LEN Teh Footy God's Footballodium

[LittleGrizzly]

Trezeguet ?

[InsaneApache]

Ever wondered what they do during the close season?

A football referee and linesman who officiated in 67 matches while claiming mobility and care allowances has been given a suspended jail term.

Keith McNiffe, 49, who earlier this year stood aside as mayor of Pembroke, must repay £9,223 and also carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work.

He was twice secretly filmed acting as a linesman.

He had admitted two charges of failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances.

Prosecuting, Alex Ferguson told the court that McNiffe had been claiming both mobility and care allowances at the highest rate since 2002.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/7408239.stm

:laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

Trezeguet ?
Bien sûr. He's on first name terms with an entire nation's football fans, is our
David (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGzzdtus3E0). Hope the wee **** has a nice sofa to enjoy the Euros from.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Keith McNiffe is the fattest linesman I have ever seen, and that is saying something. lol, even just thinking about the abuse he would get at the SHS! :laugh4:

[Subedei]

Any guesses for 2nite gentlemen?

Mine: ManU 3 : Chelsea 2

Looking forward to this game....

[naut]

Edit:

[pevergreen]

NSW vs QLD

Half time, NSW winning :no:

Not good.

Come on you maroon grown heroes!

State of Origin. The toughest game out there.

[InsaneApache]

You sound green with envy. :laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

2-0 to the Mancs tonight. Dire game, I suspect.

[Tamur]

Anyone know about reported plans by Russian authorities to lock the losing side's fans in the stadium after the match? Oy, talk about bringing out the nerves...

[naut]

Edit:

[LittleGrizzly]

Are terry and drogba playing ? if thier out i can't see chelsea winning it, if thier fit we have a game on our hands

with terry and drogba.... man u to win extra time or pens after 2-2 draw

without... man to win 3-1 in normal time

im not expecting a great game, a nervy defensive encounter with few chances...

[LittleGrizzly]

I think the general idea is just to keep different fans apart, im guessing losing fans are worse ? more anger because of thier loss ?

[InsaneApache]

I'm thumbing through the UEFA handbook as I type. There must be a scenario possible where they both lose. :laugh4:

[Tamur]

im guessing losing fans are worse ? more anger because of thier loss ?

Likely, but when do they let them out? After all the ManU fans have left the city?

:oops: ~:)

[Craterus]

My prediction is a 1-0 win to Scumchester in the most boring CL final of all time.

[scotchedpommes]

What a double save from Čech. That was the game slipping away.

[Tamur]

It's a game, surprisingly. Some lovely buildup both sides. After all this I certainly hope it doesn't go to penalties in the end. That would be such a horrible anti-climax.

[scotchedpommes]

So nearly perfect, with Ronaldo failing on the biggest club stage of all, and then
the England captain steps up to take the crucial kick. Ha.

:skull:

Edit: The bias of the commentary deserves a mention, too. Can't they find a
neutral for a game of this importance?

[Craterus]

Ugh, would have made my week if Chelsea had punished him for that miss. Unbelievable.

Referees made a few crap decisions against Chelsea too. Ah well, both teams are evil, I guess it doesn't matter that much. Gotta deal with all the smug fans tomorrow ~:rolleyes:

[InsaneApache]

Congrats to the Red Devils. As a bonus Anelka missed a pen. Oh dear, what a shame. :balloon2:

[Scurvy]

Excellent game, much more exciting than i had expected it to be, just a shame Terry missed that penalty...

:2thumbsup:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

:laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4:

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

Is someone peeved 'cos Arsenel didn't make the final? :inquisitive: :laugh4:

[pevergreen]

Yes.

[naut]

Edit:

[LittleGrizzly]

From what i have seen of the game chelsea played the better (2nd half anyway) and perhaps Man U didn't deserve it on the day, over the whole season i think they have been the best team in europe though.

It was extra satisfying that terry missed the penalty that could have won it (typical englishman)

[scotchedpommes]

Rhy, where's your helicopter now? Where's your ******* helicopter now?
Have a nice trip down home, boys. See ya, Nacho. Night, night.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Rhy, where's your helicopter now? Where's your ******* helicopter now?

I actually can't breath. Sigged.

[InsaneApache]

With the Euro footy finals a fortnight off, I was wondering who the 'neutrals' (IE; The UK :embarassed: )were going to support?

Me? I'm a Dutchman for the tournament. :sweatdrop:

You? :inquisitive:

[PBI]

Czech Republic are always good value for the Euro championships. In 2004 Czech Republic vs Netherlands was easily the best game of the tounament. Be nice if one of them could actually win the thing.

Also, does anyone know what week it is the papers do their big poster-sized wallchart things? Every tounament I mean to get one but the weekend I forget to buy a paper is always the one where they have them.

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Nederlandsh every time. I just hope they don't shtop before the final this year
- not that I ever had money on them, no.

[Other than that, Poland against Germany, and of course whoever's playing
Italy. That's just how it has to be.]

[Tamur]

:sweden: :sweden: :sweden:

...because my best friends live there and I'd not be invited to share in the grilla anymore if I didn't. ~:)

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Croatia put us out, so it has to be them. I also feel a bit bad about our league breaking their top goalscorer's leg, and Slaven Bilic is very cool as well.

[LittleGrizzly]

As a country of footballing underachievers i feel its important to give our support to fellow fantastically talented unable to win anything countries. Thats why im supporting spain....

Edit: BKS the way you say 'knocked us out' are you a ill cheer them on because thier british guy ? or have i always incorrectly thought you were welsh...

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I am half-Welsh, half-English by ancestry, and grew up in Cardiff. I watched England with my dad when I was a kid, and so they've always been the team I supported-it wasn't a conscious decision. I do support any of the other home nations who get into tournaments, though.

[Louis VI the Fat]

I'm a Frenchman. :artist::jumping:



https://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7717/bleuswb6.png

Allez les Bleus!!

[Craterus]

Switzerland :grin:
Then France, based on ancestry of a looong time ago.

But, I really don't think I mind. As long as it's not Germany or Portugal, as the two favourites.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Switzerland :grin:
As long as it's not Germany or Portugal, as the two favourites.

:portugal: :portugal: :portugal:

Obviously i will suport my countrymen and we are not favourites by any chance...

Let's go Portugal!!! Put your flag on the window!!! :portugal:

[Craterus]

But you have the best player in the world!!

[Afonso I of Portugal]

But you have the best player in the world!!

Maybe, but thats not enough. The team is too young and unexperienced at least compared to Germany, Italy and France, not to mention a few others. Besides, we lost important players like Figo, Rui Costa, Couto or Pauleta as they all retired afer WC 2006.

[naut]

Edit:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Does Deco still play internationally for Portugal? Tough group too, Turkey and Czech.

Yes, and he should be in the starting eleven. In my point of view the Czechs are favourites in the group and maybe for the trophy, although they also lost important players like Nedved. Turkey will be tough as well Switzerland as they play home.

[Quintus.JC]

Germany looks pretty good to win the cup. Despite the fact I support Italy to be honest I don't think they'll make it through the group stages.

[Craterus]

Maybe, but thats not enough. The team is too young and unexperienced at least compared to Germany, Italy and France, not to mention a few others. Besides, we lost important players like Figo, Rui Costa, Couto or Pauleta as they all retired afer WC 2006.

I was being ironic, I've just heard a few Man United fans saying that C.Ronaldo will win Euro2008 single-handedly.

We all know he can't play on the big stage anyway, but I still don't want to see him win. :nice:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

I was being ironic, I've just heard a few Man United fans saying that C.Ronaldo will win Euro2008 single-handedly.QUOTE]

I think Man Utd fans have a lot of reasons to thanks Ronaldo this season. 42 goals, best premiership player, best foreigner in England, top goalscorer in premiership + CL...but when you don't like someone everything goes (including a lot of rubish) to turn him down.
It's the same about Ronaldo (the Brasilian), Messi, Roberto Baggio, Káká, Maradona, etc. Special players have that efect on people as many love them while others hate them.

[QUOTE=Craterus]We all know he can't play on the big stage anyway, but I still don't want to see him win. :nice:

You already saw him win on the big stage wednesday, European Champion and Man of the Match...~D :yes: :beam:

[InsaneApache]

Well done to Hull.

[scotchedpommes]

Well done to Hull.
Yes. And well done to old man Windass.

https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/e3i7q2a01dw9e.jpg

[Quintus.JC]

Avram Grant is sacked (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7418774.stm). Despite all the things he done, Jose couldn't of done much better job, but I wasn't surprised to see him (Grant) go at all. It seems destined to happen no matter what Grant achieves.

[Scurvy]

Avram Grant is sacked (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7418774.stm). Despite all the things he done, Jose couldn't of done much better job, but I wasn't surprised to see him (Grant) go at all. It seems destined to happen no matter what Grant achieves.

agree entirely, although i think Jose was a better manager, Grant did an excellent job in very difficult circumstances, and really deserved a full season with his own setup... Going to be interesting to see who get's his job though...

good for Hull aswell

:2thumbsup:

[Craterus]

[QUOTE=Craterus]I was being ironic, I've just heard a few Man United fans saying that C.Ronaldo will win Euro2008 single-handedly.QUOTE]

I think Man Utd fans have a lot of reasons to thanks Ronaldo this season. 42 goals, best premiership player, best foreigner in England, top goalscorer in premiership + CL...but when you don't like someone everything goes (including a lot of rubish) to turn him down.
It's the same about Ronaldo (the Brasilian), Messi, Roberto Baggio, Káká, Maradona, etc. Special players have that efect on people as many love them while others hate them.



You already saw him win on the big stage wednesday, European Champion and Man of the Match...~D :yes: :beam:

And he was completely shut out of the game in the second half...~:rolleyes: By Essien who wasn't even playing in his favoured position.

And I don't dislike him, far from it. He's a fun player to watch. The non-stop hype aggravates me and MU fans are far too up themselves about him.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

And he was completely shut out of the game in the second half...~:rolleyes: By Essien who wasn't even playing in his favoured position.


Yes thats true, Essien plays in that position for only one reason, to stop Ronaldo, but he fails because Ronaldo scored in the first half...~:rolleyes::yes:



And I don't dislike him, far from it. He's a fun player to watch. The non-stop hype aggravates me and MU fans are far too up themselves about him.

Well, as far as i know Ronaldo is close for Real Madrid...let's see Utd fans point of view and Sir Alex statements...I do hope he sign for Real but i don't believe Man Utd let Ronaldo go without a "fight"...:laugh4: :laugh4:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

José Mourinho: "Grant was a loser" :laugh4:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1204980.ece

He's right saying Chelsea didn't won any trophy this season but this man's arrogance never ends...:dizzy2:

[naut]

Edit:

[LittleGrizzly]

I feel sorry for grant he did well imo, lost out only to the best team in europe twice, i don't think ronaldo can be over hyped at the moment he is the best player in the world, i think he'll be at united for at least another 4 years..

Edit Congratulations to Hull, they're going to be massacared next year

[Craterus]

Classic. Hah.

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

Yeah! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEyFKbG13z0)

[LittleGrizzly]

Funny guy, im not too worried about 'the great ones' retirement, i trust the board to go out and pick a very good manager on a long term deal, with the side Fergie is going to build before he leaves i think united should be fine for years without Fergie

[Subedei]

Real would pay up to 90 Mio. € for Cristiano Ronaldo plus 9,5 Mio. salary plus all the marketing income outside Spain goes into his pocket plus 50% of the revenue generated within Spain.

ManU says he is not to be sold.....but well, we will see.

Source: German http://www.transfermarkt.de/de/news/20996/25052008_1251/news/anzeigen.html

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Real would pay up to 90 Mio. € for Cristiano Ronaldo plus 9,5 Mio. salary plus all the marketing income outside Spain goes into his pocket plus 50% of the revenue generated within Spain.

ManU says he is not to be sold.....but well, we will see.

Source: German http://www.transfermarkt.de/de/news/20996/25052008_1251/news/anzeigen.html

Spanish newspaper Marca (http://www.marca.com/) say Man Utd wants 50 M€ + Robinho + Diarrá + Sérgio Ramos as Real already bought a gift for Ronaldo, a brand new Audi R8.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Breaking news:

José Mourinho, Frank Lampard and Deco all sign for Inter Milan for the next 3 seasons. Figo will stay 1 more season, Portuguese media has just announce.

[Quintus.JC]

Breaking news:

José Mourinho, Frank Lampard and Deco all sign for Inter Milan for the next 3 seasons. Figo will stay 1 more season, Portuguese media has just announce.

Still no sign of it in the English media, but I'll have to trust you on that one. That is breaking news...

[Craterus]

This appears to be the story, but it still sounds like speculation to me:

Link (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/207976,reports-jose-mourinho-close-to-inter-milan-deal--summary.html)

[Quintus.JC]

Brian McBride have just left Fulham to go back to America, excellent player for Fulham. All the best in the future.

Seydou Keita has just transfered from Seville to Barca for around £12m.

[drone]

Brian McBride have just left Fulham to go back to America, excellent player for Fulham. All the best in the future.
That's a shame. He did well at Fulham, and we need our internationals playing in top flight leagues.

Edit-> just realized he's not an international anymore. ~:doh: He's just 35....

[Quintus.JC]

The USA game is on tonight, 15 minutes away in fact. I'll be watching it on BBC one but my mum wants to watch Britain's got talents. Luckily I got my own TV in my bedroom. :beam:

[Quintus.JC]

David Beckham wins his hundred and first cap, good for him. I think it's time for him to call it quits.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

He's just 35....

That's pretty old for a striker. I'm sad to see him go as well though, he was an excellent player, and a great professional. I remember him getting elbowed in the face by De Rossi at the last world cup-McBride just got up and got on with the game.

[drone]

Just read a recap of the friendly, sounds like the US was pretty poor. The game against Spain should be a massacre...

[LittleGrizzly]

Its a shame Fulham are losing McBride, always thought he was a pretty good player, perhaps too good for Fulham last few seasons...

[scotchedpommes]

Low-key game from what I saw, to say the least. Anything useful
learned from that? Probably more than a trip to Trinidad'll give you.

Thinking forward to massacres, we're sending a second-string side
to the Czech Republic on Friday...

Edit: [No sign of my good countryman Rhy post-season?] :cry:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Final squads announced for Euro:

http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=702209.html#final+squads+announced+euro

any major surprises?

[Quintus.JC]

mmm... No David Trézéguet and Flamini for France. No Raúl for Spain!!!?? Very surprised to see Mario Melchiot in the Dutch squad. Good to see Del Piero back in the team.

Euro 08 is starting next week. Who will you support?

[LittleGrizzly]

Spain the underachievers and umm some underdog... Romania, they have Italy, France and Netherlands in thier group.. ouch!

[PBI]

Czech Republic all the way. I want a Czech Republic-Netherlands final. Don't care who wins it.

In fact, I want them to get rid of all the other teams and just have Czech Republic and Netherlands play each other 32 times.

[Quintus.JC]

I'm a big fan of the Italians, but from a netrual point of perspective i don't think they'll get through the groups. France'll have their vegence and Holland'll get through somehow. I think the Germans have the best chance, they've got a good team and the geography favours them, as well as the Czech Republic

[Craterus]

I'm supporting Spain (few Spanish Liverpool players), France (ancestry) and Switzerland (as the underdogs).

EDIT: Guess I'd like to see the Netherlands win too.

[LittleGrizzly]

I was thinking Itay might be the victim in thier group, after thier poor showing in the qaulifiers and i expect holland to play quite well...

[Quintus.JC]

The key game could be against Romania. in Euro 04 Italy failed to progress through the groups despite not losing a match. Poor goal difference let them down. It could be the same this year as I still don't think Holland will beat Italy, but Romania isn't exactly push overs either. I actually thought they had a chance to do well but not in this kind of group. France to finish top with holland second.

[edyzmedieval]

I say France on top, Romania second, Italy 3rd Holland last. We have the ability to beat Holland, scrape a win or get an equal against Italy. The match with France is key. Draw or lose.

[LittleGrizzly]

I think France and Holland will both beat Romania, not sure about Italy... ill be cheering for them. I think they have some talented players but this group of death will be too much.

[scotchedpommes]

Romania had the quality to top a qualifying group containing the Dutch
and a decent Bulgarian side. That being the case, I wouldn't be surprised
if they're capable of getting a couple of good results, and I think both
them and the Dutch should be able to get into the Italians. We already
know France has taken them apart recently, so I remain hopeful.

[Subedei]

For obvious reasons: Germany

B/c of other reasons:
Spain [I want Torres to score, plus they deserve a title by now]
Turkey [I want to see them party here!]

[Quintus.JC]

Problem for Italy. I don't think they'll concede much but I don't see them scoring alot in the tournament either.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I'm not too sure about that-in fact, I think it might be the other way around. While Italy's attackers such as Toni and Del Piero have been scoring for fun this season, several of their defenders haven't been doing so well-Zambrotta, Cannavaro and Materazzi have all had average/poor terms. I think there's a good possibility they might be slightly more exposed at the back than people think. On the other hand, Buffon actually verges on super-human, which might cancel things out.

[Craterus]

Also, who's gonna top the scoring charts for the tournament?

I really hope Torres.

[Quintus.JC]

I just had this nice idea about Euro 08. We could make a competition by doing predictions on the games. Getting the right score and result gets you points. Getting it wrong then you lose points. And at the end we could find out who the winner is. What do you guys think?

Rules:
The final score prediction must be submitted before the kick off. After making your prediction public no editing your post is allowed or the player automatically chose to forfeit the prediction for that match.

Points:
Group stages
For example if the he player predicts the Czech V.S Switzerland game is 2-1.
The player gets 30 points if the actual result is 2-1 to Czech.
The player gets 10 points if the Czech won the match by a different score.
The player gets no points if the Czech draws or lost.
‘Sure Bet’: This is an special ability which the player picks the score, and if getting it perfectly right will increase his tally by 20 points. Example as the Czech won 2-1 and the player receives 20 points on top of his 30 points, making the total earning 50 points. If the player doesn’t get the exact score then he loses 10 points. example being the Czech won 3-1, the player receives 10 points for the right result but loses 10 point for getting it wrong. Making the total earning 0 points. And if he got the result wrong as well then he loses 10 points altogether. The usage of this special ability is limited and the player must chose to pick the right game to use it.

Quarter finals:
The winnings get higher. 50 points for perfect score (after normal time), 30 for right result and minus 10 for getting nothing right. ‘Sure Bet’ ability comes into uses as well but the rule changes slightly.

Semi finals:
100 points is won for a perfect score. 50 for getting the right result. And minus 50 for getting nothing right.

Final
200 points for picking the exact score in the final. 100 for picking the winner and 100 is lost for picking the loser.

The table is like premiership style. With leader boards etc. etc. at the end the guy with the most points wins. And is crowned as the ‘Guy who knows most about football in this .org’ or he might just be lucky. So what do you guys think, wants to participate in this game. :yes:

With enough participatens I could make this in a separate thread.

[InsaneApache]

Last edited by Quintus.J.Cicero

Yes it works. :laugh4:

[LittleGrizzly]

With enough participatens I could make this in a separate thread.


Im game...

[naut]

Edit:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

The table is like premiership style. With leader boards etc. etc. at the end the guy with the most points wins. And is crowned as the ‘Guy who knows most about football in this .org’ or he might just be lucky. So what do you guys think, wants to participate in this game.

With enough participatens I could make this in a separate thread.

I think this sounds like a good idea, and I'd be amenable to a new thread for it if there's enough enthusiasm. Perhaps Beirut and I could even organise some kind of prize-a football badge, or something like that.

Can everyone who's interested make it known? I'd certainly be game.

[Craterus]

Yeah, sure. I'd play.

[PBI]

I'm in.

I anticipate losing very badly, since I don't really follow club football so have no idea what's changed since since 2006 (or since 2004 for that matter, since the last World Cup took place during my finals).

But should be fun nonetheless. Zidane and Figo are still playing, right? :beam:

[Scurvy]

Sounds fun

:2thumbsup:

[Quintus.JC]

Thanks for the support guys, I'd like to see that football-badge giving to the winner. Anyway that thread won't last long after Euro 2008 so it's only temperory. :beam:

[InsaneApache]

Can I have a Blue Peter badge instead? :laugh4:

I'm up for it. :yes:

[Louis VI the Fat]

I'm in! :jumping:

I'll play whatever the rules. But I am also a big fan of keeping this sort of game simple. Would it be an idea if we all just predicted the top two teams from each group, and then winners for each knock-out game?


My first predictions:

France - Italy 5-1. http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Combat/0017.gif

Top goal scorer: Miroslav Klose. The Germans are just going to rake 'em in in their weak group.

Fair play award: Ronaldo.
http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Sport_et_loisirs/3d-plongeon-piscine.gif

[Tamur]

I'm in, just so everyone can feel good about not being in last place.

[scotchedpommes]

It would seem LEN's Euro 2008 thunder has been well and truly half-inched now.
Well in any case, consider me part of this, then. Perhaps the rest of you should
just concede defeat now and we'll be done with it.

:grin2:

[And just as I notice about McBride, thought to say we clearly need to see more
players in the game who take such a bloody face-to-elbow encounter in that
manner. Instead the modern game gives us Drogba.]

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Top goal scorer: Miroslav Klose. The Germans are just going to rake 'em in in their weak group.

Fair play award: Ronaldo.
http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Sport_et_loisirs/3d-plongeon-piscine.gif

Top goal scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo - premiership + CL top goalscorer so it will be nice if he won again considering he's not even a stiker...

Kickboxing player award: Zidane...oppsss is he back?:laugh4:

[Quintus.JC]

Thanks for the replies, all the participants have been updated in the Euro thread. Rythmic have shown an interest but have not confirmed of if he'll be playing, hope he is. How about you King of Portugal, fancy it? :beam:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

How about you King of Portugal, fancy it? :beam:

Ok, let's go for it...:yes: :beam:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

That's it, Mourinho confirmed by Inter (http://www.inter.it/aas/hp?L=en).

[Quintus.JC]

Interest to see what does with the team. Although Moratti expressed his opinion to keep the team as same as possible, but I do see some significant changes being made my Mourinho......

[Scurvy]

maybe a mass exodus of Chelski players to Inter now... Lampard, Drogba, Carvalho + Essien all linked it papers today (already)

:2thumbsup:

[Fragony]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/poll/2008/may/30/euro2008.chooseateam :2thumbsup:

[InsaneApache]

Isn't Holland a part of the Netherlands? :inquisitive: :laugh4:

[naut]

Edit:

[Craterus]

I think it's a shame Clichy wasn't picked. Him and Evra have been by far the best left-backs in the EPL this season and I'd say they're both better than Abidal.

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Clichy's not needed, it would seem. Vieira's out, and Flamini looks to be going in
his place.

Oh, and arrivederci Cannavaro. ~:wave:

[LittleGrizzly]

I haven't seen Abidal so im not sure how well he's been playing but Evra has had a great season, attacking wise i would at least put him on par with the best left backs out there, defensively hes good but could still use some improvment, was Abidal first choice because he is a more defensive player than Evra ? or at least a better defensive player than Evra...

[naut]

Edit:

[Quintus.JC]

I'd always expected Mark Hughes to leave Rovers, taking from sir. Alex from a couple of years maybe, but not a backward step to Man City. While perhaps a bigger club than Blackburn I find definitely would think twice about joing City if I was Sparky. That Sinnawatra receive lots of sticks for sacking Sven, deservely or not I thinky Sinnawatra is way too ambious and asks too much from the manager.

Oh, and Sven had just became the manager of the Mexican national team.

[LittleGrizzly]

I had been recently thinking Hughes was the man to step up and take the job after Ferguson, im hoping this is still a possibility and its a good chance to see how he does with a bit of money behind him, he didn't have much at rovers but made some really good buys with the money available.

That being said i do not like the man city chairman he is far too impaitent and if i was hughes i might have thought twice about the move, i think the main thing is the money available to spend on players, at blackburn the budget i assume wouldn't be much, whereas man city in europe backing of a billionaire and what i think is a slightly better squad, aslong as has a good enough first season to please the chairman i think he'll do great there...

Edit it will be intresting to see how sven does as a international manager with a commited squad, after doing so well with Man City and England and then being unceremonously dumped out of both jobs by idiots i hope he does really well, and i hope his new boss is nothing like his last two, should be an intresting challenge.

Mexico remind me of Sweden somewhat, always seem to play above thier selves, with svens master tactics watch out for mexico in 2010.

[atheotes]

I just had this nice idea about Euro 08. We could make a competition by doing predictions on the games. Getting the right score and result gets you points. Getting it wrong then you lose points. And at the end we could find out who the winner is. What do you guys think?

Rules:
The final score prediction must be submitted before the kick off. After making your prediction public no editing your post is allowed or the player automatically chose to forfeit the prediction for that match.

Points:
Group stages
For example if the he player predicts the Czech V.S Switzerland game is 2-1.
The player gets 30 points if the actual result is 2-1 to Czech.
The player gets 10 points if the Czech won the match by a different score.
The player gets no points if the Czech draws or lost.
‘Sure Bet’: This is an special ability which the player picks the score, and if getting it perfectly right will increase his tally by 20 points. Example as the Czech won 2-1 and the player receives 20 points on top of his 30 points, making the total earning 50 points. If the player doesn’t get the exact score then he loses 10 points. example being the Czech won 3-1, the player receives 10 points for the right result but loses 10 point for getting it wrong. Making the total earning 0 points. And if he got the result wrong as well then he loses 10 points altogether. The usage of this special ability is limited and the player must chose to pick the right game to use it.

Quarter finals:
The winnings get higher. 50 points for perfect score (after normal time), 30 for right result and minus 10 for getting nothing right. ‘Sure Bet’ ability comes into uses as well but the rule changes slightly.

Semi finals:
100 points is won for a perfect score. 50 for getting the right result. And minus 50 for getting nothing right.

Final
200 points for picking the exact score in the final. 100 for picking the winner and 100 is lost for picking the loser.

The table is like premiership style. With leader boards etc. etc. at the end the guy with the most points wins. And is crowned as the ‘Guy who knows most about football in this .org’ or he might just be lucky. So what do you guys think, wants to participate in this game. :yes:

With enough participatens I could make this in a separate thread.

Nice idea! i am in.

p.s. any prizes for one coming last?:juggle2:

[Quintus.JC]

Nice idea! i am in.

p.s. any prizes for one coming last?:juggle2:



This event is currently being held at an separate thread, you should make your annocement there. Join the fun.:clown:

Probably no prize for coming last.... but you never know.

[Craterus]

You can put this in your sig:

https://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Craterus/woodenspoon.jpg

[edyzmedieval]

I vote for Romania. Romania will win Euro 2008. Italy will lose, France will draw and Holland will lose.

Nuff said. :beam:

[atheotes]

You can put this in your sig:

https://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Craterus/woodenspoon.jpg

you make fun of me :furious3:... i challenge you for the wooden spoon :clown: what you dont wanna challenge??? yeah dint think so :smash:

[atheotes]

This event is currently being held at an separate thread, you should make your annocement there. Join the fun.:clown:

Probably no prize for coming last.... but you never know.

Thank you sir :bow:...My bad :embarassed: Dint notice the separate thread and replied out of excitement. I will surely post my predictions there.

[naut]

Edit:

[Quintus.JC]

Thank you sir :bow:...My bad :embarassed: Dint notice the separate thread and replied out of excitement. I will surely post my predictions there.

Then you better do it fast. The game is starting tomorrow. :smash:


Haha, how embarrassing. :embarassed: :laugh4:

Yes it certainly is.:laugh4:

[naut]

Edit:

[Tamur]

Having failed to keep up with the predictions I'll turn here for discussion. After reviewing the Spain-Russia contest, it definitely doesn't look like easy sailing for Villa & Co. It could very easily have been 2-1 Russia on 40 minutes. Coming up against the strike duo in Sweden, Spain may actually have to work.

My favourite from yesterday on the BBC:


That Torres is a good player. I'm sure one of the big clubs will want to snap him up.

[Craterus]

Haha. Who said that, Tamur?

[Fragony]

Second half go Czech Republic loved you guys ever since. :balloon2:

[Tamur]

Haha. Who said that, Tamur?

It was texted into Five Live during the game, no idea who out there came up with it... definitely got a laugh here!

[Quintus.JC]

That Torres is a good player. I'm sure one of the big clubs will want to snap him up.

Clearly this person knows nothing about football, Torres is already at one of the biggest football club in the world, and will remain there for many years to come.

[Quintus.JC]

Big Phil is taking over at Chelsea. I wonder what's gonna happen now....

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Breaking News: Scolari is the new Chelsea manager...Portuguese media has just announced and...Chelsea too...http://www.chelseafc.com/xxchelsea180706/index.html#/page/Homepage

Thats a HUGE loss for us...:sweatdrop:

[InsaneApache]

Well bugger me. I had a quid on Allardyce.

[LittleGrizzly]

Is a big club money and reputation or winning things, at least finishing higher than 4th in the league, thats what liverpool are destined to a few seasons of, you would think a player of torres qaulity would want to be winning things....

[naut]

Edit:

[Craterus]

Is a big club money and reputation or winning things, at least finishing higher than 4th in the league, thats what liverpool are destined to a few seasons of, you would think a player of torres qaulity would want to be winning things....

I'd rather play for Arsenal or Liverpool than sell out and move to one of the evil empires.
Also, I'd rather be playing regularly. Chelsea have bought all sorts of promising youngsters who haven't been seen since.

[scotchedpommes]

After reviewing the Spain-Russia contest, it definitely doesn't look like easy sailing for Villa & Co. It could very easily have been 2-1 Russia on 40 minutes.
Very good point worth reiterating, and one undoubtedly overlooked amidst the initial, predictably
over-the-top Spanish media reaction. However, as to whether Sweden can trouble them, I wouldn't
be so sure. They've lost Wilhelmsson, and if memory serves he was providing a fair bit of drive, and
a good deal of decent service.

I can see Russia scraping through. I'd almost certainly back them to repeat the result of four years
ago, squad overhaul aside. Greece need to go back to playing a more aesthetically pleasing, and
utiimately more useful 4-3-3 [as they did in the qualifiers] to survive.

[LittleGrizzly]

I'd rather play for Arsenal or Liverpool than sell out and move to one of the evil empires.
Also, I'd rather be playing regularly. Chelsea have bought all sorts of promising youngsters who haven't been seen since.

Someone a bit less than Torres probably wouldn't get the games, but they would play him regularly, if i was a promising yougster chelsea would be my last choice, i wouldn't really class UTD as an evil empire either.... at least they make most of the money they spend.

[naut]

Edit:

[Quintus.JC]

2 Champion's League finals in 3 years ain't bad, also the FA Cup. Liverpool have produced 2 of the greatest cup finals (V.S Milan and West Ham) in century, both were thrilling matches that resulted in superb come backs with a few stunning goals. In history and prestige Liverpool is definitely one of the biggest clubs in the world, with the most league titles in England and 5 time Champions' leagues winner, with only Madrid and AC winning more. Not to mention their loyal fan base, with virtually all home matches selling out. Their global fanbase is also among one of the best supported clubs in the world….

As much as I hate to say this, Aaron Ramsey would be better joining Everton, he would get plenty of opportunities there.

[Tamur]

Liverpool is definitely one of the biggest clubs in the world...

Agreed, agreed Quintus. Otherwise that joke wouldn't be the slightest bit funny. Imagine if someone said, "That Diagoura, he is a good player... (etc)" Everyone would just nod a few times (or not) and stare at the telly.

[InsaneApache]

LOL @ Tamur.


Originally Posted by Caterus
I'd rather play for Arsenal or Liverpool than sell out and move to one of the evil empires. Also, I'd rather be playing regularly. Chelsea have bought all sorts of promising youngsters who haven't been seen since.

Anelka. What a waste at Stamford Bridge. Not much better at Euro 08 either!

[Craterus]

LOL @ Tamur.



Anelka. What a waste at Stamford Bridge. Not much better at Euro 08 either!

He's no longer a youngster. I was thinking more like Scott Parker and co. who joined on high weekly deals but barely played a game.

[InsaneApache]

Pah!

*shrugs*

*walks away*

A light drizzle of rain peppers the pavement...a glowing Gauloise smouldering on a forlorn lip moves on.....

:smoking:

[naut]

RIP "Derek Tappy Tapscott" (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=492611&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Derek+Tapscott+1932-2008:+a+tribute+to+%27Tappy%27). :bow:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Well, regarding transfer news (and a lot of speculation:laugh4:) it seams Carvalho and Ferreira are both staying at Chelsea because Scolari. I suppose they were moving to Inter called by Mourinho...but it is unknowned Mourinho's reaction...:laugh4:

Portuguese media is also saying that Deco will move from Barcelona to Chelsea instead Inter.

It is also said that Scolari is trying to convince C. Ronaldo to sign for Real Madrid, in order to weakned Man. Utd.:inquisitive:

:clown: Speculation has just began. :clown:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Pah!

*shrugs*

*walks away*

A light drizzle of rain peppers the pavement...a glowing Gauloise smouldering on a forlorn lip moves on.....

:smoking:Papa! http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Content/surexite_06.gif

[scotchedpommes]

Just to inform those of you who might be unware, it seems we may be enjoying a World Cup down in
Afrika devoid of any samba music and bucktoothed has-beens. Brazil are currently experiencing what
ranks as a gargantuan wobble [by their standards] in World Cup qualifiers. Defeated 2-0 by a lacklustre
Paraguay down to 10 men for a half, and last night seemingly lucky to escape with a draw at home
against Argentina.

Roll on the era of European dominance.

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

Kaka says it all then? :laugh4:

[PBI]

Didn't they undergo something similar in 2002 though, when I believe they lost to all sorts of rubbish teams and only qualified in the last available slot by beating Australia in the play-off, and then went on to win the tournament?

[Quintus.JC]

I bet that one of the south American nations will win the world cup in 2010.

There seems to be a pattern of winners in the world cup since 1962

2006.Italy
2002.Brazil
1998.France
1994.Brazil
1990.West Germany
1986.Argentina
1982.Italy
1978.Argentina
1974.West Germany
1970.Brazil
1966.England
1962.Brazil

Notice the pattern. Seems that after a European nations wins the world cup the next winner is bound to be south-American (either Brazil or Argentina really). But all the European wins are when the tournatment is hosted by a European nation while all South-Americans wins are when it's hosted by anyone else.

Argentina looks good for the win, but it's far too early to say.

[Craterus]

Weird that you mention it, I noticed that pattern a few days ago.

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

By gum, footy and these little beauties! (http://www.skysports.com/football/euro2008/photos/detail/0,23057,14591_3739019,00.html) Now all we need is some ale!

[scotchedpommes]

Heard about this a few days ago, but thought I'd wait for the tournament to end before expressing my
shock: Bolton have signed Johan Elmander (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bolton_wanderers/7478332.stm)?

Ehwha? Surely he was due to be going to a 'big' club? :dizzy2: Know he had a poor tournament, but the boy
always looked quality when I saw him play in France.

[Quintus.JC]

Query: Do you think Liverpool should sign Gareth Barry?

I think it's silly enough that Liverpool want to sign him at all with Alonso in the team (I know his leaving, but that's because of Barry at first place), but now Villa want £18m. Some of Benitez's targets I don't understand, Barry, Milner, Downing. All of these players are average, surely if we're to have any chance of winning the prem next season Rafa ought to buy other world class players such as Quresma and Villa instead of overprized players such Barry and Downing.

[LittleGrizzly]

Well i don't see much difference between Barry and Alonso... i think barrys younger ?

I do think hes an accomplished central midfielder but thats the one position Liverpool don't need, if they sell Alonso and buy Barry i think any difference will be neglible

Im not sure about downing... i think he is better than some of liverpools wingers like pennant but not quite that premiership winning difference...

Who are liverpools wingers ?? i could only think of Pennant and Kuyt

I imagine Villa and Quaresma would be better value for money than downing and barry

[Quintus.JC]

I'm bewildered, why is Rafa making such a big effort for Milner and Downing... When he could at least have a go at Quresema and Simao, they'd be great at Liverpool. And definitely would be a fine addition to the team.

We do not need Barry, what's the point of selling Alonso then buying Barry. I find them two quite similar, with Alonso probably the better footballer. Now that we have Maschrano we don't need either of them but selling Alonso inexchange for Barry is just silly.

Liverpool need another prolific goalscorer to partner Torres, preferable Villa. Although that's extremly unlikely. The biggest problem is still on the wings.

The Liverpool centre backs need to straighten a little, if we don't even come close of winning the league this year then Rafa will have to be shown the door, despite all his achievement, I can't help but start to doubt his ability to lead Liverpool for the first Premierleague title.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Well, it seams Chelsea is delighted with the signing of Deco they had announced...while Lampard is moving to Inter.

Both Simão and Quaresma are fantastic additions to any team as they are amazing wingers and both with left/right foots. However, unlike Simão, Quaresma lacks of tactical discipline and this could be negative in a major club.

[scotchedpommes]

New world rankings have been finalised by FIFA. Spain make it to the top, somewhat surprisingly, I
would've thought [taking four years of results into account.] I'm guessing Brazil remain up there off
the back of the Copa America alone, and not sure about the Czechs. Russia have come on well, and
rightfully so.

[Other than that, of course, we are tantalisingly close to that unmentionable goal.] ~;)

1. (4) Spain
2. (3) Italy
3. (5) Germany
4. (2) Brazil
5. (10) Netherlands
6. (1) Argentina
7. (15) Croatia
8. (6) Czech Republic
9. (11) Portugal
10. (7) France
11. (24) Russia
12. (12) Romania
13. (13) Cameroon
14. (20) Turkey
15. (9) England
16. (17) Scotland
17. (18) Bulgaria
18. (8) Greece
19. (14) Mexico
20. (16) Ghana

[Quintus.JC]

It's hard to trust FIFA's rankings anymore, only some of it makes sense.

Italy, Czech Republic and Greece does not deserve to be where they are.

[Rhyfelwyr]

15. (9) England
16. (17) Scotland


We'll get them by the end of the World Cup qualifiers...

[Ferret]

Italy second! How did they figure that out...

[LittleGrizzly]

I would say greece deserve to be there if you look at the sides around them,

England, Scotland and Bulgaria all above them, if were just to base it on recent performances who got to the euro's and who didn't.... if were willing to look back a bit greece won the euro only 4 years ago, england managed a qauter final place or 2 between then, scotland haven't even qaulified for anything... and errm bulgaria... i don't think they've qaulified recently...

Thats got to be the closest the 2 have been for a while... McClaren just wanted to bring the 2 nations closer together... not incompetent at all.....

[ShadesPanther]

1. (4) Spain
2. (3) Italy
3. (5) Germany
4. (2) Brazil
5. (10) Netherlands
6. (1) Argentina
7. (15) Croatia
8. (6) Czech Republic
9. (11) Portugal
10. (7) France
11. (24) Russia
12. (12) Romania
13. (13) Cameroon
14. (20) Turkey
15. (9) England
16. (17) Scotland
17. (18) Bulgaria
18. (8) Greece
19. (14) Mexico
20. (16) Ghana

Well italy are only up there cause they won the world cup
France I don't know how they are so high up after doing awful in qualifying and then in the euros

[scotchedpommes]

We'll get them by the end of the World Cup qualifiers...
Mark your calendar: 09/09/09. Crunch time, if ever there was one.

England - Croatia
Scotland - Netherlands


[And for **** sake man, it was about time you made an appearance. One word. Miller.] :laugh4:

[LittleGrizzly]

Scotland hit a peak (without actually qaulifying) by pushing france and italy close and finishing above Ukraine

England hit a dip finishing behind Croatia and Russia

But now england have a competent manager and Scotland need a whole new set of results to inspire them, in short don't get your hopes up too much

[scotchedpommes]

My hopes hinged on favourable assessments from well-meaning neighbours. :wall:

Of course Scotland are primed and ready to blow the whole campaign in the first game in Skopje; on
to win [again] in Oslo, but lose at home to Norway and miss out on the playoffs due to some fine uefa
abacus number-crunching. [Or, alternatively, draw a team like Russia and get skinned home and away.]

Given that Croatia [and good old Slaven's record with them in particular] is frighteningly good, to
approach the qualifiers thinking it'll be some astounding new dawn is slightly bemusing. But fair
enough, optimism is best. The media'll do the rest.

[LittleGrizzly]

Given that Croatia [and good old Slaven's record with them in particular] is frighteningly good, to
approach the qualifiers thinking it'll be some astounding new dawn is slightly bemusing.

Im not expecting some all conquering England side, there will probably be some time needed for capello to finetune his side, it is his first national job as well so he may need some time to adjust, i still expect he will do a better job than McClaren, who sides weren't exactly slaughtered by Croatia, 2-3 i think we lost at home, now with improvements under capello i think we will do better, maybe a draw or close victory...

In fairness as well what i meant by comment was i don't think the scottish result will be any better than Englands, considering your playing Netherlands i feel fairly safe in that comment...

My hopes hinged on favourable assessments from well-meaning neighbours.

Well meaning ? how dare you! I wish you the worst luck in the world.... and maybe McClaren as a coach :P

I always support the home nations unless against england, it usually helps that thier underdogs... who doesn't want Scotland to beat france or italy ?

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

Whadya mean perplexing? :inquisitive:

Bloody glory hunters! :whip:

[scotchedpommes]

:grin2:

Well, the boy is setting himself up to be a spectacular flop with a move like that.
[And I'm setting him up to be top goalscorer next season with posts like this; be glad.]

[edyzmedieval]

Somebody tell me why the heck did Lampard leave for only 9 million euros.
I read today in the newspaper - Ferguson issued an ultimatum: "Either Cristiano stays, or I go!". What do you people think about this?

[naut]

Edit:

[Craterus]

Why just either? I'd like to see both go. :laugh4:

That seems to be the situation. Both stay or both go.

Ferguson sounds a bit childish to me.

[scotchedpommes]

Gasp.

In any case, much of this saga is blatantly for show, and a tedious one at that. If poor old rednose
genuinely can't take losing one more replaceable player, then I'm sure there are any number of
sycophantic plebs here who'd welcome the waster back with open arms and a dram at the ready. :sweatdrop:

[Quintus.JC]

I read today in the newspaper - Ferguson issued an ultimatum: "Either Cristiano stays, or I go!". What do you people think about this?

Ferguson is just being a big baby now, I reckon he'll eat his own words when Ronaldo leaves. No player is bigger than the club, a player of Ronaldo's loyalty. If I was Ferguson I'd pack Ronaldo's bags and personally push him onto the plane to Madrid.

[InsaneApache]

Red nose wants to chuck a pair of football boots at him. You know, those old ones that were more like ammunition boots than trainers.

As for Christiano.......I know a few jokes about him. :embarassed::laugh4:

[edyzmedieval]

Mind saying them out loud IA? :beam:
I for one would like to be Cristiano for the money and for the girlfriend he has right now.

[Rhyfelwyr]

[And for **** sake man, it was about time you made an appearance. One word. Miller.] :laugh4:

Miller is teh man!!11

*goes and washes mout out with carbolic soap*

[naut]

Edit:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Ferguson is just being a big baby now, I reckon he'll eat his own words when Ronaldo leaves.

Yep! not only because Ronaldo but also cause his number two, Carlos Queiroz is leaving for Portugal's job.


If I was Ferguson I'd pack Ronaldo's bags and personally push him onto the plane to Madrid.

I would love to see that!!!:laugh4: i bet Ronaldo is crossing his fingers for that also...:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

[InsaneApache]

He should tell Rooney that 'Ronny' was looking at his missus. A sort of light the blue touch paper and stand well back...:laugh4:

In other news; Osama bin Laden has made a bid for the barcodes! I kid you not. :sweatdrop:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

http://www.twohundredpercent.net/prem09/arsenal.jpg


Aaaaargh. What are Nike thinking? Red torso, white sleeves. Is it so hard? We aren't Charlton!

[Quintus.JC]

I just bought the new Liverpool home Kit. Looks ace. :2thumbsup:
"This is Anfield"

[Louis VI the Fat]

Aaaaargh. What are Nike thinking?
:wall:

Is Nike that desperate to make sure last year's shirts look horribly outdated? :inquisitive:

I didn't even recognise my own Arse in that shirt. It looked like Manchester or Liverpool at first sight. Tradition is important! Let Nike experiment with away-shirts if they must. There have been some really great ones in the last couple of years.

[scotchedpommes]

First kit is now Liverpool's, with the second [presumably still] being Spurs'? Someone's having a good
chuckle over at Nike headquarters, eh.

[Louis, while I see you're loitering: Domenech still has a job - fit's 'at about, then? What does it take
for the astroboy to get his P45? Surely he's already humiliated your country and himself enough with
that on-air proposal, nevermind the insipid showing just gone. I'd almost welcome les bleus back to
our qualifying group with open arms if you have him at the helm.]

Oh, and to grumble about international matters a little longer, our national fans are being expected to
fork out £50+ just for the privilege of getting to see our lot pasted by Argentina in a kick-about, which
is more than for any meaningful game. Our FA suits have had one too many buffet lunches with their
esteemed colleagues down at Soho Square. :sweatdrop:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Domenech still has a job - fit's 'at about, then? What does it take
for the astroboy to get his P45? Surely he's already humiliated your country and himself enough with
that on-air proposal, nevermind the insipid showing just gone. Oh God, please. Aye, they should've dumped him alright. It's not the boy scouts around here. If he can't deliver, give him the sack already. :whip:

I was hoping for Deschamps. Or the unmentionable - there was some whispering that maybe Zidane (pbuh) was interested. Or, failing any of that, maybe they could've passed the job on to McLaren. That would still be a great improvement.

The fault for the disastrous tournament wasn't all Dormirnech's fault. He did have a squad of the biggest bunch of insolent, sulking cry-babies on the planet. But then again, that pretty much sums up any gathering of more than two Frenchmen so he should have been prepared for that.

[edyzmedieval]

I'm sorry, France wasnt France, France was Africa United. Oh well, at least im happy that Romania is better than the Frenchies. :beam:

Ajax bought Miralem Sulejmani from Herenveen for almost 17 million euros. He's an attacker, young guy, for the future, the next Huntelaar they say. :sweatdrop:

[LeftEyeNine]

Still no discussion about Aragones and Güiza signed by Fenerbahçe ?

GAH ! What an ignorance. :smoking:

[Craterus]

So, what does everyone think about Harry Kewell moving to Galatasaray?

[scotchedpommes]

One can only hope he [Kewell] experiences regular shaftings at the hands of the other two clubs. As for
Aragones; severely underwhelming, dare I say reportedly unpleasant individual... but Güiza looks a gem
and I'm moderately surprised he's gone out there.

[naut]

Edit:

[LeftEyeNine]

Güiza looks a gem at the age of 28?

C'mon no one would refuse 14 million euros.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I'm surprised by Guiza as well, I thought he'd probably be moving to a big club in one of the top leagues.

Meph-The away kit for next season is the same pattern, but yellow with blue trim instead of red with white trim. At least the yellow is back, but still, awful.

[scotchedpommes]

Güiza looks a gem at the age of 28?

C'mon no one would refuse 14 million euros.
He does to me, toik; and I'd bet he does to those Mallorca fans who'll be missing him again next season.
As for the money, even today the lure of a bigger club has more pull power. Just look at Bucky-bucktooth®
shunning poor old Citeh's £190,000+ a week to try and hold out for Meeelan.

[Would also have expected the Scouse to throw a good deal more cash at Güiza than 14m in monopoly
money.]

[naut]

Edit:

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

That one was on the cards for a long while. [Not really that surprising, is it? In my view it is a step up
from CSKA.] In more disturbing developments it looks like Bucky-bucktooth® may be considering a move
over to Eastlands as they've upped the bid to £22 million and closer to £200,000 a week. Hope it doesn't
go through; if only because it's utterly ridiculous to pay that kind of money for a questionable purchase,
especially considering the fact that Mark Hughes had absolutely nothing to do with the approach for him.

On a brighter note, seeing the first signs today that Arshussia may be leaning towards Arsenal. :yes:

Edit: And a little plus on the whiney side; our fans have flat-out rejected to be fleeced in order to witness
tanking by Argentina. [Business] sense dictates they should arrange for Beckham and co. to roll into town,
as I'd expect they'd get folk finding more than £50 down the back of their sofa for that. [Not me, no.]

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

As we're already flexing our accents then, is Jô anything special, in your opinion? Had the impression he
was nothing more than run of the mill, as far as Brazilian exports go. I sense that'd be enough for Frank
to flash the cash, knowledge of football aside.

I really don't think Barry would be worth it, nor would I appreciate having him considering how he's dealt
with his current predicament. Santa Cruz is who I want to see, in all honesty. Fully aware he had a poor
history at Bayern, and there's a possibility that he's a big club/game bottler, but I'd say he'd definitely
be worth a punt. [Fine header of the ball, just as an afterthought.]

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

It seems that Bucky-bucktooth® (TY M :bow:) has decided to go to Meelano.

Put it this way, The Council House-San Siro, Milano-Manchester.....I wonder what took him so long? :laugh4:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Irish player Michael Keane sacked for being too fat (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/eircom-league/sacked-for-being-too-fat-1431852.html). :beam:


https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/750/mkeane191026tmq9.jpg

[Quintus.JC]

How much does he actually weigh? It doesn't tell you that in the aticle. :inquisitive:

The lad doesn't look any fatter than Ronaldo in the 2006 World Cup.

[drone]

https://img369.imageshack.us/img369/750/mkeane191026tmq9.jpg

So, it was him that ate all the pies? :inquisitive:

[scotchedpommes]

:shifty:

https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/pies-whatpies.jpg

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Well, no matter what else happens with the midfield, at least we can rest easy in the knowledge that we won't have to watch Gilberto play next season.

[scotchedpommes]

Could've at least thrown Senderos in as a freebie. [Two for the price of one!]

[InsaneApache]

Another unique new feature was unveiled specifically for Steven Gerrard's kit, a specially-designed microchip implanted into the fabric of the shirt. Every time the midfielder is fouled, a tiny speaker will shout "Justice for the 96!" in the hope that referees will be guilt-tripped into awarding 30 per cent more penalties to the home side at Anfield.

http://www.the-gaffer.com/news/liverpool-everton-black-armband-shirt.html

:laugh4: :thumbsup: :laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

Now, I'm not normally one to use petty substitutes for a club's name [or that of its supporters] to
indicate my derision for their institution. ['cept for the Red Sox/Manc scum, Bin dippers, and, eh...
the Hun ***** too.] Anyway, I feel I'll be obliged to break this habit, for should the proposed £79.3m
deal (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jul/19/premierleague.serieafootball) to take the man-whose-chosen-name-means-****-in-several-languages to Stamford Bridge go
through, I will have no choice but to express my disgust in an appropriate manner.

Henceforth, they shall be known [at least in my abode] as €h£l$k¥.

[LittleGrizzly]

Yeah 79 million is just way ott, weren't we happy to sell ronaldo cheaper ?

€h£l$k¥ indeed

[naut]

Edit:

[LittleGrizzly]

I keep hearing about sunderland giving them 23 million for kaboul, malbranque chimbonda and tainio, sounds like some good business all round... and what about 57 million for berbatov and keane (i heard) i think ramos could spend that money well, i have heard militio and pavlyuchencko touted as replacements, what do you think of all this, im thinking tottenham will do well next season, but i also thought this last season....

What about ronaldo.... im starting to think he's staying..

[Craterus]

Ferguson's a hypocrite. He's pursuing Berbatov in exactly the same way as Real have pursued Ronaldo. And he threw a sulk when it happened to him.

I think Ronaldo will stay but him and Ferguson won't get on so well next season.

[LittleGrizzly]

I do find it funny when any football club criticises another for 'tapping up' thier players, im pretty sure they all do it to the clubs smaller than them then cry foul when its done to them, so i have choosen not to care, if ferguson being a hypocrite works out well for the team (ronaldo stays berbatov comes) then well done fergie my respect has only increased, i wouldn't want my side to cheat but if throwing around words and being hypocritical gets us a better team i am all for it.

Am i the only one that thinks ronaldo would end up worse off at real madrid, or am i just being arrogant on behalf of my club, i struggle to know my own bias...

[scotchedpommes]

Ramos is finally getting Spurs act together, he's made a couple decent signings. The most significant would be Gomes...
I'm not so sure. I know that Gomes holds some impressive records, but he is capable of making the
occasional almighty howler every other game. He certainly looked a little dodgy whenever he felt
pressed to come out for the ball. With other signings; I've seen more news that Arshavin may be
looking to go to Spurs after all, though with that nippy Croat in there I can't quite see where he'd fit
- unless they want him as a striker.

And as for rednose, he's been doing this kind of thzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[Quintus.JC]

Am i the only one that thinks ronaldo would end up worse off at real madrid, or am i just being arrogant on behalf of my club, i struggle to know my own bias...

I for one thinks that Ronaldo would definitely end up worse in Madrid, or in Manchester. His move to Madrid won't be welcomed by most, during the transfer saga many clubs, including Barcelona had voiced their support for Man Uted's defiance over Ronaldo, also the Real Madrid squad had also threatened to boycott if Ronaldo arrives because they say it's bad for team spirit. We've seen so many players that were talismen for their old club and became trash when came to Madrid, there would be a tramendous pressure for him to perform well if he joins Madrid and that pressure could be too much, even for Ronaldo.

Ronaldo had also lost much support and respect from many people, both in England and abroad. His claim over being a 'modern slave' is utter ridiculous and I'm guessing that he isn't the most popular person in Manchester at the movement. Plus with his recent leg operation who knows, maybe Ronaldo won't be the player he used to be when the new season starts.

[Craterus]

I'm guessing that he isn't the most popular person in Manchester at the movement.

Why not? I don't think City fans care about him in the slightest.

[Quintus.JC]

Why not? I don't think City fans care about him in the slightest.

I'd imagine Ronaldo isn't very popular among city fans as well, but they're probably laughing their head off over this matter.

Ronaldo has recived universal critisism over this issue, and he deserves every bit of it. Ronaldo's ability is proven, and even I know that he definitely one of the best players in the world right now, if not the best. But his style leaves much to be desired, he's playing style on the pitch isn't exactly chivalrious, and he's loyalty off the pitch really something between nil to zero. I would seriously get rid of him if I was ferguson, for the right price after selling Ronaldo Man Utd can only get stronger, and don't forget I'm a Liverpool fan.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

But his style leaves much to be desired, he's playing style on the pitch isn't exactly chivalrious, and he's loyalty off the pitch really something between nil to zero.

Chivalry and loyalty... in modern football? what's that??? in the past players stayed their entire career in the same club, but now it's all about €€€!!! Besides, all i can see in every competition is diving, elbowing, wild tackling, punching and even intentional injury. I'm sure Ronaldo is no more no less chivalrious and loyal than any other.


I would seriously get rid of him if I was ferguson, for the right price after selling Ronaldo Man Utd can only get stronger, and don't forget I'm a Liverpool fan.

They can also get weaker! with Ronaldo they won premiership and CL...

[Dutch_guy]

I would seriously get rid of him if I was ferguson, for the right price after selling Ronaldo Man Utd can only get stronger, and don't forget I'm a Liverpool fan.

Personality aside, I'd say his qualities as a player would be sufficient reason for pretty much any squad to want him.

:balloon2:

[Quintus.JC]

Chivalry and loyalty... in modern football? what's that??? in the past players stayed their entire career in the same club, but now it's all about €€€!!! Besides, all i can see in every competition is diving, elbowing, wild tackling, punching and even intentional injury. I'm sure Ronaldo is no more no less chivalrious and loyal than any other.


A few example of modern footballers with dreaded traits would be Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney and Marco Matterazzi. Players with Chivalry traits would be Ryan Giggs, Dennish Bergkamp and Kaka (he'd have the highest piety). :beam:



They can also get weaker! with Ronaldo they won premiership and CL...

What you said is fair, but everyone is intitled to have different opinions, I have mine and you have yours, and I respect them both.

[InsaneApache]

Why not? I don't think City fans care about him in the slightest.

Not to mention the Bolton, Wigan, Oldham, Stockport, Bury, Rochdale fans. Still as long as peeps think that there's only two footy clubs in the city, all's well. :stare:

[Craterus]

Come on, I was only listing teams with enough fans worth mentioning.

You forgot FC United of Manchester ~;)

[Quintus.JC]

Not to mention the Bolton, Wigan, Oldham, Stockport, Bury, Rochdale fans. Still as long as peeps think that there's only two footy clubs in the city, all's well. :stare:


I didn't think you people were bothered about the Ronaldo saga, are you? :inquisitive:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

What you said is fair, but everyone is intitled to have different opinions, I have mine and you have yours, and I respect them both.

Agreed! i respect your point of view as well! ~:cheers:


I didn't think you people were bothered about the Ronaldo saga, are you?

I think the public in general already know that he want's to leave while the club want's him to stay at any cost...as they don't want to loose another star player for Real like Beckham and Nistelrooy. In my point of view, Ronaldo is in premiership for 5 years and he already won everything...so why not Madrid for a new challenge?

[Quintus.JC]

I think the public in general already know that he want's to leave while the club want's him to stay at any cost...as they don't want to loose another star player for Real like Beckham and Nistelrooy. In my point of view, Ronaldo is in premiership for 5 years and he already won everything...so why not Madrid for a new challenge?

What you said is true, and Ronaldo can't take all the blame. But the 'I'm a modern slave' crap had serious knocked down my respect for Ronaldo. It also it knocked down my respect all the way to zero for Sepp Blatter..... from Zero.

[LittleGrizzly]

I think the public in general already know that he want's to leave while the club want's him to stay at any cost...as they don't want to loose another star player for Real like Beckham and Nistelrooy. In my point of view, Ronaldo is in premiership for 5 years and he already won everything...so why not Madrid for a new challenge?

I was thinking that a i was watching the cl final, it was probably the only downside of the night, he had an amazing season was the best player and highest scorer and won the top competitions. How can you top that ?

That being said i don't think madrid would go all that great for him, even if everyone was behind him....

If man utd could get an extortionate price for him and get a few other great players instead i wouldn't be too bothered, despite some peoples opinion utd are still amazing without ronaldo...

as they don't want to loose another star player for Real like Beckham and Nistelrooy

With beckham it worked out great for united, picked up some portuguese guy and still had some change, sold him when we could still get top price for him. With Nistlerooy not so much but we got a decent price for him and he was getting older, with those two sales ferguson was building a great team of the future, the ronaldo saga is quite different i would say....

[naut]

Edit:

[LittleGrizzly]

What does everyone think about Keane's £20 Million move to Scouseland? All I can say is LOL! £20 Million? Better than Henry? No way. Worth 6 Adebayor's? Hell No. Worth 7 Santa Cruz's? Not a chance.

In fairness they were some good buys, i would say he's worth 1 1/4 darren bents... and umm thats what i can come up with off the top of my head.... perhaps a few million too much

The Pewl's problems don't lie up front, they lie in the wingers and full-backs. But, I'm not going to stop Benetez from his usual stupidity. As it'll just help Everton in breaking into the top four.

I would agree, thier strikeforce was good enough last season, swapping crouch for keane won't really have too much of an effect, its thier wingers i think they really need to improve, who are thier wingers ? i can only think of pennant and babel, babel will become a good player i think, pennant is just not good enough to play at a top club imo.

I hope Everton, Portsmouth and Tottenham all give the scum a run for thier money...

Edit: What about from tottenhams end of things, defoe and keane both gone, berbatov and bent may go, i keep hearing rumors about berbatov not so sure on bent, who are they buying to replace all these strikers ? is it really a good idea selling your top scorer (which was keane right ?)

[Quintus.JC]

What does everyone think about Keane's £20 Million move to Scouseland? All I can say is LOL! £20 Million? Better than Henry? No way. Worth 6 Adebayor's? Hell No. Worth 7 Santa Cruz's? Not a chance.


£20 million is a bit too much, but let’s not forget Adebayor is currently worth £40 million while Cruz about £20 million, you can’t compare the prices between then and now. Anyway I though Keane should of stayed at Tottenham, not that I think he isn’t good enough but he was really excellent at Spurs, besides that’s 20 million we’ll never see again.



The Pewl's problems don't lie up front, they lie in the wingers and full-backs. But, I'm not going to stop Benetez from his usual stupidity. As it'll just help Everton in breaking into the top four.

Agreed, Rafa has signed some good full-backs so far, whither they’ll help Liverpool’s cause only time will tell. While the wing is a big problem, get Simao or Quarisma then Liverpool will be a genuine premierleague challenger next season. Liverpool’s strike force is good but it always could be improved, hopefully Keane can be a good partner for Torres and boring out the best of both of them.

If Liverpool doesn’t mount a serious challenge this year then Benitez needs to go. He’s premierleague record just isn’t good enough. :no:

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

Looks like Andy Johnson is going to Fulham. In other news, the thug Barton is to get another chance, lets hope he takes up boxing then!

As for who's for the drop, I'd love to see the barcodes, wet spam and spurs* take the chance to be the 'real thing', not likely though. I think all of the promoted sides will find it difficult, even my second EPL team this season, Hull.

*I'd have said Manyoo but that would ruin the reality of my memory of 1975. A great season for the red sox! :laugh4:

[LittleGrizzly]

Its difficult to look past the promoted teams, most of the other teams in and around that area, bolton fulham, have or are going to spend a decent bit of money, even though the promoted teams are spending a bit they can't compete with fulham buying the likes of johnson or gomez.

West ham i think will have a much better season than last year, i can't think of any paticular signings they made but they have a pretty good team anyway and will do better this year.

I can see it being Chelski or utd for the title, arsenal just don't have the sqaud to mount a serious title challenge, though eduardo's return should help, Arsenal to secure 3rd place and liverpool to leave it late to secure 4th place against challenges from Everton, Portsmouth and Tottenham. Aston Villa probably trialing somewhere behind this lot trying to pick up a UEFA spot.

Anyone now why villa are failing to spend any money... according to my mums boyfriend theres plenty of money forn O'Neil to spend so whats the problem ? struggling to find good enough players willing to join villa ?

[InsaneApache]

On his release from chokey Barton had this to say....


"The first day's the toughest, no doubt about it. They march you in, hand you your uniform and force you to pose for the photographer while loads of fat, tattooed, skinheads shout abuse at you. That's when you know it's for real. A whole life blown away in the blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the world to think about it. That's when it hits home. That's when you realise you've signed for Newcastle."

:laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

I believe I may know the very source you pulled that from, IA - and I have to say the realisation scares
me more than a little. ~;p

Edit: As for predictions, the Baggies will stay up. That team is the best thing to come out of the
fizz for a good while now [minus Gera, who made an inexplicable move to Fulham I believe] and if they
go back down once again, well, it's just pointless anyone turning up from that division next season. Boro
will stay up, and I will be happier for it. If I repeat that enough times it will become reality.

[Arsenal signed Werder bench-warmer Amaury Bischoff yesterday, and I would just like to take this
opportunity to fill the remainder of this post with an expression of how underwhelmed and pessimistic
I feel.]



. . .

[LittleGrizzly]

Tottenham signed Bently today, good signing. Supposedly Arsharvin is on the way as well would be another good signing, i think Tottenham could be a force next season under ramos.

[Craterus]

Tottenham signed Bently today, good signing. Supposedly Arsharvin is on the way as well would be another good signing, i think Tottenham could be a force next season under ramos.

A well-established team performs better than lots of fancy signings, IMO.

Tottenham's season could well be an impressive one but it could also be a big (expensive) disappointment.

[LittleGrizzly]

I see them as a pretty well established team, im calling last season as a blip for them, this season things can only get better as far as im concerned, luka modric and dos santos are two new exciting signings and with bently now they do have a great looking midfield, i rate ramos highly as well, they have got rid of some players who just weren't up to standard and replaced them with some pretty exciting talent, im willing to go out on a limb and say a minimum of 6th place for tottenham

[scotchedpommes]

Do you reckon they'll break the top four? Go on, give us a neck-on-the-line prediction. ~;) Best I see
them doing is as Citeh last season - pulling out some blinding performances and storming up there, then
most probably falling back down to earth like a ******* meteor when the expectation's turned on.
[Especially if they have any critical injuries.] They should certainly challenge for silverware again, all the
same. Another concern has to be strikers though, especially if Pavelyuchenko stays put.

Edit: And can I now start referring to Sunderland as Tottenham V0.3? They've just taken a team-full of
Spurs cast-offs. Curious to see if they fail to gel well, considering the current unfortunates up there can't
be too happy with a ready made team rolling up at their door.

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Excuse me, but how's that, boys, eh? How does it feel to be OUT of Europe before the start of the
season?

That's right...

FBK Kaunas of Lithuania [Parent team to Hearts] - 2
Queen's Own ******* Rangers, The Mighty Teddy Bears - 1

Fine day, this.

Edit: Positive point for the neutrals - far less anti-football clogging up the Uefa Cup. :grin2:

[LittleGrizzly]

Shame for Scottish football and rangers, damn funny though uefa cup finalists to failing to even qaulify for the competition...

On a brighter note the Ronaldo move is probably off now, Ferguson said the saga is closed and Calderon said van de vaart is probably the only signing off the summer, my friend said 'don't be stupid' when i said i didn't think the move would happen, i will enjoy informing him :D

[scotchedpommes]

Shame for Scottish football...
Think I managed to salve the crippling pain I felt on behalf of Scottish football about two seconds before the winner went in.
Right as I was screaming "GET IN THERE!"

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

Aye it's a shame that Rangers are out of Europe, NOT! That'll teach 'em to smash up my home town, not that anyone could tell! :laugh4:

Looks like the dingles (http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3912941,00.html) are having a spot of bother with Ince. Good. :2thumbsup: