The Footie (UK) Thread: 2006/07 [Archive] - Page 45

Captain Stu

March 14th 2007, 02:29 PM

92% of fans want to see Terraces make a return (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6444083.stm)

Nope, never. As much as I LOVED the atmosphere of standing on the Kop, it's too dangerous. Terraces need to be relegated to the past and stay there.

That example they give of Cardiff is a bit shit because, if they ever make it to the Premiership, they HAVE to become an all-seater. That's the rule, there's no terraces allowed in the English top-flight anymore.

Gentles added that a recent "state of the game" survey found the right to stand was the second most important issue for fans after ticket prices.

Well, to me, those people need a fucking reality check. I can think of far more important things that need to be addressed:

1. Diving.
2. The horrendous state of non-Bex refereeing.
3. Ticket prices.
4. The ever-increasing lack of saturday 3pm kickoffs.

And Navarro banned for 7 months for the punch (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6425359.stm)

A 7 month EUROPEAN ban? That's fucking pathetic! He should be given an all-matches ban, what he did was fucking assault someone who wasn't even looking.

Good. Now apply that logic to anyone else that throws a proper punch in football.

Fo sho.

boxshapedheart

March 14th 2007, 02:34 PM

2. The horrendous state of non-Bex refereeing.

Bex, please clone yourself.

Bexster

March 14th 2007, 02:42 PM

Nope, never. As much as I LOVED the atmosphere of standing on the Kop, it's too dangerous. Terraces need to be relegated to the past and stay there.
Oh yeah, I do agree with that. As I said before, down in the conference, you don't get the crowds or the problems, and we don't have barriers keeping people in either, but when you get up higher, and you get the people in, terracing is no good.

That example they give of Cardiff is a bit shit because, if they ever make it to the Premiership, they HAVE to become an all-seater. That's the rule, there's no terraces allowed in the English top-flight anymore.
The guy teaching us for our NVQ is running the safety team at the new Wembley. He used to steward down Ninian (used to go there as a kid) and says it's a horrible place for a steward to work. He also says the stewards are crap down there.

Well, to me, those people need a fucking reality check. I can think of far more important things that need to be addressed:

1. Diving.
2. The horrendous state of non-Bex refereeing.
3. Ticket prices.
4. The ever-increasing lack of saturday 3pm kickoffs.
I agree there completely.

Bex, please clone yourself.
There are so many pro's and con's to that point, I don't know where to begin. But I do really like the idea :D

Captain Stu

March 14th 2007, 02:58 PM

Two-Bob Peeters

March 14th 2007, 03:01 PM

well, every time some cunt falls over in front of me i stand up to shout abuse at them anyway!

Bexster

March 14th 2007, 03:02 PM

I would gladly sit down in a teeny cramped seat if it meant the prices were more realistic, the play wasn't constantly interrupted by nonces and I didn't have to worry about every little foul/penalty/contact being analysed to fuck for it being so wrong. I bet we're all the same.
Yeah. That sounds good to me. It would be a much better experience all round that way.

Stu, did you know that apprently Liverpool don't pay their stewards? They reckon that the fact that they are at Anfield during a game, even though they can't really watch it, is payment enough!

well, every time some cunt falls over in front of me i stand up to shout abuse at them anyway!
You can get chucked out at Swansea for 'persistant standing' :)

Two-Bob Peeters

March 14th 2007, 03:22 PM

You can get chucked out at Swansea for 'persistant standing' :)

that's a proper Liberty, that is.

(ARF!)

boxshapedheart

March 14th 2007, 03:26 PM

that's a proper Liberty, that is.

(ARF!)
haha, oh dear..

******

Reds owners suspend stadium work (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6450893.stm)

Liverpool's new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have suspended work on their proposed new stadium and ordered a review of the plans.
BBC Sport understands the pair want to examine ways of increasing the 60,000 capacity of the arena in Stanley Park.

Liverpool have targeted 2009 as an opening date for the stadium, but if major changes are made, there would need to be a new planning application.

This may result in a delay, although the original date may yet be met.

Liverpool have yet to confirm the decision to suspend preparatory work on the #215m project, but BBC Sport believes the club's hierarchy regards the move as a sign of the ambition of Gillett and Hicks rather than any move to back away from the original plan.

And it is understood the review will take ''weeks rather than months'', allowing work on any new plans to get under way as soon as possible.

An increased capacity will be one of the plans under discussion during the review, but this is not a guarantee that this will happen.

Captain Stu

March 14th 2007, 03:32 PM

Stu, did you know that apprently Liverpool don't pay their stewards? They reckon that the fact that they are at Anfield during a game, even though they can't really watch it, is payment enough!

You can get chucked out at Swansea for 'persistant standing' :)

REALLY? All the stewards around where me/my Dad sits spend most of the game watching! :D There's not too much trouble... or none that I've really seen... in the Kop. But that seems a bit weird, I'd do it for free though, just to be at my spiritual home.

You get chucked out at Anfield for persistent standing too, it's the same punishment as racial abuse and all that malarky which, frankly, I think is a bit shit to suggest that both "offenses" are on a level pegging.

Reds owners suspend stadium work (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6450893.stm)

Liverpool's new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have suspended work on their proposed new stadium and ordered a review of the plans.
BBC Sport understands the pair want to examine ways of increasing the 60,000 capacity of the arena in Stanley Park.

Liverpool have targeted 2009 as an opening date for the stadium, but if major changes are made, there would need to be a new planning application.

This may result in a delay, although the original date may yet be met.

Liverpool have yet to confirm the decision to suspend preparatory work on the #215m project, but BBC Sport believes the club's hierarchy regards the move as a sign of the ambition of Gillett and Hicks rather than any move to back away from the original plan.

And it is understood the review will take ''weeks rather than months'', allowing work on any new plans to get under way as soon as possible.

An increased capacity will be one of the plans under discussion during the review, but this is not a guarantee that this will happen.

Well, if waiting another 12 months means we can get more seats in, I'm all for it. If we're gonna move, let's do it 100% properly.

To be honest, I was waiting for this - one of them made his multi-million dollar fortune from construction, specialising in sporting grounds, so he knows a thing or two and I didn't think it'd be too long before they had the ol' blueprints out checking every last detail.

boxshapedheart

March 14th 2007, 03:38 PM

yeah that's true. There isn't really any rush, and the more you can get in at this point, the better. Don't wanna get it open, then have to start thinking about expanding one end straight away.

Captain Stu

March 14th 2007, 03:39 PM

yeah that's true. There isn't really any rush, and the more you can get in at this point, the better. Don't wanna get it open, then have to start thinking about expanding one end straight away.

Sexactly, we're in this to build the best stadium (at least the best domestic one) in the country... and that means we have to gazump the Emirates - so we should take our time now that we have both the financial backing AND the construction know-how to do it properly.

I can see us edging from 60,000 up to about 65,000 or more now if this happens. :)

rob3000

March 14th 2007, 04:30 PM

Anfield stewards do get paid.:confused:

As for ring of fire, I'm pretty sure it's because Liverpool played in a stadium nicknamed Ring of Fire. Can't remember which team it was though.

friartuck

March 14th 2007, 05:11 PM

Sexactly, we're in this to build the best stadium (at least the best domestic one) in the country... and that means we have to gazump the Emirates - so we should take our time now that we have both the financial backing AND the construction know-how to do it properly.

I can see us edging from 60,000 up to about 65,000 or more now if this happens. :)

And then your stadium will be like a library just like ours!

Peace77

March 14th 2007, 06:00 PM

I am starstruck after last night seeing Lawro and Hansen waiting in the Sleepmasters car park to get picked up after the Man United match.

Bexster

March 14th 2007, 06:10 PM

that's a proper Liberty, that is.

(ARF!)
I know you spent so long thinking that one up :p

REALLY? All the stewards around where me/my Dad sits spend most of the game watching! :D There's not too much trouble... or none that I've really seen... in the Kop. But that seems a bit weird, I'd do it for free though, just to be at my spiritual home.

You get chucked out at Anfield for persistent standing too, it's the same punishment as racial abuse and all that malarky which, frankly, I think is a bit shit to suggest that both "offenses" are on a level pegging.
Yeah, it's bizarre, but then with racial abuse, it gets taken further, ie. to the police, whereas persistant standing doesn't always follow with further action, unless it keeps happening.

Anfield stewards do get paid.:confused:
Well, my tutor did say he wasn't 100% sure if it was still the case, but it definitely was up until a few years ago.

rob3000

March 14th 2007, 06:25 PM

Ah, I know a few people who used to steward and they deffo pay these days, it's not much though!

F'jo

March 14th 2007, 06:50 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6452013.stm

umm what?! making our game more americanised, well done. Just leave it as draws

sunnydalehighdropout

March 14th 2007, 06:51 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6452013.stm

umm what?! making our game more americanised, well done. Just leave it as draws

In the words of the internet, "Lol".

Wish_Master2100

March 14th 2007, 07:02 PM

As for ring of fire, I'm pretty sure it's because Liverpool played in a stadium nicknamed Ring of Fire. Can't remember which team it was though.

Thats the only reason I can think of too.

rob3000

March 14th 2007, 08:40 PM

This spurs game just got interesting.

andrewdunne

March 14th 2007, 08:42 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6452013.stm

umm what?! making our game more americanised, well done. Just leave it as draws

Never gonna happen. Even MLS got rid of it a year or 2 ago didn't they? And we know how much Americans hate draws!

sunnydalehighdropout

March 14th 2007, 08:43 PM

belter of a free kick.

no direction, no aim, just pure power. even if the keeper had got his body behind that it would have gone in.

Wish_Master2100

March 14th 2007, 08:44 PM

belter of a free kick.

no direction, no aim, just pure power. even if the keeper had got his body behind that it would have gone in.

The the 'Preditor shot' in Adidas Power Soccer!

stu250

March 14th 2007, 08:46 PM

the rough figures are that anfields capacity is just under 45000 at present. this is made up of 28,000 season tickets and 17,000 gen. release/away fans/corporate etc.
the original 60,000 would have accomodated an additional 15,000 season ticket applications and the gen. release share would stay the same.
the 60,000 limit was determined by the infrastructure around the ground (bus, rail links etc).
however, george and tom have since found out that there are 56,000 pending season ticket applications and to take just 15,000 of them is missing out on a huge amount of income.
the new proposal is an increase to 80,000 which would still leave 21,000 season ticket requests pending.
also, this would guarantee 63,000 season ticket holders every week plus the general release tickets for away supporters etc.

oh yeah, and lfc do pay their stewards because they are meant to watch the crowd, not the game.

stu.

EvilElvis

March 14th 2007, 08:57 PM

Goot alove the BBC guys..
2142: Manchester City defender Micah Richards starts a slightly ridiculous shoving match with Chelsea's Didier Drogba. Joey Barton acts as peacemaker. Which is not something you write every day.

Bexster

March 14th 2007, 08:59 PM

oh yeah, and lfc do pay their stewards because they are meant to watch the crowd, not the game.

stu.
'Ang on. I did say they never used to but we weren't sure now...

And it's important to watch the game as well as the crowd, because knowing the way the game is going gives insight into how the crowd is going to behave. About 60/40.

rob3000

March 14th 2007, 08:59 PM

What...80,000? Fuck that.

Wish_Master2100

March 14th 2007, 09:10 PM

It'll be 65,000 maximum. Anything bigger and it'd be just like a wind tunnel.

Wish_Master2100

March 14th 2007, 09:42 PM

Sorry if this has been posted, but
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6452013.stm

No way. Football is not Ice Hockey and vice versa.

Captain Stu

March 14th 2007, 09:51 PM

And then your stadium will be like a library just like ours!

Nevah!! :mad:

I am starstruck after last night seeing Lawro and Hansen waiting in the Sleepmasters car park to get picked up after the Man United match.

OH MAN! I wouldn't have been able to contain myself, I need to say "diabolical" to Hansen and punch Lawro in the face.

the rough figures are that anfields capacity is just under 45000 at present. this is made up of 28,000 season tickets and 17,000 gen. release/away fans/corporate etc.
the original 60,000 would have accomodated an additional 15,000 season ticket applications and the gen. release share would stay the same.
the 60,000 limit was determined by the infrastructure around the ground (bus, rail links etc).
however, george and tom have since found out that there are 56,000 pending season ticket applications and to take just 15,000 of them is missing out on a huge amount of income.
the new proposal is an increase to 80,000 which would still leave 21,000 season ticket requests pending.
also, this would guarantee 63,000 season ticket holders every week plus the general release tickets for away supporters etc.

Never, if they try to re-do the capacity that much - we'll lose planning permission and have to reapply and, keep in mind, we've already had one application for 70,000+ rejected.

What...80,000? Fuck that.

Exactly, it'll be sterile as fuck. It'll be 65,000 to 67,000, something like that.

Sorry if this has been posted, but
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6452013.stm

No way. Football is not Ice Hockey and vice versa.

That is absolutely fucking bollocks.

While it would be nice to not have to worry about draws and replays and shit, that's part of the attraction of, say, the FA Cup! A minnow team can get a big replay up at a Premiership ground and make enough money to pay their wages for the next year or two. It's classic.

Fuck this faux-Hockey idea. Whoever suggested this probably agrees with this shitty idea that a lack of terracing is the worst thing affecting football at the moment. :rolleyes:

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 14th 2007, 10:35 PM

Possibly the most retarded idea of all time. To quote the fella on Radio 5, in theory a team could win the title without scoring a single outfield goal.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 14th 2007, 11:54 PM

how on earth can you get rid of draws

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 01:17 AM

It isn't even worth thinking about - no draws at all? So you either win or lose, that's it? Only a fucking Yank could come up with an idea like that.

EvilElvis

March 15th 2007, 06:33 AM

Stupid greasy spanish waiters! :mad:

And I hate the french bastards known as Arsenal! :mad:

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 07:25 AM

the rough figures are that anfields capacity is just under 45000 at present. this is made up of 28,000 season tickets and 17,000 gen. release/away fans/corporate etc.
the original 60,000 would have accomodated an additional 15,000 season ticket applications and the gen. release share would stay the same.
the 60,000 limit was determined by the infrastructure around the ground (bus, rail links etc).
however, george and tom have since found out that there are 56,000 pending season ticket applications and to take just 15,000 of them is missing out on a huge amount of income.
the new proposal is an increase to 80,000 which would still leave 21,000 season ticket requests pending.
also, this would guarantee 63,000 season ticket holders every week plus the general release tickets for away supporters etc.

Apologies, apparently a figure of 80,000 IS indeed what's being batted around at the moment.

I don't know if I like that.

stu250

March 15th 2007, 08:02 AM

apology accepted. as i said, with 63,000 season ticket holders bought up and another 21,000 on the list, if the additional ticket allocation doesn't get snapped up by away fans and hospitality, then the general sale will finish them of. i really dont see this as a problem. all the yanks are doing is meeting the demand and also keeping the waiting list active aswell

stu.

p.s. i bet someone in liverpool city council is on for the biggest brown envelope seen in history if this one gets signed off - in weeks more than months.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 08:04 AM

p.s. i bet someone in liverpool city council is on for the biggest brown envelope seen in history if this one gets signed off - in weeks more than months.

For sure, but I imagine it'd have to be a lot more corporate than that - maybe the council would get discounted rates for any of the facilities at the new complex.

One thing that we can guarentee about a bigger stadium, we would be filling it with season ticket holders who want to be in the stands - not corporate shitheads like the prawn sandwich brigade or the pizza hut clan. :D

stu250

March 15th 2007, 08:14 AM

the only thing that worries me, and this was mentioned to me on sunday, was that the american way of doing things is to sell the name of the ground a la, emirates stadium, the reebok etc.

problem 1 is it then ceases to be called anfield.
problem 2 is finding a good sponsor.

stu.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 08:37 AM

Oh it won't technically be called Anfield, there's no way, but it'll always be Anfield. Home is where your fans are.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 15th 2007, 08:41 AM

One thing that we can guarentee about a bigger stadium, we would be filling it with season ticket holders who want to be in the stands - not corporate shitheads like the prawn sandwich brigade or the pizza hut clan. :D

how can you be entirely sure? from a director or corporate point of view, it'd make a lot of sense the have those seats for the extra income.

*

two more articles on the BBC worth reading. first one about the terracing debate which i think is well put, why for example is it safe at Man City to stand at concerts but not at football matches etc. http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A20759600

and the other a terrible piece about someone agreeing with the no draws system, i think pretty much every comment about it ahs the word 'stupid' in it http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A20770535?s_fromedit=1

boxshapedheart

March 15th 2007, 08:43 AM

That draw shit is all indeed a load of bollocks. Leave the game alone!

Millwall after ol' Teddy Teddy are they?

Two-Bob Peeters

March 15th 2007, 08:47 AM

Millwall after ol' Teddy Teddy are they?

he's turned us down twice so far this season. I don't want the Judas cunt back. Neil Harris >>>>>>>> Ted

boxshapedheart

March 15th 2007, 08:54 AM

he's turned us down twice so far this season. I don't want the Judas cunt back. Neil Harris >>>>>>>> Ted
Yeah it's prolly for the best. I wouldn't see the appeal of getting Sheringham now.

Watched second half of Citeh - Chelski last night. It pained me to be willing City on... They really should have done more, but just weren't getting shots on target. Dunne and Barton played well though.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 08:56 AM

how can you be entirely sure? from a director or corporate point of view, it'd make a lot of sense the have those seats for the extra income.

Well, we can't, but with a season ticket waiting list the size of ours, it's not as if they're just blindly hoping to fill these extra seats with season ticket holders. The waiting list is obscene and this move would give so many people the chance to get to home games week in, week out. I dunno how the corporate system works - I'd imagine there's a lot more money in it but you also have to invest a lot more money in the boxes because of the upkeep, the extra staffing they require, food and drink, maintenance and such.

For the record, I fucking hate corporate boxes. I was in the Scottish Power one at Anfield - located right on the half way line - and, while I had an absolutely beautiful meal and a nice cuppa at half time was lovely, having the sound piped in through speakers was terrible. No atmosphere, no feel, no intensity. Utter garbage, I'd say the growing number of suits at games is another problem we need to look at before terracing.

two more articles on the BBC worth reading. first one about the terracing debate which i think is well put, why for example is it safe at Man City to stand at concerts but not at football matches etc. http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A20759600

BBC Sport rules all. :cool:

That terracing article makes a very good point, to put such a bold line between football and music fans makes absolutely no sense.

Some of my greatest football memories are of prolonged periods of standing. My best matches would problably be the Barca and Roma matches at Anfield in the 2001 Treble season - we stood for 90 minutes, ignoring the tannoy annoouncements, and sang, jumped and cheered. It was a true hair-raising moment.

They make a good point about the grounds being death-traps. They were. Enclosing people behind solid metal fences was an accident waiting to happen and MAYBE it would be possible to do it properly now but, that said, the daft bastards can't even bring in goal-line technology without everyone getting sand in their vaginas so how could they possibly bring this idea forward?

I can't see it happening, ever. As much as we might like to think that football attracts a better class of people, I think it's more a case of the same people are coming but they're being forced to sit down.

Can you imagine what would happen to English football if, God forbid, terracing came back and there was another Hillsborough? It isn't worth thinking about.

I saw first hand the aftermath of Hillsborough, it can never be forgotten why those changes came around and it can never be allowed to happen again as far as I'm concerned.

and the other a terrible piece about someone agreeing with the no draws system, i think pretty much every comment about it ahs the word 'stupid' in it http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A20770535?s_fromedit=1

I can't understand why anyone would think it's so cut and dry to say "draws are boring". Sometimes a 0-0 draw can be a lot more exciting than a 4-0 drubbing. Look at the Chelsea-Spurs game the other day! Under this Yank cunt rule, that game would've been ruined. Same with United and Boro.

They really should have done more, but just weren't getting shots on target.

Story of their season: Dunne and Distin try their best to bolster the defence, Richards becomes an effective link between defense and midfield, Barton breaks down as much as he can and then... NOTHING. They've got nobody creative who can turn a game on its head and sure as hell nobody who can score a goal.

City need to get rid of Corradi, Samaras and the rest of their foreign lazy cunt patrol and bring in someone more suitable. I like Vassel but relying on him for 20 goals a season is retarded. I think he's best utilised as a winger because of his immense pace and ability to run at people, at top speed, for 90 minutes and cause them problems.

Bexster

March 15th 2007, 09:00 AM

That draw shit is all indeed a load of bollocks. Leave the game alone!
Couldn't have put it any better myself :D

I still call Emirates Highbury, or occasionally Highbury 2, so Anfield 2 will always be another Anfield in spirit.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 09:01 AM

Couldn't have put it any better myself :D

I still call Emirates Highbury, or occasionally Highbury 2, so Anfield 2 will always be another Anfield in spirit.

Yeah, I've pre-dubbed it New Anfield. :cool:

Two-Bob Peeters

March 15th 2007, 09:09 AM

Well, we can't, but with a season ticket waiting list the size of ours, it's not as if they're just blindly hoping to fill these extra seats with season ticket holders. The waiting list is obscene and this move would give so many people the chance to get to home games week in, week out. I dunno how the corporate system works - I'd imagine there's a lot more money in it but you also have to invest a lot more money in the boxes because of the upkeep, the extra staffing they require, food and drink, maintenance and such.

Arsenal have a high waiting list, and i can't imagine how big Man Utds is, i'd imagine there will be a few suits seats, but luckily as a domestic stadium (rather than the new wembley) the owners should know it's a bad move to have too many.

BBC Sport rules all. :cool:

That terracing article makes a very good point, to put such a bold line between football and music fans makes absolutely no sense.

They make a good point about the grounds being death-traps. They were. Enclosing people behind solid metal fences was an accident waiting to happen and MAYBE it would be possible to do it properly now but, that said, the daft bastards can't even bring in goal-line technology without everyone getting sand in their vaginas so how could they possibly bring this idea forward?

Can you imagine what would happen to English football if, God forbid, terracing came back and there was another Hillsborough? It isn't worth thinking about.

I saw first hand the aftermath of Hillsborough, it can never be forgotten why those changes came around and it can never be allowed to happen again as far as I'm concerned.

The thing is though, the Taylor report even says, Hillsborough wasn't caused by the fact there was terracing, even if there was seats in that stand the sheer amount of people would have caused a crush, like for example the Man Utd v Lille game.

luckily there aren't anymore perimeter fences in England, i can't believe anyone would ever have thought they was a good idea!

I think terracing would work, but it has to be planned and stewarded properly, although i agree with you, that everything we do regarding football in thsi country is two-bob, and iut would probably take an age to plan anyway...

City need to get rid of Corradi, Samaras and the rest of their foreign lazy cunt patrol and bring in someone more suitable. I like Vassel but relying on him for 20 goals a season is retarded. I think he's best utilised as a winger because of his immense pace and ability to run at people, at top speed, for 90 minutes and cause them problems.

I do like Samaras, i think he's mighty talented, but he's one lazy little shite

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 09:14 AM

Arsenal have a high waiting list, and i can't imagine how big Man Utds is, i'd imagine there will be a few suits seats, but luckily as a domestic stadium (rather than the new wembley) the owners should know it's a bad move to have too many.

United's must be gigantic... and I'd put money on over 75% of them being cockney businessmen or Asians. :D

The thing is though, the Taylor report even says, Hillsborough wasn't caused by the fact there was terracing, even if there was seats in that stand the sheer amount of people would have caused a crush, like for example the Man Utd v Lille game.

luckily there aren't anymore perimeter fences in England, i can't believe anyone would ever have thought they was a good idea!

I think terracing would work, but it has to be planned and stewarded properly, although i agree with you, that everything we do regarding football in thsi country is two-bob, and iut would probably take an age to plan anyway...

True, I suppose that if Hillsborough had happened in a seated area, it probably would've been worse because of the extra space taken up by the seats.

Now that those awful fences have gone, it IS a shame that we can't have terraces because - without them - if there was any trouble, it'd be simple enough for stewards to spill the crowd onto the pitch. But, as you say, the extra brain-power and man-power it'd take to set that all up and keep it running at 100% is probably beyond the reach of an FA so inept that they're still paying their ex-manager now and couldn't even build a new stadium on-time, within budget and without controversy even though Arsenal far surpassed them on that.

It'd just be too risky, you know every cunt would be trying to run onto the pitch and, of course, then there's an added security risk for the players and officials on the pitch.

I do like Samaras, i think he's mighty talented, but he's one lazy little shite

He's got skillz, yeah, but his head's too far up his arse. Corradi's a fucking chump, he's just a shaven ape.

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 15th 2007, 10:07 AM

Why are people talking about David Nugent for England? We're not going to get anywhere in any competition with players who aren't playing top flight, preferably European football week in week out.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 10:11 AM

No idea, Rooney and Crouch is still (probably) our best bet and then we have Defoe and Bent if we need to change things. There's Cuntychops Johnson too.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 15th 2007, 10:17 AM

don't forget a fit Michael Owen

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 10:48 AM

don't forget a fit Michael Owen

Don't be silly, that's just an urban myth.

friartuck

March 15th 2007, 10:50 AM

No idea, Rooney and Crouch is still (probably) our best bet

Poor pairing, but it's the best you've got. Hell I'd take our pairing of Keane and Doyle ahead of that one. England aren't in the best of shape squad-wise but it'll probably be enough to overcome the next two opponents. Speaking of Ireland I'm looking forward to seeing them play in Croke Park. Pity they'll probably lose at least one of the games because of shit head Stan Staunton and his complete lack of managerial know-how.

About the new Anfield: It's a possibility that the atmosphere won't be lost on a new Stadium. The fans put as much stock in this kind of thing as Celtic fans who have a big place to fill with noise and manage it better than anyone. Unfortunately a great atmosphere doesn't seem to go hand in hand with financial growth whereas corporate hand-shaking does. And if Liverpool want to mix with the big boys year in year out on the domestic front they may have to forego some of that famous atmosphere for a taste of Premiership success.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 10:54 AM

Poor pairing, but it's the best you've got. Hell I'd take our pairing of Keane and Doyle ahead of that one. England aren't in the best of shape squad-wise but it'll probably be enough to overcome the next two opponents. Speaking of Ireland I'm looking forward to seeing them play in Croke Park. Pity they'll probably lose at least one of the games because of shit head Stan Staunton and his complete lack of managerial know-how.

Yeah, Rooney needs a fast forward who can hold the line well to play off... Crouch can hold the line well but he's too slow to run past 99% of defenders and Defoe/Bent are fast but don't really have the tactical know-how to be as effective up front. I doubt we'll ever see a 100% fit Michael Owen, he's absolutely nothing compared to what he used to be.

I cannot put into words how much I love Doyle right now, he's fantastic... and I also cannot put into words how much I hate Stan. :D

About the new Anfield: It's a possibility that the atmosphere won't be lost on a new Stadium. The fans put as much stock in this kind of thing as Celtic fans who have a big place to fill with noise and manage it better than anyone. Unfortunately a great atmosphere doesn't seem to go hand in hand with financial growth whereas corporate hand-shaking does. And if Liverpool want to mix with the big boys year in year out on the domestic front they may have to forego some of that famous atmosphere for a taste of Premiership success.

Celtic, that's actually a good example - 60,000 and surely one of the most atmospheric grounds in the UK.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 10:55 AM

Oh yeah, I knew I came here to share something:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N155274070315-0937.htm

Liverpool Football Club has announced it has formed an affiliation with the Long Island Junior Soccer League in New York.

Formed in 1966 as a non-profit educational organisation, the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) is now one of the largest youth football leagues in America and the first to form an association with a top European club.

The link up between the Reds and the LIJSL will enable more than 70,000 children and thousands of volunteer coaches of LIJSL to have direct access to Liverpool's expertise; LIJSL players will be able to attend the Liverpool Academy, coaches will be able to visit and attend classes at the Academy and Liverpool will send coaches to the States to teach LIJSL coaches.

On Friday night a video message from Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard was aired at the league's Annual Convention. "On behalf of the Liverpool Football Club I would like to express how excited we are for the opportunity to develop a relationship with the LIJSL," claimed Gerrard.

"Both of our organisations have long traditions and a history to be proud of and I am confident that all LIJSL players, whether they be playing for fun or in an elite development program, will prosper in some way.”

The alliance, put in place by Steve Heighway, is backed by adidas, sponsors of both Liverpool and the LIJSL.

"This strategic alliance will allow Liverpool FC to extend their brand in the US through one of the most influential youth leagues in America, while allowing the LIJSL to learn from one of the most successful clubs in the world," said Aaron Barrett of adidas America.

Hopefully now we can show the damn Yanks how to play FOOTBALL.

*
*
*

Also, The Actim Index has compiled a list of the "best" Premiership players at the moment. This is calculated by goals, shots, passes, dribbles, assists, tackles, crosses, saves, clearances, blocks, interceptions, time on the pitch and the number of points gained by a player's team. Marks are deducted for red and yellow cards.

1. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)
3. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
4. Mikel Arteta (Everton)
5. Gareth Barry (Villa)
6. Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)
7. Dimitar Berbatov (Spurs)
8. Steve Finnan (Liverpool)
9. Benni Mccarthy (Blackburn)
10. Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
11. El-Hadji Diouf (Bolton)
12. Gary Neville (Man Utd)
13. Ryan Giggs (Man Utd)
14. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
15. Edwin Van Der Sar (Man Utd)
16. Andy Johnson (Everton)
17. Marcus Hahnemann (Reading)
18. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
19. Paul Scholes (Man Utd)
20. Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)
26. Pepe Reina (Liverpool)
31. Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool)
32. Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)

Yay for Stevie Finn, the best defender in the Premiership. :)

friartuck

March 15th 2007, 10:58 AM

Celtic, that's actually a good example - 60,000 and surely one of the most atmospheric grounds in the UK.

Watching a bunch of suits in the corporate stand singing You'll Never Walk Alone is quite an experience.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 11:14 AM

To continue... (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6453311.stm)

Football managers and chairmen have laughed off proposals to decide drawn Football League games with a penalty shoot-out.

League chairman Lord Mawhinney wants to introduce shoot-outs to allocate a bonus point at the end of a drawn game.

Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown has described the plans as "a crackpot idea" and his Cardiff counterpart Peter Risdale thinks it is a "nonsense idea".

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock said he "detests penalty shoot-outs".
The Blades boss added: "They have probably got little else to discuss on the agenda if that is the main directive.

"I don't see anything wrong with the Championship.

"If they want to titivate and mess about they should try to get to Fifa and get the divers and the people who are injured treated while the game is in progress to get the game moving quicker.

"They should try to do constructive things."

Bluebirds chairman Ridsdale is adamant that introducing a penalty shoot-out would not improve football as a spectacle.

"It won't make the game more exciting," he added.

"People will come to Cardiff, stick 11 men behind the ball hoping for a draw and the try to beat us on penalties."

Lansdown told BBC Radio Four: "I think it came from one of Lord Mawhinney's 'eureka!' moments.

"Chairmen I've spoken to think on the same lines as me, and managers make it clear it's not something they'd want."

The Football League will discuss the proposal at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday and if it gains enough support it will go forward as a motion to change the rules at the League's annual general meeting in June.

Under the proposal, both sides will still get a point from a draw, but at the end of the game a penalty shoot-out will provide a bonus point.
Lansdown added: "We should never try to dissuade people from coming up with ideas on how to improve the game and we shouldn't be scared to implement new ideas.
"The idea is to makes games more exciting and get a result, but you can meddle too much.

"I think the way the League is structured at the moment with three points for a win and a point for a draw there's plenty of opportunity to get excitement into the game.

"A good score draw is as exciting as a win sometimes.
"Thinking back to a couple of our games this season against Cheltenham and Bournemouth where we came back from 2-0 down to get a draw.
"Both sets of fans left those two games happy, the opposition supporters because they had got a point from a team at the top of the table, and ours because we came back from two goals down and it felt like a win."

As much as I hate Warnock, he's spot on with that bolded bit.

rob3000

March 15th 2007, 11:55 AM

I'm concerned about the 80,000 stadium idea, surely that's too big to be able to recreate the atmosphere we have now (which is getting better, the last few years it's been dead at the lower games).

Hmmm Noodle Soup

March 15th 2007, 06:49 PM

1. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)
3. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
4. Mikel Arteta (Everton)
5. Gareth Barry (Villa)
6. Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)
7. Dimitar Berbatov (Spurs)
8. Steve Finnan (Liverpool)
9. Benni Mccarthy (Blackburn)
10. Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
11. El-Hadji Diouf (Bolton)
12. Gary Neville (Man Utd)
13. Ryan Giggs (Man Utd)
14. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
15. Edwin Van Der Sar (Man Utd)
16. Andy Johnson (Everton)
17. Marcus Hahnemann (Reading)
18. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
19. Paul Scholes (Man Utd)
20. Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)
26. Pepe Reina (Liverpool)
31. Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool)

Good to see Berbatov as the highest placed striker apart from the top 2 teams. He is different class and one of Europe's best right now.

Captain Stu

March 15th 2007, 07:17 PM

He's been excellent this season, no doubt and not just scoring goals - he works so well with Lennon and particular.

Captain Stu

March 16th 2007, 07:50 AM

Juventus held talks with the agent of Chelsea star Frank Lampard. (The Sun)

The Italian side are plotting a £70m raid on the Premiership - with Lampard, Arsenal's Gilberto Silva and Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze on their hit-list. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has blamed the club's failure to buy anyone in the January transfer market on owner Roman Abramovich's marital problems. (Daily Mail)

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko says he has no plans to quit the club and loves working for manager Jose Mourinho. (Daily Star)

Spanish reports have claimed Real Madrid are to go all out to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer and they have a verbal agreement with the Manchester United winger. (The Guardian)

Liverpool are weighing up a summer move for Tottenham's in-form striker Dimitar Berbatov, with Peter Crouch possibly moving back to White Hart Lane. (The Independent)

Everton are set to sign Swindon teenager Lukas Jutkiewicz in the summer for £500,000. (Various)

Gillingham midfielder Matt Jarvis will join Nottingham Forest in the summer after rejecting a new deal. (Daily Star)

Plymouth are set to lose Tony Capaldi after contract negotiations broke down. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP
Angry Premiership clubs have threatened to ban promotion to the Premiership if penalty shootouts are brought in to decide Football League games. (The Sun)

Fulham manager Chris Coleman will be the surprise name on Manchester City's shortlist if they decide to sack Stuart Pearce. (The Guardian)

Pearce will be given a £100,000 pay-off from City - even though he is not entitled to compensation. (The Sun)

Reading manager Steve Coppell will break the habit of a lifetime by signing a two-year contract with the Royals. (Daily Star, Sun)

Manchester United are down to the bare bones for their crucial Premiership tie with Bolton this weekend. (Daily Express)

Defender Rio Ferdinand is an injury worry for United and England as he has suffered a cracked rib. (The Sun)

Manchester United keeper Ben Foster, who is on loan at Watford, will be given a new contract at Old Trafford this summer. (Daily Mirror)

England manager Steve McClaren will have just one full-scale practice session before their crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel. (Daily Express)
Joe Kinnear and Mick Harford have emerged as the favourites to succeed the sacked Mike Newell at Luton. (Daily Mirror)

The Football Association is considering hosting both FA Cup semi-finals at Villa Park this season. (The Guardian)

Arsenal's majority shareholder Danny Fiszman made a £3.9m killing by selling off some of his stake in the club. (The Times)

Fulham defender Franck Queudrue has thrown his hat into the ring for an England call-up - even though he is French. (The Times)

Rangers fans want Osasuna kicked out of the Uefa Cup over the police battering they received in Pamplona. (Daily Record)

Rangers striker Dado Prso fears doctors will tell him his playing days are finished. (Daily Record)

Henrik Larsson reckons Celtic would be more than capable of competing in the English Premiership. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY...
West Ham's Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has fallen in love with the fish and chips in England. (Daily Mail)

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock, who turned down the chance to manage Chelsea 15 years ago, has admitted he would probably take the job if the Blues decide to look for a new manager this summer. (The Sun, Express)

Warnock called Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon to try to get the club to change their policy of only allowing one mascot for the away team so his son and daughter could move be at Stamford Bridge, but Kenyon did not return his call. (Daily Express)

Hull manager Phil Brown will appear naked in the club magazine after making the pledge in order to help the club win the buy-a-player promotion. (The Times)

*

I didn't get chance to read The Mirror this morning but I did see that Juventus story. They've made Fatty their number one transfer target, apparently, but where the fuck do they think they have £70M to spend when they're in Serie B? :confused:

Sure, they're top of Serie B and looking good for promotion... but they're not going to be in Europe next season so what possible lure (other than money) do they have?

Plus I couldn't see Arsenal wanting to sell Gilberto Silva, for me he's been Arsenal's star man this season.

My hairy black ass does Shevchenko love playing for Mouorinho, he hates it as much as we all would. :rolleyes:

REAL! COME SIGN FPR! :D

Crouch for Berby? Hmmmmm.....

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 08:36 AM

I'd love to play for Mourinho, he's an excellent manager.

Oh, and no thanks Henrik, Celtic can play in the scottish league with the other scottish teams thanks.

Captain Stu

March 16th 2007, 08:43 AM

Celtic would wallow in mid-table mediocrity (if they were lucky) in the Premiership but they'd be shipping goals left, right and centre.

This idea that because they pwn the SPL they could hack the Premiership is beyond bollocks.

boxshapedheart

March 16th 2007, 08:56 AM

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has blamed the club's failure to buy anyone in the January transfer market on owner Roman Abramovich's marital problems. (Daily Mail)
hahahah, way to piss Abramovich off.

Spanish reports have claimed Real Madrid are to go all out to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer and they have a verbal agreement with the Manchester United winger. (The Guardian)
Pfft. Whether he said he agrees to them doesn't matter - he's said so many things in this chapter of the whole stay or go saga. Just playing us and them for a while, then he'll eventually decide. STAY, ya buggar!

Fulham manager Chris Coleman will be the surprise name on Manchester City's shortlist if they decide to sack Stuart Pearce. (The Guardian)
I like crazy eyed Coleman.

boxshapedheart

March 16th 2007, 08:56 AM

Oh yeah, I just bought a few RND raffle tickets without knowing the prizes.

...Then I found out one of the prizes is a signed Everton photo. Woo. Hoo.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 09:00 AM

Oh yeah, I just bought a few RND raffle tickets without knowing the prizes.

...Then I found out one of the prizes is a signed Everton photo. Woo. Hoo.

Phwoar, i bet all the greats have signed it. Tony Hibbert, Alesandro Pistone...

Captain Stu

March 16th 2007, 09:05 AM

Gutted. :(

boxshapedheart

March 16th 2007, 09:06 AM

Phwoar, i bet all the greats have signed it. Tony Hibbert, Alesandro Pistone...
I'm well excited.

Captain Stu

March 16th 2007, 09:19 AM

Phwoar, i bet all the greats have signed it. Tony Hibbert, Alesandro Pistone...

Marco Materazzi!

stu250

March 16th 2007, 09:28 AM

Phwoar, i bet all the greats have signed it.

Brett Angel.

Bexster

March 16th 2007, 11:19 AM

Brett Angel.
Wow. Just what everyone wants.

Renegades of funk 8

March 16th 2007, 12:15 PM

city can fuck right off:mad:

rob3000

March 16th 2007, 12:20 PM

Berbatov is top quality, but we don't need another intelligent player. Kuyt links up well, not as good as Berbatov but still. We just need a goalscorer, that's all.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 12:21 PM

predictions! you missed wednesday!

Bexster

March 16th 2007, 01:43 PM

England Squad for Israel qualifier...

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Robinson (Tottenham), Foster (Man Utd, on loan at Watford), Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Charlton).

Defenders: G Neville (Man Utd), Richards (Man City), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea, capt), Woodgate (Real Madrid, on loan at Middlesbrough), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Chelsea), P Neville (Everton).

Midfielders: Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Parker (Newcastle), Carrick (Man Utd), Dyer (Newcastle), Downing (Middlesbrough).

Forwards: Johnson (Everton), Rooney (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham), Bent (Charlton).

So. He's gone for boring and predictable...

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 01:49 PM

good that Parker and Dyer are in it though

Captain Stu

March 16th 2007, 01:54 PM

*yaaaaaaawn*

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 16th 2007, 01:58 PM

Great, he's left Barry out, our only eligible lefty bar Downing. Nice one.

Captain Stu

March 16th 2007, 02:05 PM

Great, he's left Barry out, our only eligible lefty bar Downing. Nice one.

... but wait, there's still a place for Phil Neville so it's not all bad.

:rolleyes:

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 02:10 PM

Great, he's left Barry out, our only eligible lefty bar Downing. Nice one.

he's gonna put Lennon on the left seeing as he's played their for spurs the last few games, methinks

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 16th 2007, 02:13 PM

I can see Israel edging this. I'm torn here because I'd like Israel to win but I also don't want to see a Euro 2008 with no England. Fuck England for not having assured themselves qualification already.

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 16th 2007, 02:16 PM

he's gonna put Lennon on the left seeing as he's played their for spurs the last few games, methinks

I reckoned Barry was the obvious choice for left back if we're playing a right footed speed merchant on the left of midfield.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 02:18 PM

I reckoned Barry was the obvious choice for left back if we're playing a right footed speed merchant on the left of midfield.

don't worry, Carragher is the best defender in england

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 16th 2007, 02:21 PM

I don't know why you'd even consider playing him there. Bring back Sven.

rob3000

March 16th 2007, 02:26 PM

don't worry, Carragher is the best defender in england

Sarcasm?

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 02:30 PM

I don't know why you'd even consider playing him there. Bring back Sven.

i think McLaren's got it right, why would you want any left footed players in your team? all lefties are freaks anyway. think of all the cutting inside we can do!

Captain Stu

March 16th 2007, 03:08 PM

Anyone with a brain can see how good Carragher is.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 03:11 PM

Anyone with a brain can see how good Carragher is.

wouldn't put him at left back though. every time he's done it before he just get's stuck and ends up bringing it on his right an hoofing it or passing it back to the Centre Half

Captain Stu

March 16th 2007, 03:15 PM

I agree with that... but Carragher should start in the middle. Should... but won't.

Again, why no Taylor? It's not like he's had a brilliant season or anything... oh, wait...

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 16th 2007, 04:56 PM

I agree with that... but Carragher should start in the middle. Should... but won't.

It's got to be Terry and Carragher in my book. Problem is there's no convincing reason why Rio should be usurped at this stage. I mean, the whole team is playing shite but we're not exactly leaking goals, we're just not scoring them.

Again, why no Taylor? It's not like he's had a brilliant season or anything... oh, wait...

I hear you but he's one of those players I can't see turning it on in an England shirt. Fuck it though, if Phil Neville's worth a crack then so is he. Personally I'd take Wayne Bridge over any of them, Cole included. Shame he's injured.

Hmmm Noodle Soup

March 16th 2007, 05:30 PM

Uefa Cup Quarter Final Draw

AZ v Werder Bremen

Bayer Leverkusen v Osasuna

Sevilla v Tottenham

Espanyol v Benfica

Prob the toughest draw Spurs coulda got Bremen aside. It should be some game though.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 16th 2007, 05:35 PM

that's a very tough draw in general, i wouldn't want to face any of those teams

EvilElvis

March 17th 2007, 09:12 AM

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to sign a five-year £28m contract and remain with Manchester United. (The Sun)

However, it is reported Real Madrid are ready to step in following the rejection of Ronaldo's £140,000 a week wage demands at Old Trafford. (The Guardian)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he will not stand in the way of John Terry and Frank Lampard if they decide to play overseas. (Daily Mirror)

Spanish giants Barcelona are preparing a £16m bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso in the summer. (Daily Star)

Fulham are considering signing Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia for next season. (Daily Express)

Reading boss Steve Coppell is close to signing defender Andre Bikey on a permanent basis. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP
Sunderland manager Roy Keane has called the omission of Liam Miller and David Connolly from the Republic of Ireland squad a "disgrace". (various)

Chelsea star Arjen Robben's father has dismissed claims that his son has been negotiating an extension to his contract at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Star)

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has backed Glenn Roeder to guide the club to greater things next season with Titus Bramble expected to be shown the exit. (Daily Telegraph)

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger reveals he wanted to sign Everton striker Andrew Johnson but had been put off by his price. (Various)

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is not a happy man following Steve McClaren's decision to leave defender Gareth Barry out of the England squad. (Various)

With the Premiership title race hotting up, Fergie insists his Manchester United side are not bottlers and have the "guts and determination" to go all the way. (Daily Express)

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has warned new American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks that glory will not come quickly at Anfield. "We are close to the top two... but not as close as we think." (Daily Mirror)

After being dropped from the England squad on Friday, Joey Barton is hoping that 12 minutes against Spain will not prove the full extent of his international career. (The Times)

AND FINALLY...
Man City defender Micah Richards reveals he hung up on Steve McClaren when the England boss called him to say he had made the squad. (The Independent)

The Israel coach has ordered his team not to stay in Tel Aviv before their game with England to prevent them getting caught up in another call-girl scandal. (Daily Mirror)

Kilmarnock's request to have a training session on the turf of Hampden to help prepare for the CIS Cup final was received with a resounding 'no'. (Daily Record)

While 90-year-old Hibs fan Maude MacFarlane is praying her team can lift the Scottish Cup for the first time in her life.

Bexster

March 17th 2007, 10:13 AM

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger reveals he wanted to sign Everton striker Andrew Johnson but had been put off by his price. (Various)
I could say something about divers, and more diving, and stuff, but I won't ;)

EvilElvis

March 17th 2007, 02:43 PM

Kris Boyd nets a 30 min hat trick for Rangers and creates more headache problems for Walter smith.

Boyd's scoring rate is fantastic - He was top scorer for both Kilmarnock and Rangers last season. His current stats at Rangers is played 42 games scoring 36 goals

He doesn't seem to do anything on the pitch aside from score goals.

"He is worth a goal start, but it's like a team of 10 players when he is playing" was one comment I have heard used about Boyd.

Sebo offers the team a lot - is willing to run after lost causes, hold the ball up and challenege defenders, he currently, however couldn't score in a brothel.

Hmmm Noodle Soup

March 17th 2007, 03:32 PM

HAHAHAH,

Robbo has just scored for Spurs! Bounced over Foster's head!

ENGLAND'S NO.1!!

Two-Bob Peeters

March 17th 2007, 03:36 PM

he's a fat cunt, though.

EvilElvis

March 17th 2007, 03:36 PM

HAHAHAH,

Robbo has just scored for Spurs! Bounced over Foster's head!

ENGLAND'S NO.1!!

62:01 GOAL - Paul Robinson
Tottenham 2 - Watford 0
Goal by Paul Robinson (Tottenham) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from own half (35+ yards).Tottenham 2-0 Watford.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 17th 2007, 03:49 PM

fucking hell, Emile Mpenza?

Captain Stu

March 17th 2007, 04:06 PM

Robinson's still not the best keeper we have.

GO MPENZA!!! :)

Wish_Master2100

March 17th 2007, 04:27 PM

Bang goes the play-offs for us.

Nevermind, hopefully our form continues into next season.

sunnydalehighdropout

March 17th 2007, 04:33 PM

Bang goes the play-offs for us.

Nevermind, hopefully our form continues into next season.

Care for a fight when Leeds play Millwall next season? :D

Two-Bob Peeters

March 17th 2007, 04:34 PM

Care for a fight when Leeds play Millwall next season? :D

we're gonna send all the 15 year old s in their pink hackett t-shirts!

sunnydalehighdropout

March 17th 2007, 04:47 PM

we're gonna send all the 15 year old s in their pink hackett t-shirts!

I think i still have a navy blue 'Nicholson 4' polo shirt in a box somewhere. (same thing as the Hackett ones, basically)

Wish_Master2100

March 17th 2007, 05:01 PM

Eltham chavs, Barmy army!

sunnydalehighdropout

March 17th 2007, 05:16 PM

I'll round up all of those highly intellectual finishing-school graduates who write stuff lie 'Damo ov LS11 Beeston' or 'Jermaine ov LS6 Crew' on lamposts.

foofan182

March 17th 2007, 07:33 PM

Not for the first time in his management career, Mick McCarthy makes a complete wanker out of himself.

Gesturing at opposition fans? Pathetic. Mind you, hardly any surprise given his strong Dingle connections.

Good to see Man City win today, and Blackburn were clearly robbed by the linesman today.

Captain Stu

March 17th 2007, 09:23 PM

In all fairness, as dodgy as West Ham's win was today, they probably deserved it for having basically every decision go against them this season.

That said, I wanted Blackburn to win.

Captain Stu

March 17th 2007, 09:40 PM

Fucks sake, I'm not surprised that Bolton got fucked today - playing 3 up front at Old Trafford? That's suicidal.

First goal, soft as fuck - FPR burned the defender for pace but then where's the next tackle? Fucking pussies, everyones afraid to go near the cunt because he'll just take a tumble.

SINCE WHEN CAN JI-SUNG SHIRTSALES SCORE TWO GOALS?! :eek:

Captain Stu

March 17th 2007, 09:43 PM

"Ronaldo... absolutely magic!"

FUCK OFF!! I COULD DO THAT IF NO DEFENDERS TRIED TO TACKLE ME AND KEPT BACKING OFF!!!

Jesus tits.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 17th 2007, 10:12 PM

Captain Stu

March 18th 2007, 09:55 AM

£40M for Berbatov? I'd sooner go for Villa, thxpls.

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 10:00 AM

West Ham want to sign Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the summer whether or not they are relegated (News of the World)

Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves says Manchester United is the only team he wants to join as they have made such an effort to sign him (News of the World).

Everton are interested in signing Blackburn's Michael Gray, who will be out of contract in the summer (News of the World).

Inter Milan want to sign Chelsea's John Terry (Mail on Sunday).

QPR striker Kevin Gallen, who is currently on loan at Plymouth, will leave Loftus Road in the summer, with Leicester one of the clubs keen to sign him (Mirror).

Jason Roberts could leave Blackburn in the summer after failing to regain his first-team place after recovering from injury (People).

OTHER GOSSIP
The Premier League is to introduce 'Hawkeye' equipment to rule whether or not the ball has crossed the line for the 200-809 season (News of the World)

AZ Alkmaar's Kew Jaliens has accused Newcastle's Nicky Butt of "animalistic" behaviour in the teams' Uefa Cup match last week (News of the World).

Birmingham could be fined points after their game with Leeds was called off at short notice because the newly-laid pitch was unplayable (News of the World).

Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson's next job will be at Marseille (Mirror).

Luton want Colchester assistant boss Mick Harford as their new manager to replace Mike Newell, with Plymouth's Tim Breacker also on the shortlist (Mirror).

Derby boss Billy Davies will leave in the summer whether or not they get promoted because of tensions with managing director Mike Horton (various).

Barcelona's Frank Rijkaard is top of Chelsea's list if manager Jose Mourinho leaves in the summer (People).

Roman Abramovich could be under pressure from the Russian government to sell Chelsea to help fund a bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics (Express)

AND FINALLY...
Israel have called in Uri Geller to help with positive thinking ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with England (Mail on Sunday).

Uefa have refused to rule out the possibility of staging a Champions League game in Asia as a promotional event (Mirror).

Captain Stu

March 18th 2007, 10:01 AM

The Premier League is to introduce 'Hawkeye' equipment to rule whether or not the ball has crossed the line for the 200-809 season (News of the World)

I saw this in The Times this morning and it made me smiiiiiile! :)

Two-Bob Peeters

March 18th 2007, 10:02 AM

Uefa have refused to rule out the possibility of staging a Champions League game in Asia as a promotional event (Mirror).

fuck OFF UEFA, can it not be abouit the money just for one second?

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 10:02 AM

Derby boss Billy Davies will leave in the summer whether or not they get promoted because of tensions with managing director Mike Horton (various).

Sir David Murray would be wise to try and get him as the new Rangers Manager.

I think Walter and Coisty should leave in the summer.

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 10:03 AM

fuck OFF UEFA, can it not be abouit the money just for one second?

Nope! Everything is about the ca$h

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 10:13 AM

Two-Bob Peeters

March 18th 2007, 10:17 AM

Anyone see Football Focus yesterday?

They were talking about the money the Premiership clubs get incomparison to championship clubs

Relegated from Prem - £30m
Promoted from Championship - £1m

Best bit was David Gold (owner of Brum City) "We had Emile Heskey who we rated at £3m. Because of the money Premiership clubs have we were offered double that!"

Premiership clubs get paid more money for one TV match than championshio clubs get for a whole season.

the gapo will keep widening, but no one will care. as long as they keep the teams they want in the league, and the teams they don't want well away.

that's why championship (and lower) clubs have every right to demand silly money for their players

goobervision

March 18th 2007, 10:40 AM

The Premier League is to introduce 'Hawkeye' equipment to rule whether or not the ball has crossed the line for the 200-809 season (News of the World)
"The Premier League table doesn't lie - if your club is top of the table over the full 609-year season, they've proved themselves to be the best."

Bexster

March 18th 2007, 10:43 AM

AND FINALLY...
Israel have called in Uri Geller to help with positive thinking ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with England (Mail on Sunday).
AH, HAH, HAH, HAH. Priceless. I hate that man.

Anyone see Football Focus yesterday?

They were talking about the money the Premiership clubs get incomparison to championship clubs

Relegated from Prem - £30m
Promoted from Championship - £1m

Best bit was David Gold (owner of Brum City) "We had Emile Heskey who we rated at £3m. Because of the money Premiership clubs have we were offered double that!"
You can't blame the championship clubs for overpricing their players because they know that they can get the cash from prem clubs. Unfortunately, they then can't often buy players of quality in return.

I can't understand the FA putting all their eggs in one basket, so to speak. They harp on about the youth structure, and developing english football, and developing quality, yet they can't even tackle the economic gulf right in front of their eyes.

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 11:35 AM

Rangers are facing a potential expulsion from Europe.

Bexster

March 18th 2007, 11:55 AM

Rangers are facing a potential expulsion from Europe.
Why?

F'jo

March 18th 2007, 12:13 PM

Why?

What he says.... *points down*

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 12:13 PM

Why?

Last season we were fined and warned about fans behaviour - after singing bigoted chants.

We had a problem with a pitch invader at Ibrox, when we played Maccabi Haifi (?) but the invader hates Rangers and Isreal - so it was more a political comment and UEFA fined us £5,000 - but added that it was nothing the club could have done.

On Wednesday, we were away to Osasuna. the police were somewhat heavy handed (Hit them with batons then question them) segregation was a nightmare - A journalist even admitted that Osasuna fans were offering him tickets for the game. Fans the club have banned from attending Rangers games managed to get in and they decided to start on their bigoted party anthems.

One smart fan videoed the chants and behaviour of the fans and posted it on youtube. A lot of the fans and the club used the words You and tube to describe the poster

The video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG4eX1OHIy0)

Pirate Thom

March 18th 2007, 12:39 PM

The video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG4eX1OHIy0)

Oh man, it's just the same as the Irish league.

Captain Stu

March 18th 2007, 01:08 PM

"The Premier League table doesn't lie - if your club is top of the table over the full 609-year season, they've proved themselves to be the best."

Garbage.

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 02:23 PM

More priase for the BBC guys...

1512: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is stalking the touchline with all the menace of Neighbours stalwart Harold Bishop.

Captain Stu

March 18th 2007, 02:30 PM

Jesus, this has been a boring as fuck game, we've been poor. Sorry Ollie but I hate Villa games, always booooring.

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 02:42 PM

Jesus, this has been a boring as fuck game, we've been poor. Sorry Ollie but I hate Villa games, always booooring.

I reckon after Villa have had a proper pre-season under O'Neil (We had 3 weeks before the start of the season and 2 friendlies left when he was appointed as manager)

I was meant to be watching it with my mates. But my Mum fell and broke her wrist, so I had to stay and look after my Sister's soon to be mother in law - My mate ended up watching Falkirk beat Celtic - Celtic missed a penalty and there was 2 players sent off and that was the first half!

Think he had a lucky escape, unlike Newcastle.

rob3000

March 18th 2007, 02:45 PM

Shit game.

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 03:54 PM

Hibs win the CIS League cup - They play the best football in the SPL, so they deserve some success.

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 04:08 PM

Paul Robinson's goal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp1WU-wYe3w)

Jamie

March 18th 2007, 04:57 PM

So, so deserved.

rob3000

March 18th 2007, 05:08 PM

So, so deserved.

What game are you referring to?

Anyway...fucking Everton...

Jamie

March 18th 2007, 05:21 PM

What game are you referring to?

Anyway...fucking Everton...

The Everton match

rob3000

March 18th 2007, 05:24 PM

The Everton match

Sarcasm? Who do you support?

friartuck

March 18th 2007, 05:25 PM

Great result for Everton.

The Liverpool - Villa match was incredibly boring. Liverpool got away with that Petrov penalty claim in my opinion. That being said, neither team deserved the win.

Jamie

March 18th 2007, 05:34 PM

Sarcasm? Who do you support?

You can't deny that Everton deserved it more than Arsenal. Arsenal never really had a decent chance on goal as far as I remember. They need to stop trying to pass it into the net.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 18th 2007, 06:03 PM

Last season we were fined and warned about fans behaviour - after singing bigoted chants.

We had a problem with a pitch invader at Ibrox, when we played Maccabi Haifi (?) but the invader hates Rangers and Isreal - so it was more a political comment and UEFA fined us £5,000 - but added that it was nothing the club could have done.

On Wednesday, we were away to Osasuna. the police were somewhat heavy handed (Hit them with batons then question them) segregation was a nightmare - A journalist even admitted that Osasuna fans were offering him tickets for the game. Fans the club have banned from attending Rangers games managed to get in and they decided to start on their bigoted party anthems.

One smart fan videoed the chants and behaviour of the fans and posted it on youtube. A lot of the fans and the club used the words You and tube to describe the poster

The video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG4eX1OHIy0)

video is banned now. my cousins friend, a rangers fan who comes down to an asphalting college in london, came to Millwall last wek, and told us a fair few stories of the old firm derbies, how the rangers fans threw bars of soap at the Celtic mob!

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 06:06 PM

video is banned now. my cousins friend, a rangers fan who comes down to an asphalting college in london, came to Millwall last wek, and told us a fair few stories of the old firm derbies, how the rangers fans threw bars of soap at the Celtic mob!

I've heard stories that there was a lot of the London crews involved. Chelsea and Millwall shirts in amongst the Rangers end.

I really want Chelsea to get Celtic in Europe - I'd totally be supporting Chelski.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 18th 2007, 06:08 PM

I've heard stories that there was a lot of the London crews involved. Chelsea and Millwall shirts in amongst the Rangers end.

I really want Chelsea to get Celtic in Europe - I'd totally be supporting Chelski.

there;s no real Millwall crew anymore! not any that would bother travelling to scotland!

if true they're proper stupiud, no real 'firm' wears club colours

EvilElvis

March 18th 2007, 06:25 PM

there;s no real Millwall crew anymore! not any that would bother travelling to scotland!

if true they're proper stupiud, no real 'firm' wears club colours

The game was in Spain.

Wish_Master2100

March 18th 2007, 06:59 PM

The game was in Spain.

But the rule still applies.

Bexster

March 18th 2007, 11:14 PM

The only positive thing I can say about today, is at least Liverpool only drew.

FFS Arsenal :mad:

Captain Stu

March 19th 2007, 07:43 AM

Yet another result that makes Everton look like a footballing side rather than an over-rated bunch of thugs and cunts.

That said, haw haw. :D I'm sure Arsenal fans ripped us when we got beat.

Bexster

March 19th 2007, 09:17 AM

Yet another result that makes Everton look like a footballing side rather than an over-rated bunch of thugs and cunts.

That said, haw haw. :D I'm sure Arsenal fans ripped us when we got beat.
Yeah, probably :D

Captain Stu

March 19th 2007, 10:08 AM

Git. :p

OMGZ! At last, Quiffy did something right and called Barry up to the England squad.

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 19th 2007, 10:20 AM

Git. :p

OMGZ! At last, Quiffy did something right and called Barry up to the England squad. About fucking time.

Captain Stu

March 19th 2007, 10:22 AM

Barry should've told him to shove it, quite frankly, I don't think anyone with any sense would hold it against him.

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 19th 2007, 10:25 AM

What are we looking at now, Carra right back, Bazza left back? That would make the most sense, so obviously Phil Neville will get the nod ahead of one of them.

Captain Stu

March 19th 2007, 10:26 AM

What are we looking at now, Carra right back, Bazza left back? That would make the most sense, so obviously Phil Neville will get the nod ahead of one of them.

Haha, yeah, something like that... although Barry plays so much better on the wing nowadays but if it's a choice between him - a natural leftie - and Carragher at left-back then I'd choose Barry any day of the week and stick Jamie at right back now that Richards is injured.

Also, lolz @ Kieron Dyer. That guy just can't buy an ounce of luck.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 19th 2007, 11:34 AM

Dyer will never be the same anymore, i think he's finished

boxshapedheart

March 19th 2007, 02:05 PM

"Ronaldo... absolutely magic!"

FUCK OFF!! I COULD DO THAT IF NO DEFENDERS TRIED TO TACKLE ME AND KEPT BACKING OFF!!!

Jesus tits.
He was though. Phwoar. I was particularly impressed cos he was making the right decisions about when to pass instead of just greedily taking it on himself.

I must admit, it was bloody surprising how easy that game was though. Was fully expecting a big battle.

stu250

March 19th 2007, 02:17 PM

Hibs win the CIS League cup - They play the best football in the SPL, so they deserve some success.

yeah, and if i'm not mistaken, they have the best song for the home teams arrival onto the pitch.
it is who i think it is isn't it.

badaladadaaaa (http://www.mtv.com/news/images/archive/Proclaimers/sq-prolcaimers-gonna-be-duo-sing-bmg.gif)

stu.

Captain Stu

March 19th 2007, 02:32 PM

Dyer will never be the same anymore, i think he's finished

He's finished at the very top level for sure, you can't be injured for that long (and serious injuries too) and come back with no lasting damage.

He was though. Phwoar. I was particularly impressed cos he was making the right decisions about when to pass instead of just greedily taking it on himself.

I must admit, it was bloody surprising how easy that game was though. Was fully expecting a big battle.

Seriously though, too many defenders make him look good. He starts fannying around with the ball so they start running backwards and give him what I call "The Ginola Space"... the imaginary 1 yard circle that players like that need to work within. Good full-backs (like Riise) just go to him and tackle him, simple as and he's as effective as windscreen wipers on a chuffing submarine. :mad:

Ian Mc

March 19th 2007, 04:49 PM

He's finished at the very top level for sure, you can't be injured for that long (and serious injuries too) and come back with no lasting damage.

He hasn't been playing too badly since he came back, considering how long he was out for anyway. His long term status is debatable though.

sunnydalehighdropout

March 19th 2007, 05:26 PM

Dyer will never be the same anymore, i think he's finished

AIDS proper knocks you flat apparently. I'm not joking, i seriously reckon he is one of the rumoured AIDS players.

Also, is it wrong that i geniunely don't give a shit if England lose or not? I'm so disillusioned with the management of the national side that i've lost all hope and care for us.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 19th 2007, 05:33 PM

AIDS proper knocks you flat apparently. I'm not joking, i seriously reckon he is one of the rumoured AIDS players.

Also, is it wrong that i geniunely don't give a shit if England lose or not? I'm so disillusioned with the management of the national side that i've lost all hope and care for us.

yes and no, i always want england to win obviously. but i can't be arsed with friendlies anymore, maybe i would if we had a manager who wasn't a cunt,

Nugent's been called into the main squad, which is a shame as i was hoping to see him in the U21 match!

sunnydalehighdropout

March 19th 2007, 05:38 PM

yes and no, i always want england to win obviously. but i can't be arsed with friendlies anymore, maybe i would if we had a manager who wasn't a cunt,

Nugent's been called into the main squad, which is a shame as i was hoping to see him in the U21 match!

I'll have hope for us and throw proper support behind the team when they appoint a forward thinking manager. As much as it would piss alot of people off, i'd fucking kill to see Mourinho as England manager. We have the players to make his unbeatable 4-5-1/4-3-3 work to a devestating effect. Further to that, the Lampard/Gerrard dilemma would be solved, as they would both fit in it.

Captain Stu

March 19th 2007, 05:51 PM

Forward thinking manager? England? lulz.

Wish_Master2100

March 19th 2007, 06:30 PM

We'd win everything if we had Mourinho as England coach.

sunnydalehighdropout

March 19th 2007, 06:35 PM

We'd win everything if we had Mourinho as England coach.

Really, we would.

Epic Failure

March 19th 2007, 06:36 PM

we'd play pretty football if Arsene was manager. and we'd probably never see Ashley Cole in an England shirt ever again. sounds good to me:D

andrewdunne

March 19th 2007, 06:43 PM

AIDS proper knocks you flat apparently. I'm not joking, i seriously reckon he is one of the rumoured AIDS players.

Also, is it wrong that i geniunely don't give a shit if England lose or not? I'm so disillusioned with the management of the national side that i've lost all hope and care for us.

You think you have it bad? Try having a guy who's only experience was managing the Walsall youth team managing you.

sunnydalehighdropout

March 19th 2007, 06:57 PM

You think you have it bad? Try having a guy who's only experience was managing the Walsall youth team managing you.

But (and im not slamming you on this) England are actually expected to win major tournaments.

Steve McLaren? I honestly think that a combined management and coaching team of Myself, Ookie, Stu, Scotty and Billy Connolly would do better

Bexster

March 19th 2007, 07:16 PM

we'd play pretty football if Arsene was manager. and we'd probably never see Ashley Cole in an England shirt ever again. sounds good to me:D
I like the second part of that idea, without a doubt :D

EvilElvis

March 19th 2007, 07:52 PM

The problem England have is it too many jobs "For the boys"

When England appoint a manager they can pick an assistant and thats it.
Ray Clemence has goalie's coach job for life, same with physio, doctor's etc.

O'Neil wanted the England job, when he found out he couldn't bring Steve Walford or John Robertson along with him, the job didn't seem as appealing.

Novacane

March 19th 2007, 09:11 PM

sunnydalehighdropout

March 19th 2007, 09:16 PM

15 seconds of Leeds V Luton. You can hear my uncle quite clearly :D (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89pfIZpKKSU)

EvilElvis

March 19th 2007, 09:18 PM

Why the hell is Lee naylor not being consider for left-back in the Inger-land squad?

other than Boruc, he's been Mr consistent at Celtic this season.....the surprise success of this season. He's a great crosser of the ball, can launch long throws into the box, and was heroic over the 2 games versus Milan recently.

He plays in Scotland, that automatically makes him a poor choice.

I remember making a comment about England taking Sutton to Euro 2004 as he was full of confidence and fairly versatile, but everyone reckoned Heskey was a better choice.

I was right. :D

Novacane

March 19th 2007, 09:18 PM

15 seconds of Leeds V Luton. You can hear my uncle quite clearly :D (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89pfIZpKKSU)

haha.

Did you guys get Alan Thompson in January, to 'strengthen' your squad?

Novacane

March 19th 2007, 09:19 PM

I remember making a comment about England taking Sutton to Euro 2004 as he was full of confidence, but everyone reckoned Heskey was a better choice.

My Gran > Heskey

EvilElvis

March 19th 2007, 09:21 PM

haha.

Did you guys get Alan Thompson in January, to 'strengthen' your squad?

Jim "All hail Laudo" White was singing Thompson's praises when he joined leeds. Can't imagine why!

rob3000

March 19th 2007, 09:25 PM

Did that fan do anything to Lampard? (I think it was lampard...)

Two-Bob Peeters

March 19th 2007, 09:25 PM

Lee Naylor is too average.

much rather see Leighton Baines or Matty taylor in the swuad

Novacane

March 19th 2007, 09:26 PM

Jim "All hail Laudo" White was singing Thompson's praises when he joined leeds. Can't imagine why!

I <3 Jim White :rolleyes:

Players leaving Celtic recently to go to 'better' clubs:

Liam Miller - Man U(sat on the bench), now Sunderland
Alan Thompson - about to get relagated with Leeds
Shaun Maloney - Villa (can't get a game)
Stan Petrov - Villa (been a bit useless).

There's more......Stephen Pearson, etc, but i can't remember them all.

EvilElvis

March 19th 2007, 09:33 PM

I <3 Jim White :rolleyes:

I'm gutted no-ne has uploaded Jim's "Interview" with Brian Laudrup where he asks such important questions like

"Brian, why are you so good?"

Even Laudrup was embarrassed by that.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 19th 2007, 09:33 PM

Did that fan do anything to Lampard? (I think it was lampard...)

i don't know, but i bet Spurs don't get threatened with ground closure :rolleyes:

it's going to fucking kick off big time, by all accounts it probably already has, the BBC will be happy, another chance for a Millwall name drop

rob3000

March 19th 2007, 09:37 PM

i don't know, but i bet Spurs don't get threatened with ground closure :rolleyes:

it's going to fucking kick off big time, by all accounts it probably already has, the BBC will be happy, another chance for a Millwall name drop
Kettle pot black.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 19th 2007, 09:39 PM

Kettle pot black.

i think you missed my point there

rob3000

March 19th 2007, 09:41 PM

i think you missed my point there

No, I was just saying you're referring to Millwall (and you do it with English clubs in general) being victims, but I was only joking.:D

Two-Bob Peeters

March 19th 2007, 09:44 PM

No, I was just saying you're referring to Millwall (and you do it with English clubs in general) being victims, but I was only joking.:D

ah, right. fair play.

this is more to do with BBC london news, you'd have thought if anything they'd be backing london teams (although obviously they're supposed to be unbiased) but it seems they love to have a dig, not just at Millwall, in fact their news stories in general seem to be written by a self-hating liberal type

rob3000

March 19th 2007, 10:00 PM

Aye, it's like that with the national press. They love it when England get beat.

sunnydalehighdropout

March 19th 2007, 10:04 PM

Aye, it's like that with the national press. They love it when England get beat.

Remember, whenever England lose it is a glorious victory for the diversity of the world's population and ethnicity against the imperial oppressors. ;)

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 19th 2007, 10:38 PM

Is it just me or did Sheva's goal look completely unintentional?

timesfooall

March 19th 2007, 11:17 PM

Everyones saying, wow it was amazing. I wasnt that impressed.

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 19th 2007, 11:24 PM

He didn't look up so I figured he just got his bearings wrong and overhit a cross. I love how suddenly 'we all know what he's capable of'.

friartuck

March 19th 2007, 11:26 PM

I thought that initially but after seeing the replay a few times it seems he did actually mean it.

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 19th 2007, 11:39 PM

Maybe. It's hard to be convinced when he makes so many poor decisions throughout the game.

EvilElvis

March 20th 2007, 06:08 AM

Did that fan do anything to Lampard? (I think it was lampard...)

Doesn't look like it.

http://img6.picsplace.to/img6/27/tit.gif

EvilElvis

March 20th 2007, 06:22 AM

This may intereest a few of you (Novacane, Mr Brownstone, and the Man Utd fans)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/6468941.stm

Larsson planned Celtic swansong

Former Celtic hero Henrik Larsson has revealed that he planned to retire when he left the Glasgow club in May 2004.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, the Swedish striker said he intended to return to his homeland, until Barcelona made a bid for him at Euro 2004 in Portugal.

"I had been at Celtic for seven years, but I thought it was time to do something else," he said.

"I really didn't have anything lined up, when I got a phone call from my wife saying Barcelona were interested."

In an hour-long interview with former Celtic midfielder Murdo McLeod and former Rangers forward Gordon Smith, Larsson also spoke about his bitter disappointment in losing out to Porto in the 2003 Uefa Cup final in Seville.

He later won the Uefa Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, playing a key role in the winning goals against Premiership side Arsenal.

"I didn't want to lose that game, because I had already lost one final, and I didn't want to go through that again," said Larsson.

"It's so terrible when you lose a big final like that.

"It was my last chance to win a major trophy, so I was pleased.

"It was pure happiness, and one of the best days of my life."

Larsson signed for Celtic in 1997 and went on to score 242 goals in seven years for the club.

He was appointed an honorary MBE in 2006 in recognition of his services to football.

The prolific goalscorer made a surprise loan move from his hometown club Helsingborg in 2006 when Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson lured him to Old Trafford.

He scored on his debut in a 2-1 win against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

He returned to Sweden last week, having promised to spend more time with his young son Jordan.

Larrson added: "I'm almost 36 now, and I have to say I'm going to keep playing as long as I can, even though playing in Sweden isn't as high a level as Spain or the Premiership.

"But it's still the thing I love to do, so I'm going to keep playing for as long as I can."

You can listen to the full interview with Henrik Larsson on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound programme on 810MW between 1915GMT-2200GMT on Tuesday 20 March 2007.

The interview will also be available to listen on-demand after the programme airs.

boxshapedheart

March 20th 2007, 10:05 AM

"It was my last chance to win a major trophy, so I was pleased."
It wasn't. You had the opportunity to stay and help us this season Henrik. :(

boxshapedheart

March 20th 2007, 10:06 AM

Arsenal are ready to beat Manchester United to the signing of Norwegian defender Havard Nordtveit, 16. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa will pay whatever it takes to sign Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror)

Hull City are ready to rival Leeds in a bid to sign Danny Mills on loan from Manchester City before Thursday's deadline. (Daily Mail)

Watford and Reading are competing for Millwall midfielder Marvin Elliott, whose contract runs out at the end of the season. (Daily Star)

Crystal Palace are lining up a £450,000 summer swoop for Lincoln left-back Jeff Hughes. (Daily Star)

Plymouth are in talks with Chelsea about keeping teenage sensation Scott Sinclair at Home Park for next season. (Daily Mirror)

Didier Drogba's younger brother Joel hopes to win a contract with Leyton Orient and will play for their reserves on Tuesday. (The Times)

Tell us your transfer rumours

Back to top

OTHER GOSSIP
Former England captain David Beckham has told his old international team-mates that they have too much class to fail to qualify for Euro 2008. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough branded Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo a "cheat" after they were knocked out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes new Fifa rules allowing players over 28 to buy out their contracts could see a collapse of the transfer market. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has branded Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate a "disgrace" for fielding a weakened team against Manchester City. (The Sun)

Spurs face a Football Association fine after a fan ran on to the pitch to attack Chelsea's Frank Lampard following Monday's FA Cup tie. (Daily Express)

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has refused to rule himself out of taking over at Manchester City if Stuart Pearce is sacked. (Daily Mirror)

Israel skipper Yossi Benayoun fears a niggling knee problem will rule him out of their Euro 2008 qualifier with England on Saturday. (Daily Express)

Arsenal defender William Gallas is fed up with playing pretty football - because it is not getting results. (Daily Star)

Rangers worry that Uefa will close their Ibrox stadium for European ties next season as they study internet footage of fans' sectarian chanting in Spain last week. (Daily Record)

Back to top

AND FINALLY...
Craig Brown says Hibernian manager John Collins loved turning out for Scotland so much he actually paid to play for them at Euro 96. (Daily Record)

**************

Didier Drogba's younger brother Joel hopes to win a contract with Leyton Orient and will play for their reserves on Tuesday. (The Times)
There's another one of em?

Middlesbrough branded Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo a "cheat" after they were knocked out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford. (Daily Mirror)
And Middlesbrough are a collective gigantic cunt.

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has branded Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate a "disgrace" for fielding a weakened team against Manchester City. (The Sun)
I saw this on skysports last night. Hah brilliant! And he said he hopes Boro go on a losing streak and lose 6 in a row, starting with getting what they deserve from United.

boxshapedheart

March 20th 2007, 10:11 AM

Doesn't look like it.

http://img6.picsplace.to/img6/27/tit.gif
That bloke was very close to lamping Lumplard. It's amazing the speed at which a fat man can duck outta the way. :D

Seriously though, even though I laughed - that aint right. Could happen to any footballer. But apparently Chelsea were out celebrating for ages (when they're away from home) so that was bound to rile up some Spurs fans. Also, I swear Dogba was beating the guy on the floor afterwards.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 20th 2007, 10:13 AM

Aston Villa will pay whatever it takes to sign Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror)

Watford and Reading are competing for Millwall midfielder Marvin Elliott, whose contract runs out at the end of the season. (Daily Star)

Former England captain David Beckham has told his old international team-mates that they have too much class to fail to qualify for Euro 2008. (The Sun)

1. hahahahah!

2. Take him take him!!! he's fucking pony, and we'll get a load of compo!!!

3. because that'll help, won't it David

timesfooall

March 20th 2007, 11:34 AM

Anyone see James Morrison's tackle last night? Gareth Southgate said he wasn't going to apologise for it because thats what every player wants to do. Feckin cunt

Scottyboyrocks

March 20th 2007, 11:37 AM

He didn't look up so I figured he just got his bearings wrong and overhit a cross. I love how suddenly 'we all know what he's capable of'.

Spot on. He hit one across goal and it bent in, the jammy prick

Doesn't look like it.

http://img6.picsplace.to/img6/27/tit.gif

Haha! That was well poor. 1, even if it would have connected it would have felt like a slap from a queer, 2, how can you let someone as fat as Lampard duck a punch you've thrown?! Disastrous attempt from that fan

boxshapedheart

March 20th 2007, 11:44 AM

Haha! That was well poor. 1, even if it would have connected it would have felt like a slap from a queer, 2, how can you let someone as fat as Lampard duck a punch you've thrown?! Disastrous attempt from that fan
Jamie Redknapp was incensed when they showed that after the United game. It was quite humourous. His face was livid and he said "That man needs to be made an example of. HE NEEDS TO GO TO PRISON!". Aww, his bumlove for his cuz is so sweet...

Anyone see James Morrison's tackle last night? Gareth Southgate said he wasn't going to apologise for it because thats what every player wants to do. Feckin cunt
Yup. Southgate was all about the whinging. He didn't apologise for that, even though that could have been a leg-breaker. He also didn't apologise for the comments they made, just snidely "complimented" Ronaldo by saying "He's very good at what he does". Yes, we all know what you meant by that.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 20th 2007, 11:50 AM

Anyone see James Morrison's tackle last night? Gareth Southgate said he wasn't going to apologise for it because thats what every player wants to do. Feckin cunt

to be fair, it's true though!

boxshapedheart

March 20th 2007, 11:58 AM

to be fair, it's true though!
well yeah but, he can't say things like that! He's a manager. I'm sure he wouldn't like his players to have their legs broken.

Although it can be arranged! :mad:

Two-Bob Peeters

March 20th 2007, 12:00 PM

well yeah but, he can't say things like that! He's a manager. I'm sure he wouldn't like his players to have their legs broken.

Although it can be arranged! :mad:

you don't like Mr Southgate, do you? :D

Foo Fighters, United Kingdom

March 20th 2007, 12:02 PM

I think this calls for a bump of my Southgate thread.

boxshapedheart

March 20th 2007, 12:03 PM

you don't like Mr Southgate, do you? :D
Whatever do you mean? My love for him has blossomed this season.

Captain Stu

March 20th 2007, 01:59 PM

How the fuck can you fail to hit a target that big?

Lee Naylor is too average.

much rather see Leighton Baines or Matty taylor in the swuad

Baines for sure, he's our long-term left-back, he just has to be!

rob3000

March 20th 2007, 03:29 PM

How the fuck can you fail to hit a target that big?

Who?!

Captain Stu

March 20th 2007, 04:44 PM

Who?!

Fatpard. :D

Dude, did you get a Liverpool survey?

rob3000

March 20th 2007, 04:50 PM

Fatpard. :D

Dude, did you get a Liverpool survey?

Ohh yeah that makes sense.

A Liverpool survey? say what?!

rob3000

March 20th 2007, 04:58 PM

Oh, just found out..an email? not yet! You answered yours? what sort of ques are they?

Bexster

March 20th 2007, 05:01 PM

How the fuck can you fail to hit a target that big?
Chris Moyles said that on the radio this morning. I completely agree.

Captain Stu

March 20th 2007, 06:42 PM

Oh, just found out..an email? not yet! You answered yours? what sort of ques are they?

Yeah, it's just about the new stadium. I answered it all happily. :)

EvilElvis

March 20th 2007, 07:09 PM

Vlad's mad again (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/6472263.stm)

Ivanauskas and Hearts part ways

Hearts head coach Valdas Ivanauskas has left the club by mutual consent.
The Lithuanian, who had been absent from Tynecastle for three weeks on "football business", said he was proud of the players in the squad.

Ivanauskas, 40, said: "The team is in the process of forming itself and I can see it will have a great future. I would like to thank the club staff."

He also praised Hearts fans as the best in Scotland. Anatoly Korobochka has taken over on an interim basis.

Ivanauskas was interim coach following the sacking of Graham Rix in March last year, and was given the job on a permanent basis three months later.

He said Hearts offered him one of his most interesting experiences in football.

The former FBK Kaunas coach added: "Above all, I would like to express my gratitude to the best fans in Scotland, especially those who have given their support when times were tough."

Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov said Ivanauskas had decided to leave the club.

"Valdas made the request to leave his role as head coach," Romanov said.

"During his period in charge of the team, Hearts won the Scottish Cup and finished second in the SPL.

"He has played a key role in the development of the team at a crucial time."

Current Hearts captain Craig Gordon said the players must show greater unity following Saturday's 4-0 home defeat by Dundee United - their heaviest loss at home since 2003.

Gordon picked out Andy Webster, Steven Pressley, Rudi Skacel and Paul Hartley as examples of the players whose fighting qualities were missing from the current squad.

Speaking after Saturday's defeat, Hearts assistant coach Stephen Frail said: "We have a group of players who sit and talk and eat together, but all in their nationalities and it's wrong.

"We have eight or nine Lithuanians who all sit together, the Scottish guys, whether they're young or old, sit together, and then we've a table of Europeans."

Captain Stu

March 21st 2007, 07:54 AM

Is England-Israel tonight? If so, YAY I'm at practise. :)

Two-Bob Peeters

March 21st 2007, 09:24 AM

Is England-Israel tonight? If so, YAY I'm at practise. :)

Saturday, and there's a baggage handler strike in Israel, so England fans who don't have a ticket can't go!

Two-Bob Peeters

March 21st 2007, 09:25 AM

Fuck OFF Rafa and Fuck OFF Jose, stop trying to fuck up the football league :mad:

Captain Stu

March 21st 2007, 09:27 AM

Fuck OFF Rafa and Fuck OFF Jose, stop trying to fuck up the football league :mad:

They do have a point, the youth system is a bit shit at the moment - nowhere near enough games.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 21st 2007, 09:31 AM

They do have a point, the youth system is a bit shit at the moment - nowhere near enough games.

Football league fans aren't interested in watching the reserves or 18 year olds of Premiership clubs. who'll also bring no fans to grounds or any added incentive.

There's a reserve league and cup and youth team league and cup, if they're not playing enough games, change it so they can play some more.

If they all think their kids are too good, then surely just playing each other is high enough quality.

There's a loan system, if you want your players to hve match experience, send them out on loan, i guarantee there are clubs who'd want them. also, you've got fucking feeder clubs.

it's just another step towards the rich being richer and the poor being poorer.

the argument against is said perfectly in that article. it's insulting towards the Football league for Rafa and Jose and co to even suggest it. they can fuck off.

Captain Stu

March 21st 2007, 10:11 AM

Chill out, no need for sandy vagina time! It's only a vague idea that's been commented on by two of Europe's best regarded coaches... well, one and Mourwhineo. :D It's not like it's actually being done!

And I bet half of the Premiership reserve sides are better than half of the shit that's littering the Championship or First Division. I guarentee it.

I agree with the principle, it works in Spain. It'd at least be an interesting experiment to undertake.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 21st 2007, 10:22 AM

it doesn't matter if they're better or not, that's completely besides the point. If the'shit' teams that are in the Football league are 'littering' their divisons, then the introduction of reserve teams would be like Nuclear waste. how dare you say that, don't be so arrogant.

At the end of the day, most clubs outside the premiership's history consists highly competitive football and a local importance, they don't care if Liverpool have 5 european cups and are certainly not interested in helping them get a 6th by forcing other teams out of the Football league (and therefore probably going into administration etc.) and by ruining the standard of football.

Also, whether it works in spain is questionable. their system is completely different, no bugger goes and watches 2nd tier matches, as well as that their professional system doesn't have the septh of ours.

Rafa can go back to Real Madrid then, if he's fussed

friartuck

March 21st 2007, 10:54 AM

I agree with the principle, it works in Spain. It'd at least be an interesting experiment to undertake.

In a practical sense it would never work. Who do you allow to have B-Team? For each new side introduced a properly established football club gets the boot from whatever league they rightfully have a place in.

In short, it's a stupid idea.

Captain Stu

March 21st 2007, 11:57 AM

So, the guy who takes a swing at Fatpard gets off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist for invading the pitch... yet Drogba's being investigated? :D

Apparently, the video footage shows a couple of players (Cole and Essien, I think) protecting Fatty but Drogba is shown clearly stamping on the fan when he's already subdued on the pitch!

Harry Redknapp's right, what's it going to take before this is taken more seriously? It started last season when that guy threw his season ticket at McQuiffy at a Boro match, do we really have to see a player get his face smashed in or, worse, end up with a knife in his gut before they look at how this is happening? How was a scruffy 18 year old cunt allowed to run 50-60 yards on a Premiership ground to get to a player? It's absurd.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 21st 2007, 12:05 PM

if it happened at Millwall/Cardiff/Leeds etc. we'd have been docked points.

still, you've got to give the man credit for trying

Renegades of funk 8

March 21st 2007, 05:07 PM

still, you've got to give the man credit for trying

:D

Wish_Master2100

March 21st 2007, 09:07 PM

Funnily enough, I agree with Ookie.

This isn't Spain or Portugal, this country has the best football in the world. It's not broke, don't fix it. They should have a little more respect if I'm honest.

Two-Bob Peeters

March 21st 2007, 09:52 PM

Funnily enough, I agree with Ookie.

This isn't Spain or Portugal, this country has the best football in the world. It's not broke, don't fix it. They should have a little more respect if I'm honest.

you should see some of the arguments that are for it on the 606 messageboards, they simply haven't a clue. it's as if they think Sky invented football or something.

The sooner the premier league break away or a euro super league is created the better, then we can be rid of these dopey armchair fans and wacko managers

Two-Bob Peeters

March 22nd 2007, 11:56 AM

lol

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007130308,00.html

Ronaldo in leg break fear

By ANDREW HAIGH
March 21, 2007

BELGIUM have threatened to crock Cristiano Ronaldo in the first two minutes of their clash with Portugal.

Manchester United ace Ronaldo has tormented Premiership defences and scored 18 goals this season.

But Belgian keeper Stijn Stijnen has revealed his side's shocking plans to stop the Portuguese winger on Saturday.

Stijnen wants his team-mates to take Ronaldo out of the game in the opening exchanges of the Euro 2008 qualifier.

He said: "After two minutes, we should have beaten him up so much he would have been stretchered off the pitch.

"What more do we need to do? Portugal have more quality so we have to handle things our way.

"If we try to play like them, we will lose for sure."

Despite his outrageous claims, the Club Brugge stopper was unrepentant when he had the chance to apologise.

Stijnen added: "I do not find my words shocking. We are the visiting team and we have to make the match go our way.

"I do not mean that Belgium have to break the leg of somebody.

"But we do have to be aggressive and we have the players for this."

i love the headline despite the ""I do not mean that Belgium have to break the leg of somebody." in the story!

Captain Stu

March 23rd 2007, 08:21 AM

He's only saying what we're all thinking. Admit it, every fan thinks "oh please, let his legs get broken" when someone goes near him.

*

Dear George and Tom,

If he's as shit-hawt as everyone says he is, please give Uncle Rafa the €20M it would apparently take to sign Nani.

Thanks,

Stu.

:)

timesfooall

March 23rd 2007, 09:09 AM

Would you have him if people are comparing him to Ronaldo?

Captain Stu

March 23rd 2007, 09:17 AM

Would you have him if people are comparing him to Ronaldo?

It depends how he's like him... on the ball skills, yes... cheating cunt, no mothereffing way.

timesfooall

March 23rd 2007, 09:26 AM

It depends how he's like him... on the ball skills, yes... cheating cunt, no mothereffing way.

Both?

Captain Stu

March 23rd 2007, 09:30 AM

Both?

Honestly, no. I wouldn't want us to sign (another) known diver... Garcia and Kewell are bad enough.

timesfooall

March 23rd 2007, 09:49 AM

Obviously people don't like him, but to intentionally take someone out of the game and injure them is not on, if he gets injured on saturday then Belgium should be blown up!

Captain Stu

March 23rd 2007, 01:33 PM

A few Beeb/paper things:

Ex-Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli could be offered a sensational return to Stamford Bridge as number two to Marcello Lippi - a managerial dream team to replace Jose Mourinho. (Daily Mirror)

That would be hella cool! I frigging love Vialli and it'd be immense to see him come back. :)

Spurs are leading the race to sign attacking midfielder Nani - known as the new Cristiano Ronaldo - from Sporting Lisbon. (The Sun)

*yawn*

Spurs are always "leading the race" to sign every midfielder in the world, ever.

Trevor Sinclair will join David Beckham in MLS next season if he fails to win a new deal with Manchester City. (Daily Star)

lolz.

Israeli-born super-agent Pini Zahavi says Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted it was the England players jealousy of David Beckham that undermined their 2006 World Cup campaign. (Various)
I read this in the Mirror this morning, very interesting. Apparently, morale at the World Cup was horrendously low and the dressing room was split over Beckham because so many players were beyond pissed off with how he was guarenteed a starting place even despite his pitiful form.

I, for one, completely agree.

Also, Zahavi reiterated the point of Gerrard and Fatty not being able to play together because, and I quote, "the Chelsea man wants to shoot all the time."

One last thing... apparently Sven admitted to him that he dropped a right clanger by not taking 5 PROPER forwards. DUH!

Zahavi has also told Steve McClaren that if England lose to Israel on Saturday, he will be sacked. (Various)

COME ON, ISRAEL!!! :D :D

friartuck

March 23rd 2007, 02:03 PM

Also, Zahavi reiterated the point of Gerrard and Fatty not being able to play together because, and I quote, "the Chelsea man wants to shoot all the time."

It's really difficult for an England manager not to pick players on the basis of reputation because if he does he's taking a massive risk. If they lose having fielded an unexperienced side the fickle English media drive confidence in the public down. That rarely leads to success on the pitch. I don't think it's always been that way though: Since I began following football I know of two managers that picked squads based more on form than reputation - Bobby Robson and Terry Venables. And they've been more successful than any other managers since the 80's.

If the team was picked purely on form, who would be in your first eleven?

sunnydalehighdropout

March 23rd 2007, 08:09 PM

EvilElvis

March 23rd 2007, 08:21 PM

Seriously fellas (and the 2/3 ladies that visit here), i'm rooting for England to fail to qualify for Euro 2008 so this penarse in charge gets the boot and someone remotely competent gets a shout. It's for the good of the future of English Football.

It still sickens me how Sven and Steve have/are wasted/wasting the most talented generation of players we have had since 1974.

I love the fact the FA have to pay Sven £13K per day till is contract would have expired - I've not really heard of him looking for gainful employment for a while now!

For England to progress, they need to take outthe jobs created for "the boys" -

Why is Ray Clemence still the goalkeeping coach? Is there not anyone else suited for it?

What does Trevor Brooking actually do - aside from fix it so West Ham won't be relegated?

When a club brings in a new manager, they often bring in their own backroom staff. England's has been there for years.