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Official Football Thread 2007/2008 (Soccer)

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Mama Smurf said:
Man City are linked with Diego, from Bremen. Sven was asked about the rumour during a press conference (along with a couple of other names, so not just Diego) and said he never commented on rumours, but he expected another new player to arrive next week.

Now Diego would be an amazing signing, but I don't believe it. Possibly Bremen would unwillingly let him go if Man City offered a ridiculous amount, but does he want to leave a CL team for City? He's good enough to go to a top team if he wants to leave Bremen.

The only reason I mention it is that Elano reportedly said, when signed, that when he agreed to join he asked if they were planning to bring in any other Brazilian players, and was told yes.

There is simply no chance that he'll go to Manchester City, all the big CL clubs are interested in him and one of them will pick him up next season. I give him half a season or a full season at most until he signs with some really big club.

Werder wouldn't let him go on a loan too, now that Klose has left Diego is their top goalscorer (13 goals last season, buttload of assists) so they'll either sell him for a record amount (20 mil+) or simply keep him.
 
Lakitu said:
If Diego does go to Man City... we are in for one hell of a season.

That's a pretty big "if" there, but what do I know?

The best signigns are always the batshit insane and unexpected ones. The most frightening sign that it might be true is that the german media isn't reporting anything on this matter :D

We'll see. I feel like my post up there might bite me in the ass soon.
 
Mama Smurf said:
The only reason I mention it is that Elano reportedly said, when signed, that when he agreed to join he asked if they were planning to bring in any other Brazilian players, and was told yes.
Sven and his Ark!

enishi said:
The only thing I am worried is that I won't see City relegated for couples of years :P
In fact the derby matches this season will be more interesting. Even as a United fans, I enjoy watching matches of higher standard.
It's been what, 6 wins to 3 since the era of domination in the 90s? Seems like City's garbage teams have been giving United competitive matches already.

P.S. When (not if) it all comes together for City I promise that the universe will have never seen a troll such as I.

Mama Smurf said:
I think City's progress up the league depends on if they keep spending or not. If they get £40m+ to spend each summer, they'll soon enough be spending it just on a few players, so a £20m player and to £10m players. If this just an initial massive cash injection to be followed up by normal amounts, then they'll just do well.
Stupid Thai junta needs to give Thak back all of his blood money.
 
Since you're a Yanqui I won't have to explain this much, Cornballer, but remember when UCLA beat USC in [American] football last season and ended a 7 year losing streak? I imagine I'll be as obnoxious as I was that day... except much, much worse!
 
Worse than that?!? Wow. :lol I'm a PAC-10 guy, too. (Went to Cal for part of my education.)

Sounds more and more like Beckham is out against Toronto.
Beckham Ankle Improving, But...
by Greg Seltzer - August 3, 2007

Los Angeles coach Frank Yallop reports that David Beckham's ankle nag is gradually becoming less of a hindrance, yet admitted that the England star was unlikely to play much of a role in their weekend game at Toronto FC - if any at all.

The international superstar has practiced with his new teammates only once thus far, but will travel with the squad and is expected to suit up for warm-ups. Much of the decision on whether he plays or not will depend on how he takes an unfamiliar FieldTurf surface at BMO Field.

"He's getting better and (the ankle) is loosening up and feeling less painful," Yallop told MLSNet. "He just really wants to get rid of that real sharp pain. I saw him running and he wasn't limping. He's working out pretty hard."

"It would be tough to put him in the line-up with what he's been doing. He hasn't been training with the team. He may play some part in the game, we'll see."

Beckham sat out all three of the Galaxy's SuperLiga group matches after debuting with a late cameo against friendly for Chelsea on July 21st.
 
Leeds have been docked 15 POINTS for failing to come out of administration by now.

You might think 'big woop, they'll buy there way out' but they have no money, and they have no recognised goal keepers on the books.


btw on Betfair leeds are still 3.5/1 to go down. :D



:lol as i posted that it went down to 3.4
 
Just saw on the news that AC Milan get Alexandre Pato. That kid's gonna be a world beater in the coming years. Amazing talent.
 
Ghost said:
Leeds have been docked 15 POINTS for failing to come out of administration by now.

You might think 'big woop, they'll buy there way out' but they have no money, and they have no recognised goal keepers on the books.


btw on Betfair leeds are still 3.5/1 to go down. :D



:lol as i posted that it went down to 3.4
It's not for failing to come out of administration. They came out of administration when bates bought the club back.

The penalty is for not having a Company Voluntary Agreement in place, I'm not sure what this means but I think it's a settlement on paying back the debts that most of the creditors have agreed on. Leeds did have this arrangement - it involved football creditors being paid back in full while non-football creditors only got a reduced amount (similar to CVAs for other clubs coming out of administration). But the inland revenue kicked up a fuss about the non-football creidtors not getting paid back in full. Apparently they've been pissed off about other clubs getting away with it and hey want to use leeds as a test case.

So Leeds had to come up with an alternative arrangement to satisfy the inland revenue, so the CVA was cancelled. Basically for leeds it's either break league rules or get sued by inland revenue.
 
Todays rumours

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/6930889.stm

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Portsmouth and Aston Villa have joined the race for Fulham right-back Liam Rosenior. (The Sun)

Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra looks poised for a move to Arsenal having rejected a new three year contract. (Daily Express)

Everton are on the brink of landing Porto midfielder Luis Gonzalez for £10m. (Daily Express)

And Toffees boss David Moyes could add to that signing with a swoop for Wigan left-back Leighton Baines. (Daily Express)

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze will tell boss Sir Alex Ferguson on Monday he wants to leave for Liverpool. (Daily Mail)

Middlesbrough will allow Yakubu to return to Portsmouth if they can get Gary O'Neill in return. (Daily Star)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane will try again to sign Manchester United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak. (Various)

Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez is braced to make a bid for Liverpool centre-half Sami Hyypia. (Daily Mirror)

He is also interested in Blackburn's £4m-rated striker Jason Roberts. (The Independent)

Cardiff hope to sign Blackburn's unsettled forward Francis Jeffers. (The Independent)

Kieron Dyer's move to West Ham dramatically collapsed last night after Newcastle demanded an extra £2m. (Daily Star)

Real Madrid are certain the long-running battle for Chelsea winger Arjen Robben will be over next week. (The Sun)

The Spanish club are hoping to secure his services for a fee of around £23m. (The Guardian)

Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has denied reports linking him with a move to West Ham. (The Independent)

Andy Cole has left Pompey after they agreed to pay up the remaining 11 months of his £30,000-a-week contract. (Various)

OTHER GOSSIP

AZ Alkmaar boss Louis Van Gaal has blasted Middlesbrough for trying to sign full-back Greta Steinsson on the cheap. (Daily Telegraph)

France midfielder Claude Makelele, 34, is to sign a new one-year extension with Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)

The Frenchman has taken a wage cut to sign with the Blues until 2009. (Daily Star)

Birmingham pulled the plug on their move for Hossam Ghaly after the Tottenham midfielder had a bust-up with Blues boss Steve Bruce. (Daily Star)

Ghaly upset Bruce when he refused to take part in a running session with the club. (The Sun)

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted he spent £40m of the club's money on eight players after watching them on video. (Various)

Former referee Graham Poll says John Terry should be stripped of the England captaincy unless he shows officials more respect. (Daily Mail)

AND FINALLY

New Leicester boss Martin Allen has told his first-team squad to help wash out the toilets in a motivational exercise. (Daily Star)

Aston Villa's American owner Randy Lerner is so committed to Villa he has a tattoo of the club's crest on his ankle. (The Sun)
Randy Lerner is a loser.

I dont want United to sell Kuszczak (thats a horrible name to spell). Foster is injured so kuazczak is our only back up, so I doubt keane will be able to sign him. Kuszczak has got the ability to become our number 1 goalie when van der sra leaves. He's an excellent shot stopper, but his biggest problem is that he flaps a lot with crosses.
 
Karakand said:
It's been what, 6 wins to 3 since the era of domination in the 90s? Seems like City's garbage teams have been giving United competitive matches already.

P.S. When (not if) it all comes together for City I promise that the universe will have never seen a troll such as I.

That's why it is interesting to see match up between stronger City and stronger United. :)

psycho_snake said:
I dont want United to sell Kuszczak (thats a horrible name to spell). Foster is injured so kuazczak is our only back up, so I doubt keane will be able to sign him. Kuszczak has got the ability to become our number 1 goalie when van der sra leaves. He's an excellent shot stopper, but his biggest problem is that he flaps a lot with crosses.

GK unable to deal with cross is a big problem though. We had Howard with similar problem before and he failed (except first season). I still think Foster is a much better GK and gonna be our next no.1 keeper unless SAF buys someone world class next 2 years.

Looks like Keane wants to build a team from United :lol
 
Cornballer said:
Worse than that?!? Wow. :lol I'm a PAC-10 guy, too. (Went to Cal for part of my education.)

Sounds more and more like Beckham is out against Toronto.

ESPN should have picked up the Fire/Crew game instead (i'm going!).

A) Gives folks a 1st look at the 2nd highest-profile DP in the league (yes there are others ESPN!).
B) Gives folks a look at a soldout, rocking Toyota Park (does not happen often enough)
C) Bob Bradley's induction to the Ring of Fire (Fire Hall of Fame) at halftime

Certainly more eventful than the TFC match, but hey we get to see Becks on the bench!

Seriously though, Chicago supporters are going to be bringing it today. They are honoring Brandon Kitchens, a 23-yr old Fire supporter (Capo to boot) that collapsed last week and died while playing soccer. Such an electric atmosphere wasted and will only be viewed by the 4 subscibers to HDNet in this country.
 
Ah, but we'll also be bringin' it tomorrow...

- The entire south end is going to have red and white balloons blown up before the player introductions, and will either be popped or let go after the national anthems

- Our traditional 'bury the **** out of the corner kicker with red streamers' move will get a new touch with Becks and Landycakes in tomorrow. When they take the corners, they'll be greeted with pink streamers!

- This will be by far the most fired up TFC crowd of the year so far...long weekend (Monday off), Caribana weekend, Beck's in town, biggest crowd for the stadium so far. It's going to be a rockin' joint

- We haven't won a game since like, June...we need 3 points damnit!

So that's the deal...whether or not Becks plays, we'll be putting on a show for the world to see.
 
Watching Tottenham vs Torino now

Robbie Keane just scored an excellent goal: a first-time volley from tight angle towards the top left corner.

Edit: Beaten by Mama... :(
 
Outdoor Miner said:
ESPN should have picked up the Fire/Crew game instead (i'm going!).

A) Gives folks a 1st look at the 2nd highest-profile DP in the league (yes there are others ESPN!).
B) Gives folks a look at a soldout, rocking Toyota Park (does not happen often enough)
C) Bob Bradley's induction to the Ring of Fire (Fire Hall of Fame) at halftime

Certainly more eventful than the TFC match, but hey we get to see Becks on the bench!

Seriously though, Chicago supporters are going to be bringing it today. They are honoring Brandon Kitchens, a 23-yr old Fire supporter (Capo to boot) that collapsed last week and died while playing soccer. Such an electric atmosphere wasted and will only be viewed by the 4 subscibers to HDNet in this country.
WTF man I was just about to say I'm watching this until you mentioned it was on HDNet. WTF!
 
Shinobi said:
Ah, but we'll also be bringin' it tomorrow...

- The entire south end is going to have red and white balloons blown up before the player introductions, and will either be popped or let go after the national anthems

- Our traditional 'bury the **** out of the corner kicker with red streamers' move will get a new touch with Becks and Landycakes in tomorrow. When they take the corners, they'll be greeted with pink streamers!

- This will be by far the most fired up TFC crowd of the year so far...long weekend (Monday off), Caribana weekend, Beck's in town, biggest crowd for the stadium so far. It's going to be a rockin' joint

- We haven't won a game since like, June...we need 3 points damnit!

So that's the deal...whether or not Becks plays, we'll be putting on a show for the world to see.
I'm sure the commentators won't shut up about the fans tomorrow. That and Beckham :(
 
1-0 to Spurs at half-time. They're completely dominant, but I'd expect nothing less against a team whioch came one place of relegation last season and is 2 weeks behind in preperations.

You know, Spurs have a great attack, in terms of attractive football they're probably only behind Man Utd and Arsenal in the Premiership, but they do shoot from outside the box too much. In certain situations it's totally worth it, but the chances of scoring from inside the box are far greater than outside. Now they still don't have a left winger, Bale isn't even playing today to get down the left from full back, and Lennon's injured so they have players coming inside all the time rather than getting down the wing and getting the ball into the box. Maybe that'll change if they sign someone.

I'm hoping Bent comes on second half. He's competing with Keane for most pre-season goals, and Keane's just gone to 6, which leaves Bent 1 behind on 5.

I honestly do not know who will be Spurs most frequent front pairing next season.
 
There was a big article about English football in a Dutch newspaper today. It was mostly about the fact that English teams seem to be so wealthy and keep spending ridicious amounts of money. I was suprised to read that Man United actually have a debt of about 1 billion euro, and that they are still raising their ticketprices whereas other teams haven't. Also, Man United's waiting list used to be 14,000 people (for a seasonticket), and that waiting list is gone now.

Seems to me English football is living in a bubble, that could explode. Just look at the player's wages (we'll be looking at 300,000 euro/ week in a couple of years), and the amount of money spend on transfers. The EPL is lucky that broadcast networks are willing to spend billions just to have the rights to the EPL matches, and lucky that the EPL is such a popular league in especially Asia.

Also, that guy who took over Man City (Shinawatra) is apparently not really a nice fellow. He's already being persecuted for corruption, but he has allegedly also violated human rights during his term in Thailand.
 
Osorio said:
WTF man I was just about to say I'm watching this until you mentioned it was on HDNet. WTF!

:(

We all need to call up Mark Cuban and give him a good talking-to. Hopefully MLS got a decent amount of money for the exclusivity.

All said it'll be the best atmosphere at TP since maybe the stadium opener last year, and not many are going to be able to witness it.

I think ESPN carrying this game today and TFC tomorrow would have gone a long way towards showing MLS is becoming very desirable.
 
Mama Smurf said:
1-0 to Spurs at half-time. They're completely dominant, but I'd expect nothing less against a team whioch came one place of relegation last season and is 2 weeks behind in preperations.

You know, Spurs have a great attack, in terms of attractive football they're probably only behind Man Utd and Arsenal in the Premiership, but they do shoot from outside the box too much. In certain situations it's totally worth it, but the chances of scoring from inside the box are far greater than outside. Now they still don't have a left winger, Bale isn't even playing today to get down the left from full back, and Lennon's injured so they have players coming inside all the time rather than getting down the wing and getting the ball into the box. Maybe that'll change if they sign someone.

I'm hoping Bent comes on second half. He's competing with Keane for most pre-season goals, and Keane's just gone to 6, which leaves Bent 1 behind on 5.

I honestly do not know who will be Spurs most frequent front pairing next season.
Spurs are putting together a very strong team, but I cant see them breaking into the top four next season. It would take a massive slip up any team in the top four for tottenham to get a top four finish. They nearly did it a couple of seasons ago and unfortunately for them all it took was some bad lasagna to ruin a whole seasons work. But since then I think the top four teams have all become considerably better and although spurs have improved, they havent imporved enough just yet.

In a couple of years time, who knows, maybe they can do it. If jol keeps spedning the way he's been doing in previous seasons, I dont see why they cant put up a genuine fight for 4th place. They've been spending a lot of money and they're bring in good players. The forward line is very good and should last them several years. Its definately the strongest part of their team. Even the rest of the team is very strong, but I do think they could do with a big signing in midfield. Jenas, zokora, tainio and malbranque are not bad, but when you compare it to what the top four have, it isnt as strong. Their defence is good enough. They've got bale and they signed that guy called boateng, so it looks good as long as king can stay fit.
 
Outdoor Miner said:
:(

We all need to call up Mark Cuban and give him a good talking-to. Hopefully MLS got a decent amount of money for the exclusivity.

All said it'll be the best atmosphere at TP since maybe the stadium opener last year, and not many are going to be able to witness it.

I think ESPN carrying this game today and TFC tomorrow would have gone a long way towards showing MLS is becoming very desirable.
It really sucks that I, and many others, won't be able to watch or hear that. I've always had a lot of respect for Section 8 as they're probably the best group in the league in terms of tifo and they don't shut up unlike the overrated Screaming Eagles and Barra Brava. Not to mention it should be a great game to watch as Columbus is doing very well, and Chicago seems to be headed in the right direction. No game should be exclusive to HDnet. I mean at least put it on Direct Kick!
 
Massive financial analyst firms study the Premiership every year, and this year's report says the Premiership's never been healthier. Yes, there's debt, but it's completely managable debt.

As for luck...it's not really luck. Over the years we've developed an exciting, fast paced league which appeals to many people around the world. Our ticket prices are much higher than most of Europe, yet fans are willing to pay. Our top teams have been extremely smart in their marketing abroad, regularly playing pre-season fridnelies in Asia and bulding up a fanbase. And the Premier League has marketed itself perfectly, in a large part by copying the best of the US sporting coverage. And the chances for increased profits from clubs, thanks to all of the above bringing in more money, has led to investors taking note and joining in, and they bring in even more money.

The only luck side of it that I can think of is that we happen to be in England, a prosperous country which appeals to many people outside of the country. But then again, it's our bad luck not to have the weather of Spain and Italy, we can't compete for the players who are after that.

Anyway, Blackburn are beating Preston 1-0, Ooijer.
 
Everton have offered £11m for Luis Gonzalez, the Argentinian right winger who plays for Porto. That would be one hell of a buy, as they do lack width.

Blackburn are winning 3-0, the last 2 from Samba, and Villa are beating Inter by the same scoreline. West Ham are beating Roma 2-1, Spurs already have beaten Torino 2-0, and even Sunderland are beating Juve 1-0.

Not a good day for the Italians.
 
Lucho Gonzalez would be a very scary signing for Everton... a very good one. They haven't been busy at all this summer.
 
Mancheste united are drawing with Peterborough. Its 1-1, but I cant find out who scored. The site I use to find out the scores is only showing the score and not the goalscorers.

West ham are beating roma 2-1. On the same site they're showing who scored for roma but not for west ham! It said that guily scored for Roma, which came as a surprise, I had no clue that he had moved.
 
Yeah, I'm not really sure what the deal is with HDNet. I get it as an HD DirecTV subscriber, but it's such a tiny segment of the population that you wonder what good it does. I'm not sure why they don't do it on HDNet and another network in SD at the same time.
 
Arseblog sez...

Arsene reckons Sparta Prague will be tougher than the last time we played them, saying:

"Since that movie all the Spartans in the world received an enormous boost and I will have to tell my players to watch out for their leather jocks and well defined stomach muscles. We should still have too much for them but I suspect they have improved their ball playing skills and you can never fully relax around anyone with a beard."
 
psycho_snake said:
West ham are beating roma 2-1. On the same site they're showing who scored for roma but not for west ham! It said that guily scored for Roma, which came as a surprise, I had no clue that he had moved.

McCartney and Ashton.

Ajax - Arsenal later.
 
8.15pm, almost certainly.

Newcastle have apparently signed Jose Enrique, a Spanish U21 left back from Villarreal. Maybe £4m. I don't know anything else about him, whether it's a good deal or not, how he plays...but at least it's a left back.
 
Manchester City lost to Valencia, 0-1. Garrido and Elano got to play, Corluka has to get work permits first and Bozh(j)inov just got to the club.
Schmeichel was crazy lost during Valencias goal, other than that, he played solid. Isaksson is still ten times better though.
They played 5 or 6 19-20 year olds in the starting eleven, where Richards probably is the only one to start in Premier League. Johnson was alright, even though Bresciano probably will take his place.
Elano didn't do much at all during his 45 min, but he will get there. Bianchi was hot, but the only forward for 70 min. I guess Sven didn't want to let Mpenza play, hah!
Corradi was ok, nothing more to expect. Geovanni played for 45 min and did okey. Garrido was awesome, really solid and good on both feet and head. Great buy for 1.5 mil.
Fernandes was the one responsible for the Valencia goal (I think), so damn stupid. He was on his own half and still passed into the middle of the pitch, where the Valencia players took the ball and scored. He also did some really stupid things during the game, but I hope that's just real nervousity. He did say earlier that he wouldn't have any problems fitting in though... liar!

They played 4-4-1-1 for maybe 60 minutes, strange formation, but without Bojinov Sven didn't have any choice I guess. I'm looking forward to see Sturridge on the bench in Premier League later on, because Corradi won't score many goals.
 
psycho_snake said:
Mancheste united are drawing with Peterborough. Its 1-1, but I cant find out who scored. The site I use to find out the scores is only showing the score and not the goalscorers.

West ham are beating roma 2-1. On the same site they're showing who scored for roma but not for west ham! It said that guily scored for Roma, which came as a surprise, I had no clue that he had moved.

United won 3-1 FT, scorers are Adam Eckersley (23 min), Richie Jones (72 min) and Dong Fangzhuo (79 min). Oh, Dong know how to put the ball into net finally.
 
Btw, Pato is not allowed to play in official matches for Milan until january. However, he allowed to play in friendlies, and first possibility for him will be in Kiev, 6th january. Dynamo Kiev celebrating 80 years jubilee this year, and as a part of celebration we gonna play a friendly with our italian friends. :) So keep that date in mind if you are interested to see the debut of this amazing youngster for Milan. :)
 
Arsene reckons Sparta Prague will be tougher than the last time we played them, saying:

"Since that movie all the Spartans in the world received an enormous boost and I will have to tell my players to watch out for their leather jocks and well defined stomach muscles. We should still have too much for them but I suspect they have improved their ball playing skills and you can never fully relax around anyone with a beard."

lololol. I just watched 300.

My girlfriend got me the Arsenal away kit for my birthday (which is tomorrow :D) and it's really nice. The strips of script writing really compliment the jersey.
 
Joe Hart AND Isaksson are injured.
cide.gif


Thanks for writing up the match, Manager. If I had a uterus I would get knocked up with Bianchi's love child. Fernandes can have blue balls forever, though.

Falch said:
Also, that guy who took over Man City (Shinawatra) is apparently not really a nice fellow. He's already being persecuted for corruption, but he has allegedly also violated human rights during his term in Thailand.
He's 100% not guilty. Who are you going to believe, a man that was democratically elected twice or some military junta? Yeah, me too.
 
Karakand said:
He's 100% not guilty. Who are you going to believe, a man that was democratically elected twice or some military junta? Yeah, me too.

You think these allegations come only from the military junta?:lol Several human rights organisations have reported human rights violations and abuse during the time Shinawatra was Prime Minister. If you think he's clean, you're living in denial.


In other news, how daring of Wenger to start with a total number of 1 strikers. ;)
 
Any link to the keane volley goal. Whats the website that you guys have been linking to before?
 
Falch said:
You think these allegations come only from the military junta?:lol Several human rights organisations have reported human rights violations and abuse during the time Shinawatra was Prime Minister. If you think he's clean, you're living in denial.
As far as I know it's only been Human Rights Watch beating their breast about him, and they're epic lulz.

(This is all part of my shtick, BTW. I don't really know and I don't really care, either. It's all about the Benjamins, baby.)
 
Mama Smurf said:
Everton have offered £11m for Luis Gonzalez, the Argentinian right winger who plays for Porto. That would be one hell of a buy, as they do lack width.
I hope he isn't bought as a right winger, because he sucks in that position. He's way too slow for that.
IMO, his best position is as a center or offensive midfielder, taking some of the duty from the defensive ones, distributing the ball and getting some shots outside of the box.
 
Karakand said:
As far as I know it's only been Human Rights Watch beating their breast about him, and they're epic lulz.

(This is all part of my shtick, BTW. I don't really know and I don't really care, either. It's all about the Benjamins, baby.)

It's not just HRW, it's Amnesty International too. Or are they 'epic lulz' too? It's your own choice where you want to care about it, but don't try and pretend he's not dubious person, at best.
 
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