The Footie (UK) Thread: 2006/07 [Archive] - Page 49

EvilElvis

April 11th 2007, 07:01 PM

The Liverpool games seems to be about as exciting as watching paint dry..

From Bbc updates:

2048: STOP PRESS. Jose Reina actually gets to warm his hands with a save from Jefferson Farfan's low, long-range effort.

"How bad is Patrick Kluivert now if he can't get into this PSV team?"
BBC Five Live's Alan Green

2045: PSV saunter out at Anfield. They don't look like they're in the mood to bombard Liverpool's goal. And we're away.

2030: Half-time at Anfield. Zzzzzzzz.

2027: A bit of excitement at Anfield as Bolo Zenden curls a shot just wide. The Liverpool fans are remaining surprisingly chirpy considering the dreadful game in front of them. It's just a two-hour celebration of reaching the semi-finals for them.

2025: Arsenal must be watching the Liverpool-PSV game and wondering how on earth they managed to lose to Ronald Koeman's side. BBC Five Live summariser Mark Lawrenson reckons they're the worst Champions League quarter-finalists he's ever seen.

"PSV are still playing with one up front. They're not showing any intention of taking a chance against Liverpool."
BBC Five Live analyst Mark Lawrenson

Edge

April 11th 2007, 07:28 PM

I can see both english teams going out tonight
Liverpool V Bayern Munich final.

What goon predicted this shower of shit?
oh yeah! it was me.

i win a 4 team accumulator at 6/1 over easter and then think i'm mystic meg.

Captain Stu

April 11th 2007, 08:59 PM

I rushed home tonight, radio off, eager to watch the match that'd been Sky Plus'd... boy am I glad my Dad warned me off it. I saw the goal and that's about it.

I don't understand how PSV can be 3-0 down and not even attempt to launch an attack. They had nothing to lose and everything to gain... and we were never gonna waste unneccesary energy and risk injuries to crucial players.

A lad posted this article on another forum I am on (http://www.altnation.com/forums/articles-features/102597-homophobia-football.html)

That's a damn sad article... but it's true, the way Fashanu was treated is appalling. Made to feel like an outcast in his own changing room.

Liverpool bt. Chelsea.
Milan bt. United.
Liverpool bt. Milan in the final.

HOORAY! :)

Bexster

April 11th 2007, 09:07 PM

Liverpool bt. Chelsea.
Milan bt. United.
Liverpool bt. Milan in the final.

HOORAY! :)
Careful now. Don't get too overexcited until I find someone to break Dogba's legs...

*Tanja*

April 11th 2007, 10:31 PM

I want to see Man United - Liverpool in the final, now that Bayern is out...
Damn, German teams don't have luck with Italians... :(

I hope that ManU wins the Champions League. It's the only team that deserves it......

Two-Bob Peeters

April 11th 2007, 11:31 PM

Is John Fashanu gay too? he wore some dodgy looking suits on Gladiators....

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 07:16 AM

I hope that ManU wins the Champions League. It's the only team that deserves it......

Er, why's that then? :confused:

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 07:33 AM

The agent of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo met a Real Madrid official to discuss a £54m move to the Bernabeu. (Various)

Just hurry up and move already! You fanny.

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has been linked with replacing Glenn Roeder as manager of Newcastle. (Times)

Ahahahahaha, unlucky Newcastle. lolz.

Arsenal are apparently keen on St Etienne's 21-year-old midfielder Loic Perrin. (Independent)

Marseille will not sign striker Djibril Cisse, who is on loan from Liverpool, after his four goals in 14 games resulted in fans booing him. (Daily Telegraph)

Liverpool want Ajax defender Gabri, who says he is interested in a move to Anfield. (Daily Mirror)

Fuck off! We don't want the lazy turd back, you can seriously have him for free. :mad:

And yeah, Gabri might be a good idea... I think I saw him some times at Barca and he seems alright. Good defensive cover.

West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas is a target for Blackburn while Baggies striker Diomansy Kamara is wanted by Reading. (Daily Mirror)

Reading striker Steve Sidwell says he will not believe Chelsea are interested in him until he hears it from their manager Jose Mourinho. (The Sun)

Mourinho's future is in doubt but he wants to bring striker Hernan Crespo back from his loan at Inter Milan. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP
England internationals are in line to be played in two three-week segments after Christmas and at the end of the season. (Daily Telegraph)

Chelsea's players will accumulate £14m in bonuses if they add the Premiership, Champions League and FA Cup to their Carling Cup win. (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa could enter the Uefa Cup via the Fair Play league as they are currently second behind Tottenham. (Daily Telegraph)

AND FINALLY...
Cristiano Ronaldo claims he asked for the number 28 shirt, which he had at Sporting Lisbon, when he moved to Manchester United but Sir Alex Ferguson gave him the number seven vacated by David Beckham. (The Sun)

friartuck

April 12th 2007, 07:58 AM

Moving from Man U to Real Madrid is a step down these days.

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 08:25 AM

Everyone! REMEMBER TO DO PREDICTIONS!!

I just put the next gameweek in the thread, GO!!

boxshapedheart

April 12th 2007, 09:13 AM

Moving from Man U to Real Madrid is a step down these days.
Fo' sho.

Ahahahahaha, unlucky Newcastle. lolz.

hahahaha. Ah so does that mean his FA salary is coming to an end so he will suddenly and entirely conicidentally get a job in the next few weeks? :rolleyes:

-

You know, I'm sure almost the whole of Europe (-England) including UEFA want Milan to beat United because it's the only way they can avoid an all-English final.

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 09:15 AM

hahahaha. Ah so does that mean his FA salary is coming to an end so he will suddenly and entirely conicidentally get a job in the next few weeks? :rolleyes:

-

You know, I'm sure almost the whole of Europe (-England) including UEFA want Milan to beat United because it's the only way they can avoid an all-English final.

More than likely, god forbid he go for one day without uber pay. EEK! :eek:

If it does end up as an all-English final... if UEFA have any brains then they'd move the final to Wembley, what an occassion that would be... but, seeing as UEFA has demonstrated time and time again that they have exactly three braincells to share between the lot of them, tis never gonna happen.

boxshapedheart

April 12th 2007, 09:19 AM

If it does end up as an all-English final... if UEFA have any brains then they'd move the final to Wembley, what an occassion that would be... but, seeing as UEFA has demonstrated time and time again that they have exactly three braincells to share between the lot of them, tis never gonna happen.
Oh my god. Imagine that!

Alas, they'd never make a switch so late in the day. Athens will have probably been working towards it (although you really couldn't tell when I was there) and the amount of people who have already booked flights/hotels etc.

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 09:22 AM

It'd be amazing, UEFA would make tons of extra money from 90,000 seats, they could probably stick the prices up and lets face it money is a key factor for UEFA.

But yeah, it'll probably never happen... but just imagine.

And to reiterate, England = currently the most dominant country in European football. HA! :)

boxshapedheart

April 12th 2007, 09:27 AM

Ha indeed. :)

We pees all over Europe.*

*This is prolly exactly what UEFA will want to avoid - admittance that the prem rules supreme. I swear if our ref in that game makes any dodgy decisions I'm gonna call shenanigans.

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 09:31 AM

I especially think Platini hates seeing how well we're doing, it proper shits on his stupid idea to take our 4th Champions League spot away... although the daft turd would probably argue that we have an unfair advantage and are choking the other teams in Europe. :rolleyes:

Bexster

April 12th 2007, 09:36 AM

Oh my god. Imagine that!

Alas, they'd never make a switch so late in the day. Athens will have probably been working towards it (although you really couldn't tell when I was there) and the amount of people who have already booked flights/hotels etc.
That was the same with the Olympics. They never looked ready to hold it.

And to reiterate, England = currently the most dominant country in European football. HA! :)We are. We had all our teams past the group stages, and guarenteed a team in the final, which everyone was pretty confident about. Where are the Spaniards, and the French? Pissed on ages ago...

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 09:38 AM

I love the terms "pissed on" and "shit on"..... only in a sporting sense... not in a kinky watersports sex kind of way. :eek:

Bexster

April 12th 2007, 09:42 AM

I love the terms "pissed on" and "shit on"..... only in a sporting sense... not in a kinky watersports sex kind of way. :eek:
:D

They fit so well in the sporting sense.

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 09:49 AM

Freddy Shithead has come out and called reports of Sven replacing Roeder as "garbage".

... or maybe he was referring to his actual management skills. :D

Bexster

April 12th 2007, 10:06 AM

Freddy Shithead has come out and called reports of Sven replacing Roeder as "garbage".

... or maybe he was referring to his actual management skills. :D
Either way, it fits. I'd laugh if Sven never actually got another job, because the FA were so fucking stupid enough to bankroll his slaphead polish fund for the rest of his life.

Captain Stu

April 12th 2007, 10:07 AM

Bexster

April 12th 2007, 10:17 AM

Well his credentials are certainly damaged, he took the England job with a fantastic reputation, especially from his Lazio days, and now he has a big poopy smear on it because he couldn't make the most of our best squad since 1990.
God knows how he did well with Lazio. His grasp on tactics were abismal, and he just couldn't read other teams very well.

Bring back El Tel.

rob3000

April 12th 2007, 01:53 PM

Any word on your EitS ticket?

Yeah, think I'm going to the gig sorry. Haven't even asked for the boro game, so may as well just go see eits.

sunnydalehighdropout

April 12th 2007, 02:33 PM

Yeah, think I'm going to the gig sorry. Haven't even asked for the boro game, so may as well just go see eits.

That's ok, i can pick up another ticket for it still :)

EvilElvis

April 12th 2007, 05:19 PM

Oh my god. Imagine that!

Imagine it was a Man Utd Chelski final and the stadium collapsed...

You could get rid of 60,000 glory hunting fans, 29,000 cockney's and 1,000 people that work for UEFA.

Everyone wins..

timesfooall

April 12th 2007, 05:25 PM

Imagine it was a Man Utd Chelski final and the stadium collapsed...

You could get rid of 60,000 glory hunting fans, 29,000 cockney's and 1,000 people that work for UEFA.

Everyone wins..

Cocksucker

Two-Bob Peeters

April 12th 2007, 05:27 PM

Chelsea are the Man United of the 00's, everyone who isn't a real football fan from the home counties support them

rob3000

April 12th 2007, 06:55 PM

Cya spurs.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 12th 2007, 06:58 PM

how was Kanoute allowed to score such an easy goal?

well taken though

Edge

April 12th 2007, 07:40 PM

Ugh i hate teams like Sevilla, diving and feigning injuries etc.
Bunch of twats.

rob3000

April 12th 2007, 07:50 PM

This will be some comeback. Spurs have created a few chances though, stranger things have happened...

Edge

April 12th 2007, 07:57 PM

aye, look at Boro last year, twice. A team managed by bloody steve mcclaren!

Edge

April 12th 2007, 08:12 PM

holy fucking mother of christ!!!!!!!!!!

EvilElvis

April 12th 2007, 08:12 PM

holy fucking mother of christ!!!!!!!!!!

1 more and Spurs are through?!

Two-Bob Peeters

April 12th 2007, 08:15 PM

away goals, spurs need 2 in 20 mins as there's no extra time

rob3000

April 12th 2007, 08:41 PM

I don't think I really like the away goal rule. asking spurs to score 4 in the second half was asking a lot.

I don't like spurs, but i wanted them to go through. They had their chances too. Berbatov's tame effort comes to mine.

Edge

April 12th 2007, 08:49 PM

I think the away goal rule is gash also.
Spurs just lacked that bit of quality and class tonight. oh well.

EvilElvis

April 12th 2007, 09:50 PM

I think the away goal rule is gash also.
Spurs just lacked that bit of quality and class tonight. oh well.

You gotta love the fact Spurs completely changed the moment Defoe came on and he still isn't impressing Jol

Edge

April 12th 2007, 10:25 PM

Defoe has to be one of the unluckiest footballers around at the moment.
He was unlucky to be left out the England world cup squad after training with them right up until the final cut.
Lost his first team place at Tottenham whilst still bagging goals.
AND he bit Mascherano, an argentinian. If that doesn't warrant a prolonged first team run, i don't know what does.

Bexster

April 13th 2007, 08:13 AM

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Porto's £10m-rated Brazilian defender Pepe wants a move to Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse could be off to New York Red Bull in the summer after a disastrous loan spell with Marseille. (Daily Mirror)

Plymouth defender Tony Capaldi is poised to join Wolves on a free transfer. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin says he will leave the club in the summer unless they prove they match his ambition. (Daily Mail)

Bayern Munich are ready to sell Owen Hargreaves for £17m. (Daily Telegraph)

Plymouth want to make Hungarian winger Peter Halmosi their record signing at £400,000. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom insist Diomansy Kamara, Jason Koumas and Curtis Davies will not be sold in the summer even if the Baggies do not go up. (Daily Express)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is lining up a summer swoop for Celtic keeper Artur Boruc. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP
Real Madrid have made a fresh bid to lure Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to the Bernabeu. (The Sun)

American tycoon Sten Kroenke has increased his stake in Arsenal to 11%. (Daily Mirror)

Two American groups are battling it out for a 30% stake in Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

Uefa fears an all-English Champions League final could descend into violence. (Daily Express)

Sunday's FA Cup semi-final betweem Blackburn and Chelsea will be played in front of thousands of empty seats at Old Trafford. (Daily Telegraph)

Watford are yet to sell 3,000 of their tickets for Saturday's semi-final against Manchester United. (Daily Star)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp fears backroom staff Tony Adams and Avram Grant will move on in the summer. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY...
Fulham coach Dave Beasant was told he was sacked at 11pm on Tuesday only to receive a phone call from new caretaker boss Lawrie Sanchez half an hour later telling he was reinstated. (Daily Mirror)
Point 1 - Why the hell do Plymouth keep getting mentioned lately? Who cares about that bunch of nancys?

Point 2 - Get that American away from my club. Unless he can buy us goals, I don't want to know.

Point 3 - UEFA are talking out of their asses again - obviously, our fans go abroad with signs on their back saying 'stab me', right?

Point 4 - Lolz at Dave Beasant :D

rob3000

April 13th 2007, 08:41 AM

I'd find it hilarious if Cisse went to New York!

stu250

April 13th 2007, 09:11 AM

america must be one of the few continents left where he hasn't showed everyone there how fucking useless he is.

go djib........and dontcha come back no more, no more, no more, no more.

stu.

Captain Stu

April 13th 2007, 09:25 AM

Imagine it was a Man Utd Chelski final and the stadium collapsed...

You could get rid of 60,000 glory hunting fans, 29,000 cockney's and 1,000 people that work for UEFA.

Everyone wins..

Hahaha, I love it... weekend scouting mission to Wembley to see how easy it'd be. :D

*puts on hardhat*

Defoe has to be one of the unluckiest footballers around at the moment.
He was unlucky to be left out the England world cup squad after training with them right up until the final cut.
Lost his first team place at Tottenham whilst still bagging goals.
AND he bit Mascherano, an argentinian. If that doesn't warrant a prolonged first team run, i don't know what does.

For sure... but, that said, I think a fair assessment of him is that he's a pacy forward and that's it. He doesn't work for the team... or at least I don't think he does... he doesn't track back ever and his workrate is pretty low but, that said, he's insanely quick and a proven goalscorer. How he isn't the automatic first partner for Berbatov I will never know.

I'd find it hilarious if Cisse went to New York!

Innit! :D

Uefa fears an all-English Champions League final could descend into violence. (Daily Express)

Errr, yeah, because NO Italians or Spaniards were involved in ANY of the recent trouble? And of course, you have to think of all the violence that has surrounded our last several cup finals... oh wait, there was none... that'd be UEFA bollocks talk again. :rolleyes:

Fuckholes, an all-English final would be absolutely astounding!

And, on the subject of Wembley, I'm 100% against this bullshit idea of holding cup semi-finals at Wembley. The idea is that you play there ONCE a season (twice if you're in both cup finals) for your club - if you made it to the semis as well, it takes away from the magic. Leave the semis as they are, Villa Park is a perfect ground for them.

*

Oh, and I'm not too fond of the away goals rule. Away goals count for two? Huh, go score two goals instead!

boxshapedheart

April 13th 2007, 09:34 AM

Gutting oggie by Steeeeeeeeeeeeed. Off his standing foot... Oh dear.

First half, Tottenham needed a rocket up their arse. No-one was getting forward with Keane! Good on em for making it exciting for in the second half.

Oh and I really thing that guy meant to stamp on Jenas... there seemed to be too much force with his foot coming down. :confused:

Imagine it was a Man Utd Chelski final and the stadium collapsed...

You could get rid of 60,000 glory hunting fans, 29,000 cockney's and 1,000 people that work for UEFA.

Everyone wins..
:mad: you dirty French swine.

And, on the subject of Wembley, I'm 100% against this bullshit idea of holding cup semi-finals at Wembley. The idea is that you play there ONCE a season (twice if you're in both cup finals) for your club - if you made it to the semis as well, it takes away from the magic. Leave the semis as they are, Villa Park is a perfect ground for them.
Guess they just want Wembley to make it's money back sharpish. But I agree, it makes it all that more special being just for the final.

Captain Stu

April 13th 2007, 09:41 AM

That's probably it really, they have to make money back somehow and they announced something like ALL the finals and semis and England games (obviously) will be there for the next 10 years or something without fail. Iunno.

I missed the Sperms game last night and obviously I didn't miss much, seeing Lagwagon was clearly better. :)

boxshapedheart

April 13th 2007, 09:49 AM

I know. It's all about tha money. It's gonna take all the gleam off singing we're going to wemberlee.

I missed the first 10 mins then switched over and they were already 2-0 down! But it got interesting later on.

Cool, good gig I hope. Ooh I got a ticket to Silverchair. Mate texted this morning to let me know. I think it's august and in London but I'm so out of the loop I have no clue. hehe.

Captain Stu

April 13th 2007, 09:56 AM

I got a Manchester SIlverchair ticket! :D This morning was the internet pre-sale for people on their mailing list, general sale is tuuuuesday.

boxshapedheart

April 13th 2007, 09:58 AM

Awesomo (3000). :cool:

Captain Stu

April 13th 2007, 10:18 AM

Awesomo (3000). :cool:

Ahahaha, I fucking LOVE that episode! :D

"Lame... SUPER LAME!"

friartuck

April 13th 2007, 10:46 AM

Ronaldo finally gets the finger out and agrees a new five year deal with Man U.

Get in.

Captain Stu

April 13th 2007, 10:49 AM

timesfooall

April 13th 2007, 01:53 PM

I dont think anyone buckled in to anybody. The talks were relatively short compared to other players. Gotta be at least £100,000 grand a week with a ridiculous release figure. Makes for a happy day:D

friartuck

April 13th 2007, 02:46 PM

It still won't end the speculation, all it means now is that United can demand a higher price when he goes... which I reckon/hope he will.

So, whatdya reckon, who buckled into demands - him or the club?

I honestly hope neither. There have been players who match Ronaldo's standard who have been shown the door because of their wage demands or bad attitude.

I don't believe he's gonna leave for a good few years. I can't remember the last time a player moved from Man U because they wanted more of a challenge or they wished to go to a bigger, more prestigious club. Why is that? Because there is nowhere else to go. The English Premiership is the league which provides the biggest test for the world's elite and Manchester United are sitting on top of it.

For anyone that loves Premiership football Ronaldo moving abroad is a bad thing. You know well that I constantly give out about the player on this board but there's no doubting that, if he keeps up this great form he's showing at the minute, he'll be a world great. Plus he's one of the most entertaining players to watch both for Utd supporters and for neutrals.

Chandler

April 13th 2007, 02:46 PM

More than likely, god forbid he go for one day without uber pay. EEK! :eek:

If it does end up as an all-English final... if UEFA have any brains then they'd move the final to Wembley, what an occassion that would be... but, seeing as UEFA has demonstrated time and time again that they have exactly three braincells to share between the lot of them, tis never gonna happen.

they didnt move the final in 2003, when we played an all italian final game in manchester, so why in the hell they should do that? there are rules, and the final stadium is decided 1 yr before. There is no chance to have the final in Wembley..

Bexster

April 13th 2007, 02:49 PM

EvilElvis

April 13th 2007, 06:27 PM

What teams are still left in UEFA cup?

Two-Bob Peeters

April 13th 2007, 06:31 PM

Espanyol, Sevilla, Werder Bremen and (i think) Osasuna

EvilElvis

April 13th 2007, 07:22 PM

Espanyol, Sevilla, Werder Bremen and (i think) Osasuna

The UEFA final is at Hampden - just wondered over the possibilites of tha being an all English final (Fights a-go-go)

Renegades of funk 8

April 13th 2007, 07:59 PM

they didnt move the final in 2003, when we played an all italian final game in manchester, so why in the hell they should do that? there are rules, and the final stadium is decided 1 yr before. There is no chance to have the final in Wembley..

say liverpool and man u get to the final do you think the greek authorities will be able to manage thousands upon thousands of fans who can't really stand eachother if trouble breaks loose, atleast in england these situations are noramlly handled pretty well

Bexster

April 13th 2007, 09:19 PM

Espanyol, Sevilla, Werder Bremen and (i think) Osasuna
Oh, so that's where all the Spanish teams have gone :D

Two-Bob Peeters

April 13th 2007, 09:31 PM

Oh, so that's where all the Spanish teams have gone :D

the best thing is, Werder Bremen is thge better of all four teams, and will win the cup

EvilElvis

April 13th 2007, 10:33 PM

the best thing is, Werder Bremen is thge better of all four teams, and will win the cup

I really want to say the same about AC Milan (But they'll probably fuck it up again)

Bexster

April 14th 2007, 09:23 AM

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has won the race to sign Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror)

Premiership scouts will flock to see Monaco striker Mohammed Kalon when he plays for Sierra Leone at Leyton Orient next month. (The Sun)

Tell us your transfer rumours

Back to top

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea expect Jose Mourinho to become the new England manager when he leaves the club in the summer. (Daily Mirror, Daily Mail)

The Stamford Bridge club will then move to install Jurgen Klinsmann in place of Mourinho. (The Sun)

Arsenal's bid for a Champions League place could be hit by a dispute over Alexander Hleb's £10m transfer. (The Sun)

Back to top

AND FINALLY...
David Beckham's new club LA Galaxy started their new season without him with a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Dallas. With Beckham not due to arrive until after the end of the Spanish season, Galaxy have made inquiries about another low-key signing... Zinedine Zidane.

timesfooall

April 14th 2007, 09:56 AM

*Updated gossip*

Sir Alex Ferguson believes he will now be able to lure Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves and Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres to Manchester United after Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract at the club. (Mirror)

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has won the race to sign Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Mirror)

Premiership scouts will flock to see Monaco striker Mohammed Kalon when he plays for Sierra Leone at Leyton Orient next month. (The Sun)

Auxerre appear to have opened the door for Motherwell to extend the loan of Hungarian midfielder Krisztian Vadocz. (Record)

Kilmarnock keeper Graeme Smith will quit Rugby Park at the end of the season after rejecting the club's final contract offer. (Record)

Tell us your transfer rumours

Back to top

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea expect Jose Mourinho to become the new England manager when he leaves the club in the summer. (Daily Mirror, Daily Mail)

The Stamford Bridge club will then move to install Jurgen Klinsmann in place of Mourinho. (The Sun)

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson turned down the chance to take over from Chris Coleman as Fulham boss. (Express)

Arsenal's bid for a Champions League place could be hit by a dispute over Alexander Hleb's £10m transfer. (The Sun)

Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel fears victory in this year's FA Cup could see Blackburn losing manager Mark Hughes to a bigger club. (Mirror)

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has banned all contract talks at the club so his players can focus on winning the league and cup double. (Record)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at Real Madrid after tying Cristiano Ronaldo to a new five-year contract, adding: "I don't think Real have any regard for us or anybody else". (Various)

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce taunted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ahead of Saturday's match between the two sides, saying: "Arsenal's power has waned...they're struggling to live with Chelsea and Manchester United." (Various)

Back to top

AND FINALLY...
David Beckham's new club LA Galaxy started their new season without him with a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Dallas. With Beckham not due to arrive until after the end of the Spanish season, Galaxy have made inquiries about another low-key signing... Zinedine Zidane. (Times)

West Ham defender James Collins has defended his unique dress sense, described by former Hammers boss Alan Pardew as "Camden Market chic", explaining: "What it is about my gear is the boys are too scared to admit they like it!" (Star

foofan182

April 14th 2007, 01:57 PM

De-de-de-de, Deon Burton. Give him a new contract, please.

Playoffs still a faint hope but you never know with Wednesday.

andrewdunne

April 14th 2007, 03:18 PM

Watching Man City, Liverpool. It's appalling......

Mrs Poon

April 14th 2007, 03:38 PM

listening to blades v west ham. its fucking brilliant. wish i was there but am skint

EvilElvis

April 14th 2007, 04:11 PM

listening to blades v west ham. its fucking brilliant. wish i was there but am skint

West Ham are fucked - Only Watford have a worse goal difference (And there's is only 1 worse)

Bexster

April 14th 2007, 04:11 PM

Thank fuck, we remembered how to score :D

EvilElvis

April 14th 2007, 04:24 PM

Thank fuck, we remembered how to score :D

Thank fuck, some players who aren't Gabriel Agbonlahor remembered how to score

Bexster

April 14th 2007, 04:40 PM

Thank fuck, some players who aren't Gabriel Agbonlahor remembered how to score
Yeah, but it's fun listening to commentators trying to pronouce his name. Peter Beagrie had loads of problems today :D

rob3000

April 14th 2007, 05:28 PM

Shit match.

EvilElvis

April 14th 2007, 05:41 PM

Yeah, but it's fun listening to commentators trying to pronouce his name. Peter Beagrie had loads of problems today :D

A-bong-la-whore or did Beagrie have difficulty with Gabriel?

rob3000

April 14th 2007, 05:50 PM

And Barton impressed me today, he came at the start of the game to the away fans and put a bunch of flowers in front of the hillsborough banners.

EvilElvis

April 14th 2007, 06:27 PM

Just seen a few minutes of the game - why the black armbands? Is it to do with the anniversary of Hillsborough?

Bexster

April 14th 2007, 06:37 PM

A-bong-la-whore or did Beagrie have difficulty with Gabriel?
Knowing him, both :D

Just seen a few minutes of the game - why the black armbands? Is it to do with the anniversary of Hillsborough?
Probably.

rob3000

April 14th 2007, 06:40 PM

Just seen a few minutes of the game - why the black armbands? Is it to do with the anniversary of Hillsborough?

It's tomorrow.

EvilElvis

April 15th 2007, 12:54 AM

It's tomorrow.

I knew it was April - wasn't sure of the date though.

Did all the Premiership teams wear black armbands this weekend? (Cause it is Scottish Cup weekend we don't get MOTD - Scotland gets the cup games)

Bexster

April 15th 2007, 09:07 AM

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Manchester United are considering a summer move for Newcastle's Michael Owen if he can show he is back to full fitness after his knee injury (People).

Liverpool and Everton are both interested in Ipswich's 19-year-old midfielder Danny Haynes (People).

West Brom are interested in Lokomotiv Moscow's Garry O'Connor, who previously played for boss Tony Mowbray at Hibs (People).

Sydney FC say they have had discussions "at board level" about trying to lure Robbie Fowler to play in Australia (News of the World).

Juventus are keen to sign Bolton's Nicolas Anelka (News of the World).

Arsenal are ready to make a £4.5m move for Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon (Mirror).

Aston Villa will swoop for West Brom's Jason Koumas in the summer, and Craig Bellamy and David Nugent are also on their shopping list (Mirror).

Middlesbrough have agreed an £8m fee with Real Madrid for Jonathan Woodgate (Mail on Sunday).

Tell us your transfer rumours

Back to top

OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester City's Micah Richards needs surgery on both calves which will rule him out of England's summer matches (Express).

Fulham boss Chris Coleman was sacked for refusing to change his backroom staff (People).

But he could be back in management next season with QPR (Times).

Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater was interviewed by police after his sending-off in their stormy loss to Ipswich on Saturday (Times).

Scarborough's short-term future has been assured after agreeing a deal with property developers to sell the McCain Stadium (Non-League Paper).

Liverpool's American owners intend to keep the name Anfield as part of any sponsorship deal for their new ground (News of the World).

Micky Adams could be in line for a second spell as Brentford manager (News of the World).

Back to top

AND FINALLY...
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has changed his route to work so he does not have to see Highbury being demolished (People).

Manager Roy Keane has proved so popular at Sunderland they have already sold 20,000 season tickets for next year (People).

Liverpool's Peter Crouch has banned his father, a lifelong Chelsea fan, from using his Chelsea season ticket for their Champions League semi-final and says he must go as a Liverpool fan (News of the World).

Didier Drogba's parents banned him from playing football for a year when he was 16 to make him concentrate on his school work (Mirror).

rob3000

April 15th 2007, 11:22 AM

I knew it was April - wasn't sure of the date though.

Did all the Premiership teams wear black armbands this weekend? (Cause it is Scottish Cup weekend we don't get MOTD - Scotland gets the cup games)
I didn't see motd but I'm pretty sure the players in the man utd watford match did.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 15th 2007, 11:43 AM

Danny Haynes is a great little player, probably not worth being gambled on by the big teams just yet though

EvilElvis

April 15th 2007, 12:14 PM

I didn't see motd but I'm pretty sure the players in the man utd watford match did.

The Watford & Man Utd players did, but I never saw MOTD (I will see MOTD2 tonight though)

Two-Bob Peeters

April 15th 2007, 01:47 PM

it's 24C out there... why on earth is Chimbonda wearing gloves?

EvilElvis

April 15th 2007, 02:07 PM

it's 24C out there... why on earth is Chimbonda wearing gloves?

Thats is lolzworthy! Sounds like a belter of a game as well 3-3 with 20 mins left

sunnydalehighdropout

April 15th 2007, 02:56 PM

Michael Owen will not go to another big club for a good couple of seasons yet until he can prove he can last without having a mid-long term injury.

EvilElvis

April 15th 2007, 03:41 PM

This summer's major footy event

Mouriniho V Abrohamovic.

Jose - loses Chelski will continued to be bankrolled...

Jose wins and he really better be the "Special one" cause they will sink without trace with out Abrohamovic's money.

They could win the quadruplue and be relegated the following season...

Two-Bob Peeters

April 15th 2007, 04:43 PM

how close did they wanna get with that pedersen header

EvilElvis

April 15th 2007, 05:38 PM

I kept hearing the words "Chelsea" and "Tiring" today should make the end of the run in very interesting as Man Utd have no fit defenders left

rob3000

April 15th 2007, 05:40 PM

Potentially, man utd and chelsea could play each other three times in three weeks for three different trophies!

Captain Stu

April 15th 2007, 10:00 PM

Oh, so that's where all the Spanish teams have gone :D

LOLZ!

And Barton impressed me today, he came at the start of the game to the away fans and put a bunch of flowers in front of the hillsborough banners.

Yeah, fair play to the lad.

Crikey, the Wigan-Sperms game today was killer! What an outstanding goal by Leighton Baines, move the fuck over Ashley Cole.

rob3000

April 15th 2007, 11:21 PM

Everytime I see the Baines goal the more I think Robinson should have saved it. Good player though.

Captain Stu

April 15th 2007, 11:22 PM

One of the commentators even said - if he reached with his other arm, he probably would've got a hand to it but I'm glad he didn't, a strike that sweet deserved a goal.

Captain Stu

April 15th 2007, 11:55 PM

And Chelsea appeared yet again to be completely fucking jammy.

boxshapedheart

April 16th 2007, 11:59 AM

Robinson's been a bit suspect with long range shots.

Twas a class goal. Jenas - that was not a pen. I suppose he deserves something for having his head stamped on the other day though!

--

The Blackburn Chelsea game - that blonde linesman who looks around 12 needs to grow some balls. He gets intimidated and swayed far too easily. I remember him being weak in another game a while ago too.

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 12:03 PM

Urgh that guy's a proper bad cunt.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 16th 2007, 12:08 PM

haha yeah, he looks like a child. the worst one was when he gave handball on McCarthy after being intimidated by the Chelsea fans. how can you get intimidatedby those happy-clappy cunts :D

boxshapedheart

April 16th 2007, 12:13 PM

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Manchester United are considering a summer move for Newcastle's Michael Owen if he can show he is back to full fitness after his knee injury (People).

Injury boy?? :eek:

And I'm sure that would go down well with Newc. How many games would that be?

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 12:16 PM

Injury boy?? :eek:

And I'm sure that would go down well with Newc. How many games would that be?

Was it about 10?

boxshapedheart

April 16th 2007, 12:17 PM

haha yeah, he looks like a child. the worst one was when he gave handball on McCarthy after being intimidated by the Chelsea fans. how can you get intimidatedby those happy-clappy cunts :D
Yup. He also tried to get Blackburn to move a free kick, then gave up and moved himself. haha.

Was it about 10?
I'd wager 5.

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 12:43 PM

I was closest! :D The actual answer is 11 appearances with 7 goals.

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 01:38 PM

Provisional list of players nominated for the PFA Player Of The Year award:

Drogba
FPR
Giggs
Scholes
Gerrard
Fabregas

Yet again, Carragher is over-looked despite a blinding season. :rolleyes:

Young Player:

Rooney
Ronaldo
Fabregas
Lennon
Doyle
Richards

What the fuck has Lennon done this season apart from disappoint? :confused:

I think the winners (from this list) should be Drogba and Doyle.

boxshapedheart

April 16th 2007, 01:45 PM

I was closest! :D The actual answer is 11 appearances with 7 goals.
Fart.

High percentage there though.

I was just about to post about the PFA. I'd wager Ronaldo winning Player. Doyle was injured for a while, which will hamper his chances for Youth.

What the fuck has Lennon done this season apart from disappoint? :confused:

Erm. I dunno, I guess he's run a bit.

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 01:50 PM

boxshapedheart

April 16th 2007, 02:03 PM

Yeah, he runs around like a blue arsed fly but putting him up there with people like Richards (establishing himself in the first team at 18 and getting into the England team), Doyle (scoring tons in his first season) and Fabregas (practically the heart of the Arsenal midfield) seems a bit lame. Maybe there were NO other youngsters to vote for?
I think you're forgetting the fact that he runs a bit. And has the shaven eyebrows.

(yeah he's blatantly been disappointing this season and shouldn't really be there)

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 16th 2007, 02:39 PM

Owen's record is a bit deceptive. He scored a hattrick in one game, leaving a record of 4 goals in 10 matches as a more realistic return.

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 02:49 PM

Owen's still a class forward but I wouldn't say he's truly "world class" anymore - he's lost a good couple of yards off his pace and his awareness seems to be in the toilet and he spends a lot more time chasing the ball around aimlessly where usually he'd be sitting on the shoulder of the last man looking to break the trap and get through.

I can't see United wanting him when they could get younger, fitter, better players for a little bit more money. Plus I doubt Newcastle would even let him go unless someone offers a pretty hefty some, like £20M+ because of (A) what they paid for him and (B) the wages he's cost them and (C) the time and effort they've invested in getting him "fit" again.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 16th 2007, 03:22 PM

He's never been world class. He's never scored enough.

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 03:28 PM

He's never been world class. He's never scored enough.

Errrrr... :confused:

Liverpool: 118 goals in 216 games (practically one goal per two games)
Real Madrid: 13 goals in 35 games (practically one in three and he was mostly a sub)
England: 36 goals in 80 caps (practically one in two)

If that's not world class, what the hell is?

timesfooall

April 16th 2007, 03:36 PM

He's never been world class. He's never scored enough.

:confused:

rob3000

April 16th 2007, 03:53 PM

Carragher should be there well ahead of Gerrard, but Ronaldo should definitely win it. No one's been even close to him.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 16th 2007, 03:59 PM

Errrrr... :confused:

Liverpool: 118 goals in 216 games (practically one goal per two games)
Real Madrid: 13 goals in 35 games (practically one in three and he was mostly a sub)
England: 36 goals in 80 caps (practically one in two)

If that's not world class, what the hell is?

Theirry Henry 174 goals in 254 games at Arsenal
Alan Shearer 112 goals in 138 games at Blackburn
Andy Cole 55 goals in 70 games at Newcastle
Gabriel Batistuta 168 goals in 269 games for Roma
Christian Vieri 103 goals in 144 appearances at Inter

and then on a totally different level altogheter

Ronaldo 42 in 46 for PSV, 34 in 37 for Barce, 49 in 68 at Inter, 69 in 98 at Real Madrid
Gerd Muller 398 goals in 453 appearances with Bayern
Pele 1087 goals 1120 appearances for Santos
Gary Liniker 370 goals in 460 appearances at various clubs
Eusebio 317 goals in 301 appearances with Benfica
Brian Clough (possibly the least capped World Class player ever) 251 goals in 273 games
Romario 98 goals in 109 games at PSV, 34 in 46 at Barce

In comparison Michael Owen has never scored more than 19 goals in one season. He's a very good goalscorer and a continental class player, but not quite good enough to be a world class striker.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 16th 2007, 04:16 PM

i wouldn't call Owen 'World Class' but he's as close to it as England have had since maybe Shearer

Two-Bob Peeters

April 16th 2007, 04:19 PM

also, Pele's record doesn't count, he didn't play real football.

i agree with Skinner and Baddiel, "Pele was shite, he was worse than Jason Lee" :D

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 04:32 PM

All very good examples... but that could be interpretted as saying that there have only been 12 world class strikers ever. Those people would surely be at the very, very top end of the scale but there are other world class players who might not be as proliffic as that.

I get what you're saying, he could score more goals, but his record is spectacular when you consider that, during his time at Liverpool, he was twice struck down for several months with his problem hamstrings.

In comparison Michael Owen has never scored more than 19 goals in one season.

97/98 - 18 league goals, 23 in all comps. [LFC = 3rd]
98/99 - 18 league goals, 23 in all comps. [LFC = 7th]
99/00 - 11 league goals, 12 in all comps. [LFC = 4th] (during this season, his hamstring went)
00/01 - 16 league goals, 24 in all comps. [LFC = 3rd]
01/02 - 19 league goals, 28 in all comps. [LFC = 2nd]
02/03 - 19 league goals, 28 in all comps. [LFC = 5th]
03/04 - 16 league goals, 19 in all comps. [LFC = 4th]

However you look at it, that is the tally of... pretty much... seven consecutive seasons of goalscoring at all levels. Throw into that a career tally of 181 all comp goals in 353 appearances and that says world class to me. Sure, maybe not AS world class as Henry, Ronaldo, Eusebio, etc... but still world class nonetheless.

Something else that might be worth looking at is the team that he was playing in. To me, those records above are of top players playing at top teams during good spells. During the time of Owen, Liverpool were only just coming out of our dodgy spell and still not winning league titles. I bet that can't be said of most of the others. They were pretty much all (I'd reckon) superstar players leading superstar teams to league titles, European cups and domestic domination season after season after season. I've added, in bold, our league position after the goal stats to illustrate this further. I think that's a pretty valid point maself. :)

Also, you forgot Van Nistelcunt - 150 goals in 191 appearances for Man United.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 16th 2007, 04:49 PM

I did mean to post Van NistleyHorse but forgot to look him up.

There's a lot more players out there with comparable records to those I've posted, and those are the players I'd rate as world class.

Owen I'd always class as a Continetal quality player. Lothar Mattaus has a comparable scoring level to him, for example. 57 goals in 113 appearances for Bayern in his first spell, 40 in 112 at Inter. That's a 1 in 2 and 1 in 3 goal per game record as a midfielder/sweeper/defender.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 16th 2007, 04:51 PM

And it can be argued that those teams won things because of the presence of those players.

friartuck

April 16th 2007, 08:54 PM

I really like Owen as a player and I was disappointed to see him leave Liverpool. I think he was world class in his early twenties...you don't have to be an all time great to be considered world class in my book.

For me the PFA awards should definitely go to Ronaldo and Doyle. They've both been brilliant this season. Gerrard getting in ahead of Carragher is a travesty and Rooney shouldn't have been considered.

Bexster

April 16th 2007, 09:15 PM

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 09:32 PM

Rooney's one of those players, like Beckham and Ronaldinho, he always has to be on these lists regardless of form because he's an "it" player. This season he's been pretty average, way too hit-and-miss at the moment to be considered as good as everyone thinks he is.

EvilElvis

April 16th 2007, 09:44 PM

It's all about the reputation.

FP Ronaldo and Doyle should get the award

friartuck

April 16th 2007, 09:51 PM

Although Rooney's form has been, as you rightly say, hit and miss this season, you can't fault him for the effort he's put in. Fair play to the fella.

Captain Stu

April 16th 2007, 10:04 PM

Yeah, I think he'd score more with a better partner... all this talk of Torres seems a bit daft, he and Rooney wouldn't really work as neither one will naturally try and run past defenders, they're both a bit deeper than that.

friartuck

April 16th 2007, 10:17 PM

That and Torres is overrated.

Rooney is playing much better at the minute. If Larsson was still playing we'd be kicking serious ass. But alas!

Two-Bob Peeters

April 17th 2007, 12:09 AM

Although Rooney's form has been, as you rightly say, hit and miss this season, you can't fault him for the effort he's put in. Fair play to the fella.

i was going to say something similar about Gerrard, these two wouldn't know how to just coast through games. their workrates are unreal. however i can't see anything outstanding either have done this season to warrant a place on that list. that's not to say their contributions aren't anywhere short of brilliant

Epic Failure

April 17th 2007, 12:34 AM

i'm surprised young Cesc is in both lists. he's been, well, solid, but i wouldn't say one of the 6 best players in the prem. i wouldn't say any of our players have been

Two-Bob Peeters

April 17th 2007, 12:54 AM

good news for football. Moses Ashikodi has broken his leg :)

timesfooall

April 17th 2007, 07:19 AM

Manchester United want to tempt Morten Gamst Pedersen away from Blackburn by triggering an £8m release clause in the midfielder's contract. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool will make a bid for Udinese's Italian World Cup-winning striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham boss Martin Jol has been given the go-ahead for a £15m double swoop for West Brom defender Curtis Davies and West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate admits he is planning for life without defender Jonathan Woodgate, who is on loan from Real Madrid, and striker Mark Viduka, who is considering a contract extension, next season but wants them to stay. (Daily Mirror)

Fulham are hoping to sign South Korean international midfielder Lee Chun-Soo on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel is on the verge of completing a move to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls. (Daily Mirror)

Villa are considering a £1.5m move for FC Zurich midfielder Xavier Margairaz. (Daily Mirror)

Tell us your transfer rumours

Back to top

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had a celebratory post-FA Cup semi-final victory hug with Blues manager Jose Mourinho - only hours after former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann said he did not want to take over the helm at Stamford Bridge. (The Sun)

Manchester United striker Alan Smith is in line for an England recall for the Euro 2008 qualifier in June. (The Sun)

Blackburn midfielder Tugay's future at the club has been placed in doubt after he was left out of the starting line-up for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce believes the one-sided nature of the Premiership is going to get worse and hopes the monopoly of the so-called 'big four' teams will not put fans off the game. (Various)

Newcastle have put Michael Owen's return to action after a knee injury on hold after he was pulled out of a reserve match against Middlesbrough as a precaution. (Daily Mirror)

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has dismissed claims that he is using the Black Cats as a stepping stone to become Manchester United boss. (Various)

Portsmouth keeper David James says his bid for the clean sheet record in the Premiership is turning his life into a misery as he has been stuck on 141 shut-outs since the goalless draw with Reading on 17 March. (Daily Mirror)

Back to top

AND FINALLY...
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has said Rafael Benitez's wife holds the key to keeping the Reds manager out of Real Madrid's clutches. Hicks said: "Rafa's under contract and he told me his wife has said that if he ever did go he would have to go without her because she is staying in Liverpool." (Various)

Do as your told Rafa :D

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:45 AM

Pedersen for United? I could've understood that 12 months ago when he was on fire... but this season he's been way, way too quiet.

Iaquinta? Yeah, that'll do... but I still demand Eto'o or Villa! :mad:

And Smith can fuck off for an England recall.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:01 AM

Updated footie news:

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all on alert after Marseille indicated they are ready to sell Franck Ribery. (The Sun)

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell is set to sign for Newcastle in the summer. (The Guardian)

Corinthians admit they would be happy to re-sign West Ham striker Carlos Tevez. (The Independent)

Bolton are looking at French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac as a possible replacement for Nicolas Anelka. (The Independent)
Motherwell midfielder Brain Kerr looks set to sign a pre-contract agreement with Hibernian before the end of the week. (Daily Record)

I'm still yet to see enough of Ribery to be all "omgwoah, sign him pls"... he was oh-so-average during the World Cup so I'd be a tad hesitant to see us splash over £15M on him.

timesfooall

April 17th 2007, 08:22 AM

Updated footie news:

I'm still yet to see enough of Ribery to be all "omgwoah, sign him pls"... he was oh-so-average during the World Cup so I'd be a tad hesitant to see us splash over £15M on him.

I've seen him have one good game, at Under 21 level against England. Can't say im bothered if he comes to us or not.

Pedersen would be a useful squad player, couldnt see him being more than that.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:23 AM

Yeah, he's proven himself in the Premiership... kind of... but he's never really played top level European footie and, without that, it'd seem like a bit of a waste. Plus I couldn't see him as the long-term replacement for Giggs and that's obviously what Ferguson is after, someone to play the left wing for the next 10 years or so.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:38 AM

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/17042007/1/torres-snub-premiership-move.html

Torres to snub Premiership move

Fernando Torres is set to snub a move to the Premiership's big four - because he believes Atletico Madrid are heading for the Champions League.

The brilliant young Spain striker, known as 'El Nino', has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital for the past couple of seasons.

Manchester United are long-term admirers of the quicksilver hitman, while Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan are all rumoured to be pursuing him.

But Torres insists he is not thinking about leaving the Vicente Calderon and wants to achieve his ambitions with Atletico, who are currently sixth in La Liga and pushing for a Champions League spot next season.

In an interview with Madrid daily AS, Torres said: "I don't think about leaving. There have been seasons in which things haven't gone well and you can't wait for the close-season to arrive so you can forget everything and hope that it's better when you come back.

"The important thing is to be where you're happy and to win titles there. I'm convinced I'm going to be able to win trophies here.

"I don't think about leaving to win titles or play in Europe. I want to gain titles with Atletico, because it's the team I love."

...

timesfooall

April 17th 2007, 08:58 AM

I would love Torres. Every game ive seen him play he has been man of the match, i would say hes more like Ronaldo though than Rooney. Not as much the tricks but running at people with pace.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 17th 2007, 09:06 AM

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 17th 2007, 09:06 AM

I would love Torres. Every game ive seen him play he has been man of the match, i would say hes more like Ronaldo though than Rooney. Not as much the tricks but running at people with pace.

Torres also prefers to play up front on his own, which would leave Rooney to drop depper and be seriously dangerous.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 17th 2007, 09:59 AM

Pedersen would be good depending how long Giggs is planning to keep playing

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 17th 2007, 10:08 AM

Pedersen would be good depending how long Giggs is planning to keep playing

Man Utd need some better, like Vicente.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 11:11 AM

Obefami Martins and Michael Owen would be a great partnership as long as the manager new what he was doing.

Unfortunately that manager is Glen Roeder and you just know he's going to be knocking long balls towards two tiny men.

If Roeder got us playing along the floor with those two up front it could be dealy. Martins loves to come deep and then charge forward, and with Owen to play off him he'll actually have a central target to hit for once. He's obviously reluctant to pass out wide because he knows the balls that come back won't be available for him, but with Owen up front there could be some serious danger.

I'm also banking that Owen will finally break the 20 goals mark in the Premiership as long as he can stay fit and as long as Roeder can actually learn some tactical nouse in the close season.

Duff is out for the rest of the season btw.

What do you reckon to the suggestion that Newcastle are signing Sidwell? I can't see Sidwell and Parker playing in central midfield working properly as they're both too sit-back minded... unless one of them is going to adapt and play really deep and sit the other one in front as a Jame Redknapp-type ball playing midfielder.

Torres also prefers to play up front on his own, which would leave Rooney to drop depper and be seriously dangerous.

I find Torres works better with a fast player to run past him, ie Villa, and Rooney just can't do that. It's either Rooney deep or Torres as an almost-target man.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 17th 2007, 11:15 AM

Sidwell does make the odd break forward and scores a few. although i don't think it'd matter really, if Newcastle utilised their wingers properly. (they have a few goodens) they wouldn't need the break from central midfield

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 17th 2007, 11:48 AM

What do you reckon to the suggestion that Newcastle are signing Sidwell? I can't see Sidwell and Parker playing in central midfield working properly as they're both too sit-back minded... unless one of them is going to adapt and play really deep and sit the other one in front as a Jame Redknapp-type ball playing midfielder.

I find Torres works better with a fast player to run past him, ie Villa, and Rooney just can't do that. It's either Rooney deep or Torres as an almost-target man.

If Sidwell plays defensively then Parker can get back to being the box-to-box player he was at Charlton, where he was their top scorer iirc.

Emre almost certainly leaving so I really hope Milner and Zoggy get their chances on the wing. Both are better than Duff and Solano.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 11:49 AM

If Torres stays in Spain, he can keep his mullet. If he moved over here, he'd have to get rid of it.

I'm not too fussed about Ribery. I don't know if he's really that good.

rob3000

April 17th 2007, 12:19 PM

I don't rate Ribery or Torres.

friartuck

April 17th 2007, 12:36 PM

I don't rate Ribery or Torres.

I really don't know where people get the idea that Torres is a great player. He's not that strong, he's not that quick, he doesn't score that much nor does he get that many assists. What's so good about him?

The jury is still out on Ribery for me.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 17th 2007, 01:49 PM

On Carroll:

The young striker is the latest product of Newcastle's academy - which is now one of the most productive in England.

What absolute bollocks reporting.

Peace77

April 17th 2007, 02:05 PM

I am 95% sure Man United will get Hargreaves, while for a Giggs replacement, they will pursue Nani (who is the supposed next Ronaldo). Their pursuit of Nani must have been a factor in Ronaldo signing that contract extension. If we get a striker, I reckon we will get either Torres or Huntelaar, but I would prefer Berbatov, as I think he would fit into United's style the most and would be the most successful. However, he would require a Carrick-inflated fee, especially after Jol's ridiculous £40m price tag, which is why the hell I don't know why we didn't go for him last season.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 17th 2007, 02:13 PM

Nani would be a very good signing. There's quite a few of these young wingers around at the moment who really look promising.

Jesus Navas of Sevilla
Xabi Prieto of Real Sociedad
Riccardo Montolivo of Fiorentina
Adriano of Sevilla
Silva of Valencia

then obviously you have the likes of Messi, Schweinsteiger and Robben but they're pretty much off the market for Man Utd.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 02:33 PM

If Torres stays in Spain, he can keep his mullet. If he moved over here, he'd have to get rid of it.

I'm not too fussed about Ribery. I don't know if he's really that good.

He's got a cropped former-skinhead innit. :D

I really don't know where people get the idea that Torres is a great player. He's not that strong, he's not that quick, he doesn't score that much nor does he get that many assists. What's so good about him?

The jury is still out on Ribery for me.

Plus David Villa totally took the piss out of him at the World Cup. :D

On Carroll:

What absolute bollocks reporting.

Ahahaha, lolz.

I am 95% sure Man United will get Hargreaves, while for a Giggs replacement, they will pursue Nani (who is the supposed next Ronaldo). Their pursuit of Nani must have been a factor in Ronaldo signing that contract extension. If we get a striker, I reckon we will get either Torres or Huntelaar, but I would prefer Berbatov, as I think he would fit into United's style the most and would be the most successful. However, he would require a Carrick-inflated fee, especially after Jol's ridiculous £40m price tag, which is why the hell I don't know why we didn't go for him last season.

Has anyone actually SEEN Nani or are we just going off what Skysports reported? Remember, Anthony Le Tallec was the next Zidane... Jordi Cruyff was the next Johann Cruyf... and so on.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 02:52 PM

He's got a cropped former-skinhead innit. :D
He has??? :eek:

Paid no attention to that one...

Peace77

April 17th 2007, 02:54 PM

Has anyone actually SEEN Nani or are we just going off what Skysports reported? Remember, Anthony Le Tallec was the next Zidane... Jordi Cruyff was the next Johann Cruyf... and so on.

Which is why I called him the supposed next Ronaldo. Well, I hear the Man United scouts have been very impressed with him, and Ronaldo has been recommending Nani himself, so he can't be that bad. He sounds like the type of player Liverpool are missing.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 02:56 PM

He does... that's why we're being linked with him too, along with Arsenal to replace the aging Ljungberg and Chelsea... erm... because they like stealing players off their rivals.

If he has Ronaldo's on the ball skill, I'd have him in a heartbeat... but not if he has his horrendous cheating streak.

Also, I find it laughable that ANYONE can be the next FPR - the fuckers only 22/23! You can only be the "next" someone like that if said person you're being likened to is (A) not playing anymore or at the end of their game (B) a legend.

friartuck

April 17th 2007, 03:26 PM

I'd like to see David Villa play in the Premiership even if it wasn't for Man U. The guy is a touch of class, plus he has a build similar to Rooney's - perfect for the English game.

Man U did go for Berbatov last Summer according to some reports. He rejected the offer - my guess is because they couldn't guarantee him first team football.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 04:06 PM

Again, I don't think Berbatov and Rooney would work... Rooney isn't a run-past-people forward, he's a sit-back-deeper forward, almost the illustrious "second striker" role but to me he needs someone faster and more penetrating which is why he and Saha work so well together.

Rooney and Defoe, that'd work... but not Berbatov. It's the same way I don't think Berbatov and Keane work, neither one makes the pacy runs that win big games.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 06:19 PM

Hella gay, I just had to say no thanks to a ticket for the match tomorrow as I have band practise and it's too late to postpone now or we'd have to pay for the room anyway. :(

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 06:59 PM

Hella gay, I just had to say no thanks to a ticket for the match tomorrow as I have band practise and it's too late to postpone now or we'd have to pay for the room anyway. :(
Gutted. Still, solidarity with the band though. Liverpool will always be there.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:00 PM

Gutted. Still, solidarity with the band though. Liverpool will always be there.

Screw solidarity, I wanna go to Anfield again before the end of the cunting season! :(

Hehehe.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 07:06 PM

Screw solidarity, I wanna go to Anfield again before the end of the cunting season! :(

Hehehe.
Ummm... I'm telling :D Meh, plenty of time left. It's not like they've only got 3 games left there or something.

On a slightly related note, do you know where the Conference play-off finals' gonna be? I'm planning ahead (not sensible I know)

And, oh yeah 1-0 baby :D

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:07 PM

Not a clue, I dont any attention to the Conference unless SSN tells me to on match days.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:09 PM

Ahahahaha, BBC 1 - Paul Scholes 0

2004: Paul Scholes (no surprise there) commits an early foul and Michael Tongue fires a free-kick in from 25 yards which goes through the wall and is gathered safely by Kuszczak.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 07:12 PM

Not a clue, I dont any attention to the Conference unless SSN tells me to on match days.
You should!! We should be nurturing some of the most boring football on the planet. "I've got the ball! Shit, now what do I do? I know, if I hoof it upfield, someone else can deal with it..." :D

Ahahahaha, BBC 1 - Paul Scholes 0
The BBC guys are my idols :cool:

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:14 PM

They are pretty damn heroic.

Poonited are 1-0 up too.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 07:16 PM

They are pretty damn heroic.

Poonited are 1-0 up too.
Yeah, what's with Carrick all of a sudden? :confused:

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:17 PM

Yeah, what's with Carrick all of a sudden? :confused:

He's turning into the new Lampard... he just hits the ball as hard as he can.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 17th 2007, 07:18 PM

conference play-offs

1st leg is Friday 4th may for both teams

the the second legs are monday 7th may and tuesday 8th may

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:22 PM

Also, lolz at the stupid FA for the number of empty seats at the semi-finals despite them insisting that all teams would sell their allocations.

I can see the cup final having empty blocks, especially when the price range is £35-95. Extortionate.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 07:27 PM

conference play-offs

1st leg is Friday 4th may for both teams

the the second legs are monday 7th may and tuesday 8th may
This is all me assuming that Exeter won't be crap and actually make it there at the end. I'm wondering where I'll have to travel to if by some miracle it all goes well. If we could just swap places with Torquay this season, it would make my year...

Also, lolz at the stupid FA for the number of empty seats at the semi-finals despite them insisting that all teams would sell their allocations.

I can see the cup final having empty blocks, especially when the price range is £35-95. Extortionate.
Yeah, so can I, but it's not completely likely. Football prices are too high in general at the moment.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:27 PM

Sheesh, Sheffield United are gonna be in for a fucking long game. They're playing (as you'd expect) 10 men behind the ball and they can't even get out of their own half.

Fucking cunt Smith, take that yellow card. How can you complain at a jumping two-footed lunge at someone? :confused:

Ooh-er, injuries ahoy...
2011: The medics are on at Arsenal. Diaby needs patching up after taking a blow to the head. They've wrapped a very long bandage round and round his head and he's gone off for further treatment.

2013: Diaby is back in full flow and thankfully the blood has stopped flowing. No Terry Butcher-like scenes yet.

2017: Diaby has called it quits because of his head injury - and he's replaced by Julio Baptista.

Cunts, I miss this coz the pissing Poonited game's on TV. :mad:

2022: Blimey. More defensive worries for United. Now Patrice Evra is hurt and hobbling off. On comes Kieran Richardson.
Sorry, but lolz!!

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 07:28 PM

So how the fuck did that happen? Lehmann you knobhead :mad:

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:29 PM

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!! WELL DONE CITY! :D

Beasley! Nice one, you dirty Yank.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 07:32 PM

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!! WELL DONE CITY! :D

Beasley! Nice one, you dirty Yank.
Off, and Fuck :mad:

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:33 PM

Off, and Fuck :mad:

:(

Quiet you, a draw suits me fine seeing as we don't play 'til tomorrow!

Two-Bob Peeters

April 17th 2007, 07:35 PM

hom many times has Richardson played this season? he could be the worst player ever to recieve a championship medal

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:36 PM

hom many times has Richardson played this season? he could be the worst player ever to recieve a championship medal

He's got 9 starts and 10 sub apps in the league.

I doubt anything could be more pitiful than seeing David May get a Champions League winners medal. That's an insult to football as a whole.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 07:38 PM

:(

Quiet you, a draw suits me fine seeing as we don't play 'til tomorrow!
Yeah, but third is more secure than 4th...

hom many times has Richardson played this season? he could be the worst player ever to recieve a championship medal
Not enough to completely scupper United's campaign, but I get the feeling he'll play a few more times yet.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:43 PM

I love it when people chant "YOU FAT BASTARD! at Rooney. :)

Peace77

April 17th 2007, 07:45 PM

I love it when people chant "YOU FAT BASTARD! at Rooney. :)

That's what we were all saying to Robbie Fowler at the Europe match. :D

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:47 PM

That's what we were all saying to Robbie Fowler at the Europe match. :D

So? Fowler's nearly 32 and barely plays anymore, he's expected to be a tubby.

Peace77

April 17th 2007, 07:48 PM

Rooney's not fat, he's big-boned. And quite the looker too.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 07:48 PM

I love it when people chant "YOU FAT BASTARD! at Rooney. :)
They're just telling the truth. There's not enough of that happening these days.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:49 PM

Rooney's not fat, he's big-boned. And quite the looker too.

No, Rooney's fat... or has a sweet hockey goalie's body.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 07:53 PM

URGH! Phil Neville doing pundit work?!

*turns over*

Why the fuck would they put that hunchback cunt on TV? He'll scare the kids.

Carrick's goal was actually alright, a good run and he lifted it over the keeper from just inside the box but Paddy Kenny had definately come out and gone down too early. Fucker.

EvilElvis

April 17th 2007, 07:59 PM

hom many times has Richardson played this season? he could be the worst player ever to recieve a championship medal

Nah! Choccy McClair wins that one.

Edit: Henning Berg had the audacity to win it with 2 different teams (Only person in Premiership history to do so) as well as Champs League.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 17th 2007, 08:05 PM

Brian McClair was awesome.

Peace77

April 17th 2007, 08:09 PM

Fatboy has scored :D

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:10 PM

Damnit, fatty! :mad:

Good ball from Giggs though, practically looking the other way... Kenny should've done better though, if you can get one hand to it then you should get two!

EvilElvis

April 17th 2007, 08:14 PM

Brian McClair was awesome.

He ruined Eric Cantona's finest moment. After scoring that sublime chip, Cantona slowly took the adulation of the crowd, only for McClair to ruin it by trying to hug him!

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:15 PM

What a surprise, that dirty Argie cunt, Heinze, with a foul in the box. :rolleyes:

EvilElvis

April 17th 2007, 08:17 PM

What a surprise, that dirty Argie cunt, Heinze, with a foul in the box. :rolleyes:

The game is at Old Trafford right?

Therefore it can't be a penalty!

"You'd need to be shot before they award the opposition a penalty at Old Trafford..."

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 08:20 PM

Woohoo. Finally...

Same scorers as saturday, and both in my fantasy team.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:23 PM

Fuck, great save, Paddy!

FUck off, Arsenal! :mad: COME ON, CITY!!

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 08:24 PM

Heh.

Seriously though. I won't believe that Arsenal have won this until about an hour after the final whistle. That's how shite they've been this year.

EDIT: Three, three, three :D

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:28 PM

PENALTY!! Fuck off, another one fucking bottles it at Old Trafford.

Heinze never got fucking near the ball, should've been a penalty and a red card. Clear as fucking day.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 08:33 PM

PENALTY!! Fuck off, another one fucking bottles it at Old Trafford.
It's always, always been the same. Same at the Bridge too.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:36 PM

They just showed the replay again... even from the referee's angle is is a clear penalty. The movement of the ball was completely opposite to the movement of Heinze through the attacker.

Jammy fucks.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 08:41 PM

Thank God we've found the goal again. And in good time too with the derby game coming up

**dylan**

April 17th 2007, 08:46 PM

2138 FULL-TIME Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United
Two goals in the final 16 minutes did Arsenal's Champions League challenge a power of good as City's little run comes to an end.

I wish

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 08:50 PM

I wish

Ha, ha. I never saw that. I was too busy cheering.

**dylan**

April 17th 2007, 08:54 PM

2145: It gets pretty snarled up in Salford and Trafford at the end of a United home match and hundreds of fans are streaming out early.
Watch it Alan Green on Five Live. He's having a pop at people from Scarborough now. That's where I am from. So good job you just apologised!

interesting stuff mr nurse :confused:

Epic Failure

April 17th 2007, 08:55 PM

thank fuck. after the cricket debacle taking the piss out of my colleague who is a city fan is about the only thing that will get me through the day tomorrow :D

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 08:55 PM

Good second half performance from Sheffield United, they deserved at least a goal from that. 2-0 sounds a lot more one-sided than it really was.

Zippy Ate My Drumkit

April 17th 2007, 09:02 PM

He ruined Eric Cantona's finest moment. After scoring that sublime chip, Cantona slowly took the adulation of the crowd, only for McClair to ruin it by trying to hug him!

Pfft.

McClair>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Cantona

Only McClair had the audacity to head a ball that was barely a foot off the ground.

EvilElvis

April 17th 2007, 09:02 PM

Think Neil Warnock will have something to say about the ref's performance tonight..

Peace77

April 17th 2007, 09:04 PM

The ref was our best player tonight by the sounds of it.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 09:07 PM

Think Neil Warnock will have something to say about the ref's performance tonight..

Same ref who awarded the not-so-penalty against Liverpool at their place on the first day of the season.

The ref was our best player tonight by the sounds of it.

He was, by a mile.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 09:22 PM

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 09:31 PM

I agree with Coleman here, managers SHOULD be able to give their opinions after matches (within reason) about a refs performance.

They shouldn't be able to come out and say that someone was shit or something but there should be no fear about them coming out and saying that a referee has made a 100% wrong decision without fear of an FA charge and a fine.
This was the thing with Wenger that he got charged for today. As he said, he didn't swear at Steve Bennett, or shout at him, he just disagreed with his decision, and he gets reprimanded by the FA for it. I could understand if he'd called the ref a cheating bastard. But he didn't.

Managers should be able (within reason - ie, not accusing them of taking bribes, cheating...) to be able to comment and give opinions on the referees performance after a game.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 09:35 PM

Managers should be able (within reason - ie, not accusing them of taking bribes, cheating...) to be able to comment and give opinions on the referees performance after a game.

Exactly.

The FA are too protective, nobody's saying that people should... as you say... be allowed to make wild unfounded accusations but when a ref clearly drops a bollock like tonight - they need to be told.

Also, City defended like children tonight. Very, very unusual. I think the scoreline is a bit unreflective. Great goal from Beasley.

Bexster

April 17th 2007, 09:39 PM

Exactly.

The FA are too protective, nobody's saying that people should... as you say... be allowed to make wild unfounded accusations but when a ref clearly drops a bollock like tonight - they need to be told.

Also, City defended like children tonight. Very, very unusual. I think the scoreline is a bit unreflective. Great goal from Beasley.
Ref's should not be untouchable. That just makes them even more prone to mistakes.

Pearce went for the defensive, which to be fair to him, has worked for a lot of teams against the Arse this season, but they were just too good for it tonight. City leave gaping great holes and goals are gonna be leaked.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 09:41 PM

Outstanding strike from Fabregas.

FFS!! Typical goal from that jammy fuckwit, Baptista! He is ALWAYS just stood there when a fucking loose ball rolls to him. And "Beast" is the gayest nickname ever.

friartuck

April 17th 2007, 11:10 PM

That was definitely a penalty, but the result was a fair one going by the balance of play. Sheffield Utd defended for almost the whole game. Two great goals from Man U, especially Rooney's.

Captain Stu

April 17th 2007, 11:17 PM

Giggs is definately gonna break Charlton's all-time appearances record for United, he's only about 50-something shy of the record with half a dozen games left this season and at least one more season to go... maybe two depending on his fitness.

JUST CHECKED: Charlton retired with a total of 759 appearances and Giggs total as of tonight is 709 so, yeah, 50 appearances to go.

Captain Stu

April 18th 2007, 08:18 AM

Italy have apparently edged ahead in the race to hold the 2012 European Championships.

That's fucking bollocks! The long-suspected Serie A has been blown apart by final, conclusive proof of cheating and max fixing and then there's the well documented crowd problems and the death of that copper, what the fuck has Italian football done to warrant such a reward? Answer: they won the World Cup.

Fucking bunch of useless rimjaws.

timesfooall

April 18th 2007, 09:57 AM

Euro 2012 is going to be in Poland and the Ukraine.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1261146,00.html

Lolz at Italy, dirty scumbags

Captain Stu

April 18th 2007, 10:00 AM

Euro 2012 is going to be in Poland and the Ukraine.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1261146,00.html

Lolz at Italy, dirty scumbags

REALL?Y Oh yes, it's been confirmed! Fucking brilliant, that'll teach the riotous scummers! :D

Although, that said, Poland and the Ukraine suck ass.

timesfooall

April 18th 2007, 10:05 AM

REALL?Y Oh yes, it's been confirmed! Fucking brilliant, that'll teach the riotous scummers! :D

Although, that said, Poland and the Ukraine suck ass.

Ye i've just realised, aint Poland fans the worst hooligans in the world?

Captain Stu

April 18th 2007, 10:08 AM

I'd say Turkish fans are but Polish have definately got a reputation haven't they?

timesfooall

April 18th 2007, 10:10 AM

I remember seeing an ITN report before the world cup, and thousands of Polish 'Footie Fans' were going to Germany just to cause havoc.

Hopefully it wont be like than in 5 years time.

Captain Stu

April 18th 2007, 10:13 AM

Damn you, Poland!

Bexster

April 18th 2007, 10:19 AM

It's gotta be interesting. How're they going to sort out violence there for a whole tournament, when they can't stop small pockets of it.

Anyway, Italy didn't deserve it at all. After everything that's happened, there's no way they should have got it, so at least that's one good thing.

Bexster

April 18th 2007, 10:21 AM

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Bayern Munich have told Manchester United that they can buy Owen Hargreaves in the summer if they are prepared to pay £18m. (Various)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is considering a fresh move for Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa. (Daily Mail)

Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd does not have to sell any of his players even if Premiership clubs come in for them his summer. (Various)

Charles N'Zogbia wants to leave Newcastle in the summer after a row with manager Glenn Roeder. (Various)

Tottenham and Liverpool are both interested in signing Yossi Benayoun, who is expected to leave West Ham in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn Rovers maintain there is no clause in Morten Gamst Pedersen's contract that will allow him to leave the club for a fee of £8m. (The Sun)

Sheffield Wednesday have insisted that Frankie Simek will not leave the club for less than £2m, with Charlton, Aston Villa and Portsmouth rumoured to be interested. (Daily Star)

Cardiff skipper Darren Purse is the subject of a £2m battle between Charlton and Sheffield United. (Daily Mirror)

Bolton keeper Ian Walker will quit the club in the summer. (Various)

Everton are keen to sign £6m rated West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara. (Daily Mail)

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has turned down an approach from Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)

The agent of Hearts midfielder Julien Brellier claims the management's attitude to his client is driving him out of the club. (Daily Record)

Bulgaria Under-21 defender Pavel Kovachev is set to join Hearts. (Daily Record)

Defender Grant Murray has agreed a new contract with Kilmarnock. (The Sun)

Dutch defender Dyron Daal wants to remain in Scotland even if Aberdeen do not offer him a new contract. (Daily Mail)

Tell us your transfer rumours

Back to top

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea will offer Jurgen Klinsmann £7m a year in an effort to persuade him to become manager at Stamford Bridge this summer. (The Sun)

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko wants Jose Mourinho to stay at the club even though at he treats his players like robots. (Daily Express)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has turned down Real Madrid for a third time. (Various)

The row between Newcastle and the Football Association over the medical costs of Michael Owen's injury is worsening, with various transport bills now being disputed. (Daily Mail)

Michael Stewart has been forced to train with Hibernian's youth team following the dressing-room revolt against manager John Collins. (The Sun)

Rangers hope to set-up a player-exchange agreement with David Beckham's future employers, LA Galaxy. (Daily Express)

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura expects to overcome a knee injury to play the rest of the season. (Daily Express)

Dunfermline urged the Scottish FA to switch their Scottish Cup semi-final with Hibernian from Hampden to Tynecastle. (Daily Mail)

An Israeli court will sit in judgment on the dispute between Bolton's Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim and his former agent, David Abu. (The Guardian)

Back to top

AND FINALLY...
Reading's Cameroon defender Andre Bikey reckons his fish and chip diet and Mr Bean are the best things about living in England. (The Sun)

AC Milan's Brazilian forward Kaka has come out and said that his team are not scared of Manchester United ahead of their Champions League encounter after Sir Alex Ferguson's men beat Roma 7-1 in their last match. (Various)

Inverness Caley Thistle will not be able to play in the Intertoto Cup next season because the second round of the competition will clash with an Elton John concert at their ground. (Daily Record)

Two-Bob Peeters

April 18th 2007, 10:27 AM

according to SSN yesterday Poland and Ukraine had the best security strategy, but they need to improve on accomodation. you're right about the hooligans though, but then again the other bids were just as bad fan wise (Italy, Hungary/Croatia).

i'm glad they got it, Poland and Ukraine aren't actually that bad, both better than Hungary anyway, and giving it to Italy would have been a joke considering recent events

Captain Stu

April 18th 2007, 10:37 AM

Yeah, I suppose it's the lesser of the evils... but I'll be somewhat amazed if it goes off as well as the World Cup did in Germany. I just can't see there not being problems in Pooland.

*

Bayern Munich have told Manchester United that they can buy Owen Hargreaves in the summer if they are prepared to pay £18m. (Various)

Oh please, that deal's been rubber-stamped since the january transfer market. Roomynigger's just playing the media game by saying he won't sell... but then he will if United offer lots of money. Everyone knows Hargreaves will be a United player in the summer, they just have to appear to have tried to hold onto him.

Also, I think Carrick and Hargreaves will struggle slightly to play together. Carrick's going to have to improve a helluva lot and stop relying on Scholes.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is considering a fresh move for Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa. (Daily Mail)

Yes pls... but I think I'd sooner have Joaquin... or this Nani chap if he's as good as SkySports claims he is.

Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd does not have to sell any of his players even if Premiership clubs come in for them his summer. (Various)

My arse. If a Premiership team comes knocking, they'll sell. Thing is... they don't have a single player good enough so it's not even going to happen.

Tottenham and Liverpool are both interested in signing Yossi Benayoun, who is expected to leave West Ham in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

NOOOOOOOOO!!! :( He's so ugly... and frankly he's been beyond shite this season.

Chelsea will offer Jurgen Klinsmann £7m a year in an effort to persuade him to become manager at Stamford Bridge this summer. (The Sun)

:confused:

The question is... why? He showed a lot of promise with Germany, they were probably the second best footballing side of the World Cup for me (Argentina being the first) but he's way, way too inexperienced to take a pressure-cooker job like Chelsea. All that money and all the pressure and expectations that come with it.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has turned down Real Madrid for a third time. (Various)

Mmhmm, apparently they offered him a lot more money than he earns at Liverpool and a massive transfer kitty too. I love Uncie Rafa. :)

The row between Newcastle and the Football Association over the medical costs of Michael Owen's injury is worsening, with various transport bills now being disputed. (Daily Mail)

I wish Newcastle would seriously shut the fuck up over this. :rolleyes: While I understand their grievance at losing a player to a long-term injury, it's quite simple really... if they don't want to risk players being injured, recall them from the squad and ruin their international career, drive a big rift between you and them and cause them to leave the club. As if the FA are actually going to pay what they want which is something along the lines of 100% of his wages from the day he got injured until the day he returns to match action. *cough*NOCHANCE*cough*

Peace77

April 18th 2007, 10:55 AM

It's inevitable that we get Hargreaves, and the point of getting him is to have him and Carrick sitting back with Rooney and two wingers in front, and a lone striker right up at the top.

Also, does anyone think that it's impossible to see Moaninho managing Man United after Fergie? I read a posted comment on the Daily Mail alluding to this. I can't say I'd rule it out and I really doubt he will be managing Chelsea next season too.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 18th 2007, 11:00 AM

Poland are a bit nasty, but are slightly more respectful like the hooligans back in the days. Hungary however are just nasty little fuckers and use all sorts of weapons and ambushes. i'm just glad it's not there. 'cos i could see a few certain people from south london looking for revenge after the Ferencvaros UEFA cup game

Captain Stu

April 18th 2007, 11:00 AM

I couldn't see him managing United for the simple fact that I think as part of his settlement with Chelsea, he'll have to leave the country and manage elsewhere.

He will not be Chelsea manager next season, no way. He'll either win a lot (not the quadruple, that's a silly pipedream) and leave victorious with a big grin on his face or, more likely, leave winning little or nothing, get sacked and have masses of egg on his face.

I think Ferguson will stay on for a few more years and then Mark Hughes will take over.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 18th 2007, 11:01 AM

you would imagine that if Mark Hughes continues doing well for Blackburn he's a cert. you're right though, depends on how long Fergie plans to stay

boxshapedheart

April 18th 2007, 11:15 AM

It's always, always been the same. Same at the Bridge too.
To be fair, we've had at least 5 pens (at least) not given to us this season. We seem to have this rep about no-one getting pens against us and us getting all the pens, but it's so not the case.

Saying that, that was a blatant pen by Heinze last night. They were getting away with fouls through the night though. Scrape down Evra's leg was not nice at all.

boxshapedheart

April 18th 2007, 11:16 AM

you would imagine that if Mark Hughes continues doing well for Blackburn he's a cert. you're right though, depends on how long Fergie plans to stay
Hughes and Keano are defo on the list to be manager at some point.

Two-Bob Peeters

April 18th 2007, 11:19 AM

oh yeah, can't forget Keano, but not for a long while yet, he's done a great job with Sunderland, although i will say whoever the manager was they have a team good enough to go up anyway

Bexster

April 18th 2007, 11:26 AM

To be fair, we've had at least 5 pens (at least) not given to us this season. We seem to have this rep about no-one getting pens against us and us getting all the pens, but it's so not the case.

Saying that, that was a blatant pen by Heinze last night. They were getting away with fouls through the night though. Scrape down Evra's leg was not nice at all.
I try to look at things as unbiased as I can, but I'm only human :p

Nah, it's true that it's never as unfair as people make out, generally because it's always coming from opposing supporters. Games at Old Trafford have always given out this impression for years - I remember a couple of years ago, when the main jokes about it were about the amount of injury time that kept getting added on. It's just one thing for non-United supporters to moan about, innit.

oh yeah, can't forget Keano, but not for a long while yet, he's done a great job with Sunderland, although i will say whoever the manager was they have a team good enough to go up anyway
Sparky's been at it longer, so I'd say he was ahead of Keane in the line. But I think it's not a stretch to say Keane will be a United manager in the future.

Captain Stu

April 18th 2007, 11:26 AM

He hit out yesterday at suggestions that he was only using Sunderland as a stepping stone to the United managers job.

I think he's behind Hughes anyway, Hughes has managed Wales and now is doing a brilliant job for Blackburn while Keane has only one season of Championship management under his belt.

I think Mark Hughes is destined to be a great manager.

timesfooall

April 18th 2007, 11:27 AM

Captain Stu

April 18th 2007, 11:28 AM

Nah, it's true that it's never as unfair as people make out, generally because it's always coming from opposing supporters. Games at Old Trafford have always given out this impression for years - I remember a couple of years ago, when the main jokes about it were about the amount of injury time that kept getting added on. It's just one thing for non-United supporters to moan about, innit.

THAT WAS TRUE!!

Ferguson could be seen, game after game when United weren't comfortably winning at the end, berating referees. If they were winning, there was no added time and if they weren't, there would very often be an undeserved 6-7 minutes of added time. That's why the boards were introduced!

boxshapedheart

April 18th 2007, 11:38 AM

I try to look at things as unbiased as I can, but I'm only human :p

Nah, it's true that it's never as unfair as people make out, generally because it's always coming from opposing supporters. Games at Old Trafford have always given out this impression for years - I remember a couple of years ago, when the main jokes about it were about the amount of injury time that kept getting added on. It's just one thing for non-United supporters to moan about, innit.
haha yeah, that's down to Fergie's eagar clock watching though. He's a stubborn Scotsman he is.

Sparky's been at it longer, so I'd say he was ahead of Keane in the line. But I think it's not a stretch to say Keane will be a United manager in the future.
yeah that's what I'm saying. They're both on the list, but Hughes is higher up. Depends on whatever their situations are when Fergie does decide to retire.

Defo, they got away with so much last night. When the defender lunged in on Smith and ripped his shorts no booking, then smith gets booked when he doesnt touch the player.

Yeah Smithy's arse was showing after that but he carried on like a good sport. :D

Bexster

April 18th 2007, 12:02 PM

THAT WAS TRUE!!

Ferguson could be seen, game after game when United weren't comfortably winning at the end, berating referees. If they were winning, there was no added time and if they weren't, there would very often be an undeserved 6-7 minutes of added time. That's why the boards were introduced!
It was such a joke because it was true, and no one really knew what to say.

haha yeah, that's down to Fergie's eagar clock watching though. He's a stubborn Scotsman he is.
That's one way of putting it, yes...

Yeah Smithy's arse was showing after that but he carried on like a good sport. :D
I'm not sure what the punishment for indecent exposure on the pitch actually is :D

Two-Bob Peeters

April 18th 2007, 12:04 PM

.

I'm not sure what the punishment for indecent exposure on the pitch actually is :D

Ask Joey Barton!

boxshapedheart

April 18th 2007, 12:47 PM

That's one way of putting it, yes...

I hope you're not calling me biased. :p :D

Bexster

April 18th 2007, 01:40 PM

I hope you're not calling me biased. :p :D
Never :p

I was actually thinking of something less polite than 'stubborn scotsman' to call him :D

Obiwan

April 18th 2007, 04:11 PM

Defo, they got away with so much last night. When the defender lunged in on Smith and ripped his shorts no booking, then smith gets booked when he doesnt touch the player.

I dont know who i'd want to replace Fergie, think there will be lots of cvs dropping Mr Gills desk tho when he does call it a day.

No chance, not many people out there would want to try and follow in his footsteps. After the next man has been and gone then there will be a flood .

Bexster

April 18th 2007, 05:15 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6569561.stm

Vice-chairman Dein leaves Arsenal

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has left the club with immediate effect because of "irreconcilable differences" with the rest of the board.
American billionaire Stan Kroenke has bought 9.9% of Arsenal and more shares from major stakeholder Danny Fiszman.

It sparked takeover talk, but chairman Peter Hill-Wood played down moves.

He revealed remaining board members, who own 45.45% of the remaining shares, had agreed not to dispose of their shares for at least one year.

In a statement, Hill-Wood said: "On behalf of the board I would like to express our gratitude to David Dein for the many years of loyal service he has given to the club.

"We sincerely regret that irreconcilable differences between Mr. Dein and the rest of the board have necessitated a parting of the ways."
:eek:

Fucking hell. I'm in shock :(