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Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:11:53


Post by: 99MDeery


Right with a current thread degenerating into a discussion about Football i thought i'd start a thread about our beautiful game so we can all discuss all things related to football.

Obviously I'm a Liverpool fan so i hope we win the title but what does the rest of the community think about the Premier League or in fact anything to football, such as Barcelona's amazing run at the moment i am dreading it if we face them in the Champions League, i'm so glad we got Madrid.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:19:36


Post by: reds8n


Madrid over 2 legs I think we can do, I think they're actually in a similar sort of situation to us, especially with regards to pressure to do well in their own league.

Villa would have been an ace signing indeed, although again that would involve a drastic change of system which I can't see Benitez doing.

Overall, despite far too many drawn matches I do think we're better than last year- a lot of the 1-1 draws I think we would have lost 1-nil last year, and Torres' injuries haven't helped.

Success story of the season though has to be O'Neill at Aston Villa. I've always rated him as a manager, he was the on I wanted for Liverpool.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:20:48


Post by: Ensis Ferrae


Sorry, im just an ignorant Yank... but im soon to be stationed in Germany, and thought it prudent to try and gain some knowledge into this strange variety of "football" you play hehe, so i know that over here WE call it soccer, but you so eloquently call it football, for much more obvious reasons than we call our HURR sport football....


what are these "premier" leagues, and "champions" leagues?? ohh, and how come the teams dont do mascots the same way that american sports do???

sorry if this could be construed as thread-jacking... but i figure its about the sport, and hopefully can bring some folks up to speed


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:22:59


Post by: stonefox


Well, the American Football superbowl is tonight


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:30:03


Post by: 99MDeery


aye and the fact that thanks to the previous manager (cannot spell his name) they hardly have a squad and rely far to much on players like Raul and Van Nistolroy.

Perhaps necessary to change to formation but if you had David Villa and Torres would you not? and yes reds8n we are doing better than last season, its just a shame games we would have breezed through last year (Wigan and Stoke spring to mind) we are drawing which is a concern but we seem to get the results that count, i'm hoping we can do the double on United as well as Chelsea to take away their game in hand advantage, the showdown will be at Old Trafford.

Villa, definitely a success story O'Niel is a great manager and really believes in his players you can see that, even if they lose they stick with the same team to keep it consistent, losing Carew was not as big a blow to the team as i thought it would be and now they have Carew, Hesky and Agbonlahor to pick from this is their season to hit the top 4.

However what about Hull City, for a team that has just come up they have done fantastic, running out of steam now i feel but they should have the ability to avoid relegation, especially if Newcastle continue the way they are going at the moment.

On that note, whats your predictions for relegation this season, West Brom are a definite i think but the rest, its quite a tough one to call.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:34:46


Post by: 99MDeery


Ensis Ferrae wrote:Sorry, im just an ignorant Yank... but im soon to be stationed in Germany, and thought it prudent to try and gain some knowledge into this strange variety of "football" you play hehe, so i know that over here WE call it soccer, but you so eloquently call it football, for much more obvious reasons than we call our HURR sport football....


what are these "premier" leagues, and "champions" leagues?? ohh, and how come the teams dont do mascots the same way that American sports do???

sorry if this could be construed as thread-jacking... but i figure its about the sport, and hopefully can bring some folks up to speed


Not a problem, i do apologize being English "football" is what we call soccer and strangely enough we call your football "American Football".

To answer a few questions, the Premier League is the American equivalent of Major League Soccer (Italians = Seria A, Spanish - La Liga etc etc)

And the champions league is the top teams (normally 4th - 1st, but sometimes in the case of the Dutch League or Belgian its less) in their respective leagues play each other for the right to be crowned Champions of Europe.

To avoid anymore confusion I will add Soccer to the end of the topic title for our American counterparts


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:37:03


Post by: lifeafter


Is anyone a fan of the Kilmarnock Killies?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:39:48


Post by: 99MDeery


lifeafter wrote:Is anyone a fan of the Kilmarnock Killies?


Who?!?! Obscure team of the month award goes to you sir!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:40:45


Post by: reds8n


The Premier league is the top flight league of the English football league- see here for the current league positions.

Each team plays every other twice--once at home and once away. 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and zero for getting your ass kicked.

Team at the top with the most points at the end of the season wins, the bottom 3 get relegated down into the championship league --same format with divisions 1 and 2 beneath them. then there's a whole bunch of local/amateur leagues which follows the same sort of principles.

The Champions league is a cup competition that features the top teams from across all the european leagues. And Israel too as for some reason tehir neighbours won't play them ?

The English premiership this year ( and for the last few) has been allowed to enter the top 4 finishing teams. They initially play in little mini leagues against each other-- as you can see here.

The winning teams from those-- generally the top 2 of each group, then go into the knockout phase which starts up agai in a couple of weeks. As you can see here.

This elimination matches continue until you're left with the top 2 teams who meet in the final. With the possible exception of the world cup this is the most prestigious prize to win in football.

We don't know how you can call your game football either.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:41:15


Post by: lifeafter


I only know it because my grandparents used to own a good chunk of it back in the 90s. I used to get the Jerseys for Christmas/Birthday and had next to no idea what they were. For the longest time I thought they were called the Atmays because I didn't realize that sponsors bought the big front are of jerseys in Europe.

Obscure, maybe. But they are in the FIFA games...


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:44:24


Post by: reds8n


For relegation I think West Brom, Stoke and I'll take a punt on Blackburn. With the hammers escaping on the last day due to some dodgy refereeing decision.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:50:50


Post by: 99MDeery


reds8n wrote:For relegation I think West Brom, Stoke and I'll take a punt on Blackburn. With the hammers escaping on the last day due to some dodgy refereeing decision.


Interesting choice on Blackburn considering they have just got Allerdyce. West Ham, unsure Zola and Clarke have got the team playing some awesome football and Di Michele does look good.

My 3 are West Brom, Stoke and Pompy, they are just playing rubbish, i'm so glad we off loaded Pennant onto them.

And great breakdown of how European football works, better than mine

Obscure, maybe. But they are in the FIFA games...


True but every team is in Fifa they have 25 Leagues in the game, i will have to look this team up you've made me curious.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:53:07


Post by: lifeafter


They're in the Scottish Premiere league.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:55:49


Post by: reds8n


ninth in fact


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:57:13


Post by: 99MDeery


Not too shabby, its a shame about Scottish football, its just about two teams, same as Spain and Italy really.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 19:59:09


Post by: lifeafter


Yeah. I remember having the following conversation with my grandpa a couple years ago about that team: "Grandpa, did you make any money off that team?"
"The team? Hell no. That was just for fun. Unless you owned the Rangers or Celtics, you don't make any money in that league."


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:01:04


Post by: reds8n


Yeah, I wish they'd just bite the bullet and fold them into the English leagues. Given the way the games going and the vast sums of £ flying around I really don't see how the small scottish clubs can expect to survive without grasping a chunk of the much bigger and richer english football pie.

And of course that means we'd get the old firm clashes on MOTD !


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:08:19


Post by: Kilkrazy


The same is true of a lot of English football in the lower divisions.

Some of the Premier teams will be in trouble if their sugar daddy owners lose too much money in the credit crunch etc.

I always admired the way the NHL is run as a business for the whole league, not just the top few teams.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:09:40


Post by: 99MDeery


reds8n wrote:Yeah, I wish they'd just bite the bullet and fold them into the English leagues. Given the way the games going and the vast sums of £ flying around I really don't see how the small scottish clubs can expect to survive without grasping a chunk of the much bigger and richer english football pie.

And of course that means we'd get the old firm clashes on MOTD !


As much as Old Firm clashes on MOTD would be awesome it will never happen, the Scots like their sport seperate so they keep their national identity, or something to that degree, tbh i like it like that, all the other Scottish teams would mull around in the lower leagues and only Celtic and Rangers would be able to survive in the Premier League IMO.

Also breaking news, Tottenham have just bid £15 Million for Robbie Keane.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:11:05


Post by: Kilkrazy


Keeps it more competitive, in theory, though the Bengals have been looking sad for nearly 20 years.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:11:12


Post by: 99MDeery


Kilkrazy wrote:The same is true of a lot of English football in the lower divisions.

Some of the Premier teams will be in trouble if their sugar daddy owners lose too much money in the credit crunch etc.

I always admired the way the NHL is run as a business for the whole league, not just the top few teams.


Very good point KK, i have always liked how the American Leagues (not Soccer) run the transfer window to keep it at least fair, instead of teams like Milan, Arsenal etc snap up all the good players


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:17:37


Post by: reds8n


Does seem to be a fairer way of doing it-- and completely against the concepts of the free-market too. Americans eh ?

I would like to perhaps see some rule about X amount of squad players having to be from the clubs own academy or similar.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:20:45


Post by: Greebynog


The problem with Liverpool is Rafa's conservatism. He's far too willing to sit back on a one goal lead and defend, often poorly. Liverpool/Wigan was a case in point, whilst Liverpool go one up, sit back and then get nobbled with a late equaliser, Man U go one up against West Brom, and promptly put another 4 past them. I know WBA are a much worse team than Wigan, but Liverpool shouldn't be stumbling against such compartively weak opposition as Wigan and Stoke, it's shocking. Today's game was a perfect example, neither side looked like they really wanted to win, it was a dire game. Meanwhile, Man U have kept a record breaking 12 clean sheets on the trot, without a settled back four, which is incredible. Nemanja Vidic is very possibly the best centre-back in the world, and the addition of Dimitar Berbatov has given them a completely different option up front to Rooney and Tevez, and there's still the boy Ronaldo to think about. I really, honestly, can't see anyone catching them, Man U don't throw away points. They just don't.

As for Hull, I bloody hope they go down, they're only five points off and haven't won in an age, they got lucky at the start, now their lack of quality and depth is showing. Phil Brown's a gakker too.

Predictions for relegation:
West Brom (sadly, they play really nice football at times with a positive approach)
Middlesbrough (I like Southgate, but with their best player wanting out, they look in a lot of trouble)
Either Stoke or Portsmouth, probably Stoke.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:34:39


Post by: 99MDeery


reds8n wrote:Does seem to be a fairer way of doing it-- and completely against the concepts of the free-market too. Americans eh ?

I would like to perhaps see some rule about X amount of squad players having to be from the clubs own academy or similar.


the academy thing i could see working nice idea, didn't they introduce that rule into the champions league a few years ago and their was complete uproar?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:36:53


Post by: Ensis Ferrae


reds8n wrote:Does seem to be a fairer way of doing it-- and completely against the concepts of the free-market too. Americans eh ?

I would like to perhaps see some rule about X amount of squad players having to be from the clubs own academy or similar.



actually.. we still have a sport with no salary cap, and free-market, generally speaking, as it was meant to be... and that's "america's past time" Baseball

of course, my favorite team gets blamed for snatching up all the best players, and paying top dollar for them too


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:38:52


Post by: Greebynog


99MDeery wrote:
reds8n wrote:Does seem to be a fairer way of doing it-- and completely against the concepts of the free-market too. Americans eh ?

I would like to perhaps see some rule about X amount of squad players having to be from the clubs own academy or similar.


the academy thing i could see working nice idea, didn't they introduce that rule into the champions league a few years ago and their was complete uproar?


There's is a 'homegrown' player quota in the Champions League, X amount must have played for the team for Y amount of years under Z age, and N amount of players must be have citizenship of the club's country. It's being discussed to be added to the English football league, but not the premiership.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 20:44:32


Post by: reds8n


You know you were saying about the sports may be different but the conversations/moans are the same the world over......


There was talk about introducing a % requirement of the teams home nationality I believe, but aside from the big clubs freaking out this is also currently illegal under European employment rules. They could get round this if they were sensible and tried to phase it in, buts as Platini is a grade A cock and despises English football/it's success I can see some ill thought out legislation happening soon.

That said i think ti sensible to start putting caps on things like club turnover and wage %s, I gather some of the Premiership clubs are up to something stupid like 76-80% of turnover on wages !


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 21:54:37


Post by: whatwhat


reds8n wrote:That said i think ti sensible to start putting caps on things like club turnover and wage %s, I gather some of the Premiership clubs are up to something stupid like 76-80% of turnover on wages !


Cap turnover? And you don't think that would lead to the top clubs leaving the premiership? Of course it would, especially with all the talk of a European super league around. + most premiership clubs are actually well in the red.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/01 22:19:57


Post by: WeeHessy


Whilst footballers get payed loads, remember that they are at the top of their profession. Andy Murray gets paid loads for his tennis, and I don't see anyone trying to cap Sir Alan Sugar's salary any time soon!

WRT to Scottish teams in English league. Scottish teams are in no way capable of taking on the Premiership, with the exception of the Old-Firm. The reason for the current difference is cash. Even bottom of the league Premiership teams get more cash from TV liscensing than the top of the SPL teams. This leads to a bigger difference and means that when it comes to European games, Rangers and Celtic come face to face with teams that are way better than they face every weekend. So when Rangers crashed out of Europe it was no surprise. They got to the UEFA cup final on pure luck before.

For the record I'm a St Mirren fan. Look up their history: more to this local team than meats the eye!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mirren


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/02 02:56:15


Post by: 99MDeery


WeeHessy: I take it Setanta don't pay alot for the SPL games they like to rave about so much then? But you are right most of the Scottish teams would falter against a side like Wigan or Bolton.

And with regards to footballers pay, they get the most criticism because they are the ones that flaunt their cash around (Rooney buying his mrs a new Bentley springs to mind) as such it garners criticism, i forget whether it was Micheal Owen or someone else that came under public criticism because he was spending a couple of afternoons a week gambling at a casino after training, his response was simply, I don't have an addiction that is preposterous i just earn enough money that i can happily throw 5 or 10 grand away at a casino for an afternoons entertainment now leave me alone, but the British press were all over it like a bad rash with no cure.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/02 03:19:25


Post by: warpcrafter


I was once on a semi-pro "Starting fights at the local roller skating rink and sneaking out through the back door before the cops showed up" league, does that count? We held the title for three consecutive years until finally the injuries started to pile up, along with the drug use and then they started putting up pictures of us at the front door. Good times.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/02 09:09:03


Post by: reds8n


whatwhat wrote:
reds8n wrote:That said i think ti sensible to start putting caps on things like club turnover and wage %s, I gather some of the Premiership clubs are up to something stupid like 76-80% of turnover on wages !


Cap turnover? And you don't think that would lead to the top clubs leaving the premiership? Of course it would, especially with all the talk of a European super league around. + most premiership clubs are actually well in the red.


No, sorry I didn't make myself very clear here. I am in favour of a cap on the maximum % of turnover that can be spent on wages, not a cap on overall turnover.

That way the bigger clubs can ( and will) still pay amazing salaries but it means the smaller clubs might not all implode within the next few years.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/02 14:27:39


Post by: 99MDeery


reds8n wrote:
whatwhat wrote:
reds8n wrote:That said i think ti sensible to start putting caps on things like club turnover and wage %s, I gather some of the Premiership clubs are up to something stupid like 76-80% of turnover on wages !


Cap turnover? And you don't think that would lead to the top clubs leaving the premiership? Of course it would, especially with all the talk of a European super league around. + most premiership clubs are actually well in the red.


No, sorry I didn't make myself very clear here. I am in favour of a cap on the maximum % of turnover that can be spent on wages, not a cap on overall turnover.

That way the bigger clubs can ( and will) still pay amazing salaries but it means the smaller clubs might not all implode within the next few years.


I don't necessarily agree with that, alot of the bigger clubs are in more debt than the smaller clubs, the Villa for example are not actually in debt but they don't spend stupid amounts of money on big name players.

Take the example of the United - Madrid - Ronaldo saga last summer, it was reported that if United sold Ronaldo to Madrid for the "reported" (i use this term lightly) £100M then that money could have quite easily wiped out all of Man U's debt. This is the issue with alot of these foriegn owners buying clubs, they lump their debt onto the club itself and send it spiralling into more debt, so in theory it could be that some of the larger clubs would start going downhill in this current economic climate than the smaller clubs simply because they don't go out and throw 40 - 50 million in the transfer market in most seasons, its one of the reasons why Arsenal never spend any money in the transfer window and Wenger only brings kids in on the cheap that will mature and be awesome in a few years time (to take an example lets say Carlos Vela, in a few years with some more first team experience he will be an awesome striker, same as Fabregas he's matured really well over the past couple of years even if he is trying to fill a void left by players like Paddy Viera and Flamini).


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 17:44:40


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


As a life-long fan of Oxford United FC (we won the League Cup back in 1986, you know!) who are having an absolutely atrocious season in the Blue Square Premier (Conference National to old-timers) keeping up a fine tradition of sucking ass since Robert Maxwell took his last dive :-(

For the Premier/Champions League (only English games we can get over here), I am rooting for Liverpool to break the drought, because I'd hate for Manchester United's 26 year drought to be exceeded by Liverpool. Plus they have the tiny Oxford United connection from the John Aldridge days.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 18:01:48


Post by: reds8n


Aldridge was great-- even looked like Ian Rush II as well. Dean Saunders from Oxford too ? Or am I getting confused with Derby ?

Keane has been sold back then... well, good luck to him. Sour's transfers over the last year or so-- Cuddicini aside perhaps-- now look like the worlds biggest jokes. Odds on Keane getting crocked in the next week or so then ?

I'm amazed given Cech's sudden dip in form that Chelsea let Cuddicini go-- Bridge leaving I can understand, they're not that short in defense, but given the wobbles they are having getting rid of the number 2 keeper is an odd move indeed.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 18:08:33


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


reds8n wrote:Aldridge was great-- even looked like Ian Rush II as well. Dean Saunders from Oxford too ? Or am I getting confused with Derby ?


Liverpool got him from Derby, who got him from Oxford.


And the Keane thing is just utterly mental. He didn't settle in the team because Rafa wouldn't play him in the bloody team!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 18:20:47


Post by: 99MDeery


I am very very very annoyed about the Keane sale, now once again we have to rely on two players for all our goals, still at least Gerrard and Torres are awesome which is a bonus.

Chelsea selling Cudicini was a very odd move, Cech has just not been the same keeper since his head injury i think that is one of the areas that has cost Chelsea alot of goals they need someone like Buffon or Casillas if they want to remain challenging for the title as a few seasons ago Terry, Carvahlo, Cole, (whoever was the right back at the time) and Cech were the most formidable defense in the league (one could argue Liverpool's and United's were on par) now they are just as leaky as Arsenal who have been crap ever since Viera left.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 21:08:00


Post by: Black Blow Fly


I have been a Manchester United fan ever since I was just a toddler and my dad would take me to some games. I also love Arsenal... Ian Wright was an excellent footballer. My favorite footballer ever is Eric Cantana - I think he was a lot better than Pele.

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 21:10:36


Post by: Kilkrazy


Rooney bought his missus a new Bentley?

Disgusting.

What the hell does he have a personal assistant. Is he trying to do decent working people out of jobs?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 21:19:17


Post by: 99MDeery


Green Blow Fly wrote:I have been a Manchester United fan ever since I was just a toddler and my dad would take me to some games. I also love Arsenal... Ian Wright was an excellent footballer. My favorite footballer ever is Eric Cantana - I think he was a lot better than Pele.

G


Cantona was an excellent footballer however to compare him to Pele is not really fair, Cantona was a great finisher and goalscorer, but Pele had a more complete skills set, he would make goals as well, in a sense to compare Pele to someone of this day and age it would be Kaka or Ronaldinho (of a few years ago not now), out of the French national side of that time i would rate Zidane better than Cantona anyday though but I like Madrid.

also Killkrazy, clearly it was disgusting, however it was just an example of how our tabloid press jump on the bandwagon and criticise footballers for buying outlandish things when they earn the money from being top of their profession, that and a footballing career really isn't a long one, unless your a goalkeeper your time is up by your mid 30's its just never made sense to me, yes they get paid lots but what about the over paid idiots that produce and act in hollywood films (how Micheal Bay and Uwe Boll are allowed to keep making films is beyond all laws of logic and reason, let alone the nature of the universe).


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 21:24:40


Post by: lifeafter


You can't get upset with athletes getting paid that much money, because that's how much money their sport makes. Would you rather just see the owner keep all of the money? If they want to buy bentleys, let 'em buy bentleys.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 21:52:27


Post by: Black Blow Fly


99MDeery wrote:
Green Blow Fly wrote:I have been a Manchester United fan ever since I was just a toddler and my dad would take me to some games. I also love Arsenal... Ian Wright was an excellent footballer. My favorite footballer ever is Eric Cantona - I think he was a lot better than Pele.

G


Cantona was an excellent footballer however to compare him to Pele is not really fair, Cantona was a great finisher and goalscorer, but Pele had a more complete skills set, he would make goals as well, in a sense to compare Pele to someone of this day and age it would be Kaka or Ronaldinho (of a few years ago not now), out of the French national side of that time i would rate Zidane better than Cantona anyday though but I like Madrid.



It is funny how people feel they must say Pele was better when in fact Eric won more championships and scored more goals. Pele was also a great finisher and goal scorer seeing he was a forward as well. The only two people I would even compare with Cantona is Cruyf (sp?) and the other fellow from Holland who also played for Man.

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 22:14:21


Post by: 99MDeery


I can understand your point, I may even concede it. Cruijff was the "total" footballer as he has been often referred too.

But people that you could compare too Cantona:
Cruijff (god that is a mouthful)
Bergkamp
Maradona
van Basten
Romario
Zico
Stoichkov
Brian Laudrup
Shearer
Jürgen Klinsmann
Eusébio
Kenny Dalglish (the man the Legend)

All of these players are awesome, and with the exception of Dalglish (and possibly Van Basten) have won less championships than Cantona, i was going more on technical ability than medals and goals scored, however if you are going purely on goals scored on whos better, Michel Platini scored more goals in his career than cantona, so did Pele, Romario, Maradona hell Ronald Koeman scored more goals than Cantona and he was a defender!.

Coincidentally thats my Strike line up for my Liverpool team on Pro Evo 09 (add in Torres though).


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 22:29:27


Post by: whatwhat


Green Blow Fly wrote:It is funny how people feel they must say Pele was better when in fact Eric won more championships and scored more goals. Pele was also a great finisher and goal scorer seeing he was a forward as well. The only two people I would even compare with Cantona is Cruyf (sp?) and the other fellow from Holland who also played for Man.

G


Phill Neville won more championships than pelle, means nothing. You only have to look at the likes of shearer who 99MDeery just mentioned to acknowledge you aren't proven by the size your trophy cabinet. Cantona was a good player yes, but think about it: 98 world cup cantona 30 years old didn't make the team, 1970 world cup pele 30 years old...you do the math.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 22:36:47


Post by: 99MDeery


This is true whatwhat, i can understand GBF's point however, obviously being a United fan he does see him as "king eric" tis the same with me really, i see players like Ian Rush and Gerrard as some of the best midfielders/strikers in the world, of course I'm wrong however, you only have to look at players like Zidane and Platini to figure that one out.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 22:42:06


Post by: whatwhat


Yeh there is certainly an amount of tinted vision when your a fan of a certain team, red in your case. I remember when I was ten years old I thought the same of tino Asprilla, who not many outside of my area seem to remember anymore. From an outsiders perspective though Gerrard would certainly make it higher up the list of al time midfielders, Ian rush wouldn't make it quite so high up the forward list imo but a good player all the same, neither would make my all time best team.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 22:42:33


Post by: Black Blow Fly


Cantona was athletic which helped him to dominate games. I saw him do stuff no one else could dream of... like chest trap the ball eight feet up in the air at the top of the box, spin around then kick the ball into the far corner of the net past the outstretched hand of the keeper. Brilliant.

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 22:45:09


Post by: 99MDeery


"Bergkamp scored three times in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, including a memorable winning goal in the final minute of the quarter-final against Argentina. Bergkamp took a leaping first touch to instantly control a long 60-yard aerial pass from Frank de Boer, brought the ball down through Argentine defender Roberto Ayala's legs, and finally finished by firing a volley with the outside of his right foot past the keeper at a tight angle from the right. With three intelligent right-footed touches in a matter of seconds, he was able to turn the game and send his national squad into the semifinal round."

I saw that goal, my mouth didn't leave the floor for an hour


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 22:52:06


Post by: whatwhat


this one?


not really a volley though, this...this is a volley...



Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 22:59:17


Post by: 99MDeery


Yup thats the goal massively empressive, same as the Shearer's volly but lets look at an impressive shot now:



granted the keeper loses his footing, but the guy has done it a couple of times.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 23:04:37


Post by: whatwhat


not really a fan of the centre line hit and hope goal tbh, especially when they're scored against certain teams


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 23:14:59


Post by: 99MDeery


You a Magpie? Opps sorry I do apologise, I'll see if i can find an awesome Liverpool goal against Sunderland then

btw, what are you going to do now Shey Given's left? Also whens the Duke back?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 23:24:48


Post by: whatwhat


99MDeery wrote:You a Magpie? Opps sorry I do apologise, I'll see if i can find an awesome Liverpool goal against Sunderland then

btw, what are you going to do now Shey Given's left? Also whens the Duke back?


magpie born and bred from newcastle originally, don;t live far from there now. well shay left because he felt the club wasn't right at the moment, and considering what hes been through since he's been here that must be bad news. But will still have stevie harper who, despite what you se in the vid you posted, is still a very good keeper who could stand well against most others in the premiership.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 23:27:46


Post by: Black Blow Fly


Watching Man versus Everton right now sipping beer at the pub. tevez is a monster.



G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 23:39:10


Post by: 99MDeery


whatwhat wrote:
99MDeery wrote:You a Magpie? Opps sorry I do apologise, I'll see if i can find an awesome Liverpool goal against Sunderland then

btw, what are you going to do now Shey Given's left? Also whens the Duke back?


magpie born and bred from newcastle originally, don;t live far from there now. well shay left because he felt the club wasn't right at the moment, and considering what hes been through since he's been here that must be bad news. But will still have stevie harper who, despite what you se in the vid you posted, is still a very good keeper who could stand well against most others in the premiership.


I completely agree Harper is a good keeper, whats the news on Owen and Viduka though Newcastle really need them back.

Also GBF Tevez is good yes, but you really need an on form Ronaldo again unless you fancy surrendering the title to the Real Red Men!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/03 23:48:15


Post by: whatwhat


99MDeery wrote:I completely agree Harper is a good keeper, whats the news on Owen and Viduka though Newcastle really need them back.

Also GBF Tevez is good yes, but you really need an on form Ronaldo again unless you fancy surrendering the title to the Real Red Men!


last news on owen was he would be out for six weeks but i'd expect longer knowing how these things have gone in the past. not sure about viduka but martins looks like he might be back this weekend which is

also from a neutral perspective liverpool need Ferguson to go off form if you want to win the premiership this season, ronaldo is secondary to that.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 00:03:12


Post by: Black Blow Fly


I have never been a big fan of Ronaldo.

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 00:04:34


Post by: whatwhat


Green Blow Fly wrote:I have never been a big fan of Ronaldo.

G


I know a few people who would happily take him off you if you like?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 00:42:27


Post by: 99MDeery


Now as much as i dislike Man Utd, hearing a Utd fan say the dislike Ronaldo is like a Liverpool fan saying Steven Gerrard does not win us games based on his performance.

I think i'm in shock, i'm sure Real Madrid however would be happy to hear these comments


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 00:55:28


Post by: Black Blow Fly


I am not complaining and I never argue with success. I'm just staying there are other footballers who rock my world a lot more. Take for instance Keane... A staple player who never once let the media get to him. He is a role model for me. Really. : )

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 02:07:14


Post by: 99MDeery


Green Blow Fly wrote:I am not complaining and I never argue with success. I'm just staying there are other footballers who rock my world a lot more. Take for instance Keane... A staple player who never once let the media get to him. He is a role model for me. Really. : )

G


I can understand your comments Roy Keane was a very good no nonsense midfielder and a real driving force for Utd in the 90's, yeh their are other footballers who i prefer to see play than Ronaldo I do get fed up with his showboating and tricks every 5 minutes, Messi should have got Player of the Year if you've seen him play, in short he's awesome


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 05:59:39


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


I'm not a Man U fan by any stretch of the imagination (Liverppol for the EPL, Oxford for my real team) but in the History of the EPL (which kicked off 1n 1992) you have to say that Cantona and Roy Keane are two of the greatest midfielders. Gerrard too. And probably Viera


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 11:25:11


Post by: Greebynog


Roy Keane? A bloody role model?! That man is satan's own spawn. Did you see what he did to Alf Inge-Haaland? Over a a stupid feud Keane created? That tackle ended his career and was nothing short of common assualt. Keane wrote in his autobiography that as he went into that tackle he thought "Have that, you c***". What a role model. Evil, heartless bastard.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 12:18:39


Post by: 99MDeery


Greebynog wrote:Roy Keane? A bloody role model?! That man is satan's own spawn. Did you see what he did to Alf Inge-Haaland? Over a a stupid feud Keane created? That tackle ended his career and was nothing short of common assualt. Keane wrote in his autobiography that as he went into that tackle he thought "Have that, you c***". What a role model. Evil, heartless bastard.


I've seen many footballers do that though, sometimes Stevie g goes into a tackle with a look on his face that says "have that". Also if you look at some of the replays from Sunday's game after Lampard's red Xabi had a massive smile on his face that blatantly said "$%^^ you". Its all about getting caught up in the heat of the moment especially in big games.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 15:24:32


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


Yeah, but being caught up in the heat is a little different from deliberate attempt to injure. Plus Keane quit on his freaking country during a World Cup


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 19:02:17


Post by: Greebynog


He wasn't caught up in the moment at all. He planned the attack for a year after another incident with the same player that ended in Keane getting a red card. Have you seen the tackle in question? It's far too gory for me to ever want to see it again, especially seeing as Alfie was such a top player, and a nice bloke. It's on youtube if you want to watch it, be warned, it's not pretty.

And please don't mistake this as prissyness, I love a good hard tackling player, and hate how soft referees have become, but this wasn't a tackle. It was GBH.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/04 19:37:46


Post by: 99MDeery


Greebynog wrote:He wasn't caught up in the moment at all. He planned the attack for a year after another incident with the same player that ended in Keane getting a red card. Have you seen the tackle in question? It's far too gory for me to ever want to see it again, especially seeing as Alfie was such a top player, and a nice bloke. It's on youtube if you want to watch it, be warned, it's not pretty.

And please don't mistake this as prissyness, I love a good hard tackling player, and hate how soft referees have become, but this wasn't a tackle. It was GBH.


I've just watched it........that was just well, wrong, completely wrong.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/05 00:25:29


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


Yeah, Keane was more than a little thuggish when he played. Bloody good footballer though.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/05 00:51:08


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


My cousin is married to a childhood friend of Scotland and Sunderland Goalkeeper Craig Gordon....

Really nice guy so my brother says. But he would. He's a Jambo!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/05 00:58:45


Post by: BlackSpike


Just thought i'd stick my nose into the Footy thread, Give a big cheer for Leicester City, and wander off again.

Just like Arnie: We'll be back!
Championship next year, Premier afterwards!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/05 01:03:40


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


Oh, also, I am an alleged Jambo. All my family are Hearts Supporters, and it's part of the deal.

However, how many other posters have actually seen 'their' team play...and I'm not talking on the Telly...I'm talking actually been to a match and cheered them on. I have! Many years ago....possibly 20...


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/05 01:07:49


Post by: whatwhat


I held a season ticket at St James' for two years, then i split for uni so had to give it up. Nowadays if i wanted it back I've been told its around a five year waiting list nowadays. Do get tickets from time to time though but I don't live in newcastle anymore. But yes I have seen my team play, although I don't believe this crap that states you have to spend thirty quid + a week or your not a true fan of the club.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/05 04:16:43


Post by: Greebynog


I go tp Elland Road to see the mighty white god's of Yorkshire's finest, England's finest, the world's finest, the one, the only LEEDS UNITED whenever I'm up in Yorkshire. I can't get away tickets, despite living a five minute walk from Millwall's Den, because of the huge support for Leeds and the tiny grounds they play in these days away from home. Elland Road's been voted the most intimidating stadium in Britain (by some margin) by fans, and Alex Ferguson said it was the most intimidating in Eurpoe. Some atmosphere, I can tell you. Nothing makes the hairs stand up on my kneck like 40,000 burly Yorkshiremen singing Marching On Together as one.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/05 04:45:16


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


I mad it to The Manor back in the early '90s. Not made it to the Kassam Stadium yet though.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/06 12:37:23


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


whatwhat wrote:I held a season ticket at St James' for two years, then i split for uni so had to give it up. Nowadays if i wanted it back I've been told its around a five year waiting list nowadays. Do get tickets from time to time though but I don't live in newcastle anymore. But yes I have seen my team play, although I don't believe this crap that states you have to spend thirty quid + a week or your not a true fan of the club.


I agree that you don't have to go every week, and the price for a Premiership ticket is just plain daft, but you would be surprised at the number of 'fans' who have never been to see 'their' team play. Glory Hunters for the most part.

All you have to do to be a true fan is stick with them through thick and thing, glory and defeat, and always keep the faith.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 02:53:13


Post by: Black Blow Fly


Greebynog wrote:He wasn't caught up in the moment at all. He planned the attack for a year after another incident with the same player that ended in Keane getting a red card. Have you seen the tackle in question? It's far too gory for me to ever want to see it again, especially seeing as Alfie was such a top player, and a nice bloke. It's on youtube if you want to watch it, be warned, it's not pretty.

And please don't mistake this as prissyness, I love a good hard tackling player, and hate how soft referees have become, but this wasn't a tackle. It was GBH.


Roy was honest about it. I admire him for his puck. He never let it get to him. Football can be a brutal game at times. That's just how it is.

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 03:59:13


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:All you have to do to be a true fan is stick with them through thick and thing, glory and defeat, and always keep the faith.


Yep.

Oxford Till I Die!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 05:16:20


Post by: Greebynog


Green Blow Fly wrote:
Greebynog wrote:He wasn't caught up in the moment at all. He planned the attack for a year after another incident with the same player that ended in Keane getting a red card. Have you seen the tackle in question? It's far too gory for me to ever want to see it again, especially seeing as Alfie was such a top player, and a nice bloke. It's on youtube if you want to watch it, be warned, it's not pretty.

And please don't mistake this as prissyness, I love a good hard tackling player, and hate how soft referees have become, but this wasn't a tackle. It was GBH.


Roy was honest about it. I admire him for his puck. He never let it get to him. Football can be a brutal game at times. That's just how it is.

G


That's such bollocks. What Keane did wasn't football it was a crime. If it wsn't on a football pitch he would have got ten years for it, and rightly so. To say Roy Keane is an idol is like saying Kobe Bryant is a hero. He's a thick, violent, abusive, reprobate c***, who I wouldn't spit on if he were burning. He's a horrible man, and a horrible footballer. 'Football's a brutal game' is no excuse for criminal activity, and no excuse for ending the career of a fellow professional.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 14:00:05


Post by: 99MDeery


I think the Roy Keane argument needs to end now as it can just go round in circles, i'm sorry GBF but i'm in the camp it was unecessary just like Taylor's challenge on Eduardo this time last year you can argue it which ever way when you see the challenge its just wrong.

However on more importent topics, i'm watching the Man City game at the moment and it seems their underachieving again.

Whats everyone's thoughts for the Prem this weekend.

And also to MDG I have been to see Liverpool, not as much as I would like being a student at the moment, but i try to get to as many games as I can.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 14:19:50


Post by: Black Blow Fly


Okay no more discussion about Roy!

I am looking forward to watching some premeire division football this weekend!

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 18:45:03


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


WTH is Rafa thinking with 6 Defenders & Ngog alone up front?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 18:50:24


Post by: 99MDeery


I know i just checked the score, it certainly is an interesting line up another goaless draw for liverpool unless Torres gets thrown on soon


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 20:47:04


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


Well Torres saved Liverpool again. Wish I knew what was going on with Tony Adams' lot, though. Now just need ManU to lose the 2 games in hand...


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/07 21:15:40


Post by: reds8n


With regards to Benitez I am constantly reminded about Napoleon's comment about lucky generals being better than good ones.

Given "our" record against the top teams this season, and given the mancs.... I still think we're well in it. For pride alone I expect Chelsea to do better against Man U than they did before. And I think Whinger would do anything to stop Ferguson from getting another record.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/08 00:34:46


Post by: Greebynog


I think they might aswell hand Man U the trophy now.

Went to see Hull v Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today, shocking game. No quality or urgency about Chelski, they looked a beaten team.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/08 10:15:18


Post by: reds8n


They looked awful on MOTD.

C'mon the Hammers today then !


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/08 14:08:46


Post by: 99MDeery


Greebynog wrote:I think they might aswell hand Man U the trophy now.

Went to see Hull v Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today, shocking game. No quality or urgency about Chelski, they looked a beaten team.


Of course they looked awful, the money is drying up so the lazy mercs like Anelka will soon be moving to Man City. Didn't see the game, but caught the first half of the Liverpool game in the pub and I was shocked, at least Kuyt and Torres saved our bacon once again.

Hammers 2 - Man U 1 that's my prediction for today, c'mon West Ham!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/09 17:44:19


Post by: reds8n


Scolari sacked ! Bloody hell! I wonder what odds you would have got on that at the start of the season.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/09 18:04:58


Post by: Greebynog


After watching them against Hull, I'm not surprised. I even managed to knock out a couple of bars of 'You're getting sacked in the morning' at the bridge without getting my head kicked in, just a few rye smiles. Scolari's past record proves he's a good manager, sometimes a club and manger don't fit, it happens. Chelsea's team are past it, and Abramovic is going to have to get his wallet out to sort it.

Edit: On another note, I'm off to watch Millwall v Leeds at the pub, should be tasty. COME ON LEEDS! Marching on together!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/09 18:48:00


Post by: 99MDeery


Greebynog wrote:After watching them against Hull, I'm not surprised. I even managed to knock out a couple of bars of 'You're getting sacked in the morning' at the bridge without getting my head kicked in, just a few rye smiles. Scolari's past record proves he's a good manager, sometimes a club and manger don't fit, it happens. Chelsea's team are past it, and Abramovic is going to have to get his wallet out to sort it.

Edit: On another note, I'm off to watch Millwall v Leeds at the pub, should be tasty. COME ON LEEDS! Marching on together![/quote

Chances of Abramovic getting the cash out at the moment are very slim indeed


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/10 04:39:14


Post by: Greebynog


Christ, I had a tasty night tonight. Had six Millwall fans waiting for me outside the pub at one point. Leeds won 2-0 though, so good times!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/12 03:01:30


Post by: Black Blow Fly


The last time I looked Liverpool is leading Man U by two games in the club standings.

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/12 05:48:04


Post by: thedarkside69


no dude i'm pretty sure united is still winning as they have been for a couple of weeks. Unless I missed a game. I mean I do live in Canada so it's kinda hard to get all the action


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/12 05:53:58


Post by: Roze


well as far as my team go i'm at a loss. Our set up is rediculouse, the manager is away awaiting heart surgery and Shay Given has gone......dispare is high now. Oh i support Newcastle United.
it just throws me that we can come out on fire in the first half then for some reason think we don't need to play for the second half!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/12 08:48:22


Post by: reds8n


Fair play to Spain, much better side. Torres looked sharper as well.

Think Carlton Cole was perhaps unlucky, but he was denied by proper solid defending.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/13 14:54:21


Post by: 99MDeery


reds8n wrote: Fair play to Spain, much better side. Torres looked sharper as well.

Think Carlton Cole was perhaps unlucky, but he was denied by proper solid defending.


Oh indeed, all credit goes to spain but then again thats why they are current world number 1, I am curious for the World Cup to see how they do against the Argentina's and Brazil's of the world I think that will be their real test to see if they can remain in that top spot.

And considering they didn't have their best defender (and probably the best in the world i think anyway) Puyol, Pique and Albiol did a fantastic job it just shows the quality of La Liga really, all in all it was a good performance for us, just shows their be more work to do and that David Beckham shouldn't be in the side (a right winger that drops back far too deep and doesn't play on the right wing properly......yeh no thanks)


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/19 05:44:10


Post by: viney


About the only good futbol over here is when US plays Mexico. I mean MLS is getting better but they still have a ton of work to do. I would like to see Liverpool or Aston VIlla finish tops, I mean come on Man U has won all but 5 or 6 of the trophies. I route for the underdogs so heres hoping panathinaikos or sporting lisbon pulls out the champions league! ROFLMAO though safe bet = Barcelona wins it.


Edit: I looked up how to spell the greek teams name


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/22 20:06:42


Post by: 99MDeery


viney wrote:About the only good futbol over here is when US plays Mexico. I mean MLS is getting better but they still have a ton of work to do. I would like to see Liverpool or Aston VIlla finish tops, I mean come on Man U has won all but 5 or 6 of the trophies. I route for the underdogs so heres hoping panathinaikos or sporting lisbon pulls out the champions league! ROFLMAO though safe bet = Barcelona wins it.


Edit: I looked up how to spell the greek teams name


Barca I don't think so, they will come up against the mighty Liverpool and get dumped out by us again....providing we get past Madrid who are looking very good this 2nd half of the season and get Stevie G back


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/27 09:14:05


Post by: reds8n


Not looking good for Barcelona at all at the moment really.

Thought Madrid looked very average indeed, one shot from Robben and that was about it.

Chelsea and Arsenal look good to go through, but I do think perhaps united might regret not popping one in the onion bag-- away goals are vital.

From the BBC site
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is being considered as a replacement for Rafael Benitez in case the Liverpool manager walked out of Anfield.


Hmm...prior to Tuesday/wedneday I might have been interested, but now.....

I'd rather get rid of Hicks and Gilette.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/27 17:13:40


Post by: viney


I was not impressed much by the champions league matches they aired in the US. Man U and Milan didn't look very good at all. Chelsea beat Juventus but seriously Juve didn't start playing till late in the game. I wish they would have shown some of the other games over here.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/02/27 19:15:27


Post by: 99MDeery


reds8n wrote:Not looking good for Barcelona at all at the moment really.

Thought Madrid looked very average indeed, one shot from Robben and that was about it.

Chelsea and Arsenal look good to go through, but I do think perhaps united might regret not popping one in the onion bag-- away goals are vital.

From the BBC site
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is being considered as a replacement for Rafael Benitez in case the Liverpool manager walked out of Anfield.


Hmm...prior to Tuesday/wedneday I might have been interested, but now.....

I'd rather get rid of Hicks and Gilette.


Hicks and Gilette yes they should be gone they have done nothing good for the club at all, we did contain Madrid very well but they weren't playing like I had seen in La Liga it was very very strange and tbh i would prefer Jose coaching Liverpool, we would absolutely destroy United in the League then.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/06 23:53:36


Post by: Black Blow Fly


So Man Utd won the FA cup... again!



G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/07 07:10:03


Post by: viney


I think Liverpool and Aston villa decided they didn't want to upset Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea by taking their trophies.......... LoL Baseball has started Horray


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/07 08:56:33


Post by: Greebynog


Man U won the League Cup, not the FA cup. Not the same thing by a mile.

Liverpool were never winning anything, Rafa's too conservative, and they only have one striker, who is prone to injury, and a captain in a bit of bother with the law.

Villa haven't given up on anything, they've had a stumble seeing as how they've had such a crowded schedule, but still have played less players than any other Premiership team, with more English players in their first eleven than any other Premiership, owing to them having one of the best managers in the world who has worked miricales there. Even if Villa don't get fourth, what they have done is incredible, they've broken the 'big four', or at least put the willies up them.

I'm not a Villa fan by the way (Leeds 'till I die), but I think they are a great side.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/07 15:08:56


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


Greebynog wrote:Man U won the League Cup, not the FA cup. Not the same thing by a mile.

Liverpool were never winning anything


Champion's League? Rafa's teams always do well in Europe.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/07 15:32:47


Post by: WeeHessy


Proof that anything can happen in football.

Last weekend st-mirren (my team) lost 7-0 to celtic.

This morning they beat Celtic 1-0 to go into the last 4 of the Scottish Cup!!!

C'mon the buddies!


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/08 05:08:38


Post by: viney


Not wanting to upset anyone but until liverpool wins the premiership its just a big "3" in the EPL IMHO. We can just hope that Man U just turns it in and stops adding to their lead at the top.
sGratz to St mirren on upsetting the old firm
I like to cheer the underdog, <fingers crossed> The Villans pull it out


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/09 15:30:15


Post by: Greebynog


I don't think it's a defensable position to claim that the 'big three' in the premiership is Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal. Have you looked at the table recently? Arsenal are in fifth. The fact that Liverpool qualify for the Champions League year in, year out makes them part of the big four. If Villa sneak fourth (which is looking less and less likely) it'll still be Arsenal in the big four, it's about financial power as well as league places.

Man U have won the premiership. It's over. They could potentially win five trophies this season, they're already on two, with one more a certainty, and as good a chance as any in the other two. That would be an unbeleivable achievement. This Man U side is one of the best club teams the world has ever seen. And I hate scum. I bloody hate them. It's proper annoying that they now are as good as their fans have been saying they were for years.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/09 23:26:49


Post by: viney


[quote=Man U have won the premiership. It's over. They could potentially win five trophies this season, they're already on two, with one more a certainty, and as good a chance as any in the other two. That would be an unbeleivable achievement. This Man U side is one of the best club teams the world has ever seen. And I hate scum. I bloody hate them. It's proper annoying that they now are as good as their fans have been saying they were for years.


QFT

So many great players on one team it shouldn't be allowed, unless its my team....

As to the money/power, that would be like saying because the Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys or the Washington Redskins can spend money with New England Patriots or the Pittsburgh Steelers they are just as good. Just because your Owner/s have money doesn't mean anything. The Patriots and Steelers keep wining the NFL and make the Playoffs almost every year. The raiders haven't had a good season in years and are lucky to have a .500 wining% same thing with cowboys and redskins, lots of money and no championships and thats what counts
I can always cheer for Aston and Liverpool next year or that Ronaldo breaks both of his legs...........


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/10 02:52:11


Post by: Greebynog


The draft system and salary caps in American sports prevent their owners from exterting too much power, right?

In football, there is no such thing, Man City are a perfect example, they offered £100million for Kaka with £500,000 a week wages! Money talks in football, big time. The only reason Chelsea are 'Big Four' is because of Abramovic.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/10 23:46:18


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


Real MAdrid were horrible tonight, but once more Liverpool are in the quarters in Europe.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/11 12:05:34


Post by: reds8n


WE owned them totally.

Penalty was... generous....but them's the breaks.

I think MIlan might just nick it tonight with a sneaky away goal.

And we're currently ranked number 1 in European football.

UEFA's latest rankings: 1 Liverpool FC (114.077), 2 Chelsea FC (110.077), 3 Barcelona (109.403), 4 AC Milan (109.306), 5 Arsenal (101.077), 6 Sevilla (100.403), 7 Man Utd (99.077), 8 Bayern Munich (93.664), 9 Lyon (90.576), 10 Inter Milan (87.306).


That said, I'd swap that for a premiership title like that !


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/11 12:12:19


Post by: 99MDeery


I couldn't stop laughing last night when Dossena scored, that was the ultimate insult to Madrid to complete another glorious European night at Anfield, I just wonder for Saturday, if Alonso is injured we are screwed, as we all know Rafa will play Lucas instead and lets face it he's crap



Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/11 12:47:22


Post by: reds8n


I just don't get the Lucas thing, but I suppose if we give him a year or two and a bit of experience he might mature.


....maybe.

I'm hoping this is the start of a bold new era for Dossena...but I won't hold my breath.

Not sure if Alonso is injured, felt sorry for Yossi and his injury, he's been playing well.

That Spearing looked alright when he came on.....god, they all look SO youing now though.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/11 21:40:44


Post by: viney


WoW, English teams were cleaning house this round in CL. The strongest sides from Italy and Spain were very over matched. Oh I know its Baseball but gratz to the Netherlands on your baseball teams success in the world Baseball classic, eliminating the Dominican Republic was a huge achievement. Manchester United is to good right now, it seems almost unfair....... Good luck to Liverpool hope you catch em and break their stranglehold on the EPL. Oh and you can have Beckham back, the MLS has made all the money off him they can.... LOL


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/12 11:47:07


Post by: pringles978


lifetime Man United follower here

i dont think liverpool have a snowball in hells chance of catching Man U in the prem this season. it was theirs for the taking and they messed up bad, showing just how one dimensional they are. you always seem to deo well in the CL but i just dont think you have the stregnth in depth that united have, and if stevie g gets nicked for bottling that bloke in the club, you might as well sign up for the blue square league now.

seriously, the only way liverpool are going to get any silverware this season is if they break into old trafford and nick some.

Predictions:
top 4:
man u
chelski
liverpool
villa

relegation
west brom
boro
newcastle

would love it to be all three nort east teams, but sunderland seems to have bucked its ideas up

and viney, if we can have becks back, please could you guys keep his wife? she doesnt eat a lot and if you keep her away from any microphones you should be fine...


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/12 12:09:22


Post by: reds8n


You really think Newcastle will go down ? Or is that more of a wish ?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/12 14:53:48


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


Bluntly, I think Liverpool lost this title when they sold Robbie Keane back to Spurs. (They should never have bough him in the first place, IMHO) Liverpool doesn't have the depth up front, and they NEED another striker to complement Torres, and to fill in when he's injured. Kuyt isn't up to it. Liverpool need a solid 15 goals a season man to go alongside Fernando. It's a depth issue.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/12 19:28:45


Post by: reds8n


Agreed.

Keane is a good player, but he was never going to fit into Benitez's system. And we have missed the depth of squad that other teams can offer. Ironically, given things like injuries to Gerrad and Alonso, Gareth Barry might have been a good buy after all.

I still think it would have been better to hang onto Keane until the end of the season before selling him.

..odds on 'pool vs. Chelsea in the champions league draw then ?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/12 22:24:47


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


I hope not, Liverpool vs. Chelsea are such dull games. Though I am hoping for the English teams to all make the semis, jut to annoy that gakker-nugget Platini


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/13 10:44:47


Post by: pringles978


reds8n wrote:You really think Newcastle will go down ? Or is that more of a wish ?


little form column a, little from column b. now theyve sold given, i cant see them staying up. how they are still in the prem after the past few seasons is beyond me.

nobody wants to manage them. the fans keep waiting for shearer to step in, but he will never take the job as he knowsthey are a bunch of no hopers and he doesnt want his standing in the town to take a knock cos his bar takings will plummet.

are all you reds looking forward to saturday? i know we are.....


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/13 10:59:07


Post by: whatwhat


ooooooh get you mr handbags.

btw shearer doesn't own shearer's bar its just named after him.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/20 12:55:35


Post by: reds8n


chaplaingrabthar wrote:I hope not, Liverpool vs. Chelsea are such dull games. Though I am hoping for the English teams to all make the semis, jut to annoy that gakker-nugget Platini


AAAHHHHH! Again !

FFS.

See the mancs got the easiest draw again as well.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/20 16:51:33


Post by: chaplaingrabthar


Why? Why Liverpool/Chelsea a-freakin'-gain?


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/21 01:18:10


Post by: 99MDeery


Eh come on guys vs Chelsea we know we have a decent shot at kicking em out for the 3rd time.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/21 01:33:48


Post by: Greenlight1107


When you guy's said Football/Soccer, I was thinking like Football, American Football. ( I guess I was thinking like a Yank) I never really watch soccer unless it's FIFA. as far as that goes I only watch the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin USA or any NFC team games I'm really not to much of a AFC person. Congrats to the Stealers who won the Super Bowl. other than that I have much respect for the soccer players out there,but the game simply can not keep me interested.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/21 01:57:16


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


I hereby table a motion that to avoid further, future and ongoing confusion, the sport currently known as 'American Football' be renamed.

It doesn't involve a ball. To me, the hallmark of being a ball, is being spherical in shape. Add to that, the game doesn't seem to involve much in the way of ball/foot interaction.

Thus, I think a fair more fitting name is required to redress the multiple confusions caused by the game until recently referred to as 'American Football'

MY suggestion is 'Rugby for Puffs' given that it has more in common with Rugby, but the Nancy boys that play it not only wear helmets and body armour, but also seem to spend an inordinate amount of time with girly time outs for when the little petals need a breather. And unlike proper Rugby, they need to pile on the ball carrier to bring him down, when proper Rugby players just take you out, one on one at the knees, job done.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/21 02:17:26


Post by: Greenlight1107


Mad Doc Grotsnik: I'll agree on the part about considering a name change, but the rest; well NO comment. I need to start a whole new thread on the Rugby boys in the dazy duke shorts....


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/21 15:35:27


Post by: Mad Doc Grotsnik


You going to bad mouth a Rugby Player?

These guys are HUGE! And seem to consider yet another break to the nose as part of a good weekend.


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/23 11:23:07


Post by: reds8n


99MDeery wrote:Eh come on guys vs Chelsea we know we have a decent shot at kicking em out for the 3rd time.


, indeed and on current form we're looking good for it as well.

So in just over a week we beat Real Madrd 4-1, the manc scum 4-1 and tonked Villa 5-0.

I think the title is still going to Manchester, but we're giving them a run at least, and if CRoucj does us another favour then who knows !


Football/Soccer @ 2009/03/24 23:24:49


Post by: viney


Sorry no all english semifinal for you! What is wrong with Man U, back to back loses?! The lead over Liverpool is what 1pt now!? Liverpool come on you have teased everyone for several years in the top 4! On a brighter note for the MLS I was greatly impressed by the fan support for the new club in Seattle, like Toronto excellent fan support/atmosphere. Oh and they have sold over 20,000 season tickets, thats more the Seattle's MLB team.
Liverpool better knock Chelsea, mostly because I don't like Chelsea...... LOLZ


Football/Soccer @ 2009/05/26 15:55:43


Post by: whatwhat


viney wrote:What is wrong with Man U, back to back loses?


Fail.

Anyhow, this is a decent time to dig up this post is it not? Final thoughts on the prem anyone?



Football/Soccer @ 2009/05/26 22:12:53


Post by: Black Blow Fly


It's written in stone. If you are a Man fan life is grand.

G


Football/Soccer @ 2009/05/26 23:23:07


Post by: 99MDeery


whatwhat wrote:
viney wrote:What is wrong with Man U, back to back loses?


Fail.

Anyhow, this is a decent time to dig up this post is it not? Final thoughts on the prem anyone?



Being a Scouse fan it has been an immense season, again we just fell short of the margin however at least we managed to take Utd almost to the wire this time instead of being ruled out before Xmas for a change, bring on next season, if we do what we did this season and have a few better results we should have that title sorted.

Thiers been some highs and lows, I really do think Hulll need to understand how bloody lucky they were to not get relegated, thier were also a few shocks which is always nice, full credit to Stoke they have done well and deserve all the good things said about them, they dont do attractive footy but its clinical and it works.

More imortantly to add on the final thoughts of this season anyone got any thoughts on next season, who do you see teams bringing in, will Tevez come to the mighty Scouse Red Men, the list of seculations are endless I cant wait for this summers transfer window