The Footie (UK) Thread: 2006/07

[Captain Stu]

For some reason, he's being unusually coy about it all.

[Captain Stu]

I WAS RIGHT!!

Looks like the midfield will take a 4-5-1 shape with Carrick sitting behind Gerrard and Fatfuck with Dyer and Lennon flanking lone-striker Rooney... well, 4-5-1 when defending that quickly turns to a 4-3-3 when attacking.

Takeover might be completed today.

[Captain Stu]

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has told Manchester United he does not fancy a £25m summer move to Old Trafford. (Various)

The Spain international, 22, is understood to view Arsenal as an ideal destination. (Various)

Or does he? Manchester United do in fact lead the chase for Torres and face competition from Chelsea. (Daily Star)

*I'd fully expect the soon-to-be-taken-over-and-therefore-have-more-transfer-money us to move for him if such a thing did happen too*

Charlton boss Alan Pardew is planning an end-of-season move for Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen. (Mirror)

Leeds are lining up a loan move for West Brom striker John Hartson. (Sun)

West Brom goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler is set to hand in a transfer request following Dean Kiely's arrival. (Star)

Striker Mark Viduka is ready to walk out on Middlesbrough after the club stalled on contract talks. (Sun)

Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson is preparing to look for a new club after being frozen out at Manchester City. (Mirror)

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell is still holding out on a new deal. Aston Villa, Manchester City, Charlton, West Ham and Middlesbrough are interested. (Star)

Arsenal are set to close a deal for new French whizzkid striker Gilles Sunu within the next month. (Various)


England boss Steve McClaren is pondering going with a 4-3-3 formation against Spain on Wednesday. (Guardian)

Barcelona director Txiki Begiristain will run the rule over Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard in England's Old Trafford game against Spain. (Sun)

That scouting trip will come 24 hours after he has checked up on Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's match against Brazil at the Emirates. (Sun)

Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz says Cristiano Ronaldo can have the same impact on European football as Michael Jordan had on the NBA. (Star)

Portgual boss Luiz Felipe Scolari would like to work in England. (Various)

Arsenal are using Wednesday's Brazil versus Portugal friendly at the Emirates to champion their cause to host a European club final. (Guardian)

Gunners skipper Thierry Henry has voted for Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes in this year's PFA Player of the Year award. (Express)

Brighton and Bury could sue West Ham if the FA fails to expel the Premiership club for fielding an ineligible player, Carlos Tevez, in the FA Cup. (Express)

West Ham have also crossed swords with Fulham who are furious they reneged on a deal not to play Luis Boa Morte when the clubs met in January. (Express)

Michael Ballack is happy with his Chelsea form and says he has found his "role in the team". (Daily Telegraph)

Stefan Klos could make a shock return in goal for Rangers. (Daily Record)

Scottish boss Alex McLeish hopes Italy will be forced to play their Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland behind closed doors. (Daily Record)

Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks are on the verge of completing their takeover of Liverpool after lodging a formal £450m offer. (Various)


AND FINALLY...
A pregnant woman refused to enter a hospital maternity ward when she found out it had no TV as she wanted to watch the UAE v Oman Gulf Cup final. "I shall be back once my national team has won the coveted championship," she said. True to her word, she returned at the final whistle and named her child Matar after Ismail Matar who had scored the winning goal for UAE. (Khalej Times)

"Chelsea is not as good as we thought" read the headline in a Chinese daily paper. The country's Olympic football team were upset they could not train on the same pitches used by the Blues first team and were not allowed to shower, as the facilities were being used by female players at the time. (Titan/Daily Mail)

*

I cannot see why anyone in their right mind would reject the Emirates as a venue for a European cup final. :confused:

[Two-Bob Peeters]

what happened with Isaksson? i thought he was a good 'keeper

[Captain Stu]

what happened with Isaksson? i thought he was a good 'keeper

He is, he just can't put Nicky Weaver out of the team which to me makes perfect sense because Weaver's playing blindingly at the moment. Not his fault is Isaksson isn't up to the challenge, fuckin' pussy.

*
*
*

I tell thee what, the Under-21 team that we're expected to put out tonight looks, to me, very very strong! :eek:

GK: Scott Carson
DL: Justin Hoyte
DC: Andrew Taylor
DC: Curtis Davies
DR: Liam Rosenior
ML: Ashley Young
MC: Nigel Reo-Coker
MC: Tom Huddlestone
MR: Theo Walcott
SK: David Nugent
SK: Leroy Lita

Personally, I'd rather see David Bentley starting on the right-wing simply because Walcott's been given a run of games out their for Arsenal in the league cup and he's looked absolutely useless while Bentley is terrorising Premiership defences week-in, week-out.

And instead of Taylor in the middle alongside Davies, I'd have put Gary Cahill in as he's looking like an excellent player.

James Milner makes a better midfield partner for Reo-Coker for me, Huddlestone's form as of late has gone down the toilet... but then you're relying on Reo-Coker to be the holding midfielder. Ideally we could use another defensive midfielder but Huddlestone's clearly gonna be a major player in the future.

Then, coming off the bench - you've potentially got Matt Derbyshire and Agbonlahor if things aren't working up front and Baines to shore up the defence or come on to protect a lead.

I dunno what you slags think but to me, the future looks quite bright for the national team if some of these lads continue their progress and development. :)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Baines should be ahead of Hoyte and Agbonlahor ahead of Lita.

Milner would be wasted in the middle.

i don't rate Huddlestone, but i think Walcott has done well for the U21s so far and should be kept in.

As it goes they should promote Baines to the main squad now Bridge has pulled out, otherwise we'll have P.Nev at left back.

[Captain Stu]

Why not Lita?! He's in some good form at the moment, especially with 3 goals in his last 2 games and 7 all season. Not bad at all I reckon.

I like Agbonlahor though, he's a good runner and I like his game when he plays as an Henry-like wide forward and is allowed to drift out wide and put crosses in. This should work well with Carew in the middle now where Angel has repeatedly fail.

As it goes they should promote Baines to the main squad now Bridge has pulled out, otherwise we'll have P.Nev at left back.

I wouldn't argue with that.

I reckon we're gonna get stuck with Barry at left-back. :( Carragher might be a good choice though, he can do it. :)

Hopefully he'll give Barton a good half an hour or so taking over from Carrick in the holding midfielder role.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Agbonlahor is faster and stronger, Lita is a wee bit poofy. he's third choice at Reading

i don't mind Barry, he's a good player, but i'd say he's better attacking than at left back

[Captain Stu]

I don't see how Copell could drop him, Kitson's arguably their best forward but Doyle's in shit-hot form and Kitson's gonna need a bunch of games to get match fit. I like Leroy. :)

Yeah, Barry's more a midfielder now innit? Which is good, he's fast and a good crosser of the ball so this way at least he doesn't get caught out of position.

I also hope Richards doesn't get instantly dropped just because Shithead's fit again. Hell, I'd even play Richards at left-back - he can play anywhere across the backline.

[Captain Stu]

Off our website, LiverpoolFC.tv (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/):

Liverpool FC today announced that the Board have agreed the terms of an offer for the Club from Mr George Gillett and Mr Tom Hicks. The Board are unanimously recommending that the Club’s shareholders accept this offer.

I hope this is for the best.

Full details of the offer were announced earlier today to the Stock Exchange.

Commenting on the offer, David Moores, Chairman of Liverpool said:
“I believe this is a great step forward for Liverpool, its shareholders and its fans. This Club is my passion and forms a huge part of my life. After much careful consideration, I have agreed to sell my shares to assist in securing the investment needed for the new stadium and for the playing squad. I urge all my fellow shareholders to do the same and to support the offer. By doing so, I believe you will be backing the successful future of Liverpool Football Club.

"I am also delighted to accept the offer from the Hicks and Gillett families to continue my involvement in the Club by becoming Honorary Life President.”

Rick Parry, Chief Executive of Liverpool, commented: “This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders – it is the beginning of a new era for the Club.

“The partnership created by George and Tom is very special. They are bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for sport, real resources and a strong commitment to the traditions of Liverpool. Their approach represents exactly the sort of genuine partnership that Liverpool has been seeking over recent times.

“We know that George and Tom want a long-term relationship with Liverpool and that they also understand the importance of investing in our success both on and off the field. They have made clear their intention to move as quickly as practicable on the financing and construction of our proposed new stadium at Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing squad.

“This has been an important time for the Club. We now have the right partners for the future. I am absolutely certain we have now ended up in the right place, with owners who will help the Club succeed and prosper.”

Commenting on the offer, George Gillett and Tom Hicks said: “Liverpool is a fantastic club with a remarkable history and a passionate fanbase. We fully acknowledge and appreciate the unique heritage and rich history of Liverpool and intend to respect this heritage in the future. The Hicks family and the Gillett family are extremely excited about continuing the Club’s legacy and tradition.

“We are particularly pleased that David Moores and Rick Parry will have a continuing involvement in the Club. For us continuity and stability are keys to the future.”

Looks like Moores and Parry are staying, this to me is exceptionally good news!

[rob3000]

hurray!

[Captain Stu]

hurray!

I take it you think this is a good move, Roberto?

I do at the moment - Moores and Parry staying on is massive, shared financing, the promise of a good dollop of transfer money and a promise of no sweaty groundshare with the shite. Plus I know in my heart that the DiC offer can't has been as good as this one otherwise Dave wouldn't sell us up the river.

I'll be honest, I have a bit of a tear in my eye - it's the end of the Moores era... fifty years man, fifty something years.

[rob3000]

Well, the hurray was mainly at moores and parry staying involved. I'm happy about it generally, more money is always good! And the stadium, too...

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, for sure, if all goes to plan then the plan kicks off in a few weeks in order to get us in for the start of the 2009/2010 season! :)

[Bexster]

The Spain international, 22, is understood to view Arsenal as an ideal destination. (Various)
Yes please :D

I tell thee what, the Under-21 team that we're expected to put out tonight looks, to me, very very strong! :eek:

GK: Scott Carson
DL: Justin Hoyte
DC: Andrew Taylor
DC: Curtis Davies
DR: Liam Rosenior
ML: Ashley Young
MC: Nigel Reo-Coker
MC: Tom Huddlestone
MR: Theo Walcott
SK: David Nugent
SK: Leroy Lita

Personally, I'd rather see David Bentley starting on the right-wing simply because Walcott's been given a run of games out their for Arsenal in the league cup and he's looked absolutely useless while Bentley is terrorising Premiership defences week-in, week-out.
It is a fantastically strong team, and you can see why they've had good form of late. But you can't fault Theo's form for the Under 21's. He's been scoring goals for them, making it incredibly difficult to leave him out.

[Captain Stu]

It is a fantastically strong team, and you can see why they've had good form of late. But you can't fault Theo's form for the Under 21's. He's been scoring goals for them, making it incredibly difficult to leave him out.

Tru dat but I don't understand where this "aahh, he's a right winger" idea comes from. It's fucked up, he plays quite badly on the wing for Arsenal but good up front for the U21's... it should be obvious which is working best. :mad:

[Bexster]

Tru dat but I don't understand where this "aahh, he's a right winger" idea comes from. It's fucked up, he plays quite badly on the wing for Arsenal but good up front for the U21's... it should be obvious which is working best. :mad:
You'd a thunk, but apparently not. I wish people would realise that not everything Wenger says and does is right :rolleyes:

He should be up front playing off Thierry, but Adebayor's playing well there, so why change it. And Theo wouldn't be quite so gash on the wing for Arse if the players in the centre got used to actually having to do something with crosses for once.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

what % of shares have the americans required? will this end up Glazer-esque?

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

They're certainly impressing me in this press conference. Looks to be nowt short of a superb deal for the club.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

just remember though that anyone can talk a big game... they'll need to show it with actions

/cliche

[Captain Stu]

what % of shares have the americans required? will this end up Glazer-esque?

Well, Moores is selling his initial majority hold of 51.6% (or thereabouts) and, according to the release, he's "urging the shareholders to do the same". I'll be interested to hear about this from my Dad's mate at the match, he's got a few shares in the club and at £5,000 a share (what the Yanks are offering) he might just be a happy bunny.

They're certainly impressing me in this press conference. Looks to be nowt short of a superb deal for the club.

CRAP! I forgot about that! I bet I've missed all the juicy stuff.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

you've made a mistake there surely? 1 liverpool share = around £5,000? no way

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

That's what they're saying. £5000.

[Captain Stu]

you've made a mistake there surely? 1 liverpool share = around £5,000? no way

I'll try to find something to support it but that's what I remember reading. They were offering shareholders and Moores £5,000 for every share.

"We have not had any conversations with anyone at Everton"

:D

lolz, "it must've been my identical, evil twin".

[Two-Bob Peeters]

well if they're offering that much a share, there either musn't be a lot of shares floating about or Liverpool are the highest valued football club in the history of the world by about 100 times.

or they're morons who are mind bogglingly overspending

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

The offer is worth £5,000 per share, valuing the club at £174.1m, and along with the club's £44.8m debt their offer is worth £218.9m.


And 200 million + for the new stadium.

[Captain Stu]

It doesn't seem that expensive when you think the Glazer's valuation of Man United was in the region of £800M or something like that.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

that is absolutely insane, i guess it's different if you're not on the stock market though... the share price won't dilute 'cos you can't just buy shares willy nilly...

in other stock market news Millwalls share price went up to 0.07pence

[Captain Stu]

that is absolutely insane, i guess it's different if you're not on the stock market though... the share price won't dilute 'cos you can't just buy shares willy nilly...

That's it I bet. Good call.

[rob3000]

I was quite impressed by that. I'm excited!

[Captain Stu]

I was quite impressed by that. I'm excited!

I hope they put the rest of the thing up later, I wanna see what they said in the earlier stuff but at least I got to here them talking about the shite. :)

Shame David Moores wasn't there. :(

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

They seem pretty determined to give Rafa whatever he needs. Don't forget that both Liverpool FC and the new owners have the benefit of hindsight with what's been happening at Chelsea in recent months. I think Liverpool's board/manager relationship is likely to be definitively 'better' as a result.

[Captain Stu]

If I remember rightly, it cost somewhere in the region of £3,000 a few years ago to buy a share - something like that - so that's a healthy markup.

That's one of the things that blew the DiC bid away... allegedly... they were offering a lot less on the shares.

They seem pretty determined to give Rafa whatever he needs. Don't forget that both Liverpool FC and the new owners have the benefit of hindsight with what's been happening at Chelsea in recent months. I think Liverpool's board/manager relationship is likely to be definitively 'better' as a result.

Makes perfect sense, learn from someone elses horrendously public mistakes. We want extra money but I don't think anyone involved with the club be it as a board member, member of staff, player or fan wants or expects a Chelsea type spending spree. We just want the extra muscle to maybe prise a player like Torres or Villa away from their club, something we lack at the moment.

*

EDIT: I just did some looking around and, I dunno how accurate this is, but following the Champions League win - the share price stood at just over £4000 but when the initial takeover talks with that Morgan chap started, the price fell to £3000 because he was publically talking about how much debt the club was in.

Apparently.

[rob3000]

I hope they put the rest of the thing up later, I wanna see what they said in the earlier stuff but at least I got to here them talking about the shite. :)

Shame David Moores wasn't there. :(

It was a shame, you can imagine how difficult it was for him. Hope he's still seen though, the guy is great.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Lennon sent home with a bug, and Rooney declared unfit

Englands starting line up:

Foster (Watford);
Gary Neville (Man Utd),
Phil Neville (Everton),
Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd),
Woodgate (Middlesbrough);
Gerrard (Liverpool, capt),
Carrick (Man Utd),
Lampard (Chelsea),
Wright-Phillips (Chelsea),
Dyer (Newcastle);
Crouch (Liverpool).

looks like the Chelsea/Bolton 4-5-1/4-3-3 switcharoo to me

Nice to see Foster get a chance. i reckon we'll see Gary Neville change with Richards at half time. Phil Neville's been playing well for Everton recently, but that's in CM so i dunno if playing him LB is a good idea.

SWP get's a look-in as well, seeing as he's barely playing for Chelsea, he desperately needs to show what he can do for England.

and lastly, Crouchioooo! :D

[Captain Stu]

It was a shame, you can imagine how difficult it was for him. Hope he's still seen though, the guy is great.

He will be, he's being kept on... allbeit in a figurehead type position... but at least David Moores is still a public face of the club. :)

Lennon sent home with a bug, and Rooney declared unfit

Englands starting line up:

Foster (Watford);
Gary Neville (Man Utd),
Phil Neville (Everton),
Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd),
Woodgate (Middlesbrough);
Gerrard (Liverpool, capt),
Carrick (Man Utd),
Lampard (Chelsea),
Wright-Phillips (Chelsea),
Dyer (Newcastle);
Crouch (Liverpool).

Nice to see Foster get a chance. i reckon we'll see Gary Neville change with Richards at half time. Phil Neville's been playing well for Everton recently, but that's in CM so i dunno if playing him LB is a good idea.

SWP get's a look-in as well, seeing as he's barely playing for Chelsea, he desperately needs to show what he can do for England.

and lastly, Crouchioooo! :D

I half expected Rooney to not be fit but Lennon? That's gash, he's turning into the new Ryan Giggs.

URGH!! BOTH NEVILLES?! That's so fucking AIDSy. :(

No Carragher? Well, there's a fucking surprise. :rolleyes: At least Robinson's not playing though eh?

[Bexster]

He will be, he's being kept on... allbeit in a figurehead type position... but at least David Moores is still a public face of the club. :)



I half expected Rooney to not be fit but Lennon? That's gash, he's turning into the new Ryan Giggs.

URGH!! BOTH NEVILLES?! That's so fucking AIDSy. :(

No Carragher? Well, there's a fucking surprise. :rolleyes: At least Robinson's not playing though eh?
First thing I thought. Plus, it's good to try out other players at GK. It's the one position other players are less likely to get a look in.

[foofan182]

Lennon sent home with a bug, and Rooney declared unfit

Englands starting line up:

Foster (Watford);
Gary Neville (Man Utd),
Phil Neville (Everton),
Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd),
Woodgate (Middlesbrough);
Gerrard (Liverpool, capt),
Carrick (Man Utd),
Lampard (Chelsea),
Wright-Phillips (Chelsea),
Dyer (Newcastle);
Crouch (Liverpool).


Good to see that McClaren's not letting Robinson get complacent. Who knows, if Foster does well...

Woodgate has a major point to prove, as does Kieron Dyer given their injury record.

Would like to see Barton get a run-out second half as well.

[Captain Stu]

It'll be very interesting to see how Foster does tomorrow on the first cross, first through ball, etc... can't see it phasing him at all.

[friartuck]

Makes perfect sense, learn from someone elses horrendously public mistakes. We want extra money but I don't think anyone involved with the club be it as a board member, member of staff, player or fan wants or expects a Chelsea type spending spree. We just want the extra muscle to maybe prise a player like Torres or Villa away from their club, something we lack at the moment.


Why does Torres have such a great reputation? I don't think he'd cut it in the Premiership at all, much less at a big club like Liverpool. He's not that quick, not that strong, not that great a finisher and doesn't have particularly good positional sense. David Villa might be a good buy but even he's far from a proven top class player.

Why do you think the 'pool are sorely lacking another striker? I think Kuyt could potentially be club's marksman for the next few seasons... the problem is Benitez just doesn't want to play him up front game in-game out. If Liverpool do want to strengthen their squad I think they should bring in a better winger than their current squad has to offer.

[Captain Stu]

Why does Torres have such a great reputation? I don't think he'd cut it in the Premiership at all, much less at a big club like Liverpool. He's not that quick, not that strong, not that great a finisher and doesn't have particularly good positional sense. David Villa might be a good buy but even he's far from a proven top class player.

Why do you think the 'pool are sorely lacking another striker? I think Kuyt could potentially be club's marksman for the next few seasons... the problem is Benitez just doesn't want to play him up front game in-game out. If Liverpool do want to strengthen their squad I think they should bring in a better winger than their current squad has to offer.

I like Torres but I think I'd sooner have Villa. From what I've seen of both of them, obviously they've got improvements to make, but they're very, very good all-round players.

Well... Fowler will probably (almost hopefully) be leaving at the end of the season and Crouch is so fucking frustrating at times. I want Kuyt to play the rest of his days with us if he carries on like this, I love the guy so hard!

Who knows about the winger, we know he wanted to sign Joaquin but that's probably a no go but yeah, I'd agree that's the area that we're lacking in.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

I think we (I've decided I'm a Liverpool fan now) should offload Crouch this summer. Get Momo comfortable in the Makelele role, Gerrard and Alonso in the middle of the park. Kuyt and Bellend as wing fowards, right and left respectively, and splash the cash on a big bastard target man. I don't think Torres would fit in to be honest.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Milner not strating is disgusting efter his recent form.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

SWP/Crouch/Dyer really is a pityful forward line no matter how you slice it.

[Captain Stu]

I think we (I've decided I'm a Liverpool fan now) should offload Crouch this summer. Get Momo comfortable in the Makelele role, Gerrard and Alonso in the middle of the park. Kuyt and Bellend as wing fowards, right and left respectively, and splash the cash on a big bastard target man. I don't think Torres would fit in to be honest.

That's the way I think we're going mate, I'm sure I've said before... although personally I'd like to see Kuyt in the middle for a bit. He's good in the box, excellent at holding the ball up and brings others into the game really well.

Reina

Finnan - Carragher - Agger - Riise

Sissoko/Mascherano

Gerrard - Alonso

Joaquin ----- Kuyt -----Bellamy


Joaquin just used as an example, that type of player - a really attack minded winger/forward type who can play with Belly out wide.

Our current squad is best suited to that sort of 4-1-2-3 seeing as the wingers are too chuffing lazy.

[rob3000]

I don't rate Torres in the slightest, I'd be very disappointed if we bought him. I like Villa though.

I don't know why Fowler can't be kept on, every still says he's by far the best finisher at the club. He played shite against Arsenal but I mean, which striker at liverpool would have played well?

Give him a run of games, I mean use him against the smaller teams, and I bet he'd still score.

[Wish_Master2100]

So basically you guys want Liverpool to play the same way as Chelsea did last year, and year before?

[rob3000]

So basically you guys want Liverpool to play the same way as Chelsea did last year, and year before?

Well I want them to get the league, if that's what you mean.

[Captain Stu]

It's a sound formation if you have the right players - the only reason Chelsea don't do it now is because of Shevchenko.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

That's the way I think we're going mate, I'm sure I've said before... although personally I'd like to see Kuyt in the middle for a bit. He's good in the box, excellent at holding the ball up and brings others into the game really well.

This is true, but I reckon a fella with his work rate should be plying his trade from the flanks. He covers so much distance it shouldn't be a problem for him to move inside when it suits.

[Wish_Master2100]

Well I want them to get the league, if that's what you mean.

No, I mean exactly what I say. Just because a team has the same formation as 05/06 Chelsea, doesn't mean they'll pull it off.

It is a brilliant formation, if you have the players, I think it was so effective for Chelsea, because no other team in the Premiership had used that formation the way they did. I think this season, apart from bad transfer decisions, and obvious injurys, the main reason for the faultering is the radical formation change.

[Captain Stu]

This is true, but I reckon a fella with his work rate should be plying his trade from the flanks. He covers so much distance it shouldn't be a problem for him to move inside when it suits.

True, true.

Bentley did start for the Under-21's, I think it was instead of Walcott.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

I think this season, apart from bad transfer decisions, and obvious injurys, the main reason for the faultering is the radical formation change.

I'd say their main problem is shoving Ballack and Lampard into a midfield that only really requires one or the other.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

By the way, I'm watching the Brazi v Portugal match and Kaka is wearing some sort of a gay neck scarf. Minus points for Kaka.

[EvilElvis]

Villa's reserves had a nice 7-1 win over Fulham's reserves. :D

[Captain Stu]

I'd say their main problem is shoving Ballack and Lampard into a midfield that only really requires one or the other.

Yeah, that too... nevermind, Lampard will be following Mourinho out the door in the summer.

By the way, I'm watching the Brazi v Portugal match and Kaka is wearing some sort of a gay neck scarf. Minus points for Kaka.

What channel's it on or are you watching it over t'internet?

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

SopCast innit. Saw the Spain U21 goals too. Soft.

[Captain Stu]

They were proper gash, aye.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

We've pulled 2 back courtesy of Nugent and Lita. Anyone watching John Gorman on Sky Sports News? He reminds me of that really dull priest who comes to stay with Father Ted and gets struck by lightning.

[Captain Stu]

Much better second half, muuuuch better.

[Renegades of funk 8]

Villa's reserves had a nice 7-1 win over Fulham's reserves. :D

up yours :p

[Two-Bob Peeters]

We've pulled 2 back courtesy of Nugent and Lita. Anyone watching John Gorman on Sky Sports News? He reminds me of that really dull priest who comes to stay with Father Ted and gets struck by lightning.

hahaha, that's brilliant, John Gorman = Father Stone

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

That's the one.

[EvilElvis]

We've pulled 2 back courtesy of Nugent and Lita. Anyone watching John Gorman on Sky Sports News? He reminds me of that really dull priest who comes to stay with Father Ted and gets struck by lightning.


John Gorman deserves to be struck by lightning.

Turncoat bastard.

[Captain Stu]

Bentley voted man of the match, thoroughly deserved.

[Captain Stu]

Fucking brilliant! The new owners have moved swiftly to state that NO FUNDS will be secured against the club or the ground.

I'm really looking forward to this, fuck all the comparisons to the Glazers takeover of United.

1. Work will begin on the stadium within 60 days with their own improvements to be added from their background with such things.
2. No changes to the management structure and Parry/Moores staying on.
3. Big chunk of cash for Rafa.
4. NO GROUND SHARE!
5. All previous debt wiped out.
6. No further debt secured against the club.

Oh yes. :)

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Are Everton still off to Kirkby? Hahaha.

[Captain Stu]

Are Everton still off to Kirkby? Hahaha.

Well, I hadn't heard anything of this but the woman I share an office with in work said the same thing and apparently yeah, they're still trying to persue that.

lolz, Kirkby.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

with all the money that's being spent and debts cleared etc. it makes you wonder how long it'll take for them to recoup their investment. i can't see what else they can do to make Liverpool more profitable (apart from the income from extra seats). so eitheryou've got a bunch of swindlers who'll pocket all the cash (unlikely) or they're in it for the long haul.

i hope for your sake that they ain't old and broken/half dead like the glazers!

Also: where's Kirkby? is it near Bootle, 'cos they should demolish bootle and build a nice new stadium there, it'll benefit the whole of merseyside as well as Everton fans

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Looks like they're selling the stadium naming rights. How does that work? Do Carlsberg get first dibs or what?

[Captain Stu]

Well, they spoke at the press conference about family quite a lot... it does sound like a long term investment deal where, when the two guys themselves are too old to do it, it'll be passed onto their kids.

Now, that might not be a grand idea but I get the impression that the families are going to be doing a lot of watching and learning to get a feel for how things should be run, etc...

In terms of profit, the extra revenue from seats I'd imagine is more useful in assisting the wage bill, I'd guess they're going to try to flog more LFC merchandise in the States (ie, at the grounds/stores of their other teams maybe?) and try to hit other areas of the world like the far east like United did. We've got a pretty decent global following.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

with all the money that's being spent and debts cleared etc. it makes you wonder how long it'll take for them to recoup their investment. i can't see what else they can do to make Liverpool more profitable (apart from the income from extra seats). so eitheryou've got a bunch of swindlers who'll pocket all the cash (unlikely) or they're in it for the long haul.


They're saying profit is the least of their priorities... make of that what you will.

[Captain Stu]

http://www.mpe.co.uk/images/maptops.gif

Looks like they're selling the stadium naming rights. How does that work? Do Carlsberg get first dibs or what?

I really don't like this idea... but sadly it's gonna happen. :(

It doesn't matter as much, Anfield hasn't been real Anfield since the Kop got torn down and replaced and wherever we play will be an Anfield of sorts.

Also, I can't imagine Carlsberg get first dibs - they're just shirt sponsors, but I'm sure they'd be "invited" as it were to make a bid.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

They're saying profit is the least of their priorities... make of that what you will.

i really don't know what to make of that. you don't spend so much money on something and then say "ahh well who cares if we don't make any money/get it back"

odd

http://www.mpe.co.uk/images/maptops.gif

I really don't like this idea... but sadly it's gonna happen. :(

It doesn't matter as much, Anfield hasn't been real Anfield since the Kop got torn down and replaced and wherever we play will be an Anfield of sorts.

Also, I can't imagine Carlsberg get first dibs - they're just shirt sponsors, but I'm sure they'd be "invited" as it were to make a bid.

Lolz @ Kirkby. in prime position with all the northern rubgy league towns.

i wouldn't like it if Millwall renamed their stadium, but at the end of the day our fans would still call it the den, no matter what the official name was, so it's not a big deal for liverpool i would have thought either. worth it for the extra cash anyway

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, that's a load of cock - you don't buy a sports team for the hell of it unless you are SO fucking rich (like Bill Gates rich) that you can afford to have it flop and it not even be a splash in your financial ocean.

But, what they did was say all the right things to overcome the nay-sayers and by keeping on Rick Parry, they're backing up some of their claims, ie, sticking to tradition, trying to impact the club directly as little as possible.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

i really don't know what to make of that. you don't spend so much money on something and then say "ahh well who cares if we don't make any money/get it back"

odd


Don't forget these guys are a hell of a lot wealthier than the Glazers. This ain't exactly a crucial investment for them.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

still strange...

i'd be happy with everything atm if i was a Liverpool fan, but i'd probably be cautious as well. might as well make the most of it while they're pressing all the right buttons i guess though!

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Also, I can't imagine Carlsberg get first dibs - they're just shirt sponsors, but I'm sure they'd be "invited" as it were to make a bid.

I was just thinking that because... I don't know... of all the possible commericial names for a new stadium, theirs would be the most agreeable for the fans.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

still strange...

i'd be happy with everything atm if i was a Liverpool fan, but i'd probably be cautious as well. might as well make the most of it while they're pressing all the right buttons i guess though!

One things for sure. It's certainly going to make next season very interesting. All this money flying about in the big teams.. we could see the football equivalent of the cold war arms race.

[Captain Stu]

Mmmmmm, the summer's gonna be an interesting time indeed and roll on next summer and hopefully the most contested Premiership so far.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

I hope these new guys don't buy some shitty US feeder club. That would be gay.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i hope not, the last american/Liverpool player link was Zak Shitbread, which i'm sure was some elaborate evil scouse scheme to sabotage Millwall :mad:

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

I bet all those whingey United fans who set up FC United feel like proper cunts now that nobody really cares anymore.

[EvilElvis]

I bet all those whingey United fans who set up FC United feel like proper cunts now that nobody really cares anymore.


Bets that if United win the title the FC United fans will be the first ones celebrating and denying any knowledge of turning their back on Man Utd.

[Captain Stu]

I hope these new guys don't buy some shitty US feeder club. That would be gay.

I can't see it. If these chaps understand sport as much as they appear to, they'll realise that soccer and football are two completely separate things, ie, only Americans play soccer and they suck dick at it. :D

i hope not, the american/Liverpool player link was Zak Shitbread, which i'm sure was some elaborate evil scouse scheme to sabotage Millwall :mad:

My GOD that kid was useless... totally Aryan too.

[Captain Stu]

Gawd, the BBC "gossip" page is full of SO much crap these days. :(

*


Blackburn defender Michael Gray may go out on loan when the transfer window opens in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has cast doubt over his future by saying he does not know where he will be in six months. (Various) :D

Ex-Falkirk striker Tam McManus still wants to return to Hibernian - where he is on trial - despite an offer from Russian outfit Sibir. (Daily Record)

Aston Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen expects manager Martin O'Neill to splash out on new players in the summer. (Daily Express)

Norwich and Leeds are battling it out to snatch ex-Celtic striker John Hartson from West Brom, with Football League clubs allowed to bring in players on loan from 8 February. (Daily Record)

Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta may join former England captain David Beckham in the United States because he is being tracked by two Major League Soccer clubs. (Daily Express)

Burnley striker Kyle Lafferty, who was the subject of a failed £500,000 bid from Celtic last month, wants a move to the Premiership rather than Scotland. (Daily Record)

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell, who has rejected all offers of a new deal and is set to become a free agent in the summer, wants to talk to the club's hierarchy again to assess their ambition. (The Independent)

Ross County have warned Scottish Premier League and English Premiership clubs to keep their eyes off 16-year-old midfielder Gary Mackay-Steven, who has been dubbed the hottest young property in the Highlands.

FC Copenhagen defender Brede Hangeland says West Ham were interested in signing him in the January transfer window. (The Independent)


OTHER GOSSIP

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif


American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks have vowed to make Liverpool the greatest club in the world after agreeing a takeover deal for the Premiership club. (Various)

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso believes that the takeover will propel the club to title glory in the future. (The Sun)

Coventry want to talk to Macclesfield boss Paul Ince about becoming their new manager. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham keeper Paul Robinson's England place is under threat for the first time after Watford's Ben Foster was picked to start the friendly against Spain. (Various)

Manager Steve McClaren has admitted that the entire England set-up is on trial - and that they must get it right over the next 10 months. (Daily Mirror) :)

England captain John Terry, who will not start the friendly against Spain, says he wants to be remembered as a great skipper for his national side. (The Sun)

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has been hit by a new international injury curse after Stephen Carr picked up a thigh problem on duty with the Republic of Ireland. It follows Michael Owen being injured with England last year and Steven Taylor dislocating a shoulder with England Under-21s last season. (The Sun)

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has tipped the Republic of Ireland's crop of youngsters to provide an exciting future. (Daily Star)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to give new deals to Olof Mellberg and Gavin McCann. (Various)

Striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Inside United magazine that he feels this season is the last chance for the club's old guard to savour glory in the Champions League. (The Sun)

Toronto FC are set to be David Beckham's first opponents on 5 August following his decision to join Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in the summer. (Daily Mail)

Any chance of West Ham moving to the 2012 Olympic stadium is set to end but talks are still going on about Leyton Orient becoming a secondary tenant at the future athletics venue. (Daily Mail)

Rangers striker Dado Prso has been given the all-clear to play for at least one more season following fears that a knee problem could force him into retirement. (Daily Record)

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires, who is now at Villarreal, hit out at Gunners boss Arsene Wenger in L'Equipe for subjecting him to "the worst moment" of his career - being substituted in the Champions League against Barcelona in 2006 after only 20 minutes. (Daily Express)

Aberdeen may enter the Intertoto Cup for the first time to end their five-year absence from Europe. (Daily Record)

Midfielder Mikel Jon Obi's Chelsea future could be in the balance after he ignored Blues boss Jose Mourinho's instruction not to play for Nigeria in Tuesday's friendly because of an injury concern. (Various)

Reading midfielder Glenn Little says the players, who are riding high in sixth place in the Premiership, have started to talk about qualifying for Europe - but only to make each other laugh. (Daily Express)

Huddersfield defender Nathan Clarke faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines because of a knee injury. (Daily Star)

Former Portsmouth owner Milan Mandaric's takeover of Leicester will finally go through this week. (The Independent)

Football Association members are expected to defer the date that shareholders make their final vote on the Burns report on the possible restructuring of the FA by two more months. (The Guardian)

Midfielder Matt Holland wants to convince Charlton boss Alan Pardew that he deserves a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in the summer. (The Independent)

Bayern Munich have denied that they want Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to become their manager when Ottmar Hitzfeld, who replaced Felix Magath last week, ends his stint at the end of the season. (Daily Telegraph)

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland will be offered a new long-term deal. (The Independent)

West Ham hope striker Dean Ashton, who broke an ankle last August, will be fit to return to first-team action by the end of the month. (Daily Telegraph)

Wigan's Chris Kirkland and Leighton Baines should be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday after overcoming shoulder and calf injuries respectively. (The Independent)




AND FINALLY...

Security teams are investigating how six of Manchester United's Opus books, which are worth £4,250 each and weigh 88lb, went missing from a distribution warehouse in London. Two of the volumes have surfaced in Memphis and China. (Daily Mail)

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has rejected Sky's invitation to broadcast the Championship game with Derby this month so the fans can enjoy the match at the usual time of 3pm on a Saturday. (Various).

Rangers have taken advantage of a three-week gap between home fixtures to re-lay the pitch. (Daily Record)
Developers wanted to build near the home of former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, now a BBC pundit, but council officials in Northumberland vetoed the plans because the estate is home to a colony of red squirrels. (The Times)

*

How the fuck can Pires be moaning about his 20 minute Champions League final appearance? He got subbed off for a very good reason, he was having his usual lazy stinker of a game.

Stupid cunt, either shave or grow a real beard.

[rob3000]

Also: where's Kirkby? is it near Bootle, 'cos they should demolish bootle and build a nice new stadium there, it'll benefit the whole of merseyside as well as Everton fans

Kirkby's nowhere near Bootle, Bootle's like 5 mins away from Anfield. It's a hike to Kirkby, you have to get on the motorway and everything!

Bootle is a bit of a mess though.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

out of town stadiums are boo-urns

[Captain Stu]

Nowhere in town wants them. :D

I'd sooner have seen this lineup tonight:

Foster

Carragher - Ferdinand - Woodgate - Richards

Wright-Phillips - Gerrard - Carrick - Dyer

Crouch - Defoe

Carrick's improved a lot over the last few months so he deserves a place this time round instead of Fatty.

[Bexster]

It doesn't matter as much, Anfield hasn't been real Anfield since the Kop got torn down and replaced and wherever we play will be an Anfield of sorts.

Also, I can't imagine Carlsberg get first dibs - they're just shirt sponsors, but I'm sure they'd be "invited" as it were to make a bid.
Yeah, I felt like this over the naming of the Emirates. I loved Highbury. It's got so much history, and just the name has got so much behind it. I'm still not a huge fan of the name Emirates, but I'm getting used to it. At least it wasn't called the Fly Emirates Stadium. That'd be so much worse...

How the fuck can Pires be moaning about his 20 minute Champions League final appearance? He got subbed off for a very good reason, he was having his usual lazy stinker of a game.

Stupid cunt, either shave or grow a real beard.
:D

There was no one else to come off, and we played pretty well in that final, up until the last 15 minutes anyway, only because everyone was knackered. Why does he have to have a dig anyway? Coz obviously Arsenal did so much harm to his career.

out of town stadiums are boo-urns
Yup. Now Swansea's out of town (or a fair way out anyway) I never have the inclination to go up there now for rugby or football. When the Osprey's played opposite my house, it was much better. Now I have to catch 3 buses to get there??? Never.

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, I felt like this over the naming of the Emirates. I loved Highbury. It's got so much history, and just the name has got so much behind it. I'm still not a huge fan of the name Emirates, but I'm getting used to it. At least it wasn't called the Fly Emirates Stadium. That'd be so much worse...


:D

There was no one else to come off, and we played pretty well in that final, up until the last 15 minutes anyway, only because everyone was knackered. Why does he have to have a dig anyway? Coz obviously Arsenal did so much harm to his career.

I can't imagine ANY club wants to sell the naming rights to your club, it's one of the few things you'd hope to retain... but, selling it brings in a ton of money and in the end that's what these moves are all about innit.

Pires can fuck off, I'm amazed he didn't blame Arsenal for him getting crocked as soon as he joined them diving yellow cunts too.

[Bexster]

I can't imagine ANY club wants to sell the naming rights to your club, it's one of the few things you'd hope to retain... but, selling it brings in a ton of money and in the end that's what these moves are all about innit.

Pires can fuck off, I'm amazed he didn't blame Arsenal for him getting crocked as soon as he joined them diving yellow cunts too.
Yeah, that's it. We sell the naming rights and we recoup a lot of the money back we spent on the thing. We actually did it under time and under budget, which amazed me no end when you compare it to the Wembley saga, but I'm sure we got shitloads of money from Emirates.

Give it time, Villarreal will decide to get rid of him when he's too old. He can blame us for the ageing process too.

[Captain Stu]

No matter what the name on the stadium says, it'll be fuckin' Anfield fo' lyf.

[Bexster]

No matter what the name on the stadium says, it'll be fuckin' Anfield fo' lyf.
Course it will. I'm stuck in my ways, Anfield and Highbury will still exist when I'm drawing my pension :D

[Captain Stu]

Course it will. I'm stuck in my ways, Anfield and Highbury will still exist when I'm drawing my pension :D

Zactly.

Otherwise, we won't be able to hang the "THIS IS ANFIELD" sign over the tunnel entrance anymore and that is one tradition I will NEVER let die. :mad:

[Two-Bob Peeters]

awful news regarding AFC Wimbledon, the scumbag FA and their double standards...

AFC wimbledon signed and played jermaine darlington who quit cardiff 6 months ago, apparantly cardiff are an 'overseas' club!, so they should of got international clearence beforee they played him! They registered him as a British player not knowing this and they were kiched out of the 1/4 final of the fa trophy, fined and docked 18 points. a maximum penalty.

wonder if West Ham will get a similar punishment?

didn't think so.

nice to see the FA are continuing their support for grass roots football

[Captain Stu]

That's ridiculous, so we're supposed to be a "United Kingdom"... "Great Britain" and all that, yet Wales is a foreign country?

What a load of shit.

Plus it's different circumstances but I expect Wham to be punished actually.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

That's ridiculous, so we're supposed to be a "United Kingdom"... "Great Britain" and all that, yet Wales is a foreign country?

What a load of shit.

Plus it's different circumstances but I expect Wham to be punished actually.

same sort of thing though. and i only mentioned west ham because it's a good example. the FA are more than happy to punish smaller clubs for offences, but the 'big' teams always seem to get let off...

good rumour going round, doubt it's true, but i got it from someone who's usually a good source for this sort of thing.

been going round all day,lampard refuses to pass to barton at the training ground and wont even talk to him,this morning barton sat on the same table as lampard,lampard picked his breakfast up and moved to another table,at which point barton shouted "its alright frank i wasent going to nick your breakfast you fat bastard"

[Captain Stu]

good rumour going round, doubt it's true, but i got it from someone who's usually a good source for this sort of thing.

Oh I hope that's true, so so much - that's fucking brilliant!!

[friartuck]

No matter what the name on the stadium says, it'll be fuckin' Anfield fo' lyf.

I hope you're right. Apparently the Emirates Stadium is turning into the new Old Trafford: About as lively as a library.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Is the football on terrestrial?

[rob3000]

Is the football on terrestrial?

Yupp, BBC.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Yupp, BBC.

Awesome. Haven't watched live football for ages.

You're gonna lose badly though. Real badly.

[Wish_Master2100]

I've seen plans and pictures of the new Liverpool ground. It looks the exact same as Ashburton Grove (why don't Arsenal fans call it that, as that was the grounds name before Emirates sponsored?), which is a smaller version of Wembley.

It's a good thing that clubs are moving to new stadiums, as some are falling apart at the seams, but you lose so much with a new stadium. As amazing as they are, it'll never be the same as playing at Highbury, Anfield or old Wembley, as I think that it's the history of the ground, as well as it's structure that makes or breaks an atmosphere.

[rob3000]

Awesome. Haven't watched live football for ages.

You're gonna lose badly though. Real badly.

I don't have much interest in england really, but you're probably right.

Where are you from? I always thought you were from england...

[friartuck]

Yupp, BBC.

Sweet. Get the beers in.

[Captain Stu]

I'm gonna make myself a thai chicken stor fry thing and groove on down to the footie.

(I think we'll get beat too, their team is insanely talented...)

I hope you're right. Apparently the Emirates Stadium is turning into the new Old Trafford: About as lively as a library.

DON'T SAY THAT! YOU'LL JINX IT!!

I've seen plans and pictures of the new Liverpool ground. It looks the exact same as Ashburton Grove (why don't Arsenal fans call it that, as that was the grounds name before Emirates sponsored?), which is a smaller version of Wembley.

It's a good thing that clubs are moving to new stadiums, as some are falling apart at the seams, but you lose so much with a new stadium. As amazing as they are, it'll never be the same as playing at Highbury, Anfield or old Wembley, as I think that it's the history of the ground, as well as it's structure that makes or breaks an atmosphere.

How in the hell have you seen plans of that?! :eek:

Couldn't agree more, we'll never recapture the atmosphere but we'll damn well try. Anfield's not falling apart by any means... but we STILL don't even have a fucking TV screen and inside it does look dated so we all realise it's time to go and with one of these guys making his name in construction, we're apparently in for a right treat.

[**dylan**]

been going round all day,lampard refuses to pass to barton at the training ground and wont even talk to him,this morning barton sat on the same table as lampard,lampard picked his breakfast up and moved to another table,at which point barton shouted "its alright frank i wasent going to nick your breakfast you fat bastard"


love it, i really hope its true, imagine how many people would have, or would have wanted to, burst out laughing at that.

[Captain Stu]

love it, i really hope its true, imagine how many people would have, or would have wanted to, burst out laughing at that.

I can seriously see that happening because (A) Lampard is that far up his own arse and (B) Barton celarly doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks about him and he always speaks his mind honestly.

:D

[rob3000]

Barton's a funny guy too. Everything adds up.

[Captain Stu]

This Spain team looks funny - I cannot understand why Alonso isn't playing. :confused: I'd have put him in ahead of Fabregas because of his experience but at least one of them should be playing in the middle with Xavi with Albelda (who's fucking awesome) behind them.

FIVE Valencia players in the starting lineup! :)

Morientes in ahead of Torres? Arf.

As for England, what's the fucking point of playing Fatty on the left? That's gonna do wonders for his pretty average England form now isn't it!? Why not play someone out wide who's actually a winger?

[Captain Stu]

Lolz @ Morientes.

EDIT: It's bad enough seeing G-Nev playing for England... but both of them? That's disgusting. :(

[EvilElvis]

My mate is a big Chelski fan. Told him the story...


Ollie/EvilElvis - http://www.myspace.com/ojramone - Landside Of Love says:
You heard the story about Lampard and Barton?
Jamesie says:
no?
Jamesie says:
not dodgy is it?
Ollie/EvilElvis - http://www.myspace.com/ojramone - Landside Of Love says:
Funny as fuck
Ollie/EvilElvis - http://www.myspace.com/ojramone - Landside Of Love says:
been going round all day,lampard refuses to pass to barton at the training ground and wont even talk to him,this morning barton sat on the same table as lampard,lampard picked his breakfast up and moved to another table,at which point barton shouted "its alright frank i wasent going to nick your breakfast you fat bastard"
Jamesie says:
shame, Barton's a wank and Lamps is the best midfielder in Europe ... obvious why Frank doesn't want to sit with the Man City scumbag

[Captain Stu]

BEST MIDFIELDER IN EUROPE?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

*pisses self*

Ollie, ditch that zero and find yourself a hero... friend.

[Captain Stu]

Pretty boring game so far. Fatty's lost, Crouch is isolated, Dyer's not arsed... Gerrard's put a few good passes around and Shauny Shaun looks lively.

[EvilElvis]

BEST MIDFIELDER IN EUROPE?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

*pisses self*

Ollie, ditch that zero and find yourself a hero... friend.


Like I said, he's a chelsea fan. He's also a good lad with a fairly decent taste in music which is rare in my office.

I can have conversations about Metallica pre black album with him...

[Captain Stu]

This ref has been gash tonight, utter gash.

Why the fuck bring SHaun off? He needs the game-time.

Class goal by Iniesta, Quasi Neville's fault at the black toast.

[F'jo]

This thing with Crouch is pissing me off! Everytime he goes for the ball in the air,the ref blows up for a foul. Downing on? Bah!

[Captain Stu]

This thing with Crouch is pissing me off! Everytime he goes for the ball in the air,the ref blows up for a foul. Downing on? Bah!

Innit, it's bad enough in the fucking league but this guy's really taking the piss.

[F'jo]

Barton on for Lampard, I wanted to see them fight on the pitch or at least see a few insults (i.e Lampard, you fat bastard! Chase the ball!)

[Bexster]

What's that coming over the pitch, is it a fat man, is it a fat man?

Useless as fuck.

And the funniest point of the night has to have been Rio Ferdinand being named man of the match mentioned right at the end there. Announcer's having a laugh, yes?

[Captain Stu]

What's that coming over the pitch, is it a fat man, is it a fat man?

Useless as fuck.

And the funniest point of the night has to have been Rio Ferdinand being named man of the match mentioned right at the end there. Announcer's having a laugh, yes?

I must've missed that when I went to fetch my mini eggs from the fridge, what a fucking joke.

Villa was man of the match, no England player deserved to be named as it.

[Bexster]

I must've missed that when I went to fetch my mini eggs from the fridge, what a fucking joke.

Villa was man of the match, no England player deserved to be named as it.
Agreed. None of them were up to it.

Crouchy had a terrible night. Once the Spanish realised the ref was going to penalise him everytime he went for the ball in the air, they were backing into him all night.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Gash.

[Bexster]

Gash.
Well said.

[Renegades of funk 8]

what a boring footy match, back to the premier league this weekend though... thank god

[rob3000]

I really don't like watching england play at all.

[Captain Stu]

I really don't like watching england play at all.

It's always anti-climactic innit.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

It's one of those where I feel like bitching but I don't know where to start so I won't bother.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Enlgand so pathetic.

I could literally do a better job with them.

Not that I would though, I'd let them carry on as.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

glad i missed it.

and i really can't stand the referees who have a bias against big/tall players... it's as if they're playing 6 a side and the ball isn't allowed above head height

[Captain Stu]

It's true, every single time Crouch jumps for a ball - be it a Premiership, European, cup or international game - he gets a foul given against him simply because he's fucking first to the ball.

He NEVER jumps with his elbows out, if people accidentaly get hit it's because he's A FUCKING FOOT TALLER THAN THEM!!

[Captain Stu]

Atletico Madrid are lining up a £5m bid for Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta in the summer. (Sun)

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent watched Portugal's win over Brazil with Barcelona's director of football. (Sun)

Manchester United will offer Ronaldo an improved deal to try to persuade him to stay at Old Trafford. (Times)

Bolton fear Nicolas Anelka will quit the club unless attendances improve at the Reebok Stadium. (Daily Mirror)

Leeds boss Dennis Wise is trying to secure loan deals for Liverpool's Gabriel Paletta and West Brom striker John Hartson. (Daily Mirror)

Leeds also want Blackburn defender Michael Gray. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham are ready to sign struggling Everton striker James Beattie for a cut-price deal in the summer, but Blackburn are also keen. (Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta wants a move to the US. (Independent)

Jonathan Woodgate is still hopeful of returning to Real Madrid - even though the Spanish club are keen to sell him to Middlesbrough. (Independent)

Boro's Mark Viduka is wanted by Tottenham but has not ruled out a move back to Australia. (Independent)

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City will force Stuart Pearce to sit in the stands when the England Under-21s take on Italy on 24 March. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa may offer injured striker Chris Sutton a new contract - even if he does not play again this season. (Daily Express)

Iain Dowie will be asked to take over as Leicester boss if Milan Mandaric completes his takeover. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham are considering building a new stadium next to the tube station. (Daily Mail)

Chelsea will make a formal complaint to Fifa after Nigeria selected Mikel Jon Obi for a friendly despite the club saying he was injured. (Daily Mail)

Dado Prso wants to stay at Rangers next season. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY...
Cristiano Ronaldo is planning to move into acting once his playing career is over. He said: "I could see myself as an actor. Playing the role of a comedian is more difficult but I might be capable of doing anything."

*

Leeds can deffo take Paletta on loan, it'll do him the world o' good. :)

With Atletico playing as well as they are, I could see Arteta going - it'll his international career more good than playing at the shite.

I read about the FPR-Barca thing this morning... apparently, his agent was spotted sitting next to the Barca chief exec (or president or vice president or something, anyway) and this guy is apparently THE dude for Barca when it comes to getting the big name transfers in.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

West Ham are considering building a new stadium next to the tube station. (Daily Mail)

i'd love to see them try.

the only place that isn't housing there is land that's being used for the olympics. the only chance they have is if that 'supermosque' isn't built next to it. even then you'd have to re-route the tube line

[Captain Stu]

And aaawwwwww, Eggy was so confident that they'd be allowed to use the upcoming Olympic Stadium and the committee told 'em to fuck right off. :D

[F'jo]

AND FINALLY...
Cristiano Ronaldo is planning to move into acting once his playing career is over. He said: "I could see myself as an actor. Playing the role of a comedian is more difficult but I might be capable of doing anything."

Haha! Divings a start....also I don't think i've ever heard him speak :confused:

[Captain Stu]

AND FINALLY...
Cristiano Ronaldo is planning to move into acting once his playing career is over. He said: "I could see myself as an actor. Playing the role of a comedian is more difficult but I might be capable of doing anything."

Haha! Divings a start....also I don't think i've ever heard him speak :confused:

He speaks like a little tiny girl.

[F'jo]

He speaks like a little tiny girl.

Thought so!

[Bexster]

Iain Dowie will be asked to take over as Leicester boss if Milan Mandaric completes his takeover. (Daily Mirror)
Dowie can fuck right off. Leicester will definitely go down the pan if he arrives.

[Captain Stu]

Gary Neville can fuck right off too, even more so than usual.

You play a stinker of a game like that after 50,000+ people have paid about £30-40 each to see it, you deserve to get booed the fuck off the pitch.

Wanker.

[Bexster]

That should be our new thread, instead of your most loathed sports professional, it should be Sports professionals who can fuck right off :D

[Captain Stu]

That should be our new thread, instead of your most loathed sports professional, it should be Sports professionals who can fuck right off :D

It sounds so much better.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

England are never going to do anything with such a negative coach. For all his idiocies, at least Kevin fucking Keegan (whom i rate as one of the worst 3 managers of all time) wasn't scared to go gung-ho every now and then.

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, as much as the players are sucking - what do you expect with a lack-lustre, completely personality-free manager?

*

Anyway, England aside, this article is excellent from ze Beeb...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6304157.stm

Crewe's production line of talent could come under threat because of a cash crisis outside football's top flight.

Crewe chairman John Bowler told BBC Sport that many clubs outside the Premiership were struggling financially and youth set-ups may be sacrificed.

"We are finding it harder and harder to carry on such an extensive youth development scheme," said Bowler, whose club have produced a string of stars.

"We are doing it but that could come under challenge."

Bowler, who has been chairman of the Cheshire side for almost 20 years, said rising costs and falling revenues were having a real impact in the Football League.

And whilst stressing Crewe's commitment to youth development, he warned that academies and centres of excellence (smaller, cheaper academies) would be the first things many clubs cut back on.

Simon Clifford, the former teacher who founded the successful Brazilian Soccer Schools franchise, agreed with Bowler and said "it was only a matter of time before some clubs give up on youth development".

The Premier League has never been richer thanks to huge media rights contracts, which total £2.7bn over the next three years, but little of that is filtering down to the Football League.

The entire youth development structure in English football, which has been under a microscope since Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez claimed it "wasn't working" in December, is currently under review.

Benitez, however, was simply the most recent high-profile figure to claim academies were not producing enough youngsters, particularly English youngsters, of Premiership quality.

The review, which is being chaired by rugby league youth development expert Richard Lewis, has been underway since last summer and involves all three interested parties: the Football Association, the Football League and the Premier League.

Among the main sticking points is the amount of financial support the FA and Premier League will provide to the Football League clubs' academies and centres of excellence.

The current financial arrangement - a central pot of £10m that is distributed to the 68 Football League clubs that have academies or centres of excellence - is in its last year and the government and the Professional Footballers Association have already withdrawn their support.

Jennings oversaw Walcott's rise from Saints prospect to £12m teen
Bowler is concerned about the rigour and pace of this review.

"Everybody has to get together and identify what this infrastructure should be and what are the collective ambitions of this country," he said.

"Do they want a strong Football League supporting the industry they are operating in? Do they want a strong national side? And do we want to be a developer of young players?

"If we do, the Football League and Premiership have to explore ways we can work together so we (in the Football League) can earn their financial support.

"I don't think these discussions go on with the kind of urgency or sense of importance they ought to have. The FA is completely wrapped up in the Burns report (a series of reforms that will reorganise the governing body)."

But Huw Jennings, the Premier League's youth development manager, told BBC Sport that the richer clubs do accept the need to help fund Football League academies.

"The amount we give (currently £4.2m) is rightly being reviewed right now," said Jennings.

"The difficulty we have is the notion that everybody is entitled to the same figure. We shouldn't underestimate the varying levels of compliance with the programme.

"Inevitably, some clubs invest more and dedicate more, while some pay lip service to it. We want to promote quality."

Crewe's youth set-up would seem to meet that requirement as it has produced players like Dean Ashton, Rob Jones, Danny Murphy and David Platt.

But an operation such as Crewe's can cost as much as £1m a year - the average cost of a Premiership academy is almost £2m a year - which is a huge expense for a small League One club, particularly when the maximum grant for Football League clubs is £138,000.

Graham Hawkins, the Football League's head of player development, is convinced the academy system, which was introduced in 1998, is working and believes the review should go no further than "a few tweaks".

"We're only in the ninth year so we're just getting the first crop through (youngsters can join at eight)," said Hawkins, who managed Wolves during the early 1980s.

"What's stopping us from really progressing is finance. Prices have gone up to the point where the grant (which was set in 1998) should be more like £200,000 now.

"But the system is working. We are producing better players, and the facilities and coaches are getting better and better.

"The problem is the poorer clubs want them too but that £138,000 soon gets gobbled up when you've got 16 part-time coaches to pay.

"If the Premier League and FA could match what the Football League clubs themselves were spending (almost £23m) on youth development it would be great - that would help double some clubs' budgets."

Hawkins should be heartened, though, to hear that Jennings, who spent eight years at the Southampton academy that produced Gareth Bale, Wayne Bridge and Theo Walcott, is convinced the system will emerge stronger from the review.

"It's a truism to say there aren't enough players coming from the academies into first teams and I don't think anybody would deny that," said Jennings.

"But I want to qualify that by saying some exceptionally good players have come through - look at West Ham, Middlesbrough or Manchester City. That is a credit to the system not in spite of it.

"What we will see over the next decade is consolidation. The clubs will recognise that the investment they have put in will bear fruit. I am very optimistic about the future."

In the meantime, everybody interested in English football will be hoping the likes of Crewe maintain their commitment to youth development, the future of football in the land that invented the game could depend on it.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

yup, the FA don't help out the future of their game, sickening really

[Captain Stu]

They'll act in about 3 years time once the important smaller clubs (like Crewe, who I think are a fine example) have closed their youth ranks just to stay alive and the FA will be criticising these clubs for stifling the progress of young English footballers.

It's really, really simple. Take a chunk of the Premiership TV revenue - especially from this horrendously rich new deal - and distribute it among the lower leagues. You could take something like 25% of the overall deal and keep some teams in business for years just off that one payout alone.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

They'll act in about 3 years time once the important smaller clubs (like Crewe, who I think are a fine example) have closed their youth ranks just to stay alive and the FA will be criticising these clubs for stifling the progress of young English footballers.

It's really, really simple. Take a chunk of the Premiership TV revenue - especially from this horrendously rich new deal - and distribute it among the lower leagues. You could take something like 25% of the overall deal and keep some teams in business for years just off that one payout alone.

makes perfect sense, but i can't see a board of any premiership club accepting that

[sunnydalehighdropout]

And you know Crewe must really be struggling given that they've had the same manager for 30 years and never had to pay some shit twat off to leave.

Is the current sell on fee for smaller clubs for ex players 10%??? Fuck it, that needs to go up to 20% if selling to a club in higher division.

[Captain Stu]

makes perfect sense, but i can't see a board of any premiership club accepting that

Well, some of the bigger clubs could probably afford it but I couldn't see your bottom 6-7 clubs who have no hope of getting the extra pay-out of Europe ever agreeing to it.

If they had sense, it would've all been arranged behind closed doors... so 75% of the original payoff was indeed going to the Premiership and the remaining 25% was a contribution to the health and stability of the entire countries football. It keeps the clubs going and it makes the sponsors/TV folk look a little less cuntish.

[iw0nderyou]

did anyone see that takle that time

1.

[EvilElvis]

Does this mean Scotland will have to retire their other national anthem? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6344033.stm)

[EvilElvis]

Lolz @ the QPR v China friendly

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Lolz @ the QPR v China friendly

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/sol/newsid_6340000/newsid_6342800?redirect=6342893.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1

classic

[Captain Stu]

That's fan-fugu-tastic. :D

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Oh man, please will someone overdub that with Engrish and batman-esque SFX.

[Captain Stu]

Ker-pow!!

Chink-splat!!

[Renegades of funk 8]

the qpr v china fight was hilarious

[friartuck]

To be fair I don't think England's team was nearly as good as Spain's even on paper. Their forward line pisses all over the English's. England have one player with the technical ability to match the likes of Xavi and David Albelda - and his name is Paul Scholes. I think McClaren's not doing that bad a job, he just needs a bit of time. Last night he had a good few first team players missing and was forced to play players out of position. There were quite a few average players in the starting line-up:

SWP - Horribly overrated by a lot of English fans. Lightweight, doesn't play regular football, never does the simple thing.

Phil Neville - Don't really need to say anything

Michael Carrick - You really need your linchpin to not be shitting himself

Peter Crouch - He's the very definition of average. Compare him to David Villa and you realise that the Spanish are just better...it has little to do with the manager.

You're never going to beat a team like Spain with players like that on the pitch. If you had Rooney, Terry, Lennon and maybe Hargreaves in there then England are a match for Spain but no more.

And listen lads, you have little excuse to be moaning. Ireland could only muster a 2-1 victory over San fucking Marino. Don't like McClaren? Try having fucking Stan Laurel as your manager. What a retard.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

And listen lads, you have little excuse to be moaning. Ireland could only muster a 2-1 victory over San fucking Marino. Don't like McClaren? Try having fucking Stan Laurel as your manager. What a retard.

Yeah, that was ridiculous. I had a bet on 6-0. Wow, was I ever wrong.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Ahah, Eidos have bought a football player.

Computer company Eidos make history in British transfer market
tribalfooball.com - February 08, 2007

Computer games company Eidos have become the first in the UK to own a footballer.
Eidos, which created Championship manager, have signed defender Adam Garner, 22, and agreed to let him play for Conference South team Bedford Town.

Championship Manager will contribute towards his wages while any future transfer fee will be paid to his new owners.


Bedford chairman David Howell told The Sun: "A deal like this could become commonplace in lower league football and essentially become a lifeline for many.

"The financial strain is eased if clubs know that part of their wage bill is being covered by a third party.

"The incentive for the owner - whether that is a company or a supporters' trust - is the possibility of a pay day if their man is transferred.

"But there are also huge ramifications for the top of the game.

"Imagine if you own the next Wayne Rooney. Think of the marketing possibilities.

"The big clubs are already competing for the best youngsters both at home and abroad.

"Instead of just Manchester United and Chelsea fighting it out for signatures, it is just as conceivable that it will to be Manchester United, Chelsea and Tesco."

Garner is the first British player to be owned by a commercial brand.

He joins West Ham's Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, as well as a host of other Argentine youngsters, on the growing list of players who are not directly owned by the club they play for.

[Captain Stu]

Jesus christ, that's so whack!

And lolz at Staunton, I hate him.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

err i thought the FA had come out and said third party ownership was against the rules?

[Captain Stu]

I dunno, I have no idea how this ruling works but for me... it should be as simple as this:

A players contract is owned by the club he plays for.

That's it, simple as. No agents, no third-party companies, nothing.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

don't forget predictions people

[Two-Bob Peeters]

And listen lads, you have little excuse to be moaning. Ireland could only muster a 2-1 victory over San fucking Marino. Don't like McClaren? Try having fucking Stan Laurel as your manager. What a retard.

The Football Association of Ireland (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Football_Association_of_Ireland&oldid=106552529)(FAI)Are a bunch of Fucking useless cunts that should be taken out and shot. Everything that they touch turns to ash. wheither it's the Eircom League, all the money that they blew after the 1990 & 1994 world Cups, the Building of Eircom Park, The Roy keane incident, The Sacking Of Brian Kerr after he did the best that he could right down to the Appiontment of a man without no managerial experience and who talks through his arse...Mr Steve Staunton! the organising body for the sport of association football (soccer) in the Republic of Ireland. It should not be confused with the Irish Football Association (IFA), which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.

...

[Captain Stu]

lolz.

[foofan182]

And listen lads, you have little excuse to be moaning. Ireland could only muster a 2-1 victory over San fucking Marino. Don't like McClaren? Try having fucking Stan Laurel as your manager. What a retard.

In all honesty, Staunton should never have been given the job.

And some of the squad players he has in there are abysmal. Darron Gibson? Alan O'Brien? Sean St. Ledger? Ahead of the likes of Derek Geary and Glenn Whelan?

Being held at gunpoint was probably the root cause of all this. Ireland haven't been the same since. It wouldn't surprise me if they bring in a new manager after the next qualifier, John Aldridge anyone?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Shitbread's out for 3 more months!!

[Wish_Master2100]

Shitbread's out for 3 more months!!

Zing.

Mark Phillips won't be leaving then :(

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Zing.

Mark Phillips won't be leaving then :(

he got in the league one team of the week!

[Bexster]

Barcelona and Real Madrid could be prepared to pay more than £47m for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo. (Sun)

Frank Lampard is ready to sign a new Chelsea contract - despite interest from Barcelona. (Sun)

Everton believe they will keep Mikel Arteta this summer, even though the Spanish midfielder is wanted by Atletico Madrid. (Daily Star)


Back to top

OTHER GOSSIP
The Colorado Rapids could change their name to Colorado Arsenal after forming a "development partnership" with the Gunners. (Times)

Work on Liverpool's new 60,000-seat stadium at Stanley Park should begin next month. (Times)

Liverpool's new American owners are keen to install 'bunker suites' at the new ground - executive boxes built underground. (Daily Telegraph)

Everton have revealed that striker Andy Johnson was fit to play for England in midweek. (Various)

Steve McClaren has been told he will be sacked if England fail to qualify for Euro 2008. (Daily Express)

Celtic's Champions League away tie against AC Milan will take place at the San Siro. (Daily Record)

Midfielder Thomas Buffel may not play again for Rangers as he will undergo a knee operation which will rule him out for the season. (Daily Record)

Neil Lennon's agent says the Celtic skipper may extend his stay at Parkhead again. (Scottish Daily Mail)

Aberdeen's Ricky Foster says Dons players may get into the Scotland team now Alex McLeish is in charge. (The Scottish Sun)


Back to top

AND FINALLY...
Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd gave cake to journalists at Friday's press briefing and apologised for being "obnoxious" following his side's defeat to Bolton last Saturday. (Daily Mail)

FA sources are claiming that the press pack misheard Steve McClaren following England's dismal defeat to Spain. His description of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel as a "rainbow game" prompted several newspapers to mock up pictures of McClaren as Bungle from 80s TV show Rainbow. The FA says McClaren actually called it a "real ball game". (Daily Mirror)

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan chased a gang of neds at the cinema for shouting abuse at his wife. Strachan compared the incident to a scene from "Chewin' the Fat." (Daily Record)

[EvilElvis]

Everton believe they will keep Mikel Arteta this summer, even though the Spanish midfielder is wanted by Atletico Madrid. (Daily Star)

As much as I distrust the Daily Star, he'll be back in Spain. He Left Rangers becuase he was "Homesick"

Aberdeen's Ricky Foster says Dons players may get into the Scotland team now Alex McLeish is in charge. (The Scottish Sun)

Lolz! Russell Anderson made the Scotland squad and kept pulling out injured. The fact Aberdeen have been underachieving for well over 10 years and genuinely believe that the teams are still as good as they were under Alex Ferguson 20 years ago.

Aberdeen haven't won a trophy for over 10 years. Even then, that was the league cup (AKA the wee diddy cup no-one cares about)


Celtic manager Gordon Strachan chased a gang of neds at the cinema for shouting abuse at his wife. Strachan compared the incident to a scene from "Chewin' the Fat." (Daily Record)

Excellent. Bet they bragged about giving someone who has nothing to do with football abuse. Dickheads.

[Captain Stu]

Barcelona and Real Madrid could be prepared to pay more than £47m for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo. (Sun)

That's beyond ridiculous.

Work on Liverpool's new 60,000-seat stadium at Stanley Park should begin next month. (Times)

YAY!!! :) :) :)

Everton have revealed that striker Andy Johnson was fit to play for England in midweek. (Various)

If that's true, he should never be allowed to play for England again. If you're fit, you want to fucking play. Fucking pricks the lot of 'em. :rolleyes:

[EvilElvis]

Gordon is not in Hearts squad today.


Radio Scotland pundits reckon it's to do with the fact the fans applauded him and gave him an ovation when he went to warm up last week.


Romanov is doing a good job at making his players leave at cheaper prices than they are worth.

[friartuck]

That's beyond ridiculous.


I'd be seriously miffed if Ronaldo left for anything less than that. He's the best young player in the world in my opinion. Despite his regular theatrics, which I in no way condone, you can't deny his quality. It would be bad for both Man U and the Premiership if he were to leave.

[rob3000]

If that's true, he should never be allowed to play for England again. If you're fit, you want to fucking play. Fucking pricks the lot of 'em. :rolleyes:

I think he wanted to play, England knew he was fit.

[Wish_Master2100]

I wonder what Rafa's excuses are going to be this week...

[rob3000]

I wonder what Rafa's excuses are going to be this week...

Bad pitch.

[Bexster]

If that's true, he should never be allowed to play for England again. If you're fit, you want to fucking play. Fucking pricks the lot of 'em. :rolleyes:
He was ready to play, he wanted to play, and England sent him home, he didn't leave. Fucking McClaren showing how useless he is.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Can I just say "Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah"?

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Beckham scored a free kick today apparently. Great.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Beckham scored a free kick today apparently. Great.

yeah it wasn't vintage though. like dragged along the floor and possibly took a deflection. keeper really should have dealt with it.

still, a goal is a goal.

[boxshapedheart]

yeah it wasn't vintage though. like dragged along the floor and possibly took a deflection. keeper really should have dealt with it.

still, a goal is a goal.
yeah, seemed to be slow motion. But yes, a goal is a goal.

Stupid pundits trying to say Capello is eating humble pie now though. Pfft, hardly.

[Renegades of funk 8]

just seen motd.... how could the ref miss traores handball :confused:

[EvilElvis]

Cristiano Ronaldo has told Manchester United to make him the richest player in the world with an offer of £8.3m-a-year or he will leave the club. (News of the World)

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson provided Owen Hargreaves with a private tour of Old Trafford on Tuesday as Manchester United move closer to signing the Bayern Munich midfielder. (Sunday Express)

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's first move following George Gillett and Tom Hicks's takeover of the club will be to sign Spain international David Villa from Valencia for £20m. (Sunday Express)

Tottenham boss Martin Jol will bid £3.2m in an attempt to snare Harry Kewell from Liverpool in the summer. (Various)

And the Londoners have also set their sights on Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka, who is out of contract in the summer. (News of the World)

West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham could move to Australia in the summer, with Sydney FC keen to secure his services. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Everton winger Andy van der Meyde has threatened to quit Goodison Park as he is "sick" of being left out of the starting line-up by boss David Moyes. (Various)

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp wants defender Sylvain Distin to leave Manchester City in the summer on a free transfer and join him at Fratton Park. (News of the World)

Jose Antonio Reyes, on loan at Real Madrid, could return to Arsenal in the summer because the Spaniards do not believe he is worth the £20m asking price. (Daily Star Sunday)

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder wants to sign Scotland striker Kenny Miller from Celtic in the summer. (Sunday People)

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce fears midfielder Kevin Nolan will try to engineer a move away from the club because of his repeated failures to earn an England call-up. (Independent on Sunday)

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray will make a loan bid, with the promise of a £2m permanent deal, for Scunthorpe striker Billy Sharp next month if the Iron drop out of the League One promotion race. (Sunday Mirror)

Deportivo La Coruna defender Jorge Andrade is keen to join Chelsea this summer. (News of the World)

Celtic could move for Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon if Arsenal follow up their interest in Artur Boruc. (News of the World)

Hibernian, St Mirren and Falkirk are vying for the signature of Airdrie star Steven McDougall. (Sunday Mail)


OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea are looking at sites in west London where they could build a new state-of-the-art 55,000-seater stadium after putting on hold talks to expand Stamford Bridge. (Various)

England's assistant manager Terry Venables is keen for the Premiership to limit the number of foreigners in the league, claiming it is a "big worry" for the future of the national team. (News of the World)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp could become Tottenham boss if Paul Kemsley, vice-chairman at Spurs, succeeds with a takeover bid. (Sunday People)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes "third-party ownership" of players, such as Javier Mascherano, leaves football open to corruption and says the Premier League must fight it. (News of the World)

Some "influential figures" at the FA want Steve McClaren sacked as manager if England lose to Israel in next month's European Championship qualifier. (Sunday People)

AC Milan bosses could ban their fans from travelling to Glasgow for the Champions League clash with Celtic to avoid crowd trouble. (Sunday Mail)

Scotland manager Alex McLeish will give forward Garry O'Connor one more chance to resurrect his career at national level after his no-show for a Euro 2008 qualifier under previous boss Walter Smith.

AND FINALLY...
Reading defender Ulises De La Cruz has not forgotten his roots back in Ecuador - he sends 15% of his monthly wage to Piqulucho, the tiny village where he grew up, which has already helped build a new school and ensured running water for the area. (Sunday Express)

Staff at Durham Tees Valley Airport had to call on-site Special Branch police after a persistent fan pestered Arsenal striker Thierry Henry for an autograph while he was on the phone. (Mail on Sunday)

[EvilElvis]

Lucas Neil made his comeback for West Ham yesterday and managed to get himself injured again! :D

[EvilElvis]

Mascherano endears himself to the wrong team (http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_1904078,00.html)

[Epic Failure]

Mascherano endears himself to the wrong team (http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_1904078,00.html)

saw that on 365 the other day. what a tool:rolleyes:

[rob3000]

Uh oh, "He [Javier] added in The Sun..."

To be fair, he probably hasn't been there long enough to know not to give interviews to them.

[rob3000]

oh, and David Villa? yes please.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Would love Miller at the club.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuubertz!

[Captain Stu]

Lucas Neil made his comeback for West Ham yesterday and managed to get himself injured again! :D

Priceless!! :D

Mascherano endears himself to the wrong team (http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_1904078,00.html)

One person open his mouth, two others firmly insert his feet into it.

oh, and David Villa? yes please.

Yes please, most definately yes please.

Didn't see the match but I'm assuming that we played shit... let's face it, Newcastle suck.

Why the fuck play Zenden? How many average performances does he have to throw in before Benitez gets the point? HE'S TOO FUCKING SLOW!!!

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

I fucking hate being a Spurs fan sometimes.

This is one of those times.

[Wish_Master2100]

Ding dong, we're flying up the table.

[EvilElvis]

Lolz @ Hearts (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/6348787.stm)

Hearts head coach Valdas Ivanauskas insists captain Craig Gordon has a future at the club despite once again leaving the goalkeeper out.
Gordon watched the 1-0 win over Inverness from the stand as Steve Banks kept his place in the Edinburgh side.

Ivanauskas said: "The transfer window was very hard for the young boy and the speculation about Craig was not good.

"He was affected by the speculation but he'll definitely play again. He doesn't need tension every weekend."


Banks, who signed a one year contract extension on Saturday, kept his third clean-sheet in four games in the win against Inverness.

Injury was blamed for Gordon's original absence, while he returned to the bench for last weekend's surprise Scottish Cup defeat at Dunfermline.

However, this week Ivanauskas did not included the 24-year-old among the substitutes.

Gordon had been the subject of an internal disciplinary hearing at the club for his part in former captain Steven Pressley's criticism of club owner Vladimir Romanov.

He joined Pressley and midfielder Paul Hartley in going public about dressing-room unrest in October about Romanov's regime at Tynecastle.

Pressley and Hartley have since moved to Celtic, while Hearts attempted to sell Gordon during the January transfer window.

Ivanauskas said Banks had performed well and deserved his place ahead of Gordon.

"Steve Banks did well, he has not had many chances, and experience is very important in our situation.

"With him being the Scottish number one keeper I don't think it's good for him to sit on the bench," Ivanauskas told the Sunday Mail.

"I believe it's better for him to sit in the stand. He doesn't need tension every weekend with the speculation about whether he goes here or to other teams elsewhere.

"Now it's important he's ready for his next game when that comes around."

On Friday, Hearts assistant Stephen Frail said: "If I was picking the team, Craig Gordon would be in the team.
"Because he is one of the best goalkeepers - not just in Scotland and Britain - but in Europe."

[Epic Failure]

fuck me i thought we might lose our unbeaten record chez emirates. many thanks fitz:D

[timesfooall]

Wigan were screwed

[rob3000]

I normally like them, but Arsenal made themselves look like nobheads today. Henry taunting a keeper who was only doing what he has every right to do, Jens purposely loosing the ball and stuff? It was pathetic to see.

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

Typically jammy gooners!

Wigan shoulda had a pen before the equaliser which was also offside!

[Epic Failure]

Typically jammy gooners!

Wigan shoulda had a pen before the equaliser which was also offside!

my heart bleeds for them;)

[Wish_Master2100]

I normally like them, but Arsenal made themselves look like nobheads today. Henry taunting a keeper who was only doing what he has every right to do, Jens purposely loosing the ball and stuff? It was pathetic to see.

Same old Arsenal...

Ten points to anyone who can finish off that sentance.

[Captain Stu]

Same old Arsenal...

Ten points to anyone who can finish off that sentance.

"... always cheating?"

[Wish_Master2100]

"... always cheating?"

Zing, ten points to you.

I would also have accepted; 'Bunch of cunts' though.

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

I would also have accepted; 'Bunch of cunts' though.

Thats what I woulda gone for.

[EvilElvis]

The ugly side of the beautiful game (http://www.youtube.com/p.swf?video_id=0_Ikq-zM4_4&eurl=http%3A//www.alluc.de/alluc/showmovie.php%3Fuid%3D79165%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F %252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fwatch%253Fv%253D0_Ikq-zM4&iurl=http%3A//sjl-static4.sjl.youtube.com/vi/0_Ikq-zM4_4/2.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskKf6ktsA2S6gF4pNlp-BYyf)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i do like that Landzaat

[Two-Bob Peeters]

and i hope someone decks that arrogant french cunt

[Renegades of funk 8]

and i hope someone decks that arrogant french cunt

ha, i pretty much said that to my dad when i saw what he did

[EvilElvis]

and i hope someone decks that arrogant french cunt


Henry I assume? I think it's funny that teams spend ages time wasting and when they lose goals late on the bemon the fact the goal came at the wrong time. Had they not been timewasting, they could have killed the game stone dead. I notice Lehmann is the best when it comes to mocking timewasters.

It was a penalty when Heskey went down, but it was a tad dramatic - Kinda like Taylor's fall in the Newcastle game and he has a history of theatrics.

[Captain Stu]

What did Henry (and Lehman) do exactly?

[Epic Failure]

What did Henry (and Lehman) do exactly?

after we scored the first goal he went and waved the ball in Kirkland's face. Lehmann retrieved the ball from behind the advertising hoardings but threw the ball at the back of the hoardings and missed catching it to waste a few seconds.

Whilst i can see how the henry thing pissed some people off, i must confess i found it hilarious.

the heskey penalty makes up for the sendoras one last week that wasn't in my book.

mind you this was a hell of a goal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnT5XwN6E44)

[Captain Stu]

That was blatantly a fucking penalty, what a surprise...

Wenger: I didn't see...

... and Flamini was a chuffing mile offside for the equalising goal, a chuffing mile.

Can't believe, yet again, we've cocked up and now given Arsenal the chance to leapfrog us AND create a small gap too if they win their game in hand. Does anyone happen to know who that game in hand is?

[Epic Failure]

... and Flamini was a chuffing mile offside for the equalising goal, a chuffing mile.


46cm apparently:D adebayor wasn't for the disallowed goal any way.

looking at our fixture list either city or villa is game in hand, probably city.

[EvilElvis]

That was blatantly a fucking penalty, what a surprise...



... and Flamini was a chuffing mile offside for the equalising goal, a chuffing mile.

Can't believe, yet again, we've cocked up and now given Arsenal the chance to leapfrog us AND create a small gap too if they win their game in hand. Does anyone happen to know who that game in hand is?


Had Heskey not made such a theatrical dive, I've no doubt he'd have won the penalty.

Flamini was offside (Barely) but Adebayor was well onside when he scored and that was disallowed.

[Captain Stu]

I bet Capello feels like a right cunt - he tells Beckham that he won't play for the club again and will be destined to life in the reserves... then he has to bring him back in, he scores and then is told that he will now play a pivotal role for the rest of the season.

I actually wonder if that decision has come from Capello you know, he doesn't seem like the "eat my own words" sort of guy.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

methinks galactico pressure

[Captain Stu]

methinks galactico pressure

I'd have to agree, although the Galactico mentality has allegedly been quashed... pfffft, as if you can end such a reign. But yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if Van Nistelrooy especially has had a word in a few ears.

[F'jo]

I fuckin hate Emile Heskey, he's such a shit player. He's got strength and all but does he show it, no he's such a lazy fucker!

[Captain Stu]

The worst thing is, if Heskey actually put all his potential to use... I honestly think he could be one of the best players in the world.

He has immense strength, good pace, is capable of making very good runs... but then he counters all that by having the first touch of a trampoline and the general finishing of a sponge.

[F'jo]

The worst thing is, if Heskey actually put all his potential to use... I honestly think he could be one of the best players in the world.

He has immense strength, good pace, is capable of making very good runs... but then he counters all that by having the first touch of a trampoline and the general finishing of a sponge.

Yeah I agree, He should but he ain't, he's utter shit! Couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo from a few feet away. I'm having a hard time trying to think of players like him who are worse.......oh yea Ade Akinbiyi! Good for Bristol City, Moved to Leicester and was shit and has continued to be

[Captain Stu]

People need to stop buying Heskey and claiming he's Premiership standard - he'd be the best striker in the Championship but anything higher than that is totally above his level.

[Captain Stu]

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano is set to be cleared to play for Liverpool within 48 hours after his move from West Ham last month. (Mirror)

But fellow midfielder Iriome Gonzalez has snubbed the chance to join Liverpool from home-town club Tenerife. (Sun)

Blackburn and Middlesbrough will make a move for Burnley's Northern Ireland international striker Kyle Lafferty in the summer. (Mirror)

Portsmouth striker Svetoslav Todorov is set to join Leicester on loan. (Mirror)


OTHER GOSSIP
Former Charlton and Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie is expected to be named the new manager of Coventry. (Various)

Phil Dowd is the worst referee in the Premiership, according to Wigan boss Paul Jewell who says decisions in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal may have cost his relegation-threatened club £50m. (Various)

Kilmarnock's Jim Jeffries was equally scathing of Dougie McDonald after his side's loss to Rangers. "He's the League Cup final referee," said the boss. "I hope he has a better day than he did today against Rangers or it's not worth turning up." (Daily Record)

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton faces an "FA rap" after police saw him gesture abuse at Portsmouth fans following City's 2-1 loss on Saturday. (Various)

The Football Association will discuss the idea that international friendlies be scrapped in favour of training camps. (Guardian)

West Ham's Marlon Harewood was cornered by a group of angry fans as he drove away from the defeat against Watford - in which he missed a penalty. (Mirror)

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who has missed six games in a row, may not make the trip to Cardiff for the Carling Cup final against Arsenal. (Star)

Chelsea are set to create a partnership with American side DC United. (Mail)

David Beckham will get a key role in the rest of Real Madrid's season after his goal-scoring comeback in the club's 2-1 win against Real Sociedad. (Mirror)

Kevin Thomson and Ugo Ehiogu have been ruled out of Rangers' Uefa Cu tie with Hapoel Tel Aviv through injury. (Various)

Hapoel Tel Aviv captain Yossi Abukasis is likely to miss the Uefa Cup tie against Rangers with an ankle injury. (Daily Record)

Craig Gordon's agent has demanded talks with Hearts after the Scotland goalkeeper was left out for the fourth game in a row. (Mail)


AND FINALLY...
David Beckham's future club LA Galaxy hosted 800 players from 20 countries at trials to find new players. (Guardian)

*

Ahahahahaha, bigfatLOLZ @ Coventry. :D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

it's true though, Phil Dowd was awful, if west ham survive relegation by less than 3 points, i'm going to his house with a couple of firebombs

[Captain Stu]

After seeing the "highlights" of that match, Dowd should consider himself fortunate that he's still walking. He barely called a damn thing right.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Best story of the weekend has to be the 'Leeds Mole'

[Captain Stu]

Best story of the weekend has to be the 'Leeds Mole'

The what now?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

A leeds player leaked their line up to Crystal Palace a couple of hours before the match, Wisey wouldn't name names but he said the player won't be playing for Leeds ever again!

[Captain Stu]

Oohhhh, dishy... why the fuck would anyone commit career suicide like that?!

I just checked the Beeb and apparently Peter Taylor has hit back at Wise claiming he over-reacted. I dunno... I personally, as a Manager, would be ultra pissed if one of my players had done something like that. Is Wise expected to just shrug it off? :confused:

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Regarding the Wigan thing: Meh. They were had, it's true, but I don't buy this "Dowd cost us 50 million" bullshit. It's not like they were expecting to get anything out of the match prior to kick off.

[friartuck]

It swings in roundabouts. Over the course of a season the number of decisions that go for you match the number of ones that don't.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

swings in roundabouts

Sounds Xtreme.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

depends though, teams near the bottom do seem to be lacking in the luck department. Watford had only their first penalty of the season on saturday. Last year Millwall had something like 13 red cards, i could show you about 11 of them and i'd bet you wouldn't give a red

[Epic Failure]

It swings in roundabouts. Over the course of a season the number of decisions that go for you match the number of ones that don't.

exactly - last week against boro we had a penalty given against us that was not inside the box. this week we fluke our way out of one being given agin us.

adebayor wasn't off and scored, flamini was and we scored from that instead.

good karma, bad karma - we've evened up from what i can see.

[Epic Failure]

depends though, teams near the bottom do seem to be lacking in the luck department. Watford had only their first penalty of the season on saturday. Last year Millwall had something like 13 red cards, i could show you about 11 of them and i'd bet you wouldn't give a red

i'm not sure - i just think that it seems more obvious with the teams at the bottom because they need those chances so much more.

Case in point - all the fuss about our game has been on how Dowd impacted on Wigan's chances - he disallowed a perfectly legal goal for us but, because we recovered to win any way it's not really much of a story.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Maths, with FooUK:

penalties given:chances in the box.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis has retired from football.

What, just now?

[Captain Stu]

What, just now?

Yeah, he was on the phone to the BBC at the time.

[rob3000]

I thought he retired years ago.

[Bexster]

I thought he retired years ago.
And me. Ah well. He must be about bus pass age by now.

And the whole argument about Dowd being rubbish shouldn't be a reflection of the teams, should it. Yeah, there were laughable decisions (and Lehmann's a twat, please buy Gordon), but at the end of the day, he, and his linesmen are still free to go and fuck up another team's game aren't they.

depends though, teams near the bottom do seem to be lacking in the luck department. Watford had only their first penalty of the season on saturday. Last year Millwall had something like 13 red cards, i could show you about 11 of them and i'd bet you wouldn't give a red
I reckon so. I've seen so many games involving teams in relegation places where it really just doesn't go their way at all.

[Wish_Master2100]

I definately think that the bigger teams, and the bigger players are proctected too much. Even Fifa and Uefa encourage this, which is bollocks.

Imagine if they recruit referees like they do with jurys?

They'd have no prior knowledge of any team, any player or more importantly, any reputation.

Of course that will be impossible, but thats the only way you'd get a 100% impartial referee.

[Bexster]

I definately think that the bigger teams, and the bigger players are proctected too much. Even Fifa and Uefa encourage this, which is bollocks.
Yeah, it is bollocks. Why shouldn't they muck in like the rest of them.

Imagine if they recruit referees like they do with jurys?

They'd have no prior knowledge of any team, any player or more importantly, any reputation.

Of course that will be impossible, but thats the only way you'd get a 100% impartial referee.
Agreed again. You'll never get 100% impartiality, but at the moment, there are huge mistakes being made by referees, and there is almost always no obvious punishment/reprimands being made. A player does something wrong, and they get quite publically punished. A referee does it, and if anything is done, no one ever sees it (one notible exception, is the constant demotion of Uriah Rennie, although he just keeps coming back to cock up time and time again...) Nothing is ever done to keep referees at an acceptable standard. They don't have to be 100%. Nobody is, but they just have to be seen to be being kept in line within their jobs.

[Captain Stu]

Well, I just saw some interesting statistics on SSN:

Penalties awarded at home:

Arsenal - 6 for, 1 against.
Chelsea - 1 for, 0 against.
Liverpool - 1 for, 0 against.
Man United - 3 for, 2 against.

Jeebus.

They showed replays of the cup game last season when Dowd didn't give Wigan THREE blatant penalties against Arsenal.

[Captain Stu]

Bloody hell, apparently Dowd was dropping the F bomb a lot yesterday at both sets of players!

[timesfooall]

Bloody hell, apparently Dowd was dropping the F bomb a lot yesterday at both sets of players!

Yep, and Paul Jewell is spot on. If Dowd reports him for swearing then he will report Dowd. Cant have double stadards which is too true. To be honest Dowd is shit.

[Renegades of funk 8]

To be honest Dowd is shit.

they're all shit, and i'm all for managers standing up and making themselves heard

[Wish_Master2100]

they're all shit, and i'm all for managers standing up and making themselves heard

Yeah me too, didn't like Paul Jewell until yesterday. Gained alot of respect for him.

[EvilElvis]

To be honest Dowd is shit.


Just be grateful you don't have Dougie McDonald. He was the ref in the Rangers game yesterday and was fucking woeful

[Epic Failure]

Well, I just saw some interesting statistics on SSN:

Penalties awarded at home:

Arsenal - 6 for, 1 against.
Chelsea - 1 for, 0 against.
Liverpool - 1 for, 0 against.
Man United - 3 for, 2 against.

Jeebus.

They showed replays of the cup game last season when Dowd didn't give Wigan THREE blatant penalties against Arsenal.

they still won:(

to be honest the penalties thing can be a bit misleading. I mean with the quality of team etc you are always going to see teams like united, arsenal etc attack more than the opposition and therefore they are more likely to have chances in the box, increasing chances that the could be brought down.

[Epic Failure]

Yeah me too, didn't like Paul Jewell until yesterday. Gained alot of respect for him.

i gained no respect for jewell(he still behaved out of order in the interviews) but lost any that i might have had for Dowd.