"The Championship is not an option" - I Love Football off-season and transfer speculation thread 2012

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HE'S READY

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/files/2009/06/owen2.jpg

Djibril Citté (onimo), Monday, 21 May 2012 09:07 (eleven years ago) link

there's no way di Matteo is getting the Chelsea job, amirite?

Vermicious Knid A (Noodle Vague), Monday, 21 May 2012 09:10 (eleven years ago) link

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has suggested the club could look to sign Michael Owen this summer.

poor lad won't make it through a training session without a shawXing

Djibril Citté (onimo), Monday, 21 May 2012 09:12 (eleven years ago) link

I reckon RdM will be offered a coaching staff job while they bring in a higher profile/established manager.

Djibril Citté (onimo), Monday, 21 May 2012 09:14 (eleven years ago) link

and hopefully he will give them detailed directions on where to stick it

Vermicious Knid A (Noodle Vague), Monday, 21 May 2012 09:15 (eleven years ago) link

yes, well you'd think he'd have options at the moment

That said, dunno how much Chelsea's success is down to him and how much is down to the entitled arseholes actually trying to play once they got rid of Villas Boas. He'd never struck my as Champs League winning material before*.

*before Saturday night at half nine tbh.

Djibril Citté (onimo), Monday, 21 May 2012 09:17 (eleven years ago) link

well i'm not saying it's down to him as such but most clubs wd probly let you find out after you'd won them the Champions League

Vermicious Knid A (Noodle Vague), Monday, 21 May 2012 09:20 (eleven years ago) link

it'll just be supremely, deliciously evil when Roman brings another guy in and then sacks him come December cos Fat Frank doesn't like being told what time he has to turn up for training or something

Vermicious Knid A (Noodle Vague), Monday, 21 May 2012 09:21 (eleven years ago) link

Villas Boas managed more Chelsea CL games than di Matteo did. It's probably not how he'd've chosen to do it, but he's still matching Mourinho imo. Now to do the same with Inter Liverpool.

That said, I'm hoping PSG get trigger-happy after last night and Ancelotti becomes available.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 09:22 (eleven years ago) link

guess it depends how set abramovich (and the shadowy cabal of hilariously overpromoted bootlicks advising him) really is on revamping the squad and installing a faddish new playing style and whether the cl has wiped his memory of the previous years. if so then no better time to draw a line obv

lol at torres today, the jumped-up past-it cunt really is at the right club

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:05 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/21/fernando-torres-chelsea-future

yes - the moaning, whingeing, 'I was ready to throw in the towel', blaming the club rather than admitting he's been rubbish - I was almost shocked by the content of this piece.

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:11 (eleven years ago) link

I mean

"The ideal for me for next season is if someone tells me what's going to happen," Torres said. "What role will I have in the team? What function? What is expected of me? And then I have to evaluate if it is worth it. You will see me in London celebrating with everyone and then on Monday in Ibiza."

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:12 (eleven years ago) link

why hasn't the club shown more faith in me, I'm a striker who went 18 odd games without scoring.

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:12 (eleven years ago) link

your role is CF, your function is to score goals, ideally 25 or so.

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:13 (eleven years ago) link

we're looking for about 38% of messi's production. can you manage that nando?

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:15 (eleven years ago) link

Why does he have to tell us he'll be in Ibiza on Monday?

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:18 (eleven years ago) link

If I were going to Ibiza rather than stuck here working, I'd be telling you all about it too.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:19 (eleven years ago) link

Is Ibiza where Spain are having there Euro 2012 training camp? Seems unwise.

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:20 (eleven years ago) link

he means that despite all the betrayals of him he's still professional enough to respect his duty to the club and its fans to bask in its successes

this will have been appreciated

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:26 (eleven years ago) link

no different to any other of his teammates brainless and shameless displays of craven undeserved vanity tbf

the trophy lift was just the perfect storm, bosingwa and shirtless flexing kalou simply refusing to shift from centre stage even if it obscured the presentation itself

somewhere that evening a single nostlagic tear rolled down david may's cheek

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:32 (eleven years ago) link

http://wherearetheynow1.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/david-may.jpg

haha

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 10:34 (eleven years ago) link

de Boer turns down an interview with Liverpool. I've got a lot more respect for this guy than for Brendan Rodgers, certainly

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:18 (eleven years ago) link

How about ... TIGANA?

(for LFC)

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:19 (eleven years ago) link

xp what in general or for his decision to turn his nose up at you lot

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:21 (eleven years ago) link

Not a name I'd considered, in fairness. Or a return for Anelka now he's got a bit of experience?

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:21 (eleven years ago) link

For turning it down in a classier way, namechecking Bergkamp and the project ongoing at Ajax which frankly I'd rather like transplanted to Merseyside. And for winning stuff.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:23 (eleven years ago) link

if guardiola deigns to give a rejection speech, you can be sure it will be the classiest

he'll gave those liverpool fans on his lap and he'll tickle their belly and they will coo and ask him again in february

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Monday, 21 May 2012 12:24 (eleven years ago) link

g/have

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Monday, 21 May 2012 12:25 (eleven years ago) link

That's undoubtedly the calibre of rejector to aspire to, though.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:25 (eleven years ago) link

But never mind that, here's the big story: Spurs fans round on Saha and Pienaar. Golden chance to raise ilf's profile missed.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:33 (eleven years ago) link

caption says Spurs are Saha's 'former team'

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:47 (eleven years ago) link

I quite like saha's response tbh.

As for Further proof that footballers are totally disconnected from reality... total idiots @louissaha08 & @therealstevenpithe What is this reality of which you speak?

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:48 (eleven years ago) link

seriously if a 'top, top manager' doesn't go to LFC then why not consider eg

Keegan
Hoddle
Tigana
Sven-Goran Eriksson
Curbishley
Neil Lennon (pretty good fit given relations Celtic - LFC?)

as well as eg AVB, Benitez

I'm not naming McCarthy, McLeish as they've been relegated; and not Strachan, Bruce cos Utd connections; and not Ian Rush cos seems a rehash of Dalglish scenario.

of course Hansen / Lawro would be one kind of dream team in their inability to live up to their TV talk.

questions for LFC fans:

will Carragher be coach?

and: will Stevie G be LFC manager one day?

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:51 (eleven years ago) link

actually - Jol for LFC! why not?

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:53 (eleven years ago) link

Carragher - maybe
Gerrard - please delete your post, even the idea of such a notion existing on the interwebs horrifies me.

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:53 (eleven years ago) link

Carra was yes to perhaps coaching in the future, not yes to managing. Would not even consider anyone on yr list except avb or rafa.

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:55 (eleven years ago) link

re Stevie G: I don't know why. I have an idea that a year or so ago, lifelong red Stevie T was saying that Stevie G should be the next manager after Dalglish.

I like Stevie G.

re considering people on list: yes, but some people on LFC's list are not considering LFC.

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:56 (eleven years ago) link

I don't think Jol could win the title or anything, but I think he would produce an exciting attacking team at Anfield and probably win more matches than the last 2 seasons.

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 12:56 (eleven years ago) link

Guardiola obv wouldn't consider it, and De Boer said no too. Rodgers said no to the interview process, dunno if he'd turn it down if actually offered the job, but perhaps he would. Would have to be turned down by around 200-300 people before we got around to keegan or lennon imo

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:05 (eleven years ago) link

Would have to be turned down by around 200-300 people before we got around to keegan or lennon imo

There's plenty of time.

Djibril Citté (onimo), Monday, 21 May 2012 13:07 (eleven years ago) link

Stevie G player-manager
Carragher assistant
Benitez as DoF -- elder statesman for advice

think you could do worse than that.

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:08 (eleven years ago) link

I think they could do worse with that.

Djibril Citté (onimo), Monday, 21 May 2012 13:09 (eleven years ago) link

Would have to be turned down by around 200-300 people before we got around to keegan or lennon imo

Bit harsh on Keegan there.

fun loving and xtremely tolrant (Billy Dods), Monday, 21 May 2012 13:10 (eleven years ago) link

lol pinefox, how about having Kenny in there in some capacity too?

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:12 (eleven years ago) link

Kenny - DoF
John Barnes - Manager
Owen - CF
Fowler - PR

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:16 (eleven years ago) link

Ruddock - fitness coach
Roy Evans - enforcer

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:18 (eleven years ago) link

I would have said KD as DoF -- lots of people said he should be kicked upstairs.
But the owners were clearly more ruthless than that; he's no longer at the club and I can't see him coming back soon.

I think my scheme is really not bad, except maybe Stevie needs to retire to focus on being manager ... I don't know ... KD didn't, c.1985! Benitez coming back in planning role seems a good plan though maybe he would seek more control.

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:19 (eleven years ago) link

Grobelaar - GK Coach

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:19 (eleven years ago) link

I can't believe no LFC fans back my plan. I bet if you look on websites & messageboards, some would be quite keen on it.

xpost those are excellent suggestions, though less serious than mine.

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:20 (eleven years ago) link

they already tried gerrard, carragher and rafa running the club iirc

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 21 May 2012 13:21 (eleven years ago) link

no one has mentioned Neil Warnock

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:21 (eleven years ago) link

supposedly Sheff Utd turned down di Matteo last summer

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:22 (eleven years ago) link

have to admit, on google I cannot find a single reference to Stevie G as next LFC manager

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:23 (eleven years ago) link

idk what one would see in gerrard that suggests 'manager', truly. Even on the pitch the intricacies of movement, organisation and teamwork are near enough his weakest points

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 21 May 2012 13:24 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/10/08/jamie-carragher-will-be-a-liverpool-fc-manager-one-day-says-tommy-smith-100252-29558858/

"Whether he starts out somewhere else and makes his way up as Shanks did, goes onto the staff and comes in as Bob and Joe did, or even steps up quickly like Kenny Dalglish did so successfully in the 80s as his playing days came towards an end, only time and circumstance will tell."

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:25 (eleven years ago) link

OK, Carragher as manager (not player), Benitez DoF, Stevie stays as captain.

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:26 (eleven years ago) link

carragher as coach certainly, stevie g might even listen to him

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 21 May 2012 13:27 (eleven years ago) link

i already remember this off-season in the future with the nostalgia i know i’m bound to feel, long summer days of the ilf massive diligently wiping the drool from the pinefox's maw as he gives the matters of the day the benefit of his senility

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:29 (eleven years ago) link

The Pinefox - FSG CEO

Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:31 (eleven years ago) link

We're in safe hands at least.

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:33 (eleven years ago) link

bet he could write us a killer Cup song should we ever make a Final again.

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:34 (eleven years ago) link

Kieron Dyer has signed a new one-year contract to stay at QPR.

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:51 (eleven years ago) link

....................................................

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:52 (eleven years ago) link

Surely an Owen Hargreaves 'pay as you play' deal? QPR aren't that insane are they?

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 13:58 (eleven years ago) link

don't think stevie g's ever seriously been thought of as a future manager, but carragher certainly has. if he turns out to be good then fair enough, but i hate the idea of him just being handed the job in some sort of sentimental nod to 'the boot room'.

Chris, Monday, 21 May 2012 14:04 (eleven years ago) link

he could go somewhere else - Tramere? Huyton Juniors? - to learn the tropes.

the pinefox, Monday, 21 May 2012 14:09 (eleven years ago) link

no value in pay as you play with the 25 man squad rule, either you've wasted a place or he can't play even if fit

likelihood is some berk negotiated an automatic extension if we stay up, idk

r|t|c, Monday, 21 May 2012 14:10 (eleven years ago) link

The famous Tranmere literature boot room
xp

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 14:10 (eleven years ago) link

ah yeah that sounds a more likely clause r/t/c

pandemic, Monday, 21 May 2012 14:11 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.arsenal.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=529324

Bellend of the Season 2012 - Venkys, Steve Kean and the corrupt agents involved.

Fun write-up until one scary reminder: "The truly terrifying thing about the Venky`s is that it could happen to any club."

a hoy hoy, Monday, 21 May 2012 19:35 (eleven years ago) link

Daily news-

Joe Cole... might be staying at Lille! :D Rudi Garcia wants to keep him but knows it is Liverpool's decision.

Deschamp seems to have said Thanks But No Thanks to LFC.

[Removed Illegal Link]

And finally, thank whatever diety may exist - Abidal is out of the hospital and seemingly all has been successful so far in treating him.

a hoy hoy, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 06:33 (eleven years ago) link

hey folks you know that previously 4th place team in EPL would have to go through the qualifying stages of champions league (amirite?) who now goes through the qualifying stages, if any?

Rosie 47 (ken c), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 09:08 (eleven years ago) link

fuck, sorry wrong thread.

Rosie 47 (ken c), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 09:09 (eleven years ago) link

Chelsea, I think.

pandemic, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 09:12 (eleven years ago) link

so looks like the drog's off, to cash in on china. seems a little bit premature in that as a late starter in football he's probably actually got similar, maybe even less, wear and tear than torres has but understandable i guess

i'm guessing they won't go so far as letting lampard go?

r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 09:38 (eleven years ago) link

could lure him away with a trail of M and Ms

Vermicious Knid A (Noodle Vague), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 09:39 (eleven years ago) link

http://twitter.com/#!/1Dev/status/204649529260244994/photo/1

hey noodles seen this

r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 10:06 (eleven years ago) link

eh a qualifier from a smaller european league must now go through an extra qualifying round iirc

Drog more than good enough to be a league-winning striker imo, but he's had long injury niggles for every season since forever

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 10:08 (eleven years ago) link

lolineux. dunno, that picture doesn't look like it's from seat level, but nowt wd surprise me. people wd probably have paid extra to only see half the game this season.

Vermicious Knid A (Noodle Vague), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 10:17 (eleven years ago) link

Anticipating a summer in which we are tantalized by all manner of new and exciting tricky Eastern Europeans whose value will rocket and will look amazing until their tenth game in the Premiership.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 10:47 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/21/harry-redknapp-daniel-levy-spurs

silent billionaire

the pinefox, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 10:48 (eleven years ago) link

Just talk to Sébastien Bassong who, when on the brink of a transfer to Queens Park Rangers, watched Levy wake up in the morning and double the agreed fee.

mrs bassong was right all along; this had been no way to force a transfer through.

r|t|c, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 11:25 (eleven years ago) link

Probably figured it worked for Keane-to-Liverpool.

pandemic, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 11:35 (eleven years ago) link

Keegan
Hoddle
Tigana
Sven-Goran Eriksson
Curbishley
Neil Lennon (pretty good fit given relations Celtic - LFC?)

yeah i mean, they might as well just appoint anyone who actually is a manager, you're right. you forgot dave bassett though and ian branfoot too. and brian robson. fuck it maybe terry phelan can manage, worth a try. or someone from another sport like tim henman or graham gooch.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 11:36 (eleven years ago) link

this morning's news anyway, is that capello is to have talks with FSG

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 11:40 (eleven years ago) link

it's psg

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 11:43 (eleven years ago) link

f u sg

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 13:00 (eleven years ago) link

Ooh - does that mean Ancelotti out? Henry, Henry, sign him up.

All four English sides automatically into the group stages btw xp, darragh's right.

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 15:23 (eleven years ago) link

Change the rules and stick 'em in the same group I say.

pandemic, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 15:29 (eleven years ago) link

Darragh's "psg" was a "joke"

Number None, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 15:30 (eleven years ago) link

f
s
g
when the crowd say booooo
seleeeeeeect martinez

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 15:31 (eleven years ago) link

I get my news from ilx, lol me

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 15:32 (eleven years ago) link

Robinson became something of a hero for Rovers fans this season as, unlike the rest of the team, he continued to acknowledge their support when the going got tough. However, this 'connection' brought the goalkeeper a lot more credit than his performances deserved. The weekly compilation of Premier League Numbers & Stats caused gasps in F365 Towers whenever Robinson's performances were reviewed in the cold light of day. With the worst saves-to-shots ratio in the division, and by far the lowest passing accuracy, England's former number one has dropped into the level befitting his current ability. The surprising thing is, someone will probably take a chance on him this summer for one last top-flight hurrah.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 22 May 2012 17:46 (eleven years ago) link

nah, capello just had smthg against him iirc. The only possible explanation for his exclusion from the national team.

pandemic, Tuesday, 22 May 2012 18:08 (eleven years ago) link

Phil Dowd, one of England’s top referees, is facing a sudden fight to save his career after it emerged on Tuesday night that he has failed a fitness test to continue next season.
The news hit the 49-year-old Staffordshire official within three weeks of his proudest achievement of taking charge of the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Dowd, who became a Football League referee in 1997, has just completed his 12th season in the Premier League. He must work to regain the rigorous fitness standards required of elite referees if he is to make a 13th campaign.
Referees are regularly tested on a series of timed runs in order to meet the strict criteria. Dowd’s bosses want him to continue and there is no question of his age being an issue since the relaxation of automatic retirement rules.
He has always had a naturally stocky build but has never previously struggled to hit the fitness mark. The fact that referees have to take the test in May, immediately on the back of a long and strenuous season, may now be called into question.
Instead of having a chance to recharge his batteries ahead of the test, Dowd will go on holiday knowing his future is under threat more than three months ahead of the start of next season.

Number None, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 01:12 (eleven years ago) link

Surely you would be much fitter at the end of a season than at the end of summer spent 'recharging your batteries'?

Pacific Trash Vortex (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 06:38 (eleven years ago) link

That might not actually be a metaphor. Phil Dowd could be the proud owner of Britain's largest collection of rechargeable batteries and it's only in the off-season that he gets a chance to help them reach their potential.

Pacific Trash Vortex (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 06:39 (eleven years ago) link

'reach their potential', clever

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 07:11 (eleven years ago) link

As a coach he is known as a slow starter who frequently finds his players needing ample time to grasp his tactics and intent of play. Generally his teams gather results in the second or third season under his coaching

I'm fine with this if it happens, I think. A little wary of having someone so spiky operating above the actual manager, but at the very least worth a go and there's the promise of much entertainment along the way.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 07:54 (eleven years ago) link

I'm talking 'bout Aloysius Paulus Maria "Louis" van Gaal to Liverpool as Director of Football btw, that wasn't a great quote to pick.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 07:56 (eleven years ago) link

has there ever been a "Director of Football" job with a UK team that was more than bullshit PR man tho?

melodic yew (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 07:59 (eleven years ago) link

Comolli I guess. You have to think this is something entirely different though. What it would do is heavily restrict who the new manager can be - Martinez has got to be a lot more likely if this comes off.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 08:03 (eleven years ago) link

"Torres is Chelsea's future" - says 34-year-old who kept him out of the team before moving to China.

Djibril Citté (onimo), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 08:25 (eleven years ago) link

"Torres is Chelsea's future" - says 34-year-old, failing to stifle his giggles, who kept him out of the team before moving to China.

― Djibril Citté (onimo), Wednesday, May 23, 2012 8:25 AM (43 seconds ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

pandemic, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 08:27 (eleven years ago) link

"Torres is Chelsea's future" - says 34-year-old who is 20 times the player Torres ever has been or will be.

melodic yew (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 08:36 (eleven years ago) link

Newcastle United took the latest step in their successful French revolution yesterday when Romain Amalfitano arrived in the North-east to finalise a three-year contract. The Stade de Reims midfielder agreed in principle to move to Newcastle in February, and he returned to their Benton training ground to push through his transfer from the French side, who have just won promotion to Ligue 1.

Newcastle will not end their interest in France with his signing, either, as they hope to buy two further players from Ligue 1 during the summer transfer window.

The club have already been involved in talks with the Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. The 23-year-old has just helped his team land the title in France, for the first time, and there is huge interest in dismantling a side that was put together for very little. Newcastle are aware they face competition for the central defender, but believe they currently lead the race to land Yanga-Mbiwa as he has indicated he is keen to move to the club.

There is also an approach to Lille to sign their full-back Mathieu Debuchy. The 26-year-old bid an emotional farewell to his club's supporters on Sunday following their 4-1 victory over Nancy. That is seen as the surest indication yet that he is ready to end his 18-year association with Lille, whom he joined as an eight-year-old. That Debuchy is such a good friend of Cabaye is seen as a huge advantage to Newcastle, as they search for a new right-back.

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:22 (eleven years ago) link

i know debuchy and yanga-mbiwa are meant to be the business, anyone (jibe) know the scoop on amalfitano?

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:23 (eleven years ago) link

double European Cup finalists Stade de Reims

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:30 (eleven years ago) link

tbh don't know a thing about this amalfitano and i thought they were talking about the one playing at marseille except that one's name is morgan (and upon googling is the elder brother of romain). so yeah sorry don't have a lot to offer on romain amalfitano since i'm too far to actually follow ligue 2 closely.

Jibe, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:35 (eleven years ago) link

Time for Ashley to show that lauded ruthless streak and replace Pardew with a proper manager because that's an incredible squad they're putting together.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:39 (eleven years ago) link

^^^ shook

melodic yew (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:39 (eleven years ago) link

I like how that makes Jibe's post look like a mouthwatering endorsement of the lad Amalfitano

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:46 (eleven years ago) link

Blatter, Fifa's president, was able to announce the appointment of the first woman on to the body's Executive Committee – Lydia Nsekera of Burundi – although even that landmark moment was clouded in confusion as Nsekera declined to speak to the media until she had received written confirmation.

"She's a lovely lady, she's a tough lady," said Blatter. "She's a princess, the daughter of a sultan. She was really the best choice."

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:51 (eleven years ago) link

"also rocking boobs"

melodic yew (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 09:51 (eleven years ago) link

The embattled Blackburn Rovers manager, Steve Kean, appeared to have survived his latest crisis meeting with the club's owners Venky's, the poultry company, in India yesterday, having convinced co-owner Anuradha Desai that he remains the man to lead the relegated club back to the Premier League.

Whether Kean will make it through the summer without losing his job remains to be seen but his efforts yesterday are understood to have centred upon telling the key figures who own Rovers he would be crucial to persuading Junior Hoilett to re-sign for the club.

The Canadian winger, who is highly-regarded by many Premier League teams, is out of contract next month and the club are still trying desperately to persuade him to sign a new deal. While this prospect seems remote in the extreme, Kean has long told the owners Venky's that his future at the club is crucial to how Hoilett regards his own future.

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:05 (eleven years ago) link

lol idiot

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:06 (eleven years ago) link

which?

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:08 (eleven years ago) link

Think what Hoilett is saying is "Kean out".

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:13 (eleven years ago) link

How good is Hoilett exactly? I get the feeling that if he were all that, Venky's would've flogged him already.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:19 (eleven years ago) link

Maybe they don't know about the "Bosman Rule" and think out of contract players can't go anywhere.

pandemic, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:24 (eleven years ago) link

Is Kean in one of those jobs where you get to write your own appraisals?

Djibril Citté (onimo), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:27 (eleven years ago) link

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02224/cech_2224878k.jpg

nyerrrrd

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 11:19 (eleven years ago) link

Hoilett looks v good to me, anytime I see him.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:43 (eleven years ago) link

How good is Hoilett exactly? I get the feeling that if he were all that, Venky's would've flogged him already.

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 11:19 (5 hours ago)

Well he isn't worth a penny, regardless of talent, thanks to his contract being up. Wouldn't mind him to replace Benny Noon tbh

a hoy hoy, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 15:28 (eleven years ago) link

Lille's highly sought after star Eden Hazard has agreed terms with Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, according to the player's agent.

The Belgian is now deciding which team to join, and will reveal his decision after Belgium's international friendlies against Montenegro and England.
"We are no longer in the negotiations stage," Hazard's agent John Bico told the Telegraph. "We have reached agreement with all parties. There will be no higher bid.

"Eden has already said he wants it to be fixed before June 2. He will decide after the Red Devils' (Belgium) games against Montenegro and England, then go on holiday with peace of mind.
"Eden is in the reflections stage and a decision will be taken quickly. Those who have come forward have a one-in-three chance (of signing him)."

The attacking midfielder has so far been non-committal with regards to who he will join and has dropped hints over the possibility of signing for all three clubs in the past.
However, Chelsea are now understood to be favourites to secure his signature, with the Manchester clubs apparently reluctant to meet his reported £200,000-per-week wage demands.

It is understood that City will only sign the player on wages worth £110,000-per-week as the club's hierarchy believe that, after winning the Premier League title, they do not have to pay over the odds to attract top players.

United, meanwhile, have similar issues over wage demands, and also the £35 million price tag which Lille are likely to demand for their player.

Number None, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 16:04 (eleven years ago) link

sick to fuck of this cunt already

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 16:18 (eleven years ago) link

got eventual Real Madrid player written all over him

Number None, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 16:19 (eleven years ago) link

Utd also apparently "in talks" with Everton about Baines. Would be delighted with him, Kagawa, plus another midfielder

Number None, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 16:20 (eleven years ago) link

http://i.imgur.com/bZbw2.jpg

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 16:59 (eleven years ago) link

Haha, that's excellent. The headline I mean, not the transfer. Let Everton alone.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 17:21 (eleven years ago) link

oh noes 12 matches without a certain stupid cunt ;_;

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 18:38 (eleven years ago) link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCmAjbTSTOg

think of joey while u watch this

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 18:48 (eleven years ago) link

sick to fuck of this cunt already

― pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, May 23, 2012 12:18 PM (2 hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

bears repeating

mizzell, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 19:08 (eleven years ago) link

Who was the last player to come to the Premiership with this level of hype/interminable transfer saga behind him? I'm thinking possibly Arshavin and we know how that worked out.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 19:10 (eleven years ago) link

aguero?

a hoy hoy, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 20:00 (eleven years ago) link

i guess he was more hype than 'transfer saga'

a hoy hoy, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 20:02 (eleven years ago) link

Robinho was a good one, p sure he didn't know who he'd signed for until the press conference

Djibril Citté (onimo), Wednesday, 23 May 2012 20:03 (eleven years ago) link

Mata too, I think. He could have easily ended up at 4 different clubs and was crazy hyped.

a hoy hoy, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 20:04 (eleven years ago) link

nah, not really. I know Liverpool were mentioned but it felt like Chelsea kind of snuck in for him

Number None, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 20:08 (eleven years ago) link

iirc spurs failed with the levy hardball, arsenal didnt get their shit together before his release clause ran out and then he was too expensive, lolverpool thought downing was the way to go, chelsea came in and did it in a day

even still he was hyped but not interminable hazard hyped

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 21:57 (eleven years ago) link

Hazard's good. I liked Mata better but it's easier to look exciting playing at the Mestalla imo.

The Suarez deal took ages to get tied up, but I don't recall anyone else showing any interest.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 22:07 (eleven years ago) link

feel like hazard's just gonna be a lot of this in the end

http://i.imgur.com/ldK12.gif

r|t|c, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 22:12 (eleven years ago) link

He was fouled more than any other player in Europe this season, but he also lead Ligue 1 in successful dribbles, and assists, and scored 20 goals.

boxall, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 23:18 (eleven years ago) link

led*

boxall, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 23:18 (eleven years ago) link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuoQK1EN0O8

Number None, Wednesday, 23 May 2012 23:19 (eleven years ago) link

i was third in ligue un for dribbles fwiw

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 00:43 (eleven years ago) link

would feel more sorry for barton had he done the job properly on aguero.

Rosie 47 (ken c), Thursday, 24 May 2012 09:41 (eleven years ago) link

Yeah, this really seems like something that needs addressing

Referees are set to be subject to drugs tests, Fifa's medical chiefs have revealed.

Match officials now have to pass stringent fitness tests and the world governing body's medical experts say they should also be tested to make sure they are not taking performance-enhancing substances.

Fifa's chief medical officer, Jiri Dvorak, told a conference in Budapest: "We have to consider referees as part of the game.

"We have started to discuss this and this is something for the future which will be discussed to include possibly an anti-doping programme for referees.

"We do not have an indication that this is a problem but this is something we have to look at. The referees are a neglected population."

Michel D'Hooghe, the chairman of Fifa's medical committee, added: "The referee is an athlete on the field so I think he should be subjected to the same rules."

Meanwhile, the World Anti-Doping Agency's director general, David Howman, told the Fifa medical conference that it may change rules to allow players from team sports who are banned for doping offences to return to training – though not playing – earlier. He said: "We are looking for ideas on how reductions for an early return to training can be done."

D'Hooghe said players in team sports were hit harder by drugs bans than individual athletes such as runners, who are still able to train and therefore return to competition as soon as their ban ends.

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 11:52 (eleven years ago) link

they should be providing them with complimentary drugs

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 11:53 (eleven years ago) link

So the guy in charge of drug-testing has said he needs to be given more work = more responsibility = bigger pay deal? Standard issue politics, but honestly, how exactly does the referee having nandrolone biscuits before every game give anyone a competitive advantage?

I should stop being surprised every time someone from fifa says something idiotic, but I'm not quite immunized against puzzlement just yet. ffs fifa.

give me back my 200 dollars (NotEnough), Thursday, 24 May 2012 11:59 (eleven years ago) link

Was there anything else on the agenda at this conference?

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 12:01 (eleven years ago) link

there was a nice buffet apparently

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 12:02 (eleven years ago) link

somebody shd stop Clattenburg dropping acid tbh

Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Thursday, 24 May 2012 12:26 (eleven years ago) link

There was a sour note to Blackpool's defeat, with Ian Holloway having a screaming row with doping-control officials after the match.

Dave Jones, a loser here with Cardiff two years ago (against Blackpool), made the point in the match programme that as a manager "you have to choose your words carefully [when talking to the team post-match] because it can have an effect when the players come back."

Holloway had similar thoughts as he tried to gather his squad together "to tell them how proud I am of them", only to find Kevin Phillips and Barry Ferguson whisked away for drug tests.

"Don't give me that bullshit," he screamed. "Your rules are just so much bullshit. Use your discretion. I want all my players in one room – now!"

r|t|c, Thursday, 24 May 2012 12:43 (eleven years ago) link

There was a sour note to Chelsea's defeat, with Didier Drogba having a screaming row with offical doping-control officials after the match.

Jose Mourinho, a loser here with Real Madrid two years ago (against Barcelona), made the point in the match programme that as a manager "you have to choose your words carefully [when talking to the referees post-match] because it can have an effect when the players come back."

Drogba had similar thoughts as he tried to gather the referees together "to tell them it was a fucking disgrace", only to find Tom Henning Øvrebø whisked away for drug tests.

"Don't give me that bullshit," he screamed. "Your rules are just so much bullshit. Use your discretion. I want all my referees in one room – now!" Meanwhile John Terry was reported to have put on a Barcelona kit to celebrate with the winning team.

Rosie 47 (ken c), Thursday, 24 May 2012 12:49 (eleven years ago) link

Haha, gold. I've been very disappointed to find out that even Øvrebø thinks he had a stinker that night. I seem to be the only person standing who thinks he not only made the right calls, but that they were the correct decisions too.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 12:56 (eleven years ago) link

be srs

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 13:05 (eleven years ago) link

Manchester United skipper Patrice Evra has told Eden Hazard to make the move to Old Trafford.

The Lille star is presently considering offers from United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

It is understood that the highly-rated Belgian has agreed terms with all three Premier League heavyweights.

Evra said: "I'm not his father but, if he comes to Manchester, I assure him that he will win titles. That's if he joins my Manchester not the blue side."

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:05 (eleven years ago) link

"I'm not his father but I might be his brother; it's hard to keep track."

mizzell, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:08 (eleven years ago) link

Can't let myself believe this yet

We may rename a section of the website 'The Daily Eden Hazard' because it seems that everyday there's a new snippet of information suggesting he's closer to joining a certain club over the others interested. Sky Sports News today were still reporting today that Manchester United is his favoured destination and now some outlets in the French media are backing that up.

Le10sport.com, a major football based website in France, claim that Eden Hazard made a decision last weekend to join Manchester United. They cite relatives of the Belgian player as the source and say he was even ready to announce his decision to the wider world.

However, his agents wanted him to hold back as they were still negotiating deals with both Manchester City and Chelsea. Le10 claim that Eden Hazard is prepared to take a lower salary at Manchester United because it's where he wants to play.

They say he is ready to make a 'financial sacrifice' because Manchester United is the 'choice of his heart'. A personal meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson, where the United manager explained an exciting project to Hazard, is said to have made his mind up and if it wasn't for the intervention of his agents he'd have signed a contract already.

Nevertheless they report that an agreement is very close on a five year contract with Manchester United

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:11 (eleven years ago) link

ive not seen that much of him but he doesnt seem to be a 442 winger at all

sooo

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:12 (eleven years ago) link

If I were Eden Hazard and I'd made my mind up, I'd be signing before turning out as prime Shawx magnet in Belgium's imminent friendlies.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:14 (eleven years ago) link

he doesn't really seem to fit into any of the prospective teams too well. City have Nasri and Silva for that role, Utd have Rooney, and Chelsea have Mata. Don't really care though, getting one of the most exciting young players in world football would be quite a coup. Setting myself up for a major disappointment here i know

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:15 (eleven years ago) link

hazard behind twp or welbeck would be interesting

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:16 (eleven years ago) link

the welbeckian pele

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:17 (eleven years ago) link

yeah and Rooney did alright up top in 09/10, even if he doesn't like it

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:18 (eleven years ago) link

4-3-3: Jones, Tiote, Carrick; Nani, Rooney, Hazard.

boxall, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:22 (eleven years ago) link

every attacking player who isn't an outright centre forward would like to be a #10 floating around wherever their fancy takes them, most of them need to be told where to fucking play

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:23 (eleven years ago) link

dog latin wrote this on thread DJs post your mixes for download on board I Love Music on Aug 27, 2008

DJ Dog Latin - Rogue Mix July 2008

http://baldmonkey.co.uk/rogue/dj.dog.latin.-.rogue.mix.july.2008.zip

Tornados - Telstar / Los Campesinos! - You! Me! Dancing / M Beat feat General Levy - Incredible / Gloria Jones - Tainted Love / 50 Cent - In The Club / Elvis Costello - I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea / Nirvana - Scentless Apprentice / Pharcyde - Passing Me By / Sean Smith - Under Me Sleng Teng / Kraftwerk - Autobahn / GZA/Genius - Liquid Swords / Run DMC - My Adidas / Nightmares On Wax - Ethnic Majority / �-ziq - The Hwicci Song / MIA - Paper Planes / Gravediggaz - Bang Yo Head / K7 - Come Baby Come / Beastie Boys - Shake Your Rump / Kid Creole & The Coconuts - Annie (I'm Not Your Daddy) / Cylob - Rewind / INXS - I Need You Tonight / Grandmaster Flash - The Message / Jeff Wayne - Horsell Common and the Heat Ray / La Tour - People Are Still Having Sex / Daft Punk - Da Funk / David Bowie - Let's Dance / Prince - Kiss / Men At Work - Down Under / Grandmaster Flash - White Lines / Queen - Another One Bites The Dust / Belle Epoque - Miss Broadway / Prince - Why'd You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? / Playgroup - Make It Happen (Zongamin Mix) / Lipps Inc - Funky Town / KLF - Last Train To Trancentral / Jeans Team - O Bauer / Afrika Bamaataa - Funky Heroes / Modeselektor - Kill Bill Vol 4 / Stevie Wonder - Master Blaster / The Sonics - Have Love Will Travel / The Rubinoos - I Think We're Alone Now / Sabres Of Paradise - Wilmot / Burial - Archangel / Red Dragon - Compliments On Your Kiss / Battles - Atlas / GTR - Cops / Rotterdam Termination Source - Poing / Praga Khan - Injected With The Poison / Purple Haze - Eden / H.A.Z.A.R.D. - James Brown Is Dead (Gary D Deadly Mix) / Pigbag - Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag / HN Style - James Brown Is Still Alive / Hennes and Cold - The Second Trip (DJ Scot RMX) / Alice Cooper - School's Out For Summer / Johnny Harris and Chrysus - Don't Pigeonhole Me / Tim Taylor - The Horn Track (Luke Slater Mix)

lolling hard at this 'ilx first mention'

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:24 (eleven years ago) link

i think jones may end up better as a midfielder than a cb or rb, he has a bit of gerrard type density about him

Serov devochka s persikami (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:28 (eleven years ago) link

I still don't buy him as a midfielder. He needs to be given a fixed position though

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:30 (eleven years ago) link

yeah else he'll end up some sort of horrible twp of the back six, careening into challenges all over the place

Éden Éden Éden / H.A.Z.A.R.D (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:31 (eleven years ago) link

probably making choo choo or whiaaaaaaaaow or vrooooom noises as he does so

Éden Éden Éden / H.A.Z.A.R.D (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:31 (eleven years ago) link

twwp

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:32 (eleven years ago) link

'When the final whistle went, we didn’t really know what the score at City was. But then we heard the Sunderland fans cheering.

'It was sad to see that because they should be supporting their own team really.

'They didn’t have the best of seasons so for them to be cheering like that was sad.

'It was something myself and a lot of the players won’t forget.'

mizzell, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:50 (eleven years ago) link

oh, twpaws

Éden Éden Éden / H.A.Z.A.R.D (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:52 (eleven years ago) link

United confirm Glazer is alive after rumours of owner's death Manchester United have announced that rumours circulating on the internet are false

Éden Éden Éden / H.A.Z.A.R.D (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:52 (eleven years ago) link

that could be any one of the Utd fans who play for Sunderland

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 14:53 (eleven years ago) link

It occurs that Rooney might never have attended a game as a fan; he may genuinely be shocked that fans don't just turn up to cheer their own (see also: Cape Town, 2010)

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:09 (eleven years ago) link

If hazard goes to Utd, does that mean Kagawa to Arsenal? If he's set on Prem football then we can offer that, well for a season at least.

pandemic, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:15 (eleven years ago) link

hazard twp nani
kagawa

Éden Éden Éden / H.A.Z.A.R.D (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:16 (eleven years ago) link

cleverley and kagawa in the same midfield would be a bit lightweight

Éden Éden Éden / H.A.Z.A.R.D (nakhchivan), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:17 (eleven years ago) link

and now thanks to IK I wanna listen to 'Wilmot' by Sabres of Paradise.

pandemic, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:17 (eleven years ago) link

It looks like a cracking mix actually, doubt it's still up sadly.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:21 (eleven years ago) link

Lol! I didn't even notice that this was on it too:

Elvis Costello - I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:22 (eleven years ago) link

haha

pandemic, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:24 (eleven years ago) link

citeh have nasri and silva
utd have rooney
chelsea have mata

utd have rooney
utd have rooney
utd have rooney
city have nasri and silva
chelsea have mata

and

utd have

rooney

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:25 (eleven years ago) link

be fair they've got Howard Webb as well

Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:26 (eleven years ago) link

yes they have Rooney, second top scorer in the league last season, ninth in goals and sixth in assists all time

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:30 (eleven years ago) link

focal point of a 100m attack or w/e, no berbatov/keane at spurs or rvp last season

Also- he plays a lot in a team that wins a lot, regardless of performance level (refers to both)

Also, iirc webb is ahead of him for utd assists

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:32 (eleven years ago) link

I'd been really looking forward to the close season

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:33 (eleven years ago) link

but at any rate, cmon silva/nasri/mata these are not valid rooney comparison players? Aside from being talents, like

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:34 (eleven years ago) link

aye, and Nasri, Mata, and Silva are surrounded by bargain basement tat. Look, i dislike Rooney in a lot of ways (and as an actual Utd fan have more reason to than most of you) but just be leave it

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:35 (eleven years ago) link

they play in the roughly the same position. That's the comparison

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:36 (eleven years ago) link

ur persistent stanning for this player is becoming one note and predictable imo

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:38 (eleven years ago) link

yeah, i suppose we should be talking about real talents like "Thudd" or Krancjar or whoever

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:40 (eleven years ago) link

anyway, position posmition, ask anyone who's seen em to pick the three similar players out of the four, you know that the pasty fat one without is gonna be left on the kerb crying into his box of maimed kittens

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:41 (eleven years ago) link

xp

Uh

Is that sarcasm? Cos....

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:44 (eleven years ago) link

and i never made a comparison in terms of technical ability or style, I was simply talking about where Hazard would fit into the teams.

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:45 (eleven years ago) link

instead of rooney imo

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:48 (eleven years ago) link

look, Rooney is a good player who maybe never fulfilled his full potential. He plays for the team who finished level on points with this year's champions and was a major contributor to that. He's a bit fat, not exactly a looker, and he's got a stupid nickname. Do we really need to discuss this any further?

Number None, Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:50 (eleven years ago) link

ya

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 15:54 (eleven years ago) link

darragh's twp hatin' becoming as stale as #N's stannning.

Grauniad has one of those 50 transfers list things and it is predictably stupid: Suarez will cost as much as Neymar and more than Gotze, Hoilett will cost £10m despite his contract being up etc. Also it isn't exactly surprising but it doesn't care about anyone unless they have been vaguely linked to the top clubs in England (Not even big non-English European transfers are mentioned, like Guiseppe Rossi's eventual move to a big Italian side, nor transfers OUT of England, like how Balotelli may leave). So unless the top 6 (Pool not Newcastle) spend £100m on whole new forward line-ups, I don't see it being weighted in much realism.

otoh it has this picture, which made it worth browsing

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/5/23/1337798987632/Fulhams-Clint-Dempsey-cel-018.jpg

a hoy hoy, Thursday, 24 May 2012 16:04 (eleven years ago) link

the dempsey to BIG CLUB rumors have quieted down a bit of late

Steve Youngblood (dan m), Thursday, 24 May 2012 16:15 (eleven years ago) link

lots of excellent pics in that article actually
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/5/23/1337798993863/Lazios-Anderson-Carvalho--020.jpg

sonderangerbot, Thursday, 24 May 2012 16:19 (eleven years ago) link

You fuckers, I was going to poll those later! It's Berba vs Skrtel tbh.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 24 May 2012 16:28 (eleven years ago) link

darragh's twp hatin' becoming as stale as #N's stannning

this is p unfair on #0 imo, considering i p much always start it

also:

ur persistent stanning for this player is becoming one note and predictable imo

― pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac)

i dunno did y'all read the intent of this post correctly, but it may not have been entirely sincere nor without an element of selfzing

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 16:46 (eleven years ago) link

What I like and dislike most about Rooney is his attitude.

Love Max Ophüls of us all (Michael White), Thursday, 24 May 2012 16:49 (eleven years ago) link

I bumped the other thread, this one is for transfer speculation. So either plausibly link TWP to Metallist Kharkiv or take it over there. imo.

boxall, Thursday, 24 May 2012 16:51 (eleven years ago) link

fair

i'm internet-challenged at work and busy in the evenings so i've no notion of what's happening

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 24 May 2012 16:54 (eleven years ago) link

Arsenal are ready to open the bidding for Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud by offering £6.4m, plus Marouane Chamakh, for the 25-year-old.

Transfer rumours very much in character.

I think they might hold out for slightly more.

Just like you, except hot (ShariVari), Friday, 25 May 2012 05:35 (eleven years ago) link

I think they're just trying to reassure Chamakh that he's still a £20m player.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 25 May 2012 08:04 (eleven years ago) link

QPR are set to rush through the permanent £3.2m signing of Samba Diakité after clubs were alerted last night to a possible loophole in his loan deal with Hoops.

Back in France it is understood one of the clauses that triggered an automatic €4million (£3.2m) transfer was a minimum number of games for Rs believed to be 10.

The man who plays internationally for Mali made only nine appearances in a Rangers shirt after a virus cut short his season.

Diakité has made plain his desire to join QPR rather than a switch to Marseille or Lyon when he was made available by Nancy.

But those working on his behalf are set to test the water with other Premier League clubs following the player’s impressive start in west London.

A source close to Nancy said: “The club are happy to sell Diakité to QPR for the agreed amount. Nancy is not a club who can afford to turn down a big money offer. But of course he may be desirable to other clubs as well, and the deal has yet to be ratified.”

fuckkkk i don't like the look of this one bit

if he cried off our last couple games to give himself more options he's a right little cunt

r|t|c, Friday, 25 May 2012 08:29 (eleven years ago) link

http://twitter.com/DuncanCastles/status/204230346596823041/photo/1

haw

r|t|c, Friday, 25 May 2012 08:41 (eleven years ago) link

looks like m'vila to arsenal is on after all

r|t|c, Friday, 25 May 2012 08:43 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/liverpools-owners-want-attacking-football-and-champions-league-qualification

Swansea City's announcement that Brendan Rodgers had declined the offer of an interview followed preliminary discussions about high-profile Dalglish signings he would want moved out of Liverpool, according to a friend of the Northern Irishman.

r|t|c, Friday, 25 May 2012 09:01 (eleven years ago) link

no mug is our brendan

r|t|c, Friday, 25 May 2012 09:02 (eleven years ago) link

Celtic striker Gary Hooper has outlined his ambitions to one day play for Barcelona but has stressed he is happy to see out his Parkhead contract.

mizzell, Friday, 25 May 2012 14:23 (eleven years ago) link

Good for him. Following in the footsteps of our Henke.

the dumbest fuck to have ever existed (onimo), Friday, 25 May 2012 14:24 (eleven years ago) link

He's the kind of penalty box scorer with good movement and instincts that England could do with btw - except he plays in the wrong country and Hodgson would apparently rather lump high balls up to a guy he outscored in the Championship.

the dumbest fuck to have ever existed (onimo), Friday, 25 May 2012 14:28 (eleven years ago) link

Daily Mail headline writers got the "lol SPL" memo, I see:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2149857/Gary-Hooper-wants-play-Barcelona.html?ITO=1490

ailsa, Friday, 25 May 2012 15:53 (eleven years ago) link

yeah that's mean. so how good is he? (saying england could do with his skills leave a lot of room for clarification) any premiership clubs been linked with him?

mizzell, Friday, 25 May 2012 16:07 (eleven years ago) link

i like hooper, definitely think he's got the knack

whether that by itself makes a top class footballer is another thing tho

r|t|c, Friday, 25 May 2012 16:51 (eleven years ago) link

He's decent, and I think would shine in any set-up that provided chances for him.

ailsa, Friday, 25 May 2012 17:02 (eleven years ago) link

twitter saying qpr are getting fabio on loan for next season

sounds like a crap signing to me

r|t|c, Saturday, 26 May 2012 00:27 (eleven years ago) link

depends on whether it refers to capello or the model/actor

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Saturday, 26 May 2012 10:12 (eleven years ago) link

any premiership clubs been linked with him?

New boys Southampton had a wee bite in January and might have another go. No rumours I'm aware of about anyone else. He's currently being offered a new deal and making noises about having a crack at the Champions League with Celtic but things can change quickly when/if the cash rich EPL comes knocking.

I think he's a better goalscorer than Jelavic but not as intelligent or productive around the box. He's usually as selfish as you'd expect from a penalty box player - excellent knack for finding the far post across the goalie. Uses his body well for a relatively wee guy. Quicker than his awkward running style suggests. His goals per game ratio so far is better than Henrik Larsson's - though imo the league is of a lower quality than it was then so that doesn't tell that much of a story.

As r|t|c* says - he's got the knack. It's something you just see in a certain kind of player. Feed him and he'll score.

* I can't help thinking Rangers Tax Case when I see those letters.

pure, beautiful, inventive (onimo), Saturday, 26 May 2012 10:17 (eleven years ago) link

Fabio will be good, and i hope he stays in England when he goes on loan. I like this quote from Berba's agent

"Plus, there has never been a Bulgarian player at PSG, so it could be good."

Number None, Saturday, 26 May 2012 11:06 (eleven years ago) link

dunno i'm probably just feeling burnt after macheda the useless cunt

implication he'll be here instead of taiwo is what's unwelcome mainly. if he's to compete with onuoha for rb then fair enough i suppose, saves the pennies

r|t|c, Saturday, 26 May 2012 11:19 (eleven years ago) link

plus sparky's not up sir alex's arse like most managers so i guess it does suggest there's plan to it at least

r|t|c, Saturday, 26 May 2012 11:22 (eleven years ago) link

How much did Macheda actually play? He is shite obviously

Number None, Saturday, 26 May 2012 11:22 (eleven years ago) link

didnt dmac say he was gonna start a thread about england b teams or something, yer man hooper's a prime candidate for that

think if defoe wasnt there you'd like to think a football man would see hooper's otherwise rare talents and call him up for a once-over at least

r|t|c, Saturday, 26 May 2012 11:26 (eleven years ago) link

xp i dunno, couple of games? maybe half a game, either way it was immediately apparent he'd be pointless. starstruck warnock signing

r|t|c, Saturday, 26 May 2012 11:27 (eleven years ago) link

WEST HAM BID 7M FOR BAS DOST

Number None, Saturday, 26 May 2012 13:07 (eleven years ago) link

Do not let this happen, other 19 members of the Premier League. Although, if he laughed at the idea of going to Villa, i'm not sure spending a year picking up balls rebounding off Kevin Nolan's arse is going to have more appeal.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Saturday, 26 May 2012 13:11 (eleven years ago) link

Time for a Bas Dost thread I say.

Ismael Klata, Saturday, 26 May 2012 13:11 (eleven years ago) link

BIG SAM SEEKS BAS-RELIEF

r|t|c, Saturday, 26 May 2012 13:30 (eleven years ago) link

is a headline i didnt see today

remind me again why we're forcing the cult thing onto this dude?

r|t|c, Saturday, 26 May 2012 13:30 (eleven years ago) link

Sometimes you just know, y'know? Here's his chance to let us down in record time.

Ismael Klata, Saturday, 26 May 2012 13:33 (eleven years ago) link

on his way to Utd or Arsenal allegedly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JKRr605voU&

Number None, Sunday, 27 May 2012 16:17 (eleven years ago) link

surprised swansea appear to be being given a free run at sigurdsson

r|t|c, Sunday, 27 May 2012 17:21 (eleven years ago) link

It’s been my first full season. I thought I started well and then had some ups and downs towards the end. Overall, I am happy with the way things have gone. From where I was with the injury that I had I think I’ve done pretty well. It was a long season and it was something my body has not been used to. It was quite obvious that I would get tired towards the end. To ask me to play to a high standard week in, week out in the Premier League when you think of the pace that goes with it, was very physically demanding.

People do forget how long I was out of the game and what happened.

a hoy hoy, Monday, 28 May 2012 07:58 (eleven years ago) link

?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 28 May 2012 08:08 (eleven years ago) link

nice to see italian police wait until the end of the season to arrest lazio captain Mauri and... possibly search the home of Juve boss Conte

I'm seeing conflicting reports on the Conte thing - he has at least been part of the investigation and some say his home was one of the 17 searched.

a hoy hoy, Monday, 28 May 2012 08:08 (eleven years ago) link

Liverpool need to slow down on Martinez, Emery could still walk in the shadow of Rafa

a hoy hoy, Monday, 28 May 2012 08:10 (eleven years ago) link

Emery, who has already accepted an offer to coach Spartak Moscow next season

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 09:27 (eleven years ago) link

ok one day i'll learn to do more than read headlines

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:12 (eleven years ago) link

hiddink is all but confirmed in DoF role?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:18 (eleven years ago) link

Getting the manager/head coach to do press conferences and gee the team up a bit, and the dof to do everything else (tactics, signings, youth set-up etc) seems a smart move to me. If that IS how they're gonna do it.

give me back my 200 dollars (NotEnough), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:26 (eleven years ago) link

Van Gaal is it not

Number None, Monday, 28 May 2012 10:26 (eleven years ago) link

https://twitter.com/hazardeden10/status/207052543505858560

sonderangerbot, Monday, 28 May 2012 10:27 (eleven years ago) link

"...and you can find out my decision on my live tv special"

Number None, Monday, 28 May 2012 10:29 (eleven years ago) link

Johnny Stokes, voice of the people.

Johnny Stokes ‏@johnny_stokes
@hazardeden10 your a twat. Your not even in england yet and I dislike you. Your not messi or ronaldo.

pure, beautiful, inventive (onimo), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:33 (eleven years ago) link

p sure that tactics fall under coach's remit, essentially the goods are supplied as per yr operational requirements, up to you to then get results.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:34 (eleven years ago) link

Traditionally tactics fall under the coach's remit, but I don't see why it necessarily has to. Managers who are good with the press are often not the best actual managers, and the Rafa/Hodgson/Kenny run of poor public faces maybe convinced them to switch it up a bit. I mean, why pay Hiddink an enormous amount of money just to sign players when his reputation is largely based on his tactical nous?

give me back my 200 dollars (NotEnough), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:44 (eleven years ago) link

guys, why do you keep saying Hiddink

Number None, Monday, 28 May 2012 10:47 (eleven years ago) link

fair question, i can't answer it tbh.

but, dof role is really designed as a background role providing longterm supply of suitable players and taking the responsibility for transfers out of the hands of a coach that may typically stay in the role for only a few years.

There's an argument for tactics being allied to that role, i suppose, but were you to make that argument then you'd not really be leaving a role for a coach. tactical decisions inform selection, probably have a lot of influence over motivation, and why you'd want someone dealing with the press when they aren't actually answerable for these calls i couldn't say- or, at least, call a spade a spade and just have the pr guy do it and forego the pointless 1st team coach role entirely?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:50 (eleven years ago) link

hiddink and van gaal are the same person, NN? Hiddink Van Gaal?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:52 (eleven years ago) link

Emery, who has already accepted an offer to coach Spartak Moscow next season

Ooh you are awful... but I like you

Charles Kennedy Jumped Up, He Called 'Oh No'. (Tom D.), Monday, 28 May 2012 10:54 (eleven years ago) link

Haha Number None, Eden Hazard is acting v Lebron-esque. Shame he's not currently one of the best 2 players in the world.

pandemic, Monday, 28 May 2012 11:30 (eleven years ago) link

Dunno whether anything's happening at Liverpool or not, but Brendan Rodgers is now favourite with some bookies. Klopp's odds have also come right in. That run on Hiddink still hasn't materialised though.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 28 May 2012 11:34 (eleven years ago) link

Do these betting exchanges accept bets on someone NOT becoming the next LFC manager? If so I would look into re-mortgaging my house to put money on Klopp not taking the job.

pandemic, Monday, 28 May 2012 11:36 (eleven years ago) link

Emery, who has already accepted an offer to coach Spartak Moscow next season

Ooh you are awful... but I like you

― Charles Kennedy Jumped Up, He Called 'Oh No'. (Tom D.), Monday, 28 May 2012 11:54 (49 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

haha

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 11:46 (eleven years ago) link

van gaal dof is going to be a big fat fuckin car crash just you wait

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 11:47 (eleven years ago) link

what happened to martinez? thought that was a done deal, having ice cream and all.

also it looks like gylfi is staying at swansea? that makes me happy

sonderangerbot, Monday, 28 May 2012 11:49 (eleven years ago) link

The press still says Martinez to be confirmed tomorrow. I just happened to notice he was no longer favourite and thought it odd. I don't actually know if anyone knows anything tbh, it may all just be Dave Whelan shooting his mouth off.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 28 May 2012 11:57 (eleven years ago) link

Just give Van Gaal the manager's job if the alternative is Martinez imo

pandemic, Monday, 28 May 2012 11:58 (eleven years ago) link

did not know that bobby martinez has released an autobiography. will have to get myself a copy.

Chris, Monday, 28 May 2012 12:41 (eleven years ago) link

apparently no one wants to sign you Eden because you waited too long. sorry about that Eden you'll have to stay at Lille. Awkward!

kid steel (cajunsunday), Monday, 28 May 2012 16:43 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.footballfancast.com/2012/05/championship/return-of-pride-will-stop-hammers-going-for-barton

i know picking on random bloggers is fish in a barrel stuff but oh how i lol'd long and hard at this

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 18:14 (eleven years ago) link

content tbh

Éden Éden Éden / H.A.Z.A.R.D (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 18:16 (eleven years ago) link

valuable content

Éden Éden Éden / H.A.Z.A.R.D (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 18:17 (eleven years ago) link

oh well

Eden hazard ‏@hazardeden10
I'm signing for the champion's league winner.

Number None, Monday, 28 May 2012 19:54 (eleven years ago) link

Hazard heading to Manchester

Lille star Eden Hazard has confirmed he will be playing in Manchester next season, but refused to say whether it will be at City or United.

Last Updated: 14/05/12 at 21:18

Hazard's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time with a host of clubs across Europe chasing his signature.

The Belgian international revealed over the weekend he would be quitting Lille at the end of the season after six years at the club.

City and United have both been strongly linked with Hazard having watched him on several occasions this season with reports suggesting City are in pole position to land the playmaker.

The 21-year-old has now confirmed he will be moving to the Premier League and will be plying his trade in Manchester next season after being named Ligue 1's Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

"To Manchester, I've already said," Hazard replied when asked about his likely destination at the end of the current season when speaking at the awards gala.

"The decision will be taken soon."

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 19:56 (eleven years ago) link

expect a follow up tweet along the lines of "...the 2013 Champions League winner. Now that I've signed for them."

Number None, Monday, 28 May 2012 19:59 (eleven years ago) link

he sounds like a scummy little cunt

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 19:59 (eleven years ago) link

hate this arsehole.

zverotic discourse (jim in glasgow), Monday, 28 May 2012 20:02 (eleven years ago) link

chelsea are just so utterly repugnant, if he had any sort of choice (and it must be supposed he did) then fuck him

cuz yes notionally he has less competition, but the whole club is so badly run that he could experience a similar fate to torres, or to lukaku, or to duff, or to veron, or to cole, or to mutu, or to crespo or even robben or however many other promising/established attacking players were poorly managed there

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 20:03 (eleven years ago) link

another wanker on the pile, good to have them all in one place at least

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 20:09 (eleven years ago) link

oh the pile spilleth elsewhere tbfttl

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 20:11 (eleven years ago) link

Eden Hazard on Liverpool (2010): "I've heard about interest from them & its nice to be linked with the best teams in the world." (Not exact)

Eden Hazard (2011): "My dream is to play for Arsenal or Real Madrid."

Eden Hazard (2011): "Inter & AC made me offers. Every league has its merits, all the big clubs make me dream.

Eden Hazard (2012): "Maybe I'll join Tottenham, they are a great English club with very good players."

Eden Hazard (2012): "Spain is perhaps more my style of game but if I move it must be to either Barcelona or Real Madrid."

Eden Hazard (2012): "Arsenal will always be an option, they have Thomas [Vermaelen] there and they play wonderful style of Football."

Eden Hazard (2012): "The two Manchester clubs are great, I won't which colour I prefer though."

Eden Hazard (2012): "I will play in England next year."

Eden Hazard (2012): "Chelsea winning the Champions League has made things interesting."

Eden Hazard (2012): "It will either United, City or Chelsea."

Eden Hazard (2012): "I don't know I'll join."

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 20:13 (eleven years ago) link

After all the shenanigans i'm not too bothered about it. Hopefully a deal for Kagawa gets wrapped up soonish though

Number None, Monday, 28 May 2012 20:16 (eleven years ago) link

i suppose we should expect hulk to end up there this summer too? good luck with that nando

also sturridge will be available now surely

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 20:20 (eleven years ago) link

id rather kagawa cuz it woul signify a likely shift to a more advanced possession oriented tactical scheme that might actually pose a threat in europe and vs the big english sides

hazard is just a winger with airs and graces, after all

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 20:24 (eleven years ago) link

Phil McNulty ‏@philmcnulty
So is Eden Hazard unable to just say he is joining "Chelsea" rather than "Champions League winner"?

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 20:43 (eleven years ago) link

patience will have snapped

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 20:44 (eleven years ago) link

Stuart Holden ‏@stuholden
Breaking News: Eden Hazard caught up in long discussions with Lebron James about possible late move to Miami Heat

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 20:45 (eleven years ago) link

controversial felid structure the sphinx has long baffled scholars and tourists alike with its riddles

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 20:46 (eleven years ago) link

lol stuey

Steve Youngblood (dan m), Monday, 28 May 2012 21:01 (eleven years ago) link

It's come to something when nult bewails obfuscation. Hazard needs to join Steaua or Red Star now, it's the only way to make amends.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 28 May 2012 21:22 (eleven years ago) link

this guy is the worst

a hazard, you could argue

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 28 May 2012 21:51 (eleven years ago) link

i dunno guys, this is WWE-level heeldom already, i'm amused

Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Monday, 28 May 2012 21:53 (eleven years ago) link

yeah except he is just trying to be a twitter tart rather than a dioufian antihero

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 21:57 (eleven years ago) link

he is playing la salope according to old-school French wrestling custom iirc

Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Monday, 28 May 2012 21:58 (eleven years ago) link

look forward to him laying out one of Stoke's CBs with a metal chair to the head next season

Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Monday, 28 May 2012 21:59 (eleven years ago) link

hes roman arkadyevich's bitch now

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 22:01 (eleven years ago) link

£32m! No wonder Arsenal haven't been mentioned for months.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 28 May 2012 22:05 (eleven years ago) link

Not the right move imo - he should've gone to Utd.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 28 May 2012 22:10 (eleven years ago) link

i dunno guys, this is WWE-level heeldom already, i'm amused

― Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Monday, 28 May 2012 22:53 (13 minutes ago)

eden hazard is drew mcintyre getting the intercontinental championship because he would rant about "the kids" using their "twitter and facebook", only for no-one to give a shit and for him to end up in tna next year. (p certain i already got excited about one overpriced winger from lille before, can live without seeing another one disappoint next season).

we need more balotelli and barton heels. in football and in wrestling.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 28 May 2012 22:11 (eleven years ago) link

xp they've got the best wee amc in the league tho

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 28 May 2012 22:13 (eleven years ago) link

when tony blair joins the qpr consortium i'm done with it all

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 28 May 2012 22:13 (eleven years ago) link

mata?

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Monday, 28 May 2012 22:15 (eleven years ago) link

Hazard's pedigree is a little bit more impressive than Gervinho's tbf

Number None, Monday, 28 May 2012 22:15 (eleven years ago) link

'they' referred to utd

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Monday, 28 May 2012 22:21 (eleven years ago) link

Chelsea have beaten off competition from Manchester City — who had been clear favourites to sign the exciting Belgium international but grew frustrated at the negotiations — Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur after becoming the only club who would go close to meeting the forward’s demands.

City are thought to have walked away from the deal last week with Spurs giving up some time ago. Hazard, currently on international duty and preparing to face England in a friendly this weekend, indicated to Chelsea on Saturday that he was set to accept their offer and yesterday took to the social media site Twitter to announce that he had “made up my mind”, adding last night: “I’m signing for the Champions League winner.”

Chelsea will pay a fee of around €40 million (£35.3 million) to Lille, with Hazard having demanded wages of £4.6 million a year net of tax, so around £9  million a year for his new employer. That averages out at £170,000 a week.

In addition his agent, John Bico, who has conducted an aggressive auction has made it clear that he wants a fee of £6 million. If all the demands are met and with Hazard expected to agree a five-year deal, it means the overall cost of the signing, fees and contract will amount to around £78 million which, even by Chelsea standards, is a substantial investment.

Chelsea hijacked City’s deal after receiving a call from Bico on the eve of the Champions League final with the agent telling them that he could persuade Hazard to join them if his demands were met.

r|t|c, Monday, 28 May 2012 23:09 (eleven years ago) link

so much for abramovich losing interest eh

jabba hands, Monday, 28 May 2012 23:12 (eleven years ago) link

Ah but Battersea's the big test, and they're way out of the running for that apparently.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 28 May 2012 23:25 (eleven years ago) link

swansea in for dos santos, more good stuff from brendan

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 08:51 (eleven years ago) link

That would be great.

Spurs have apparently released Saha.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:03 (eleven years ago) link

otm, otm

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:18 (eleven years ago) link

Moyesy kind of merked you with the whole Saha/Pienaar thing

Number None, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:27 (eleven years ago) link

depends on yr pov, 'spose.

We got a very good midfielder we could have used a lot more.

They got a fee for a player who was about to leave on a free, and got him back a couple months later on loan.

His wages prob doubled.

Arry didn't do it for nothing, i'm sure.

One for the scrapbooks, that.

Saha was ok, but i mean we're 451 and he's no 1. didn't cost anything tho.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:37 (eleven years ago) link

oh right, i thought there was a fee of some sort for Saha. That's not so bad then

Number None, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:39 (eleven years ago) link

p sure it was a free or a nominal

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:43 (eleven years ago) link

free

pandemic, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:48 (eleven years ago) link

Mrs. van Persie (his wife):

"'Arsenal showed faith in Robin when he was going through a lean time, so we should not repay them by thinking about other clubs.

'Our home life and our children are happy in London.'

Mrs. van Persie (his mum):

"Arsenal love him and that`s a great incentive to stay. Arsenal are a fantastic club, They have no debts and Robin is idolised there."

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:48 (eleven years ago) link

aww.

Do what you're told, rvi.

Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 09:50 (eleven years ago) link

he'll sign a four year bumper contract and get a three and a half year injury

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:02 (eleven years ago) link

well Mrs van P will be glad to have him at home i'm sure

Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:04 (eleven years ago) link

he cd pick the kids up from school or something

Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:04 (eleven years ago) link

Better than him signing a four year bumper contract with someone else and not getting a three and a half year injury. xpost

Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:04 (eleven years ago) link

how!

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:07 (eleven years ago) link

sell, sell now, before he sols you up the river. You'll still get 20m and his stock can only go down

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:08 (eleven years ago) link

because he'll score goals and win championships with someone else and i really can't be doing with that again and arsenal don't need £20m as his mother points out.

Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:15 (eleven years ago) link

He's probably getting a lot of "banter" from his team mates about his wife/mother running his life and he'll go to Spain/Manchester out of spite.

deems I get your point re his history of brokenness but getting rid of the best striker in the country because he might get injured seems a tad wrong for a club with any pretence at challenging for anything

pure, beautiful, inventive (onimo), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:20 (eleven years ago) link

20m plus his wages isn't sniffy money tbph

Sell sell sell. We should sell modric. If bale opens his mouth sell him too. Market price pretty much always favours the selling club, get him out get a few players in, what odds?

Ye'll never win anything under wenger again and ye'll never finish outside of fourth, why bother with any one individual player so much? If wenger has proven anything over the past seven years it's that selling key players has no bearing on the mission.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:21 (eleven years ago) link

Well yeah, I think this has been the single point I've been labouring the most on this board over the past three/seven years that I've always felt has fallen on deaf ears. But that doesn't mean you actually WANT the best players to leave.

Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:24 (eleven years ago) link

I'm not sure they finish fourth without RVP. Depends on the business of Chelsea & Spurs I suppose - or Man U sinking like a stone.

pure, beautiful, inventive (onimo), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:29 (eleven years ago) link

the russians offered 40m and nasri went for 25m so... selling for 20m does seem unwise

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:29 (eleven years ago) link

so be it, get price but sell

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:32 (eleven years ago) link

lol what point on deaf ears? that no player is irreplaceable?

the only question is is wenger capable of replacing departed players the way he once did

£25m is good money but £25m can also buy you mertesacker, santos, random korean bloke, arteta and a bumper new 50k a week deal for djourou

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:35 (eleven years ago) link

pienaar tbf like kranjcar was never going to be a good squad player the way he is a good player for everton, it's first team main man or nothing

i guess there's an art in spotting your kalous and o'sheas that goes beyond just talent

saha was a decent free but weirdly overused, arry vanity idk?

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:42 (eleven years ago) link

that 5-0 v newcastle is probably gonna be the high point of arry's life

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:43 (eleven years ago) link

lol what point on deaf ears? that no player is irreplaceable?

the whole "arsenal are fucked if they lose [insert name of star player that inevitably goes to barcelona/man city]" line that gets rolled out every summer that i've always dismissed on the basis of football being a team game, and that good teams make star players, not the other way round.

Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:46 (eleven years ago) link

yeah... not so much deaf ears as basic simplistic truism that isn't worth acknowledgment

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:51 (eleven years ago) link

missed all the xps, sorry folks

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:52 (eleven years ago) link

truism that's tested at arsenal a lot more than's usual, tbf to upto11

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:53 (eleven years ago) link

i knew i'd stayed out of this thread for a reason.

Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:54 (eleven years ago) link

awww

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:56 (eleven years ago) link

xp to onimo- not sure that spurs haven't just peaked for a while tbh

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 10:57 (eleven years ago) link

Yeah I think so too, I also feel that Man U are in the last throes of holding onto any kind of supremacy over the league, and not just because of City. Chelsea will surely improve. Everything from 2nd-5th up for grabs.

pure, beautiful, inventive (onimo), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:00 (eleven years ago) link

yeah this next year matters

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:02 (eleven years ago) link

it'll be city v united again far as i can see

arse/spurs/chels may be a bit closer to them but still squabbling amongst themselves ultimately

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:06 (eleven years ago) link

wenger's arsenal getting relegated after they lost anelka to real shows that they can't just sell their star.

wenger's arsenal getting relegated after they lost anelka to real petit and overmars to barca shows that they can't just sell their star(s).

wenger's arsenal getting relegated after they lost anelka to real petit and overmars to barca adams, keown, dixon and parlour to retirement shows that they can't just sell/lose their star(s).

wenger's arsenal getting relegated after they lost anelka to real petit and overmars to barca adams, keown, dixon and parlour to retirement pires, ljungberg and campbell to their last go around big paychecks shows that they can't just sell/lose their star(s).

wenger's arsenal getting relegated after they lost anelka to real petit and overmars to barca adams, keown, dixon and parlour to retirement pires, ljungberg and campbell to their last go around big paychecks henry to barcelona shows that they can't just sell/lose their star(s).

wenger's arsenal getting relegated after they lost anelka to real petit and overmars to barca adams, keown, dixon and parlour to retirement pires, ljungberg and campbell to their last go around big paychecks henry to barcelona ade and toure to city shows that they can't just sell/lose their star(s).

wenger's arsenal getting relegated after they lost anelka to real petit and overmars to barca adams, keown, dixon and parlour to retirement pires, ljungberg and campbell to their last go around big paychecks henry to barcelona ade and toure to city cesc and nasri in one summer shows that they can't just sell/lose their star(s).

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:08 (eleven years ago) link

omg arsenal fans are so fucking stupid

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:10 (eleven years ago) link

how could it be utd?

how?

i mean i know i said this last year and every year since 2003 but how could utd possibly finish in the top four next season with that squad of chumps?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:10 (eleven years ago) link

like everyone else is just aggressively opinionated about stuff but this lot don't even understand the question xp

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:12 (eleven years ago) link

stupid because i am bored of this 'omg but where will they be if they sell rvp' thing? they'll be in the same place, in that good/mediocre/underperforming way they have been since the last year in highbury.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:13 (eleven years ago) link

fergie zombie horde man idk. good vibe about kagawa if that happens too

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:13 (eleven years ago) link

top four would only be mediocrity if wenger ever bought eleven first team players at once- as is, it's v good considering he has a crop rotation approach.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 11:18 (eleven years ago) link

Southampton in for Jay Rodriguez at £7m. I've never seen him play tbh.

pandemic, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:48 (eleven years ago) link

I love the yearly predictions of Utd's demise. Bring it on

Number None, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:51 (eleven years ago) link

Yeah, I'm gonna give this up. I'm still staggered that they amassed 89 points last season. My anticipation of their demise will go no farther than predicting that they get 6 pts fewer next season.

pandemic, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:54 (eleven years ago) link

I think their squad looks weak at the back (fitness, age, availabilty) and at the front, Rooney aside (Owen and Berbz being replaced by people who get games and score goals might help - or getting more out of Wee Pea).

pure, beautiful, inventive (onimo), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 12:59 (eleven years ago) link

Don't really see us getting a striker what with Berbatov barely getting a game this season. I can see Will Keane being promoted from the reserves, if only for Carling Cup games and the like. Kagawa coming in (Guardian reporting that a fee has been agreed) mixes things up at the front too. I'm happy enough with the defence although a left-back is needed for sure

Number None, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:23 (eleven years ago) link

SEVEN MILLION!!

SEVEN!!

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:32 (eleven years ago) link

i did like the look of rodriguez but that's twice what he's worth at most

fockin loco mayne

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:34 (eleven years ago) link

it does seem a bit steep, but it sounds like there were a couple of bigger clubs sniffing around him too so perhaps that pushed our offer up. he's a good signing anyway and we will definitely have the best strikeforce in the championship 2013-14 season.

jabba hands, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:49 (eleven years ago) link

does anyone know shit about him?

guessing he is one of those fairly quick champo winger/forwards who dribbles by kicking the ball about 10 yards ahead and runs after it

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:50 (eleven years ago) link

Odds slashed on Rodgers for LFC now, he's meeting the Swansea chairman for talks this afternoon apparently.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:57 (eleven years ago) link

He could have at least brought Sigurdsson with him!

pandemic, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:03 (eleven years ago) link

Yes, they were awesome. The way Adam has turned into the most likeable character is pretty amazing

― Number None, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:59 (6 minutes ago) Permalink

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:07 (eleven years ago) link

couldnae resist :(

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:07 (eleven years ago) link

bit of a stretch

Number None, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:10 (eleven years ago) link

sigurdsson will be good or shit next year, do we think?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:11 (eleven years ago) link

nice epitaph for dalglish's liverpool imo

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:11 (eleven years ago) link

sigurdsson clearly has talent, good sense and a peerless work ethic

hoffenheim selling him for 7m is kinda like ba on a free

How Jessica Ennis inspired her mum (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:14 (eleven years ago) link

sigurdsson will be good or shit next year, do we think?

― pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 15:11 (3 minutes ago)

if rogers is manager or they get a manager who plays similar tactics, he'll be really good imo.

if rogers goes and they get a steady defending-is-all-important type, i think he'll get lost in the shuffle.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:16 (eleven years ago) link

ohh, rodgers is new lfc manager. or he's been given permisison to talk to them. depending on who you believe. hi brendan.

Chris, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:21 (eleven years ago) link

Certainly would please me more than Martinez.

pandemic, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:22 (eleven years ago) link

i'm torn. i've spent the last few days gazing at pics of bobby and watching interviews, so sure was i that it would be him. he's just so lovely isn't he.

Chris, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:23 (eleven years ago) link

definitely more keen on rodgers.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:25 (eleven years ago) link

brendan does have an excellent selection of checked shirts. it's a tough one for sure.

Chris, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:27 (eleven years ago) link

Rodgers is better imo. I'm really uneasy, but then I criticise big clubs for not looking downwards when appointing, so I'll bury it for now.

Is it van Gaal-Rodgers, or just Rodgers?

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:33 (eleven years ago) link

very interesting appointment, i wish all parties well

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:35 (eleven years ago) link

u&k q re dof tho

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:36 (eleven years ago) link

i'n't language wonderful?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:36 (eleven years ago) link

no idea if it's van gaal or txiki begiristain.

Chris, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:40 (eleven years ago) link

pep segura from the academy supposedly having more of a say in 1st tema matters too, but no-one seems to know for sure. could still be bobby. who knows? dave whelan probably knows.

Chris, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:42 (eleven years ago) link

any sign of hiddink?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:46 (eleven years ago) link

can't see him cause the money in the way

Number None, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:47 (eleven years ago) link

i'm torn. i've spent the last few days gazing at pics of bobby and watching interviews, so sure was i that it would be him. he's just so lovely isn't he.

― Chris, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 15:23 (21 minutes ago) Bookmark

austerity measures biting hard, time was when people would wash your brain for you

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:51 (eleven years ago) link

bobby to villa then? oh oh oh, or..., bobby to swansea? hmm, i wonder.

Chris, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:58 (eleven years ago) link

villa shurely

hughton to wba

dimatteo to swansea

good managerial possibiities next year imo, so long monkey heid

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 15:00 (eleven years ago) link

not ruling out lambo to villa just yet

r|t|c, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 15:06 (eleven years ago) link

a lot depends on dimatteo i spose, if he leaves chelsea he'll start august an epl manager tho

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 15:35 (eleven years ago) link

rangnick to west brom is the latest rumour.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 16:02 (eleven years ago) link

fyi while the 1327th go-around on rvi and rafa was happening, reading have seemingly got a lot lot richer today with their own crazy russian tycoon becoming an official 'fit and propa' owner.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 20:08 (eleven years ago) link

I really liked the look of Rodriguez when I saw us play Burnley last year - very solid all-round striker, proper line-leading type. Old-head-on-young-shoulders sort of player. I'd reckon he's ready for the step up and would be a very good addition to our bunch.

That said... £7million for a guy with no top-flight experience is perhaps a sign to selling clubs that we might perhaps be there for the taking. Summer's gonna be interesting.

William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 20:21 (eleven years ago) link

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Stevebrowne (talk | contribs) at 17:18, 28 September 2001. It may differ significantly from the current revision.

Nintendo was originally founded as a trading card company in the 19th century, a role they still play to some extent, but they are far better known as one of the greatest video game developers. Known affectionately as the big "N" or "Ninty", Nintendo have been responsible for some of the of the most exceptional videogaming software and hardware.

The Hardware

Game & Watch
Nintendo Entertainment System (rest of world) / Famicom (Japan)
Famicom Disk System (Japan only) - a large number of stores in Japan had machines which had many hundreds (thousands?) of games stored upon them. For a set price, a blank disk was bought and games selected and wrote to it, very popular in Japan, suprisingly never seen anywhere else (or was it?)
Game Boy - the original smash hit
Game Boy Advance - the new, more advanced version of the Game Boy
Virtual Boy - not one of the Game Boy family despite sounding like it. The Virtual Boy used a poorly developed 3d virtual reality like system, it was in red monochrome and induced nausea. Games wise it was the worst Nintendo release ever
Super Nintendo aka Super NES (rest of world) / Super Famicom (Japan)
Nintendo N64 - 2d is dead, or is it? the N64 saw Nintendo fully embrace the 3d game worlds that Starfox, Pilotwings, and Super Mario Kart only pretended to be
Pokemon styled
64DD - only released in Japan, this add on system games are on rewriteable disks. Games released include a paint and 3d package, F Zero X, for creating new F Zero tracks and a few others
The Software and Franchises

Mario Brothers etc. - Mario and Luigi, have to wonder about the names though, Mario Mario and Luigi Mario. Seen in countless videogames, on cereal boxes, stickers, t-shirts and even (an awful) movie. As well known as Mickey Mouse
Zelda - a huge and sprawling game world, features hundreds of characters. The main character, strangely isn't Zelda, but Link, the elfin hero of every adventure
Pokemon
Donkey Kong - one of Nintendo's original arcade games, back when they developed for the arcades
Tetris - The killer app for the original Game Boy

give me back my 200 dollars (NotEnough), Tuesday, 29 May 2012 21:04 (eleven years ago) link

interesting, but what does dave whelan think?

jabba hands, Tuesday, 29 May 2012 21:36 (eleven years ago) link

potential goal-scorers cost silly money shocker, gambling on paying over the odds for a possible 15-20 a season striker = hell go for it

Cyders from Mars (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 01:50 (eleven years ago) link

whoops, I was battered last night and misposted.

Dave whelen strikes me as more xbox kinda guy.

give me back my 200 dollars (NotEnough), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 07:14 (eleven years ago) link

Ledley King becomes a free agent next month but is set to be offered a new 12-month contract at Tottenham when he sits down for crunch talks this week.

Read that at "crutch talks" the first time.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 07:56 (eleven years ago) link

20k per match imo

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 08:24 (eleven years ago) link

No wonder Ian Harte's so fucking slow!

It is uncertain, though, that they endured the agonies to which Harte subjects himself, wearing size six-and-a-half boots on his feet which are two sizes bigger. "I know I'll have problems when I'm older – and I am getting on before anybody says it," he said. "But it has always worked with tight boots to get the ball up and down and try and trouble 'keepers."

I'm surprised he can even jog!

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:03 (eleven years ago) link

iirc ronaldo is a size 9 and wears size 7 boots, which would explain his almost ian harte level free kick taking skills

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:04 (eleven years ago) link

So if he wore the right size boots he'd be even faster!?

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:05 (eleven years ago) link

he does have a weirdly ballerina-like running technique i guess

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:07 (eleven years ago) link

maybe if he wears proper shoes he'll turn into maurice greene with the technique of andy carroll

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:07 (eleven years ago) link

Depressing me today: that Kagawa-to-Utd is being covered entirely from the perspective of commercial possibilities in Asia

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:11 (eleven years ago) link

it's a valid concern

there is one school of thought [citation needed] that beckham's move to madrid was one of the worst sales ever (ever) cuz he repaid his fee so many times over with commercial endorsement shite etc

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:13 (eleven years ago) link

Yeah, I'm with you IK. I think the Guardian went with "austerity signing". As if Kagawa wasn't gonna y'know improve the team which is the point of signing someone.

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:16 (eleven years ago) link

can't someone design boots that fit for fk takers to wear?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:18 (eleven years ago) link

I highly doubt Fergie has ever signed or will ever sign anyone on the basis of "shirt sales". Ok, maybe Dong Fangzhou...

Number None, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:22 (eleven years ago) link

park

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:23 (eleven years ago) link

come on guys, we all know kit deals are the measure of a club's achievement

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:24 (eleven years ago) link

Kit Deals, the rangy defensive mid from Trinidad and Tobago

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:24 (eleven years ago) link

Park is a fucking great player etc. He did a job for most of his time anyway

Number None, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:24 (eleven years ago) link

He also wasn't a signing from out of nowhere, I mean he'd been pretty good for PSV and had CL experience iirc

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:26 (eleven years ago) link

he's prob the best korean player ye could find, no doubt

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:26 (eleven years ago) link

it's a bit insulting to park who had been an important player for cl semifinalists psv to say that he was bought for commercial reasons

kagawa is a good signing at the price cuz he only has a year left on contract (srsly dortmund might have got him to longer than a 3yr contract)

but having signed him, his commercial value does become a thing

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:27 (eleven years ago) link

never thought of Park as a sop to Asian commercial interests, for one thing he seems too low key and for another he genuinely has been a solid utility guy who fits perfectly into Fergie's "mundane cogs in a brutally efficient machine" ethos

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:27 (eleven years ago) link

lol apposite but unrelated display name

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:30 (eleven years ago) link

even though Park is kind of a low-key guy he's still something of a god in Korea. But yeah, he's a total Fergie signing

Number None, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:30 (eleven years ago) link

Sure Kagawa's appeal is some sort of factor in going for him (most properly reflected in his price imo). But he's a good player too! The media's making like Utd have signed some sort of prodigiously efficient travelling salesman.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:32 (eleven years ago) link

not my fault he's a typical fergie signing, tbh

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:33 (eleven years ago) link

is he still running his drownedinsound 2004 column on the everton website

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:39 (eleven years ago) link

"this week i have discovered an exciting new band called Northside"

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:40 (eleven years ago) link

randle mcmonkey

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 12:41 (eleven years ago) link

that small boot thing is insane, i had no idea

esp being like slippers the way they are these days anyway, ballerina otm

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:08 (eleven years ago) link

Rodgers to be confirmed in next day or so, seems pretty solid, BBC guys tweeting it.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:10 (eleven years ago) link

I'll take that, I think.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:12 (eleven years ago) link

yeah i'm tentatively pleased.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:13 (eleven years ago) link

Him turning down the first interview because he didn't get assurances about shipping out dead wood, assuming it's true and he's stood by it, potentially turns into a massive positive.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:15 (eleven years ago) link

idk i would still bet martinez although this whole process has been bizarre

what of sigurdsson? will brendan just leave him as bargain parting gift and then go off to work with charlie adam?

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:16 (eleven years ago) link

i wouldn't bet martinez because... it's on the bbc?

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:17 (eleven years ago) link

I'm assuming that if 'dead wood' means anything, it means Charlie Adam

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:17 (eleven years ago) link

Gerrard

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:18 (eleven years ago) link

and Adam, tbf

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:18 (eleven years ago) link

well, we could go on

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:19 (eleven years ago) link

good in the transfer market and has a long term ethos but if it's gonna be an overhaul i find it unlikely he'll get top 4 immediately

but then this is the moon on a stick fsg will have to deal with not getting from any candidate

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:21 (eleven years ago) link

I'm curious which Swansea player would be most welcome at LFC if Rogers could bring one with ... suppose Gylfi would be consensus pick? Britton, Sinclair? I quite liked Danny Graham last season.

boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:21 (eleven years ago) link

ok this makes me legit excited about liverpool.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:23 (eleven years ago) link

I'm curious which Swansea player would be most welcome at LFC if Rogers could bring one with ... suppose Gylfi would be consensus pick? Britton, Sinclair? I quite liked Danny Graham last season.

― boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 14:21 (1 minute ago)

they could do with ashley williams as a solid 3rd choice centre half.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:24 (eleven years ago) link

poor overlooked Seb Coates

boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:27 (eleven years ago) link

Top 4 is unlikely, but not that unlikely imo. Newcastle nearly made it immediately after an overhaul, from a worse position than Liverpool - though arguably the way Bren's going to do it will be a bit more difficult.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:28 (eleven years ago) link

... who I've just learned is half-Scottish, and he still couldn't get a match under Dalglish. (xp)

boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:28 (eleven years ago) link

joe allen but then there's henderson ahead, neil taylor a decent back up for enrique

vorm for reina is an improvement too these days tbph

brendan is a maximiser of ability (someone like britton is talented but not outlandishly so) therefore in theory it's what he could get out of what's already there. i do find it a little exaggerated if he's thinking "must get andy carroll out for danny graham"

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:29 (eleven years ago) link

idk though tbh it's hard to assess swansea given every time they've come to loftus road they've been blown right out the water and the whole thing's felt like a big joke

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:31 (eleven years ago) link

What on earth is he going to do with Carroll?

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:32 (eleven years ago) link

They lose Kuyt this summer and Bellamy's getting old for a pacy striker, they should look to get someone in even if they hold on to Suarez and keep AC for the retrograde option.

boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:33 (eleven years ago) link

he's prob the best korean player ye could find, no doubt

We've got one yous can have, Korean footballer of the year. £4m.

Actually we've got two and we'll throw in the other one for free.

I'll get rid of these surplus players yet.

pure, beautiful, inventive (onimo), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:59 (eleven years ago) link

"A lot of players watch videos of others. I'm not scared to say I watch videos of Messi and Ronaldo, I try and inspire myself from them.

"Great players inspire you. The best player I played with was Gervi [Gervinho].

"We didn't have the same qualities, but we both tried to make the difference. He taught me some things. He makes the right runs."

Hazard went on to reject suggestions he is a poor trainer, adding: "What I like best is the nutmeg. I don't go out on the pitch thinking I'm going to do it because it comes instinctively. My left foot's not quite as strong as my right.

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 14:29 (eleven years ago) link

'It is very exciting to hear the news. I haven't seen so much of the French football but everyone I speak to says he is a very top player, a very top young player,' Lampard said.

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 14:33 (eleven years ago) link

"He taught me some things. He makes the right runs."

Wisely stops at that point in describing Gervi[Gervinho].

pure, beautiful, inventive (onimo), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 14:37 (eleven years ago) link

everyone I speak to says he is a very top player

Not since David Kelly has a source's identity been so compromised

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 14:43 (eleven years ago) link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmVBtMkN6CQ

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 14:59 (eleven years ago) link

Hazard went on to reject suggestions he is a poor trainer, adding: "What I like best is the nutmeg. I don't go out on the pitch thinking I'm going to do it because it comes instinctively. My left foot's not quite as strong as my right.

Was it Davids or Seedorf who liked nutmegging people so much their coach called it a form of masturbation?

Anyway, Rodgers would be cool and if he rates Sigurdsson then maybe all is not over for Aquilani. Poor old Martinez though, fsg would rather give the job to the guy who didn't want an interview. Feel like the first season of the job will be quite nice cos it really shouldn't take much too improve the league form by 12 points or so. Of course that's not gonna make CL but it means the manager can point to progress made.

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:05 (eleven years ago) link

telegraph says:

The clubs are currently discussing compensation for the 39 year-old, with Swansea likely to receive a payment of between £4m and £5m.

It is also understood that Liverpool will not now be appointing a director of football.

Reports had suggested the club were seeking to install a high-profile figure such as Johan Cruyff or Louis van Gaal, as well as a manager, but it appears Rodgers will be in sole control.

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:06 (eleven years ago) link

So we had a plan, and then tore up the plan. Nice start.

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:07 (eleven years ago) link

perhaps the plan was predicated on covering perceived shortcomings of some non-Rodgers candidates

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:08 (eleven years ago) link

imagine it might have been rodgers' condition

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:08 (eleven years ago) link

Mohamed Diame, Martínez's former midfielder at Wigan, has revealed he was set on a free transfer to Liverpool until Dalglish was sacked as manager.

The Senegal international, who is out of contract this summer, said: "I met Kenny Dalglish and we talked about next season but God decided to finish this situation. It is true. I was very sad in my head as I was thinking to go there but that is okay as I think I have got other opportunities to go to another club."

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:10 (eleven years ago) link

ay, you may both be right there
xxp

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:11 (eleven years ago) link

All these managers Liverpool have been linked with - Martinez, Rodgers, Villas-Boas, they all play broadly the same way and none of them play in a way that will work with Liverpool's existing midfield, so I dunno how much money the owners are planning on throwing at them to sort the problem out.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:13 (eleven years ago) link

hope diame doesnt get in trouble for accidentally revealing the shadowy david stern figure ruling over the epl

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:15 (eleven years ago) link

xp £30m reportedly (but most likely made-up)

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:16 (eleven years ago) link

Not really sure I agree with that Matt, 3 of the back 4 are decent on the ball and look to pass. The midfield can be guilty of trying difficult passes when simple ones are available but I don't think they lack the ability to do so if instructed?

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:18 (eleven years ago) link

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2012/5/29/1338322889033/Swansea-City-manager-Bren-008.jpg

lol at the paperback now a major motion picture brad pitt edition of moneyball on his desk.

mizzell, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:19 (eleven years ago) link

xposts. in theory a midfield three of lucas, henderson and aquilani would be perfect for our bren, but with lucas out for maybe half of next season and aquilani probably on his way that just leaves hendo for the time being. and adam.

Chris, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:21 (eleven years ago) link

plus maxi of course, but he'll be on his way unless some or all of kuyt, carragher, cole and aquilani get moved on. i'd be amazed if we end up keeping all those players taking into account age/wages/contribution to the 1st team etc.

Chris, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:22 (eleven years ago) link

or wait, is that a dvd?

mizzell, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:23 (eleven years ago) link

moneyball hey. guess that was the clincher.

Chris, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:24 (eleven years ago) link

haha i missed that. strangely amusing photo even besides

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/brendan-rodgers-the-day-jose-left-chelsea-it-felt-like-someone-had-died-2271087.html

good profile here

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:24 (eleven years ago) link

That's the same desk as I'm sitting at now, down to the computer, except without the book and internal Swansea report. But mine is more impressive because it's got an extra wheely bit that slides out. So much for EPL riches.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:27 (eleven years ago) link

Yeah my ideal team from what we currently have would prob be

---------------reina--------------

kelly-----skrtel--agger-----johnson

----------lucas--henderson--------

---gerrard---aquilani------downing

--------------suarez-------------

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:28 (eleven years ago) link

bellamy >>>>> downing

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:31 (eleven years ago) link

balague saying swansea have 'prepared reports on managers from la liga in case rodgers was leaving'. pep!

Chris, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 15:37 (eleven years ago) link

The last few Villarreal managers (Valverde, Garrido, Molina) are available, they'd be a playing style match for Swansea anyway.

boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 16:22 (eleven years ago) link

think rodgers sans dof is a better package than anyone who was in the frame with dof, that's a plus anyway.

V interesting v interesting indeed.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 16:24 (eleven years ago) link

so who to villa now?

Hughton to wba is on, right?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 16:26 (eleven years ago) link

villa to sail on managerless into the new season like a ghost ship, discovered floating adrift some time around christmas, all souls lost

jabba hands, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 16:41 (eleven years ago) link

beeb sticking their neck out and saying rodgers is done now, everyone else more tentative

wba supposedly don't fancy hughton's £2m release and are looking at ralf rangnick which would probs be very shrewd of them

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 16:42 (eleven years ago) link

if beeb say it, it's definitely true. they are a billion times more tentative than anyone else.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 16:46 (eleven years ago) link

With Sky confirming that Rodgers is speaking to Liverpool this afternoon, it's just confirmed what I've thought of Brendan big b*****ks for some time. He's a liar just the same as Martinez. The situation has been exactly the same. He's gone to ground just like Judas did as he feels embarrassed that he's been exposed for what he is. I for one never bought his crap about the Swansea Project and feeling at home in Swansea. He should remember that we picked him up off the scrap heap when no one else would touch him.

If he does speak to Liverpool then there's no coming back here for him. The sooner he goes the better. Lying rat. He knows exactly what he's doing to the club by going. We've backed him by putting up seven million for a player. That deal will now fall through and I have no doubt he will come back to try to take more of our top players.

The only thing Rodgers has been interested in all along is boosting his own standing. I wish him as much bad luck as possible. I hope he's sacked by Christmas. That is all

jacks taking it understandably well

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 16:52 (eleven years ago) link

lol that reminds me of the Blackburn I saw interviewed the day Shearer left after delivering the league title and 112 goals in 138 games. "What would you say to him if he were here now?" "Good riddance and thanks for nothing"

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 16:58 (eleven years ago) link

who is jacks?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:14 (eleven years ago) link

Swansea City and its supporters are unofficially known as 'Jacks'. One explanation for this name is that during the 17th century, sailors from Swansea were respected and any 'Swansea Jack' was allowed to join the crew based simply on the town's reputation for good sailors. Many, however, believe that the name originates from the renowned life-saving dog Swansea Jack.

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:18 (eleven years ago) link

BBC confirming it?

I must be old, I recognise nobody in ITV2 idents (aldo), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:33 (eleven years ago) link

Despite Kagawa's obvious appeal in Asia, United commercial director Richard Arnold denied any suggestion players were signed to boost profits.
He said: "Our popularity in certain countries or regions may depend, at least in part, on fielding certain players from those countries or regions.
"We don't sign players to sell shirts. We are reliant on 25 players and they are all massive stars. We have 25 George Clooneys.

Number None, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:37 (eleven years ago) link

We've backed him by putting up seven million for a player

I guess that's one thing to take away - in the modern football economy, Gylfi Sigurdsson's worth £1.8m more than Brendan Rodgers.

Wild guess - they replace him with Karl Robinson. Or someone else hires Karl Robinson. One of the two.

William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:37 (eleven years ago) link

poyet, zola

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:54 (eleven years ago) link

you would have to assume sigurdsson is liverpool's now surely

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:56 (eleven years ago) link

can't have poyet
xp

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:56 (eleven years ago) link

well they can i guess, but as someone who used to go watch brighton i'd rather they didn't

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:56 (eleven years ago) link

hoffenheim will prob makes us take babel back as part of the deal
xxp

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:57 (eleven years ago) link

1829: some prick on twitter: Carroll may as well leave Liverpool this second. He will be lost in Rodgers' short passing approach. Terrible decision

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 17:59 (eleven years ago) link

shouldnt gerrard be more worried

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 18:02 (eleven years ago) link

is that the bbc's description "some prick on twitter"? I would hope so.

Would love if training consisted of BR yelling "NO!" every time Gerrard attempted a pass over 20 yards long.

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 18:04 (eleven years ago) link

Eh, Poyet'd be fun cos the him-Adkins spat is too funny not to bring to the highest table.

(Also - Jay Rodriguez is worth £2m more than Brendan Rodgers)

William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 18:25 (eleven years ago) link

Zonal Marking's team of the year

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee512/zonal_marking/toty.jpg

Number None, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 20:25 (eleven years ago) link

the fuck kinda 4-4-2 is that, sort it out

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 20:29 (eleven years ago) link

statscock's on the fritz as well, hart conceded way more than 17 in 38

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 20:37 (eleven years ago) link

Three-year deal and £5m compensation does trick

^^ <3 this graun subheader ^^

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 20:50 (eleven years ago) link

cup of tea just ticket

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 20:51 (eleven years ago) link

second-best league in the world

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:07 (eleven years ago) link

Also, is Milan letting Pirlo go the worst transfer of all time?

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:09 (eleven years ago) link

no

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:16 (eleven years ago) link

I like this little profile on the BBC news site (top story in Northern Ireland). One 'County Antrim man' and two 'Carnlough man's in the first five sentences.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:30 (eleven years ago) link

that is surely nult

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:35 (eleven years ago) link

'carnlough man' sounds like one of those celebrated proto-hominid skeletons

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:37 (eleven years ago) link

the carnlough man will have lain in the loamy soil for some 350,000 years before his excavation by the famed merseysiders

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:39 (eleven years ago) link

HIS SON IS CALLED ANTON RODGERS

William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:46 (eleven years ago) link

sigurdsson deal done i thought?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 21:59 (eleven years ago) link

i thought they'd agreed a fee, not sure he's actually signed.

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:01 (eleven years ago) link

lfc could do a lot worse

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:09 (eleven years ago) link

that'd just be too cruel on swansea though wouldn't it

Chris, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:12 (eleven years ago) link

nyeah fuckem

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:19 (eleven years ago) link

i think sigurdsson will still go to swansea, perhaps it's more attractive to him. Personally i think he's more than good enough to be a starter for LFC but if he isn't sure of that i doubt he'll take the risk of being a 'squad' player at LFC.

pandemic, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:22 (eleven years ago) link

why

why aren't arsenal busting nuts to sign him?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:24 (eleven years ago) link

nah it'll happen unless there's an ostentatious display of honour from sig. the whole move would make sense plus they're mutual loyalists, brendan coached sig in the reading yoof system remember

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:45 (eleven years ago) link

Swansea have agreed a club record £6.8m fee with German outfit Hoffenheim as well as personal terms with the player, but he is yet to put pen to paper on the move.

Sigurdsson was involved in Iceland’s friendly against Sweden in Gothenburg last night and was due for a medical at Swansea later this week before completing the move.

Speaking when he first signed in January, Sigurdsson said: “Brendan was a huge reason for me coming here. We had a quick chat, but he didn’t need to sell the move to me.

“He’s a terrific coach. I respect him as a manager and that’s really important.”

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:46 (eleven years ago) link

ouch

Best for swansea to asset strip that squad right about now i reckon /jaded

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:48 (eleven years ago) link

yeah u gotta feel for swansea, today has been one almighty kick in the jacobs

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 22:58 (eleven years ago) link

job lot to pool for 40m and the loan of carragher as player/manager imo

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:02 (eleven years ago) link

get some wingers and No. 9s up in there

boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:05 (eleven years ago) link

which city has the better fishing, Swansea or Liverpool?

boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:05 (eleven years ago) link

hull

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:07 (eleven years ago) link

Lotna ehf's boats catch lumpfish, cod, catfish and plaice and Gylfi's chairmanship makes him a prominent member of the Icelandic fishing industry.[45]

boxall, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:08 (eleven years ago) link

Lambert out?

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:24 (eleven years ago) link

the icelandics are a big noise in fishing tbf, maybe second only to the dutch in europe in the big circles, course it's all gone to fuck now, i don't wonder he's keeping the football options open

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:25 (eleven years ago) link

surely Spain are as dominant in fishing as they are in football right now?

Number None, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:27 (eleven years ago) link

stealin our fish

Number None, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:27 (eleven years ago) link

strictly talking pelagic obv, i only ever remember us, the two mentioned above and the norwegians being worthy of mention tbh, and in terms of fleet the biggest factory ships all tended to be dutch or irish (but built in norway)

Should graph footballing fortunes vs share of eu mackerel quota imo

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:30 (eleven years ago) link

and yea the spanish were cunts for breaching the 12 mile line so they were actually stealin our fish

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:32 (eleven years ago) link

By far the largest fishing fleets among the EU Member States, in terms of power, were those from Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom; in 2010, the fishing fleets of each of these countries had a collective power of between 0.8 million kW and 1.1 million kW. In terms of tonnage, however, the Spanish fishing fleet was by far the largest (415 000 gross tonnes), which was more than twice the size of the fleets in the United Kingdom, Italy or France.

Number None, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:34 (eleven years ago) link

It is breaking this evening that Paul Lambert has resigned from his position at Carrow Road after furiously reacting to the news that the Norwich City board had refused Aston Villa permission to talk to him regarding the Villa Park vacancy.

r|t|c, Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:37 (eleven years ago) link

whasaaaaaat

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:54 (eleven years ago) link

xp ya sure, lots of *small* boats

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Wednesday, 30 May 2012 23:55 (eleven years ago) link

waking up this morning and... the lambert thing isn't being reported anywhere.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 31 May 2012 05:30 (eleven years ago) link

Delia Notice

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 06:09 (eleven years ago) link

it's a super soaraway sun exclusive so far

whether he formally quits or not doesnt really matter though tbf, villa pay compo either way

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 08:25 (eleven years ago) link

Some tactical & training insights on Rodgers/Swansea

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/11/brendan-rodgers-swansea-city

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 08:28 (eleven years ago) link

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/7787958/Smith-out-of-Reds-running

Gordon Smith has withdrawn his interest in becoming Liverpool's director of football.

uh ok

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 08:52 (eleven years ago) link

me too

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 09:11 (eleven years ago) link

I'm ruling nothing out.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 09:13 (eleven years ago) link

i guess now liverpool have a manager who ostensibly cares about technical players, joe cole could return maybe

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Thursday, 31 May 2012 09:17 (eleven years ago) link

ooooh that's v true

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 09:24 (eleven years ago) link

you can prove anything etc

Dan Kennett ‏@DanKennett
In all games: Carroll Starts 29, Win%=55 Points per Game=1.83 | Does not start 22, Win%=36, PPG=1.41

1.83 ppg puts them level with Spurs

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 11:16 (eleven years ago) link

In all games vs Ars, Che, MU, MC, NU & Tot: Carroll Starts 10 Win%=60, PPG=1.9 | Does not start 7 Win%=14 PPG=0.86

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 11:16 (eleven years ago) link

I've heard it said that he's a big-game player, true. Geat in the latter-stages of the FA Cup, murdered Chelsea recently and Man City (albeit last season), done alright for England.

Maybe he'll have six stormers in the Euros then it'll be off to solve Barcelona's problems.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 11:38 (eleven years ago) link

who's he gonna play the other 3 games for in the Euros?

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Thursday, 31 May 2012 11:38 (eleven years ago) link

Rodgers talks about four phases that underpin Swansea's approach when they have the ball. "There is the building and constructing from behind, the preparation through midfield, the creativity to arrive in the areas and then the taking of the goals. These are all areas that we have to continually improve on but that is the basis of our game and it doesn't change."

i'm not much of a tactics wonk but i'm starting to think this football manager thing might not be as hard as it looks

jabba hands, Thursday, 31 May 2012 11:53 (eleven years ago) link

That's all very well, but how long does it take to coach that into players used to Liverpool's more, um, direct approach? I can just see the pool players not blessed with great technique (the usual suspects) getting frustrated, the defense will be in a shambles, and Rogers out by xmas after the fans get on his back. I hope my crystal ball is just being morose.

give me back my 200 dollars (NotEnough), Thursday, 31 May 2012 12:35 (eleven years ago) link

Lukaku said he had improved in training, was eating far fewer hamburgers and, despite good performances in the matches he had started, had failed to win a regular place in the team. "Chelsea really wanted me last summer and paid a lot for me but after a while I thought are you just throwing money around?" he said.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:07 (eleven years ago) link

how much more possession did swansea have than lfc last year? Doubt it was that much more. We're really not talking about the difference btw barca and allardyce era bolton here.

pandemic, Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:43 (eleven years ago) link

at anfield it was lfc 52.3% - swansea 47.7%. at the liberty, swansea 62.5% - lfc 37.5%

Chris, Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:47 (eleven years ago) link

okay, i meant over the course of a season.

pandemic, Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:49 (eleven years ago) link

swansea's possession was a lot prettier and probing than liverpool's though.

Lukaku prob be best off not bitchin around the place now that drogba's left? His chance is this year, you'd assume.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:49 (eleven years ago) link

That's all very well, but how long does it take to coach that into players used to Liverpool's more, um, direct approach?

liverpool played passing football last season, dalglish's approach in the main wasn't long ball.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:52 (eleven years ago) link

apparently we were at 55% possession for the season and Maxi was the best passer. We were in the bottom 3 for interceptions though.

pandemic, Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:54 (eleven years ago) link

Probably in the top one 'til Lucas got crocked

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:55 (eleven years ago) link

oh and own goal was our 3rd highest scorer. Comolli should get some credit for that signing from Utd at least, on a Bosman too.

pandemic, Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:56 (eleven years ago) link

it's pace/incision/creativity/width that's lacking. basically everything except possession.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:56 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/apr/10/premier-league-possession-battle-tactics

A table of average possession in the Premier League shows a huge gap between seven sides (Arsenal, Swansea City, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool) who all average 55-59% of possession during a game, and the other 13 sides. No other team average more than 50%, and many do not attempt to. When comparing the possession table with the league table, the two greatest anomalies are Swansea (second in possession terms, 14th in the table) and Newcastle United (11th in possession terms, fifth in the table). Their match at the Liberty Stadium was a fascinating clash of contrasting approaches, with Swansea recording an amazing 77% of the ball, but losing 2-0.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:57 (eleven years ago) link

whole load of lfc stats for the season here http://basstunedtored.com/2012/05/29/liverpool-fc-201112-in-stats/ for those so inclined.

pandemic, Thursday, 31 May 2012 13:59 (eleven years ago) link

Pace above all. Even incision looks not bad when woodwork is taken into account, though that's pretty much entirely down to Suarez. Moving the ball about quickly is a kind of pace, maybe?

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:00 (eleven years ago) link

Bramble cleared btw.

pandemic, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:02 (eleven years ago) link

That's too small for me. Who did Spurs record 80% against? (and is that 0% possession for QPR and Sunderland there?)

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:03 (eleven years ago) link

I think he still plays for Sunderland unless his contract has run out.
xxp

pandemic, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:03 (eleven years ago) link

Lambert's resigned, Norwich have declined to accept.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:05 (eleven years ago) link

Was it Blackburn, IK? The match where they didn't have a single attempt on goal?

Chris, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:06 (eleven years ago) link

Long pass into final third: Liv 1049, Swa 614
Unsuccessful long pass into final third: Liv 580, Swa 352

therefore

Successful pass into final third: Liv 469, Swa 262
Long pass into final third success rate: Liv 44.7, Swa 42.7

This short pass good long pass bad shit pisses me off. Sometimes the long ball is the right ball. Sometimes a hundred short passes achieves fuck all.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:10 (eleven years ago) link

Not sure what counts as "success" in a long pass into the final third but it sounds like a good thing and Liverpool had lots of them.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:12 (eleven years ago) link

long pass more than half of the time means giving the ball away, giving the ball away is always bad

sonderangerbot, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:12 (eleven years ago) link

well if a success is the same thing as Andy Carroll "winning" a header, it doesn't count for much

Number None, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:13 (eleven years ago) link

*squints*. I think it might be Bolton, Chris. It also looks like QPR and Sunderland registered 0% against each other in the same match. The post tiki taka age has begun.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:14 (eleven years ago) link

giving the ball away is always bad

Nonsense. Attempting to score goals and get in goal-scoring positions requires playing riskier passes, long or short. Many of Barca's 1-2s/through balls/wee lobbed passes fail time after time but no-one tells them to stop giving the ball away.

Giving the ball away anywhere except in the final third is always bad, I'll give you that.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:18 (eleven years ago) link

Sometimes hooding it into Row Z is the right thing to do.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:24 (eleven years ago) link

hoofing ffs

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:25 (eleven years ago) link

Lambert's resigned, Norwich have declined to accept.
what a cunt, etc. :)

If he's going to Villa it better be for a fat stack of cash, as career-wise it's a sideways move, and geographically it doesn't get much worse than Birmingham (though, I know, lol Norwich).

CraigG, Thursday, 31 May 2012 14:48 (eleven years ago) link

A sideways move going from Norwich City to Aston Villa? You're joking, right?

Charles Kennedy Jumped Up, He Called 'Oh No'. (Tom D.), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:21 (eleven years ago) link

i dunno about it either way, football manager careers can be made or broken in very short periods of time, and fuck-all is going to be achieved at villa in the short term

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:34 (eleven years ago) link

I don't know, I think they've got a wee bit more potential than Norwich City, don't you?

Charles Kennedy Jumped Up, He Called 'Oh No'. (Tom D.), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:41 (eleven years ago) link

This short pass good long pass bad shit pisses me off. Sometimes the long ball is the right ball. Sometimes a hundred short passes achieves fuck all.

― a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:10 (1 hour ago)

Sometimes a hundred short passes gives players time to get their breath back, especially playing a high intensity pressing game like Barca or Bilbao.

On the Graundiad podcast, someone suggested that Lambert going from an overachieving club to a relative sleeping giant is what he did before at Colchester>Norwich and is what he'll be doing now with Norwich>Villa. He is a smart manager who can get the most from mediocre players, Villa get good crowds, kinda have a City to themselves as a Prem team... but fucking eck the Villa squad is shitty. When your best player is idk James Collins, then shit needs to change.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:47 (eleven years ago) link

Then Villa > ?

Charles Kennedy Jumped Up, He Called 'Oh No'. (Tom D.), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:50 (eleven years ago) link

Villa have loads more potential than Norwich, I don't see how that's even controversial.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:55 (eleven years ago) link

Sometimes a hundred short passes gives players time to get their breath back, especially playing a high intensity pressing game like Barca or Bilbao.

Yes, I know. That exact point is in the article I posted upthread re Swansea. I don't think I said anywhere there was anything wrong with short passes. I think there's something wrong with the mentality that says they are always better than long passes (and I'm not stanning for hoofing it up to the big lad all day long). Sometimes a long pass to a big fucker who holds it up and is supported by another forward gives players time to get their breath back.

Swansea's short passing and ball retention and not giving it away etc etc resulted in them losing 25% more goals than Liverpool who apparently kept playing long passes and giving it away. Maybe the stats don't really hold up when you factor in things like players in different teams having differing abilities in attack and defence and strategies taking into account the personnel available idk.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:56 (eleven years ago) link

Liverpool have much, much better defenders than Swansea though.

Shitty for Norwich fans obviously, I don't even think that player-for-player than Norwich team is that good so Lambert's worked miracles there.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Thursday, 31 May 2012 15:57 (eleven years ago) link

villa have more potential than norwich, not controversial at all.

Villa are a better fit for paul lambert than norwich, who knows?

Villa will be a safer job for paul lambert than norwich at this delicate stage of his career? Doubtful.

Villa will be happy with a norwich level of success, and indeed have the players to achieve it or the funds to acquire them? Complicated.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 16:38 (eleven years ago) link

seems like lambert had been grousing about his transfer budget this summer so you'd expect lerner's prepared to back him somewhat. unless he's had an abramovich-style change of heart i'm still not really understanding how villa are suddenly flush enough though.

holty at the holte end most likely too i'd imagine?

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 16:54 (eleven years ago) link

It also looks like QPR and Sunderland registered 0% against each other in the same match.

I'm just trying to visualise this. Presumably the referee booted the ball straight off the pitch at kick-off, neither team could agree who was supposed to take the resulting throw-in, and forty-five minutes passed with no further action. After a fiftenn-minute break, the same thing happened again.

Pacific Trash Vortex (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Thursday, 31 May 2012 16:54 (eleven years ago) link

was warnock still in charge cos that's not implausible

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 17:00 (eleven years ago) link

nah that was the late season slump under sparky where sir djib got sent off again for the retarded lunge

didnt see that one but i did the wba game where we supposedly had 60% possession, can assure you it was nothing of the sort

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 17:08 (eleven years ago) link

Beeb says Swans are moving for Graeme Jones, Martinez's assistant (from back in the Swansea days too), to replace Rodgers. Which is intriguing.

William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 31 May 2012 18:07 (eleven years ago) link

So Hulk to Chelsea for £38m. So that's £70m on 2 players in a week. I take it Hulk will play on the right of a front 3? Wonder if Sturridge will try to move on?

pandemic, Thursday, 31 May 2012 22:35 (eleven years ago) link

beware, beware all ye who click on the dreaded graun exclusive

(it probably is on tbf, they're most likely doing a beeb/brendan)

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:13 (eleven years ago) link

can imagine studge having the ego to sit through another season on the bench before the penny finally drops

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:14 (eleven years ago) link

-------- cech
ivanovic terry luiz cole
---- ramires lampard
--- hulk hazard mata
------- torres

hmmm. you'd hope that side would be flaky...

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:17 (eleven years ago) link

hulk surely surely surely plays centre of that

did he used to play on the left bytimes?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:19 (eleven years ago) link

no way does lampard make that team ahead of sturridge in some role imo, not going forward (eh not in a footballing sense)

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:20 (eleven years ago) link

hulk is a left footed target inside-right iirc

idk what ur blithering on about wrt lamps, stick mikel there then

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:22 (eleven years ago) link

until one of these cunts produces a team sheet you can't imagine yaya toure merrily rampaging down the middle of then it's tuff tits leaguewise tbh

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:25 (eleven years ago) link

^ this is p much the level of respect i anticipate when posting around here, take note anyone that ever feels inclined to allot me any extra

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:25 (eleven years ago) link

(it probably is on tbf, they're most likely doing a beeb/brendan)

nah no way, i know i keep harping on this, and i'm not even a beeb stan but i wouldn't believe a fucking thing in the guardian. just from experience, the beeb drills trust into everyone as its entire point of existence. not saying they haven't got things wrong (tho in football i struggle to think of a false story they've broken) but they wait until news is out there to break it unless they are absolutely nailed on sure of a source.

the guardian is full of howlers. the observer led a front page with kaka signs for chelsea a few years back.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:27 (eleven years ago) link

yeah no i do believe you, it's just funny how even still a day later no one is saying its done done done like the beeb is

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:30 (eleven years ago) link

and the crowd roars as brendan rodgers lifts the... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18283519

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:32 (eleven years ago) link

it is really weird, i agree. especially sky, saying all "big announcement due at 4pm about lfc". usually once bbc says it everyone just follows.

guardian kinda confirming it now, maybe sky just schilling for people to watch ssn...

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:36 (eleven years ago) link

remember The Guardian's Bale "exclusive"? is that still on

Number None, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:38 (eleven years ago) link

plays the game in what I call ‘The Old Liverpool way’

ah yes that popular coinage

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:39 (eleven years ago) link

that bale thing was just beyond belief. did nobody at any point think "hmm, how does the internet work?"

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:42 (eleven years ago) link

i've been out of the loop for much of the close season so far, folks- has there been much in the way of bale speculation?

i think modric will go very soon after the euros, and i think it'll be to utd for a record fee.

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:42 (eleven years ago) link

whose record?

Number None, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:46 (eleven years ago) link

both, unless i'm forgetting someone past berbatov

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:47 (eleven years ago) link

We do like paying you lots of money for players. The question is, will he be a dud like Berbatov or go on to become genuinely world class like Carrick?

Number None, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:49 (eleven years ago) link

Rodgers will, however, be the lead part in a sporting director-type model at Anfield and accepted that framework during talks with John W Henry and Tom Werner, Liverpool's principal owner and chairman respectively. Damien Comolli's former duties as director of football are expected to be fragmented into three new roles and further appointments are scheduled for the coming weeks.

Liverpool's new manager will retain a say on transfers although FSG, having paid excessive fees for Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson, does not intend to allow one person to have overall control on transfer policy and fees. A new executive team, headed by Rodgers, will take on that responsibility.

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:51 (eleven years ago) link

fsg putting the red into tape

r|t|c, Thursday, 31 May 2012 23:51 (eleven years ago) link

carrick was a beautiful deal for us and i crowed at my utd supporting brothers when ye paid over 6m for him

berbatov was worth every penny of the fee, not our fault nor his fault that utd were as well spending it on vintage claret for fergie to piss up against the wall tbh

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Friday, 1 June 2012 00:00 (eleven years ago) link

i don't think that the scope is there for fergie to do the same with modric, tbh- not that berbatov wasn't deserving of a starting berth but rooney's powerful fouling for some reason holds sway enough with the OT faithful that it could be forgiven to drop dimi in favour of it.

can't see utd fans putting up with carrick, giggs or park or w/e starting ahead of modric, even if similar bullshit excuses are used (lightweight, etc) as they were against dimi (lazy)

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Friday, 1 June 2012 00:03 (eleven years ago) link

i don't think it's going to happen tbh

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 00:04 (eleven years ago) link

well

he's not going to chelsea now, and we'd charge them more imo

he's not needed at city

it's utd or abroad, and i dunno where from abroad has ever shown serious interest

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Friday, 1 June 2012 00:05 (eleven years ago) link

Chelsea's transfers in the last 18 months:

David Luiz £26m
Fernando Torres £50m
Thibaut Courtois £6m
Oriol Romeu £4.35m
Romelu Lukaku £20m
Ulises Plascencia £1.75m
Juan Mata £23.5m
Raul Meireles £12m
Gary Cahil £7m
Kevin De Bruyne £6.7m
Patrick Bamford £1.5m
Marko Marin £6.5m
Eden Hazard £32m
Hulk £38m

Total: £235m

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 00:48 (eleven years ago) link

wait they signed marin?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Friday, 1 June 2012 00:49 (eleven years ago) link

yeah, bet he regrets that now

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 00:50 (eleven years ago) link

wao, Ulises Plascencia is a contender for future 'names of footballers that float through your head' status.

Merdeyeux, Friday, 1 June 2012 01:25 (eleven years ago) link

seems he goes by Ulises Dávila actually

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 01:27 (eleven years ago) link

Chelsea have agreed a fee of £38m for the Porto striker Hulk and the deal is ready to be closed. [...] Porto had wanted no less than £40m but Chelsea have haggled them down.

heh, missed this before

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 05:40 (eleven years ago) link

huw jenkins just said on talksport rodgers is contractually prevented from coming back for swansea players for 12 months

sigurdsson's "on holiday" apparently

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:15 (eleven years ago) link

Can't blame Sigurdsson, it's a pretty big factor in making a commitment like that. I'm encouraged from a Liverpool point of view anyway, even though I've barely noticed the chap - the side is (nearly) always better for having Nordic types hanging around.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:22 (eleven years ago) link

does siggy get up and down the pitch or is he more of a sitter, the deadballs and long range fizzers are clouding the memory a bit

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:26 (eleven years ago) link

more of an att mid i think. Not quite a number 10.

pandemic, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:32 (eleven years ago) link

the Gerrard role

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:33 (eleven years ago) link

Chelsea's transfers in the last 18 months:

David Luiz £26m
Fernando Torres £50m
Thibaut Courtois £6m
Oriol Romeu £4.35m
Romelu Lukaku £20m
Ulises Plascencia £1.75m
Juan Mata £23.5m
Raul Meireles £12m
Gary Cahil £7m
Kevin De Bruyne £6.7m
Patrick Bamford £1.5m
Marko Marin £6.5m
Eden Hazard £32m
Hulk £38m

Total: £235m

― Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 01:48 Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

That works out at £1.4m per league appearance so far. Or £11.5m per league goal.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Friday, 1 June 2012 08:42 (eleven years ago) link

lukaku £20m does stand out a bit.

pandemic, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:46 (eleven years ago) link

Reina 2011:

"When Rafa left Liverpool at the end of the 2009-10 season, I knew that it was the right time for him to go.

"It hurts me to say that, but the wheels had come off by then and there was no guarantee that he was going to be able to put them back on.

"I know that I will be for ever in his debt for what he has done for my football career, and it is never nice when a manager leaves or loses his job, but there are times when, for whatever reason, the methods that have been bringing a manager so much success just stop working."

Reina yesterday:

“For many of my colleagues and me, Rafa Benitez would be the ideal candidate.

“It’s that I’m not objective about it, but he is the coach who shaped me most. He is the best.”

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:47 (eleven years ago) link

plus wages, don't forget! xp

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Friday, 1 June 2012 08:48 (eleven years ago) link

xp also lucas piazon £5m in there iirc

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:48 (eleven years ago) link

Bit harsh in including Marin, Hazard and Hulk when those three alone currently stand at £∞ per appearance.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:49 (eleven years ago) link

Aye it's a bit misleading, plus a couple were signed then farmed out on loan. Still, if you're Roman Abramovich and you've coughed up £235m for 20-odd goals it's no wonder you start sacking cunts.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Friday, 1 June 2012 08:51 (eleven years ago) link

I'd pay eleven million pounds / for one of your goals

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 08:56 (eleven years ago) link

13m to Porto for Villas-Boas too

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:05 (eleven years ago) link

lmao sky sports news presenter cutting jenkins off mid speech to go to anfield press conference

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:08 (eleven years ago) link

dalglish rhymes with fish according to tom werner

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:10 (eleven years ago) link

13m to Porto for Villas-Boas too

plus whatever it cost to sack him

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Friday, 1 June 2012 09:11 (eleven years ago) link

I guess you also have to take account of the money paid to Ancelotti not to be manager any more

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:13 (eleven years ago) link

Anything else? Lunch costs, petty cash, mileage?

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:14 (eleven years ago) link

brendan here to "defend the principles of this great club"

the boy's done his homework alright

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:16 (eleven years ago) link

well Lampard's lunch costs must be astronomical

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:16 (eleven years ago) link

you didn't let me down

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:26 (eleven years ago) link

It's funny to think that his & Barton's spat was on England duty

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:27 (eleven years ago) link

Barton's dig about England players writing books after failures was maybe the last time he was otm.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Friday, 1 June 2012 09:28 (eleven years ago) link

I wonder how many more injuries it'd take before he got drafted in now. UK-wide pandemic probably, plus something taking out those two german lads.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 09:30 (eleven years ago) link

still confused about this dof/sporting director/technical director thing. rodgers won't work with a dof but they still want to bring someone in to, er, do something director of footyball-y?

Chris, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:33 (eleven years ago) link

the way i read it he won't be under anybody but he won't have sole control of say spending decisions either

korea opportunities (Noodle Vague), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:34 (eleven years ago) link

ya, i hear dalglish is in the running?

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:35 (eleven years ago) link

lol footyball-y. cute huh.

Chris, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:37 (eleven years ago) link

@holty30
I have loved my 3 years at the club and it sadness me to right this but want use to here it from me first. ‪#lovedmytime

Pacific Trash Vortex (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:39 (eleven years ago) link

footballers just don't get hashtags do they?

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:41 (eleven years ago) link

there's a lot not gotten in those short lines

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:42 (eleven years ago) link

#lovedmytime

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:43 (eleven years ago) link

can imagine my mum using that hashtag in one of her texts

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:44 (eleven years ago) link

can't believe you're all focusing on the hashtag there

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:49 (eleven years ago) link

yeah only cos I saw the tweet earlier and already mentally noted the illiteracy

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:49 (eleven years ago) link

it sadnessed me to right that post but i just want use to talk proper

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:50 (eleven years ago) link

I lolled at both howlers first time round - just read it again and they've multiplied.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:51 (eleven years ago) link

he appears to be married to debbie mcgee judging by his profile pic

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:52 (eleven years ago) link

i pley futtboll fer norig

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:53 (eleven years ago) link

i wannt mor muny

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Friday, 1 June 2012 10:53 (eleven years ago) link

I skimmed it first time round. It rewards rereading

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:54 (eleven years ago) link

I've got a lot more sympathy with his mor munny position now tbh - doubt he's walking straight into a FTSE100 consultancy when he retires.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:56 (eleven years ago) link

grant holt ‏@holty30
I have said this about grammar I do it to save character you clowns. Bore off.

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:56 (eleven years ago) link

jeez, he fairly ticked off those Swansea fans yesterday

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:59 (eleven years ago) link

grant holt ‏@holty30
Great night last night at jay-z concert with the lads and lasses.

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 10:59 (eleven years ago) link

sadness (7) v saddens (7)
right (5) v write (5)
use (3) v you (3)
here (4) v hear (4)
#doesn'tstanduptoscrutiny

Pacific Trash Vortex (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Friday, 1 June 2012 11:00 (eleven years ago) link

grant holt ‏@holty30
Will I am on the voice is dope best show on telly.

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 11:01 (eleven years ago) link

He's saved the 's' off characters, this is a high-level operator imo.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 11:04 (eleven years ago) link

what's 50 grand to a muhfucka like Holty? can you please remind me

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 11:05 (eleven years ago) link

lol @ press association:

He continued: "I have loved my 3 years at the club and it sadness (sic) me to right (sic) this but want use (sic) to here (sic) it from me first."

jabba hands, Friday, 1 June 2012 11:17 (eleven years ago) link

hahaha

r|t|c, Friday, 1 June 2012 11:18 (eleven years ago) link

grant holt ‏@holty30
@pressassociation dident say I woz sic sed I woz sadnessed

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Friday, 1 June 2012 11:19 (eleven years ago) link

Haha. I saw the cleaned up version on BBC "I want to leave the football club due to disagreements. I have loved my 3 years at the club and it saddens me to write this", then I saw the liberal use of "(sic)" in the PA one...

CraigG, Friday, 1 June 2012 11:31 (eleven years ago) link

Aw, just looked at his Twitter. +1 to the Debbie McGee, but "kind of lol but mostly sad" to the dude that asked him for a birthday retweet, together with a picture of the Norwich shirt his girlfriend just bought for him with 'Holt' on the back.

CraigG, Friday, 1 June 2012 11:36 (eleven years ago) link

It's sad but it's not quite up there with the Andy Cole tattoo guy.

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Friday, 1 June 2012 11:39 (eleven years ago) link

grant holt ‏@holty30
@pressassociation dident say I woz sic sed I woz sadnessed

― a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Friday, June 1, 2012 11:19 AM (53 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Gold!

pandemic, Friday, 1 June 2012 12:16 (eleven years ago) link

The Holt thing is going to drag on for an entire summer as smaller and smaller clubs decide against him and he ends up at Stoke.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Friday, 1 June 2012 12:20 (eleven years ago) link

Reckon he'd do alright at Villa though. They've not been the same since John Carew left.

Homosexual Satan Wasp (Matt DC), Friday, 1 June 2012 12:21 (eleven years ago) link

Andre Villas-Boas has been paid a staggering £12 million in compensation for being fired by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

mizzell, Friday, 1 June 2012 13:11 (eleven years ago) link

I wish I could get fired by Chelsea.

Pacific Trash Vortex (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Friday, 1 June 2012 13:17 (eleven years ago) link

I take it Chelsea are going all-out for Pep now? There's so little other movement on that front that Harry's still right up among the favourites.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 1 June 2012 13:27 (eleven years ago) link

Del Piero is off to Montreal it seems

Number None, Friday, 1 June 2012 15:43 (eleven years ago) link

ESPN do some good soccer writin

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature/_/id/1083751/ronaldinho-out-of-form-and-out-of-pocket?cc=5739

Number None, Saturday, 2 June 2012 10:44 (eleven years ago) link

poor paul gascoigne

give me back my 200 dollars (NotEnough), Saturday, 2 June 2012 11:45 (eleven years ago) link

ugh, Traffic are scumbags imo

Steve Youngblood (dan m), Saturday, 2 June 2012 13:47 (eleven years ago) link

Kuyt is signing a three year contract at Fenerbahce today.

HO WBEAUTIFUL IS THE GENTLYFALLINGBLOOD? (Le Bateau Ivre), Sunday, 3 June 2012 12:42 (eleven years ago) link

farewell dirk, probably the right time to move on but you've been great.

pandemic, Sunday, 3 June 2012 13:02 (eleven years ago) link

It seems that Fener paid 1m euros for him. Even for Kuyt, that's not a lot of money is it?

It's seen as a remarkable but interesting move here in Holland. All the Feyenoord fans are pissed off as they hoped he'd return to Rotterdam. But they can't afford him.

Can't say I don't understand it: Istanbul is a fantastic city, he'll be paid royally I'm sure, and his 'work ethic' is appreciated in Turkey I think.

Was Kuyt the last archetypical (or stereotypical) Liverpool signing? Always working hard, never giving up etc?

HO WBEAUTIFUL IS THE GENTLYFALLINGBLOOD? (Le Bateau Ivre), Sunday, 3 June 2012 13:30 (eleven years ago) link

Lucas arrived a season later iirc
xp

pandemic, Sunday, 3 June 2012 13:34 (eleven years ago) link

Oh yeah, forgot about Lucas, he fits that ethic as well.

HO WBEAUTIFUL IS THE GENTLYFALLINGBLOOD? (Le Bateau Ivre), Sunday, 3 June 2012 13:35 (eleven years ago) link

Good news all round, except that LBI is back.

Ismael Klata, Sunday, 3 June 2012 15:11 (eleven years ago) link

Right back atcha slick ;)

HO WBEAUTIFUL IS THE GENTLYFALLINGBLOOD? (Le Bateau Ivre), Sunday, 3 June 2012 15:36 (eleven years ago) link

Sorry dude, I did mean to say I was just kidding, but I forgot and went out instead - you know I got <2

Ismael Klata, Sunday, 3 June 2012 16:22 (eleven years ago) link

ach, that's a typo

Ismael Klata, Sunday, 3 June 2012 16:23 (eleven years ago) link

<3

HO WBEAUTIFUL IS THE GENTLYFALLINGBLOOD? (Le Bateau Ivre), Sunday, 3 June 2012 16:37 (eleven years ago) link

ismael's reign of terror continues. on the missing ilfers note, where's james mitchell gone? and where tf is boxall with our fantasy league results ffs?

Merdeyeux, Sunday, 3 June 2012 20:51 (eleven years ago) link

otm

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Sunday, 3 June 2012 20:58 (eleven years ago) link

Is there a decent fantasy football for the euros? I need some redemption.

Ismael Klata, Sunday, 3 June 2012 21:04 (eleven years ago) link

there's a few options, sky sports (probably the shittest im guessing but the cunts in my work are using it so so am i), metro http://fantasyfootball.metro.co.uk/EU_EF/fantasy/ and the mcdonalds official one http://en.euro2012fantasy.uefa.com/

zverotic discourse (jim in glasgow), Sunday, 3 June 2012 21:05 (eleven years ago) link

with the proviso that im shit at fantasy football my team is: stekelenburg, alba, rami, chiellini, kadlec, eriksen, dzagoev, alonso, silva, cassano, lewandowski.

zverotic discourse (jim in glasgow), Sunday, 3 June 2012 21:07 (eleven years ago) link

anyone know if huntelaar is actually getting many minutes, i want him up front ideally.

zverotic discourse (jim in glasgow), Sunday, 3 June 2012 21:07 (eleven years ago) link

I heard he's knackered, but I imagine he'll still start. Are we doing a league? I didn't realise the thing started this week.

Ismael Klata, Sunday, 3 June 2012 21:12 (eleven years ago) link

i think i (we?) did the metro one before, and it was p shit. by which i mean far too involved. don't let us change teams every day, plz.

Merdeyeux, Sunday, 3 June 2012 21:14 (eleven years ago) link

still got it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D9W9Sj5au0

Number None, Sunday, 3 June 2012 21:15 (eleven years ago) link

anyone know if huntelaar is actually getting many minutes, i want him up front ideally.

― zverotic discourse (jim in glasgow), Sunday, June 3, 2012 11:07 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

I heard he's knackered, but I imagine he'll still start. Are we doing a league? I didn't realise the thing started this week.

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, June 3, 2012 11:12 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

He's not knackered, he's effing pissed off because Van Marwijk chooses Van Persie over Huntelaar, whereas Huntelaar believes he should be center forward. It is the Dutch EC debate: Huntelaar, Van Persie, or both with Van Persie at the 10. The nation is torn apart by it. Huntelaar has expressed he is "angry but will not leave the team 'now'".

Wouldn't count on Huntelaar getting a lot of playtime though. Also because Holland won't survive the group stage tbh.

HO WBEAUTIFUL IS THE GENTLYFALLINGBLOOD? (Le Bateau Ivre), Sunday, 3 June 2012 22:19 (eleven years ago) link

So the go-around starts.

Hazard is official to Chelsea.
So Lille have signed Marvin Martin.
Kagawa to Utd is official.
Ronaldinho has moved, maybe this team will pay him.
Joey Barton has been... arrested? Not Joey?!

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 11:05 (eleven years ago) link

Dempsey and Siggy would be pretty no-nonsense signings and both would score a shedload of goals. If I was a Liverpool fan I'd be encouraged by that, although I said the same thing about Charlie Adam last year.

Matt DC, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 11:26 (eleven years ago) link

And the Guardian reckons Marcel Desailly is the new favourite to become Swansea manager. Which... hmm. Norwich, meanwhile, are apparently hunting for a manager with top-league experience, and would be willing to go for anyone from Serie A, La Liga or the Bundesliga. Which means they're getting Steve Bruce.

William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 11:27 (eleven years ago) link

Chuffed about Kagawa. Hope he gets the No. 7 shirt that Owen has been wasting these past few years

Number None, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:07 (eleven years ago) link

read that as 'washing' first

sonderangerbot, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:13 (eleven years ago) link

why would he wash it? Thing must still be box fresh.

pandemic, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:19 (eleven years ago) link

smells of horsecock

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:23 (eleven years ago) link

Now for a CM hopefully. Strootman perhaps

Number None, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:28 (eleven years ago) link

You wouldn't want to take Charlie Adam off our hands would you? No? Ah well.

pandemic, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:35 (eleven years ago) link

we have a diaby and denilson bogof deal while offers are going

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:37 (eleven years ago) link

"I want to go abroad as I have outgrown the league" - Newcastle target Douglas

a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace (onimo), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:47 (eleven years ago) link

The 'Desailly Favourite' story isn't actually borne out by the odds btw. He's come in massively, but Holloway, Jones, Poyet and intriguingly Laudrup are all well ahead.

Well done wrt Kagawa btw.

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:49 (eleven years ago) link

Will somehow try to root for Kagawa success and Utd decline. Not sure how that could happen exactly, but whatever.

pandemic, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:53 (eleven years ago) link

cheer up

Lille boss Rudi Garcia has revealed Joe Cole is set to remain a Liverpool player next season.

However, despite claims from the coach that Cole would be welcomed back to Stade Lille-Metropole, Garcia has claimed that new Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers plans to keep the former England international.

"Joe Cole will stay at Liverpool," Garcia revealed to Canal+. "The new staff has decided to keep him.

"We will keep very good memories of the player but also of the man."

Number None, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:55 (eleven years ago) link

Where's Modric supposed to be going? Because if it's also Utd I'll be very torn.

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 12:56 (eleven years ago) link

My only memory of Joe Cole @ LFC is him getting sent-off against Arsenal. Oh, and he missed a penalty in the EL as well I think. Promising.

pandemic, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:01 (eleven years ago) link

At this stage I'd be pretty surprised if he goes to another Premiership team - I suspect United will balk at the price, City don't need him, I suppose it depends on where Chelsea decide to play Hazard. Can see him going to PSG or somewhere in Italy thought.

How has Joe Cole been doing at Lille incidentally?

Matt DC, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:10 (eleven years ago) link

Well by all accounts (not that I've actually seen any of it). He started the majority of games I think. Think the tempo/standard suited him, but being optimistic, perhaps it has restored any confidence in himself he'd lost at LFC.

pandemic, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:12 (eleven years ago) link

He's been steady. Generally plays, but not for 90 mins; a few goals, but very overshadowed by Hazard.

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:13 (eleven years ago) link

I'm more concerned by the fact that for some reason I had blithely assumed Lucas would be fit for the start of the season based on no evidence whatsoever I may add. It now dawns on me that he won't, and if you factor in getting match fit he won't be up to full Lucas powers until Christmas at best probably.

pandemic, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:15 (eleven years ago) link

yup

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:21 (eleven years ago) link

been reading up on brendan rodgers and i'm quite excited. very impressed with his press conference too. 'you train dogs, i like to educate players'. i really like him.

Chris, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:48 (eleven years ago) link

He's like a young Roy Hodgson

Tom D (Tom D.), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:50 (eleven years ago) link

I haven't seen enough of Swansea to be able to guess, but what's your impression of how he'd be able to play with the existing squad? I'm thinking particularly of the midfield, which isn't too bad techniquewise but is definitely on the slow side.

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:53 (eleven years ago) link

Other than Dyer/Sinclair, Swansea is a p slow team.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 13:54 (eleven years ago) link

with the current squad and everyone fit i'd guess lucas at the base, henderson as the box-to-box, and gerrard as the attacking mid. but lucas will be out for a while and gerrard will be injured at some point. henderson could play at the base, he mightn't be as good a ball winner as lucas but he's got the positional sense and the brains to play there, and he put some good displays in playing there towards the end of the season, just keeping things ticking over. be interesting to see if he can work on enrique, he wants too many touches so he'll need to learn to move it quicker. and if he keeps adam will he move him further forward in the attacking mid role? looking at some stats and i think danny graham had fewer touches per match last season than other target men like carroll and adebayor, so it'll be interesting to see how he uses carroll, and also if he can work on his movement. hopefully we'll see an end to suarez pressing on his own and wasting energy, and we'll get a more organised, energy-saving press, but it'll take time obviously. not expecting instant results, but i am quite excited.

Chris, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 14:52 (eleven years ago) link

ugh dempsey to liverpool would make me sad

Steve Youngblood (dan m), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 14:53 (eleven years ago) link

I don't see Deuce at Liverpool personally. I'm more interested in the Fellaini to Liverpool story that's surfaced, though it's not immediately clear to me how that fits.

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 15:04 (eleven years ago) link

lfc have a good enough bunch of players to work with, it's pretty clear that a lot of their first team didn't play to their level last year

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 15:46 (eleven years ago) link

NOOOOOO

Nani has said he will consider offers to leave Manchester United after contract talks stalled. The winger, who moved to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, signed his most recent deal just over two years ago and has two further seasons remaining.

"I have had five seasons at Manchester United and have won all the titles," Nani said. "Now I am really happy but I don't know about my future. Now I will study opportunities. Football is not only about England or Spain. It is possible to enjoy success in other countries. My agent is waiting on news about United. We have presented a counter-offer and now we are waiting on an offer from the club."

Number None, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 16:10 (eleven years ago) link

I can't imagine how it must feel to love Nani

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 16:16 (eleven years ago) link

It took me a while, now i can't imagine feeling any other way

Number None, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 16:18 (eleven years ago) link

like loving suarez, but cleaner, i guess

pet tommy & the barkhaters (darraghmac), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 16:19 (eleven years ago) link

Football is not only about England or Spain.

Barca and Real don't want him, Utd won't pay whatever he's asking for so... Milan or PSG?

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 18:50 (eleven years ago) link

yeah i noticed those quotes the other day

it wouldn't be milan or an italian side cuz he wouldn't feel it necessary to rationalize going to serie a in that way

so unless bayern really do get rid of robben, it's psg or russia.....

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 18:57 (eleven years ago) link

i don't know if psg need him but if he was available i suppose they could throw him on the pile with lavezzi menez nene pastore etc etc

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 18:58 (eleven years ago) link

"I've never had a problem with Daniel Levy," he said on Sky Sports News. "I've probably got on as well with Daniel as I could any... People keep talking about our relationship. I've never had a minute's problem with Daniel Levy in terms of falling out with him or whatever. I don't even know where that comes from.

"The simple situation is, I've got a year left on my contract. It's up to Tottenham whether they want to extend that contract or not. If they don't extend it and I go into my last year, it's not an easy one when players know you've only got a year left.

"It's not a case of me looking for security. What it's about is players knowing you've only got year left on your contract and knowing that it doesn't work, basically.

"I think it's a situation of, 'well, he might not be here next year'.

"You don't let players run into the last year of their contract if you think they're any good, and you don't let managers run into the last year of their contract if you think they're any good.

"It's up to Tottenham. If they think I'm okay and I've done a decent job an deserve an extension, they'll give it to me.

"If Daniel doesn't think I'm worth it, that's up to him, that's up to the club. There's nothing I can do about it."

r|t|c, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 20:10 (eleven years ago) link

classic arry all round

r|t|c, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 20:10 (eleven years ago) link

With that he's down another notch in the Chelsea odds to just a smidgeon behind the favourites: 3/1 now vs 2/1 for Pep and RdM. The Pinefox broke the news here first iirc.

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 20:13 (eleven years ago) link

With that he's down another notch in the Chelsea odds to just a smidgeon behind the favourites: 3/1 now vs 2/1 for Pep and RdM. The Pinefox broke the news here first iirc.

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 5 June 2012 21:13 (44 minutes ago)

omgplzplzplzplzplzplzplzplzplzplzplzpzlpzlpzlz

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 5 June 2012 21:03 (eleven years ago) link

new cardiff badge:

http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/javaImages/ce/9c/0,,10335~10919118,00.jpg

the bluebird is a bit off-message, presumably it will be quietly dropped from the design once they've reached the prem/increased their shirt sales in asia

jabba hands, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 11:00 (eleven years ago) link

Hold on, they've gone ahead with the red strip after all? Kind of awed by the cynicism in defusing fans' anger first.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 11:07 (eleven years ago) link

yeah, change of kit and badge being a condition of major new investment, payment of debts etc. when was the last time a club just changed colours like this?

jabba hands, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 11:26 (eleven years ago) link

Not exactly a modern phenomenon... see Don Revie changing Leeds Utd to all-white (I think they were blue and yellow before) in emulation of Real Madrid

Tom D (Tom D.), Wednesday, 6 June 2012 11:34 (eleven years ago) link

Krancjar to Kiev then. The exodus begins

Number None, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 12:07 (eleven years ago) link

adieu kraanxi, nobody could spell your name but maybe that's cuz they were scanning it to 'kranc dat'

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 6 June 2012 12:09 (eleven years ago) link

hmmm

Price details?

Against letting him go, but no point keeping him not to play him, see also corluka, pienaar, huddlestone, dos santos, mb defoe idk

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:17 (eleven years ago) link

5m

Number None, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:18 (eleven years ago) link

ah ffs

for a player that'll play 30 games if modric goes

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:20 (eleven years ago) link

didn't you you pay half that for him?

Number None, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:21 (eleven years ago) link

kranjcar is a left side attacking midfielder
modric a deep lying playmaker

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:22 (eleven years ago) link

Yeah not the same player at all, Kranjcar can only play effectively on the left, he is ridiculously ineffectual in central midfield and on the right.

Matt DC, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:25 (eleven years ago) link

the truth is never that simple imo

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:26 (eleven years ago) link

Is is that simple, he's never played well in those positions, and if Modric does go then simply shifting Kranjcar into his position wouldn't be a viable replacement.

Matt DC, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:28 (eleven years ago) link

Not sure if he's even started 30 games since he's been at Spurs?

pandemic, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:29 (eleven years ago) link

u would have to be simple to categorize two players together just cuz they are i) croatian ii) have a first touch better than scott parker's

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:30 (eleven years ago) link

Actually Kranjcar was initially signed as cover for when Luka got injured but that was when we were playing Modric narrow on the left and Palacios and Thudd in central midfield. Kranjcar nowadays would be more likely to get games if Bale were to leave.

Matt DC, Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:33 (eleven years ago) link

he should have left last year, he is too good to be a squad player at tottenham

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:36 (eleven years ago) link

Chelsea finally outbid. Some fella by the name of Battersea. I've never even heard of him myself but he went for £400m so he must be as good as Messi.

pandemic, Thursday, 7 June 2012 08:48 (eleven years ago) link

That's a shame, it could've made a marvellous stadium. Umpteen blocks of flats instead isn't very exciting.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 7 June 2012 09:00 (eleven years ago) link

juve could be a nice viewing option next season-

Juventus have apparently come to an agreement with Udinese for the transfer of duo Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah.

Both players have been linked away from the Stadio Friuli in recent months with Inter and Manchester also said to be interested, however it seems the Bianconeri have stolen a march on their rivals.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the two clubs have come to an agreement regarding a fee, with Juve paying €15 million for 50 per cent of each players rights.

It is expected that the personal terms will be agreed quickly with the transfer going through within the next few days.

shame udinese have to continue being a selling club though.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 7 June 2012 16:40 (eleven years ago) link

what kind of player is Asamoah? if modric leaves, i kinda want him to go to juve as a long term replacement for pirlo.

mizzell, Thursday, 7 June 2012 16:48 (eleven years ago) link

When I've seen him Asamoah has been like a poor mans Yaya. V. direct and forceful.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 7 June 2012 17:14 (eleven years ago) link

"poor mans Yaya" still means better than most players, obv.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 7 June 2012 17:15 (eleven years ago) link

good luck getting that game time Pogba

Number None, Thursday, 7 June 2012 18:46 (eleven years ago) link

Hughton has officially become Norwich manager. Seems like a good choice who could hopefully steer them clear of relegation.

Steve Clarke to WBA?

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 7 June 2012 19:05 (eleven years ago) link

rowche rangnick wouldve been funner if riskier

although personally i'm happy as it might bore ben foster enough into coming to rangers

the hell kind of filler inanity is "Seems like a good choice who could hopefully steer them clear of relegation" btw, come on son

r|t|c, Thursday, 7 June 2012 20:06 (eleven years ago) link

i just don't know about hughton there really, lambert is a big character to lose (plus holty probably) and i'm not sure if they won't need something a bit more proactive than keeping the ship steady

r|t|c, Thursday, 7 June 2012 20:11 (eleven years ago) link

proactive schmoactive. they need to get on that wigan existing-for-the-sake-of-existing bandwagon.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 7 June 2012 21:11 (eleven years ago) link

fee for krancjar somewhere between 4 and 7. whatever it was pretty good business, he only had one year left on his contract. never got enough time, but i always liked watching him play. his goal at stoke via a gudjonson dummy is one of my favorite spurs goals.

mizzell, Thursday, 7 June 2012 21:16 (eleven years ago) link

isla & asamoah were the two best players in that udinese squad that finished 3rd (?). both 23 years old too.

zverotic discourse (jim in glasgow), Thursday, 7 June 2012 21:18 (eleven years ago) link

hmmm, The Sun seems sure

LUKA MODRIC is on his way to Manchester United.

Boss Alex Ferguson has offered Tottenham a £25million fee, rising to £30m based on appearances and success.

Modric, 26, will be handed a four-year deal worth £26m.

His wages of £125,000 a week will put him among the big earners at Old Trafford.

Modric has kept up to date with talks while at Euro 2012 with Croatia and will seal the move on his return.

Spurs held off interest from Chelsea to hold on to the midfielder last year.

The Croatian said he had no intention of quitting Spurs having signed a six-year deal in May 2010.

United boss Fergie signed Japanese star Shinji Kagawa this week and wants Newcastle’s Cheick Tiote and Everton left-back Leighton Baines — but refuses to match the £20m valuations on each.

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 00:19 (eleven years ago) link

Ugh, with those four you'll be so much better than last year (and will likely get ten points less)

Ismael Klata, Friday, 8 June 2012 05:34 (eleven years ago) link

I can't see why Spurs would accept £15m less than they supposedly rejected last year.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Friday, 8 June 2012 05:43 (eleven years ago) link

Clarke confirmed at WBA. Infinite a hoy hoys with infinite typewriters otm.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 8 June 2012 08:55 (eleven years ago) link

just reportin' the news, sonny.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Friday, 8 June 2012 09:46 (eleven years ago) link

xp cos modders is even more naffed off than he was last summer but now there's only one plausible bidder left? besides, that £40m (if even true) was an outlier abramovich lunge and shouldnt really be the metric.

story needs more info than just super soaraway enthusiasm anyway tbh. do united really want modders & kags both? would modders brook being chained down for another year? might psg fancy a bite? questionzzzz

r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2012 09:47 (eleven years ago) link

the only source we have on that £40m bid is Harry Redknapp

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 09:48 (eleven years ago) link

i was kinda thinking about ffp the other day and the team (and dominance) united would have had if chelsea werent around to outbid them for the likes of duff, essien, robben, mikel, these guys that were either on the international come up or were proven but only domestically

anyway idk it seems to me like now chelsea and city's focus has shifted a little to actual world hype type statement stars united sort of again suddenly have a free run at these dudes - kagawa, tiote, baines, modders (bit harsh on luka but let's be real) - just slightly the next rung down, the £20m not £40m players

whereas before they were being squeezed by chelsea just topping up the squad from abroad (ramireses and ivanovices) and city hoovering up the domestic milners and johnsons

probably overdetermined and nowhere near watertight but meh just thinkin aloud

r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2012 09:49 (eleven years ago) link

wld that be


carrick modders
nani kagz young
twp

without a natural dm? even tiote isn't an out-and-out destroyer if they go for him, could be v. suspect defending.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Friday, 8 June 2012 09:50 (eleven years ago) link

they paid us for Mikel actually. Which was nice

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 09:51 (eleven years ago) link

Carrick is a better defender than given credit for, but yeah i'm not really sure Modric is what we need. I mentioned Strootman the other day and apparently Utd's scouts watched him ten times last season

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 09:52 (eleven years ago) link

wait rtc are you saying the andersons/nanis/carricks/hernandezs/evras/valencias were uncharacteristic during the mid 00s? i don't really see a difference between then and now or now and when they were going for cronnie and veron etc.

for the past idk 13 years they have seemed to go the same way, mostly 15m types with the occasional 30m big big name like rio, veron, rooney, berba, (modric?) every 2 or 3 seasons.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Friday, 8 June 2012 09:54 (eleven years ago) link

i guess there was that one or two years when fergie tried to wenger it and bought the twins/pogba/macheda etc.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Friday, 8 June 2012 09:56 (eleven years ago) link

Ech, you've all made me realise how much Liverpool need Modric, and also just how unfeasible that move would be.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 8 June 2012 09:59 (eleven years ago) link

you'll get Diamé and Sigurdsson and be happy about it

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 10:02 (eleven years ago) link

nah i'm not saying united's strategy has changed at all, just they've less competition for "their" players now than they've previously had for a long while

r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2012 10:28 (eleven years ago) link

Business interests

Despite claiming to be "not in to fishing",[43] Gylfi became the chairman of a fishing company in Flateyri called 'Lotna ehf' in 2011.[44] Lotna ehf's boats catch lumpfish,cod, catfish and plaice and Gylfi's chairmanship makes him a prominent member of the Icelandic fishing industry.[45]

I like the cut of this guy's jib

Ismael Klata, Friday, 8 June 2012 10:41 (eleven years ago) link

eek what will sailor d-mac make of that

r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:01 (eleven years ago) link

we already covered it

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:03 (eleven years ago) link

i have no idea why but the poland coach apparently has said lewandowski is going to united as well

sonderangerbot, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:28 (eleven years ago) link

didn't fergie say lewandowski was the worst player he's ever seen or something like that

sonderangerbot, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:29 (eleven years ago) link

wasn't that bebe?

pandemic, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:32 (eleven years ago) link

read something about a Berbatov + cash deal (not that those ever happen). Would be weird for Dortmund to sell us essentially their two best players

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:34 (eleven years ago) link

and if you want Wenger-esque signings, Angelo Henriquez is supposedly in the bag too

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:36 (eleven years ago) link

Might be super-naive here but i'd have thought that if Spurs wanted to hold of to Modric they'd be in a much better position now, when there's only one bidder who can be priced out of a move, than when they were up against Chelsea, PSG, etc. I can't see Levy letting him go that easily.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Friday, 8 June 2012 11:38 (eleven years ago) link

*keep hold of*

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Friday, 8 June 2012 11:38 (eleven years ago) link

"The assist thing? I've constantly set up chances, as I did at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough and have done at Liverpool, season in and season out," Downing said. "I can't be criticised for not creating. I'm in the team to do that and I've done that throughout the season. I've just been unlucky that we've not finished the chances.

"Stats have taken over the game: he doesn't score this, he hasn't set up that... You can read into it as you like. If you look at what I did at Aston Villa, those chances got put away. Last season I was on a par with that, but at Liverpool they didn't [get put away]. It seemed to take us four or five chances to score a goal."

r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:38 (eleven years ago) link

For Joe Hart, Downing is the squad's great conundrum. "It's surprised me how he's not scored," the keeper said. "I watched goalkeepers go to Anfield week in, week out and have the games of their lives. I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die."

r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:42 (eleven years ago) link

mightve c&p'd that last one wrong

r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:42 (eleven years ago) link

'In my opinion, in a moment they will be gone from Borussia,' Smuda said. '"Lewy" is going to Manchester United, Kuba also somewhere in England, Piszczek to Real (Madrid).'

hmm

r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:49 (eleven years ago) link

he probably reads the same forums i do

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:49 (eleven years ago) link

That reads more like a Dave Whelan quote

Ismael Klata, Friday, 8 June 2012 11:51 (eleven years ago) link

for the past idk 13 years they have seemed to go the same way, mostly 15m types with the occasional 30m big big name like rio, veron, rooney, berba, (modric?) every 2 or 3 seasons.

It's very difficult to compare different times because 'a £15M player' means very different things in different years. Things moved so fast in the nineties - Shearer was the record signing for about £3m when he went to Blackburn and then was the record signing again just four years later for about five times that much. Ignoring whatever the actual fees were, I would say Keane (93), Cole (95), Yorke (&Stam?) (98), RVN & Veron (01), Ferdinand (02), Rooney (04) and Berbatov (08) were all big money signings. It definitely used to happen a lot more often than now.

Pacific Trash Vortex (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Friday, 8 June 2012 13:21 (eleven years ago) link

yeah, but none of those signings were superstar foreign imports (apart from Veron, and look how that turned out). Utd's MO is to overpay for proven Premier league talent

Number None, Friday, 8 June 2012 13:28 (eleven years ago) link

also prolly pretty handy to have had giggs scholes neville (and becks i suppose) all that time

Rosie 47 (ken c), Friday, 8 June 2012 14:20 (eleven years ago) link

raphael honigstein ‏@honigstein
Lewandowski/ManUtd update. Polish journo Mihal Pol said Smuda's comments were flippant/not serious. "He'd be the last one to know" (1)

raphael honigstein ‏@honigstein
info from Lewandowski's people: United made enquiry a month ago, categorically knocked back from Dortmund. no contact since

I

mizzell, Friday, 8 June 2012 22:46 (eleven years ago) link

ok can't stop laughing right now about the rumor that's sending thiago silva from ac milan to psg... for an unbelievable 40-50M€ O_O

Jibe, Monday, 11 June 2012 10:15 (eleven years ago) link

meh jibe i've seen sillier rumours...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2155603/QPR-ambitious-bid-Olivier-Giroud.html

r|t|c, Monday, 11 June 2012 13:49 (eleven years ago) link

RdM to be confirmed at Chelsea tomorrow has slipped under the radar a bit. It's only a one-year deal, but it's Chelsea so that just seems like the honest move really.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 11 June 2012 13:54 (eleven years ago) link

so will guardiola be interested in Chelsea job next year? Maybe he's waiting for SAF to retire and go for that, just to piss Jose off.

mizzell, Monday, 11 June 2012 14:03 (eleven years ago) link

I'd hope not, Chelsea feels all wrong for him. He should make his way to Arsenal.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 11 June 2012 14:12 (eleven years ago) link

oh i'm not saying that's the only silly rumour r|t|c. however this thiago silva is touted as very well on its way to being done by l'équipe (then again at some point during winter, beckham to psg was supposed to be a done deal according to them). also tbh just looking at all the players that have been linked to psg gets me laughing. i really don't know who newspapers will link them to next since they've already said they were in talks with basically any relatively famous player.

Jibe, Monday, 11 June 2012 14:34 (eleven years ago) link

Saints will line up in stylish all new home and away strips this coming season.

Our footballing journey continues with a brand new look for the Red and White Army as we march back into the Premier League in the new designs from the 'Tailored by Umbro' range

The new kits will affirm the Club's status as a team playing amongst the elite of English football.

They are designed to the highest quality and finish, perfect for you to fill with passion and pride whilst showing your support for the team.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/da/Oh_Boy-Brotherhood_Of_Man.jpg

William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 11 June 2012 17:43 (eleven years ago) link

so jealz of umbro kits :(

r|t|c, Monday, 11 June 2012 19:39 (eleven years ago) link

The £40,000 wedding of a Premier League footballer Danny Guthrie descended into violence last weekend, when police were twice called out to the stately home where it was hosted.

Fighting broke out following the marriage of Newcastle player Danny Guthrie, 25, and his bride Rebecca at Allerton Castle - once owned by 'Grand Old Duke Of York' Prince Frederick - near Harrogate, Yorkshire.

Guests reportedly threw lobster thermidor at each other at the lakeside reception and staff at the home said they had 'behaved like peasants with money'.

Police were called to the scene following a report of a brawl at the wedding venue.

The bride, 23, was said to have been taken to hospital for checks the following morning following claims that she was punched in the face.

Allerton Castle's managers, John and Jan Cook, confirmed that police had twice been called out but said they had been 'advised by the Trust not to say anything'.

But a source close to the wedding venue said: 'They were obnoxious and disgusting. One could say it would be expected of a rough pub on a council estate, but then that's probably unfair to council estates. It was more Big Fat Gypsy Wedding than our usual clientele.'

Last night at the gates of the £800,000 detached home she shares with Danny Guthrie in Ponteland, Tyneside, Mr Guthrie's wife Rebecca denied the incident took place.

'No, no, no. I don't want to know, this is way beyond me, I don't want this, this didn't happen. You'll have to call Danny's agent,' she said.

Mr Guthrie's mother Jackie also denied any brawl: 'I don't know what you're talking about. There was no punch up. There was no fight. What do you mean someone mouthed off?' she said.

'It was a clean cut wedding and nothing happened.'

However, a female voice in the background reportedly said repeatedly: 'Shut the door and don't say anything.'

r|t|c, Monday, 11 June 2012 19:47 (eleven years ago) link

thiago silva is the best central defender, if you are a sovereign wealth fund in need of a central defender then hey why not

gallini is probably rubbing his hands together until the chafing is worse than a chafing simile

too cool graham rix listening to neu (nakhchivan), Monday, 11 June 2012 22:08 (eleven years ago) link

ya thiago silva would be a good buy. the best rumours about psg are still the rooney for 150M€ that were peddled a couple of weeks ago.

Jibe, Tuesday, 12 June 2012 03:31 (eleven years ago) link

Nick Powell signed for Utd btw. Better than Hazard for sure

Number None, Tuesday, 12 June 2012 19:43 (eleven years ago) link

Unusual for 'Arry out rumours to reach ITV before they reach us

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 12 June 2012 19:49 (eleven years ago) link

Pete O'Rourke ‏@SkySportsPeteO

http://Skysports.com understands Michael Laudrup is set to be named the new Swansea boss. #swansfc

Number None, Tuesday, 12 June 2012 19:57 (eleven years ago) link

confirmed arry news anyone?

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Tuesday, 12 June 2012 21:22 (eleven years ago) link

Usual spluttering fake outraged denial from Redknapp.

Matt DC, Tuesday, 12 June 2012 21:24 (eleven years ago) link

how's trapp following going?

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 12 June 2012 21:26 (eleven years ago) link

So Giroud to Arsenal may be an actual thing rather than merely Guardian bullshit? Poldi/RVP/Giroud would be a nice choice/combo of frwds. Having said that I've only seen Giroud play twice but he was v good on both occasions.

pandemic, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 16:00 (eleven years ago) link

Di Matteo official.

Love Max Ophüls of us all (Michael White), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 16:23 (eleven years ago) link

Di Matteo confirmed, 2-year deal. No idea what that means, except a big cheque for RdM next summer.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 16:24 (eleven years ago) link

what kind of player is Giroud?

if Bobby's year in charge goes poorly he could end up having one of the oddest CVs in football management.

Merdeyeux, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 16:37 (eleven years ago) link

V mobile CF, scores, good in the air but gets v involved in all round play. Like I say I've only seen him a couple of times but he reminded me of Lewandowski.

pandemic, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 16:50 (eleven years ago) link

he's 25 and only played 2 years in ligue 1, coming off the season of his life. if he's a rvp replacement seems like a big risk.

mizzell, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 16:52 (eleven years ago) link

Most reasonable Arsenal blogs are saying that Poldi/Giroud are for Chamakh/Arsh/the Korean I've forgotten the name of/Bendy/Vela and that improving the overall attacking options are more important than the RVI situation. If RVI stays then he should be playing with better players, if he goes his fee should pay for a replacement.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 17:11 (eleven years ago) link

£3bn, bloody hell - so much for the league being at the limits already.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 17:31 (eleven years ago) link

70% increase! Agents reassess their clients value.

pandemic, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 17:51 (eleven years ago) link

I guess the old days aren't coming back before 2016 now.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 17:56 (eleven years ago) link

Redknapp out rumours building up

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 20:51 (eleven years ago) link

SSN reporting it as fact now

sktsh, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 20:58 (eleven years ago) link

ILF needing some leadership right at this moment imo

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:17 (eleven years ago) link

don't really see the point of this if they're just going to bring in moyes or someone like that. curious to see what levy has lined up. cheers harry, you are absolutely ridiculous almost all the time, yet often talk sense and, not a small point, led tottenham to their best results in the premier league. i'll buy you a bacon sandiwch and a glass of wine anytime.

mizzell, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:18 (eleven years ago) link

good man

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:19 (eleven years ago) link

Skt Sports dude just now

"he took over when Spurs were bottom of the league and won them the FA Cup". Pretty sure this did not in fact happen.

pandemic, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:24 (eleven years ago) link

thinking of Portsmouth, surely

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:24 (eleven years ago) link

Simon Clancy ‏@SiClancy
Disappointing news that Rafa won't be joining us on 5 Live tomorrow night as our studio guest. Was hoping to say hello. Something came up.

Number None, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:28 (eleven years ago) link

are you trying to kill darragh from 1000's of miles away?

pandemic, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:32 (eleven years ago) link

This is really exciting in a looking-over-a-cliff way.

Moyes > Harry I think.

Matt DC, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:33 (eleven years ago) link

I don't really see why Moyes would leave Everton

Number None, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:34 (eleven years ago) link

me neither. Mick McCarthy's available tho.

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:37 (eleven years ago) link

I'm not sure Moyes is much better at motivating players out of a slump than Harry is. Everton seem to have long periods of being terrible followed by long periods of being great which is the cycle Spurs need to break out of.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:37 (eleven years ago) link

Simon Clancy ‏@SiClancy
Disappointing news that Rafa won't be joining us on 5 Live tomorrow night as our studio guest. Was hoping to say hello. Something came up.

― Number None, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 22:28 (15 minutes ago)

oh heavens please make this happen

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:47 (eleven years ago) link

if Rafa got the job i mightn't stop laughing til next February

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:48 (eleven years ago) link

if moyes goes to spurs then they'll have the money to do what everton could not: buy landon donovan

then my spursfan friends' heads will explode and I will lol

Steve Youngblood (dan m), Wednesday, 13 June 2012 21:48 (eleven years ago) link

someone on twitter suggested harry for the first 19 games of the season, moyes for the last 19.
but certainly moyes would potentially want to move to a club that could spend some money

mizzell, Wednesday, 13 June 2012 23:53 (eleven years ago) link

moyes a questionable spender whose teams play ugly football imo, and slumpy too. idk is he the man for it, part of me illogically thinks he's somehow closer to the utd job tbh.

no idea who i want in yet

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Thursday, 14 June 2012 00:00 (eleven years ago) link

I reckon Rafa could 'ave a good go, they're maybe 4 or 5 players away from challenging.

hipster Jubilee party (onimo), Thursday, 14 June 2012 09:14 (eleven years ago) link

um, apparently Demba Ba has signed for Galatasaray

Number None, Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:12 (eleven years ago) link

Oh. Not what I'd been expecting.

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:15 (eleven years ago) link

where are you seeing that #0?

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:21 (eleven years ago) link

i said he'd go. or at least i thought he would. that shot of him looking miserable on the bench when cisse scored for the millionth time said it all.

Chris, Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:22 (eleven years ago) link

yeah it's very expected he'd go somewhere else, didn't function with cissé at all. weird no epl club picked up on it though.

sonderangerbot, Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:24 (eleven years ago) link

yeah it is the galatasary bit that is jarring. you would think he has more ambition than turkey.

also i'm just intrigued, as i'm not seeing it reported anywhere.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:28 (eleven years ago) link

I may have jumped the gun on that one a bit. Sky Italia was the supposed source

Number None, Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:30 (eleven years ago) link

kind of a weird one to make up but I suppose that's how they get you

Number None, Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:32 (eleven years ago) link

probably getting big wages from gala, similar to lucas barrios going to china. maybe no other club would pick him up due to his knee.

mizzell, Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:37 (eleven years ago) link

but if it's true brilliant business from newcastle to have him come in perform so well, then replace him with someone better and sell him on before his knee explodes.

mizzell, Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:39 (eleven years ago) link

They managed to keep Harry Kewell more or less operational for the best part of three years so they must have a cracking medical team.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Thursday, 14 June 2012 15:51 (eleven years ago) link

so Laudrup?

nakh you've watched a lot of Spanish football, what did you think of his Mallorca/Getafe teams?

seems like a good choice idk they already have a 'system' and he seems like a p inspirational/exotic guy to look up to that a bland championship manager wouldn't get over. has nothing to do with talent but swansea seem to be looking for guys who want to push them a little further each time and happily use them as a stepping stone in the managerial snakes & ladders

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Friday, 15 June 2012 12:28 (eleven years ago) link

qpr continue their programme of going around the london clubs picking odd bits of stuff from the pavement

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/18/qpr-andrew-johnson-ryan-nelsen

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 18 June 2012 21:56 (eleven years ago) link

yeah idk

you just know sparky was fuming at the city denouement (and all the many other feeble and naive away capitulations), this is his grim response

i don't think they're around to play on the regla tbf, just game lads, good pros to have around the gaff (excepting rob green still to come)

r|t|c, Monday, 18 June 2012 23:54 (eleven years ago) link

there's a real schism in the fanbase with transfers now what with fingers simultaneously burnt by joey (west ham loadsamoney icelander style) and eyes opened by samba diakite (nu-toon euro shopper style)

hughes is perhaps unique in being capable of delivering either (zabaleta kompany lescott bridge)

r|t|c, Tuesday, 19 June 2012 00:03 (eleven years ago) link

yeah i can see the rationale behind these although i can see johnson being given £40kpw for 3 years or something like that

green is £50k aiui, which is pushing it

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 19 June 2012 00:06 (eleven years ago) link

WOLVES Wolves agree deal for Sigurdarson

yeah, i misread this too

r|t|c, Tuesday, 19 June 2012 13:19 (eleven years ago) link

Sky Sports sources understand Reading are set to pull off a coup by signing Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak on a four-year contract.

!

r|t|c, Tuesday, 19 June 2012 13:21 (eleven years ago) link

pete says June 19, 2012 12:09pm
Signal of intent. Would be happy with Pogrebnyak, Jason Roberts, Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt as a strikeforce for the royals next season.

r|t|c, Tuesday, 19 June 2012 13:23 (eleven years ago) link

Is he out of contract? Did Fulham even make an offer?

pandemic, Tuesday, 19 June 2012 13:24 (eleven years ago) link

sigurdarson is a bit of a coup for a champo club, everton were looking at him

iirc from youtube he is a bit raw but very powerful, fairly athletic and probably the technical ability to become an elmander type player

he has only just started scoring in the norwegian league tho

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 19 June 2012 13:24 (eleven years ago) link

ah i had forgotten who their new manager is, would explain it

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 19 June 2012 13:26 (eleven years ago) link

yeah, he specifically wanted to work with Solbakken. from the youtubes i've seen he looks potentially v. tasty, but more intriguing is the thought that we will have to play proper football to utilise him at his best i think.

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Tuesday, 19 June 2012 13:36 (eleven years ago) link

remember transfer speculation and the fun and inanity that came with it? all this football getting in the way is playing havoc w/ the summer

bet mickey owens has released a brouchure and no-one even noticed

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Wednesday, 20 June 2012 11:14 (eleven years ago) link

xps, i think Pogrebnyak's contract with Fulham was just for the duration of last season and he couldn't agree personal terms with them when it finished.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Wednesday, 20 June 2012 11:46 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2162048/QPR-plane-revealed-Tony-Fernandes.html

proper classy us lot are

r|t|c, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 11:48 (eleven years ago) link

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been mooted as admirers of Van Persie, but reports have claimed Juventus hold the strongest interest in the player.

The Serie A champions are aiming to sign a high-profile striker ahead of next season, but Wenger does not expect Van Persie to head to Italy.

"He will stay at Arsenal," Wenger told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

"There is no reason why a top player, a big champion would want a move to Serie A - in terms of the prestige of the league, the level of play or financial considerations.

"If he moves there, I will buy you a caramello."

Number None, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 12:55 (eleven years ago) link

well not exactly staking his mortgage on it there

pandemic, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:09 (eleven years ago) link

maybe he'll buy us all a caramello

Number None, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:12 (eleven years ago) link

by "buy" he really means apologetically present a shonky homemade caramello interpretation made with cocoa beans he's lovingly grown himself in his world class mortgaged allotment

the taste of course will be of super quality

r|t|c, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:33 (eleven years ago) link

(brendan rodgers won't be buying us a caramello 2013/14?)

r|t|c, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:34 (eleven years ago) link

west ham sign diame

not too shabby

r|t|c, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:48 (eleven years ago) link

most interesting thing happening is the udinese/ granada guy buying watford and appointing zola as manager. that could be cool.

mizzell, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:53 (eleven years ago) link

bring it on xxp, I'm at the high point of the scouse hope cycle

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:55 (eleven years ago) link

sacking sean dyche could never be cool

r|t|c, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 14:01 (eleven years ago) link

that goatee is a sackable offense imo

mizzell, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 14:05 (eleven years ago) link

the traditional pre-emptive lpool baiting will seem cruel this year, i agree

gylfi is done says twitter btw

r|t|c, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 14:07 (eleven years ago) link

no expectations next season. signs of progress and structure will do me.

Chris, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 14:23 (eleven years ago) link

It ought to be interesting. It's hard to see it being a disaster, though I really shouldn't say that.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 14:25 (eleven years ago) link

been thinking about kenny. was his success first time round more to do with the players he had? or has the game really changed that much since he was last manager? i hate myself for saying this, but i'd look at him on the touchline last season and, if i'm being brutally honest, i never got the impression that he was in control. like he could recognise good football when he saw it, but he wasn't sure why it was good, or how you'd go about maintaining it or building on it. i've been reading up on brendan rodgers, and his football seems very structured, based on triggers, rehearsed movements, muscle memory if you will. i think kenny relied too heavily on the players thinking for themselves and playing off the cuff, which will work to an extent, but perhaps isn't as sustainable. i mean you could argue rodgers relies on players playing 'off the cuff', but only once the system's been coached into them - there's a reason they're doing what they're doing, and they understand why they're doing it.

Chris, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 14:59 (eleven years ago) link

It may genuinely be as everyone said, that he'd been out the game too long (and the game's become more complicated in the meantime, which is what they didn't say, instead saying lack of sharpness or whatever the managerial equivalent is).

My heart sank when meireles was forced out, as you know. It seemed like such a regressive step even at the time, stepping back from something more flexible to a rigid 4-4-2 or whatever. I never associated that with needing more improvisation than less, but you might be right, it might be appearances being deceptive.

Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 15:21 (eleven years ago) link

I was bemused watching the Netherlands this Euro since, ostensibly, RVP's strategy was to renegotiate or negotiate after the competition and he didn't make as much of an impact as his agent must have expected.

Love Max Ophüls of us all (Michael White), Wednesday, 20 June 2012 15:33 (eleven years ago) link

doesn't rly make much difference, he is 28 yrs old and everyone knows how good it is already

leaving it til after euro2k12 was not really a strategy, it's just that 90% of the big business this summer is going to happen afterwards and it allows his agents to scheme in the background with a vaguely plasible press silence

he is waiting to see if madrid or barcelona make a move, if not then it's city -- don't see him moving to juventus

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 20 June 2012 18:39 (eleven years ago) link

how good he is

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 20 June 2012 18:39 (eleven years ago) link

we're needing a "talk to levy bitch!" gif really

r|t|c, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 22:14 (eleven years ago) link

is there any plausible need madrid might have for modders btw or is this just another coentrao thing

r|t|c, Wednesday, 20 June 2012 22:15 (eleven years ago) link

xabi is 31

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 20 June 2012 22:17 (eleven years ago) link

Villas-Boas is clearly not short of ego, despite his difficult and unsuccessful spell at Stamford Bridge, and his attitude is that a man who won the Portuguese league title, the domestic cup and the Europa League in his one full season with Porto and should not be messed around – as if forgetting that his stint lasting eight and a half months at Chelsea was remarkable only for its bad results and his inability to win over key players.

daniel taylor is such a shitty journalist

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Wednesday, 20 June 2012 22:17 (eleven years ago) link

Daniel Taylor otm

Nessun Biscotto (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Thursday, 21 June 2012 06:43 (eleven years ago) link

don`t wish to break any cycles, but really lfc aren`t relevant to the epl title race atm and tbh my feelings tward lfc have reset (as is habitual) with the appointment of a new manager

new thread title should probably be at the expense of that football-hating bully from govan imo. let`s risk something again.

if we could rename the transfer thread to something about caramellos that`d be cool tho

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Thursday, 21 June 2012 13:30 (eleven years ago) link

I did a bit of investigating yesterday and it seems the Caramello quote isn't real sadly. Obviously i welcome any Ferguson-based thread titles

Number None, Thursday, 21 June 2012 14:17 (eleven years ago) link

"alex ferguson`s wife is gonna take a year of serious beatings"

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Thursday, 21 June 2012 14:21 (eleven years ago) link

something about all careers ending in failure, if we must give him the attention let's play with fire

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 21 June 2012 14:41 (eleven years ago) link

"City won't win the league again. Not in my lifetime."

fun loving and xtremely tolrant (Billy Dods), Thursday, 21 June 2012 15:02 (eleven years ago) link

I think that might be it

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 21 June 2012 15:14 (eleven years ago) link

Japanese attacker Keisuke Honda appears to have ruled out a summer transfer to French giants Paris Saint-Germain, according to Sponichi.

The 26-year-old CSKA Moscow man, dressed in his trademark white suit and sunglasses, gave the unexpected statement to reporters at Tokyo's Narita Airport as he prepared to join his team-mates in Russia.

"Where's the big club?" said Honda, responding to a reporter who suggested that a good showing in CSKA's upcoming training match against the Ligue 1 runners-up in Austria on July 14 could increase the possibility of a summer transfer.

Honda added: "I never considered PSG to be that sort of club."

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:30 (eleven years ago) link

dressed in his trademark white suit and sunglasses
dressed in his trademark white suit and sunglasses
dressed in his trademark white suit and sunglasses
dressed in his trademark white suit and sunglasses

pandemic, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:32 (eleven years ago) link

"here's the big club" [points at self]

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:35 (eleven years ago) link

probs rubbish but...

Reading are set to clinch the signing of Pavel Pogrebnyak within the next 24 hours after agreeing a £12 million package, Goal.com can reveal.

The Russian striker, who is a free agent, has agreed a four-year contract to join the Premier League new boys, worth £60,000-a-week.

Goal.com understands that the terms of the deal are both twice as long and twice as financially rewarding as the two-year, £30,000-a-week contract proposed by Fulham.

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:36 (eleven years ago) link

good to see they are being sensible now they've got back to the prem

*groans*

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:38 (eleven years ago) link

altho i dunno why i'm the one raising eyebrows at that, out of all club supporters on here :/

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:38 (eleven years ago) link

it's their russian mafia money, let them spend it how they want

condescending ffp dorks are the worst

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:40 (eleven years ago) link

we don't have an official reading fan, do we? my mate is already arranging games for us to see next season but my veins don't run blue&white.

pog is not worth 12m. but i guess reading is a team that desperately needs goals. they are going to be terrible viewing next season fyi. (they aren't stoke, it is just the talent gap is so gaping that i can see them being a two flanks of four dullfest woy would be proud of).

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:42 (eleven years ago) link

man for man they're probably the least capable side in the league on paper but that isn't at all fatal if they stay a good little unit. gorkss and pearce are ruff and rugged, karacan and mcanuff are quick and decent, strikers work hard, idk it's standard stuff but i've seen worse

absolute worst thing a promoted side can do is panic and throw the baby out with the bathwater

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:55 (eleven years ago) link

Reading are probably justifying it as the same as buying a £6m striker and paying him £30,000 a week. Although he is 28 yrs old so don't know what kind of resell value he would have in say 2 years.

pandemic, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:55 (eleven years ago) link

xp not that i don't hate them and hope they get 38 solid wallopings this season of course

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:58 (eleven years ago) link

what's resale value compared to drowning in new tv deal premiership cash

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 16:58 (eleven years ago) link

£60m for finishing bottom from 2013-14 is it?

r|t|c, Thursday, 21 June 2012 17:00 (eleven years ago) link

"City won't win the league again. Not in my lifetime."

was this ferguson? talk about standing on the prow of a sinking boat, daring poseidon to strike you down.

ooooiiiioooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaoooooh un - bi - leevable! (LocalGarda), Friday, 22 June 2012 00:21 (eleven years ago) link

Ferguson was asked if United would ever go into a derby match as underdogs - not whether or not City would win the league.

onimo, Friday, 22 June 2012 12:14 (eleven years ago) link

United will go into their next derby match as underdogs therefore

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Friday, 22 June 2012 12:47 (eleven years ago) link

tevez will have to get his banner out of the attic

pandemic, Friday, 22 June 2012 12:56 (eleven years ago) link

I think they went into their last one as slight underdogs.

onimo, Friday, 22 June 2012 12:56 (eleven years ago) link

anybody looking for a late sub for their dead pool shd take note

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Friday, 22 June 2012 12:57 (eleven years ago) link

dual celebration for citeh

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Friday, 22 June 2012 12:58 (eleven years ago) link

everyone's new favourite full back Gabre Salassie has joined Bremen

juve have bought back Giovinco, a player they already owned (idg italian transfers)

Wenger said on French TV station TF1: "Giroud didn't play much (at the Euros so far), but he's going to be an Arsenal player 90 per cent next season. I think he has exceptional potential and will integrate very well in our collective and our way of playing. He is a real team player and knows how to combine with other players and I'm sure he will do well with us.''

Wolves have bought a striker called Frank Nouble. He was hyped as a youth player in that 'he is massive as a 15 year old' kinda way, hope he can bring NV some excitement.

nothing else going on.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Friday, 22 June 2012 13:34 (eleven years ago) link

"I'd take that because I think Everton need it probably more than Liverpool, although it's not in our culture over here to share stadiums," he said. "But it does make sense.

"You could redevelop the whole area around Stanley Park, so for us it would be worth it. Everton would say probably we would take it but Liverpool not so - and that is probably where it will end up."

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Friday, 22 June 2012 13:34 (eleven years ago) link

^^^Moyes^^^

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Friday, 22 June 2012 13:34 (eleven years ago) link

There's a dedicated thread for things not happening wrt the stadium

Ismael Klata, Friday, 22 June 2012 13:39 (eleven years ago) link

so we've bought a centre back from Walsall for 20K *shrug*, this guy Nouble and are within an ace of Icelandic striker Sigurdarson. these may all be "guys for the future" - not so much Sigurdarson if he's costing over 2 mil - but it bodes amusingly for Stolbakken's "all the current squad will get a chance to impress" stance

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Friday, 22 June 2012 13:40 (eleven years ago) link

they did

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Friday, 22 June 2012 13:47 (eleven years ago) link

my brother did a great "Stephen Ward, 2 games, 2 assists" gag during the Euros btw

Mexès Coleslaw Massacre (Noodle Vague), Friday, 22 June 2012 13:49 (eleven years ago) link

hearing that stoke have put in a bid for houston dynamo cb geoff cameron

dunno how well that would pay off

DX Dx DX (dan m), Friday, 22 June 2012 18:26 (eleven years ago) link

I feel like the idea of MLS as a place to go to buy normal players, as opposed to a retirement home for marketable types, hasn't really bedded in yet.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 22 June 2012 18:38 (eleven years ago) link

dempsey? i think it's just that incoming mls transfers never get much hype, like they just appear at some point and then 18 months later they are solid epl players

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Friday, 22 June 2012 18:41 (eleven years ago) link

cameron is a very good quality MLS defender and has gotten some nat'l team time under bradley and klinsmann alike, I just don't know if he really has the skills to make the jump. hard to see him improving greatly at 26 years old.

DX Dx DX (dan m), Friday, 22 June 2012 18:45 (eleven years ago) link

skills in a stoke context is different to skills in a football context

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Friday, 22 June 2012 23:12 (eleven years ago) link

Baines to Man Utd, so says Twitter.

Chris, Saturday, 23 June 2012 12:49 (eleven years ago) link

I thought they were after Jordi Alba? #papertalk

pandemic, Saturday, 23 June 2012 13:16 (eleven years ago) link

So surprised to see noted socialist Sir Alex Ferguson fiddling his taxes.

Matt DC, Sunday, 24 June 2012 15:15 (eleven years ago) link

What's this?

Ismael Klata, Sunday, 24 June 2012 17:04 (eleven years ago) link

I don't get that tbh - how can the sub-licensing payments not be income? You can set the interest off against it but it's obviously income itself surely.

Still, lol.

Ismael Klata, Sunday, 24 June 2012 18:12 (eleven years ago) link

yowsa.

Merdeyeux, Sunday, 24 June 2012 18:48 (eleven years ago) link

oops, intuitively posted here thinking it was the euro 2012 thread.

Merdeyeux, Sunday, 24 June 2012 18:48 (eleven years ago) link

former lfc trainee/youth miki roque RIP

irrational angst that makes me innocuously thingy (darraghmac), Sunday, 24 June 2012 19:36 (eleven years ago) link

West Ham reject.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Sunday, 24 June 2012 21:24 (eleven years ago) link

Same as above xxp.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Sunday, 24 June 2012 21:25 (eleven years ago) link

Danny Murphy to Blackburn took me by surprise.

pandemic, Monday, 25 June 2012 10:52 (eleven years ago) link

most pointless article i've seen so far this summer

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/258676/Arsene-Wenger-is-on-the-case-with-Germany-star-Marco-Reus/

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 11:06 (eleven years ago) link

Wiltord has retired. RIP Big man, heaven needed a coke dealer who ran in circles while better players produced the goods

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 11:10 (eleven years ago) link

Arsenal won the Argentine league last night btw

Ismael Klata, Monday, 25 June 2012 11:10 (eleven years ago) link

spurs supposedly demanding sahin as part of the deal to sell modric to real. no way that it happens, but he is one of the few players in the world who could replace luka, so smart to ask i suppose.

mizzell, Monday, 25 June 2012 14:08 (eleven years ago) link

sahin would be about nineteenth choice if they get modric

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 25 June 2012 14:09 (eleven years ago) link

mourinho would probably play an injured coentrao as midfielder than give sahin a game

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 25 June 2012 14:10 (eleven years ago) link

I think RM would happily part with Sahin tbh. Mourinho clearly has no use for him.

pandemic, Monday, 25 June 2012 14:17 (eleven years ago) link

yeah, but surely there are other clubs interested in him that he would join before spurs. i would have said the vdv deal would never happen too, so maybe i'll be wrong.

mizzell, Monday, 25 June 2012 14:26 (eleven years ago) link

yeah vdv is a good comparison

could happen

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 25 June 2012 14:31 (eleven years ago) link

Dunno which out of Ozil or Alonso Luka is meant to oust from the first team, but I'd take Sahin as part of the deal.

Matt DC, Monday, 25 June 2012 14:35 (eleven years ago) link

Sahin >>> Modric

Mourinho is crazy if true

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 14:49 (eleven years ago) link

Ralf Rangnick is the new sporting director at Red Bull Salzburg.

boxall, Monday, 25 June 2012 15:10 (eleven years ago) link

nobody is three >'s better than modric, be real

roon dmc (darraghmac), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:17 (eleven years ago) link

Ok he is 1 and a half > better. There are at least 10-20 players who are 3 > better tho

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:30 (eleven years ago) link

Actually, that is a lie. There are only 10-20 players better than Modric in general, let alone a gulf ahead.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:34 (eleven years ago) link

when he's motivated, yeah

Name some other modric type players pls, is he kinda like iniesta?

roon dmc (darraghmac), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:40 (eleven years ago) link

pirlo!

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:46 (eleven years ago) link

i guess pirlo does more defending. it can be trained into modders tho

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:47 (eleven years ago) link

João Moutinho's not un-Modric-like.

boxall, Monday, 25 June 2012 15:47 (eleven years ago) link

the few times i saw swansea last season, joe allen looked liked a decent budget modric

idk there aren't many centre circle possession cypher types

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:48 (eleven years ago) link

A child going to a hallowe'en party dressed as a witch will always be most like Modric.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 25 June 2012 15:51 (eleven years ago) link

pirlo denied tbph, passes longer and more often than modric, i'm talking bout the really mobile ballcarrier from cm- wilshere maybe?

roon dmc (darraghmac), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:52 (eleven years ago) link

ik otm

roon dmc (darraghmac), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:53 (eleven years ago) link

i thought wilshere too. he needs to fully shred his englisher game lad tendancies tho

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:53 (eleven years ago) link

Wilshere def. Ever Banega, Marvin Martin two others.

boxall, Monday, 25 June 2012 15:54 (eleven years ago) link

closer to xavi than pirlo or iniesta.

mizzell, Monday, 25 June 2012 15:54 (eleven years ago) link

another who isn't full on modric but can do it v well when i've seen him is Canales

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:55 (eleven years ago) link

pirlo closer to thudd than modric

Can't wait to have thudd back fit. Livermore, parker, thudd happy fuckin days, new barca imo

roon dmc (darraghmac), Monday, 25 June 2012 15:57 (eleven years ago) link

poor sandro

mizzell, Monday, 25 June 2012 15:58 (eleven years ago) link

sandro otm, knew i was missing a big 'un

roon dmc (darraghmac), Monday, 25 June 2012 16:03 (eleven years ago) link

pirlo closer to thudd than modric

pirlo is a footballer yes. In this way he is similar to Thudd. As to actual ability and application of ability, no he is nothing like Thudd. For starters Pirlo is v v good.

pandemic, Monday, 25 June 2012 16:14 (eleven years ago) link

hissssss

roon dmc (darraghmac), Monday, 25 June 2012 16:18 (eleven years ago) link

Sigurdsson to Spurs?!

Chris, Monday, 25 June 2012 22:32 (eleven years ago) link

who knew he could manage?

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Monday, 25 June 2012 22:39 (eleven years ago) link

One odd rumour going around is Drogba to Barca.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 26 June 2012 09:03 (eleven years ago) link

wonder if Shanghai Shenhua are already paying him

Number None, Tuesday, 26 June 2012 09:09 (eleven years ago) link

raging about spurs poaching sigurdsson. i swear it's just trolling us.

Know how Roo feel (LocalGarda), Tuesday, 26 June 2012 19:58 (eleven years ago) link

if they get distracted and lose Vertonghen over chasing Gylfi they'll regret it.

boxall, Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:02 (eleven years ago) link

apparently ajax is stalling cause vertonghen is supposed to get a % of the transfer fee paid directly to him. seems weird. gylfi is cool and all, and it was even on the bbc which some here have claimed to be a sign of accuracy, but he seems to be a vdv replacement if anything.

mizzell, Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:07 (eleven years ago) link

other rumour is vdv back to hamburg cause they have some new dude bankrolling them. which is good business if a profit can be made, and it's very much daniel levy's style to reduce the age of the squad- gylfi for vdv, vertonghen and caulker for king and nelsen/ bassong, maybe sahin for modric, remy for adebayor.

mizzell, Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:10 (eleven years ago) link

Absolutely crazy to be buying / selling players without a manager.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:11 (eleven years ago) link

remy would be fun.

talking of, giroud is official. no chamakh in the deal unfortunately

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:15 (eleven years ago) link

Absolutely crazy to be buying / selling players without a manager.

crazy not to have bought in cover at lb, a first team cb, cover at rw and a permanent cf in all the time we did have a manager. get the right players in, make it clear to the incumbent that this is what he'll be working with and away we go.

I blame the prurience (darraghmac), Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:38 (eleven years ago) link

eh not incumbent, any prospective coach.

I blame the prurience (darraghmac), Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:38 (eleven years ago) link

Not offended as such over Sigurdsson, we're not exactly on the moral high ground with the lad. But I am raging at Spurs stooping even lower though.

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:42 (eleven years ago) link

so, michael owen is joining al-shabab?

sonderangerbot, Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:43 (eleven years ago) link

hahaha

Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:43 (eleven years ago) link

not sure where we put gylfi tbh, tho we need an option up front as well as a big man

no such thing as any breach of codes of honour or ethics tho, what rot

I blame the prurience (darraghmac), Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:45 (eleven years ago) link

Absolutely crazy to be buying / selling players without a manager.

― Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Tuesday, June 26, 2012 9:11 PM (34 minutes ago)

hazardous, even

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 26 June 2012 20:46 (eleven years ago) link

not raging at spurs... just raging at the cosmic forces that have allowed this to happen.

presumed gylfi was a modric replacement?

Know how Roo feel (LocalGarda), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 09:46 (eleven years ago) link

very different players tho. but by all means we'll take him.

Ну, там твое место, там сабе будь! (darraghmac), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 10:09 (eleven years ago) link

not done and dusted tho yet is it?

second only to popcorn (or something), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 11:24 (eleven years ago) link

i've only really seen ilx for football lately tbh

Ну, там твое место, там сабе будь! (darraghmac), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 11:42 (eleven years ago) link

Had a bid accepted supposedly. Same amount LFC quoted ie £8m.

pandemic, Wednesday, 27 June 2012 11:51 (eleven years ago) link

they don't appear to be interested in sparking a bidding war, which seems strange- is it a buyout clause?

Ну, там твое место, там сабе будь! (darraghmac), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 11:56 (eleven years ago) link

Reckon it'll fall down at the personal terms stage. Why would he go to Spurs with no manager over Liverpool where he already knows Brendan Rogers and could well be paid more?

Matt DC, Wednesday, 27 June 2012 11:56 (eleven years ago) link

There was some talk of Spurs offering him more money but nothing particularly convincing.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 12:00 (eleven years ago) link

I thought he's listening Spurs because LFC have already turned down his initial pay offer?

pandemic, Wednesday, 27 June 2012 12:00 (eleven years ago) link

Corluka sold to Lokomotiv. might be a croat-less season :(

mizzell, Wednesday, 27 June 2012 14:18 (eleven years ago) link

Bale signs new 4 yr deal?

pandemic, Wednesday, 27 June 2012 14:23 (eleven years ago) link

no need for either of those events

Ну, там твое место, там сабе будь! (darraghmac), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 14:25 (eleven years ago) link

according to the 'breaking news' ticker at the top of the guardian website. Not sure how long he had left on his previous contract tbh.

pandemic, Wednesday, 27 June 2012 14:28 (eleven years ago) link

confirmed on the THFC site

jacob von logflume (DJ Mencap), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 14:30 (eleven years ago) link

he had years left on it

Ну, там твое место, там сабе будь! (darraghmac), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 14:34 (eleven years ago) link

So just a fat pay rise then.

pandemic, Wednesday, 27 June 2012 14:35 (eleven years ago) link

Does anyone follow Wigan? Hearing that Marco Pappa from the Chicago Fire could be headed there. Of course he's also been rumored to Colo Colo, Newcastle, Twente, Feyenoord, and Villareal, so.

DX Dx DX (dan m), Wednesday, 27 June 2012 17:17 (eleven years ago) link

Fuck yeah. Losing Bale was my #1 fear for the summer.

Now for the new manager to force the cunt to play on the left.

Losing Modric and adding Sahin and Siggy to the squad would be pretty good business.

Matt DC, Wednesday, 27 June 2012 17:55 (eleven years ago) link

West Ham have upped their bid for striker Grant Holt to £6million and hope a £4m payment up front will convince Norwich to sell.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has already seen bids of £3.5m and £5.5m rejected for the forward, who scored 17 goals last season.

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Thursday, 28 June 2012 00:50 (eleven years ago) link

that is kind of disgusting isn't it

i've defended the illiterate holt and his right to get cash money from some desparate side after a career in the lower leagues, but £6m for 31 yr old grant holt is offensive to reason

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Thursday, 28 June 2012 00:52 (eleven years ago) link

Big Sam is offensive to reason.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 28 June 2012 01:10 (eleven years ago) link

http://news.arseblog.com/2012/06/sevilla-sign-arsenal-youngster/

I do like it when you hear about these Dale Jennings types going abroad.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 28 June 2012 01:39 (eleven years ago) link

Man, I'd be rubbish at bartering when selling a player; I though we should have dropped the scholarly Holty back when I heard we were offered £3m for him. We'd be stupid not to dump him for £6m now.

CraigG, Thursday, 28 June 2012 07:50 (eleven years ago) link

kevin davies has been an effective epl player long after 31, bigs don't need youth if they're wily

Ну, там твое место, там сабе будь! (darraghmac), Thursday, 28 June 2012 08:04 (eleven years ago) link

Liverpool are ready to make a move to sign Ivorian striker Lacina Traore, 22, from Russian club Kuban Krasnodar.

I know this is just something I c&p from the gossip column and he has been linked to a 100 other clubs to no avail but this would be brutal. Carroll and a 6ft8 dude together, Charlie Adam balls over the top, forever and ever and ever.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 28 June 2012 09:34 (eleven years ago) link

you're just saying that cos we'd beat you every year with two big lads.

Know how Roo feel (LocalGarda), Thursday, 28 June 2012 09:43 (eleven years ago) link

also isn't lacina traore actually meant to be good...

Know how Roo feel (LocalGarda), Thursday, 28 June 2012 09:43 (eleven years ago) link

he has a good rep. and it could be very effective. but dear god it would have the potential to make stoke look like spain.

Smothered, Covered and Chunked!!! (a hoy hoy), Thursday, 28 June 2012 10:23 (eleven years ago) link

somehow doubt Rodgers is suddenly gonna go all Wimbledon

ENPBGIW (Noodle Vague), Thursday, 28 June 2012 10:59 (eleven years ago) link

you're just saying that cos we'd beat you every year with two big lads.

Truth grenade.

Matt DC, Thursday, 28 June 2012 11:04 (eleven years ago) link

Charlie Adam with discipline and proper training and a decent system could yet turn to work for Liverpool. He strikes me as a Brendan Rogers type player.

Matt DC, Thursday, 28 June 2012 11:05 (eleven years ago) link

BR@Liverppol is the most interesting thing about next season so far (at least for this neutral)

give me back my 200 dollars (NotEnough), Thursday, 28 June 2012 11:09 (eleven years ago) link

carroll scores 20 next season

Ну, там твое место, там сабе будь! (darraghmac), Thursday, 28 June 2012 11:20 (eleven years ago) link

who for?

ENPBGIW (Noodle Vague), Thursday, 28 June 2012 12:25 (eleven years ago) link

the reserves

Ismael Klata, Thursday, 28 June 2012 12:29 (eleven years ago) link

Barca have signed Jordi Alba

Number None, Thursday, 28 June 2012 12:32 (eleven years ago) link

he's pretty good

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Thursday, 28 June 2012 12:37 (eleven years ago) link

there was a lot of blather about alves leaving but not so much recently, and in any case guardiola is gone now

alves as pseudo rw and abidal as a normal lb worked well in recent years, it will be interesting to see how alba plays for them

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Thursday, 28 June 2012 12:39 (eleven years ago) link

i love martin jol

Ну, там твое место, там сабе будь! (darraghmac), Friday, 29 June 2012 10:23 (eleven years ago) link

oh god he's been at the drink again

ENPBGIW (Noodle Vague), Friday, 29 June 2012 10:54 (eleven years ago) link

Yakubu's gone to China. His parting words

"I thank Blackburn Rovers, the fans, fellow players for making my one season there seem like a decade

Number None, Friday, 29 June 2012 10:58 (eleven years ago) link

Ageing mystery resolved!

Matt DC, Friday, 29 June 2012 11:00 (eleven years ago) link

Hahahahaha. That's brilliant.

Vast amounts of supposition involved but the papers are talking about Modric going to Real for £32m and Moutinho going to Spurs for the same amount.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Friday, 29 June 2012 11:01 (eleven years ago) link

What a way to sign off!

Ismael Klata, Friday, 29 June 2012 11:28 (eleven years ago) link

he meant it in a nice way though

Number None, Friday, 29 June 2012 11:30 (eleven years ago) link

i think

Number None, Friday, 29 June 2012 11:30 (eleven years ago) link

AVB working with a midfield trio of Sandro, Moutinho and Siggy would be tasty.

Matt DC, Friday, 29 June 2012 11:32 (eleven years ago) link

Keep forgetting that Van der Vaart still plays for us.

Matt DC, Friday, 29 June 2012 11:33 (eleven years ago) link

Trendwatch: is the Chinese league going to be something worth knowing about? I'd've said not, and it's exactly snapping up bright young things, but the reported money is so big that it's going to blow every other retirement league out the water.

Ismael Klata, Friday, 29 June 2012 11:49 (eleven years ago) link

vdv will always be better than sigurdsson but the latter is more wellrounded for a 433 (ie vdv won't defend)

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Friday, 29 June 2012 12:00 (eleven years ago) link

So remember that whole

Saints will line up in stylish all new home and away strips this coming season.

Our footballing journey continues with a brand new look for the Red and White Army as we march back into the Premier League in the new designs from the 'Tailored by Umbro' range

The new kits will affirm the Club's status as a team playing amongst the elite of English football.

They are designed to the highest quality and finish, perfect for you to fill with passion and pride whilst showing your support for the team.

thing?

Well:

http://www.footballkitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/New-Southampton-FC-Jersey-2012.png

William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 29 June 2012 19:48 (eleven years ago) link

You can see the passion in the tailoring, if you're prepared to look closely and without your damnable cynicism.

Tim, Friday, 29 June 2012 20:01 (eleven years ago) link

man they have affirmed the shit out of that elite status

jabba hands, Friday, 29 June 2012 20:15 (eleven years ago) link

I am inevitably going to buy one of these. Or possibly the away one, which looks slightly nicer.

William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 29 June 2012 20:34 (eleven years ago) link

I get that the top guy's being an archer, but wtf's the bottom guy up to?

Ismael Klata, Friday, 29 June 2012 21:02 (eleven years ago) link

That's Jay Rodriguez, and he's changing EVERYTHING (srsly reckon he's gonna have a very good season though)

William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 29 June 2012 21:10 (eleven years ago) link

ROME, June 29 (Reuters) - Inter Milan have released out-of-favour central defender Lucio, the club said on Friday.
The Brazilian international played for the club 136 times, winning two Serie A titles and the Champions League.
However, he has found himself surplus to requirements under new coach Andrea Stramaccioni.

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Friday, 29 June 2012 22:56 (eleven years ago) link

'My client can kick a person into a skip from 20 yards'

RIP big man

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Friday, 29 June 2012 22:57 (eleven years ago) link

When Giroud was asked how he could turn down the Champions League winners, he replied: "What’s the point if the coach does not call you, if he does not show that he really wants you? Wenger convinced me that he believed in me. Di Matteo did not — he did not speak to me. There is another coach that I met and that’s Mark Hughes, the manager of Queens Park Rangers, where he has a big project.

"But Arsenal, and not QPR, is one of three or four biggest clubs in England. Not yet, anyway."

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 14:14 (eleven years ago) link

i. o me of lil faith
ii. is he just a extremely polite young chap to a comical excess, or
iii. what sweet nothings did sparky whisper in his ear???

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 14:15 (eleven years ago) link

lots to enjoy in that quote

Ismael Klata, Saturday, 30 June 2012 14:19 (eleven years ago) link

my fave is a different quote wherein he speaks glowingly of joining "this mythical club"

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 14:35 (eleven years ago) link

is it just me that's OUTRAGED by that new saints strip btw

completely spoiled my happiness at their return

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 14:41 (eleven years ago) link

are they doing a cardiff what with foregrounding tadanari like that btw?

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 14:41 (eleven years ago) link

i am miffed it's not proper stripes yeah

idk (Noodle Vague), Saturday, 30 June 2012 14:45 (eleven years ago) link

Possibly - we've apparently got Radhi Jaidi setting up links for us in East Africa, or something, so I guess Asian-market-courting would be pretty in character.

Anyway - this should totally restore your enthusiasm for our return. Match of the Day really will not know what's hit it...

William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 30 June 2012 17:31 (eleven years ago) link

Oh, and Reading are making moves, snapping up Pogrebnyak and Guthrie. The mid-table-to-relegation battle is gonna be insanely tight this year.

William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 30 June 2012 17:33 (eleven years ago) link

My sister's just arrived in Bangkok. Spotted already on the way in from the airport: separate murals of John Terry and Wayne Rooney. No sign yet of any Wigan fever.

Ismael Klata, Saturday, 30 June 2012 17:36 (eleven years ago) link

or indeed Southampton

Ismael Klata, Saturday, 30 June 2012 17:37 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.saddlers.co.uk/javaImages/2/e0/0,,10428~9953282,00.jpg

JAMIE Tank has today joined Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:05 (eleven years ago) link

sometimes i miss the championship, i really do

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:06 (eleven years ago) link

oooooooooooh juicy and random:

Nottingham Forest are in danger of being reported to the Football League over an alleged approach for the Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson.

Forest are on the brink of a Kuwaiti takeover, in the form of the multi-millionaire Al-Hasawi family, and considering replacing Steve Cotterill in time for the new season. Neil Warnock, who is understood to have been considering his future at Leeds United this summer, is another possible alternative.

Peterborough's information is that Gianni Paladini, the former QPR chairman, is acting on behalf of Forest. Paladini, who featured prominently in the infamous QPR: The Four-Year Plan documentary, left his consultancy role at Loftus Road after the Tony Fernandes takeover last year.

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:08 (eleven years ago) link

i see cardiff have got jordon mutch, good little signing that

wonder how much blackburn are paying danny murphy as well. probably worth it tbf

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:11 (eleven years ago) link

TANK

A talented central defender who has impressed greatly for both the youth and reserve teams with some no-nonsense and committed displays that belie his tender years.

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:12 (eleven years ago) link

feed the tank and he will gore

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:16 (eleven years ago) link

http://twitter.com/JamieTank/status/216445019962343424

r|t|c, Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:21 (eleven years ago) link

Jamie Coleman ‏@Coler3

I love Sergio Ramos. ‪#swag‬
Retweeted by Jamie Tank

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:23 (eleven years ago) link

is it just me that's OUTRAGED by that new saints strip btw

No, I think it is an AFFRONT to common DECENCY

Özil Gummidge (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Saturday, 30 June 2012 20:31 (eleven years ago) link

i'm pretty meh about the new saints kit. if the white stripes were just 1cm thicker i'd like it a lot more. but i think this awesome piece of graphic design needs to be recorded on this thread:
http://www.footballkitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/New-Southampton-Kit-2013.jpg

jabba hands, Saturday, 30 June 2012 23:36 (eleven years ago) link

i spent so much of last week wondering "who the fuck is Jamie Tank?" that it never occured to me that he's called Jamie Tank.

anyway, the lad's only 19, can hardly expect him to be an immediate replacement for seasoned Premier League professionals like oh god i can't keep this up this morning

idk (Noodle Vague), Sunday, 1 July 2012 08:24 (eleven years ago) link

More retirement news: Kanoute heading to China now; more intriguingly, Seedorf's off to Brazil.

Ismael Klata, Sunday, 1 July 2012 08:30 (eleven years ago) link

His wife is Brazilian

Number None, Sunday, 1 July 2012 10:01 (eleven years ago) link

frankie lamps is visiting LA hmm

anonymous thoughts sharing (toandos), Monday, 2 July 2012 06:04 (eleven years ago) link

Arsenal are rumoured to be looking into Lyon's Lloris for arund 15M€. Sounds like a terrible idea gunners, look at how shit all the latest players you brought over from Ligue 1 have been, you should let that useless gk stay in France !

Jibe, Monday, 2 July 2012 08:40 (eleven years ago) link

Mladen Petric moving from Hamburg to Fulham on a free. Sweet left-foot but my word did he miss some absolute sitters last year. I think he'll rebound though and have a good season.

pandemic, Monday, 2 July 2012 09:50 (eleven years ago) link

Oh and it looks like Lacine Traore isn't LFC bound, he's signed for Anzhi.

pandemic, Monday, 2 July 2012 09:52 (eleven years ago) link

shame, he looked fun

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 10:06 (eleven years ago) link

Juventus bid £8m for RVP. Now that's negotiating

Number None, Monday, 2 July 2012 10:52 (eleven years ago) link

taste of their own medicine iirc

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 10:53 (eleven years ago) link

contract amortisation ftw

snoopsheepysheep (darraghmac), Monday, 2 July 2012 10:55 (eleven years ago) link

Beautiful.

pandemic, Monday, 2 July 2012 11:18 (eleven years ago) link

£8m? No? Oh go on then £5m and Elia.

pandemic, Monday, 2 July 2012 11:20 (eleven years ago) link

Tom Cruise has left Arsenal and joined Torquay on a free. Its been a tough couple of weeks for Cruise but lets hope he can rebuild his career at Torquay.

kid steel (cajunsunday), Monday, 2 July 2012 11:21 (eleven years ago) link

avb 16m contract 4 yrs

snoopsheepysheep (darraghmac), Monday, 2 July 2012 12:38 (eleven years ago) link

xp that's quite a step down, risky business from the young man.

lloris? why would arsenal want a big-money keeper?

Merdeyeux, Monday, 2 July 2012 12:40 (eleven years ago) link

lloris over szczesny is interesting

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 2 July 2012 12:47 (eleven years ago) link

maybe wenger has looked at the stats, at the norwich game and the greece game and thought better of him

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 2 July 2012 12:48 (eleven years ago) link

wenger would probably have to have had a stroke to do something as far out of character as that

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 12:55 (eleven years ago) link

he has been linked to lloris for years, but lyon's negotiating position under aulas was too strong

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 2 July 2012 13:03 (eleven years ago) link

lloris is just a better and more reliable player, szczesny is EPL PROVEN and given the premium paid for that he could probably get shot for £8m to villa or somebody

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 2 July 2012 13:04 (eleven years ago) link

It'd be hilarious for Wenger to sign him now. Presumably he's waiting for Wilshere to come back before looking at DMs.

Also, I hadn't realised avb was on gardening leave 'til July. No wonder he's portrayed as this prissy drama queen, walking away from clubs every time someone else gets an interview - 'can't be appointed until 1 July' isn't much of a story.

Ismael Klata, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:05 (eleven years ago) link

chezza is not quite in the epl proven bracket just yet whether he has wenger's trust or not

shabby £3m push out the door to germany somewhere would be more likely in this fanciful hypothesis

again i just can't see wenger upgrading on relatively established progeny until the errors become serially cataclysmic

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:14 (eleven years ago) link

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has completed his first transfer by signing Feyenoord midfielder Karim El Ahmadi.

"It was always a dream of mine to play in the Premier League," he told avfc.co.uk.

"Last year was successful for me and for Feyenoord - we qualified for the Champions League - but sometimes in life you have to make choices."

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:16 (eleven years ago) link

I was going to say, how long did Almunia manage to cling on at Arsenal? Seemingly ages.

Matt DC, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:18 (eleven years ago) link

the barclays premier league: sometimes in life you have to make choices

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:18 (eleven years ago) link

sczexczezbzvcy far better than almunia tbf

snoopsheepysheep (darraghmac), Monday, 2 July 2012 13:35 (eleven years ago) link

Exactly, and if that loser could rack up several consecutive seasons in the Arsenal goal I see no reason why Wenger should suddenly get squeamish about goalkeepers now.

Matt DC, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:40 (eleven years ago) link

someone on twitter was going on about how arsenal have been building up to this transfer window for 5 years and that this is gonna be wenger's big summer. anyone else see that?

Chris, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:52 (eleven years ago) link

the precedent would be eboué, who was talented and had played rb in the 2006 CL run

arsenal fans thought sagna's purchase superfluous, but eboué's erratic tendencies became more obvious as sagna established himself as the best rb in the division

if wenger can replace a talented but callow youth team product with a long-term french international then he will consider it

i don't think lloris will happen cuz he has three years left on contract and wenger won't pay aulas money

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 2 July 2012 13:53 (eleven years ago) link

lfc were inked with lloris last week too btw.

Chris, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:54 (eleven years ago) link

linked not inked. imagine agger with 'lloris' tattooed across his chest huh.

Chris, Monday, 2 July 2012 13:56 (eleven years ago) link

chezza is not quite in the epl proven bracket just yet whether he has wenger's trust or not

again i just can't see wenger upgrading on relatively established progeny until the errors become serially cataclysmic

― r|t|c, Monday, July 2, 2012 2:14 PM (38 minutes ago)

there you go answering yourself.....if this butland cunt who nobody has heard of is getting offers of ~£6m then yeah a 21 year old goalkeeper playing two seasons for the perennial third/fourth placed team is epl established

szczesny is the sort of gk epl teams like, large frame that can probably be bulked up further, physically courageous, shouty, iffy distribution but who cares

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 2 July 2012 13:57 (eleven years ago) link

saints are after butland, and also this dutch LB buttner. maybe we can tempt nicky butt out of retirement too.

jabba hands, Monday, 2 July 2012 14:22 (eleven years ago) link

idk i feel winning the prized "epl proven" distinction is not quite cut and dried as "guy who has played in england for many years" and a villa or whoever might still hesitate even despite the cv

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 14:33 (eleven years ago) link

that buttner looks p fun, supposedly he's spoken to hughes and jol too but i'd rather we just stuck with armand traore tbh

not really sure of what hughes is planning any more after the seemingly unnecessary giroud bid

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 14:37 (eleven years ago) link

'Sir Alex Ferguson said that I'd enjoy it here and told me to play as many games as I can.'
He added: 'I know that QPR is a club with great history. I read about the history and that's why I'm here.

mizzell, Monday, 2 July 2012 16:48 (eleven years ago) link

well now i feel sad

Number None, Monday, 2 July 2012 16:54 (eleven years ago) link

meh

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 17:32 (eleven years ago) link

If he stays fit he will be quality. And just look at the poor little mite's face

Number None, Monday, 2 July 2012 17:43 (eleven years ago) link

his twin brother signed a new contract and received some gushing SAF praise on the same day he was told to look up qpr's history on wikipedia.

mizzell, Monday, 2 July 2012 17:47 (eleven years ago) link

so avb to spurs is supposed to be announced tomorrow, but both blanc and deschamps are available as of today. hmmmmmmm

mizzell, Monday, 2 July 2012 17:52 (eleven years ago) link

Rafael has made almost twice as many appearances for Utd due to Fabio being so unlucky with injuries and having Evra ahead of him in his position. He still played his way into a Champions League final place not so long ago so he's not exactly rubbish

Number None, Monday, 2 July 2012 17:57 (eleven years ago) link

i believe that, it just kind of shows the cruel vagaries of sport to be in such a differnet situation as someone with the exact same dna.

mizzell, Monday, 2 July 2012 18:02 (eleven years ago) link

actually not that differnt really, but you know what i mean

mizzell, Monday, 2 July 2012 18:05 (eleven years ago) link

isnt evra pretty shit these days?

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 18:26 (eleven years ago) link

in order of pref i would rather have i) waited for taiwo ii) played traore ii) signed the buttner lad

unless of course fabio's here to challenge at rb in which case fair dos since luke young's off and onuoha's been unexpectedly clueless

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 18:29 (eleven years ago) link

http://i.imgur.com/oEr1w.jpg

taiwooooooo :(

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 18:32 (eleven years ago) link

In a bygone era he'd have gone to Sunderland.

Matt DC, Monday, 2 July 2012 18:45 (eleven years ago) link

Paris Saint-Germain signed Argentina winger Ezequiel Lavezzi in a transfer from Napoli reportedly worth up to C30 million on Monday.

boxall, Monday, 2 July 2012 20:12 (eleven years ago) link

if this butland cunt who nobody has heard of is getting offers of ~£6m

*quietly assures self we are not Roy Keane-era Sunderland*

And apparently Dyche is now officially getting jobbed at Watford, which basically means there will be no reason to watch the Football League Show next season, unless you count watching Clem failing to have banter with Sean O'Driscoll and Steve Coppell at Crawley.

William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 2 July 2012 20:32 (eleven years ago) link

how much are you bidding for michael 'chops' chopra

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Monday, 2 July 2012 20:39 (eleven years ago) link

unless you count watching Clem failing to have banter with Sean O'Driscoll and Steve Coppell at Crawley.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 2 July 2012 21:32 (14 minutes ago) Bookmark

lol, quite

what a bubbly pair for the ages

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 20:49 (eleven years ago) link

trying to imagine sod's chin up lad negotiating technique for when he pops into coppell's office and finds him about to kick the chair away

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 20:53 (eleven years ago) link

gutted for the dychester anyway

in my bitter experience it's at least a year or two away before the "but they saved the club" excuse starts to wear too thin

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 20:56 (eleven years ago) link

"Juventus announce that an agreement with Udinese has been finalised over the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of Asamoah for a fee of €18 million to be paid in three years," a statement on the Juventus website reads.

"At the same time, Juventus and Udinese signed a player sharing agreement related to the same player for a consideration of €9m to be paid by Udinese in three years.

"Juventus also announce that an agreement with Udinese has been finalised over the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of Mauricio Anibal Isla for a fee of €18.8m to be paid in three years.

"At the same time, Juventus and Udinese signed a player sharing agreement related to the same player for a consideration of €9.4m to be paid by Udinese in three years."

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Cristian Pasquato moves in the other direction for a fee of €3m paid over three years, with Juventus re-signing 50 per cent of the forward's economical rights for a fee of €1.5m.

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 21:04 (eleven years ago) link

what the fuck does it all mean

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 21:04 (eleven years ago) link

jiggery pokery

Ismael Klata, Monday, 2 July 2012 21:05 (eleven years ago) link

did they pay 36m for both with half the sum as a three year loan?? is that right?

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 21:08 (eleven years ago) link

asamoah vidal marchisio ought to keep pirlo well and truly wrapped in cotton wool anyway

idk juve's is probably the general formation i understand least in footer right now despite reading a bunch of zm posts

r|t|c, Monday, 2 July 2012 21:17 (eleven years ago) link

don't forget Pogba!

Number None, Monday, 2 July 2012 21:19 (eleven years ago) link

I am imagining the New Girl theme tune in Dyche's voice. It is making me happy.

William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 2 July 2012 21:20 (eleven years ago) link

"I want to go to Southampton,” Buttner told De Telegraaf. “I'm waiting on the clubs to reach an agreement, but I'm counting on Vitesse.

“It will be a big blow for me if this transfer won't work out. I've been in Southampton and everything over there is perfect.

“The club, the stadium, the way I've been received over there were all really surprising. Southampton have got big ambitions. With the new investor they want the same as Manchester City."

r|t|c, Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:11 (eleven years ago) link

It looks like Blackburn might start the season with Leon Best and Nuno Gomes up front.

Temporarily Famous In The Czech Republic (ShariVari), Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:13 (eleven years ago) link

yikes

Number None, Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:18 (eleven years ago) link

veteran striker nuno gomes. I saw the headline "gomes signs for rovers" and thought things had got that bad for 3rd choice spurs goalie, but no.

pandemic, Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:21 (eleven years ago) link

george best and bafetimbi gomis would probably be a more effective strike partnership right now

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:22 (eleven years ago) link

or yakubu

snoopsheepysheep (darraghmac), Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:37 (eleven years ago) link

yakubu has informed us he is moving to china

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:38 (eleven years ago) link

vyash b'wash looks like such a liability still, it's not just his age or callowness but just this prickly, pedantic, defensive manner which u can tell isn't even going to impress zanyone

he needs to maybe add some bling or bulk up or have a huge bodyguard or something/anything to make him look less ridiculous, or to make him look ridiculous in a way more likely to impress epl players

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:44 (eleven years ago) link

i mean ppl want him to do well right? they want him to finish above chelsea

dis civilization and its contents (nakhchivan), Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:46 (eleven years ago) link

but just this prickly, pedantic, defensive manner which u can tell isn't even going to impress zanyone

So worried about this. We don't have yr kind of lunk-headed Big Men In The Dressing Room but I'm almost certain that people like Defoe have phoned up Frankie Lamps Baby for his opinion and there's been a load of argh-mate-he's-a-nightmaring going on.

Might be better when he's actually had the opportunity to sign players who aren't Raul Mereiles.

Matt DC, Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:55 (eleven years ago) link

Graun's been talking up a move for Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior, who I know nothing about at all.

Matt DC, Tuesday, 3 July 2012 11:57 (eleven years ago) link

i'm happy with vyas boersh and hope that he doesn't need to get defensive or prickly too soon in, which i think happened at chelsea when he tried to get rid of the modern giants of the club.

If he can't get the supporters behind him by shifting jenas, bentley et al from us then there's something wrong somewhere

Nakh, am aware that yak's off east it was a reference to his age iirc

snoopsheepysheep (darraghmac), Tuesday, 3 July 2012 12:01 (eleven years ago) link

yeah defoe is exactly the sort of player you can imagine him alienating by brusquely consigning him to the bench but unlike redknapp he wouldn't mollify him at all, and then he would become a disruptive influence with the younger players