The Footie (UK) Thread: 2006/07

[EvilElvis]

Pair provide O'Neill with boost (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5252584.stm)

Gareth Barry and Olof Mellberg will give new boss Martin O'Neill a boost by committing themselves to Aston Villa.
Defender Mellberg and midfielder Barry were believed to be disillusioned with life under old manager David O'Leary.

Barry, 25, said: "Everyone is going to be flying in 100% and committing to the club again," while sources close to Mellberg, 28, say he is happy to stay.

O'Neill may also be boosted by a sizeable transfer fund - if American Randy Lerner's takeover bid succeeds.

Villa rejected a bid from Portsmouth for England international Barry, who has made it clear he is keen to be part of the new regime at Villa Park.

Barry said: "There were players getting a bit frustrated but this is a clean start and an opportunity to start again.

"Obviously, Martin was the number one target and he was the best man out there for the job.

"We are all delighted the club got the best man and we are looking forward to working under him.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what ideas he has got, the way he trains players and the way he thinks.

"The fans are happy with this appointment and the players are happy too."

Meanwhile, Villa are bracing themselves for a renewed takeover bid from billionaire Lerner within the next 48 hours.

O'Neill is in close contact with Lerner, who owns NFL franchise Cleveland Browns, and the former Celtic boss spent two successive evenings with the American when he held talks with Villa owner Doug Ellis.

Lerner has nosed ahead as favourite of the four groups looking to take over Villa and is expected to make a formal bid to Ellis by Wednesday.

If that is accepted, Lerner's formal installation in September would provide O'Neill with the financial clout to try to make Villa a force in the Premiership.

[Marvin]

Apparently Crespo has only gone on loan to Inter (according to talk sport).

[EvilElvis]

Apparently Crespo has only gone on loan to Inter (according to talk sport).

2 Year Deal - With a 1 year return Option (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/5252788.stm)


Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo has joined Inter Milan in a two-year deal.
The 31-year-old has moved on loan but the move is effectively a free transfer as it takes Crespo to the end of his deal at Stamford Bridge.

But Chelsea do have the option to take Crespo back after one season if needed.

Chelsea signed Crespo from Inter for £16.8m in August 2003 but he failed to cement a regular starting place and has complained about missing Italy.

The Argentine recently acquired Italian citizenship and still owns a house on the outskirts of Milan.

The forward, who has played for Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan and AC Milan, said: "For me it is a matter of pride to be back at Inter.

"I had left here crying and now I am back smiling."

He added: "Nothing bothers me at all about the loan transfer. I actually have to thank Chelsea, the chairman and the coach because they understood what I wanted as a man and they have made me happy.

"I have a special, sentimental and now legal relationship with Italy. I am officially an Italian citizen.

"I have an Italian wife and two Milanese daughters, Nicole and Sofia. They are at home here."

Crespo had also attracted interest from AC Milan, with whom he spent the 2004/05 season on loan from Chelsea.

The arrival of Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan this summer had left Crespo an even more peripheral figure at Stamford Bridge.

However, the departure of Crespo leaves Didier Drogba and Shevchenko as the only front-line strikers at Chelsea, which might lead manager Jose Mourinho into another foray into the transfer market.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Crespo's just signed a 2 year deal with Inter.
I am gutted. I loved watching him play. Him and Shevchenko would have taken the Premiership by storm.

Now that i know this, im putting £100 on Inter to win the Serie A.

Also, good for Villa if Mellberg is staying. He is one of the best defenders in the League.

[boxshapedheart]

Crespo's a quality finisher. He always scored against us and was always a threat for the scum. I'd rather he's at another team... as long as he doesn't play us and score again anyway!

I just realised I still have the worldcup sweepstake bollocks in my sig... pfft. It will now be removed.

Joined your Premier League Fantasy Footy league, sort of shoved anyone in at the end to match the limit. Buggar to having a limit of 3 from 1 team. I started with at least 5 united players and had to whittle it down. :(

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Crespos is now officially a 2 year loan with a one year return option.

strange

[friartuck]

Now that i know this, im putting £100 on Inter to win the Serie A.


I doubt you'd get good odds on that. They're probably favourites by a country mile.

[boxshapedheart]

Reggina have been pulled into the whole Serie A match fixing scandal now too. And they finished 15th.

[Renegades of funk 8]

Reggina have been pulled into the whole Serie A match fixing scandal now too. And they finished 15th.

they must have done it the wrong way round :D


i say completely stop football in italy and send all the good players to english clubs in some kind of lottery/bingo stlye

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Reggina have been pulled into the whole Serie A match fixing scandal now too. And they finished 15th.

how the mighty shall fall!

[boxshapedheart]

I think they mighta drawn the short straw!

Might be deducted enough points to relegate em if they're found guilty.

[boxshapedheart]

they must have done it the wrong way round :D


i say completely stop football in italy and send all the good players to english clubs in some kind of lottery/bingo stlye
Hey, I'm deciding if I should buy that 10 match package from Fulham again. They got rid of the Big Six match deal :(. I'd have enjoyed swearing at Chelsea and Arsenal and the like.

What seats would you recommend? :)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I think they mighta drawn the short straw!

Might be deducted enough points to relegate em if they're found guilty.

if they end up getting relegated, yet Milan and Co are saved, the that's a big fat smelly joke, really fat and smelly

[Renegades of funk 8]

What seats would you recommend? :)

i'm a st holder in the hammy end so this may be biased but i'd say higher than halfway in the hammersmith end for a decent view and good atmosphere (behind the goal)

anywhere in the riverside stand should be a good view - but it's well quiet over there (side)


where have you sat before? and what games were in the big six thing?

[boxshapedheart]

i'm a st holder in the hammy end so this may be biased but i'd say higher than halfway in the hammersmith end for a decent view and good atmosphere (behind the goal)

anywhere in the riverside stand should be a good view - but it's well quiet over there (side)


where have you sat before? and what games were in the big six thing?
Thanks. :)

Oh my friend decided they didn't wanna get it at the last min last season, so I didn't get any. And so I haven't been to Fulham yet.

Basically, I want to be able to cheer on United (at least a little bit even if I can only do so quietly), and then cheer on Fulham for the other 9 games. Reckon I'll be able to get away with a few cheers for United in those stands?

The big 6 used to have Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle. Don't know why they stopped it.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

i remember when i was about 10, i went to see Macclesfield Vs Leyton Orient (don't ask!) and i was in the Macclesfield end, and i cheered when Leyton Orient scored.

those Maccies can be a bit scary i tells ya!

[Renegades of funk 8]

Thanks. :)

Oh my friend decided they didn't wanna get it at the last min last season, so I didn't get any. And so I haven't been to Fulham yet.

Basically, I want to be able to cheer on United (at least a little bit even if I can only do so quietly), and then cheer on Fulham for the other 9 games. Reckon I'll be able to get away with a few cheers for United in those stands?

The big 6 used to have Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle. Don't know why they stopped it.

oh right, hmmm about the cheering for man u??? i wouldn't reccomend it - you best bottle it up till you get outside the ground - i should think you'd be ok if we were 3 nil up or something though :D but you are a woman so no one's going to hit you - we're fulham not chelsea or pompey :D

nice of you to cheer on fulham for the other 9 :)

[boxshapedheart]

oh right, hmmm about the cheering for man u??? i wouldn't reccomend it - you best bottle it up till you get outside the ground - i should think you'd be ok if we were 3 nil up or something though :D but you are a woman so no one's going to hit you - we're fulham not chelsea or pompey :D

nice of you to cheer on fulham for the other 9 :)
haha, yes, we'll see about the 3-0! :p
I've always liked Fulham and I like Coleman so easy to cheer em on. aw ok, im going up to Old Traffie a coupla times this year anyway so I can hold off on too much cheering til I'm up there... I suppose!

[Renegades of funk 8]

haha, yes, we'll see about the 3-0! :p
I've always liked Fulham and I like Coleman so easy to cheer em on. aw ok, im going up to Old Traffie a coupla times this year anyway so I can hold off on too much cheering til I'm up there... I suppose!


haha, i'll be up there in 2 weeks, rooney is banned right (wishfull thinking)

[boxshapedheart]

haha, i'll be up there in 2 weeks, rooney is banned right (wishfull thinking)
I think they're overturning that one. But Carrick n Scholes will be out. And Solskjaer is bound to arse up his knee for Norway (:mad: ).
We still have a coupla weeks to injure more players in time for the start of the season!

[Captain Stu]

Real Madrid have insisted they will hold talks with Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes this week over a possible transfer. (Daily Mirror)

New Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill wants to begin his reign with a £4m swoop for Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque. (The Sun)

Portsmouth are ready to make a £7m swoop for Ghana World Cup midfielder Sulley Muntari. (Daily Mirror)

Marseille have made Newcastle defender Jean-Alain Boumsong their number one transfer target. (Daily Express)

Rangers keeper Allan McGregor has pleaded with boss Paul Le Guen to be allowed to leave the club. (Daily Record)

Blackburn are close to signing defender Andre Ooijer from PSV Eindhoven. (The Sun)

Watford are set to sign Hungarian international striker Tamas Priskin, 19. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City are targeting Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson as a replacement for David James, who looks set to join Portsmouth. (The Sun)

Ex-Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen moved closer to a £2m transfer to Newcastle after being left out of Real Madrid's tour of the United States. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in Tuesday's friendly at Oxford because of security concerns. (The Sun)

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be hit with a three-match ban following his sending off during the pre-season tour of Amsterdam. (Daily Mirror)

England boss Steve McClaren met with Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard on Monday as he prepares to unveil the new national captain - with Chelsea's John Terry and Manchester United's Gary Neville also in the frame. (Daily Express)

Wigan winger Gary Teale will miss the start of the season because of an ankle injury. (The Sun)

Everton winger Andy van der Meyde faces a carpeting from his club after breaking a club curfew and ending up in hospital over claims that his drink had been spiked. (Various)

Winger Shaun Wright-Phillips admits he would feel a failure if he quit Chelsea in search of regular first-team football. (Daily Express)

Former Arsenal star Nigel Winterburn has hit out at Gunners winger Jose Antonio Reyes, who was photographed wearing a Real Madrid shirt before Arsenal played the Spanish side - who have been repeatedly linked to the player - last season. (The Sun)

[EvilElvis]

Apparently Paul Le Guen was sworn at, spat at and even flashed by fans as he went to the Hearts Celtic game on sunday.


Yet these fans seem to think they're club is a bigger lure than some Premiership teams, and can't understand why players reject their club.

Could have something to do with fans having attitudes like that!

[Captain Stu]

Ha!! I Beat You, Ollie!! :D

[EvilElvis]

Ha!! I Beat You, Ollie!! :D

You what?! :p

[Captain Stu]

You what?! :p

I beat you when you posted the BBC transfer news and gossip after I already did and then edited it... you were given away by this:

Last edited by EvilElvis : Today at 07:11 AM. : because Stu beat him to it

NUR!!

[EvilElvis]

I beat you when you posted the BBC transfer news and gossip after I already did and then edited it... you were given away by this:

[/I]

NUR!!

When I saw it I was like "Did I double post?"



Then I saw your name and was like - thats a bit freaky! Both posted at the same time!

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Sammy Lee turns down England U21 role, and cuts all ties with england.

that's a shame, like ol' Sammy

[Bexster]

Looks like Arsenal are about to buy Ribery. I'm not sure on this one. He could be good.

[boxshapedheart]

Looks like Arsenal are about to buy Ribery. I'm not sure on this one. He could be good.
A Frenchman? Joining Arsenal?

That's almost as ludicrous as saying a Spanish player is gonna join Liverpool!

:D


He probably will be a good signing for you. He seemed to be pretty darn good in parts of the world cup, and dire in others - but hey that happens. I haven't seen enough of him myself though.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

from what i saw in the world cup he looked pretty good. and he didn't dive much for a player his type! which is always good! although i'm assured by some mates that he dives all the time in the domestic league!

how much are they talking?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Arse ticket prices next season:

Category A fixtures:

Chelsea
Liverpool
Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur
West H*m United

All remaining Premier League games will be Category B.

The majority of FA Cup, UEFA Competitions and Carling Cup will be Category B fixtures. However, there will be some specific matches which will be designated as Category A fixtures. Details will be communicated at the appropriate time.

Ticket Prices for Season 2006/7

2006/07 Match Day ticket prices Emirates Upper / Lower Tier Category A Category B

CentreUpper £94.00 £66.00
CentreUpperBack £70.00 £49.00
Next to Centre Upper £70.00 £49.00
Next to Centre Upper Back £61.00 £43.00
WingUpper £60.00 £42.00
WingUpperBack £55.00 £38.00
CornerUpper £60.00 £42.00

GoalUpper £66.00 £46.00
GoalUpperBack £55.00 £38.00


CentreLower £51.00 £35.00
WingLower £46.00 £32.00
CornerLower £46.00 £32.00
GoalLower £46.00 £32.00

Family Enclosure
Adult £46.00 £32.00
Senior Citizen / Cannon Club £20.00 £14.00
Junior Gunner £18.00 £13.00

so basically £94 to go see west ham! laughable! and i thought £24 at Millwall was a bit rough!

[Wish_Master2100]

Arse ticket prices next season:



so basically £94 to go see west ham! laughable! and i thought £24 at Millwall was a bit rough!

£42 at Millwall!?!?!

*Vomits*

[Two-Bob Peeters]

£42 at Millwall!?!?!

*Vomits*
£24, soft lad!

[Bexster]

from what i saw in the world cup he looked pretty good. and he didn't dive much for a player his type! which is always good! although i'm assured by some mates that he dives all the time in the domestic league!

how much are they talking?

Minimum of 13.5m Not sure he's worth that much. Mr. Wenger's obviously seem something.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Minimum of 13.5m Not sure he's worth that much. Mr. Wenger's obviously seem something.

ack. that's seems overly expensive

[Bexster]

ack. that's seems overly expensive

That's what I thought when I first read it. Especially when we could put that money towards bringing Wright-Phillips to the club. He's be much better in the same role.

[Wish_Master2100]

£24, soft lad!

Ooh, thank the Lord I read it wrong.

[Wish_Master2100]

Arsene Wenger doesn't like English players. Prefers foreigbners.

[Bexster]

Arsene Wenger doesn't like English players. Prefers foreigbners.
I know. And at times I'd like to bash his head in about it.

[Wish_Master2100]

I know. And at times I'd like to bash his head in about it.

My lack of spelling ability today makes me sad.

Well, for a Frenchman, that speaks 8 fluent languages, I suppose can make the best of his situation. It's worked time and time again for him, so why change it.

On the other hand, it is very frustrating for the English players, and the England fans.

[tom65]

Ribery > Reyes


In my opinion, anyway.

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

Ribery's alright. He could be good but he's deffo not worth that much.

What's happened to Reyes anyway? He was awesome when he first joined Arsenal.

I'd rather have Reyes than Ribery even if he is abit of a diving wanker.

[Captain Stu]

Sammy Lee turns down England U21 role, and cuts all ties with england.

that's a shame, like ol' Sammy

Sammy Lee is awesome, he'd have been PERFECT for the U21's. :(

Looks like Arsenal are about to buy Ribery. I'm not sure on this one. He could be good.

THat'd be an alright signing... but I'm not completely convinced to be honest, he was a bit average at the World Cup.

A Frenchman? Joining Arsenal?

That's almost as ludicrous as saying a Spanish player is gonna join Liverpool!

:D

WHAT?! Fuck off, I would never accept a dirty greasy paella-gobbler into MY team! :mad: Oh... wait a second...

Minimum of 13.5m Not sure he's worth that much. Mr. Wenger's obviously seem something.

Is the seeing the same "something" that he convinced Sven of with pissing Walcott?

Ribery > Reyes

Enh, they both have ups and downs... but for around £14M he could get so much better, he could begin tempting someone like Riquelme for a little more.

[Bexster]

My lack of spelling ability today makes me sad.
S'alright. I'd only pick you up on it if you were Stu :D

Is the seeing the same "something" that he convinced Sven of with pissing Walcott?
Sven had ample opportunity to use Walcott in a game, and he ignored the England tea boy. I've every confidence that Walcott will be a good player, but Sven cocked it up big time.






I'm a bad fan. I forgot it was the football tonight :o

[Captain Stu]

Apparently, Real have said that they ARE having talks this week with Reyes. If he's gonna be like that - after having already been seen round and about in a Real Madrid shirt - he should probably leave. The last thing Arseanal need right now is another want-away tosser in the dressing room to de-stabilise everything this close to the start of the season.

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

I see Portsmouth signed Judas.

They're almost becoming like a mini-Chelsea since they're little mini takeover.

[Bexster]

I see Portsmouth signed Judas.

They're almost becoming like a mini-Chelsea since they're little mini takeover.
Just one more reason NOT to like Pompey Skumski. Bastards.

Rosicky's looking good at the moment.

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

Just one more reason NOT to like Pompey Skumski. Bastards.

Rosicky's looking good at the moment.

The one Arsenal player I want to do well this season, he's in my fantasy football team you see.:D

[Captain Stu]

I think he'll do grand.

[Bexster]

I think he'll do grand.

Stu. Yahoo Fantasy football is finally up!!!!!!!!

[friartuck]

We'll have Obafemi Martins and Marcos Senna please.

[Captain Stu]

Stu. Yahoo Fantasy football is finally up!!!!!!!!

It is? I'LL GET RIGHT ON IT AND START A LEAGUE!!

I'll keep you nigs posted.

[Captain Stu]

Ok dudes and dudettes:

*

Group Name: Foo Fighters Board League
Group ID No: 1807
Group Password: nutsack

*

And here's my preliminary team, sure to change:

J.Reina

B. Assou-Ekotto
E. Eboue
J. Carragher

S. Gerrard
J. Pennant
S. Parker
T. Rosicky

C. Bellamy
D. Berbatov
L. Lita

[Bexster]

Ok dudes and dudettes:

Group Name: Foo Fighters Board League
Group Password: nutsack

That was quick.

The Arse are doing ok. Zagreb do have 11 defenders though, so it's a bit difficult.

[Captain Stu]

That was quick.

The Arse are doing ok. Zagreb do have 11 defenders though, so it's a bit difficult.

Yeah, Zagreb are saying fecking anal.

[friartuck]

Fer fucks sake I just did that official premier league fantasy team thing, now I'm obliged to do another one?

Oh well.

[Captain Stu]

Jesus christ, they really fucked up the transfer fees here!! All the new people to the country are DEAD cheap... and I mean offensively cheap! :eek:

[Bexster]

Jesus christ, they really fucked up the transfer fees here!! All the new people to the country are DEAD cheap... and I mean offensively cheap! :eek:

Yup. And Cygan is officially Arsenal's most expensive defender :eek:

Some of these prices are stupid. It does mean I now have a Chelski scum in my team...

[Captain Stu]

Yup. And Cygan is officially Arsenal's most expensive defender :eek:

Some of these prices are stupid.

I just dropped Lita from the front-line and put Ballack in a 5-man midfield, he costs less than Carrick.

Fuck me, Shevchenko costs... like... £6M or something. :confused: THis is now even harder to choose than before!!

[Bexster]

I just dropped Lita from the front-line and put Ballack in a 5-man midfield, he costs less than Carrick.

Fuck me, Shevchenko costs... like... £6M or something. :confused: THis is now even harder to choose than before!!

I picked them both. I only had 12 left to pick a forward and a midfield - and they kind of fitted the bill :eek:

EDIT: They need the ID number Stu, not the name.

[Captain Stu]

I picked them both. I only had 12 left to pick a forward and a midfield - and they kind of fitted the bill :eek:

Go on, who you got in yours then?

It costs like/the same the buy Shevchenko AND Ballack as it does to buy Pennant?!

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

I've started picking my team, at this rate most of my team is gonna consist of new prem players.

[Captain Stu]

I've started picking my team, at this rate most of my team is gonna consist of new prem players.

5 of mine are... and 3 of them are proven world-class players.

[Bexster]

Go on, who you got in yours then?

It costs like/the same the buy Shevchenko AND Ballack as it does to buy Pennant?!

As it stands at the moment

GK - Lehmann

D - Gabbidon
D - Clichy
D - Volz

M - Ballack
M - Fabrigas
M - Rosicky
M - Nolan

F - Henry
F - Shevchenko
F - C. John

I like this team :D

[Bexster]

Stu, what's the team ID number?

[Captain Stu]

F - Henry

I bloody knew you would. I just couldn't bring myself to. :(

[Captain Stu]

Stu, what's the team ID number?

The league ID number is: 1807

[Bexster]

I bloody knew you would. I just couldn't bring myself to. :(

I had to, didn't I. He's gonna score me a lot of points, even though he was the most expensive player there.

[Captain Stu]

I had to, didn't I. He's gonna score me a lot of points, even though he was the most expensive player there.

Innit, that's the old classic trade-off - a team led by Henry with a weaker defense or a more overall balanced team.

I wonder... Sarah won the league last year, did she have Henry?

[Bexster]

Innit, that's the old classic trade-off - a team led by Henry with a weaker defense or a more overall balanced team.

I wonder... Sarah won the league last year, did she have Henry?

I didn't do the league last year, so I'm not sure. The fact that I could get Chenk and Ballack for peanuts was a good factor means that it's not so much of a trade off.

[Captain Stu]

*is trying to fit Henry in as he scored over 500 points last season*

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

My team:

Robbo

Assou Ekotto
A. Cole
Carragher

Lennon
Ballack
Pedersen
Gonzalez

Berbatov
Henry
Shevchenko

[Bexster]

*is trying to fit Henry in as he scored over 500 points last season*
Good man. You know it's the right thing to do. He will not leave my side all season.

Nice goal there from Fabrigas. That's what we needed.

[Captain Stu]

1-0 to T3h Arse.

[Captain Stu]

1-0 to T3h Arse.

Shuttup, Stu, it's 2-0 to T3h Arse!

[Bexster]

Shuttup, Stu, it's 2-0 to T3h Arse!
We don't have a song for that :(

It's about time. I'm hoping Zagreb might push up a bit so we can get in there more now.

I think it's going to be the skill in picking the 'cheaper' players that's gonna make a difference this year. The rules are a bit weird, so transfers are going to be a bit interesting, but seeing as the prices are shot, everyone's going to pick Chank and Ballack.

EDIT: Please bring Reyes on. I wanna see the look on his face when he realised that Madrid won't touch him if he's cup-tied :D

[Captain Stu]

Shuttup, Stu, it's 2-0 to T3h Arse!

Look, will you shut the fuck up? It's 3-0 to t3h Arse! :mad:

[sunnydalehighdropout]

3-0. Fabregas

Also, i get this message when trying to sign up for the fantasy league.
There was a problem
The password is incorrect. (Error #109)
The league is not in pre-draft mode. (Error #209)
This league is full. (Error #221)

[Bexster]

Look, will you shut the fuck up? It's 3-0 to t3h Arse! :mad:
I like you today. You just keep on talking :D

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Wow. That celebration was really, really gay.

[Bexster]

Wow. That celebration was really, really gay.
Heh, heh, heh. Yeah. Bless him. He's never scored 2 goals in a match before.

[DanHarding]

Arsenal for the win. :cool: (yes i support them).

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Let's hope he doesn't get a hatrick. I fear he'll organise some sort of obnoxious parade.

[Captain Stu]

I like you today. You just keep on talking :D

Just today? Gee... thanks. :(

[Captain Stu]

Let's hope he doesn't get a hatrick. I fear he'll organise some sort of obnoxious parade.

My money's on hat-trick = crying.

[Bexster]

Just today? Gee... thanks. :(
Well, most days to be honest. You like the Arse (a bit) so that's always good. Some days I just don't like anyone.

EDIT - I was going to edit that sentence, to make it more polite, but I decided not to for amusement value :D

[Captain Stu]

Haha, like the arse. :p

Bex, how's that Djourou thought of? I notice he's playing (quite well I think) alongside Toure and could he get a run out alongside Toure in the league while Senderos is out?

[Bexster]

Just read this

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kidderminster_harriers/5251700.stm

Harriers abandonment investigated

Kidderminster and Worcester City are both holding internal enquiries into an off-field incident which saw Saturday's friendly abandoned after 71 minutes.
The visiting Harriers had led 2-0 at St George's Lane after goals by Mark Creighton and Michael Blackwood, when manager Mark Yates took his side off.

"An off-the-field incident occurred that was not in the true nature of football," Yates said in a statement.

Wonder what happened?

"As a result, I made the decision to withdraw my players from the pitch."

He added: "I would like to apologise to all of our supporters and hope to see them at Aggborough next weekend."

Kidderminster begin their league fixtures next Saturday at home to Conference newcomers St Albans City, while Worcester visit Barrow in Conference North.

[Bexster]

Haha, like the arse. :p

Bex, how's that Djourou thought of? I notice he's playing (quite well I think) alongside Toure and could he get a run out alongside Toure in the league while Senderos is out?
Pretty good actually. He had a pretty good world cup and he got a few games last season, mostly cup games, injury cover. He's got a bit of speed as a defender, which is always handy, and he's quite solid. I saw a tackle he made about 20 minutes back on the last man, and it was perfect. He's done that a few times. I'd like to see him play more, but when Toure and Senderos are on top form, where does he fit? He'll definitely get in there while Senderos is out.

[Captain Stu]

Pretty good actually. He had a pretty good world cup and he got a few games last season, mostly cup games, injury cover. He's got a bit of speed as a defender, which is always handy, and he's quite solid. I saw a tackle he made about 20 minutes back on the last man, and it was perfect. He's done that a few times. I'd like to see him play more, but when Toure and Senderos are on top form, where does he fit? He'll definitely get in there while Senderos is out.

Yeah, that last man back tackle was perfection - he seems very quick, good and tall and has great balance.

Ok, my now revised team:

S. Given

J. Djourou
J. Carragher
B. Assou-Ekotto

S. Gerrard
T. Rosicky
A. Lennon
M. Ballack

T. Henry
A. Shevchenko
D. Berbatov

I really, really wanted Pennant in my team but I just couldn't work him in there with Gerrard AND Henry without having a pathetic defense that would probably cost me as many points as those players would score.

[Bexster]

Yeah, that last man back tackle was perfection - he seems very quick, good and tall and has great balance.

Ok, my now revised team:

S. Given

J. Djourou
J. Carragher
B. Assou-Ekotto

S. Gerrard
T. Rosicky
A. Lennon
M. Ballack

T. Henry
A. Shevchenko
D. Berbatov

I really, really wanted Pennant in my team but I just couldn't work him in there with Gerrard AND Henry without having a pathetic defense that would probably cost me as many points as those players would score.

That's a nice team to be honest. I think there'll be some points in there.

[boxshapedheart]

Innit, that's the old classic trade-off - a team led by Henry with a weaker defense or a more overall balanced team.

I wonder... Sarah won the league last year, did she have Henry?
Yes I did win, didn't I. :D

Nope, no Henry for me last season. The only Arse player I put in was Adebayor. And Pires for a couple of weeks (he was shite for me).

I'm am very displeased by the prices of Ballack and Shevvy. I lasted the whole of last season without a single Chelsea bint in my team.... but how can I leave them out at those prices.... ARG! Damn them! :mad:

At least 90% of the teams are gonna put those 2 in.

[Bud]

Really pleased with how we played tonight. Impressed by the back four, Fabregas, Rosicky, Hleb and Adebayor especially. I think we've built alot on last year and we're going to be a better side this.

Hopefully Reyes will follow Cole out of the door, bringing Ribery and Gallas in the opposite direction.

[Captain Stu]

Apparently, Gallas has said he'd prefer Spain... but I reckon Arsenal should say £12M + Gallas = Cole.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Right, my current team, pending me changing my mind, is -

GKP - Shay Given

DEF - John Terry
DEF - Daniel Gabbidon
DEF - Luke Young

MID - Paul Scholes
MID - Michael Ballack
MID - Tomasz Rosicky
MID - Scott Parker

STR - Theirry Henry
STR - Jermaine Defoe
STR - Wayne Rooney

[Captain Stu]

Not bad, Daniel-san.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

A. Shevchenko
G. Samaras
P. Crouch
-------------------
S. Gerrard
T. Cahill
A. Lennon
D. Landzaat
---------------------
A. Cole
O. Mellberg
J. Terry
---------------------
B. Friedel

[Two-Bob Peeters]

why have they fucked up the prices?

anyway yeah. millwall lost today to Leyton somethingorother, taking up last seasons habits of getting a player sent off for no reason after 5mins and having their best striker injured.

please, we haven't had any luck in 4 years, PLEASE fucking give us a chance

[Bexster]

Apparently, Gallas has said he'd prefer Spain... but I reckon Arsenal should say £12M + Gallas = Cole.

I think right now they'd get it as well. Gallas is an embarrassment to Chelski, making everyone else like him, and I want to get rid of Cole.

Yeah, I was very pleased with tonight's performance. The team gelled together well, Rosicky had a good competative start, and all the players played well - I don't think I could have turned around to any of them and said, they weren't that good. It's clear Zagreb thought they could defend, and then try and hit us on the break, but we were just too strong.

Please, please, please, Mr. Wenger, play Theo at the Emirates...

please, we haven't had any luck in 4 years, PLEASE fucking give us a chance
Give it time. I'm sure it'll get better...

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Give it time. I'm sure it'll get better...

it had better, the pre season and spackman showed so much promise. i bought a fucking season ticket and i reckon the club have conned me

[Bexster]

Season tickets are just lottery tickets and torture implements rolled into one. On the one hand, you may have a good game, but more likely they'll rip your heart out.

Sucks when they lose on your birthday too.

[friartuck]

I went to see Utd play Crystal Palace for my birthday a few years ago. Nice safe bet.

Talking of betting, a friend who was at the match bet £10 on utd winning the game 4-2 at 66/1. John O'Shea then scored in injury time to make it 5-2. Man was he disappointed.

[JackTom 2.0]

my dad gets half season tickets (i think it's that...or 10 games or something) for the swans. works really well

i would probaly if i was in swansea all year.

well maybe not right now. 1 point from 2 games, tate now with an impending 3 match suspension, monk stretched off tonight...and with a squad made up of jacketts expensive rubbish purchases...pah :mad:

[Two-Bob Peeters]

especially to a division 4 side...

the football season has started onmy birthday a couple oftimes, and as far as i remember we usually win. so i guess i'm due a bad day. shamei did fuck all otherwise to make up for it!

[Renegades of funk 8]

ah man i still need to sort out my fantasy football teams, where have we got em so far? is it just yahoo and the other one (fantasypremierleague?)

also are we bothering with predictions again

[Two-Bob Peeters]

ah man i still need to sort out my fantasy football teams, where have we got em so far? is it just yahoo and the other one (fantasypremierleague?)

also are we bothering with predictions again

i've made a spreadsheet for when the season starts :cool:

/statto

[Renegades of funk 8]

i've made a spreadsheet for when the season starts :cool:

/statto

ah yes i remember you saying now, cool - didn't you also put everyones league table predictions into a spreadsheet


do you love spreadsheets? :D

[Two-Bob Peeters]

ah yes i remember you saying now, cool - didn't you also put everyones league table predictions into a spreadsheet


do you love spreadsheets? :D

i'm good with spreadsheets, and im a proper statto! :D

i also get very bored at work.

i assure you the prediction fixtures will be ready next week

[Renegades of funk 8]

i'm good with spreadsheets, and im a proper statto! :D

i also get very bored at work.

i assure you the prediction fixtures will be ready next week

i see, coolio

[EvilElvis]

J. Reina

J. Terry
J. Carragher
J. Riise

S. Malbranque
S. Davis
A. Lennon
K. Nolan

A. Shevchenko
J. Defoe
D. Berbatov

[EvilElvis]

Tottenham are favourites to sign Argentine World Cup defender Roberto Ayala from Valencia. (The Sun)

Everton are weighing up a swoop for Manchester City forward Antoine Sibierski on a free transfer. (Daily Star)

Newcastle have reaffirmed their interest in strikers Dirk Kuyt of Feyenoord and Obafemi Martins of Inter Milan. (The Times)

Reading are set to miss out on Ivory Coast midfielder Emerse Fae because he is not convinced about a move from Nantes to the Premiership club. (Daily Star)


OTHER GOSSIP
Arsenal stiker Thierry Henry has warned the Gunners that losing defender Ashley Cole to Chelsea would be a massive blow. (The Sun)

Chelsea defender William Gallas, who failed to turn up to the club's training camp in the United States last week, has threatened to go on strike as his feud with Chelsea reaches a new level. (Daily Star)

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was pelted with chewing gum in his first match on English soil since the World Cup - a 4-1 friendly win over Oxford in which he scored two goals. (The Sun)

Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, who are facing suspensions after being sent off in a pre-season friendly against Porto in Amsterdam, will be free to play in the Premiership opener against Fulham on 20 August because the Dutch Football Association failed to send the referee's report to the English FA by August 8. (Various)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger axed Jose Antonio Reyes from the team that beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 in the Champions League because he believes his mind is already at Real Madrid, who have been repeatedly linked to the winger. (Various)

Hearts boss Valdas Ivanauskas has appealed for the whole of Scotland to back his side's bid for a Champions League group place. (Daily Record)

FUNNIES
Referee Kevin Wright booked Mansfield's Stephen Dawson twice in the 2-1 win over MK Dons - but failed to send off the midfielder. (The Sun)

[Captain Stu]

Arsenal stiker Thierry Henry has warned the Gunners that losing defender Ashley Cole to Chelsea would be a massive blow. (The Sun)

So, what? The club are supposed to let a player fuck them around, use them like a doormat and then leave for free next year? Fuck off, Henry, you only say that because you were acting the exact same fucking way.

[EvilElvis]

http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/67393.html

‘You are either a decent person or you are a yob. It’s up to you’

DARRYL BROADFOOT, Chief Football Writer August 08 2006


Gordon Strachan, the Celtic manager, last night condemned the behaviour of the supporter alleged to have spat at Paul Le Guen during his visit to Tynecastle for Hearts' 2-1 win on Sunday.

The Rangers manager was assailed on his way from the stadium to the car park, a schoolyard through which away supporters traditionally disperse, and The Herald understands his car was also targeted.

A police spokesman confirmed: "We have heard there was an incident at Tynecastle involving Mr Le Guen." Numerous fans' websites have run threads identifying a Celtic fan as the culprit.

Le Guen will not take the matter any further but in an exclusive interview with The Herald, Strachan expressed his abhorrence of such anti-social behaviour and urged the Frenchman to consider the supporter little more than a yob.

"That guy, it doesn't matter what strip he has on," said
Strachan. "It doesn't matter if he's a Celtic supporter, Rangers supporter or a Motherwell supporter, forget being a supporter, you are a yob. Take the supporter bit away.
"I hope, if anything has happened to Paul Le Guen, he doesn't see him as a supporter but as an absolute moron of the highest degree. That's what I hope he sees. I'm like that with all supporters. You are either a decent person or you're a yob. It's up to you how you behave, the strip makes no difference."

Strachan also revealed he was the victim of loutish behaviour from a Hearts supporter before the game, while signing autographs on his way into the stadium, and another during the game, whose behaviour he drew to the attention of a police officer.

"I went to Hearts yesterday and I signed a lot of autographs, posed for pictures with kids and had a bit of banter but there was this one shouting and screaming. I don't see him as a Hearts supporter, I see him as a yob," said Strachan.

The Celtic manager has frank views on the yob culture prevalent in Scottish society and admits he is reluctant to walk the streets near his home, far less visit a public house.

"I can but I'm always on my front foot and waiting for something," he said. "I don't go into pubs. I'd love to do it but it's just not possible."
In his autobiography, My Life in Football, Strachan revealed an incident at a petrol station not long after his first Old Firm derby, a 3-1 defeat at Ibrox last year. In the company of his wife, Lesley, and his mother-in-law, he was abused by Rangers supporters chanting "three-one, three-one" and despite engaging in conversation, continued to be ridiculed in front of his family.
"Forget the supporter bit. That's what I said to the boy in the petrol station," he recalled. "It's yob and daddy yob and the abuse they gave me after that was absolutely frightening. As I was trying to pay they were giving me the w****r sign. It has nothing to do with football.
"Same as racism. There is no racism in football. He is a racist in the pub and wherever he goes, he doesn't just walk into the stadium and become a racist. He can hide in there."

His predecessor, Martin O'Neill, found a Union flag planted on his front lawn after a derby match and Strachan admitted his life away from Celtic Park consists of short visits to the local video store. He has only visited his home in Southampton, originally intended as an escape from the intensity of Old Firm life, six times in the past year but has learned to cope with the personal sacrifices.

"It may be a more relaxed atmosphere down there but the pressure is still the same," he said of his time at Southampton. "I can sit by a river with nobody talking to me, watching the boats go by but the intensity and the pain is still the same. It's aesthetic. It's a better surrounding. Here, because Glasgow's so intense, I need to stay in the house and watch the telly.
"It's Dale Winton on a Saturday night. That's what I did last Saturday after the Kilmarnock game. That's it. I don't go out. Lesley went to the St Mirren game with me. She likes football and we like each other's company. It doesn't matter where I am, I feel better when she's round about me."

Strachan was also forthright on the Old Firm's combined efforts to tackle the problem of sectarianism. He has been invited to assist in the efforts to eradicate bigoted and discriminatory singing, headed by the Rangers chairman, David Murray, and his Parkhead counterpart, Brian Quinn, but believes football's jurisdiction is limited.

He offered an extreme, if impractical, deterrent.
"Somebody asked if I would like to help and I said I would love to help out but what can I really do? If they don't listen to mums and dads, if they don't listen to teachers, do you think I can genuinely change their bigotry and racism?" he said.
"I will try to lead my life in a way people will look at and say 'well, there's no bigotry and racism there. He treats everybody right'.
"I have not seen it too bad. Maybe I don't see it about the streets because I live in a sheltered world, I really do.
"There are songs we could do without. If you start these songs, the ones nobody wants to hear, boot the ball in your own net. It's extreme but we don't want that any more," he said.

[rob3000]

So, what? The club are supposed to let a player fuck them around, use them like a doormat and then leave for free next year? Fuck off, Henry, you only say that because you were acting the exact same fucking way.
I think he's just saying it'll be bad for Arsenal, which it will, rather than saying he should stay.

[Captain Stu]

I think he's just saying it'll be bad for Arsenal, which it will, rather than saying he should stay.

Nah, getting rid of a self-serving money-grubber like Cole can only be a good thing right now. Losing the talent will be tough... but losing the fucking ego will be a massive relief to Wenger.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Obefami Martins linked to Newcastle quite strongly.

I don't want a Kanu at the club, the goal tally isn't enough.

[rob3000]

Nah, getting rid of a self-serving money-grubber like Cole can only be a good thing right now. Losing the talent will be tough... but losing the fucking ego will be a massive relief to Wenger.
Yeah, that's what I mean. The talent, everything else about him is just wrong.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Obefami Martins linked to Newcastle quite strongly.

I don't want a Kanu at the club, the goal tally isn't enough.

Not the right player to get in my opinion... you really need a shearer replacement Kuyt/Klose etc.

[Captain Stu]

Klose is the best player to replace Shearer in the realistic market at the moment but the lack of Champions League football will probably keep him where he is.

I honestly think if Newcastle were in the CL and they went asking, he'd be there in a flash.

[friartuck]

I'm surprised nobody has been sniffing around Lukas Podolski or Riquelme yet.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Klose is the best player to replace Shearer in the realistic market at the moment but the lack of Champions League football will probably keep him where he is.

I honestly think if Newcastle were in the CL and they went asking, he'd be there in a flash.

Apparently Klose has a £7mish release clause if he wants to leave. If we get into the UEFA cup I think we could convince him to join.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

I'm surprised nobody has been sniffing around Lukas Podolski or Riquelme yet.

Podolski has already joined Bayern hasn't he?

Riquelme is being strongly linked to Man Utd.

[Captain Stu]

£7M?! IS THAT IT?! Fucking hell, why haven't more clubs been after him? I'm surprised Arsenal didn't even have a whiff for that little money.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

£7M?! IS THAT IT?! Fucking hell, why haven't more clubs been after him? I'm surprised Arsenal didn't even have a whiff for that little money.

Because it's probably not true.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

if it was £7m there'd have been Chaos after the world cup trying to sign him....

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Roeder will buy Kuyt as long as they lower his £10m asking price.

I think about £7-8m is all we're willing to offer.

[Captain Stu]

Podolski has already joined Bayern hasn't he?

Riquelme is being strongly linked to Man Utd.

Riquelme has rejected Man Utd 3-4 times over the past few years and he's rejected Chelsea once or twice too.

And yes, Podolski is at Bayern now.

[friartuck]

Podolski has already joined Bayern hasn't he?

Riquelme is being strongly linked to Man Utd.

Oh I didn't know about Podolski joining Bayern.

That's just media speculation about Riquelme methinks. I don't think utd will buy him after getting Carrick and hopefully Senna.

[Captain Stu]

Roeder will buy Kuyt as long as they lower his £10m asking price.

I think about £7-8m is all we're willing to offer.

They won't, they want £12M - hence why Liverpool have gone very cold on it.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Riquelme has rejected Man Utd 3-4 times over the past few years and he's rejected Chelsea once or twice too.



that's because there hasn't been a proper bid for him. It's all just been newspaper speculation.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Roeder will buy Kuyt as long as they lower his £10m asking price.

I think about £7-8m is all we're willing to offer.

i'd pay over £10m for him anyday

EDIT: lie, i thought this was for Klose

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Oh I didn't know about Podolski joining Bayern.

That's just media speculation about Riquelme methinks. I don't think utd will buy him after getting Carrick and hopefully Senna.

I was shocked to find out Senna is 30. Fergy's been on and on about building a young squad and then he goes out and buys him.

[Captain Stu]

30? That seems like a bit of an anal move. :confused:

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

Ayala?

Yes please, he'll do while King is injured.

[Bexster]

Nah, getting rid of a self-serving money-grubber like Cole can only be a good thing right now. Losing the talent will be tough... but losing the fucking ego will be a massive relief to Wenger.

I agree. Watching Clichy play over the last season or two makes me completely non-plussed if Cole goes. He's got all the talent and a fraction of the twatishness. Once he's fit (not long now), we'll all be saying 'Cole who?' And Clichys younger.

Ayala at Spurs will be bloody good. Not for anyone else, but good for Spurs.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

I agree. Watching Clichy play over the last season or two makes me completely non-plussed if Cole goes. He's got all the talent and a fraction of the twatishness. Once he's fit (not long now), we'll all be saying 'Cole who?' And Clichys younger.

Ayala at Spurs will be bloody good. Not for anyone else, but good for Spurs.

Cole is over-rated anyway. Good going forward but gash at defending.

[Captain Stu]

I still say Bridge is, when fit, a better ALL ROUND player than Cole. As Dan said, Cole is great gooing forward but he tends to leave himself exposed at the back.

He's not better than Riise anyway. :cool:

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

Newcastle better go in for Bridge this time.

Plus we have half the Chelsea team from last year to help convince him.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

I still say Bridge is, when fit, a better ALL ROUND player than Cole. As Dan said, Cole is great gooing forward but he tends to leave himself exposed at the back.

He's not better than Riise anyway. :cool:
It leaves me baffled as to how Wayne Bridge is not starting every game for Chelsea and England and being touted as the best left back that we have had since Kenny Sansom. The lad is just magic when he's fully fit. A complete left back.

EDIT - Some of Ranieri's great Chelsea signings -
Bridge
Duff
Parker
Lampard
Cech

5 players that would form the backbone of any team.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Newcastle better go in for Bridge this time.

Plus we have half the Chelsea team from last year to help convince him.

totally, that'd be an awesome signing

him another CB and a striker and you're set

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

It leaves me baffled as to how Wayne Bridge is not starting every game for Chelsea and England and being touted as the best left back that we have had since Kenny Sansom. The lad is just magic when he's fully fit. A complete left back.

He's not spectacular enough for Chelsea. He's a no-nonsense player. If he was a centre back then he'd play every game, but Chelsea need someone exciting at fullback.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

He's not spectacular enough for Chelsea. He's a no-nonsense player. If he was a centre back then he'd play every game, but Chelsea need someone exciting at fullback.
Shame that.

[Captain Stu]

Marc's right, a simple tackling full-back isn't the Chelsea way, they want a fucking show off attacking full-back to leave Terry exposed, ie, Cole.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

totally, that'd be an awesome signing

him another CB and a striker and you're set

Boumsong off to Monaco I think.

We have Paul Huntington and David Edgar at centre back in our youth/reserves and they'll give us plenty of depth. We still need one good defender (I'd go for Dawson from Spurs if the Ayala link is true).

As for strikers Ameobi is currently on one goal every two games so he'll be a decent player for us this year, and Luque is starting to show his class. If we get Kuyt, Martins or Todorov (the guy from Empoli, 19 goals last two seasons) then we should have a great chance of top 6.

Ideally we need two new strikers. One great striker (Klose or Kuyt) and one promising striker.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Boumsong off to Monaco I think.

We have Paul Huntington and David Edgar at centre back in our youth/reserves and they'll give us plenty of depth. We still need one good defender (I'd go for Dawson from Spurs if the Ayala link is true).

As for strikers Ameobi is currently on one goal every two games so he'll be a decent player for us this year, and Luque is starting to show his class. If we get Kuyt, Martins or Todorov (the guy from Empoli, 19 goals last two seasons) then we should have a great chance of top 6.

Ideally we need two new strikers. One great striker (Klose or Kuyt) and one promising striker.
I'm always wary about clubs signing playwers that have been overnight revelations in the Serie A, like Blackburn did a few years ago with Corrado Grabbi (wait, that was Serie B and they still paid £7m) and he flopped.

EDIT - i'd like to see Klose paired with that Chopra lad.

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

I'm always wary about clubs signing playwers that have been overnight revelations in the Serie A, like Blackburn did a few years ago with Corrado Grabbi (wait, that was Serie B and they still paid £7m) and he flopped.

EDIT - i'd like to see Klose paired with that Chopra lad.

Chopra's at Cardiff this season. He didnt have that extra talent needed for the Prem. His anticipation let him down. He'd go to kick the ball and the opposition's defender was already half way up the pitch with the ball.

I don't want Todorov, he's more of an attacking midfielder (we dont need another out of position striker like Luque).

[EvilElvis]

It leaves me baffled as to how Wayne Bridge is not starting every game for Chelsea and England and being touted as the best left back that we have had since Kenny Sansom. The lad is just magic when he's fully fit. A complete left back.

EDIT - Some of Ranieri's great Chelsea signings -
Bridge
Duff
Parker
Lampard
Cech

5 players that would form the backbone of any team.



Cech was signed by Murhino, though Raneri did sign Cuducini for about £300k

[Wish_Master2100]

I love the fact that the new Liverpool and Chelsea shirts are the exact same styles. I thought Nike were the only brand to do that... and really shitty brands like Bukta from the 95/96 era.

I might also be getting the new Liverpool shirt...which is out tomorrow I think.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I love the fact that the new Liverpool and Chelsea shirts are the exact same styles. I thought Nike were the only brand to do that... and really shitty brands like Bukta from the 95/96 era.

I might also be getting the new Liverpool shirt...which is out tomorrow I think.

Scum...

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Cech was signed by Murhino, though Raneri did sign Cuducini for about £300k
Cech was signed provisionally in the January Transfer Window by Ranieri to be completed at the end of the season (well, probably Abramovich under Mourinho's instructions...)

[Wish_Master2100]

Scum...

My reasons will become clear soon.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

My reasons will become clear soon.

are you going to shit on it?

[sunnydalehighdropout]

My reasons will become clear soon.
Are you going to sew a Millwall badge on it?

[Captain Stu]

I might also be getting the new Liverpool shirt...which is out tomorrow I think.

What are the odds you're going to do something lame and anti-Liverpool with it?

[Wish_Master2100]

What are the odds you're going to do something lame and anti-Liverpool with it?

Slim and none.

You're just as bad as Rob10000.

[EvilElvis]

Slim and none.

You're just as bad as Rob10000.

Wearing it at Charity Shield game?

[Wish_Master2100]

Wearing it at Charity Shield game?

Sitting in Chelsea end, so most probably not.

[Captain Stu]

Slim and none.

You're just as bad as Rob10000.

Well let's face it, you usually use every opportunity to display your clear hatrid of Liverpool so you'll have to forgive me for assuming.

[Wish_Master2100]

Well let's face it, you usually use every opportunity to display your clear hatrid of Liverpool so you'll have to forgive me for assuming.

Wrong.

I have no 'clear hatred'. Typical paranoid Liverpool fan.

[Captain Stu]

Wrong.

I have no 'clear hatred'. Typical paranoid Liverpool fan.

Yes, that must be it...

[Wish_Master2100]

Yes, that must be it...

It must be.

Search for a quote from me that backs up your claim.

[EvilElvis]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/4776883.stm

Ricksen set for Russian loan deal


Rangers have agreed to loan defender Fernando Ricksen to Russian club Zenit St Petersburg for one year.
If the 30-year-old Dutch international passes a medical and agrees personal terms, he will be reunited with former Ibrox boss Dick Advocaat.

Ricksen was sent home from Rangers' pre-season tour of South Africa after an incident on the outbound flight.

And Rangers manager Paul Le Guen made it clear that Ricksen would be better off finding a new club.

Ricksen checked into the Sporting Chance Clinic following his premature return from South Africa and underwent residential counselling for anger management.

He returned to Glasgow last week but was not permitted to train with the rest of the first team squad.

Ricksen, who moved to Glasgow six seasons ago, signed a four-year extension to his Rangers contract in February 2005.

As part of the proposed deal, Zenit will travel to Glasgow for a friendly match on 23 August.

Rangers stated: "The agreement is subject to the player passing a medical and personal terms being agreed, which hopefully will be done by the end of this week - at which point an announcement will be made regarding ticket arrangements for the match."

[EvilElvis]

It must be.

Search for a quote from me that backs up your claim.


To be fair to Wish Master2100, it's normally Ookie that winds up the Liverpool fans

[Wish_Master2100]

To be fair to Wish Master2100, it's normally Ookie that winds up the Liverpool fans

Pahahahahah.

Although, I usually agree with him, mostly because of what he says is true.

[EvilElvis]

Pahahahahah.

Although, I usually agree with him, mostly because of what he says is true.


And thats what the Liverpool fans are trying to point out!

[Zippy Ate My Drumkit]

I have an executive box on Sunday :cool:

[Wish_Master2100]

I have an executive box on Sunday :cool:

Chav-tastic.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

And thats what the Liverpool fans are trying to point out!

what, the truth? :D

[Captain Stu]

I have an executive box on Sunday :cool:

Been there, done that - nothing special, the atmosphere is too sterile - having the sound come in through speakers. The food/drink/climate aspect of it all is nice but there's no atmosphere in boxes at all - gimme the Kop any day of the week. :)

Good goal by Haifa, bit pissed we let that away goal in - Sami was caught well out of position... fudge knows why he was patrolling near the half way line with his lack of pace.

Pennant's looking fucking fierce! Great instincts from Belly for the goal and Gerrard's looking to quiet and isolated.

Take Zenden off, bring Gonzalez on... take Sissoko off, drop Gerrard back into the centre and bring Crouch on to play alongside Bellamy and fish out more of them super-Pennant crosses.

Cmon chaps!

[Two-Bob Peeters]

missed the first half, what was the line up?

[Wish_Master2100]

Yeah Liverpool are great and this that snore boring.

[EvilElvis]

Commentator's jinx stikes Hearts!

1-0 up, but down to 10 men against AEK Athens, with 2 minutes left, the commentator announces the man of the match and that the winner will be at Hearts next Champions league home game.

Within a minute a glancing header made it 1-1, then, in injury time a defelcted shot makes it 2-1 AEK.

Don't think Hearts will have another Champions League home game this season!



I also hate Emerson.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

poor hearts...:(

what a horrendous dive by Garcia, all he had to do was stay up for 2 more seconds and he could have fairly won a penalty, instead he jumps 50 feet like a cunt

[EvilElvis]

poor hearts...:(

what a horrendous dive by Garcia, all he had to do was stay up for 2 more seconds and he could have fairlyone a penalty, instead he jumps 50 feet like a cunt


They were butt fucked during the game

Stat came up just before AEK got their first

Shot at Goal

Hearts - 8
AEK - 30


Garcia is just a greasy waiter in a poor holiday resort.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

30 - 8 =/ blimey thats like any team Vs millwall last season

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Gonzalez just scored for Liverpool.

I'm not ignoring you Stu, i just can't send texts or make calls. Fucking Orange. (heh, not the first time that's been said on this board :D)

[Hmmm Noodle Soup]

How long had Gonzalez been on before he scored?

I wanna see more of that this season for my Yahoo team.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

How long had Gonzalez been on before he scored?

I wanna see more of that this season for my Yahoo team.

About 3 minutes.

[EvilElvis]

Bad news for Leeds and Ramgers Championship ambitions. :( (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/5257840.stm)

[sunnydalehighdropout]

Bad news for Leeds and Ramgers Championship ambitions. :( (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/5257840.stm)
Oh fuck. I don't want another ex-Celt at my club, let alone a SHITTY ex-Celt. Fucking Celts. Fuck off.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Bad news for Leeds and Ramgers Championship ambitions. :( (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/5257840.stm)

my gosh, a shocker of a player. punched cahill in the face, and tried to claim the subsequent booing was racial abuse.

cunt

[Bud]

Looks like we're stuck with Cole. Chelsea out of talks claiming the price is too high

[EvilElvis]

Chelsea out of talks claiming the price is too high



AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Surely a contradicition in terms coming from Ch£lski

[Bexster]

Chelsea Break off from Cole talks (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4778123.stm)

Chelsea have broken off negotiations with Arsenal over the transfer of England left-back Ashley Cole.
The Premiership champions posted a statement on their website on Wednesday claiming to have made "a very substantial offer" for the 25-year-old.

But Chelsea's statement added that "no agreement can be reached in the current circumstances" with Arsenal.

It has been reported that Arsenal want £25m for Cole, with Chelsea offering much less for the defender.

On Tuesday Blues manager Jose Mourinho told Arsenal an agreement on a transfer had to be made within two days.

And now Mourinho seems to be ready to stick to that and pursue other left-backs, with the transfer deadline now three weeks away.

The full statement from Stamford Bridge read: "Chelsea FC has been in discussions with Arsenal Football Club for some time over the possible transfer of Ashley Cole.

"Chelsea has made a very substantial offer for the player.

"Although discussions have continued, Arsenal's valuation of the player does not match Chelsea's and therefore no agreement can be reached in the current circumstances."

The saga of Cole's transfer to Chelsea started when the player was fined, along with Blues manager Mourinho, for in June 2005 for meeting in a London hotel without Arsenal's knowledge.

Cole's relationship with the Gunners became strained and in promotional material for his new book the defender criticised the club for making him a "scapegoat" over the tapping-up affair.

Then this week Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he wanted the saga resolved within a week.

"I do not know what will happen with Ashley Cole in the next few days, but for me certainly the deadline has come now to make a decision one way or the other," Wenger told BBC London on Monday.

"This week is the last limit I can expect something to happen."

Mourinho followed up by saying: "It is in their hands and we have to wait. If we have no solution about him in a couple of days, we turn the corner and we see other faces."

Chelsea currently have just one recognised left-back in their squad, in the shape of Wayne Bridge, although William Gallas can play there assuming he resolved his own dispute with the west London club.

But it seems Cole could now start the season with Arsenal, however reluctantly.

The left-back, who played in last season's Champions League final and was an ever-present at the World Cup for his country, was left out of Arsenal's squad for Tuesday's match against Dinamo Zagreb.

Wenger insisted that was due to a lack of match fitness, rather than to avoid the player being cup-tied.

EDIT: Bud just beat me there...

[weeniebeenie]

Looks like we're stuck with Cole. Chelsea out of talks claiming the price is too high

Pretty funny considering they paid more than 50p for Drogba.

[EvilElvis]

Oh fuck. I don't want another ex-Celt at my club, let alone a SHITTY ex-Celt. Fucking Celts. Fuck off.


I'm not saying he's a bad player, but, when Celtic came to Ibrox with Bellamy in the team, their fans unfurled a banner

"Welcome to the Craig Bellamy show"


When Mo Camara made his first apperance at Ibrox, the Rangers fans unfurled a banner

"Welcome to the Mo Camara Show"


:D

[Bexster]

Pretty funny considering they paid more than 50p for Drogba.

It's just Mourwhinio being an obnoxious idiot again, isn't it. Cole's having a go at stabbing himself in the foot with his 'comments' thinking it's all going to go his way, but it's not looking like it, is it.

[EvilElvis]

It's just Mourwhinio being an obnoxious idiot again, isn't it. Cole's having a go at stabbing himself in the foot with his 'comments' thinking it's all going to go his way, but it's not looking like it, is it.

Given the whole "The club stabbed me in the back"

It's gonna be interesting when he goes back to training and how the fans react to him.

[Bud]

Great. It means we're stuck with him AND want away Reyes. Hopefully Madrid will come in for both and we can sign some players with backbone.

[Bexster]

Great. It means we're stuck with him AND want away Reyes. Hopefully Madrid will come in for both and we can sign some players with backbone.

I'd quite like a player that doesn't dive as horrendously as Reyes seems to be this past season or 2. He's just turning into Emile Heskey's evil twin or something.

[EvilElvis]

I'd quite like a player that doesn't dive as horrendously as Reyes seems to be this past season or 2. He's just turning into Emile Heskey's evil twin or something.


Pffft!

Reyes gets at least one shot on target.

[Captain Stu]

Average first half, pretty good second half - Crouch missed so many good fucking chances, chances that Bellamy would have buried. Dunno why Bellamy got taken off.

Some quiet games from key players like Alonso and Gerrard but what fucking brilliant debuts from Bellamy, Pennant (oh fuck yes) and Speedy!! :D

missed the first half, what was the line up?

Reina
Riise
Hyypia
Carragher
Finnan
Zenden
Alonso
Sissoko
Pennant
Gerrard
Bellamy

Yeah Liverpool are great and this that snore boring.

Good lord, change the record already - you're not even trying anymore. *yawn*

what a horrendous dive by Garcia, all he had to do was stay up for 2 more seconds and he could have fairly won a penalty, instead he jumps 50 feet like a cunt

Bullshit, the guy took his standing leg as he was winding up for a shot.

Gonzalez just scored for Liverpool.

I'm not ignoring you Stu, i just can't send texts or make calls. Fucking Orange. (heh, not the first time that's been said on this board :D)

I forgive you, Dan. :)

*

Ahahahahaha, Chelsea are finally realising that people treat them as a huge cash machine? Took your sweet time - I'm glad it blew up, it's tough for Arsenal because they really could have done with the money (frankly I think they should have taken the initial offers) but, at the same time, I'm pleased that Cole is gonna have to suck some major eggs.

[sunnydalehighdropout]

I forgive you, Dan. :)


Oh thank you. The weight off my shoulders feels so good. Wow.

[Captain Stu]

Oh thank you. The weight off my shoulders feels so good. Wow.

I thought as much. :)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

wow, you genuinely thought it was a penalty, have they just upgraded on the old rose tint?

[Captain Stu]

No, maybe they upgraded your own bias? The defender made contact with the attacker in the box, he made no contact with the ball - Garcia did shift his weight and his fall looked a bit OTT but it was a penalty.

If it wasn't a penalty, it was a yellow card.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

No, maybe they upgraded your own bias? The defender made contact with the attacker in the box, he made no contact with the ball - Garcia did shift his weight and his fall looked a bit OTT but it was a penalty.

If it wasn't a penalty, it was a yellow card.

my bias! oh dear

garcia lunged himself into the tackle way to early, as i said a second later and it could have been one, he wasn't even touched when he flung himself up in the air, and then clipped himself against the defender

[Captain Stu]

If you say so then clearly it must be true. :rolleyes:

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

To be fair, I was convinced it was a penalty, then they showed it from a different angle slowed down a few minutes later which proved indisputably that there was no contact. Shame that.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

If you say so then clearly it must be true. :rolleyes:

glad you finally realise, although i did steal my opinion from the actual television coverage, i'm so naughty

[Two-Bob Peeters]

To be fair, I was convinced it was a penalty, then they showed it from a different angle slowed down a few minutes later which proved indisputably that there was no contact. Shame that.

ssssh! not in this thread!

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Now I want you two girly girls to apologise to each other.

Come on now. Let's be friends.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

oh come on, i do wind people up. i dont mean it, it's just too easy. :D

either way it was never a penalty!

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Say sorry!

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Say sorry!

sod off! :D

[Renegades of funk 8]

hooray just done my fantasy football teams

[Epic Failure]

Great. It means we're stuck with him AND want away Reyes. Hopefully Madrid will come in for both and we can sign some players with backbone.

we need to sell cole this summer. otherwise we'll get fuck all for him if we can't offload him till next summer. I'd still swap him for Gallas and 5 mill or thereabouts if that was an option. or jonathon woodgate if he was ever fit:rolleyes:

Reyes can sod off back to spain the big jessie.

[EvilElvis]

Arsenal have told Real Madrid that they want £16.5m for winger Jose Antonio Reyes. (The Sun)

Reyes has begged manager Arsene Wenger to let him leave Arsenal to join Real for the sake of the 22-year-old's family. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United are poised to bid for Brazil and Inter Milan striker Adriano as Ruud van Nistelrooy's replacement. (Various)

Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge is in talks over a £3m switch to Newcastle. (The Sun)

Liverpool are closing in on Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt. (Daily Mirror)

Derby want to sign Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson, Arsenal striker Arturo Lupoli on a season's loan deal and Southend striker Freddy Eastwood before the weekend. (The Sun)


OTHER GOSSIP
Defender William Gallas, who failed to turn up for a pre-season tour of the United States, has stunned Chelsea by asking for a £90,000-a-week wages deal. (The Sun)

Everton striker James McFadden is stalling over the offer of a new contract because his place in the team is far from guaranteed. (Daily Record)

Cameroon trialist Andre Bikey has been sent back to Lokomotic Moscow after being sent off for butting an opponent in a pre-season friendly. (Daily Star)


Ex-Arsenal winger Robert Pires has warned Villarreal team-mate Marcos Senna he will have to adapt to the battling atmosphere of the Premiership if the midfielder moves to Manchester Unted. (The Sun)

Oxford defender Eddie Anaclet, who faced Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, believes the Portugal star may become a target on the pitch this season for his part in England striker Wayne Rooney's sending off in the recent World Cup. (The Sun)

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has pledged his future to the club. (The Sun)

[Two-Bob Peeters]

has there been a gossip column without kuyt in it for the last 3 weeks?

[Captain Stu]

has there been a gossip column without kuyt in it for the last 3 weeks?

Nope... between Liverpool and Newcastle, he's pretty much been a regular feature since before the World Cup.

Arsenal are being fucking retarded with these prices, they're pricing players out of moves and then leaving themselves (potentially) with two want-away players who do NOT want to play for the club.

Arsenal should take the £16.5M for Cole and £12M for Reyes... fuck knows they need money after spending little to nothing for the past 2-3 years with the stadium being built.

[Captain Stu]

Man United claim they are still interested in signing Lyon midfielder, Mahamadou Diarra... and Inter Milan claim they have no intention of selling Adriano.

Also... did anyone else know that Ibrahimovic had gone to Inter for £17.6M? :confused: I must've completely missed that one.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Wow, how badly are Inter going to piss the league this year?

although Ibrahimovic is an excellent player (well except last seasons shit) i wouldn't have him on the team in the basis that he's a cunt

[Captain Stu]

I don't rate Ibrahimovic at all, he seems too clumsy to do anything worthwhile but yeah, Inter are gonna take the league without even breaking a sweat now.

[Bexster]

I don't rate Ibrahimovic at all, he seems too clumsy to do anything worthwhile but yeah, Inter are gonna take the league without even breaking a sweat now.

I'm putting money on Inter now. I'm pretty sure about it.

I think Arsenal think if they keep Cole, they can persuade him to stay period. I don't think so. I think Reyes will be on his way soon. I can't see then being so stubborn over that one at all.

[Captain Stu]

Is there a way back for Cole though? He's publically disgraced the club and said outright to Dein that he would never play for the club ever again.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Is there a way back for Cole though? He's publically disgraced the club and said outright to Dein that he would never play for the club ever again.

personally i doubt it, i wouldn't welcome him back, thats for sure

[Edge]

would arsene make him rot in the reserves though?

[Two-Bob Peeters]

would arsene make him rot in the reserves though?

coudn't afford to do that....

[Captain Stu]

would arsene make him rot in the reserves though?

I don't think they could afford to, if he stays then he has to be played but then he's making a further mockery of the club... no one man is bigger than the team but, unless Arsenal take a reality check and lower their price, they're stuck with him.

[Edge]

yeah, i agree. they have to lower the price.
just cash in on him.
arsenal did well without him for large portion of the season.
im sure arsene would find some french african gem to plug the hole.

[Captain Stu]

Clichy is his replacement.

£16.5M is more than enough compensation for a player who doesn't want to be there, surely that's the underlying principle? They want rid and he wants out.

[Epic Failure]

Clichy is his replacement.

£16.5M is more than enough compensation for a player who doesn't want to be there, surely that's the underlying principle? They want rid and he wants out.

true but is it enough compensation for arguably the best left-back in the world. given that say wright-philips went for 20 odd million and veron for near 30. Chelsea can't be allowed to get below a decent price just cos we want rid.

[Bexster]

We could sell him to someone else for cheaper - I think we could do it just to piss of Chelski.

[rob3000]

Slim and none.

You're just as bad as Rob10000.
Ha. Nice little "I don't remember his name" attempt there. I like Ookie, he's usually funny. I really don't care what he says about Liverpool - he's never been here, so his opinion isn't his own, he's getting it from the media and other places.

Pennant looked good, he put a lot of crosses in but I was a bit concerned by how few of them were to a player, but I'm sure they'll come good in the end.

I'm going to get the new Liverpool top tomorrow.:D

[Edge]

liverpool kit is actually pretty good.
i want an inter milan kit, i was going to get one a few months back when i went through a phase of wanting loads of foreign kits.

I only saw the first half of liverpool last night. I wasn't that impressed with pennant.
dunno if he had a better second half.
I understand it's early days and all that, so i won't make a full judgement.

anyone else think andy townshend is a good pundit?
i was listening to talk sport the other day and he was presenting a show and he did a good job. is the fact that he's a good presenter clouding my judgement into thinking he's a good pundit?

[Captain Stu]

My new Liverpool shirt came today along with my free gifts for being one of the first 1,000 people to order off the store (nothing fancy like - mug, flag and a scarf - but hey, tis free).

Loves it. :cool:

I only saw the first half of liverpool last night. I wasn't that impressed with pennant.
dunno if he had a better second half.
I understand it's early days and all that, so i won't make a full judgement.

HOW?! His movement was amazing, his first touch was superb, he skinned the left-back several time and put so many useful crosses in!

And yeah, Townsend is really good - he talks some sense on TalkSport he does.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Big up JT

Terry named new England skipper

John Terry has been named as the new captain of the England football team.
The 25-year-old was confirmed as David Beckham's successor on Thursday, with Steven Gerrard made vice-captain by new England coach Steve McClaren.

Terry begins his reign as captain in McClaren's first match in charge, a friendly against Greece on 16 August.

McClaren told the Football Association's website: "I'm convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had."

McClaren said that the respect that Chelsea skipper Terry commanded among his fellow professionals was behind his decision.

"John has all the attributes an international captain needs - leadership, authority, courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept second-best," he said.

"He has been an inspiration for Chelsea and is at his best in adversity.

"Over the five years I've been involved with the England coaching set-up I've seen first hand the respect that John has among his fellow players.

"There are a number of strong leaders in the squad and he will not lack support on and off the pitch."

Terry said he was delighted with the appointment.

"It is the ultimate honour to be the captain of your country and I am very proud to be given this great opportunity," he said.

"It is an incredible challenge and one I am looking forward to very much."

Steven Gerrard offered his congratulations to his Chelsea counterpart.

"I would like to congratulate John on being appointed England captain. I'm sure he'll do a great job," he said.

"He's a tremendous leader for Chelsea and has all the qualities required to do the role.

"I'm also pleased to have been appointed vice-captain by Steve McClaren today. I am grateful that Steve took the time to call me and inform me of his decision.

"There are a number of captains in the England squad and I know we will all be giving 100% support to Steve and John."

Terry has won 29 caps since making his debut against Serbia and Montenegro on 3 June 2003.

Beckham stepped down as England captain one day after his team were knocked out of the World Cup quarter-finals by Portugal.

The midfielder had been skipper for six years after being handed the armband by stand-in coach Peter Taylor in 2000.

Central defender Terry was the bookmakers' odds-on favourite to follow Beckham, although many tipped Liverpool's Steven Gerrard to take the role.

A poll commissioned by the BBC Sport website and Radio Five Live had revealed that England fans were divided over who should be the new national captain.

Terry gained 51% of the votes, Gerrard polled 46% and Gary Neville got 2%.

Gerrard and Neville would have made great captains, but i'm a big fan of having a centre back as captain, and think overall Terrys leadership qualities deserve it.

nice one JT

[Captain Stu]

I whole-heartedly disagree with this decision, I dislike having defenders as captains and always prefer midfielders as they have the mobility to move across the entire pitch to pass instructions/speak to players without being caught out of position - a centre-half can't.

I knew Gerrard wouldn't get it, stupid fucking Quiffy McLaren. Stevie's already an on-the-pitch leader so why not make it official? He's gonna be the best cpatain that England never had. :mad:

You only have to see the improvement in Gerrard over the last 2 years since he was made captain of Liverpool to see what he could have done for England. For reference, especially see the Champions League final and this years FA Cup... you'll never see that never-say-die attitude from Terry because he just doesn't have him in it.

If you want a captain who leads the team by example, gives 1000% every game and pulls the team up around him even in the most dire of times - you pick Gerrard... if you don't, pick Terry.

And yes, I'm well aware that I'm biased towards him as a Liverpool fan but, putting that to one side, he's a far better, more inspirational captain than Terry is.

[Bexster]

I'm not particularly against a defender being captain - the only ones I would be against would be a goalie or a forward. I hope he does a good job. I think I may have preferrer Gerrard a bit, but I think Terry will do a good job.

[Captain Stu]

£20 says it wouldn't have been Terry if he played for someone other than Chelsea.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

£20 says it wouldn't have been Terry if he played for someone other than Chelsea.

£20 you wouldnt say Gerrard if he didn't play for Liverpool?

you say Centre backs dont move up the pitch enough, not exactly true they come up often enough for set pieces and such, besides it doesn't matter. if you're vocal enough you dont need to be all over the pitch.

as i originally said. Both Gerrard and Neville would have both been excellent choices. but Terry edges it for me. the way you're saying it, it sounds like Terry shouldn't even be considered

[weeniebeenie]

I'm glad that Terry is captain. I like Gerrard more as a player, but I think JT will a great captain in the Tony Adams mould.

Neville is way too old to be captain. It had to be either Terry or Gerrard who will (hopefully) be around for the next World Cup.

[Marvin]

Gerrard should've got it; i think he leads both vocally and in the way he plays (especially for England, you can see he's usually up for it when he makes tackles and such).

[Captain Stu]

If Gerrard was the player he is now... and didn't play for Liverpool... I know I would. You simply cannot deny that he is our best footballer.

as i originally said. Both Gerrard and Neville would have both been excellent choices. but Terry edges it for me. the way you're saying it, it sounds like Terry shouldn't even be considered

Terry looks better by comparison, if he was playing in a lesser team and was the talisman as Gerrard was last season (take him out, the team looks like half a team) then there's no way he'd be considered. He's gone to the front of the queue because Chelsea won two league titles back to back and it appears as though Terry was THE key man in that... he wasn't... he was part of the TEAM that won them... Gerrard wins matches and trophies on his own.

Gerrard should've got it; i think he leads both vocally and in the way he plays (especially for England, you can see he's usually up for it when he makes tackles and such).

*bums*

You know it, homeslice.

England need to realise that giving Gerrard a better midfield partner is the key to unlocking all of our national potential - fuck Fatpard, get Scott Parker in alongside Stevie, two suited wingers like Lennon and SWP or Pennant and watch our form shoot through the roof. A performing Gerrard will benefit the entire team in every single area.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Gerrard should've got it; i think he leads both vocally and in the way he plays (especially for England, you can see he's usually up for it when he makes tackles and such).

he underperforms for england big time... sure that may be because of lampard. so yeah, say we drop lampard and he finally hits his potential as englands best player THEN he's worthy of being captain. as of today we can only specualte how good he could be. so it goes to terry.

in the same repsect, if we drop lampard and Gerrard still underperforms, then he needs to be dropped

[Captain Stu]

Terry's not exactly been "great" for England lately, his form at the end of last season was dropping - he was handballing a lot more, up-ending people in the box and generally not being as classy as he was 2 years ago or so. He had a pretty average World Cup.

[Foo Fighters, United Kingdom]

Gutted. I knew it was going to be Terry because he's got that authoritative dad-esque demeanour, but I truly believe that Gerard would have proved to be more of an inspiration to the team.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

Terry's not exactly been "great" for England lately, his form at the end of last season was dropping - he was handballing a lot more, up-ending people in the box and generally not being as classy as he was 2 years ago or so. He had a pretty average World Cup.

but over the last *add period of time here* Terry has been more consistent

[goobervision]

I might be biased, but is Terry even good enough to be considered a definite pick for England? Without Makalele to clear up for him, he looks slow and tactically average.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I might be biased, but is Terry even good enough to be considered a definite pick for England? Without Makalele to clear up for him, he looks slow and tactically average.

nice one *ushers out of thread*

[goobervision]

drop lampard

I agree.

[Captain Stu]

I might be biased, but is Terry even good enough to be considered a definite pick for England? Without Makalele to clear up for him, he looks slow and tactically average.

I was gonna make that point - I absolutely agree, we have a number of centre-halves in this country and to limit them down to "Terry's partner" is pathetic.

Carragher is a more aware and consistent defender than Terry. At times, I think Ledley King and Carragher would be a great duo at the back.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

dear oh dear. this has turned from Terry shouldn't be captain to Terry is slow and shouldn't be in the team.

yet again it's turned into Liverpool/Gerrard > anything else...

i can't believe you're actually suggesting Terry isn't worthy of being in the england team.

[Captain Stu]

He shouldn't be guarenteed a place.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

He shouldn't be guarenteed a place.

he's should be guaranteed as much a place as Gerrard should.

If Gerrard picks himself, Terry does too, as proven by him being made captain

[goobervision]

dear oh dear. this has turned from Terry shouldn't be captain to Terry is slow and shouldn't be in the team.

yet again it's turned into Liverpool/Gerrard > anything else...

i can't believe you're actually suggesting Terry isn't worthy of being in the england team.

I'm suggesting that he hasn't shown enough at the international level to merit being an automatic pick. Doesn't mean he can't do so, does it? Besides, he's had all the chances to impress, Carragher gets played once in a blue moon, out of position, and seems to get a hard time simply because he plays for Liverpool.

he's should be guaranteed as much a place as Gerrard should.

If Gerrard picks himself, Terry does too, as proven by him being made captain

Gerrard doesn't pick himself. And Terry getting made Captain doesn't prove a thing other than the fact that McLaren is just as obsequious to loudmouthed hacks and has-beens as Sven was. They picked Beckham, they picked Terry, they'll keep on picking captains until someone with a backbone (and no skeletons in the tabloid closet) takes the manager job.

[Epic Failure]

I think Jt is the right choice for captain, simply because i want stevie g to be told not to worry about the captaincy and simply go out and play his natural game. which means dropping fat frank and sticking hargreaves in holding midfield allowing Stevie to roam where he wants.. let JT be the vocal leader in the dressing room(which according to most reports he already was) and let stevie lead by example which is what he does best.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

I'm suggesting that he hasn't shown enough at the international level to merit being an automatic pick. Doesn't mean he can't do so, does it? Besides, he's had all the chances to impress, Carragher gets played once in a blue moon, out of position, and seems to get a hard time simply because he plays for Liverpool.

a hard time because he plays for liverpool? whachoo talkin' 'bout willis?

Carragher doesnt get picked simply because Rio Ferdinand plays well for england and Terry IS an automatic pick. simple as

[Captain Stu]

OH COME ON! Ferdinand is completely fucking inept, he hasn't had anything remotely like "form" for years now.

I love how many nicknames Lampard gets for being overweight when he isn't really... he's just highly over-rated and shitty.

[Two-Bob Peeters]

he stays consistent for England, if we were talking purely on club form i'd go for

Terry
King
Carragher
Ferdinand

as choices for centre backs