today to decide whether to sell defender Gareth Bale to Manchester United in a deal worth £5m. (Daily Mail)

Sheffield United are closing in on Leeds' England Under-21 defender Matthew Kilgallon. (Daily Star)

Charlton boss Alan Pardew has insisted that Darren Bent will stay with the club until the end of the season - days after claiming he would listen to offers for the striker. (The Sun)

If Bent does leave Tottenham and Liverpool are leading the chase to sign him. (Daily Mail)

Portsmouth are ahead of Fulham in the race for Southend's £2m-rated striker Freddy Eastwood. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has held meetings with his agent Jorge Mendes over his future at Stamford Bridge. (The Sun)

The odds on the Portuguese boss leaving Stamford Bridge this summer have shortened to 2-1 amid reports that Guus Hiddink is being lined up to replace him. (Racing Post)

Scottish FA chief David Taylor will plead with Walter Smith not to leave his post as Scotland boss - even if he takes the Rangers job. (Daily Record)
Sheffield United assistant manager Stuart McCall has insisted he has not heard anything from Rangers about taking a role at the club. (Daily Record)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says FA Cup goalscorer Henrik Larsson is in the same class as Red Devils' legend Eric Cantona. (Various)

Former Charlton boss Iain Dowie has vowed to make a successful return to top-level management. (Daily Mirror)

Everton's 4-1 FA Cup home defeat to Blackburn was caused by the different ball used in cup matches. (Various)

AND FINALLY...
Macclesfield skipper David Morley has said £30m Chelsea man Andriy Shevchenko would struggle to win the support of the Moss Rose faithful. (Various)

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest striker Grant Holt said it was tougher playing Accrington Stanley than it was taking on Premiership Charlton in the FA Cup on Saturday. (Various)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Psht, who'd pay £7m for Anton?

Also, i heart Danny Baker, nothing like a bit of biased journalism.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,23530-2536245.html

[Captain Stu]

Innit, Little Turdinhand has been pretty poo this season. £7M my arse... maybe halve the fee and they might get some clubs biting.

[Bexster]

He'd have been well worth it last year though. Last year, he was miles better than his brother.

[Captain Stu]

Yup... and now he's just about as over-rated. :D

[boxshapedheart]

Ferdinand and Larsson look very very similar.

Laaaaaarrrrrrrssssssssooooooonnnnnn! :D Ah man, he was all-round fecking super. And his club have said that if he wants to stay on longer, they won't stand in his way. Awesome. :)

We were flukey to get that goal at the end, gutting for Kiraly. I was happy with some bits of our play though. Mainly when Larsson was linking up with Giggs/Rooney to set up attacks. Looks promising. Rooney still not quite up to form yet though.


The atmosphere was really special those opening 6 minutes.
There was a great atmosphere at Anfield for the protest. And great to see it capped off with one hell of a mighty roar when the minutes were up.

[Captain Stu]

Kiraly's chuffing useless, that was only a little bit better than Taibi.

[EvilElvis]

Kiraly's chuffing useless

I've posted my feelings on this before.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Kiraly is the best keeper on PES4, not by stats, but he makes some outstanding saves!

Larsson will be excellent for united this season i reckon, i'm suprised he waited so long to get to a big club like barcelona

[Captain Stu]

Ferguson can't keep him and Saha though, I think if he starts playing Larsson up with Rooney (which I think he will) - it might push Saha back over to the door again like he was just before Van Nistelcunt left.

[timesfooall]

Ferguson can't keep him and Saha though, I think if he starts playing Larsson up with Rooney (which I think he will) - it might push Saha back over to the door again like he was just before Van Nistelcunt left.

Don't think it will matter because saha wil be injured most of the season, well he normally is anyway!

[Captain Stu]

*snigger*

I feel well sorry for him, on his day... fully fit... he's easily one of the top five strikers in the country. He's got it all - speed, good eye for a pass, intelligent runs, clinical finish, good range of finishes... now, if only his bones weren't made of paper and his ligaments/cartilage made of old chewing gum.

[timesfooall]

*snigger*

I feel well sorry for him, on his day... fully fit... he's easily one of the top five strikers in the country. He's got it all - speed, good eye for a pass, intelligent runs, clinical finish, good range of finishes... now, if only his bones weren't made of paper and his ligaments/cartilage made of old chewing gum.

Ye its a shame, but when he runs he looks so fragile you feel as if a defender could snap him like a twig.

Pardon my knowledge, but the protest at Anfield was that about hillsborough? If so why did one of the signs say justice for '96?

[Captain Stu]

Pardon my knowledge, but the protest at Anfield was that about hillsborough? If so why did one of the signs say justice for '96?

Kind of, the main display was "The Truth" and it was with regards to former Sun editor, Cuntface McKenzie, being on BBC Radio over the festive period. But yeah, basically it's about Hillsborough in a nutshell.

And the sign might have said Justice For THE 96, ie, the 96 people who died.

[EvilElvis]

Kind of, the main display was "The Truth" and it was with regards to former Sun editor, Cuntface McKenzie, being on BBC Radio over the festive period. But yeah, basically it's about Hillsborough in a nutshell.

And the sign might have said Justice For THE 96, ie, the 96 people who died.


One thing I noticed which seemed a tad strange to me there was a couple of fans by the corner flag (Far side of the pitch, opposite end from the Kop) who appeared to have Sun press sheet. Given the feeling of the Sun on Liverpool, can I assume it was doctored?

[EvilElvis]

Larsson will be excellent for united this season i reckon, i'm suprised he waited so long to get to a big club like barcelona

Best bargain signing for loads of teams - Celtic got him for £650k


John Barnes nearly sold him during his time as Celtic manager, but Larsson knackered his leg in a European game.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

One thing I noticed which seemed a tad strange to me there was a couple of fans by the corner flag (Far side of the pitch, opposite end from the Kop) who appeared to have Sun press sheet. Given the feeling of the Sun on Liverpool, can I assume it was doctored?

maybe they had a suicide wish? or they're the only sun readers left in Liverpool :D

[Epic Failure]

At the risk of starting an all out war on the board, what exactly is the justice that people are looking for? And with the greatest respect, what has that got to do with Kelvin Mackenzie or whatever he is called. Fair enough he's a piece of shit, but i don't see what connection that has to any idea of justice.

[EvilElvis]

At the risk of starting an all out war on the board, what exactly is the justice that people are looking for? And with the greatest respect, what has that got to do with Kelvin Mackenzie or whatever he is called. Fair enough he's a piece of shit, but i don't see what connection that has to any idea of justice.


http://www.petitiononline.com/rawk1/petition.html


LIVERPOOL FC supporters have launched a petition calling for the BBC to drop former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie from its Christmas Day schedules.

More than 4,000 people have already signed the online form, including fans from Australia and Switzerland as well as rival clubs.

It follows revelations by the Daily Post earlier this month that the columnist had told a crowd of businessmen: "I was not sorry then and I'm not sorry now" for the paper's infamous coverage of the Hillsborough disaster.

The BBC has given him a two-hour teatime slot on Radio Five Live where he will present a News Review of the Year.

But outraged fans believe he should never have been offered a show on a station funded by licence payers.

Nick Harman, a marketing officer, started the online petition. He told the Daily Post: "We have already had 4,000 signatures in a matter of days.

"We have had emails from as far as Australia and Switzerland, that's how strong the feeling is.

"We don't believe Kelvin MacKenzie should be given a show on Christmas Day paid for with our licence fees.

"I was at Hillsborough that day and saw the tragedy happen. I wasn't injured and neither was anyone in my family but it has deeply affected me and hearing his comments has really angered me.

"I cannot imagine the families who did lose someone must feel when this man pipes up again with his lies.

"That's why we started this petition."

[Two-Bob Peeters]

At the risk of starting an all out war on the board, what exactly is the justice that people are looking for? And with the greatest respect, what has that got to do with Kelvin Mackenzie or whatever he is called. Fair enough he's a piece of shit, but i don't see what connection that has to any idea of justice.

Been There, Done that.

i don't see it either, the suns lies were exposed they were forced to apologise, 'justice' has already been done in my opinion.

and as i've said before about this RE: Ollies post. it's a bit silly to complain about someone getting a new job completely unrelated to the incident. don't like it? then don't watch/listen.

[Epic Failure]

i don't see it either, the suns lies were exposed they were forced to apologise, 'justice' has already been done in my opinion

yeah that's my thinking on it as well.

[EvilElvis]

Been There, Done that.

i don't see it either, the suns lies were exposed they were forced to apologise, 'justice' has already been done in my opinion


The Sun newspaper may have apologised, the editor hasn't.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

The Sun newspaper may have apologised, the editor hasn't.

screw the editor, he's clearly a wacko, he still thinks he's right so he isn't going to. in saying that. he still has a right to get another job. it's not as if the show is "Hillsborough, The truth - by wacko mccrackpot" or whatever his name is

[Epic Failure]

The Sun newspaper may have apologised, the editor hasn't.

but what does that have to do with "Justice for the 96"? The things he said weren't directed at the dead, they were directed at the other fans weren't they?

And as for the petition saying he shouldn't be allowed to present a radio programme, i give that the same amount of respect as i do the people who wanted to ban Brass Eye and Jerry Springer: The Opera. Nobody makes people watch or listen to things. There are plenty of people and programmes that i've seen and don't like but that doesn't mean that i have a right to prevent others from watching it.

[EvilElvis]

but what does that have to do with "Justice for the 96"? The things he said weren't directed at the dead, they were directed at the other fans weren't they?

I'm not sure on teh whole issue - you'd be better off speaking to Stoob about it - Being from merseyside, he's got more info on the whole issue than I do.


I just remember hearing about fans pickpocketing dying fans and assaulting/pissing on the police/paramedics who came to assist the dying.


The Sun then wondered why it's sales then plummeted in Liverpool.

[Captain Stu]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_disaster

The worst thing about MacKenzie is that he apologised and then retracted it, see section 4 (The Sun Newspaper) of that Wiki article. He has publically said that he is not sorry for the filth that he spread:

He claimed that dead bodies were being pissed on, pickpocketed, the Police and emergency services were being beaten and pissed on from the upper stands as they tried to help and one report alleged that a dead girls body was raped as she lay there.

Now, personally, I believe the eyewitness account of my Dad. He was there with his best friend (who died) and I believe everything that he tells me because he's a decent, honest guy. I read the witness statement that he gave to the Police and it sent a chill down my spine but every single person who was there said the same thing - people helped each other, pulled people out of the crowds, break down barries to make stretchers and pulled dead bodies out of the way.

I don't exactly know what the "justice" is that people are seeking but I believe it is some form of action to be taken against MacKenzie and the Police who were responsible for opening the gate which took a stands total capacity to 3000 when it should only have been 1600. Whoever made that call to open the gate has blood on their hands... and lots of it but nothing will ever happen with it. Police protect their own.

[Renegades of funk 8]

stoke the prize for leicester or fulham :D

[Captain Stu]

Potentially tough games for United and Arseanal.

Arsenal v Bolton
West Ham v Watford
Bristol City or Coventry v Hull or Middlesbrough
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Chester City or Ipswich v Swansea
Cardiff City or Tottenham v Southend or Barnsley
Barnet or Colchester v Peterborough or Plymouth
Birmingham or Newcastle v Reading or Burnley
Derby County v Bristol Rovers
Sheff Wed or Man City v Southampton
Crystal Palace v Preston
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Blackpool v Norwich
QPR or Luton v Blackburn
Wolves or Oldham v West Brom
Leicester or Fulham v Stoke City

[Two-Bob Peeters]

you should just get justice the Millwall way. At Luton in '85 when the police were actually selling 'tickets' (i.e "We'll let you in if you give us £xx") to Millwall fans in that stand at Kenilworth. when we spilled out we just gave them a fucking good kicking. Sometimes they just deserve it.

Luton didn't complain, they got a free makeover, that ground was/still is a shithole.

stoke the prize for leicester or fulham :D

could have been us!

[Captain Stu]

I would quite happily let the survivors and familes of people who died be alone in a room for just 30 seconds with the people in charge of that shambles... and the cunts who allegedly investigated it too... and the people responsible for the sham trial too.

[Renegades of funk 8]

you should just get justice the Millwall way. At Luton in '85 when the police were actually selling 'tickets' (i.e "We'll let you in if you give us £xx") to Millwall fans in that stand at Kenilworth. when we spilled out we just gave them a fucking good kicking. Sometimes they just deserve it.

Luton didn't complain, they got a free makeover, that ground was/still is a shithole.



could have been us!

would have been good

[Epic Failure]

here's my take on it:

Mackenzie, shit though he is, isn't really someone that should have anything legal done against him. He told some bullshit stories that have been proven bullshit and lowered the standing of his paper(if that's at all possible). but he didn't cause the deaths and can't be held responsible for them.

Regarding the event itself, I think it's difficult to see what can be done. The decision to open the exit gates was clearly a major factor, but i do honestly believe that it was one of a number of factors, not least the state of the ground itself, the fences etc. Whilst the opening of the gates was foolish and the instigating factor, i honestly do feel that it was merely the first in a chain of events that led to a horrible accident. On another day, in another place they would have got away with a few injuries. I've never been one to blame people for accidents unless they did something that was clearly and directly negligent and was the sole cause of an event.

It's still a horrible thing to think back to(i was 7 at the time). I remember a couple of weeks later it was the game between us and liverpool to decide the league and the arsenal players all going to give flowers to people in the crowd before the game.


EDIT - oh and fucking Bolton again :( at least we're at home

[EvilElvis]

here's my take on it:

Mackenzie, shit though he is, isn't really someone that should have anything legal done against him. He told some bullshit stories that have been proven bullshit and lowered the standing of his paper(if that's at all possible). but he didn't cause the deaths and can't be held responsible for them.

Regarding the event itself, I think it's difficult to see what can be done. The decision to open the exit gates was clearly a major factor, but i do honestly believe that it was one of a number of factors, not least the state of the ground itself, the fences etc. Whilst the opening of the gates was foolish and the instigating factor, i honestly do feel that it was merely the first in a chain of events that led to a horrible accident. On another day, in another place they would have got away with a few injuries. I've never been one to blame people for accidents unless they did something that was clearly and directly negligent and was the sole cause of an event.

It's still a horrible thing to think back to(i was 7 at the time). I remember a couple of weeks later it was the game between us and liverpool to decide the league and the arsenal players all going to give flowers to people in the crowd before the game.


I was 10 (I think) when Hillsborough happened, I can still remember turning on Grandstand and the live events they had planned for that day being cancelled as the just showed the tragic events from Hillsborough. I sitll remember the Forset fans booing and jeering, till they realised what was actually happening and then when the injured/dying fans were brought down towards their end they started cheering them.

I went to see Clydebank play the next weekend and the minutes silence was respected by both sets of fans.

I still remember the goal that won you the league - 30 seconds left and Thomas sneaked in to win it. And Liverpool still nearly managed to score with the last kick of the ball

[Epic Failure]

I still remember the goal that won you the league - 30 seconds left and Thomas sneaked in to win it. And Liverpool still nearly managed to score with the last kick of the ball

It's up for grabs now :D (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhnMHdOciag&mode=related&search=)

[EvilElvis]

I said Stokes would sign for Sunderland (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/6235101.stm)


Good bit of buisness by Arsenal

[Epic Failure]

I said Stokes would sign for Sunderland (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/6235101.stm)


Good bit of buisness by Arsenal

i'd have prefered us to keep hold of him for another year or two to see how he turned out, but can't blame the lad for wanting to play more first team games.

[Captain Stu]

We needed that league title, we needed it badly.

I'll never forget that day, ever... in my life... I'll never forget my Dad coming home, feeling guilty that he was alive, after having just seen one of his best friends crushed to death and his own body battered, covered in footprints and massive bruises and then having to relive the entire thing again and again at funerals and giving statements. I was 8/9 at the time and lost my faith on that day.

Jteeman is right, it was a number of things that all came together in a terrible way but, as far as I'm concerned, the copper who gave the word to open that gate is guilty of something (manslaughter perhaps, if that's correct) as 96 people died as a direct result of their actions and they had the equipment and the resources to monitor the situation, see the danger and disperse the crowd effectively.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

here's my take on it:

Mackenzie, shit though he is, isn't really someone that should have anything legal done against him. He told some bullshit stories that have been proven bullshit and lowered the standing of his paper(if that's at all possible). but he didn't cause the deaths and can't be held responsible for them.

Regarding the event itself, I think it's difficult to see what can be done. The decision to open the exit gates was clearly a major factor, but i do honestly believe that it was one of a number of factors, not least the state of the ground itself, the fences etc. Whilst the opening of the gates was foolish and the instigating factor, i honestly do feel that it was merely the first in a chain of events that led to a horrible accident. On another day, in another place they would have got away with a few injuries. I've never been one to blame people for accidents unless they did something that was clearly and directly negligent and was the sole cause of an event.

It's still a horrible thing to think back to(i was 7 at the time). I remember a couple of weeks later it was the game between us and liverpool to decide the league and the arsenal players all going to give flowers to people in the crowd before the game.


EDIT - oh and fucking Bolton again :( at least we're at home

*applauds*

there was an article i read like this about a while ago, by a Liverpool fan on a Liverpool Blog/Forum. which basically said the same thing.

[Epic Failure]

We needed that league title, we needed it badly.

I'll never forget that day, ever... in my life... I'll never forget my Dad coming home, feeling guilty that he was alive, after having just seen one of his best friends crushed to death and his own body battered, covered in footprints and massive bruises and then having to relive the entire thing again and again at funerals and giving statements. I was 8/9 at the time and lost my faith on that day.

Jteeman is right, it was a number of things that all came together in a terrible way but, as far as I'm concerned, the copper who gave the word to open that gate is guilty of something (manslaughter perhaps, if that's correct) as 96 people died as a direct result of their actions and they had the equipment and the resources to monitor the situation, see the danger and disperse the crowd effectively.

I dunno if you could make manslaughter stick. It'd be difficult to prove that his actions directly caused the death. Though clearly they indirectly did, there can be no doubt of that. I do feel some sympathy fr the copper who decided to open the gate - i'm sure that he only did it to alleviate the troubles outside the ground, not to make things worse, and it really must be a terrible thing to have on your conscience, to know that your actions were the probable cause of those deaths.

In a sense, what went on in Hillsbrough detracted from arguably the greatest single moment in our club's history(with possible exceptions of 71 and 79finals). But football pales into insignificance compared to that.

[Epic Failure]

*applauds*

there was an article i read like this about a while ago, by a Liverpool fan on a Liverpool Blog/Forum. which basically said the same thing.

Thank you, thank you.

Mind you, I blame Millwall myself ;) :D

[Captain Stu]

Arsenal shouldn't have turned up that game, they just shouldn't.

[Epic Failure]

Arsenal shouldn't have turned up that game, they just shouldn't.

yeah i know what you mean. i'm amazed it went ahead.

[rob3000]

Whoever said "just don't watch/listen to his programme." Why should Liverpool people's license fee be given to some fucking bastard who spouts lies about a city and it's people, half-heartedly apologises then brings up the whole thing again for no reason?

[Epic Failure]

Whoever said "just don't watch/listen to his programme." Why should Liverpool people's license fee be given to some fucking bastard who spouts lies about a city and it's people, half-heartedly apologises then brings up the whole thing again for no reason?

fine they aren't, they are Manchester's license fees:rolleyes:

By that argument, why should any arsenal fan's license fee be spent showing man utd games? Their fans are constantly making allegations that our manager likes small boys - why should we spend our money to show their games and give their team more money.

If we are going down the avenue of stopping problems cos they are offensive then i want Eastenders, anything to do with religion, crap reality/DIY shows removed at once, to be replaced by things i like.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Thank you, thank you.

Mind you, I blame Millwall myself ;) :D

who doesn't.

in all serious though it's strange what a reputation can do. at Wrexham in '01 for the promotion game, Wrexham oversold us by a good few hundred tickets. and when the stand started to get a bit crushy, some of our lot just walked over across the byline to an empty part of the main stand where there was no Wrexham supporters to avoid danger. There was no hassle, no aggro, nothing. The next day in the papers it was all "MILLWALL SHAME" and the usual "MILLWALL HOOLIGANS CRUSH INNOCENT WREXHAM FANS" etc. i couldn't believe it. although at the end i had to laugh, in the sunday Mirror there was a whole page dedicated to it. and right at the bottom of the article there was a bullet point "4 petrol bombs were thrown inside the Brittania stadium for Stoke City's match against xxxx"