The Footie (UK) Thread: 2006/07

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Nonononononononononononononono!

No.

You're talking in riddles man. Spit it out.

[Captain Stu]

I forgot what my point was.

I'm hungry and really hate those Beckham adverts for Adidas.

[rob3000]

Sexy goal from Bale.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

did anyone else hear the "one Goran Erriksson" chants? :D

[Captain Stu]

Sexy goal from Bale.

Hell yeah, very sexy goal. If only that mofo was English. :(

Bellamy was great in the build-up.

[foofan182]

A win may be a win but the first half was shocking.

Ashley Cole and Rooney were dire. If Fat Frank had been fit, we may have scored one or two more - there could still be a way of playing both Stevie and Fatty in the same team.

Fair play to Nugent for getting that goal. Hopefully Michael Owen (remember him?) can return for Estonia.

Given the way it's going I would predict this team for Estonia:

Woods; Rob Jones, Pallister, Adams, Dorigo; Ripley, Palmer, Clough, Sinton; Ferdinand, Wright. McClaren = Graham Taylor in disguise.

[Captain Stu]

ROB JONES!! The greatest English right-back who never played as much as he should have because his bones were made of cornflakes. :(

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Woods; Rob Jones, Pallister, Adams, Dorigo; Ripley, Palmer, Clough, Sinton; Ferdinand, Wright. McClaren = Graham Taylor in disguise.

YOU'LL NEVER BEAT DORIGO!!!

what a great chant.

[Pirate Thom]

Go on David Healy + 10.

[Captain Stu]

Go on David Healy + 10.

Republic > Northern.

:rolleyes:

[timesfooall]

Northern>England

[Pirate Thom]

Republic > Northern.

:rolleyes:
David Healy > England.

[boxshapedheart]

Nonononononononononononononono!

No.
There's no limit?



I'm hungry and really hate those Beckham adverts for Adidas.
Like anyone believes he wrote "impossible is nothing" without any spelling mistakes...



ooh we won. yay... I suppose? I fell asleep after 20 minutes in front of the telly and woke up for the second half.

That Gerrard tackle in the first half was hilarious! And how we ended upgetting the free kick from it, god knows! Yet again, Gerrard proves why he can lead the team better than anyone else. Nice touch from Rooney for Gerrard's first goal but that's pretty much all. And yeah he's totally advertised his dodgy temperament to the world, so I entirely expect everyone to do like Andorra did today with the constant niggling and elbowing and whatnot...
And the cheeky git Nugent! hahaha, Defoe so wants that goal. But better he went for it than didn't - good on yer lad.

[boxshapedheart]

Haha, Maclaren walked out of the post-match press conference apparently.

[Captain Stu]

David Healy > England.

Minus Gerrard and Carragher, yeah. :)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Haha, Maclaren walked out of the post-match press conference apparently.

after one question "write what you want" top man! he has a point. and so did Glenn Hoddle just then on sky, it's no win for anyone who takes the England Job

[Bexster]

ROB JONES!! The greatest English right-back who never played as much as he should have because his bones were made of cornflakes. :(
Rob Jones, who never scored for the 50 seasons he played at Liverpool :D

Good times...

Haha, Maclaren walked out of the post-match press conference apparently.
Another UEFA fine for him then. Such a shame.

GET THE MESSAGE. NO ONE LIKES YOU STEVE.

[Captain Stu]

As much as I dislike the guy, that's a good comeback. :D

It's not his fault that he's inept in every way imaginable when it comes to football. He plays the wrong players in the wrong formation using the wrong tactics.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

As much as I dislike the guy, that's a good comeback. :D

It's not his fault that he's inept in every way imaginable when it comes to football. He plays the wrong players in the wrong formation using the wrong tactics.

it does make me feel bad reading some stuff though, as uncle fester just said on sky as well, it's almost more a personal attack by the press rather than an attack on his management

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

The main reason I don't like Steve McLaren is that he does that pause/glare/grin face in the middle of talking.

[boxshapedheart]

it does make me feel bad reading some stuff though, as uncle fester just said on sky as well, it's almost more a personal attack by the press rather than an attack on his management
yeah but they always make it personal. he's seen it all before surely.

As funny as his response is, it doesn't take away from the fact that he is a man of denial and never wants to accept the bad stuff. It's always good in his world.

[boxshapedheart]

The main reason I don't like Steve McLaren is that he does that pause/glare/grin face in the middle of talking.
As annoying as the pause/fish faced intake of breath that Gordon Brown punctuates his sentences with.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Gordon Brown next england manager!

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

As annoying as the pause/fish faced intake of breath that Gordon Brown punctuates his sentences with.

Fuckin hell, yeah. What's that all about? You can guarantee that there's a Labour focus group studying tapes of it.

[Captain Stu]

His grin is so damn smug.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

http://images.scotsman.com/2006/09/23/2309brownb.jpg
http://www.drunkenhero.com/stevemcclaren.jpg

they're both pretty punchable

[Captain Stu]

I hate the way that Gordon, a Scot, says "we" when talking about England.

Fuck off, Kilty McHaggisbag.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Blair, Reid, Brown, all scots. it's a conspiracy i tells ya!

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Apparently Bolton are after Kewell.

1. Seriously?

2. Eh?

3. Have him.

[Captain Stu]

Apparently Bolton are after Kewell.

1. Seriously?

2. Eh?

3. Have him.

I'd wet my pants with glee if they bought him! If we actually make money off that walking plaster I'd be delighted. :)

Also, Le Sulk has struck again and told Bolton he wants to play for a big team. :D

[Bexster]

I'd wet my pants with glee if they bought him! If we actually make money off that walking plaster I'd be delighted. :)

Also, Le Sulk has struck again and told Bolton he wants to play for a big team. :D
I think he just needs somewhere with doors big enough for his head to go through. Maybe that's what he means.

[Captain Stu]

McQuiffy really did himself no favours with that press conference debacle last night.

[Bexster]

McQuiffy really did himself no favours with that press conference debacle last night.
Course not. Yes, the media are always personal, but sometimes they do ask questions about football, and why should he be allowed to leave a press conference? We want to hear him come out with his lame excuses.

[Captain Stu]

But apparently he DID drop Lampard! :eek:

The talk is VERY strong that he dropped Fatty and made him watch from the stands while Frankyboy wanted to come home. Awwwwwwww. :D

[boxshapedheart]

But apparently he DID drop Lampard! :eek:

The talk is VERY strong that he dropped Fatty and made him watch from the stands while Frankyboy wanted to come home. Awwwwwwww. :D
I can imagine Chelsea won't be too happy about that little detail there.

[Bexster]

I can imagine Chelsea won't be too happy about that little detail there.
Happy to see Chelski pissed off.

If he did do that, then I'll have a smidge of respect for him now.

[Obiwan]

Gordon Brown next england manager!

Hes got more chance of that, than becoming PM :D

[rob3000]

Keep Kewell! Give him a run of games and he's awesome, the second half of last season he was definitely one of our best players.

[friartuck]

I have no idea how Lawrie Sanchez is pulling off these results.

As good as David Healy is, he's playing for Championship whipping boys. I hope a Premiership manager gambles on him next season.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Leeds may be the whipping boys, but on paper they've got a very good side. they just think they're too good

[Captain Stu]

Keep Kewell! Give him a run of games and he's awesome, the second half of last season he was definitely one of our best players.

No way, he's a showboating, poncey, dancing cunt who barely if ever works for the team.

[rob3000]

No way, he's a showboating, poncey, dancing cunt who barely if ever works for the team.
You don't remember the first 6 MONTHS of 2006 where he scored a few goals, got a few assists and was generall a menance on the left?

You said yourself in one of the older football threads you were wrong about him...

[Captain Stu]

You don't remember the first 6 MONTHS of 2006 where he scored a few goals, got a few assists and was generall a menance on the left?

You said yourself in one of the older football threads you were wrong about him...

His form did improve and he started playing well... but he's too damn injury prone. Is he worth £67,000 a week? No way because he's going to miss half the season, every season.

That goal against Everton though... woah.

I'd much rather see Speedy get fit and get his thumb out of his arse.

[rob3000]

Maybe you're right, but the few games in which I've seen Gonzalez play I haven't been too impressed.

Then again, I've always liked Kewell.

[friartuck]

Kewell in top-notch shape is so much better than Gonzalez it can't be expressed in words. And despite a match fit Kewell turning up about as often as February 29th, that alone makes him worth another run in the team.

[Captain Stu]

Maybe you're right, but the few games in which I've seen Gonzalez play I haven't been too impressed.

Then again, I've always liked Kewell.

Since he came, GOnzalez has been a massive disappointment... but if he gains the form he did when he was on loan in Spain for a year before his work permit came through then we'd be in business.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Headline on BBC Football:

MAN CITY SWEAT ON RICHARDS INJURYReally, does that hocus pocus crap ever work?

[Captain Stu]

Really, does that hocus pocus crap ever work?

Hahaha, nicely done.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Leeds may be the whipping boys, but on paper they've got a very good side. they just think they're too good

No, they're shit.

They're made even shitter by being shit, yet playing for a 'big name' team which must make them think they're gifted.

Only Eddie Lewis and Gary Kelly are any good. And they're both 34.

[timesfooall]

Lolz.......England team sheet given in to officals before the game last night:

3. Assley Cole

:D How very true

[rob3000]

The Echo have got "Andorra 0 Huyton 3" as their headline.

Good, but never as good as "Germany 1 Liverpool 5":D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

my god that's almost as bad as West Ham fans saying they won the world cup

[rob3000]

my god that's almost as bad as West Ham fans saying they won the world cup

HA! Oh, you thought it was intended to be serious, didn't you?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

sure

[rob3000]

Don't West Ham fans say they won the world cup seriously?

[Captain Stu]

Don't West Ham fans say they won the world cup seriously?

Yup.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Don't West Ham fans say they won the world cup seriously?

if they do, i don't think anyone takes them seriously

[rob3000]

lol.

[EvilElvis]

Walter Smith was watching the N Ireland Sweden game - Rumours are that "Rangers daft" Healy will be at Ibrox next season.

If he comes to Ibrox, Healy will no doubt replace Sir Dado of Prso - One of the foreigner's the Rangers fans truely loved (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6507141.stm)

[EvilElvis]

I hate the way that Gordon, a Scot, says "we" when talking about England.

Fuck off, Kilty McHaggisbag.


Yet, it's ok for Alan Hansen?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/6464163.stm

West Ham to avoid big points loss

West Ham should avoid a hefty points deduction from the Premier League over the signings of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez, BBC Sport understands.

The Premier League is probing the signings from Brazilian side Corinthians in August 2006.

BBC Five Live's Mike Sewell said: "Any possible punishment will be proportionate. It will be a maximum of three points and a fine.

"It may be a six-figure fine. But the hearing isn't until the end of April."

Tevez and Mascherano's registration with third party Media Sports Investment could have broken Premier League regulations.

West Ham, who are eight points adrift of safety at the foot of the Premiership, denied any wrongdoing.

Sewell added: "You can dismiss any notion that West Ham will be hit with a large deduction of points.

"Any points deduction may not even be necessary by the time the hearing takes place because by then the club could already be relegated."

The double signing of Argentina internationals Macherano and Tevez came as a surprise last summer, but the moves have been shrouded in mystery over who owns the players.

The Football Association said earlier this month it will investigate allegations of financial impropriety over Mascherano's signing last year.

The News of the World claimed to have documents detailing a £339,000 payment in relation to the deal, which was not disclosed, as required, to the FA.

An FA spokesman said: "We have received documents and will be investigating."

A Hammers spokesman told the News of the World: "All documents relating to the Mascherano and Tevez transfers have now been submitted to the Premier League to assist with their ongoing inquiry.

"That includes the so-called third party agreements and all payments relating to them, which were passed on by the club's new owners in January."

Mascherano was given special dispensation to join Liverpool last month but Tevez remains at Upton Park - where he is leading the club's push to survive relegation.

there's a suprise.

AFC wimbledon are still in the process of appealing their 18 point deduction and expulsion from the FA trophy for fielding a player from Wales, by the way.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6455227.stm

Wembley will host play-off games

The Football League has announced that the end-of-season play-offs will be held at the new Wembley Stadium.

The announcement follows Brent council granting Wembley a safety certificate on Tuesday after two successful warm-up events at the £798m stadium.

"This is the news which fans of League clubs have been waiting for," said League chairman Lord Mawhinney.

The League Two play-off final will take place on Saturday 26 May, with League One and the Championship following.

Lord Mawhinney added: "Knowing their club could get to play at the new Wembley is sure to provide an extra edge to what is already shaping up to be a very exciting end-of-season run-in."

Wembley managing director Alex Horne added: "We are looking forward to welcoming back the Football League play-offs at the end of May.

"As the final hurdle in the season-long race for promotion these are exciting and critical matches and we are delighted that they will be returning to Wembley this year."

Cardiff's Millennium Stadium had been put on standby for the three matches.

Great Work.

shame we didn't sack Spazman earlier :(

[Two-Bob Peeters]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6509565.stm

Riise declared bankrupt by courts
John Arne Riise has been declared bankrupt by Liverpool County Court for an unpaid debt of around £100,000.
The Liverpool defender, who is thought to earn around £50,000 a week, is involved in a legal battle with his former agent, Einar Baardsen.

The case is reported to be linked to an alleged £3m fraud investigation going through the courts in Norway.

Riise's solicitors are believed to be preparing to go back to court to have the bankruptcy order annulled.

eh...?

(yes. i'm bored)

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Yeah, I don't understand that.

[Captain Stu]

What the fuck?!

How can you earn £50,000 a week but not be able to pay £100,000 debt off? Oh Johnny Arney baby, what are you up to? :(

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

My guess would be something to do with gambling, but I still don't get it. Surely it's just a matter of not wiping your arse with gold leaf toilet paper for a couple of weeks.

[Captain Stu]

There were strong rumours that he's a coke fiend apparently also although I find that hard to believe with all the testing and high profile people that have been caught.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Sounds reasonable to me. £50,000 a week? Course you'd have a dabble. It's out of your system within a few days.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i would imagine SO many players are on the sniff and don't get caught or it wouldn't come out for whatever reasons. (and what FooUK said) still i can't see how it'd be possible for £100,000 to make Riise bankrupt...

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Must have escalated way above that with interest or something.

[Bexster]

Maybe he's got a lot of his assets frozen back home over this fraud case.

[Captain Stu]

http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/eiir/IIRCaseIndivDetail.asp?CaseId=42215547&IndivNo=1&Court=LIV&OfficeID=32&CaseType=B

I'm so damn investigative!!

The suggestion is that there's been some seriously failed business ventures back in Norway (hotels being one of them) and he personally may be liable for around £3M in lost money. :eek:

But yeah, there's his name and address listed on the governments official insolvency register.

[friartuck]

i would imagine SO many players are on the sniff and don't get caught or it wouldn't come out for whatever reasons. (and what FooUK said) still i can't see how it'd be possible for £100,000 to make Riise bankrupt...


Pretty easily: By making poor investments. As far as I can tell Riise invested a shed load of money into dodgy business ventures and they all went tits up. When you're a few million quid in debt 50,000 quid a week doesn't seem that much. And you'd imagine footballers would find it extremely hard to be more frugal when they find they're living beyond their means.

Anyway, it wouldn't surprise me if Riise's solicitors manage to clean this mess up quickly.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

he should write an autobiography!

[rob3000]

There were strong rumours that he's a coke fiend apparently also although I find that hard to believe with all the testing and high profile people that have been caught.

Didn't that just come from me? Or did you hear it somewhere else too? Either way, I've never heard he's a coke addict or anything like that at all.

[rob3000]

Ha, his address! That's awesome.

[Captain Stu]

Anyway, it wouldn't surprise me if Riise's solicitors manage to clean this mess up quickly.

Probably, the angle is going to be that (A) he wasn't in the country at the time and (B) he earns so much money that he can easily pay off the one hundred grand debt.

Didn't that just come from me? Or did you hear it somewhere else too? Either way, I've never heard he's a coke addict or anything like that at all.

I think it mightve been from somewhere else too... but the only vivid remember I can hear about him is that he's a proper horny git and a bit of a sex addict and he wanted to bone Sarah from Girls Aloud so hard that he became a text pest to her.

Ha, his address! That's awesome.

Seriously you have NO idea how much I want to go to his house. :(

[boxshapedheart]

Seriously you have NO idea how much I want to go to his house. :(
Just casually stroll around the house until you "bump into him". Although some busybodies will probably construe that as "stalking".

However, give him a fiver for beer money, and he won't mind. :p

[boxshapedheart]

OTHER GOSSIP
England boss Steve McClaren has one game - the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia in June - to save his job. (Various)
Again, it's a match against Estonia, which you'd fully expect them to easily win. Whatever happens in that game, it won't prove some sort of major turnaround...

[Captain Stu]

Just casually stroll around the house until you "bump into him". Although some busybodies will probably construe that as "stalking".

However, give him a fiver for beer money, and he won't mind. :p

Screw that! I'm thinking the whole thing - drive over, camp outside his house, write his name across my forehead in my own semen... you know, the usual fan appreciation. Tastefully done.

Again, it's a match against Estonia, which you'd fully expect them to easily win. Whatever happens in that game, it won't prove some sort of major turnaround...

Sack him anyway, even if we win 101-0.

[boxshapedheart]

Screw that! I'm thinking the whole thing - drive over, camp outside his house, write his name across my forehead in my own semen... you know, the usual fan appreciation. Tastefully done.
Like it, very tasteful!

Sack him anyway, even if we win 101-0.
But they won't. We're royally scereeeewed. :/

[Bexster]

Sack him anyway, even if we win 101-0.
Yes please.

In all fairness, if we don't win 101-0, then he deserves to be sacked, even more than before if that was possible.

[rob3000]

I'd go to his house, but it's like on the complete opposite side of liverpool to me.

I have Gerrard close by though! His house is huge (suprising, hey.)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6509141.stm
ITV scores in FA Cup rights fight

ITV and Irish broadcaster Setanta have secured the rights to show the FA Cup and England home internationals in a £425m four-year deal.
The Football Association confirmed the deal, beginning in August 2008, saying that it was "delighted" at the outcome.

The deal is up from the current £300m agreement which is held jointly by the BBC and BSkyB.

Snatching the FA Cup and England rights is a major coup for ITV and its executive chairman Michael Grade.

'Sporting highlight'

Mr Grade made boosting ITV's coverage of live sporting events a priority when he left the BBC to join ITV in December.

"Our position is now substantially enhanced as the leading terrestrial free-to-air sports broadcaster"

Michael Grade, ITV chairman

ITV already has the terrestrial rights to the Champion's League, which it shares with BSkyB.

Mr Grade hailed the agreement - through which ITV will show England home internationals exclusively and about 16 FA Cup matches a year - as a "great deal".

"ITV is pleased to be returning both the FA Cup and England games to our viewers and advertisers. Our position is now substantially enhanced as the leading terrestrial free-to-air sports broadcaster."

The BBC and BSkyB have held the FA Cup rights since 2001.

BSkyB and Setanta, which will have exclusive pay-TV coverage of the FA Cup under the new deal, are involved in an increasingly fierce battle for pay-per-view sports rights.

In a statement, Setanta Sports said it would be showing 25 FA Cup matches a year as well as eight England friendlies over the lifetime of the contract.

"The FA Cup is a great highlight in the English football calendar and an excellent addition to the Setanta line-up," said Trevor East, Setanta Sport's director of sport.

'Value for money'

Last year the Irish broadcaster secured a six-year deal to televise the PGA golf tour featuring 40 leading tournaments, rights previously held by Sky.

BSkyB and Setanta won a £1.7bn auction to screen Premiership games last year.

The decision leaves the BBC without any live domestic football coverage, although it has the rights to Premiership highlights until 2010.

"Whenever we bid for a contract, we have to bear in mind the interests of licence-fee payers and we always have to seek value for money," the BBC said in a statement.

great, so the FA cup will be on PPV tv now? (apart from some ITV coverage?)

[Captain Stu]

OH FUCK!! :mad:

Setanta is fucking shite.

[Edge]

sounds like a lot of bollocks to me.
paying to watch the FA cup and having to endure adverts too.
dark dark days.

[Captain Stu]

We know what the next match is - compulsory PPV on either all matches or all worthwhile matches.

Cock.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

oh well, never mind as long as the premier league get their £billions all football fans are happy

[Bexster]

So, Stuey. Tomorrow?

[Marvin]

see, i don't get why these ppv channels get all the games because i don't actually know anyone who would pay to watch the match at home. Chances are that a nearby pub will have it and in most cases it wouldn't cost much more to go and see the match itself.

As for itv, they suck at all the coverage they do regardless of what sport it is.

[Captain Stu]

So, Stuey. Tomorrow?

Tomorrow there is a game of football between the sides named "Liverpool" and "Arsenal" and the game is to be played at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool.

:D

I dunno, we have home advantage but Arseanal are in slightly better form at the moment plus Benitez hasn't been putting too much emphasis on the league, instead concentrating our efforts on the Champions League.

I'm going for a 2-1 home win but, to be honest, it could go either way.

[Mrs Poon]

see, i don't get why these ppv channels get all the games because i don't actually know anyone who would pay to watch the match at home. Chances are that a nearby pub will have it and in most cases it wouldn't cost much more to go and see the match itself.

As for itv, they suck at all the coverage they do regardless of what sport it is.
pubs still have to pay a pretty hefty license fee.

matches on sky annoy me but PPV pisses me off no end. there'll be NO sport at all on terrestrial in about 5 years.

[EvilElvis]

OH FUCK!! :mad:

Setanta is fucking shite.

Not gonna aregue with that!


Though it is my mate who gets a PPV package for the season! :D

[Bexster]

Tomorrow there is a game of football between the sides named "Liverpool" and "Arsenal" and the game is to be played at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool.

:D
Ha, ha, ha.

:D

I dunno, we have home advantage but Arseanal are in slightly better form at the moment plus Benitez hasn't been putting too much emphasis on the league, instead concentrating our efforts on the Champions League.

I'm going for a 2-1 home win but, to be honest, it could go either way.
I'm thinking draw - I don't think there's going to be much between the teams, and it's either going to be one of the ugliest games you've ever seen, or one of the best games ever. On the plus side, I think it's 12 goals we've stuck past you already this season, but in all honesty, I don't think past records can be counted at all.

[Marvin]

Never thought i'd say this but thanks to Leeds United for beating Preston and making our job a little easier.

[EvilElvis]

Real Madrid are confident of luring Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United in the summer, along with AC Milan's Brazilian ace Kaka. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will search for "another Sol Campbell on a free" to boost his squad for next season. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill may raid neighbours West Brom for right-back Paul McShane. (Daily Mirror)

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan insists Kenny Miller, Craig Beattie and Derek Riordan would not leave the club unless they asked to leave. (Daily Record)

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben will not be sold in a cut price deal to Barcelona in the summer. (Sun).

OTHER GOSSIP
Guus Hiddink is being lined up to join Chelsea as general manager under a new club structure, as a buffer between Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich. (Various)

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has warned Steve McClaren he won't rush England striker Michael Owen back from injury. (Sun)

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock will double his salary to £800,000- a year - but only if Sheffield United stay up this season. (Daily Express)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has told Steven Gerrard he will use him in a position best for the team - whether that be in the middle or right of midfield. (Various)

Wigan boss Paul Jewell believes fans are disillusioned with players because of the "vast" money the game's stars earn. (Mirror)

Newcastle striker Antoine Sibierski has attacked his ex-boss at Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce for being dishonest with him. (Various)

Gordon Strachan denies he will tempted to leave Celtic in the summer and return to the English Premiership with Manchester City. (Daily Record)


AND FINALLY...
Arsenal fans will soon be able to watch instant action replays of matches by bringing their own mini-games consoles to the Emirates stadium. (Daily Star)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he may give the Football Association his credit card so they can take fines straight out of his bank account. (Guardian)

[Captain Stu]

George Gillet just said once again, live on TV, we have absolutely NO intention of sharing a ground with Everton.

Fuck.Off you blue cunts.

[EvilElvis]

George Gillet just said once again, live on TV, we have absolutely NO intention of sharing a ground with Everton.

Fuck.Off you blue cunts.


They were meant to start work on teh new ground on Monday - But the new owners were so impressed with the backing the team got from the Kop - they have decided to redesign the ground with a new Kop being placed into the ground.

[Captain Stu]

YEEEEES!!! GET IN CROUCHY BABY!!! :D

Brilliant setup by Pennant and especially Arbeloa!

[Bexster]

What a great fucking start :mad:

I think I can honestly say I lost confidence in my team about 3 weeks ago. Before it was just a bit dodgy, now who knows what they'll do.

[EvilElvis]

I love the story about Wenger offering his Credit Card to the FA To save them fining him.

[Captain Stu]

Holy crap, I wish Gallas had scored that oggy - that would've been the best own goal of all time. :D

[Captain Stu]

CROOOOOOOOOOUCH!!!


That was an absolutely outstanding header, simply goooorgeous!

[JackTom 2.0]

Haha I accidentally put Fanzone on, the Liverpool fan is absolutely brilliant, I don't think I've ever heard a more bias fan, the Arsenal fan can't get a word in....but they've just joined together to have a good rant for about 5 minutes about Everton

[Captain Stu]

Mascherano is having a very good game so far.

[Bexster]

Haha I accidentally put Fanzone on, the Liverpool fan is absolutely brilliant, I don't think I've ever heard a more bias fan, the Arsenal fan can't get a word in....but they've just joined together to have a good rant for about 5 minutes about Everton
People can always unite in a common hatred.

Mascherano is having a very good game so far.
Ha, ha to you :p

If it gets too bad for the Arse fans, at least they can chant down "I'd rather be watching England", see if that gets them going.

[Captain Stu]

Tra la la la la la laaaaaaaa!!! :D

AGGER DO DO DO!!!

[JackTom 2.0]

Apparantly the Arsenal goal is allowed despite the "foul on Reina and an offside"....


Gotta love Fanzone

[Captain Stu]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!! CROUCH'S FIRST CAREER HAT-TRICK!!!

Brilliant ball from Mascherano, game set and match! This performance has been brilliant, I am deeeelighted.

[Bexster]

Cunty, McCunting Cuntwipe.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Leeds 2 -1 Preston. Healy in the last minute.

Come on ye shit cunts. We NEED Hull to beat Southend today.

[Captain Stu]

With the exception of Pennant, everyone played their tits off today. So so pleased.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

With the exception of Pennant, everyone played their tits off today. So so pleased.

Masturbate into a cup and freeze it as, 'the day we beat arsenal 4-1'. You many never have such overjoyed little men again. :D

[Bexster]

It better not happen again. I'll not be best pleased.

[Jamie]

Reasons to watch MotD:
"Fergie put his arms up to catch the ball, but it hit him in the face"

Do you need another?

[Marvin]

Reasons to watch MotD:


Do you need another?

haha, sweet.

[Captain Stu]

So, Ferdinand has just injured a lady in the crowd because he had a big hissy fit and booted the ball into the crowd. She was getting medical attention.

What a faggot.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

So, Ferdinand has just injured a lady in the crowd because he had a big hissy fit and booted the ball into the crowd. She was getting medical attention.

What a faggot.

£20 says that in the red top tabloids this week there is an interview with her, and a photo of her and Rio smiling and happy.

[Captain Stu]

£20 says that in the red top tabloids this week there is an interview with her, and a photo of her and Rio smiling and happy.

I reckon there'll be an article, yeah, but her being pissed off.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

I reckon there'll be an article, yeah, but her being pissed off.

was she a manc or a [whoever they're playing - slang name]?

[Captain Stu]

No idea.

[Edge]

£20 says that in the red top tabloids this week there is an interview with her, and a photo of her and Rio smiling and happy.
She can't help but smile anymore, the ball rearranged her face into a permanent smile.

[timesfooall]

Get in you beauty, 2nd half performance today was boneriffic.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

She can't help but smile anymore, the ball rearranged her face into a permanent smile.

Hhahahah :D

[rob3000]

Mascherano is having a very good game so far.

Is this bad news? Have I missed something?

[Marvin]

Barnsley 1 - 2 Derby

The finish line is in sight! :D

[Captain Stu]

Is this bad news? Have I missed something?

Yeah, because I was sceptical to the MAXXX about us signing him. But damn, his tackling was perfect, his passing was perfect today.

OH.MY.GOD.ROB.

Guess who is... not exactly guarenteed... but pretty certain to be able to get a season ticket for the new stadium? MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! :D :D :D :D

[rob3000]

Yeah, because I was sceptical to the MAXXX about us signing him. But damn, his tackling was perfect, his passing was perfect today.

OH.MY.GOD.ROB.

Guess who is... not exactly guarenteed... but pretty certain to be able to get a season ticket for the new stadium? MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! :D :D :D :D

Sweet! How?! Is your name on the list?

And it's not a bad thing, let him play like he did today every week and I'll be sold.

[Captain Stu]

Definately, that system today REALLY worked - we had the incredible security of two defensive midfielders with the added bonus that both of them have an insane range of passing plus we had natural width and fantastic support from Stevie for Crouchy. If he wants to use that system all the time against the big teams, I'm all for it... but against smaller teams, we need to play 2 up top but yeah, this system should be noted for the future.

Right, part of the system in selling shares is that anyone who has a share but doesn't have a season ticket is being given the option to buy one. A guy my Dad goes to the match with (Rob) has a share and a season ticket... so that doesnt count... but his wife and some of their friends, they reckon that they have up to about ten season tickets and my Dad asked him if I could have one and they said no problem.

It's pretty much the best chance I'll ever have of getting one. :)

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Nice one Stu. I'm considering a Leeds one for 07/08 depending on the prices.

[Captain Stu]

ALso, Chelsea are jammy little fuckwits.

[Edge]

ALso, Chelsea are jammy little fuckwits.
aye,could see that one coming.

[Captain Stu]

For the umpteenth time this season, Foster played completely out of his skin.

[rob3000]

Right, part of the system in selling shares is that anyone who has a share but doesn't have a season ticket is being given the option to buy one. A guy my Dad goes to the match with (Rob) has a share and a season ticket... so that doesnt count... but his wife and some of their friends, they reckon that they have up to about ten season tickets and my Dad asked him if I could have one and they said no problem.

It's pretty much the best chance I'll ever have of getting one. :)
Oh yeah, definitely. That's really cool that! Good luck in getting one!

[Captain Stu]

Cheers. :D I'm rather sexcited.

[Jamie]

My girlfriend isn't renewing hers next season, so you'll be one further up the waiting list anyway. Only 29,999 more to go.

Actually, isn't the waiting list even bigger than that?

[rob3000]

Can I have the other 9?

I'm currently waiting for people to give theirs up, which isn't happening. Only then will I stop working saturdays.

[rob3000]

My girlfriend isn't renewing hers next season, so you'll be one further up the waiting list anyway. Only 29,999 more to go.

Actually, isn't the waiting list even bigger than that?

Can't she renew it, and I'll give her the money + £50?

[foofan182]

Seven games unbeaten. Would not have happened under Paul Sturrock, and the season isn't over by a long shot. Still a chance (albeit very slim) of a possible trip to Wem-ber-lee, otherwise with our supposed Chinese takeover to happen in the summer we might storm the league next season. Or maybe not.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Awesome, Man City beat Newcastle.

win/win for Dan's beliefs :D

[EvilElvis]

Lolz @ Fulham's cripple scoring.

Ferdinand is a complete bell end for smacking the ball at the fan.

[Renegades of funk 8]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/MatchReportImages/0607/Premiership/PortsmouthHome/2.jpg

i love you pearcey!!!!!!! :)

[EvilElvis]

i love you pearcey!!!!!!! :)

He's called hop-along!

[Renegades of funk 8]

Lolz @ Fulham's cripple scoring.

Ferdinand is a complete bell end for smacking the ball at the fan.


at the beginning of the season i bought our replica home kit with pearce on the back, i think i'm going to wear it for 4 months non stop now :D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i cannot believe i missed Crouchio's hat trick, i love him so much <3

Tom: your mob are fucking leary but a good laugh, great atmosphere today, although your team are the easiest we've faced at the den so far this season

edit: i just saw it, i'm wanking happily tonight

[Epic Failure]

yup another fine day to be an arsenal fan. Still at least my local rugby league side won. and we were on telly and everything. turned down a ticket to go and watch the united game to watch the rugby. happy days.

[EvilElvis]

Inter Milan are lining up a £14m swoop for Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky. (News of the World)

Rafa Benitez fears Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso could be lured from Liverpool if they are not handed massive new deals from the club's new American owners. (Various)

Valencia striker David Villa admits he is flattered by Chelsea's interest and would relish a move to the Premiership. (News of the World)

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce wants to sign Southend United striker Freddy Eastwood for around £5m. (People)

Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi has been trying to persuade Thierry Henry to join the Italian giants. (News of the World)

Manchester United are to offer Ryan Giggs a one-year contract extension. (Sunday Mirror)

Fulham will offer Matthew Upson a chance to stay in the Premiership if the Hammers are relegated. (People)

Arsenal have deemed striker Jeremie Aliadiere surplus to requirements and Middlesbrough are favourites to sign him. (Sunday Mirror)

Craig Bellamy has sensationally opened the door for a summer return to Celtic. (News of the World)


OTHER GOSSIP
Roman Abramovich is to bankroll Russia's Euro 2008 qualifying preparations for their matches with England. (Sunday Express)

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton says Cristiano Ronaldo's penchant for tricks in his early days at the club was sometimes "a little embarrassing". (Sunday Express)

Former England boss Sir Bobby Robson fears the country's players do not see international football as their "top priority". (Mail on Sunday)

Fulham boss Chris Coleman could quit the club in the summer because of the barracking from fans. (Sunday Express)

Roy Keane is to take Sunderland on a "brand building" trip to his native Ireland to boost the club's fan base. (Sunday Mirror)

[Captain Stu]

FACT: Crouch for England, in form and on fire. :)

Rafa Benitez fears Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso could be lured from Liverpool if they are not handed massive new deals from the club's new American owners. (Various)

Get 'em signed up ASAP, please. :)

After watching the highlights again, Aurelio played a fucking blinder. He's showing why Benitez signed him, what perfect delivery from that sweeeeet left foot.

[rob3000]

Gerrard can't be offered much more than he's already on, surely.

[goobervision]

I doubt more money's going to make a huge difference. If Benitez keeps sticking Gerrard out on the right as a display of managerial power, he's going to get pissed off and leave eventually, isn't he?

[rob3000]

I doubt more money's going to make a huge difference. If Benitez keeps sticking Gerrard out on the right as a display of managerial power, he's going to get pissed off and leave eventually, isn't he?

I don't he's doing it to show Gerrard who's the boss, he's doing it because Gerrards are best player to play on the right - and it's effective. Who cares if he likes it or not?

[Captain Stu]

As much as I hate seeing Gerrard on the right, he's the best player we have there. Once we have a decent winger, he'll move back inside.

[Marvin]

i thought Jermaine Pennant was gonna be the one to solve that problem at Liverpool?

[Novacane]

i thought Jermaine Pennant was gonna be the one to solve that problem at Liverpool?

The american megabucks guys will solve ALL the problems at Liverpool Soccer Club.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i thought Jermaine Pennant was gonna be the one to solve that problem at Liverpool?

you're a Derby fan?

your club is insane for not playing Ryan Smith

[sunnydalehighdropout]

At Derby, what happened to Tonton Zola Moukuku or whatever his name was?

[Marvin]

you're a Derby fan?

your club is insane for not playing Ryan Smith

he's not that good.... although he's the only decentish left winger we have.

Jones, Johnson, Oakley and Barnes have all been better this season anyway, they're pretty much the first choice midfield.

haha, moukokou was meant to be hot shit cause he was good on champ manager, but he probably never made it through the ranks.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i'm sure you wont mind us taking him on a permanent deal once the loan is up then ;) which won't happen... Derby have made clear apparantly that's it's only short term. which is a shame 'cos he looks very exciting

[Marvin]

you never know, i expect the squad overhaul to continue if we go up.

[EvilElvis]

you never know, i expect the squad overhaul to continue if we go up.

I can see Billy Davies going to Ibrox!


When he was at Preston he said it would be his dream job

[Marvin]

Yeah, i've heard that before. Better not do though! :mad:

Why, is Walter Smith under fire already??

[EvilElvis]

Yeah, i've heard that before. Better not do though! :mad:

Why, is Walter Smith under fire already??

Nah! If Smith was manager from star of season we'd be challenging for the title just now. He's taken 23 points out of a possible 27 (I think) 2 draws since he came back has cost him.

I know a few fans who rather we got someone new in - as it's not always the best idea to return to a club where you were successful.

[Marvin]

Ah right. So it seems Paul le Guen single handedly ruined Rangers' season, and now he's gonna get PSG relegated to.

lolz @ le Guen!!

[EvilElvis]

Ah right. So it seems Paul le Guen single handedly ruined Rangers' season, and now he's gonna get PSG relegated to.

lolz @ le Guen!!

Aye! The PSG fans have already started turning on him.

The funniest thing is Le Guen's assitant made a snidey comment along the lines of "Rangers form is worse now Paul and I have left"


We were 20 points behind Celtic when they left, now it's 13.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i know we've said it before, but again this match proves it by x1000 Lennon and Defoe are frightening on the ball, but the end product is almost zero.

unlucky penalty, that

[Wish_Master2100]

Aye! The PSG fans have already started turning on him.

The funniest thing is Le Guen's assitant made a snidey comment along the lines of "Rangers form is worse now Paul and I have left"


We were 20 points behind Celtic when they left, now it's 13.

Maybe that means Celtic have been slipping up more?

[Bexster]

i cannot believe i missed Crouchio's hat trick, i love him so much <3

Tom: your mob are fucking leary but a good laugh, great atmosphere today, although your team are the easiest we've faced at the den so far this season

We had so many problems when you guys came down here - pretty much from our own fans. There was a fantastic picture of a mob of swans fans charging down a street by the stadium at policeman, one one of the twats throwing a tyre at them. After Tate was sent off and Millwall scored, I was secretly very pleased that the game was up there, and I wasn't working it.

yup another fine day to be an arsenal fan. Still at least my local rugby league side won. and we were on telly and everything. turned down a ticket to go and watch the united game to watch the rugby. happy days.
Yeah, Exeter won, so today, that's all I care about :D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

We had so many problems when you guys came down here - pretty much from our own fans. There was a fantastic picture of a mob of swans fans charging down a street by the stadium at policeman, one one of the twats throwing a tyre at them. After Tate was sent off and Millwall scored, I was secretly very pleased that the game was up there, and I wasn't working it.


that's basically what i heard too. the swans mob got a bit overexcited at the prospect of Millwall, and ended up charging the police. same thing happened at Blackpool and Carlisle. and yeah on Saturday, the swans mob got a bit leary woth the police on the away fans walkway to the train station! no Millwall fans in sight! they wasn't best pleased when Tate got sent off either, a few stewards got sent flying

[JackTom 2.0]

I think we fell apart with Tate getting himself sent off (no complaints mind you, stupid challenge, no need to make it espicially when you're already on a yellow card). It's a shame as we'd been playing well recently (Martinez had 13 out of 15 points before Millwall game since taking over), although we do seem to have a knack for putting in a totally useless performances every so often....

Completly fucked up our efforts for that last playoff place though :( Although we do have Blackpool on the last day of the season so we might scrape in...


And yeah our mob are just a little bit lairy!!

[JackTom 2.0]

that's basically what i heard too. the swans mob got a bit overexcited at the prospect of Millwall, and ended up charging the police. same thing happened at Blackpool and Carlisle. and yeah on Saturday, the swans mob got a bit leary woth the police on the away fans walkway to the train station! no Millwall fans in sight! they wasn't best pleased when Tate got sent off either, a few stewards got sent flying


It's your reputation, does you no favours!

[Two-Bob Peeters]

looks like a trip to scotland in pre season, Dundee, Motherwell and St Johnstone. might go if it's feasable

[EvilElvis]

Maybe that means Celtic have been slipping up more?

Celtic have dropped a few points - since AC Milan, they've only scored 1 goal and won 1 point

Rangers have been to Celtic Park and won.

Since Smith came back, we've drawn 2 games and won the rest. Under Le Guen, only 1 team hadn't taken any points from us at all.

[Captain Stu]

Liverpool will start the development of their new stadium in Stanley Park in May after plans were agreed at a meeting held over the weekend.

Reds new owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, along with chief executive Rick Parry, met key figures from Liverpool City Council, who approved the plan.

But the news ends any possibility of a new joint stadium with Everton.
It is hoped that once tenders have gone out, construction will start in July and be finished by the end of 2008.

:)

[Edge]

i know we've said it before, but again this match proves it by x1000 Lennon and Defoe are frightening on the ball, but the end product is almost zero.

unlucky penalty, that

Defoe never seems to show any composure, saying that though his two disallowed goals this week were pretty good finishes. His header against Israel and the one on one against Reading.
Lennon still has a lot to offer i feel, they used to say the same things about Ronaldo regarding end product but look at him now.I hope for the good england he improves.

harsh penalty but the ref had to give it. Dawson one was a penalty as well.

[Captain Stu]

Lennon needs to come good... soon... or he's gonna be dropped like a hot turd. It'd really help things along if SWP would move so he could actually put some pressure on Lennon.

Also, start Crouch next game alongside someone other than Rooney and let's see what can be done. Maybe Johnson - the lightweight cunt plays well off a targetman.

[Captain Stu]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=458308&CPID=5&clid=121&lid=2&title=Totti+reveals+English+disliking&channel=football_home&

Roma star Francesco Totti has stoked up the tensions ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester United.
Totti has confessed he has little time for the Premiership or England in general.

"I don't like the way English football is even if some great players play there," he is quoted in the Sun.

"I don't like English football and I don't like England either because of the weather."

Totti also responded to Sir Alex Ferguson, who last week did not name the Italian maestro when he was naming the players he considered to be Roma's dangermen.

"I am not worried about what Ferguson thinks of me as he will see for himself," opined Totti.

"I hope I will make him remember my name."

Totti is expecting to be man-marked against United, but he has no problems with that treatment.

"So they are going to put me in a cage? Opponents always make a cage for me," he said.

"When I grow up I won't be a footballer but I will work at the zoo with all the cages people have made for me."

What a prick, he's too slow to make it in the Premiership. As awesome as he is, he'd get snapped in half and made to look a complete tool like Veron was.

Premiership >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Serie A.

:)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Serie A is terrible football

[foofan182]

Serie A is terrible football

Inter Milan play some good stuff, that's why they're 20 points ahead or something like that. They haven't lost all season in the league.

[Captain Stu]

I don't mind Serie A in general... it's just too slow, they have too many players for me who are great when they have the ball but they need 3 or 4 times longer than the best Premiership players when they receive the ball to decide what they're going to do.

[Edge]

He wins one world cup and thinks he's bertie big bollocks. :rolleyes:

[Captain Stu]

bertie big bollocks

Ahahahaha, I'm stealing that. :D

[Bexster]

I don't mind Serie A in general... it's just too slow, they have too many players for me who are great when they have the ball but they need 3 or 4 times longer than the best Premiership players when they receive the ball to decide what they're going to do.
It's true. It's a lot slower than Prem football, and it's a lot less flowing football. I like it, but sometimes it's a boring as ten to watch.

[Captain Stu]

I used to bone for Serie A so hard, especially with Gazetta lighting up ones weekend, but fuck that now. :)

[friartuck]

I used to bone for Serie A so hard, especially with Gazetta lighting up ones weekend, but fuck that now. :)

"What do Clarence Seedorf and Pete Doherty have in common? They both get caught in possession an awful lot."

James Richardson is a hero. Whenever he was reading the Italian papers I always thought, "fuck mate, I'd love to be sitting there right now with that tasty looking pastry and espresso you've got in front of you."

Did anyone see the Real Madrid - Celta Vigo match? Man of the Match was the ref for booking Guti for diving in the penalty area and then having the balls to send him off for mouthing off. Fair play to you big man. I wish more referees would step up to the plate when decisions like that need to be made.

[Captain Stu]

Hahaha, quality gag. :D

I started watching the Madrid gag but only got about the first ten minutes and then something better came on but dayumn, that sounds tasty. As you say, if only more people had the balls to enforce the rules. Well done that man.

[Captain Stu]

Apparently Newcastle are set to spend around £300M on increasing the capacity at St. James' Park from 52,000 up to 60,000.

Here's a better idea, get a manager who has a clue, a proper defense and then sort a new ground out, yeah? :D

[friartuck]

Did you see anything on Forbes Magazine's piece on the richest clubs in the world? Newcastle are right up there. In a financial sense they are a "big" club - bigger than say Everton or Bolton. It just shows you how much good managerial and coaching staff can help a team punch above its weight. It's also encouraging to see that money isn't the be all and end all in football.

[Bexster]

"What do Clarence Seedorf and Pete Doherty have in common? They both get caught in possession an awful lot."

James Richardson is a hero. Whenever he was reading the Italian papers I always thought, "fuck mate, I'd love to be sitting there right now with that tasty looking pastry and espresso you've got in front of you."

Did anyone see the Real Madrid - Celta Vigo match? Man of the Match was the ref for booking Guti for diving in the penalty area and then having the balls to send him off for mouthing off. Fair play to you big man. I wish more referees would step up to the plate when decisions like that need to be made.
Good for him. Now maybe the other ref's will follow him (fat chance)

Apparently Newcastle are set to spend around £300M on increasing the capacity at St. James' Park from 52,000 up to 60,000.

Here's a better idea, get a manager who has a clue, a proper defense and then sort a new ground out, yeah? :D
It's getting fashionable now isn't it, ground improvements.

Yeah, I'm sure if Newc want to sort themselves out, they better play properly in the first place so people turn up to sit in the seats they already have.

[Captain Stu]

Something TalkSport were talking aboot on Ian Wright's (:D) show tonight... which party is most responsible for Chelsea's success: Abramovich and his money or Mourinho and his "brilliance".

Gotta be Roman, as good as Mourinho is - I don't believe they wouldn't had the instant success (instant being the operative word) that they had and I reckon it surely would've been a more gradual process.

[friartuck]

It'll be interesting to see whether his millions will help the club long-term.

[Captain Stu]

If he invests properly then he could set Chelsea up for decades - investment in the ground, training facilities, yotu setup and all that.

[rob3000]

Definitely down to Roman, without him Chelsea would be nowhere near the level they are now.

[EvilElvis]

Combination of both - Raneri had money (Mutu and Crespo were a few of his buys) and did fuck all.

Interestingly, Chelsea's success under Muriniho has been faltering every year

1st Season - 13 points clear
2nd season - 6 points clear
3rd season - 6 points behind

[rob3000]

Second in the league and champions league semi-final isn't that bad. But yeah, Mourinho is much better than Ranieri.

[stu250]

just gotta pop this one in, bit late i know but my new pc has gone all fruit nut loopy on me this weekend.



"big hat for crouchy and one of the best hat-tricks since robbie did it to the gunners in 5 minutes."

stu.

[rob3000]

Was that a quote from someone, or are you quoting yourself?

It was a decent hat-trick sure, but can't be compared to what Robbie did.

[stu250]

Was that a quote from someone, or are you quoting yourself?

It was a decent hat-trick sure, but can't be compared to what Robbie did.

i wasn't comparing, i was just giving props.
the first goal, he did well to get infront of his marker and still beat lehman to the near post.
the second was a good strong header (not something we associate crouch with being able to do)
the third fitted in well with the footy cliche about great feet for a big lad

fowlers was just brilliant because you didn't get time to catch your breath and it was job done.
(great quick feet for his 3rd aswell)

stu.

[rob3000]

Yeah, no denying all three of Crouch's goals were top quality.

[EvilElvis]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/england/wear/6517635.stm

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn paid out £8,000 in taxi fares after about 80 fans were left stranded at Bristol Airport when a flight was grounded.
Quinn was on the Easyjet plane when police ejected a group of supporters that the pilot had alleged were drunk.

The Saturday night flight was later cancelled so the chairman booked a fleet of 18 taxis to make the 300 mile trip back to the north-east.

The fans were returning after the club's 1-0 victory over Cardiff City.

Quinn, who used the club's money to pay for the taxis, stayed to make sure everyone was safe before getting in the last taxi, arriving home on Sunday morning.

He said the airline had over-reacted in cancelling the Newcastle bound flight.

"Myself and members of my staff were on this flight and we vehemently oppose the airline's view that there was disruptive behaviour onboard," he said.

"The mood was humorous and everyone was in good spirits after our fine victory.

"The club was happy to provide transport for the group, which included children, elderly and disabled fans as their safety and well-being was paramount."

'Zero-tolerance'

Witness Steve Dean, 48, secretary of the Jarrow branch of the SAFC Supporters' Association, said Quinn had spoken up for fans when they were being ejected from the plane, before the flight was finally cancelled.

"He told the crew 'These are my people, you cannot treat them like that'.

"He made a speech when we came off the plane and you could have heard a pin drop, everybody was in awe of him."

An Easyjet spokesman said it had a zero-tolerance policy towards any unacceptable behaviour onboard flights.

It had offered passengers not involved in the incident a free transfer onto the next available flight and hotel accommodation.

Avon and Somerset Police said no arrests were made.

Quinn, a former Manchester City and Sunderland striker, donated about £1m from the proceeds of his testimonial match to charity in 2002.

The Irishman became the Wearside club's chairman after heading a consortium which bought out former owner Bob Murray last year.

[Captain Stu]

Fair play to Quinn, that's seriously decent.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Top fella.

But continuing my love of one upmanship - Peter Ridsdale's credit card = blood for dying Leeds fans in murderous Turkish bastard hospital. He may he have been a gigantic herpes ridden vagina, but that was great of him.

[EvilElvis]

Top fella.

But continuing my love of one upmanship - Peter Ridsdale's credit card = blood for dying Leeds fans in murderous Turkish bastard hospital. He may he have been a gigantic herpes ridden vagina, but that was great of him.

Question: Should Ridsdale have been allowed to join the board of directors of other teams when Leeds were fucked due to his incompetence?

[Captain Stu]

Question: Should Ridsdale have been allowed to join the board of directors of other teams when Leeds were fucked due to his incompetence?

No.

[Novacane]

We should really start putting large bets on Villa drawing 1-1. :(

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Question: Should Ridsdale have been allowed to join the board of directors of other teams when Leeds were fucked due to his incompetence?

Yes - because if they were stupid enough to employ him in such a high fashion then they deserve whatever comes their way.

I stand by this - he's very good at making clubs preliminary finance to take the initial steps to success, but when it comes to maintaining it, he's horseshit.

We should really start putting large bets on Villa drawing 1-1. :(

I put £4 on Everton retaining a second half lead at 4/1. Gutted, potential £20 gone.

[EvilElvis]

I put £4 on Everton retaining a second half lead at 4/1. Gutted, potential £20 gone.

<3 the Angel Gabriel even more now! :D :p

[sunnydalehighdropout]

<3 the Angel Gabriel even more now! :D :p

If that £20 is the difference between me making it up to Glasgow in July instead of June, then lolz at your lonliness :D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Apparently Newcastle are set to spend around £300M on increasing the capacity at St. James' Park from 52,000 up to 60,000.

Here's a better idea, get a manager who has a clue, a proper defense and then sort a new ground out, yeah? :D

apparantly it's money completely put aside from the footballing aspect. and it's more to do with the redevlopment that capacity increase.

but still £300m just for that? sounds like wembley style silly money!

[rob3000]

£300 million? what the fuck? They could get a top of the range stadium for that...nearly.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

easily.

St James's looks impressive to me, i'm just guessing it's basically just a football ground though with not many extra facilities

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, it's adding a lot more than an extra 8,000 seats - shit like a hotel and function rooms and all that, reminiscent of Chelsea Village and all that.

But still, why not spend some money on good footballers? That might help.

[Captain Stu]

Following Uncle Rafa's meeting with Gillet and Hicks yesterday, he's apparently being given around £40M in order to buy:

1. Samuel Eto'o.
2. Daniel Alves.
3. Darren Bent.

Eto'o? Are you fucking serious, I'll rim myself if we manage to get him - him playing alongside Kuyt or Crouch would be lethal and Alves on the right wing, from what I've seen of him, could well be the missing piece in our sexual jigsaw.

Bent I'm not so arsed on - I'd sooner sell Veronin as soon as he comes in and have Eto'o, Kuyt, Crouch and Pongo. :)

YAY!

[rob3000]

Interesting, where'd you hear that Stu?

[Captain Stu]

Interesting, where'd you hear that Stu?

My good friend, The Mirror (:D) but it's also been commented on by the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6520765.stm).

Who would you rather have, dream situation Rob, Eto'o or Villa?

[rob3000]

Hmm, I'm not sure. I'd be more excited by the prospect of Villa, but Eto'o is a more established goalscorer. Eto'o, just because we know he can score.

You?

[Captain Stu]

Yeah, I'd say Eto'o too I think - he's done it at every level, against all opponents... but I just love Villa, they're really both the complete package. I think Eto'o edges it because of his European experience.

[Captain Stu]

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/03042007/1/benitez-handed-40m-transfer-kitty.html

Fuck Deco, I don't want that cunt. :mad:

[rob3000]

He's a quality player, but he'd be kicked off the park over here and he's a Ronaldo-esque actor too.

[Captain Stu]

Urgh, the new Arsenal away shirt was on SSN and it's FUGLY.

[Captain Stu]

HAHAHAHAHA!! Mourinho has briefed his players to warn against Valencia cheating.

How can a turd with Dogba and Robben in his team be so two-faced? What a fuckwit.

[EvilElvis]

Good bit of business (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/6517409.stm) :)

[Captain Stu]

My GOD this game's been boring so far, PSV are (as usual) playing with 11 men behind the ball, at home.

Fucking pitiful, I hate anally minded teams like this. They're like school in summer... no class.

[Captain Stu]

What a fucking belter of a goal by Johnny Arney Baby!!! :D

*wanks furiously*

[Edge]

i jizzed a little bit too.

[Captain Stu]

Good boi. :)

[Jamie]

I'm going with 4-0 over the 2 legs. I can't see PSV scoring at all.

[Captain Stu]

PSV and Koeman-led sides in general fucking suck, we need to FINALLY expose them for this after Benfica put out United and Liverpool last season and this shower of shit put out Arsenal.

[Edge]

They are actually toss.
Hull City would do them over.

[Edge]

more jizz.

[Captain Stu]

Fucking brilliant header by Crouch! Fuck off, Koeman, you inept turdle! :D

Bring Bellamy on instead of Dirk, he'll run rings round these amateurs.

[Jamie]

I want to change my prediction.

Come on though, 3-0 down at home, and they haven't even attempted to up the tempo or throw people forward.

[Captain Stu]

That's what I don't understand, why play so negatively at home against a team who seems to be most comfortable playing in Europe?

TURD!!

Goodness me, I love the word "turd".

[Jamie]

The only advantage of playing defensively in a game like this is to try and not conceed any away goals before the away tie. Bit late for that now.

[Captain Stu]

That's an impossible task with retarded defenders like Da Silva or whatever his name is. That guy's fucking useless.

[Captain Stu]

Oh fuck, Aurelio's fucked his leg... I hope that's not seriious but I'm thinking achilles or ankle ligaments. :(

Fuckfuckfuck.

[Captain Stu]

Initial diagnosis for Aurelio is that he's ruptured his achillies. :( Fuck, there goes his season down the toilet... and just as he was finding his form. :mad:

[Edge]

worst penalty decision ever against bayern.

[EvilElvis]

worst penalty decision ever against bayern.

Yep! No arguement there, though you had to laugh at the AC Goalie's dive for Bayern's 2nd goal.

[Captain Stu]

worst penalty decision ever against bayern.

That was fucking bollocks that, utter fucking bollocks. Me and my Dad both shouted simultaneously "never a penalty".

Glad Bayern got that equaliser down the other end, they deserved it... and Dida proves yet again why he's one of the worst keepers in ze entire world.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Initial diagnosis for Aurelio is that he's ruptured his achillies. :( Fuck, there goes his season down the toilet... and just as he was finding his form. :mad:

Christmas. When Kewell and Bridges had this at Leeds, they were out for 6 and 9 months respectively.

Also, it's amazing how Liverpool can dominate a game like that yet put in a performance which, honestly, was a chore to watch.

[EvilElvis]

Dida proves yet again why he's one of the worst keepers in ze entire world.


I have renamed him Diddy.

[Edge]

That was fucking bollocks that, utter fucking bollocks. Me and my Dad both shouted simultaneously "never a penalty".

Glad Bayern got that equaliser down the other end, they deserved it... and Dida proves yet again why he's one of the worst keepers in ze entire world.

Yep, dida is gash.

[Captain Stu]

I prefer the name DEE-DURRRRR. :D

[sunnydalehighdropout]

I prefer the name DEE-DURRRRR. :D

two words can sum up his entire career. Lee Bowyer.

Remember where Elland Road was when you dropped me off on NYD? And remember where you dropped me off? When that goal went in, my grandad was in our back garden and could hear the screams coming from the stadium...3-4 miles away.

[Captain Stu]

Corr brimey.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Corr brimey.

yep. boing.

also, read on the news at work today that it's a) definately a no to sharing with Everton and b) final permission has been granted and work can begin soon. That right?

[Captain Stu]

also, read on the news at work today that it's a) definately a no to sharing with Everton and b) final permission has been granted and work can begin soon. That right?

Yeah, George has said since day one that we had no intention on sharing a ground and we're starting work in May apparently... no word yet on the capacity but I'm pretty sure it's gonna be 60,000. A mate of my Dad's has ties in the city council and he's said there's about 1% chance of the club getting any extra capacity.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Yeah, George has said since day one that we had no intention on sharing a ground and we're starting work in May apparently... no word yet on the capacity but I'm pretty sure it's gonna be 60,000. A mate of my Dad's has ties in the city council and he's said there's about 1% chance of the club getting any extra capacity.

Good stuff. No need for a club to have anything more than 60-70,000 if they're not going to fill it week in week out guaranteed (and really, no one can guarantee it, not even MUFC or Real Madrid). As amazing as the place is, the Nou Camp is more then often only running at 60% capacity...

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Fucking pitiful, I hate anally minded teams like this. They're like school in summer... no class.

Heeeey Heeeey! :D

another good goal from the crouch

[Captain Stu]

Wantaway Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell has told friends his preferred destination is Newcastle. (The Sun)

However, Sidwell, who is a free agent in the summer, is also attracting interest from Chelsea. (Guardian)

Sunderland will move for Manchester United defender Wes Brown if they are promoted. (Daily Mirror)

Black Cats boss Roy Keane also wants ex Republic of Ireland team-mate Damien Duff from Newcastle. (Daily Star)

Everton are poised to beat West Ham and Hull to the signing of Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby. (Daily Mirror)

Wolves and Celtic are battling it out to sign Cork City striking sensation Roy O'Donovan. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth are preparing a £2m bid for Israel striker Toto Tamuz, currently at Beitar Jerusalem. (Daily Star)

LA Galaxy want Middlesbrough's Gaizka Mendieta to join David Beckham at the MLS club. (Daily Mirror)

Reading defender Ulises de la Cruz also wants to go to LA after falling out of favour at the Madejski. (Daily Star)

Plymouth have told 11 of their players they may be shown the door in the summer, including Barry Hayles, Lilian Nalis and Nick Chadwick. (Daily Star)

West Ham will try to buy Argentine striker Carlos Tevez outright - providing the club avoid relegation this season. (Times)

Nottingham Forest have targeted Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker Craig Darko. (Daily Record)

Seville will swoop for West Brom's Diomansy Kamara if the Baggies fail to win promotion this season. (Daily Star)

Liverpool want Atletico Madrid's £20m-rated hitman Fernando Torres. (Daily Star)

Fulham, Portsmouth and Ipswich all want to sign Newcastle defender Titus Bramble. (Times)

Birmingham are the latest club to show an interest in St Johnstone striker Jason Scotland. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is a surprise inclusion on the shortlist to succeed Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. (Daily Express, Guardian)

Southend striker Freddy Eastwood is in line for an international call-up from Wales after the Welsh FA discovered his Grandad comes from Llanelli. (The Sun)

Huddersfield are expected to make Phil Parkinson their new boss. (Daily Mail)

AND FINALLY...

Manchester United will visit the Vatican while they are in Italy for their Champions League tie against Roma. (The Sun)

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looked ahead to the Champions League tie against Valencia with the words: "I hope the lions eat the bats." It's a reference to the two clubs' crests. (The Sun)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has rubbished Valencia's complaints that the away dressing room at Stamford Bridge is a "rat-hole" with only one mirror and three showers. He says it has two mirrors and 10 showers. (Daily Star)