European: Lets Talk Football [Archive] - Page 8

Daniel M

05-10-13, 02:24 PM

I read that, but I can't believe it's true beyond someone saying "what about Malky Mackay?" to a reply of silence and tumbleweed. Should it happen, though, I'd like to be the first to welcome the new Stoke to the Premier League.

Hardly, he's a fantastic young manager who had a great top half finish with a poor Watford team, got to a Carling Cup final and play-off place, and then won the league, he's Scottish, great in the market and has great tactical awareness, he's all about organisation and work ethic too.

And what do you mean about Stoke? I am a Cardiff fan (I explain this in an earlier post) and in no way are they like Stoke... sure sometimes they can be a bit negative but we are attacking a lot of the time too, it's just Malky is very professional in getting results and doesn't like too lose, the fact we won the league so early and I think we are eight games unbeaten at the end of the season despite having nothing to play for says a lot in my opinion. Hull are a far worse footballing team anyway.

Brodinski

05-10-13, 06:01 PM

I hope it's not just paper talk/2+2=5, but I love the sound of Baines and Fellaini. The former I've wanted for a couple of seasons now, while the latter I want, so long as the second half of last season was a "I want out of Everton so I'm not going to bother" effort and not a "people now think I'm great and they're right" attitude or, what from now on I shall be calling, "the Joe Hart". I suppose the best thing about Moyes being in there is that he'll know which is was.

€ 26 million is not bad value for money in Fellaini's case. Didn't Fergie spend that kind of money on De Gea?

I've a friend who's close with Fellaini's nephew, says he's very professional, so if there's any kind of decline, it's maybe due to the fact that he's out of form. It happens to the best of players... You can't expect players to be on Messi's level ;).

I think Moyes is taking him with him.

honeykid

05-10-13, 11:51 PM

Brodinski

05-11-13, 08:47 AM

€ 26 mil is pretty nuts to spend on De Gea. Petr Cech was a bargain compared to him, and Cech is better I think. I don't think the kidwas worth that kind of money. Hardly any goalie is. I remember Juventus spent some € 50 mil on Buffon. When they bought the dude for that sum my dad thought they'd gone mental. Obviously, the guy being top 3 in the world for well over a decade now, they've earned him back on his performances and merchandising.

Still, maybe in 2 years De Gea will be doing miracle work on a weekly basis and we'll all be calling him the best in the world and PSG buys him for € 65 million. I recall Ferguson spending some € 15 + mil on a 17-year-old Portuguese kid and saying to myself: 'Arsène must be thinking: THIS WILL NOT STAND, I MUST FIND A WAY TO ONE UP THAT DIRTY SCOT. Years later, he goes on to become the most expensive and maybe best player of his generation.

BlueLion

05-11-13, 11:48 AM

Today he broke Bobby Tambling's record to become the club's all time record goalscorer.

http://i44.tinypic.com/1zwsnr.png

Greatest. Midfielder. Of. All. Time.

Daniel M

05-11-13, 01:48 PM

I think if Moyes doesn't bring Fellaini with him, he'll do well to last the year. :D United fans have been screaming for a midfielder for 3 years now and Fergie was never going to buy one. He'd fit the bill nicely. Of course, were he to go shopping at Spurs and pick up Bale/Sandro/Dembele, I'm sure we'd all be very happy, too.

Yes, that's the money he spent on De Gea and, we're lead to believe, the buyout clause in Fellaini's contract. Of course, Moyes will know if that's true or not.

Daniel, I'll bow to your superiour knowledge about your own club. :) I've only seen them occassionally on highlights. However, I've not heard anyone purring over their play. Quite the reverse. From your description, I'm now expecting the new Norwich.... Well, Lambert's Norwich, anyway. That's not an insult, BTW. Actually, neither was the "new Stoke" comment. Merely a comment on how I percieved their play.

Lastly, you don't have to tell me Hull are a worse footballing team, I'm well aware who their manager is. ;)

Yeh, well Malky actually reminds me of Moyes quite a lot in his management, he likes professional, hard working, organised displays and will often settle for a point if that's all he wants/needs so can be quite defensive/conservative, has too many draws etc. And he seems pretty smart in the transfer market as well, spends little on a wide range of players and picked up a number of bargains for us. He has a close and strong relationship with our owner (kind of like Moyes/Kenwright?) who says he'll give him £25m at least to spend this window, I can see us spending wisely (not stupidly like QPR) and being able to stay up :)

honeykid

05-11-13, 06:53 PM

€ 26 mil is pretty nuts to spend on De Gea. Petr Cech was a bargain compared to him, and Cech is better I think. I don't think the kidwas worth that kind of money. Hardly any goalie is.
I disagree. Maybe after a goalscorer, I'd argue the goalkeeper is the position to spend the cash for the top guys.

As for De Gea, I think he's going to be immense. I've never understood this obsession with De Gea being sold or replaced with Begovic. Really? I suppose I shouldn't get so annoyed by it, because it's just press talk, but this crap is read by fans and taken seriously. De Gea is quality and will only get better.

Today he broke Bobby Tambling's record to become the club's all time record goalscorer.

http://i44.tinypic.com/1zwsnr.png

Greatest. Midfielder. Of. All. Time.
Congrats Fat Frank. :):up:

Now can we all shut up about it. Obviously I'm not talking about Martin Samuel. He's now going to fap himself out of existence.

BTW, I think that last bit should read "Greatest. Chelsea. Midfielder. Of. All. Time... While. Actually. At. Chelsea."

Pyro Tramp

05-11-13, 08:48 PM

Congrats Wigan, well deserved victory over poor opposition.

Just hope that doesn't push them into leapfrogging Saints in the league!

Tacitus

05-11-13, 08:50 PM

Yep, he's definitely the greatest Lampard currently playing for Chelsea. :p

I never got why there was so much bile directed at him - Sure, he was a lot better when the midfield was set up around him but that's hardly a sin. I can't remember Platt getting the same abuse and they're very similar players ... maybe it's because Lampard went to Public School. ;)

Well done to Wigan, a town dear to my heart, but their victory comes with a serious downside - Dave Whelan will be on TV constantly for the next fortnight.

I'm holding out for a power cut.

honeykid

05-11-13, 11:31 PM

I just meant that you couldn't say he was the best midfielder to ever play for Chelsea because... Well, he isn't. Ruud Gullit played for Chelsea and he was a better player. However, probably not while he was at Chelsea, which is why I said that. Frank's a legend at Chelsea and he deserves all the praise he gets. It's just that, along with the "why won't they give him a contract" saga, I'm also sick of hearing about Bobby Tambling's record. Actually, that's another reason to sell Rooney. Otherwise I'm going to have to go through all this again, as he'll probably become United's top scorer in a few seasons otherwise.

Lampard's been a great player, especially for Chelsea, but I've always been surprised how good he is from the spot, as there's almost no chance his shot will get a deflection. :p

Loved the Cup Final. That Wigan won is even better than that City lost. With so many defenders missing, (I think it was 5 wasn't it?) I really didn't give Wigan much of a chance. BTW, I don't know if you've heard, but Dave Whelan broke his leg at Wembley. ;)

christine

05-13-13, 11:07 AM

I think if Moyes doesn't bring Fellaini with him, he'll do well to last the year. :D

We all think he'll go and Baines too :(

Tacitus

05-13-13, 11:43 AM

With Neville The Younger now saying that he might not continue playing next season, what's the betting that he takes a coaching role, at the very least, at Everton?

Or maybe Moyes' assistant? Or the new Everton boss?

Or jacks it all in to begin his dream of Acid Jazz stardom?

Tacitus

05-14-13, 07:31 PM

Bye bye Wigan, it's been ... well. It's been.

No last minute escapes on Saturday then, but that Fourth Place Trophy is up for grabs. Will the Wengaboys hold on? Yeah, I think so - Newcastle have nothing to play for, likewise Sunderland, and I can see comfortable wins for Arsenal and Spurs.

Would 5th place have been the kick up the arse (no pun int..oh, who am I kidding? :p) Wenger and the board needed? Good season for Tottingham even if they do end up with Fourth Place Trophy losers medals, though. Hopefully they'll keep hold of their coach.

honeykid

05-15-13, 01:39 PM

We all think he'll go and Baines too :(
I'm hoping. *fingers crossed*

Bye bye Wigan, it's been ... well. It's been.

No last minute escapes on Saturday then, but that Fourth Place Trophy is up for grabs. Will the Wengaboys hold on? Yeah, I think so - Newcastle have nothing to play for, likewise Sunderland, and I can see comfortable wins for Arsenal and Spurs.

Would 5th place have been the kick up the arse (no pun int..oh, who am I kidding? :p) Wenger and the board needed? Good season for Tottingham even if they do end up with Fourth Place Trophy losers medals, though. Hopefully they'll keep hold of their coach.
I've enjoyed Wigan and their "will they, won't they?" seasons (which was most of them). They've had some good players and player decent/good football and, this season at least, they seem to've been a good central defender away from staying up.

I agree that Arsenal look good for 4th, but Spurs have had a good season. I wonder whether they could've nicked 4th, or even 3rd, had Sandro not been out for so long. However, considering a new manager, losing key players and the rest, I think Spurs fans can be pleased with their season. Of course, it doesn't hurt having that Bale fellow on the top of his game for the last 3/4 months.

With the exception of Arsenal and Chelsea fans, I'm guessing we're all hoping for a 0-0 and 2-1 on Sunday?

Lastly, can anyone remember the last time so many top/elite European clubs had a change of manager at the same time? Chelsea, both Manchester clubs, Bayern. Along with the expected change at Real and a rumoured change at Juve.

Watch_Tower

05-15-13, 03:24 PM

a football thread yesssssssssssssssss

ok where to start, first off, this seasons battle for the top 2 spot has not been as exciting as last year. Man City have lacked any real danger and that's saying a lot since they haven't looked like dropping below 2nd place for a long time now.

the battle for 3,4,5 and 6 has been tough though and as an Arsenal fan I've been more frustrated than ever before. wtf is Wenger playing at? he should have pooled all his resources into one of the domestic cups, any silverware, even if it is for the now lesser titles of the 2 domestic cups is better than nothing. 8 ****ing seasons now AARGHHH!

Watch_Tower

05-15-13, 03:24 PM

any other Arsenal fans? who do you think we should buy for next season and what does Wenger have to do to improve on simply being top 4...should he even be our manager now?

Tacitus

05-16-13, 10:14 AM

Lastly, can anyone remember the last time so many top/elite European clubs had a change of manager at the same time? Chelsea, both Manchester clubs, Bayern. Along with the expected change at Real and a rumoured change at Juve.

And Southport. :p Alan Wright (yep, the teensie weensie ex-full back) is their new boss.

I've got a soft spot for Southport. And Marine. And Burscough. They were the clubs I could afford to watch regularly in my student days.

I'm quite chuffed at being a BT Broadband customer as well - Free Prem! I'd been paying for their TV as well and watching not a jot of the £5 a month basic package. Might decide to keep it now in order to watch matches on the telly rather than the PC.

Brodinski

05-16-13, 03:30 PM

any other Arsenal fans? who do you think we should buy for next season and what does Wenger have to do to improve on simply being top 4...should he even be our manager now?

What do you suggest? That he throws his long-term oriented strategy out the window and starts spending like crazy? That's not his style, and even if they gave him the budget he wouldn't do it. I've read he'll get some £ 80 mil to spend this summer. I doubt he'll spend anything close to that. He's never going to spend £ 30 mil on a single player.

He bought guys like Clichy, Touré and Song for under one or two million I think. Fabregas came over for free. When he spends big (for Arsène, that means over £ 10) his buys have pretty much Always come through and ended up being worth that money. Look at Arteta, Cazorla, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Henry, Reyes,...

I would love for him to sign a guy like Di Maria or Higuain, and we might just get one of those if he's interested and willing to ship close to £15 mil. I would LOVE to get Valdez, because he really wants to leave Barca, and we need a proper goalkeeper.

But Wenger will be Wenger and buy some kids he thinks will hit it off. Add a couple of guys that cost close to or a bit over £10 million and that'll be that. We need to face the facts that we're no longer a team competing for the title. We're a handful for anyone out there, and we'll Always compete for 3rd and 4th. But top drawer? Nah... Not while Usmanov isn't in charge.

Though, do I think there's one manager who could've done better with the resources he's given? No.

Brodinski

05-18-13, 06:48 PM

Becks bids his farewell. He was a capable player in his prime, but grew into a marketing machine during his career. He was never anywhere close the player Ronaldo or Messi are, but in terms of marketability, the two of them barely reach Beckham's ankles. He'll still make more money than either of them now that he's retired.

gandalf26

05-18-13, 07:07 PM

I wish Beckham had stayed at United a couple more years. There was a kind of void between Beckham leaving and Cristiano Ronaldo emerging as a true superstar. Really stupid commercial move to go and play in USA at 31 years old. When you are a top player like Beckham you shouldn't make that move until 34-35 years old.

Brodinski

05-18-13, 07:47 PM

Really stupid commercial move to go and play in USA at 31 years old.

What? From a commercial viewpoint, it was the best move his management ever made. His base salary at L.A. Galaxy was higher than what he earned at Real Madrid + he got a percentage of the merchandise the club sold of him + he got even bigger sponsorship deals.

That's the whole reason he left Real, because they had exclusivity on his image rights while he was playing for them. His management put two and two together after a while, seeing that Real's merchandising income had exploded since Beckham got signed. He single handedly made Real tens of millions and didn't see a penny of that money. Ever since he signed with L.A. Galaxy, he's consistently made anywhere between $ 30 and $ 50 million a year.

Marketingwise, there's not a single football player in the history of the sport that has generated remotely as much income. LA Galaxy didn't buy him for his kicking technique; they bought him because they saw a unique business opportunity on which they capitalized. I remember reading all kinds of crazy stuff in the newspapers after they officially announced his signing, like the fans pre-ordering hundreds of thousands of Beckham jerseys and the ticket sales skyrocketing, not to mention the companies standing in line to sponsor the team David Beckham was going to play for.

Come to think of it, I don't think there's a single athlete out there whose name is more recognisable worldwide than David Beckham's. The name recognition alone is worth tens of millions of dollars. Guy's yearly income will still put Ronaldo's to shame now that he's retired. Nuts...

honeykid

05-25-13, 09:32 AM

Santos have accepted two bids for Neymar. They've not said which clubs, but everyone assumes, rightly, I'm sure, that it's Barca and Real.

Any Spurs fans still hoping to see Joao Moutinho turning up at WHL this summer won't like this.

James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho have both signed for Monaco for a combined fee of €70 million (£60m) from Porto. Rodriguez went for €45m, while Moutinho was sold for €25m. Has Levy's last day bid cost Spurs the joy of seeing Moutinho at the Lane?

If the rumours are to believe, then Falcao will be revealed by Monaco on Monday, while Patrice Evra and Victor Valdes are apparently being lined up, too.

gandalf26

05-25-13, 09:52 AM

What? From a commercial viewpoint, it was the best move his management ever made. His base salary at L.A. Galaxy was higher than what he earned at Real Madrid + he got a percentage of the merchandise the club sold of him + he got even bigger sponsorship deals.

That's the whole reason he left Real, because they had exclusivity on his image rights while he was playing for them. His management put two and two together after a while, seeing that Real's merchandising income had exploded since Beckham got signed. He single handedly made Real tens of millions and didn't see a penny of that money. Ever since he signed with L.A. Galaxy, he's consistently made anywhere between $ 30 and $ 50 million a year.

Marketingwise, there's not a single football player in the history of the sport that has generated remotely as much income. LA Galaxy didn't buy him for his kicking technique; they bought him because they saw a unique business opportunity on which they capitalized. I remember reading all kinds of crazy stuff in the newspapers after they officially announced his signing, like the fans pre-ordering hundreds of thousands of Beckham jerseys and the ticket sales skyrocketing, not to mention the companies standing in line to sponsor the team David Beckham was going to play for.

Come to think of it, I don't think there's a single athlete out there whose name is more recognisable worldwide than David Beckham's. The name recognition alone is worth tens of millions of dollars. Guy's yearly income will still put Ronaldo's to shame now that he's retired. Nuts...

What I meant was it was stupid of Beckham to go and play in a lower standard league like MLS when he was still only 31 years old. What I meant was it was daft of him to "sell out" and go for the money rather than still play in a proper league for another 2-3 years. He clearly wanted to still play in Europe hence the loan moves to AC Milan and later signing for PSG.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was miserable playing in LA despite making say double what he would be making elsewhere. Moving to MLS at 31 was basically a retirement as a top professional, although it didn't quite turn out that way. You talk about the excitement before Beckham joined LA but there were also times where fans wanted him to leave, fans standing in the crowd with big billboards saying "Beckham Out".

Or he could just be going where the wife tells him, glitz and glamour of LA and Hollywood, fashion hubs like Paris and Milan and now likely off to settle in London.

Brodinski

05-25-13, 09:59 AM

Jesus, man. You think at that level, people still care about playing in European competitions. If a club wants to pay me $ 5 or 6 million base salary + a cut on image rights from merchandise they sell + huge sponsorship deals lined up, I'll ******* swim across the Atlantic to sign the deal.

If you tell Ronaldo or Messi that they can continue playing at their clubs for € 1 million dollars or they can go play in Qatar for € 15 million dollars are year base salary, what do you think they'll do? It's all about the money. Like HK says, Victor Valdez and Falcao are about to sign for Monaco... The team is nothing but a collection of bought stars, but the pay is immense. And they all go...

gandalf26

05-25-13, 10:18 AM

Most footballers only care about £££, yes of course I do know this. Beckham though already incredibly wealthy chose to go and be fairly miserable in LA for say £20 million a year as opposed to being happier in Europe for £10 mill a year.

If he was so thrilled to be in LA why did he fight to extend his AC Milan loans? Maybe because he missed playing in a proper league.

I wouldn't be so quick to put EVERY person in the bracket of always going with the most money over EVERY other consideration.

How many times do actors turn down mega paydays to go and do Theatre or smaller Indie films? Brad Pitt went and starred in "Snatch" for a £1 million payday as opposed to his usual £20m fee because he like Guy Ritchie's work.

Tiger Woods interest in Golf has not waned despite him having a fortune in the hundreds of millions of $$$. He has fought back through scandal and injury to be World no.1 again, Why? because he loves his sport and wants to be the greatest. Yes he of course still earns millions every year but what's an extra $20 million a year when you have $500m in the bank( although prob not after divorce).

Brodinski

05-25-13, 10:22 AM

Most footballers only care about £££, yes of course I do know this. Beckham though already incredibly wealthy chose to go and be fairly miserable in LA for say £20 million a year as opposed to being happier in Europe for £10 mill a year.

If he was so thrilled to be in LA why did he fight to extend his AC Milan loans? Maybe because he missed playing in a proper league.

I wouldn't be so quick to put EVERY person in the bracket of always going with the most money over EVERY other consideration.

How many times do actors turn down mega paydays to go and do Theatre or smaller Indie films? Brad Pitt went and starred in "Snatch" for a £1 million payday as opposed to his usual £20m fee because he like Guy Ritchie's work.

Tiger Woods interest in Golf has not waned despite him having a fortune in the hundreds of millions of $$$. He has fought back through scandal and injury to be World no.1 again, Why? because he loves his sport and wants to be the greatest.

I think you're being a bit naive there, mate. High-profile actors sometimes do low cash movies, because they do like the script or director. Then afterwards, they get a $20 million pay day again. It's a little passion project their agent allows them to do to keep them happy before steering them to a mega deal.

Tiga Woo's fortune is going to take a considerable dent from his divorce. He plays for the honour of still being # 1, but also for the $, make no mistake. It's a relatively short career, and they have to make the most out of it, because paying for that lifestyle isn't cheap.

gandalf26

05-25-13, 10:31 AM

I think you're being a bit naive there, mate. High-profile actors sometimes do low cash movies, because they do like the script or director. Then afterwards, they get a $20 million pay day again. It's a little passion project their agent allows them to do to keep them happy before steering them to a mega deal.

Tiga Woo's fortune is going to take a considerable dent from his divorce. He plays for the honour of still being # 1, but also for the $, make no mistake. It's a relatively short career, and they have to make the most out of it, because paying for that lifestyle isn't cheap.

(I added a bit about Tiger's divorce before your post, but I think the settlement was only $100m)

I'm not being naïve, I'm always arguing with my brother trying to get him to understand that Footballers only care about £££, that's why England always flop at International level, a bunch of overpaid prim donnas who earn so much for their clubs that they don't care when International tourney comes around. He always says things like Rooney could never leave United etc and I counter with "he will go where the most £££ is".

You and I are in total agreement that money talks, the only disagreement is that not EVERYONE puts money making so high on their agenda.

gandalf26

05-25-13, 10:35 AM

Arnold Schwarzenegger is another good example, made $35 million + whatever % of the gross he agreed for Terminator 3 then went into Politics for 8 years, making whatever a Governor salary is for 8 years rather than stay in movies and make maybe $100 million over the same period in movies. Why? because it was something he wanted to do.

Brodinski

05-26-13, 08:25 AM

Neymar off to Barcelona as spected, for some € 30 million.

I like the transfer rumour to Arsène is putting up £ 10 million to get Mignolet to Sunderland. Kid is all kinds of class.

Also, HK, how do you the talks of Fellaini and Fabregas being lined up for Man U?

honeykid

05-26-13, 10:17 PM

I'd be happy to see both Fellaini and Fabregas showing up at United. The former, I think, most people expected from the moment that Moyes was announced as the new boss. I think most people thought he was on the move this summer, so United is as good a place as any. Chelsea were said to be interested, too. Fabregas would/should be a great buy, but I don't actually think that'll happen. That said, it's not the first time I've heard the rumour.

Also heard Luke Shaw being linked to United. But then, he's been linked to about half the league this season.

Modric to Chelsea? That's another strong rumour that's doing the rounds, though how much that's just based on Jose being at Chelsea July 1st, I don't know. It's not as if they've never been linked to him before.

Looking forward to seeing if Neymar is the real deal or the new Robinho. Could be worse, he could be the new Dennilson. :eek: BTW, would the new Robinho be that bad? It's not like he's a bad player.

Having missed out on Neymar, if they ever had a shot, Cavani is now being linked with Real. Strong links over here with him to City for cash and Dzeko going the other way. While another rumour has Dzeko and Torres both going to Fiorentina.

Lots of keepers being linked with Arsenal. Usually this means no one knows what's going on. :D

Newcastle are the latest English club to be linked with Wilfried Bony. Just what they need. Another expensive failure. :p

Kolo Toure is said to be going to Liverpool next week. Can he even play anymore?

Pyro Tramp

05-27-13, 06:28 AM

I'll be extremely disappointed if Shaw goes. For him as well as us, he's a great talent and getting first team games at the moment.

honeykid

05-27-13, 07:53 AM

I'd hope that Luke Shaw stays at Southampton for another season or two, should he continue to improve at his current rate, for the same reason. Whilst I think he'd get play at United, I feel that 17 is too young to be a starter at United, unless you're something truly special. Maybe we'll do a swap deal with Alexander Buttner. :D He was supposed to be going to Southampton before we jumped the queue.

BlueLion

06-03-13, 12:41 PM

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BL18_eBCEAAh_BU.jpg

honeykid

06-07-13, 08:56 PM

^^Maybe, but only for a season or two until it all falls apart and he leaves again.^^

John Terry to Monaco? It seems to be a rumour that's picking up pace. Maybe that because the season is over, but that's what happening atm. £7m is the price I've read, but surely he goes for less than that?

Evra still hasn't gone to Monaco, but that's still knocking around.

Rooney to Arsenal, Tevez to Liverpool (is Suarez goes) :facepalm: There's plenty of other rumours, but not too much that seems to be anything more than pin in the map or 2+2 stuff.

United have signed a 20 year old right-back, Guillermo Varela, for £1.5m.

Brodinski

06-08-13, 07:35 AM

Masterman

06-08-13, 07:52 AM

Watch_Tower

06-08-13, 11:10 AM

HK, start your crying: Arsène made an official bid of £ 22 million for Fellaini, who is giving a move to the Emirates serious consideration.

#greatsigning

If we get Fellaini, Rooney and a goalkeeper like Mignolet, we're a serious contender next season. For the first time in years.

I have a lot of time for Fellaini but Rooney just isn't the type of player who can work well in the system that Arsene uses. His 12 goals last season weren't so impressive either. We don't need him and we shouldn't want him either.

Get Fellaini, make a huge bid for Higuain and possibly some sore of rugged defender and we have a top 2 team.

Masterman

06-08-13, 11:26 AM

I have a lot of time for Fellaini but Rooney just isn't the type of player who can work well in the system that Arsene uses. His 12 goals last season weren't so impressive either. We don't need him and we shouldn't want him either.

Get Fellaini, make a huge bid for Higuain and possibly some sore of rugged defender and we have a top 2 team.

Rooney is exactly what Arsenal need. Rooney may have only scored 12 last season but he wernt playing the striker role. Rooney is one of the best players in the prem, if he's not the one scoring, then he's the one with the Assist or has some part of setting the goal up.

Daniel M

06-08-13, 11:40 AM

I honestly think there's no chance that Arsenal will get Rooney.

Masterman

06-08-13, 11:45 AM

I honestly think there's no chance that Arsenal will get Rooney.

Why's that.?

Daniel M

06-08-13, 11:53 AM

Why's that.?

Price, would cost at least 30m, surely, and it just doesn't strike me as a Wenger signing.

It's a step-down, no disrespect to Arsenal but they haven't won anything in a while and United are the league Champions, I get the impression Rooney wants a new, challenging environment but a team that wins things like Madrid.

The club's reluctance to sell to a divisional rival, something Ferguson was often against (he is still director and will surely have a say).

Fellaini is more realistic and would be a top addition to Arsenal's midfield, but once again it depends on whether Wenger is actually going to go out and splash the cash or not, it gets rumoured every summer or two, but when is he actually going to do it? Fellaini cost Everton 16m too, and has only improved since, I would demand about 25m if I was Everton. I would be surprised if Moyes didn't go for him, with the retirement of Scholes, illness/fitness of Fletcher, age of Carrick etc., and the fact that they don't really have anyone 'physical' to play there.

As for my club Liverpool so far we've signed Kolo Toure on a free, who I think will provide decent back up and experience, although we still need a star quality CB to go straight in to the first team, something we've been missing since Hyypia, and will miss even more now Carra's retired. And then we've also pretty much signed Iago Aspas, a Celta Vigo forward who has received plaudits for his performances in Liga BBVA this season for around 7m, he looks like he could be a smart capture. I reckon we might sign Papadopoulos who is a quality Greek CB, Iago Llori from Lisbon, a young talented CB, then hopefully another winger/forward, we've been linked Shakhtar's Henrikh Mkhitaryan but I think he would be too expensive/risky.

Masterman

06-08-13, 11:56 AM

Arsenal will buy big this season, they have already said they will. Arsenal are now getting out of debt and are bringing tons of money in, there one of the richest clubs in the world.

Daniel M

06-08-13, 12:02 PM

Arsenal will buy big this season, they have already said they will. Arsenal are now getting out of debt and are bringing tons of money in, there one of the richest clubs in the world.

They still probably won't, they say that every summer... it's not about the club, it's about Wenger, he won't just splash out on stars even if he has the money to do so like he supposedly does ever summer.

Brodinski

06-08-13, 01:03 PM

Price, would cost at least 30m, surely, and it just doesn't strike me as a Wenger signing.

It's a step-down, no disrespect to Arsenal but they haven't won anything in a while and United are the league Champions, I get the impression Rooney wants a new, challenging environment but a team that wins things like Madrid.

The club's reluctance to sell to a divisional rival, something Ferguson was often against (he is still director and will surely have a say).

Fellaini is more realistic and would be a top addition to Arsenal's midfield, but once again it depends on whether Wenger is actually going to go out and splash the cash or not, it gets rumoured every summer or two, but when is he actually going to do it? Fellaini cost Everton 16m too, and has only improved since, I would demand about 25m if I was Everton. I would be surprised if Moyes didn't go for him, with the retirement of Scholes, illness/fitness of Fletcher, age of Carrick etc., and the fact that they don't really have anyone 'physical' to play there.

As for my club Liverpool so far we've signed Kolo Toure on a free, who I think will provide decent back up and experience, although we still need a star quality CB to go straight in to the first team, something we've been missing since Hyypia, and will miss even more now Carra's retired. And then we've also pretty much signed Iago Aspas, a Celta Vigo forward who has received plaudits for his performances in Liga BBVA this season for around 7m, he looks like he could be a smart capture. I reckon we might sign Papadopoulos who is a quality Greek CB, Iago Llori from Lisbon, a young talented CB, then hopefully another winger/forward, we've been linked Shakhtar's Henrikh Mkhitaryan but I think he would be too expensive/risky.

Can Kolo even play at Premier League level anymore? Face it, much like Arsenal is still a solid team that competes for 3rd-4th place, Liverpool is a mid-table team that competes for 6th-7th place.

I concur that Rooney moving to Arsenal is highly unlikely. I would love him at Emirates though. He's a proven PL forward. Btw, Wenger is splashing the cash now. If you know his track record, spending £ 22 (or £ 24 million) on Fellaini is like a Frenchie living in Normandy, going on holiday in Lyon his whole life, but then decides to go to Monaco.

And they can't ask for £ 25 mil, because there's a clause in his contract saying he can go to a CL-qualified team if they offer £ 24 million.

Daniel M

06-08-13, 01:15 PM

Can Kolo even play at Premier League level anymore? Face it, much like Arsenal is still a solid team that competes for 3rd-4th place, Liverpool is a mid-table team that competes for 6th-7th place.

I concur that Rooney moving to Arsenal is highly unlikely. I would love him at Emirates though. He's a proven PL forward. Btw, Wenger is splashing the cash now. If you know his track record, spending £ 22 (or £ 24 million) on Fellaini is like a Frenchie living in Normandy, going on holiday in Lyon his whole life, but then decides to go to Monaco.

And they can't ask for £ 25 mil, because there's a clause in his contract saying he can go to a CL-qualified team if they offer £ 24 million.

He's not going to be first team though, it's decent backup to tutor the younger players, I think if we can keep Martin Kelly fit he can be great in the future, and I'm also a big fan of Andre Wisdom. Like I said I think we'll bring in Papadopoulos or someone quality at CB, Skrtel might leave too I think.

And yes, whilst right now 6-7th is where Liverpool are at, I am more confident under Rodger's that with smarter acquisitions, like Sturridge and Coutinho, rather than stupid signings that Dalglish made like Carroll, Adam, Downing, we can improve steadily and do well.

And I'm still not convinced that Wenger will 'splash the cash' I am afraid, I hear this from Arsenal fans every year, and I'm sorry but I don't think we'll see anything unusual in terms of spending from Wenger this year, when it comes to him spending big - I'll believe it when I see it :p

Brodinski

06-08-13, 05:41 PM

And I'm still not convinced that Wenger will 'splash the cash' I am afraid, I hear this from Arsenal fans every year, and I'm sorry but I don't think we'll see anything unusual in terms of spending from Wenger this year, when it comes to him spending big - I'll believe it when I see it :p

Heavy rumours on Arsène preparing a £ 20 mil offer for Higuain (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2337722/Arsenal-hold-talks-Gonzalo-Higuain.html). Both The Times and The Daily Mail have run stories on Wenger having made the £ 22 million offer. Also rumours on him lining up a bid for De Bruyne. Budget has also been cleared to chase Rooney.

I have a semi. In the past, there's been talk of Wenger signing guys left and right, but never in terms of him spending this much. If we sign 2 of these guys, we're a serious contender for the title next year. I said it.

Masterman

06-08-13, 05:44 PM

Heavy rumours on Arsène preparing a £ 20 mil offer for Higuain (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2337722/Arsenal-hold-talks-Gonzalo-Higuain.html). Both The Times and The Daily Mail have run stories on Wenger having made the £ 22 million offer. Also rumours on him lining up a bid for De Bruyne. Budget has also been cleared to chase Rooney.

I have a semi. In the past, there's been talk of Wenger signing guys left and right, but never in terms of him spending this much. If we sign 2 of these guys, we're a serious contender for the title next year. I said it.

Not with what Chelsea, Man U and City are spending. Chelsea linked to Hulk and Cavani and Man U linked with Ronaldo and Baines. There's going to be huge signings this summer. Ime excited.

Brodinski

06-08-13, 05:52 PM

Doesn't always matter what you spend. If that was all that mattered, City would of won the title this year, as well as every other year.

Masterman

06-08-13, 06:04 PM

Doesn't always matter what you spend. If that was all that mattered, City would of won the title this year, as well as every other year.

Of course it matters. Man U also spent last season don't forget. The different between the top 3 and everyone else is money.

Brodinski

06-08-13, 09:26 PM

honeykid

06-08-13, 11:15 PM

Let's face it, it's mostly about money. The real tell, I think though, is the wages paid, rather than the fees, although, they're also a good indicator, of course. Naturally, as is the nature of cup competitions, teams with lesser finances and, yes, ability, can come through to win against much better opposition (just look at the FA Cup this season or the CL last season), however, it's not the Champion's League by accident. Not only a league system, which gives the best/richest teams the best chance of making it through, as it does in domestic leagues more often than not, but it's also seeded, which is one of the reasons why Man City didn't make it out of the group. They had Real, Dortmund and Ajax to deal with. Chelsea also didn't make it out of the group stage and it's no surprise that they also had a tricky group, though they should've made it out of it. Strangely, both could lay the failure at the feet of their respective managers, but I'd also point out that both were coming off seasons where they'd won the trophy they'd wanted. Maybe a lack of hunger or effort was as much to blame? Certainly for Chelsea and with City not winning a game.

Let's also remember that finishing thrid in your group means entry to the last 32 of the Europa League. Just in case the elite **** it up. Even then, the four third place teams with the best record are seeded. They really are giving them every chance to win something. Even if it's not the trophy they wanted.

As for Barca not spending cash. You've got to be joking. Yes, they've a group of players that came through the academy, but they've spent big, too, and those players aren't there getting paid peanuts. Hell, they're not even paying above average, they're paying huge wages. The big/elite teams even have the advantage at the academy level, as the glamour of these clubs means they (usually) get the talent they're after and they have the money to pay for the best facilities.

I see very little chance of United resigning Ronaldo. United exist, the player exists and that's about as close as I think it'll get. Of course it's possible, but it's also possible that I'll sleep with Drew Barrymore. The only reason I can think of why Ronaldo would return atm is that the Spanish tax system will soon start to take a far greater chunk of his wages. That, and he wants parity with Messi. This isn't my theory, btw, I heard a journalist talking about changes in Spanish tax law and foreign residents.

I think Fellani would be a good signing for whoever he signs for and I include extending his contract at Everton in that. I think United will spend this summer, but not really big (unless they sell) and I wouldn't expect any superstars either, unless Rooney goes. Considering we won the league last season, I think they'll give Moyes his way upto about £20m or so, but after that, it'd have to be a 'too good not to turn down' kind of offer. I don't see them risking a Dalglish season until they've had a good look at him over his first season.

Chelsea? I wouldn't get excited about any signing at Chelsea until it actually happens. Especially strikers. There isn't a major tournament this summer, which means the rumour mill is even more desperate than usual. Couple this with the return of Jose and the money Chelsea have, and anyone and everyone apart from Messi could be rumoured.

Ditto Arsenal. That said, I feel there is more of a reason for hope this season than the previous few seasons. With the payments easing, the abuse Wenger and Arsenal took last season and, crucially, all the change at Chelsea, United and City, coupled with the fact that they don't really have a 'best player' to sell, so a settled team, the right signings could end the 8 year wait for a trophy. All this may, just may, prompt Wenger to have a go at spending some of that money.

As to the question about Russian teams. Well, Anzhi and Zenit do win the league every year. OK, not every year, but the same clubs are there and there abouts, with Anzhi now joining them. As for why they've not won the CL? I would guess there are two main reasons. Firstly, the knockout round starts during their winter break (I think) and they've been off for 2 months. Not being at match fitness against the best in Europe isn't going to help your chances. Secondly, simply they're coming from a lot further back. True, they're paying huge wages to some talented players, but they're still not really attracting the top stars (my guess is the casual football fan doesn't know Hulk or Witzel or had heard of Fernandinho before he moved to City this week.) The biggest star there is probably Samuel Eto'o and he's at the end of his career on about €400,000 a week after tax. Whilst I highly doubt the quality is as good, it's true to say that the MLS has had higher profile players than the Russian Premier League.

Masterman

06-09-13, 02:37 AM

Of course it matters. Man U also spent last season don't forget. The different between the top 3 and everyone else is money.

How much did Barcelona spend on their team?
How come Malaga made it to the semi finals of the CL?
Why was Man City knocked out in the group stage of CL?
Do you think Monaco will finish in the top 2 next year?
How come Napoli ends up higher than teams like Inter and AC Milan?
How come Russian teams like Anzhi and Zenit don't win the league each year?
Why is it that Russian teams never do well in CL?

All about the money, right?

There weak leagues. The premier league is the best league in the world. When teams like Chelsea, united and city have the money to bring superstars to there team every season it's a big advantage. I can't believe you think it's not about money, other teams will never be able to challenge these teams when they don't have money to compete.

Masterman

06-09-13, 02:38 AM

Brodinski

06-09-13, 08:31 AM

As for Barca not spending cash. You've got to be joking. Yes, they've a group of players that came through the academy, but they've spent big, too, and those players aren't there getting paid peanuts. Hell, they're not even paying above average, they're paying huge wages. The big/elite teams even have the advantage at the academy level, as the glamour of these clubs means they (usually) get the talent they're after and they have the money to pay for the best facilities.

When I said Barcelona, I meant last season. Yes, they've invested in their team (Neymar, Ibrahimovich, Alves, Sanchez, Fabregas, Villa), but they're not in the same bracket as teams like Zenit, PSG, Man City, Chelsea, Real and now Monaco. Their strength comes from their academy, like Busquets, Pedro, Tello, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, and Valdez. That's their cornerstone, whereas the cornerstone of the teams I mentioned, is spending money to get great players.

Brodinski

06-09-13, 08:36 AM

There weak leagues. The premier league is the best league in the world. When teams like Chelsea, united and city have the money to bring superstars to there team every season it's a big advantage. I can't believe you think it's not about money, other teams will never be able to challenge these teams when they don't have money to compete.

So every league except the PL is weak?

Did I say it's not about the money? I said there's more to it than money. Spending big money (I'm talking close to or over € 100 mil almost each season) doesn't automatically guarantee success. If that was the case, Man City and Chelsea would win the league every year, same with PSG in France.

Shaping good players into a great team is much harder.

honeykid

06-09-13, 10:10 PM

As it was Sunday, I thought I'd throw around some of the transfer gossip.

Arsenal splashing the cash with Gonzalo Higuain, Ilkay Gundogan and Lars Bender for £70m. Same old, same old or is there actually a chance of one of these happening. Obviously they're not all going to, in fact, I'd say Higuain is the only one I could see happening and that's only because the gossip for the last 6 months or so has been that he's leaving Real.

Chelsea selling Torres, David Luiz (for around £35m) Ba and, possibly even Mata. Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala and Xabi Alonso in and Rooney if he's on offer.

Wigan's Arouna Kone's off to Southampton or Liverpool for £6.5m, which is the price of his release cause, apparently.

Any of these take your fancy? Gervinho to Galatasaray for £12m, Di Maria to City for £30m, Victor Moses to Everton for £12m, Ola Toivonen to Fulham, Thomas Vermaelen interesting Napoli and Barca, Nani talking to Moyes before announcing his future, Tiago Ilori to Liverpool for £4m, Gael Clichy to Monaco if Evra doesn't go, Christian Benteke to Fiorentina, Chelsea offering Thibault Courtois and £40m for Edinson Cavani and, lastly, Spurs and Dortmund want Brazilian 'wonderkid' Bernard.

Tacitus

06-11-13, 07:59 AM

BlueLion

06-11-13, 05:57 PM

Chelsea selling Torres, David Luiz (for around £35m) Ba and, possibly even Mata. Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala and Xabi Alonso in and Rooney if he's on offer.

Selling the club's current best performer (Mata) makes no sense whatsoever, and I just cannot see it happening.

On the other hand I wouldn't mind seeing both Ba and Torres leave. Ba does not look CFC material to me, and don't even get me started on Torres. But I am not so sure about Luiz, even though I bashed him at the beginning of last season, he has been pretty good as of late.

Watch_Tower

06-11-13, 06:41 PM

Selling the club's current best performer (Mata) makes no sense whatsoever, and I just cannot see it happening.

On the other hand I wouldn't mind seeing both Ba and Torres leave. Ba does not look CFC material to me, and don't even get me started on Torres. But I am not so sure about Luiz, even though I bashed him at the beginning of last season, he has been pretty good as of late.

Luiz needs to stay, not just for Chelsea but I really enjoy watching him. He isn't just a good player, he also brings a bit of entertainment value.

Note:
I just wanted to wade into the whole money and football argument, there is no doubt that money plays a huge role in football these days. We can exclude the FA Cup from our calculations because none of the top 4 or 5 teams put out their best line ups in the tournament, giving "lesser" teams a better chance to progress and possibly win. Having said that this is sport and sport isn't played on paper, sometimes, lesser teams can pull of massive upsets although they are rare.

You look at the top competitions in football, the PL, the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and the CL...who wins? It is always the teams that can spend the most, teams like Madrid, Barca, United, City. Chelsea, Milan, Bayern and co. That's just the way it is in the modern game. If you can buy the best player, you will, 9 out of 10 times have the best team(s).

honeykid

06-12-13, 12:52 AM

I'm really glad that I've got BT Sport now. I'll leave the link untouched in all its glory. ;)

http://recombu.com/digital/news/bt-sport-reunites-danny-baker-and-danny-kelly-for-football-chat_M11648.html

Ok, the thing doesn't launch until 1st August but the channels appeared on my BT Box minutes after I ordered and seem to include 2 HD channels.

Now to see the quality of games they'll screen - EndlessStoke is a nightmare I'm having. :p
I saw this news a couple of days ago. Now, that's how you get me interested in signing up for your service. The sport? Yeah, whatever. Maybe. Baker and Kelly reuniting to talk football (among plenty of other things, I'm sure) oh, hell, yes.

Selling the club's current best performer (Mata) makes no sense whatsoever, and I just cannot see it happening.
No, me neither, but it was more interesting than the usual incoming striking suspects we constantly read about.

On the other hand I wouldn't mind seeing both Ba and Torres leave. Ba does not look CFC material to me, and don't even get me started on Torres. But I am not so sure about Luiz, even though I bashed him at the beginning of last season, he has been pretty good as of late.
I like Ba. He looked the part at Hoffenheim and I can't see any reason he can't do it at Chelsea, given the chance. However, given Mourinho, Chelsea's other (current) options and Roman's love of the new, big money signing, I doubt he'll be there come September 1st.

Torres has looked a dud since he came back from that surgery in 2010. He looked done at the World Cup, though he'd only just come back, so I didn't think too much of it, but he's just never come back. I think the Torres of the previous 2.5/3 years was him at his peak and we'll never see it again. £50m for him was always a ridiculous amount of money and, had Liverpool not taken the heat off them by spending £35m of it on Andy Carrol, I think there'd have been a lot more said about it at the time.

Just to show how much guff the papers talk during the summer, The Daily Mail has United buying both Fabregas and Lewandowski, while the Mirror has us taking on Thiago Alcantara, from Barca. :facepalm:

Finally, in the annual Real tap up, they've 'confirmed' reports that they'd be willing to pay £85m for Gareth Bale. I'm guessing they've run out of players to say he'd fit in there. :p

I did read one piece of gossip I thought interesting, though. Apparently Jose has stopped Chelsea's purchase of Andre Schurrle. Now, this was something which has been reported for a couple of months by just about everyone as a done deal. I wonder if there's any truth in it?

There is one thing that's actually happened and that's Iago Aspas transfer from Celta Vigo to Liverpool. Everything's been agreed (£7m fee) with just the medical to seal the deal.

Tacitus

06-14-13, 09:38 AM

I saw this news a couple of days ago. Now, that's how you get me interested in signing up for your service. The sport? Yeah, whatever. Maybe. Baker and Kelly reuniting to talk football (among plenty of other things, I'm sure) oh, hell, yes.

I was a semi-regular listener to Baker's 5 Live Saturday morning show but really it made me yearn for the days when he was football-only, and usually paired up with Kelly.

Not listened to Kelly at all on TalkSport. Because, well... TalkSport. :p Under The Moon was ok, though.

Danny Baker: the David Bowie of talk radio.

honeykid

06-15-13, 03:23 AM

I used to love Under The Moon.

OK, some things have actually happened in the Premier League. Manuel Pellegrini has signed a 3 year deal at City. Though we might not notice, it's the end of an era at Arsenal as Peter Hill-Wood has, as expected, stepped down as Chairman. Andre Schurrle has gone to Chelsea, so I guess that rumour was complete bollocks. What a surprise(!)

For those already needing a football fix, the Confederations Cup starts today.

honeykid

06-18-13, 03:29 PM

Daniel M

06-18-13, 03:42 PM

Apparently Carrol's having a medical at West Ham which'll finalise his £15.5m transfer from Liverpool. They've done well to get that for him, haven't they? And he's reported to have signed a 6 year, £100,000 a week contract. For Andy Carrol?!?! Is his agent that good, or is it just West Ham being West Ham?

Another new signing at Villa Park, where Nicklas Helenius has become Lambert's 4th signing of the summer. Anyone know of him? Seen him play?

Lots of talk of Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving to Liverpool for £20m-£23m, which, depending on who you read, is his buy-out clause. Sunderland keeper, Simon Mignolet is also said to be close to a £10m move to Liverpool, while Sunderland will replace him with PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet for £1m. Apparently.

Maynor Figueroa has gone to Hull on a free, while Southamption spent £8.5m on Lyon's Dejan Lovren.

Carroll is a great player for the right side and was fantastic for West Ham last season, just does not suit Liverpool at all, but yes, a good price.

And Helenius is fantastic on Football Manager 2013 ;) Villa look like they're trying to sign cheap foreign players, being smart and getting their business done early one, they're building a great little team with the likes of Helenius, Okore, Tonev etc.

And yeh Liverpool have signed Toure and Aspas (deal agreed), and it looks like we're adding Mignolet and Mkhitaryan. Mignolet has proved to be one of the best keepers in the Premier League over the past few seasons, I would say along with Begovic he has been the best not playing for a big club over the last few years, and in my opinion he is better than Reina who has been below par for the last few seasons. Mkhitaryan looks very interesting, an AMC who can also play ST who managed to get an almost goal per game ratio at Shakhtar last year, sure it was in a poor league (Ukraine) but he played well in the CL and looks like an exciting prospect, with the sale of Carroll we're basically spending £5m on a player who looks much more suited to our fluid 4-2-3-1, it's a risk, but a risk we need to take if we want to compete with the teams above us.

Through in the signings of Luis Alberto from Sevilla, who we have bid for they have confirmed, probably £7m, the young Sporting Lisbon defender Iago Llori (~£5m with possibly Assaidi going the other way) and a quality CB for around £15m - hopefully Papadopoulos, I would be extremely pleased with our transfer dealings. Hopefully we can keep hold of Suarez too, but it wouldn't be the worst thing ever if we sold him and reinvested big money smartly.

BlueLion

06-18-13, 05:34 PM

Brodinski

06-18-13, 05:51 PM

Andy Carroll is *****. Diarrhoea I'd say.

Daniel M

06-18-13, 06:17 PM

Not ****, was statistically the 6th best player in the Prem last season - http://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/Tournaments/2/Seasons/3389/Stages/6531/PlayerStatistics/England-Premier-League-2012-2013 - although performances are subjective, you can't completely dismiss that, been quality for West Ham.

honeykid

06-18-13, 09:45 PM

Which tells you that you can twist statistics to support almost any argument. I agree, though, that he's a decent forward who can be effective in the right system and players and, at West Ham, he's quite well set and has Kevin Nolan there to help him out. However, I still think Liverpool have done well to get £15m for him when there were so few other suitors. As for the £100,000 a week. That's just mental.

honeykid

06-20-13, 12:16 AM

So, anyone watch Italy v Japan? Wow.

The rumours are that he wants to leave, that the price is about £15m and that United are at the front of the queue. Now, if all that's true, how much has Thiago's hattrick in the U21's just added to the price?

Are City really going to pay £30m for Isco?

Still more rumours around Jose not being convinced by Mata and Barca looking with £30m being touted. In related 'news', Barca are no longer looking at David Luiz, but PSG will be if Thiago Silva goes to Barcelona.

The Cavani saga rolls on and I wouldn't mention it, but it was reported yesterday that City have offered him £275,000 a week, which, considering the £50m+ it's reported it'll take to buy him, is a hell of a lot of money to invest. Once the tournaments are over and Real appoint a manager, I think this, along with a good many other deals, will be put into motion.

Lastly, another 'just because I saw it' tale. One of the papers said that West Ham haven't given up on taking Romelu Lukaku on loan for next season. Lukaku and Carrol? Now that's old skool power.

Brodinski

06-20-13, 08:18 AM

Thiago Silva is a fantastic defender. PSG would do well to hold on to him at almost any cost.

Is Cavani really that good? Better than guys like Aguero and Dzeko?

Lukaku is better than Carroll.

Daniel M

06-20-13, 09:09 AM

PSG signed Thiago Silva for like £30m+, he's 28 and quite injury prone, they aren't needing to sell, can't see him moving.

And yeh I think Cavani is a top player, fantastic goalscorer in Serie A but he's said he has his heart set on a move to Madrid (similar to Suarez), so I'd be surprised if City get him. I think they do need another great striker though, Aguero is the best they have but even though he can be technically brilliant he has his poor spells and wasn't spectacular last season, Tevez can't be arsed, doesn't look like he's care and did little last season, and Dzeko although clinical at times can also be very poor (end of last season) and is likely to be offloaded, Dortmund were interested but if Lewandowksi stays they wont get him I don't think.

And yeh I agree Lukaku is better, a real talent, imagine both of them up front together though, would be an absolute nightmare for defenders physically :p

BlueLion

06-20-13, 09:11 AM

Daniel M

06-20-13, 09:24 AM

Of course Lukaku is better. Carroll is one of the most overrated and most overpaid strikers in world football. He did f*** all for Liverpool last season, then went on to score v Chelsea in the FA Cup final and has basically been living off that goal since.

Cavani is pretty good, yeah, but I don't think he's better than Aguero yet. He could be better than Dzeko though. Falcao and Lewandowski are the two best strikers in the world right now, for me.

He was decent for Liverpool in the cups, but yes was fairly poor otherwise, but he just doesn't suit Liverpool, he was brilliant for West Ham, got a decent record and was involved in a lot of goals, was fantastic up front and in no way can you say he was ****, that just seems to be a general criticism of him when people don't actual realise how important he was for West Ham last season. I had forgot about that goal too, and have never really heard anyone talk about it with Carroll, honestly.

And I honestly think Ibrahimovic is better than both of them, and Suarez and RVP are similar level for me.

BlueLion

06-20-13, 09:34 AM

He was decent for Liverpool in the cups, but yes was fairly poor otherwise, but he just doesn't suit Liverpool, he was brilliant for West Ham, got a decent record and was involved in a lot of goals, was fantastic up front and in no way can you say he was ****, that just seems to be a general criticism of him when people don't actual realise how important he was for West Ham last season. I had forgot about that goal too, and have never really heard anyone talk about it with Carroll, honestly.

And I honestly think Ibrahimovic is better than both of them, and Suarez and RVP are similar level for me.

Maybe people will not remember him for THAT goal, but I feel that that goal helped him a lot. Because after the goal, he was incredibly motivated. He played well for the rest of the game (nearly got the equalizer too), and then did quite well in the league game between Liverpool and Chelsea (i.e, Liverpool's cup final - I know some Liverpool fans who considered their win as 'revenge'), and then did okay for the remaining games, and then went on to score a goal for England at the Euros. So, yeah, that goal helped him a lot in my opinion. Because it motivated him quite a bit.

As for Ibra, he is probably the better footballer in general, but as forwards, Falcao and Lewandowski are superior for me, because they're much more dangerous, and they have the natural striker's instinct, which the greats like Andriy Shevchenko, the Brazilian Ronaldo and others possessed.

Brodinski

06-20-13, 05:44 PM

There's two guys playing in La Liga who are very unimpressed with Lewandowski, Falcao, Aguero, RVP, and Ibrahimovich.

honeykid

06-20-13, 08:22 PM

And they are?

Brodinski

06-21-13, 07:17 AM

Not sure if rhetorical.

gandalf26

06-21-13, 08:09 AM

So Messi going to jail for tax evasion. Somehow I think not.

Brodinski

06-21-13, 08:27 AM

They'll most likely come to an agreement. Belgian athletes who 'live' in Monaco have the same 'problem' too.

honeykid

06-21-13, 11:11 PM

I was being serious. Who's unimpressed with those players?

Liverpool and Sunderland have agreed a fee, in excess of £11m, apparently, for Simon Mignolet.

The Mirror has Higuain going to Arsenal, with Stan saying Wenger should bid for Rooney as well.

Isco is today £21m, but he's still going to City. The man himself tweeted on Thursday, "I prefer not to comment about my future but the matter could be closed this Sunday,"

Luis Alberto to Liverpool for £6.8m with his medical on Friday.

Villa are buying again. Defender Antonio Luna, a left back I think, has made the move to the midlands.

Brodinski

06-23-13, 12:35 PM

Ronaldo and Messi.

honeykid

06-23-13, 11:31 PM

Well, they're not unimpressed, are they? Both those players are much better than those listed, which is what I suppose you meant. So, I'm sorry I didn't see that. I was being literal. :D Judging by his current form in the Confederations Cup, you could argue that there'll soon be another player in Spain who's "unimpressed".

Anyway, yesterday was Sunday and, in the UK, that means Sunday papers full of claptrap gossip, with the occassional grain of truth.

Rooney wants to stay at United, but United will offer him as part of a deal for Ronaldo. Meanwhile, Arsenal will offer £20m for Rooney and £22m for Higuain. Despite this, if Rooney leaves, he'll choose Chelsea, who also want him if he's available, over Arsenal. Naturally, this is all 2+2=5 stuff, but, as I said, it's Sunday.

Spurs are going to offer £20m for Christian Benteke, and may/will also offer Adebayor as part of the deal.

City are now looking at Suarez because they won't pay £53m for Cavani. Rodgers says Suarez is going nowhere, but they'll take £40m from Real, but are worried they'll wait until the end of the window.

Barca still haven't made an offer for Pepe Reina, so he's going to be sat on the bench now that Mignolet is on the way.

Arsenal and Liverpool are "in competition" to sign Kyriakos Papadopoulos. Yes, I copy/pasted his name. :p Ashley Williams wants to go to Arsenal, but they're being put off by Swansea's £10m asking price.

Chelsea will get Marco van Ginkel for £9m, after Jose assured him first team football. He was £15m during the week. Has he gotten that bad in a few days? :D I've also read that Gael Gakuta (remember him?) might be going to the other way in a deal.

Mark Hughes wants to curse Stoke with Stephen Ireland. Unless, of course, the Man City version turns up, in which case, he might be ok.

Isco is close to a move to Real for £21m, according to Marca.

Arsenal are worried about losing Wenger to PSG. :laugh: Sorry Arsenal fans, but I'd love to see that. I'd love to see him explaining to the owners why he's bought a 18 year old, Ligue 2 player for €250,000, rather than spending £100m on Ronaldo.

Lastly, something that actually did happen. Championship Brighton's manager, Gus Poyet, found out he had been sacked while working as a pundit for the BBC during the Spain v Nigeria game.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23022212

There was a story in one of yesterdays papers that, if Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, couldn't work with new Director Of Football, Joe Kinnear, than Poyet would be their first choice.

As for today. Norwich and Everton want Wigan striker, Arone Kone, who's said to have a £5m buy-out clause in his contract. I also remember reading somewhere that the player also wants to move to another Premier League team, so he probably will go somewhere.

A French player might turn down a move to Arsenal!?!?! Sebastien Corchia's agent says so, anyway.

Thiago Alcantara is now looking more likely to stay at Barca, as they are said to be offering a new deal. I've also read that he'll stay if they give him more first team appearances.

The Mirror says no one's going to Southampton. Well, not Cagliari midfielder Radja Nainggolan, Celtic's Victor Wanyama, or Roma's Pablo Osvaldo, anyway.

Laurent Blanc has said "there's a good chance" that he'll sign for PSG. This, almost certainly, will mean Ancelotti at Real.

Daniel M

06-24-13, 10:08 AM

Did you guys see Joe Kinnear's interview with Talksport after becoming director at Newcastle? Their fans are fuming that their club is being turned into a joke by Mike Ashley.

http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/andy-goldsteins-sports-bar/130617/joe-kinnear-his-newcastle-return-alan-pardew-and-toon-media-199848

There's just so much gold in that interview, he mispronounces almost everyone's name: Lambezi, Yohan Kebab, Tote, Sissy, Ben Afra/Afri, Goltierez, Amenobi etc.

Then there's loads of other stuff he makes up, says he signed Holdsworth for 50k when he was 650k, said he signed Tim Krul when he was signed like 3 years before him, says he's never been relegated but he was with Luton, says he's never been sacked but has twice, says he's won manager of the year 3 times when he has once, said that 'Perch is still there since his time' when he was signed 18 months after he left, said he made over 400 appearances for Spurs, made 251 :D

Some news for my Welsh team Cardiff: Reports that we've agreed a few with Blackpool for Tom Ince but the player has to accept personal teams, would be a great capture considering teams like Liverpool and Spurs were looking at him, and we're also interested in Celtic's Victor Wanyama after a deal to Southampton feel through, and he's also been linked to the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and even Man City in the past, he's a tank and proved his class for me in the Champions League last year against the likes of Barcelona, would be very pleased if he got even 1/2 of them.

Brodinski

06-24-13, 03:14 PM

gandalf26

06-24-13, 09:12 PM

Hey Honeykid, what's a good source for all the latest transfer gossip?

Daniel M

06-24-13, 09:55 PM

Hey Honeykid, what's a good source for all the latest transfer gossip?

I'm not Honeykid, but I say avoid The Sun, Daily Mail and similar publications ;) In fact I take most paper stuff with a huge pinch of salt, although some can be interesting. I normally just look at Sky Sports and BBC websites for official stuff, and they also do paper roundups.

honeykid

06-25-13, 12:06 AM

If you look through Football 365 and BBC Sport gossip pages you should get a good overview. Other than that, podcasts and blogs or, more specifically, football journalists blogs, are also good, as they don't have a view/line they have to toe. Many's the journalist who's not only knowingly written complete crap for a national, but also, complete crap completely contrary to what they actually think/know is happening.

Camo

06-25-13, 12:12 AM

Tacitus

06-25-13, 06:32 AM

F365 used to be my first port of call in the morning but I think it's going downhill, in its opinion pieces anyway. They're still great for aggregating the papers' transfer stories and suggesting how much truth there may be in them.

I even fell behind in the Guardian football podcasts last season, dunno why. :(

honeykid

06-26-13, 09:17 AM

I did that towards the end of the season, too, Tacitus, and I still have 3 podcasts of The Times to listen to.

Tevez is going to Juve for £12m, medical pending. Actually, some of the papers did flag this up last week, but only as an afterthought after spending the rest of the piece saying how he would probably be going to Milan. :D

Yesterday they had United ready to pay £50m for Cavani, while today they say Chelsea won't pay more than £40m. With the exception of Real or City, is anyone really going to pay this sum for him?

In more yesterday/today news, Arsenal have gone from being ready to offer £2.5m for Benjamin Mendy, but may be forced to double the offer, to today, where they're ready to make a bid for the "£5m rated Le Harve full back."

And, continuing with the theme, yesterday Shakhtar's Henrikh Mkhitaryan rubbished rumours he's going to Liverpool, while, today, he's not shown up for pre-season training and is "frustrated" at not being allowed to move. Y'know, it's almost as if they're making it up day by day, isn't it? :D

Moyes will try and talk Rooney into staying, but, if Rooney leaves, his prefered destination is Barcelona. Yeah, so's mine. Of course, yesterday Barcelona 'joined the race' for Rooney. :rolleyes:

A quick bit yesterday about saying Gareth Bale "will tug on the heart strings of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy" to get his move to Real. Sory, his "dream move"? I really don't see Bale leaving until next summer. Unless Ronaldo leaves Real, of course. Which I'm pretty sure he won't be. This summer.

OK, I'm bored with the yesterday/today stuff, so just a few quick rumours from today.

Suarez has agreed personal terms with Real and they're confident they can get him for less than his £40m buy-out clause. BTW, when did Suarez have a buy-out clause? Is this new BS or did I miss something?

Now that Ancelotti is at Real, Laurent Blanc is now at PSG, too, they say Higuain will soon be off. Arsenal and Juve seem to be the two big rumours. I know they're sewing up this deal with Tevez, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Juve take him as well. There's also a rumour that Ancelotti wants Paulinho, too.

Everton are looking at Keisuke Honda, increasing speculation (or maybe because of it) that Fellaini will be off.

Oh, and Cruyff thinks Barca should think about selling Messi now they've bought Neymar. He also says he wouldn't have bought Neymar if he had Messi.

Daniel M

06-26-13, 09:55 AM

Suarez has agreed personal terms with Real and they're confident they can get him for less than his £40m buy-out clause. BTW, when did Suarez have a buy-out clause? Is this new BS or did I miss something?

Number one rule of transfer windows: If a player is being linked with a move away, he suddenly gains a transfer release clause at about his value :p

honeykid

06-26-13, 11:01 AM

:laugh: Yep, that's about the size of it.

BTW, talking of having a laugh, the DM website is currently saying that Ronaldo will talk to United IN NEXT THREE DAYS. Everyone make a note on your calendars. ;)

honeykid

07-02-13, 07:30 AM

^^Maybe he just popped in to say "hello"?^^ ;)

Yaya Sanogo has joined Arsenal. This had been rumoured for months and, with him being a free agent, French, of African descent and 20 years old, what other club could he join? Seriously. I think it's become part of EU law of something. On the plus side, if he turns out to be half the player he becomes on FM'10, Arsenal fans will be in dreamland. :laugh:

Paulinho's on his way to Spurs for £17m. Last week all the talk was of this deal happening because Paulinho had been given assurances that Bale was staying. Of course, I think most of us think Bale is/was staying this summer anyway, so that's neither here nor there.

On the gossip side, Spurs will offer £17m for Roberto Soldado.

Lescot will leave City unless he's going to start.

Sunderland are looking at Tom Huddlestone, priced at £5m.

Palace have contacted Liverpool about a season long loan for Jonjo Shelvey. Last week, some bookies stopped taking bets on him moving to Swansea, after moving his odds from 14/1 to 1/8. So, if someone knew something, either this isn't happening or it all went wrong.

Bendtner could leave Arsenal this week, with Eintracht Frankfurt being his destination. Seems a bit of a lowly club for the best player in the world. ;)

Here's a rumour I'd love to see come true, West Brom are looking into bringing Nicolas Anelka to the club, as he's now a free agent. I've also read they're going to ask Chelsea about Ba. Were it not for Steve Clarke's connection with Chelsea, I'd write this off as the tabloids doing their usual 2+2 stuff.

Of course, it could also be strengthened if/when Chelsea bring in a new striker. Two rumours about Chelsea and strikers as they're looking to offer Fernando Torres to Milan in exchange for El Shaarawy. I'm assuming they're also offering cash, too, but there's no mention of it. :D They did, according to The Independent, offer Napoli Torres and 50m Euros (£42.8m) for Cavani.

Moyes will bid £16m for Leighton Baines and will triple Thiago Alcantara's wages if he comes to United.

Watch_Tower

07-02-13, 07:33 AM

What's up with the massive spending Arsenal were going to do this transfer window? Where are the top, world class players? My patience with Mr Wenger is running out.

On the other hand Spurs have a gem in Paulinho but the biggest transfer news has to be Neymar at Barca....now we have to see if he can survive alongside Messi or will we have Villa 2.0?

Watch_Tower

07-02-13, 07:34 AM

and did anyone see the confederations cup final? what do you guys read into it, if anything? Have Brazil found themselves again? Was Spain having a bad game?

honeykid

07-02-13, 09:43 AM

I only saw the second half, but there's no doubt that Spain were really off the pace. Tired and two goals down, having seen them go to penalties against Italy, I couldn't see them coming out and being able to do anything about it. The third goal, so soon after the restart, just killed it. You don't see Ramos miss many penalties, but he didn't look his usual, "I've already scored" self before he hit it and I'd assume that was solely down to tiredness. Both emotionally and physically, most of those players looked like they needed a rest. Lastly, they're still playing Torres up front. :p

Don't get me wrong, Brazil played well and fully deserved it from what I saw. However, had Italy managed to score a couple of their chances in the first half in the Semi's, I don't think you'd have seen Spain come back against them, either.

None of this has made me change my mind about next summer. A S. American team will win and it'll probably be Brazil. Personally, I'd love to see an Argentina v Spain final, just to hear the crowd. :D

Watch_Tower

07-02-13, 12:42 PM

oh man, Argentina v Spain!!!

But I'd love a world cup where Neymar, Messi, Ronaldo all performed exceptionally on the world stage. I miss the years when Zidane, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Figo and co. were ripping it at world level.

honeykid

07-04-13, 09:19 AM

Are things starting to get moving?

Chelsea have agreed a price with Vitesse Arnhem for Marco van Ginkel, for around £8m, though his medical and personal terms have yet to be completed.

Jonjo Shelvey has gone to Swansea for around £5m plus add-ons, so it looks as if someone took the bookies to the cleaners. While Cardiff City have paid a club record £7.5m for Andreas Cornelius from FC Copenhagen, who I think is 19. Crystal Palace have paid £6m for Dwight Gayle from Peterborough. And some people wonder why there are so many players from overseas in our leagues. Maybe it has something to do with having to pay £6m for a League One striker? Congrats to the guy, though. Non-League to the Premier League in 4 years. :highfive:

Alvaro Negredo nows seems to be Man City's top target. Is he as moody as his reputation suggests? Having got shot of Baloltelli and Tevez, there is a gap in the squad for such a player. ;) He seems to be a perfect fit for the Premier League, though so, as long as he gets on with it, I think he could be a great signing.

Atletico Mineiro's coach has said he expects Bernard to leave the club this summer and everyone seems to agree that Higuain is going to Arsenal, though Juve is still mentioned.

John Obi Mikel should be at Galatasaray soon and PSG have 'admitted' that they're interested in Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye.

Sunderland have had an offer for Jozy Altidore rejected and, according to the papers, have been told they'll have to pay £5m. Sunderland have also signed Vito Mannone from Arsenal for £2m/£3m, depending on who you read. Given that Arsenal are the strongest rumoured destination for Julio Cesar, for £2m, that could be the best deal of the summer.

Tacitus

07-04-13, 09:52 AM

A great deal for l'Arse, presumably. ;) Yeah, a decent (but no more) squad keeper leaving and a class act coming in + cash. I wonder if he'll be allowed to wear the massive shorts he used to sport at Inter? You could fit three whole Steve McManamans down each leg.

We've got a month til KO so things had better start hotting up soon.

Looks like Neville The Younger is joining Moyes as a coach, which will be a good fit for all concerned. Giggs on the staff too? I'd rather have him there than as a pundit.

Jozy Altidore was always a decent player on Football Managers of the past if you coached him right. Then he moved to Hull in the real world - 1 goal in 28 matches according to Wikipedia...

honeykid

07-04-13, 10:11 AM

Spanish paper Sport say the Alcantara to United deal is done and he could be unveiled tomorrow. We'll see.

Also more talk about Gerard Deulofeu going to a Premier League club on loan for the season. Everton and Spurs are today's rumoured destinations.

Arune Kone to Newcastle rumours are said to be gaining momentum.

BTW, with the signing of Van Ginkel, football365 listed Chelsea's midfielders:

Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Ramires, Oriel Romeu, Juan Mata, Oscar, Jon Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Eden Hazard, Josh McEachran, Gael Kakuta, Lucas Piazon, Kevin De Bruyne, Marco Van Ginkel, Marko Marin, Nathan Ake, Nathaniel Chalobah, Andre Schurrle.

**Edit** - Dinamo Zagreb have confirmed a deal for Tin Jedvaj and Alen Halilovic. No confirmation as to the club, yet, but the club being most strongly rumoured in Croatia is Spurs. A few of quotes.

"We agreed with their future club, that one of them remains at least another year with us," club president Mirko Barisic told Sportske Novosti.

"It is just too early to talk about the club which bought them. We will confirm that when everything will be sorted out.

"The transfer fee? 20 million Euros is - let us put it this way - the right number."

Brodinski

07-06-13, 08:15 AM

Higuain, bitches.

honeykid

07-12-13, 01:24 PM

Still not shown up, has he? There's also rumours of Julio Cesar moving to Napoli on a season's loan.

Real has spend big on Asier Illarramend from Real Sociedad. They've matched his release clause, said to be €39m.

Talk of Jovetic to City seems to be that it's nearly a done deal for around £30.

More talk of Arsenal upping their bid for Suarez. I know they wouldn't, and shouldn't, but I love Liverpool to just accept £30m+ from Arsenal and, when Real come with a bigger cheque, just say, "Nah. You're too late now." Sadly, this'll probably go on all summer until the last say, when Liverpool will sell for £35m or something and spend most of it on Darren Bent. :D Arsenal are, today, being linked with Geoffrey Kondogbia, the 20 year old Sevilla midfielder.

Southampton have spent £12.5m on Victor Wanyama and signed him on a four year deal. Of course, he'll probably be at United/Chelsea for £25m next year after a good season proves he can "do it at this level." BTW, although you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise sometimes, making a profit on a player isn't the main purpose of football, but an £11.6m profit in two seasons in, dare I say it, Scottish football, is a cracking deal. There are years gone by when they'd have 'only' gotten £4m-£5m and thought themselves lucky. Well done, Celtic.

Mark Schwarzer has gone to warm the bench/provide decent competition for Petr Cech at Chelsea.

Jerome Thomas has moved to Crystal Palace on a free. Wigan has transfer to Everton, which is a good trick for a relegated club. ;) They've also picked up one of the new Barca stars, the much sought after Gerard Deulofeu, on a season long loan.

Central defender, Fernando Amorebieta, has rocked up at Fulham on a free.

Marc Muniesa has moved from Barca to Stoke on a free. Barca to Stoke? That's got to be every kind of culture clash imaginable.

Jozy Altidore has moved to Sunderland for £6m. They're also linked with Tom Huddlestone at Spurs and Emanuele Giaccherini from Inter.

It was Swansea who ended up with Wilfried Bony for a fee of £12, while Nicolas Anelka is talking of ending his career with West Brom, who he signed for on a free.

Thomas Ince has decided to stay at Blackpool, despite an £8m fee being agreed between Blackpool and Cardiff.

Liverpool have agreed to the season long loan of Suso to La Liga new boys, Union Deportiva Almeria. There's also talk of Sebastian Coates moving to Fulham.

Over here the papers seem to think a deal for Negredo is in trouble, but Sevilla coach, Unai Emery, has been quoted as saying it would "best for everyone" if he left.

Christian Benteke has made a transfer request at Villa, which has prompted quite a few rumours, including that, should the £25m rumoured fee be met by someone, Villa would like to take Demba Ba. Spurs are said to've offered £20m plus a choice of Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Scott Parker, Jake Livermore or Tom Huddlestone for Benteke.

FAHQALL

07-13-13, 08:08 PM

Not quite sure why City are interested in Negredo? Im sure he is good but they might as well have kept Teves I think hes a year younger as well? Just buying for the hell of it these days. Though reports there interested in Zlatan Interest me as though i am not a City fan i would LOVE to see him in the PL.

honeykid

07-13-13, 08:18 PM

Tevez had to move on, really, either because City could do with getting rid or, much more likely, his 'owners'/agents move him every 2-3 years, so as to get another pay off. I think he'd already be at Boca, otherwise. He was talking about going back there after United when he joined United. Since then he's been to City and now Juve.

Also, with Dzeko said to be likely to leave and Tevez already out, that only leaves Sergio Aguero (and John Guidetti, who's more likely to go out on loan again) as City's only recognised strikers. Therefore, a move for Negredo makes sense. As I said before, whether another notoriously moody forward is needed at City is another matter.

More talk of Gary Hooper leaving Celtic, so mid/lower Premier League teams might be squabbling over him soon.

FAHQALL

07-13-13, 08:50 PM

Sometimes I forget its such a business these days. You got to feel sorry for Dzeko I just cant understand how he was not getting the play time he deserved to many players thinking there ****** than the club, Anyway Hooper is a good player I check out the SPL every so often.

Bony to Swansea is a great signing for them also looking forward to how he takes on the PL especially with Swansea playing the way they do...it will be interesting.

honeykid

07-13-13, 10:08 PM

Yes, I like Dzeko and whenever I've see him play I don't remember him having a stinker or missing lots of chances. If he doesn't move, though, unless the Zlatan to City rumour happens, then he'll only have Aguero and Negredo (if he does join) to contend with. I say "only", but you know what I mean. So staying another year might be the best choice for him. Besides, I'm guessing he won't get at another club what he's being paid at City, unless he went to one of the really rich clubs.

Bony will be interesting, IMO, simply because he's done so well in the Dutch league and, for some reason, they seem to fail as often as they succeed in the Premier League.

honeykid

07-16-13, 07:19 PM

I said Gary Hooper looked like he'd be soon popping up at a mid/lower Premier League club, well, it seems he's aiming lower than that. QPR seem to be the favourites for the striker, as they've made a new bid.

Steve Harper has moved to Hull on a free, while the Bendtner deal seems to be in danger of not happening. Will Arsenal ever be rid of him?

One rumour that did turn out to be true was Emanuele Giaccherini's move to Sunderland. It's only gone and happened. £6.5m from Juventus. How much are they paying him?

Just to let you all know what you already know. Fabregas won't be coming to United. Won't happen.

Another 'big story' that won't happen is Luis Suarez to Real for £10million plus Gonzalo Higuain. It won't happen because, otherwise, I'd assume that Liverpool would've shown Luis what biting someones arm off looks like and the news would read "Suarez to Real for Higuain and £10m" OK, maybe £15m, but probably £10m.

Benteke doesn't want to go back to Villa this week and wants Spurs to make their offer now. According to the papers, anyway. They say Spurs will offer £20m which is £5m short by my calculations.

Cavani has gone to PSG for £55m... Reportedly.

honeykid

07-20-13, 07:12 PM

Stuff's happening people.

City, having already gone out and spent £44.9m on two midfielders, they've now gone and spent another £44m on two strikers. Alvaro Negredo, from Sevilla for £20m and Stevan Jovetic, from Fiorentina, for £22m.

Marquinhos is the latest capture for PSG. The defender has moved from Roma for £30.1million.

Sadly Tito Vilanova has had to leave Barcelona to continue with his cancer treatment. Barca say they'll announce their new manager next week. They say the new permanent manager won't be an in-house appointment. Andre Villas-Boas is the name that's appearing, but I think that's just because, a) he was linked with the PSG job, and, b) he's a 'young hot' manager who isn't at one of the 'top clubs'.

Lots of talk about Fabregas to United again, as United have upped their bid to £30m. The noises coming out of Spain are still that he's not for sale and, were he to return to the Premier League, it'd be Arsenal and only Arsenal.

I still don't see it happening, though, the argument that United are only being this public is because they've been encouraged does make sense. United aren't often this public about a player they're trying to sign unless it's all but done and that's the one thing this doesn't seem to be at all.

Danny Graham has moved to Hull on a season long loan.

Pepe Reina is said to be close to a season long move to Napoli, with the option of a permanent move.

honeykid

07-28-13, 07:28 PM

Higuain, bitches.
Napoli, bitches. :p

Sorry.

So, Higuain has gone to Napoli for €40m (£34.5m) on a five year deal. Pepe Reina has joined on a season loan.

Gary Hooper finally managed to get the mid/lower tier Premier League move that was predicted, by moving to Norwich this week. It's an undisclosed sum, but thought to be around the same £5m that QPR had accepted.

There's still talk of a final offer from United for Fabregas. I think the most likely upshot of this will be a shiny new and improved contract for Fabregas at Barca. However, I'd like to be wrong. :D Apparently Fellaini's buy-out clause ends on the 31st of July, so I'm half expecting a quick deal for him to United if it's going to happen.

Golgot

08-01-13, 01:11 PM

*WARNING* Vainglorious Spurs post *WARNING*

God dammit, I'm not used to this much action in 'transfer season'. Normally Levy just stares at people for the first few months. Loving the Paulinho & Chadli swoops - both look dead promising :)

Bit annoyed we seem to have missed out (http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/transfer_talk/171606/steaua-bucharest-owner-gigi-becali-cancels-tottenhams-approach-for-vlad-chiriches-from-his-prison-cell.html) on Chiriches, as he looks interesting too. (Purely going by Youtube vids he seems to be very much in the Vertongen mold. So, no idea if he's super-solid at CB, but definitely versatile, with all the pace, tricks & goals and that. I do like an eccentric defender me ;)). Ultimately not that miffed to see Caulker go - the lad is solid now and will def improve, but come on, where's the Gallas pout or BAE buffoonery? (Plus we have Dawson if we need to apply an earnest forehead to events). I hear AVB is aiming for a reduced squad with more versatile players over the next few years, so that might explain the thinking here.

Soldado just looks like VDV pushed up the pitch to me - a battler with a belting shot, good balance, and the knack of getting into holes, but not high on nuance, hold up or passing. That's the impression I'm getting anyway. Still... if he get into a 20-goals-a-season habit... welcome :)

As for Bale... most of the signs suggest this is mainly frenzied paper-talk from RM at the mo. The stuff that weighs against them nabbing him seem to be: they still owe us for Modric (apparently), they've got some impressive debts so 90m euros upfront is def beyond them, Bale's done a fair bit of self-branding in the new Spurs kit already, Levy's stated he's def not for sale as with Modders-2011, and by all accounts he hasn't done a Modders-2012 and asked for a move. Think we're safe for the mo, so long as the latter doesn't occur. So here, have a grand-standing picture of the lad himself... (in another country ;))

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/07/30/article-2381196-1B0D5DEF000005DC-25_634x436.jpg

Plus this pic just sums silly season up... (replace Villa with whoever you like, we've got a new 50m war chest apparently ;))

http://i.imgur.com/OtvIAZ6.gif

Tacitus

08-01-13, 06:57 PM

I'm thinking about cancelling my BT Sport sub ... even though it's free (and I seem to be even getting ESPN which has ... errr ... wall to wall Aussie Rules) and has Baker & Kelly.

Tim Lovejoy is presenting a show.

Sorry BT - I can put up with Michael Owen as a pundit. I can put up with regular live egg-chasing and Red Bull Extreme Sports. I can put up with live semi-pro football (aka the SPL).

But you've got Tim Lovejoy presenting a show.

Tim Lovejoy. (http://www.wsc.co.uk/the-archive/42-Media/145-no-love-no-joy)

gandalf26

08-01-13, 07:04 PM

Wish Man U would ****ing buy someone already!

Golgot

08-04-13, 01:31 PM

'Bale Curveball Flies in Face of Seedy Shenanigan Shocker!'

'Footballer loves his mum but denies existence of chimp DNA!'

'Real Madrid to buy Iraq! How long before they invade the USA?'

---

F*ck me there's some proper shite written during silly season. Good to see Spurs finally get their warpaint on (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/8853829/) in public to slap the silliness away for a bit. The silence always makes me nervous, even if it makes sense not to to dignify the Marca muppetry with a response. (Reporting the Modric quotes verbatim as Bale's? Beyond shoddy :rolleyes: )

Does sound like he's moved into full 'Berbasulk' mode though now, as one 'ITK' put it. His bum injury has migrated to his foot at any rate.

Despite some of the guff pushed out by my beloved Guardian recently, in terms of unattributed Marca-regurgitation on a near hourly basis, did enjoy this take on Real's finances & Financial Fair Play (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/03/real-madrid-uefa-financial-fair-play)

Latest chatter (http://www.spurscommunity.co.uk/index.php?threads/update-228-jasper-re-bale.100125/) is that they're offering up the readies, but in 5 year installments. And that's not enough to prise the boy wonder away.

---

In other news, we've got no feckin CBs. Genius :rolleyes: (Still trying to free the Romanian prisoner though it seems. May have to resort to some form of Mission Impossible fly-by in Joe Lewis's private jet at this rate)

Masterman

08-06-13, 02:18 PM

Help!!!! I've joined a fantasy Football league and need help with strikers. I've gone with Soldado and Bony, but Ime having trouble with a third, who you go for???.

At the minute ime think Giroud, anyone think he will get alot of game time?.

gandalf26

08-06-13, 06:29 PM

Rvp

honeykid

08-06-13, 11:25 PM

If Defoe stays at Spurs, he's worth a punt at the start of the season for the first 2-3 months. Never does it after December/January, though, so get shot by then even if he's banged in 20. Which he won't have. :D

Obviously, depending on how much you have to spend, RvP, Suarez, Rooney (if he's sorted), Sturridge 'should' be starting at Liverpool and so might be worth thinking about, along with Michu (again) and Remy, (if he settles/stays fit), if he's cheap Arouna Kone might be worth a punt. I'm not sure about the two new City forwards, simply because I don't know how much time they'll be getting, with Aguero and Dzeko still there. You'd like to think that Ricky van Wolfswinkel will do well, just for the name alone and, don't forget, there's a bloke called Anelka at WBA who might start well.

Also, don't forget, it helps to have at least one defender who takes penalties. ;)

Brodinski

08-12-13, 03:57 PM

Jesus Christ, Wenger better start ******* signing some players. We've just had a yardsale of dead wood-type players, but now it's time to buy some quality. I'm talking Suarez, Gustavo, Gundogan, a guy who can play center and fullback, and a goalie.

That's never happening.

By the looks of it, Gustavo is coming over, for the typical, moderate amount Wenger loves to spend on a player. Suarez is still a riddle. Gundogan is a dream, but I'll soon wake up. Defensive, I'd like to see Richards come over, but we'll probably end up with some mid-level kid like Williams. And we'll probably be stuck with that piece of Polish rubbish. We could've got Cesar to come over, but noooo, let's stick with a guy who's proven sh!te on numerous occassions, and was bested by *gulp* Fabianski last season.

Not to mention that we're only a couple of injuries away from having a midfield crowded by Ramsey, Eisfeld and other mid-level players that don't make their fellow players better in any way, shape or form.

Even if we add Gustavo, Suarez and the usual French dab of upcoming stars who fade out before they even had the chance to shine, I don't see us making 4th next season. Spurs is really strengthened, Man U are fine if they keep their team together, Chelsea got Schurle and De Bruyne will blossom into the true beast that he is, and Man City will be up there as well.

Still, could be worse. Like Liverpool.

honeykid

08-12-13, 04:13 PM

Gustavo should be a good buy. I can't believe Wenger's not gone for a keeper. As you might remember, I don't think you've had a good keeper since Seaman, but even those who told me Jens was quality can't say that about Szczesny. Even if he was 'the future', he's not at a level for a top 4 club currently.

Has Chamakh actually made the move now? A quick look at Arsenal's wiki page says there's still an awful lot of that "deadwood" still there.

Downing is on his way to West Ham for £6m. Well done, King Kenny. :p Now what I'd really like to see is Andy Carroll knock in 15 this season, with more than a few of them curtesy of Downing's left foot. :D

Eto'o to Chelsea?

Daniel M

08-12-13, 04:24 PM

Eto'o is terrible now from what I've seen. He played for Anzhi against Liverpool in the Europa League and he was very very bad. No way Chelsea would sign him on current ability, age and wages.

honeykid

08-12-13, 04:47 PM

I know they wouldn't pay anything like the wages he's on now, or even half that, but it feels like an Abramovich buy. I don't think it will happen, I was just throwing it out there. :D

Unless someone pulls out a really big surprise, I don't see any big moves happening now.

Golgot

08-12-13, 05:52 PM

Supposedly we're still going hell for leather in Spudville. A mixture of splurging before fair play beds in and using Bale's draw to get a better brand of midfield monster (other positions are available apparently ;)). Certainly it seems we're trying to avoid a Berba scenario of getting nothing in except cash. Seems the 50mil loan from J Lewis is expected to be paid back by Bale one way or another. IE: Selling this year / selling next / lucking out completely with a big run of success that sees him stay and pays for itself. (I admit this last one seems a stretch ;))

We're poss not aiming at AAA signings, but seems we're still after a high level CB and some creativity upfront. Whatever the case, this looks set to be the most insanely spritely window for a while :D

Brodinski

08-13-13, 12:53 PM

Gustavo should be a good buy. I can't believe Wenger's not gone for a keeper. As you might remember, I don't think you've had a good keeper since Seaman, but even those who told me Jens was quality can't say that about Szczesny. Even if he was 'the future', he's not at a level for a top 4 club currently.

Has Chamakh actually made the move now? A quick look at Arsenal's wiki page says there's still an awful lot of that "deadwood" still there.

Well, the fact that Fabianski performed better than Szcesny did before his injury and was then immediately replaced once Szczneeznzeny was fit again, shows Wenger has absolute faith in him. Wouldn't surprise me if Fabianski left.

We had a chance to buy arguably the best goalkeeper in the league in Mignolet, but are now likely stuck with a subpar goalie.

And Chamakh is off. Good riddance.

Napoli just entered the race for Gustavo.

ajbarnett75

08-14-13, 05:00 AM

Daniel M

08-16-13, 07:54 PM

Fantasy footy team:

http://gyazo.com/0fac0dd023f91768cfdbbe7641190548.png

As a Liverpool fan, Suarez staying, Cissokho signing and talks with Willian all makes for positive times, if we get Willian I would be absolutely delighted.

Brodinski

08-17-13, 10:32 AM

Gustavo signed a 5-year deal for... Wolfsburg. So, our season starts in less than an hour and so far, we've missed out on every possible rumoured transfer target and lots of our quality players are injured.

Wenger got's to go. He doesn't buy *****, we lack squad depth, and have been duped every single season with promises of big signings and spending. This old fool claims he only wants to sign players who will make the team better, whereas NONE of our summer targets - who btw would've actually made our team better - have signed. Meanwhile, Le Poof makes close to £8 million a year. The cvnt must think we were born yesterday.

Daniel M

08-17-13, 10:50 AM

Tacitus

08-17-13, 10:54 AM

I ******* love you Mignolet. Great performance for most the part but Liverpool don't half make it difficult for themselves, almost had a heart attack near the end. Great performances from Sturridge and Aspas in the first half, then Coutinho, Lucas, Toure and Johnson, then obviously Mignolet. Now Cardiff need to get off to a win :cool:

Did you watch it on BT?

I tuned in early and got confronted by not only Tim Bloody Lovejoy but also Matt Friggin' Dawson. Missed Baker & Kelly yesterday too, must see if it's repeated.

Coverage of the match itself was decent, as was the game. ;)

Daniel M

08-17-13, 11:59 AM

Did you watch it on BT?

I tuned in early and got confronted by not only Tim Bloody Lovejoy but also Matt Friggin' Dawson. Missed Baker & Kelly yesterday too, must see if it's repeated.

Coverage of the match itself was decent, as was the game. ;)

Got a stream of it, not got BT. But it was a stream of BT, yes. But yeh game was really good and I enjoyed the coverage - I think I managed to miss Lovejoy and Dawson, although I dislike Michael Owen I enjoyed his commentary, seems he is a Liverpool fan still and is very knowledgeable about the side.

weeman

08-17-13, 12:30 PM

As long as Chelsea win tomorrow, and Arsenal continue to lose, this weekend has been a success :up:

jiraffejustin

08-17-13, 12:47 PM

Brad Guzan is playing his ass off.

Brodinski

08-17-13, 01:01 PM

Excellent way to start the season. Get countered into oblivion, Sczczsczeczeeny being ***** as per usual, lack of depth showing already, fans walking out, chants against Wenger "You don't know what you're doing", and banners saying 'You can't buy class'.

Be midtable after 7-8 games, and don't qualify for the CL. Surely, that's got to suffice to sack Le Poof, get an interim guy to finish the season and then buy someone like Klopp, who earns literally a third of what Le Poof is making, but working miracles at Dortmund for years now.

Tacitus

08-17-13, 03:10 PM

Got a stream of it, not got BT. But it was a stream of BT, yes. But yeh game was really good and I enjoyed the coverage - I think I managed to miss Lovejoy and Dawson, although I dislike Michael Owen I enjoyed his commentary, seems he is a Liverpool fan still and is very knowledgeable about the side.

Yep, I was pleasantly surprised by Owen. Nowhere near as good as Steve McMananananananamaman in the studio but on a scale of Andy Townsend to Eamon Dunphy, he's definitely a Roy Keane. Or something.

Daniel M

08-17-13, 06:47 PM

Yep, I was pleasantly surprised by Owen. Nowhere near as good as Steve McMananananananamaman in the studio but on a scale of Andy Townsend to Eamon Dunphy, he's definitely a Roy Keane. Or something.

:D

What do you think of Gary Neville? Since he's been commentating I've been scarily surprised at how much I enjoy listening to him.

Tacitus

08-17-13, 07:13 PM

Daniel M

08-17-13, 08:19 PM

Don't have Sky but what I've seen of The Neviller I've liked. Liked him as a player too - Bill Wyman to Beckham's Keith Richards. ;)

Danny Murphy on MOTD now is decent too. Are The Beeb finally tired of the Hanson/Lawro/Lineker golf club banter? Hopefully.

Yeh I heard that Lawrenson's been given a reduced schedule now, he's dreadful, but I kind of find him amusing, especially when he's with like Shearer/Hansen, it's unintentionally hilarious.

And maybe I've missed something obvious over the last few posts, but what team do you support? :)

Tacitus

08-17-13, 08:37 PM

Glentoran, for my sins. :p

I'll qualify that by saying that I spent 11 years in the English NW and Midlands so I got to watch proper football as much as I could.

Daniel M

08-17-13, 08:43 PM

Glentoran, for my sins. :p

I'll qualify that by saying that I spent 11 years in the English NW and Midlands so I got to watch proper football as much as I could.

Well, it's good that you support your local team, I'm assuming. And nice, any preferred Premiership team?

Tacitus

08-17-13, 08:53 PM

None that I actively support but loads that I follow - The Liverpool clubs because I lived just up the road (and I shared a house with a Tranmere youth coach when they were regularly playing of Friday nights), and later Villa and Wolves.

If footie's on I'll generally watch it.

gandalf26

08-25-13, 02:01 PM

Cardiff 3 Man City 2 Woop!

Mega scalp for Cardiff, well played.

Brodinski

08-25-13, 04:39 PM

Worst case scenario this. Now Arsenal has won two in a row, Wenger saying how difficult it is to choose between current players and shipping in new ones. We will get our asses whipped by Spurs next week, mark it down. I'm betting money on my own team to lose.

honeykid

08-25-13, 04:47 PM

Well done, Bluebirds... Dragons... Whatever the hell you're called atm.

I agree with you about Spurs next week, Brod. You can't guarantee it in a one-off game, but Spurs have a better squad and first team than Arsenal atm and, even with Bale at Real, that won't change. I suspect they'll also be out to 'prove' they don't need him.

Read today that Wenger is looking at Tim Krull for £10m. :eek: Good keeper, but £10m?

Brodinski

08-26-13, 04:04 PM

Jesus Christ, I hope that's not true. That'd be like buying Michu: good striker, but not good enough for Arsenal.

I've read reports that they're close to signing Di Maria, with Real already agreeing to the transfer. With the WC next season, Di Maria would be wise to leave. He'd be good for us too I think. Still, I'm very excited about the rumours regarding Mourinho wanting to ship out Mata, and Wenger still interested in buying him. I'd prefer him over Di Maria.

Still, doesn't take away that we still need a great forward (even though I think Giroud has been pretty good at knocking 'em in this season so far), a quality DMF and a centre back who can play full back too. And more depth on midfield.

Spurs has been buying left and right to make up for Bale's loss, whereas we've done... nothing.

Daniel M

08-26-13, 05:19 PM

I can no way see a player like Mata being sold to Chelsea's rivals Arsenal. I think Wenger is being a bit naive in hoping to target players like Di Maria and Benzema with only a week or whatever left in the window. These are important players even if they don't start every week, and unless Madrid are able to bring people in I don't see why they would sell.

Absolutely delighted with the Cardiff result, been one of the best/exciting games I can remember in a while, fantastic performance by Malky and the team, and worthy winners. Gunarsson and Medel are f*cking class, wel, the whole team was.

honeykid

08-26-13, 05:53 PM

Jesus Christ, I hope that's not true. That'd be like buying Michu: good striker, but not good enough for Arsenal.

Well, it was in the Sunday papers, so you can probably discount it. :D

I've read reports that they're close to signing Di Maria, with Real already agreeing to the transfer. With the WC next season, Di Maria would be wise to leave. He'd be good for us too I think. Still, I'm very excited about the rumours regarding Mourinho wanting to ship out Mata, and Wenger still interested in buying him. I'd prefer him over Di Maria.
There's also rumours over here of Di Maria to United, which I don't buy, as well as Ozil, which I'd love to be true and even Mata as part of the Rooney deal. Anyone think the Rooney deal will go ahead? I can't see it myself.

Still, doesn't take away that we still need a great forward (even though I think Giroud has been pretty good at knocking 'em in this season so far), a quality DMF and a centre back who can play full back too. And more depth on midfield.
I've not seen him too often, but I like Giroud. He's not Henry or the finisher that v.Nistelrooy was, but I think he's a good target man and he's doing ok on the goal scoring front. Unless I'm missing something significant, I think he's been treated a little harshly since his move.

Does anyone think there really is another bid for Bale?

Brodinski

08-26-13, 07:11 PM

Wait, isn't his transfer a done deal? There was a slip-up on Real's webshop where you could already buy Bale's shirt, but then they - obviously - quickly deleted it.

I've read he's going for € 99 million; or option B: € 75 million + Coentrao.

honeykid

08-26-13, 07:59 PM

Yep, I've read both those, although I've read Coentrao to a few clubs, including United. I think it is done, but this is just something that's been rumoured today. Actually, I think it's coming from Spain, so I'm not sure. If we find out it's from Marca we can put it to bed. :D

There's still names being thrown around for Arsenal. Rooney and Ozil are two of the less likely, IMO, being mentioned. There's also di Maria and, probably the most likely, Yohan Cabaye for £20m. PSG are said to've offered £17m.

With Willian now at Chelsea, Hulk is said to be where a chunk of the Bale money will go. Erik Lamela is also rumoured to be on his way. It's £30m for Hulk and £26m for Lamela.

A boring 0-0 draw. I didn't see the game, but I'm ok with the result.

weeman

08-26-13, 08:10 PM

It's a better result for us than it is for United and for that reason, I'm happy.

I have this theory that Mourinho doesn't like Spanish players very much. Juan Mata can't be injured otherwise we'd have heard something about it, no?

shlomi

08-28-13, 01:54 PM

Aaron ramsey has really improved.

still an idiot i'll say.

weeman

08-29-13, 02:20 PM

Daniel M

08-29-13, 02:55 PM

So, the Champions League draw has been made, and some pretty interesting groups have been created (along with that PSG one and that one with Austria Wien).

So, what do you make of it, and how will your team (sorry Liverpool) fare?

I think Arsenal's group is probably the most interesting, and the closest in terms of quality:

Group F: Arsenal, Marseille, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli

With Rafa in charge, Napoli will be wanting to get through the group stages, Dortmund were runners up last year and Arsenal always get past the group stages, so which two will make it? Marseille aint to shabby either.

Brodinski

08-29-13, 03:01 PM

Daniel M

08-29-13, 03:12 PM

I'm confident in saying Arsenal will push through. Napoli isn't that good as far as I've seen from them (and they've sold their best player), and Marseille isn't good enough.

Anyone else think Chelsea's formation against Man U was proper weird? There were six guys across the midfield, lots of whom are very attack-minded, but no real striker. Once José gets in a midfield beast and a striker who can knock 'em in, it'll be the same old. ***** works though.

I think Napoli have spent wisely and strengthened across the field though. Armero, Mertens, Callejon, Albiol, Higuain and perhaps Reina (if he can recapture his Rafa-LFC form) are all smart additions. Plus like I said they have Rafa, whose European record is phenomenal, I don't think anyone can deny this - he takes European football very seriously and can beat any European side on a day with his smart tactics, he even did it last year with Chelsea.

And I thought playing Schurlle up front was more a statement than anything, saying 'look at me, I need a striker', both teams were always going to be conservative anyway at such an early point of the season, although I think the point will benefit Chelsea more than United, smart by Mourinho.

weeman

08-29-13, 08:13 PM

On kind of football related news: What even is this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FthAcqi-rJA

rapperkey

08-30-13, 08:43 AM

Football, I LOVE football

Soccer: Man U/Portsmouth
Aussierules: Carlton
Gridiorn: Dolphins

MU => me too :D

honeykid

08-30-13, 11:52 AM

Eto'o to Chelsea?

Eto'o is terrible now from what I've seen. He played for Anzhi against Liverpool in the Europa League and he was very very bad. No way Chelsea would sign him on current ability, age and wages.

I know they wouldn't pay anything like the wages he's on now, or even half that, but it feels like an Abramovich buy. I don't think it will happen, I was just throwing it out there. :D

Well, I might not have thought it'd happen. Now that he's there, the rumour is that Torres will be sold. It makes sense to me, as I can't see Eto'o being any worse than Torres has been.

Kaka has said he wants to move this summer. Bit of a shame he's only given a week's notice. :D Still, a quick move doesn't sound out of the question. So, where do you think he'll go and what would be the best move for him?

Word coming out of Italy is that United have made a bid of €12m for Daniele De Rossi. I'd love this, but really, is there any chance? Every time I hear someone liked to De Rossi, it seems to last all of a day or two.

One move which might have legs is midfielder Ander Herrera to United, as Athletic Bilboa have confirmed United have made a €30m bid for the player. Will all this be in addition to Fellani or instead of?

As for Fellaini, I think it'd be a good bit of business for United, but I can't understand why we didn't get him when his contract allowed us to get him cheaper? Unless that clause didn't really exist, of course, but its existance was one of the few things that everyone seemed to agree with this summer.

This mornings papers have Arsenal going all out and blowing the lot on Benzema, Ozil and Di Maria, for £70m. Yesterday Ozil was saying he was staying at Real, so think what you will. I can see Real selling and recouping a large amount of the Bale outlay, if that happens in time, but do they all want to go to Arsenal?

Daniel M

08-30-13, 12:22 PM

I can't see De Rossi leaving Roma in his career, his nickname is like vice-captain or something isn't it, because of Totti? I think if United get anyone now it will be Fellaini, but I don't think they really need anyone. Moyes is just bidding for players to please the fans, he should just stop appeasing them and doing things for the sake of it and say he's happy with what he's got, or be honest that he only wants one player, instead of bidding for loads.

And that's just more bullsh*t from Arsenal I think, I told you guys at the start of the summer that they wouldn't spend anything despite everyone saying 'this summer Wenger has money' and such, and you all said this summer would be different :p Funny how Spurs are deliberately delaying the transfer of Bale to prevent Madrid selling any players from Arsenal too.

Golgot

08-30-13, 05:33 PM

Woo, hatrick!

It's so much like Christmas round Spurs way I keep expecting to wake up soiled and hungover. Loving the first post under the Eriksen announcement (https://mobile.twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/373535791093276672) on Twunter. (Could be a joke account, but fun either way ;))

honeykid

08-30-13, 07:00 PM

I can't see De Rossi leaving Roma in his career, his nickname is like vice-captain or something isn't it, because of Totti?
I'm of the same opinion, which is why any story about de Rossi moving seems to disappear after a day or two. However, there did appear to be something amiss towards the end of last season.

I think if United get anyone now it will be Fellaini, but I don't think they really need anyone. Moyes is just bidding for players to please the fans, he should just stop appeasing them and doing things for the sake of it and say he's happy with what he's got, or be honest that he only wants one player, instead of bidding for loads.
I'd be happy with Fellaini, but I agree that Moyes shouldn't just buy because he thinks he should to appease the fans. Our midfield really could do with some help, though. Unless we buy some wide players who can beat a man. It appears that Ander Herrera isn't coming.

And that's just more bullsh*t from Arsenal I think, I told you guys at the start of the summer that they wouldn't spend anything despite everyone saying 'this summer Wenger has money' and such, and you all said this summer would be different :p Funny how Spurs are deliberately delaying the transfer of Bale to prevent Madrid selling any players from Arsenal too.
You're right, he's spent nothing. However, I do think they tried, it's just that, as usual, Wenger dithered and allowed his head to be turned by Suarez and that, along with Napoli getting a gazillion Euros for Cavani meant that Higuaín wasn't coming. At least, that's how I see it.

gandalf26

08-31-13, 12:45 PM

I think a record is about to be set for fewest Premier League goals on a Saturday. A few moments ago there were 4 x 0-0 games out of 4 (two games are now 1-0)

If it stays like this and the late game is 0-0 that would be 4 goals in 6 games today. I bet Sky are glad they paid out all that TV money for all the exiting games today. LAWL.

Daniel M

08-31-13, 01:12 PM

A good point for Cardiff. Add a couple of players to the squad, I've been told we're signing a French defender Catherine and Peter Odemwingie, and we'll be fine. Excellent performance from Kim once again who is having no problems in adapting to the Premier League, and a great performance too from Connolly who has been superb in his last two games after a bad start v West Ham.

honeykid

08-31-13, 11:31 PM

weeman

09-01-13, 04:40 PM

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BTGL3-rCEAAe9-v.png:large

Other News

1. Spider-man has signed a three-year deal at Stoke, confirming his £3.5m transfer from Sunderland.

2. Iron Man has opted to stay at Newcastle after being given permission to talk to West Brom.

3. Superman is rumoured to be on the move to Manchester United, after they enquired about his availability to Barcelona.

gandalf26

09-02-13, 10:14 AM

Well looks like Arsene has finally spent some monies and on a good player too, Ozil for 42£ million.

Fellaini on way to Man U and hopefully Baines and Herera too.

Bale saga has finally been wrapped up, interesting to see what happens rest of the day.

honeykid

09-02-13, 01:08 PM

Fellaini and Herrera are all but done, according to the people in the know. The last I heard, Baines will not be moving and this has been the case for the last couple of days. Coentrao is said to be staying at Madrid, too.

Kaka has gone back to Milan on a free, by the looks of it.

I think Liverpool may've done some really good business today.

I think Ozil's a great player, just not sure how good a buy he is for Arsenal. It's not where they need strengthening, but he'll improve the team. They're still in for Angel di Maria & Demba Ba, too. I'd think Ba is all but certain if both want it, di Maria probably wants to go, but whether they'll get him or not, I don't know.

There's talk of PSG and Mata, but no one seems to know how serious that is.

shlomi

09-02-13, 03:16 PM

Ozil singing with Arsenal.

Him, Wilshere and cazorla...that's...thats good.

BlueLion

09-02-13, 03:25 PM

http://i.imgur.com/3bHsiUf.png

lol.

gandalf26

09-02-13, 06:23 PM

38 mins to go and Man U have no significant signing!:(

If Man U hijack Ozil it would all be worthwhile.

Tacitus

09-02-13, 06:38 PM

Can't see that happening as it's been confirmed (on the BBC anyway) that he's signed for l'Arse. He'll probably end up playing up front once Giroud gets injured and Sanogo turns out only to be good on Football Manager 2012. At least they've signed a backup/replacement keeper so this window isn't a total farce for Wenger.

As for Moyes... ;)

gandalf26

09-02-13, 06:48 PM

Yea Ozil confirmed for Arsenal.

This transfer window for United has been a complete embarrassment . It's not so much Moyes but Woodward also.

On a positive note the team is still the same one that dominated the Premiershp last year.

Tacitus

09-02-13, 07:02 PM

While those around them strengthen, Scholes retires (again) and Ryan Giggs enters his 50s. ;)

I feel a bit sorry for Moyes - Wins the league and it's with Fergie's team. Does badly and he's an average Prem manager elevated way above his pay grade because he's Scottish.

The Herrera fiasco sounds very weird, if reports are to be believed.

Oh, and Garry Barry has gone to Everton. Hurrah for Garry Barry! :D

gandalf26

09-02-13, 07:12 PM

For a Man U fan this entire window has been a giant tease that NEVER delivers.

Golgot

09-02-13, 07:15 PM

Tacitus

09-02-13, 07:19 PM

Gah, new motto to live by: Never trust a smirking professor!

Good coup for Le Arse. You'd think there'd be some wage shuffles down the line and other repercussions, but still, the cash was finally flashed, and he's definitely no Arshavin ;)

How do you feel about Spurs attempting to field a team comprising entirely of central midfielders?

Fellaini has apparently now signed for Man U. Garry Barry's place in the Toffee's 1st XI is safe! :D

Golgot

09-02-13, 09:00 PM

Apparently we're parking the bus in front of the halfway line :D

Which is good because we dont seem to have a left back :S

All told it's been a golden transfer season. Just not sure it's bought us 4th. Think we're gonna be less fun to watch at times (depending on whether Erik makes good as link man), but poss less conceedy too. So should still be a fun season all told ;) (PS I'm thinking there may be a striker splurge come Jan. Either that or we'll buy half a stadium ;))

BlueLion

09-02-13, 09:08 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugUAgG4POQk

hilarious

honeykid

09-02-13, 09:15 PM

Fellaini has apparently now signed for Man U. Garry Barry's place in the Toffee's 1st XI is safe! :D
Personally, I think it might've signed a while ago. The rumours last week were that he'd be announced at a press conference on Monday. Now, I don't know if that's true or not, but I do think that once Everton had done their business the Fellaini deal would be agreed. With Everton trying to get McCarthy as cheaply as possible, that held the deal up. I wonder if Fellaini (or United) got worried when it wasn't done by last evening and went to hand in a transfer request to rush things through. Of course, it could just be that United's entire transfer window has been a complete mess. :D

Any more news on Coentrao going on loan to United? The news over the weekend was that he was definitely staying at Real, but in the last 10-15 minutes, there seemed to be talk of a loan which was going through. Was that just rumour talk?

And Tacitus is right, the Herrera deal seems to've ended very oddly. If it ever got any further than the "no" from the previous day.

Daniel M

09-02-13, 10:17 PM

Well Cardiff managed to bring in a good player, and I was also able to make a tidy profit in the process ;)

http://gyazo.com/beee553d7a4ff8b3b9fa50a573745527.png

Tacitus

09-03-13, 09:32 AM

Poor old Peter Odemwingie - Terribly racially abused in Russia and a figure of mirth approaching Stefan Postma proportions in Blighty.

The whole rush at the end of the window seems to have resulted in Spurs (rightly) pushing Madrid to the wire leaving other teams precious little time to pick over the bones of the Real squad, particularly the fanny merchan.. erm ... attacking midfielders.

I finally managed to catch Baker & Kelly on BT Sport last Friday and was a little disappointed. The format just doesn't translate well to TV, probably because there aren't enough callers - that type of show's oxygen.

honeykid

09-03-13, 09:03 PM

The whole rush at the end of the window seems to have resulted in Spurs (rightly) pushing Madrid to the wire leaving other teams precious little time to pick over the bones of the Real squad, particularly the fanny merchan.. erm ... attacking midfielders.
Do you really think United made a bid for Khedira? I just can't see why they'd even bother will Ozil already out the door. Of course, I feel the same way about Fabregas, but at least there's the possibility that overtures were made before hand.

I finally managed to catch Baker & Kelly on BT Sport last Friday and was a little disappointed. The format just doesn't translate well to TV, probably because there aren't enough callers - that type of show's oxygen.
That's a shame. Hopefully it'll improve as they get used to the format. I've not seen it, but the Danny's work best when there's a good number of callers or none.

Tacitus

09-04-13, 06:26 AM

I didn't pay much attention to the story but wasn't it Khedira (or his agent) who floated the story? Sounds a bit like "I'm still here and I'm good enough for Man U to make a bid, someone come get me in January" to me. ;)

The perilous life of a young multi-millionaire, eh?

The thing which saddened me most about Baker & Kelly is that it was the same old shtick. Usually I fall for it hook line and sinker but today it sounds a bit like two old men telling their war stories. Baker's Saturday morning 5Live show had a vibrancy (even when he'd just come back from his illness) that this one lacks, but maybe it's just my expectations getting in the way.

I just don't think they're getting the volume of calls to be able to weed out the rubbish ones, as witnessed by the obviously drunk bloke dropping the F Bomb on Friday.

honeykid

09-04-13, 12:11 PM

I didn't pay much attention to the story but wasn't it Khedira (or his agent) who floated the story? Sounds a bit like "I'm still here and I'm good enough for Man U to make a bid, someone come get me in January" to me. ;)
The only thing I heard was that it came from a radio station out there, which is usually fairly well connected. Of course, Marca is well connected, too. :D

I'd have been pretty happy with Khedira, to be honest. I can see Moyes going back out there in January and trying to prove "there's value in January."

The thing which saddened me most about Baker & Kelly is that it was the same old shtick. Usually I fall for it hook line and sinker but today it sounds a bit like two old men telling their war stories. Baker's Saturday morning 5Live show had a vibrancy (even when he'd just come back from his illness) that this one lacks, but maybe it's just my expectations getting in the way.
I see. That'd be a shame, but I guess everything has its time. I hope that they manage to pick things up as the programme, and the season, progresses.

I just don't think they're getting the volume of calls to be able to weed out the rubbish ones, as witnessed by the obviously drunk bloke dropping the F Bomb on Friday.
Ew, yeah, that just sounds desperate.

Anyone else think Galatasaray would like us to talk about them? Maybe they've decided that Sneijder isn't quite worth the massive chunh of change they're paying him every week.

Who do you think did the best this summer? I can't look past Liverpool, Villa and Southampton, though Everton's last day dealings worked out very well. McCarthy and Lukaku are both excellent signings and I'd have been pretty pleased to see McCarthy at United. It wouldn't be guaranteed success or anything, but I think he's good enough and will get better.

City spent big and it should work out well, as did Spurs, but they've got to get that team together quickly before I'd say they'd done as well in the market as the 3 or 4 I mentioned at the start.

gandalf26

09-04-13, 01:35 PM

Woodward and Moyes will be keen to overturn this summers embarrassment in the January window. I'm sure lessons have been learnt and there will be a big name or 2 coming to United in January, the deals being wrapped up with plenty of time to spare.

Surely Woodward and Moyes will have a sit down with David Gill and SAF for advice to avoid a repeat of the epic **** up that was this summers transfer window.

honeykid

09-04-13, 02:00 PM

It's all new at United so, while there's no excuse for them to cock it up as much as they seem to've done, I'm sure it'll run better next summer.

One thing is slightly worrying/confirming suspicions I have for this season though, too many fans seem to be really down on this and Moyes. This isn't going to be a good season by United standards. Get used to it. It'd be a miracle if it was. We've had three seasons of "this is the worst/most average United team Fergie's ever had" and we've won two titles and lost one on goal difference. Considering it's Fergie who's been replaced, it's simply not going to get any better this season. I'll be very pleased with 3rd and happy enough with 4th and I wouldn't think next season will be too different in terms of final placing. That third season, though, I'll be expecting a proper title challenge.

Tacitus

09-04-13, 02:08 PM

Two words: Bruce Rioch

Solid upper mid table manager takes over from a club legend and is just kinda average. Sacked and replaced by, of course, Wenger.

If history sort of repeats itself, Man U fans will look forward to Pep coming next season. ;)

honeykid

09-04-13, 03:08 PM

Tacitus

09-10-13, 07:24 PM

Dear God. We lost to Luxembourg.

Ok, we've got even less quality than we had a couple of years ago but (the crap) O'Neill hasn't even moulded the lumps we have into a solid unit. It's a shame that Trap's seemingly on his way out because (the good) O'Neill is favourite to replace him.

I'd have moved mountains to get MO'N in charge of us, even on a part time basis.

Brodinski

09-13-13, 07:50 PM

Ozil is a great player, but doesn't solve our true needs, namely a world-class striker, a proper good DMF (not Flamini), and depth of choice on midfield. I've seen zero footage of Viviano, but surely he can't be worse than sczesczssescny or FlappyHandski, but again, why didn't Le Prat go for someone like Mignolet?

We'll still struggle mightily to make 4th. That being said, we should wipe our ass with the team managed by a fascist tomorrow.

BlueLion

09-21-13, 02:16 PM

Mourinho can f*ck off, seriously.

gandalf26

09-21-13, 05:54 PM

Mourinho can f*ck off, seriously.

care to elaborate?

BlueLion

09-21-13, 06:04 PM

care to elaborate?

Mata. Pretty obvious really. I mean, not even on the bench? smh

JayDee

09-22-13, 01:07 PM

Man alive Utd could be in for a battering here. City are a mile ahead of them.

EDIT - Was 3-0 when I posted. That's now 4.

honeykid

09-22-13, 03:25 PM

Thankfully I didn't watch that. I feared a two or three goal beating, but was just assuming I was being my usual pessimistic self. Sadly that wasn't the case. On the plus side, it wasn't 6-1 and it still only counts as three points.

The rumour mill has a few teams sniffing around Mata and, let's be honest, it has had ever since Mourinho turned up at Stamford Bridge. Napoli are the newest name I've seen added to a growing list.

BlueLion

09-22-13, 03:49 PM

Lol United got sodomized

Tacitus

09-22-13, 06:29 PM

I guess Moyes will last the season. If he doesn't there'll be egg on the face of Fergie et al (purple and yellow isn't a nice combo either). Wouldn't be surprised if the club are already sounding out Klopp, de Boer, Conte, Steve Kean etc for 13/14.

Sunderland. That went well, didn't it? Serves then right for sacking MO'N. :p

honeykid

09-23-13, 04:59 AM

So long as we're still challenging in the later months of the season and don't finish lower than 4th, I see no reason not to give him another season. The summer went badly, but that can be rectified and, despite winning two titles and losing a third on goal difference, no one's really thought United's had anything but a decent/average team for three seasons now and, IMO, there's a lot of work to do rebuilding. Fergie's genius was that he was able to have United challenge/win titles during the team's transitions. Moyes isn't Fergie. No one is and that's what I think United fans should remember. That's not to say that if Klopp or Conte were to come available I'd be adverse to giving them the job. Honestly, though, I expect him to be there for 2-3 seasons, at least.

I couldn't see United winning yesterday. A draw, at best, but I thought a loss was on the cards. I've only seen the goals, so I don't know how United played. Poorly, I'd expect. Aguero's first goal was lovely, though.

The Di Canio sacking seems an odd one, but then, so did his appointment. I heard Kevin Kilbane saying the players weren't playing for him. If that's true, then it seems far more logical.

gandalf26

09-23-13, 07:01 AM

Let's not crucify United/Moyes just yet. Only 7 games into his tenure (inc Comm Shield) he has 4 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats with both those defeats coming away from home against top tier opposition.

If they are still doing crap by Christmas I'll jump on the anti Moyes bandwagon. United could really use a good 4-5 game win streak.

weeman

09-23-13, 08:05 AM

Mourinho can f*ck off, seriously.

Aye I'm getting annoyed at his tenacity. We need to play our best players :( Mata :(

Brodinski

09-23-13, 02:53 PM

We're doing well lately. So, about time a couple of key midfield players suffer injuries to show our utter lack of depth.

Daniel M

09-25-13, 09:02 AM

We're doing well lately. So, about time a couple of key midfield players suffer injuries to show our utter lack of depth.

So pessimistic :p Arteta and Cazorla didn't start against Stoke, and they're both great players...

Brodinski

09-25-13, 02:39 PM

Arteta is not a great player. Cazorla is.

That being said, young Ramsey is our standout the past games. He's knocking 'em in left, right and centre. If only he'd not give that many piss poor passes each game, he'd be proper quality.

Given a better DMF and better defense, a forward like Higuain (guy is tearing up defenses all across Italy) or Suarez, I'd say I'd be dissapointed if we don't win the Premiership this season. But, we have neither of those so going life and death for 4th place it is.

Ship Wenger off at the end of this season, get a guy like Klopp and let him bring one of the best in the world in Lewandowski. I like Klopp more and more every time I see him. Guy damn near made the 4th official wet himself during Dortmund's game with Napoli.

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/809703657.gif?1379532479

honeykid

09-25-13, 04:02 PM

One of the worst kept secrets in European football became official today when Lewandowski said he's off to Bayern. He's hoping for January, but if not, then it's the summer when he's out of contract. Did you know Klopp has been banned for a match for that?

Gus Poyet is said to be about to take over at Sunderland.

Daniel M

09-26-13, 12:43 PM

I think you're being harsh to Arteta, I think he'd get in to most midfields in the league, maybe even Europe. His role might not be that important now with more attacking players in front of him, but he has always done what he does very well, and has some of the finest statistics around.

Ramsey has always been quality too, ability wise he is amazingly talented, but following his leg break he has just always lacked confidence - not helped by the Arsenal support who prefer to lick Jack Wilshere's arse instead. I think maybe a DM and ST are needed, but I am surprised by how well Flamini has done since he is back, and Giroud has been on fire too this season, if he can keep it up and stay fit, you should be fine up front.

Arsenal fans need to stop being fickle and blaming Wenger when things are tough and praising him when times are good, make up your minds. I think Wenger, a manager who has been at the club for over 15 years is a better choice than a manager like Klopp who has had one great season but his hardly going to be a long term type of guy for me, what had he done before reaching the CL final with Dortmund?

I would rather be in Arsenal's position now than a lot of PL clubs, they are better equipped and more stable than Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United, at the moment, although the latter two are needing to settle down under new management. Man City have also been hit and miss so far although look to be improving, and Spurs have a lot of players to blend together, although have done well so far.

Brodinski

09-26-13, 06:25 PM

I think Wenger, a manager who has been at the club for over 15 years is a better choice than a manager like Klopp who has had one great season but his hardly going to be a long term type of guy for me, what had he done before reaching the CL final with Dortmund?

Is that a rhetorical question?

If not: Klopp rebuilt Borussia completely. Before he took over, they were struggling badly and were in danger of relegating just 5 or 6 years ago if memory serves. Under his lead, they've won the Bundesliga twice and ended as runner-up last season. Moreover, they've played the best football I've ever seen from them, and I've been watching Bundesliga for close to 20 years now. The man has a clear-cut vision that involves working with young talents, but he at least doesn't shy from splashing big cash if needed, and has been loyal to the team so far. Guy like him would be great for Arsenal. Great for any team out there.

Brodinski

09-29-13, 10:40 AM

Weird season in PL so far. The usual teams who challenge for the title are fariyl *****, while Tottenham and Arsenal are performing on their usual level...

Moyes can't take too much of those games this early in his reign. Also, Chelsea failing miserably this season. José hasn't got the type of forward that's on point and fits in his game. He can't change it up... He might end up sacked before Christmas if he can't get them on track.

gandalf26

09-29-13, 02:47 PM

Yeah for the first time I'm starting to get worried about United under Moyes, although I don't think the transfer debacle in the Summer helped (not Moyes fault imo).

4 Champions League spots available and at the moment it looks like one of Chelsea/Man C/Man U will be missing out.

honeykid

09-29-13, 07:37 PM

The West Brom loss is bad, but I'm not worried just yet. Don't get me wrong, there's no excuse for it and, from what I saw and have read/heard, they fully deserved the win, took the game to United and were slightly unlucky not to score more. I expect more of this, but it's how United deal with it that'll determine how worried I become. We'll see how things look come January/February.

I think the Chelsea situation is fascinating. Jose has a team full of players he wouldn't have chosen and he has to make it work as best he can.

City seem to be carrying on from last season. Easily the better team, but just not putting teams away.

Brodinski

09-30-13, 04:13 PM

I think the Chelsea situation is fascinating. Jose has a team full of players he wouldn't have chosen and he has to make it work as best he can.

This is probably the season where we see if Mourinho is as good as he claims to be. He lacks his midfield destroyer and a target guy in form, even though Eto'O was clearly bought because he wanted him. I think he might get run out of town here.

Really curious for Arsenal - Napoli. That'll show us a bit more than beating the likes of Swansea (and the hated Spurs :p).

Tacitus

09-30-13, 07:40 PM

The season is playing out the way some of the more educated pundits said it would - Managerial changes at the top have levelled the playing field for those knocking on the door of the big four.

HK's right: Jose having very few of his trusted players from his first stint, and those that remain are ageing, allied to Roman not being as much of a spendthrift these days means he's going to have to make do with what he has. For a few months anyway, then he'll need to buy a striker. Will Rooney want (again) to leave come January?

Moyes is looking like a man who's been kicked in the knackers a few times and now he's even got Eric Steele briefing against him. Ok, Steele is acting like a spurned wife, but Chris Woods is hardly a scarlet woman. Umm.

Managing the Mega Clubs has long been a game of 'show us your medals' between coach and players and that's a major chink in Moyes' armour when it comes to commanding the dressing room.

I read a good snippet the other day - Man Utd have had ropey spells before but they always had Fergie to pick up the pieces and settle a few heads. Now they don't.

Player of the season so far - Ramsey by a street. Ramsey St... :p

honeykid

10-01-13, 12:46 PM

Managing the Mega Clubs has long been a game of 'show us your medals' between coach and players and that's a major chink in Moyes' armour when it comes to commanding the dressing room.
This is why I'd have gone with a Mourinho. Fergie is impossible to follow simply because his absence will be a bigger change than whoever comes in. Therefore I'd have plumped for a rebound. Someone with form and the arrogance to think they can follow Fergie. So long as they kept steady and steered United safely through the next couple of seasons, you can then either stick with him if he's doing well, or make a change with a more long term plan in mind, having bridged the gap and dealt with an overperforming, aging team that needs quality in midfield and, changes in defence. My fear is and always has been, that United would make the same mistake they made when Sir Matt retired. The thought I can't shake, though, is that the mistake is unavoidable after such a figure.

This isn't to say that Moyes can't do this, I obviously hope he can and I think it's possible if given time, however, he wouldn't have been my choice for the rebound.

I read a good snippet the other day - Man Utd have had ropey spells before but they always had Fergie to pick up the pieces and settle a few heads. Now they don't.
Again, this goes to the heart of the matter. Fergie's absence is bigger than anything else this season. That said, being a United fan for as long as I have, I've seen United have ropey spells with and without Fergie.

Player of the season so far - Ramsey by a street. Ramsey St... :p
He's been superb, hasn't he? I heard a theory that Wenger had been playing him in the wrong position because he wasn't in form but needed games, so playing him out of position so when/if he was bad, it wouldn't be "all his (Ramsey's) fault". I don't buy it, simply because he did it for so long, but it is something I could see Wenger doing.

Tacitus

10-01-13, 01:43 PM

Wenger has admitted recently though that Ramsey is only now going for 50-50 balls without thinking. That awful leg break affected his mind more than his body, it seems.

They've got a fantastic midfield three now, easily the equal of anyone in the league. Flamini (great signing), Ozil and Ramsey to start with Wilshere probably not even a 1st choice for his favoured position.

This could be a blessing in disguise for Wilshere because he seems to constantly being rushed back from injury when not totally fit. It could be a quieter season for him but a great benefit in years to come.

Brodinski

10-01-13, 03:42 PM

Tacitus

10-08-13, 06:37 AM

The greatest football documentary of all time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW0ebsf7ZRs

"Carlton! We're losing the shape! TONY!" etc etc

An Impossible Job or one man's decent into madness. I blame Big Laurie. ;)

honeykid

10-09-13, 02:05 AM

"HIT LES! DEMAND IT!"

That's about the only quote I can remember from that, so thanks for posting, it'll be good to watch it again. :D

Tacitus

10-09-13, 06:44 AM

"Hit Les over the top!"

"Carlton! CARLTON! ****!"

"Yes boss" (aka: Watch Phil Neal closely, he's an excellent music hall style 'Mirror' act, not so much a competent coach)

Hadn't seen this in years either. Don't think it ever made it to DVD and Lord knows where my VHS copy is. Lord knows where my VHS player is actually, probably some landfill in East Tyrone.

When you see players like Earl Barrett (yep, I'm good at pub quizzes :D) in the squad it's clear that Taylor had less to work with than even the current England manager. The collection of man-children on display show that today's crop are nothing unusual in their personalities either.

I always liked Taylor. Such a nice bloke and a decent manager, just not an international one.

evillemachine

10-15-13, 08:14 AM

Chelsea F.C

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTlf3lsSLpbfPapn7FNjEDdA1BngFVVp-sJILLukBqIlkXCCHFYCw

evillemachine

10-15-13, 06:39 PM

With Podolski and Walcott injured, only Giroud has to get himself injured and we're done up front. Bendtner was on the bench last weekend for Christ's sake.

Not to mention Sczescny still being ultrash!t. Him getting injured would be a blessing.

Squad is too small for AFC to sustain it - they'll start to drift by Xmas as my boys begin to pull away from the pack. Wenger is too miserable to buy the three or four players AFC need to mount a challenge.

evillemachine

10-15-13, 06:46 PM

Oops, I duplicated post.

Masterman

11-07-13, 03:58 PM

Great start to the season this year. Arsenal looking very good, especially the midfield. Ramsey has impressed everyone I think. Everton, and Southampton are looking very strong. It's wide open.

gandalf26

11-10-13, 07:27 PM

Just about best possible weekend for Man Utd. City, Tottenham, Arsenal losing and Chelsea scraping a draw. only Liverpool getting 3 points.

I'm considering a big bet on United to win the title maybe £500 at 5/1.

Tacitus

11-10-13, 07:59 PM

Will l'Arse now crumble like they've done in the past few seasons? If they look on the bright side then results for the sides around them mean things could have been a lot worse.

They need some big characters in the dressing room now and somehow I can't imagine Carzorla bashing heads together while Walcott says "This sh*t just got real".

You never know, I suppose. ;)

BlueLion

11-10-13, 11:14 PM

Will l'Arse now crumble like they've done in the past few seasons?

Let's hope so.

Tacitus

11-11-13, 06:33 AM

Upton

11-14-13, 10:52 AM

Oh, I dunno. I think it'd be great if they won it this season, especially now that Wenger has discovered that he can spend a bit of money and not commit a sin against football.

If they do manage to hang on, expect him to sign Ronaldo (plus the Real Ronaldo as a club ambassador ... who never played for the club), Pirlo, St John The Baptist and Phillip Schofield. Mad Tony Adams gets groomed to take over when Wenger (who's now dyeing his hair and hanging out in China Whites with Sven and the female cast of Hollyoaks) moves upstairs.

Sky Sports News report Herbert Chapman, Bertie Mee and Terry Neill spinning in their graves while a season ticket holder gets arrested for uttering George Graham's name. When he's at home. In the bath.

It'll happen, mark my words. ;)

Ha I've been an avid fan of world and club soccer for as long as I've followed sports and yet when I read something like this I realize I'll never be able to achieve the kind of true, deeply seated appreciation that a European would have for the game. For instance - I had to google several of the people in your post to try and parse everything out. Sports are probably about 15% less fun to follow when you don't have that kind of instant, innate relationship with their personalities and daily goings-on and history

Brodinski

11-18-13, 03:06 PM

Let's hope so.

Meh, losing once to a top team doesn't mean much, especially considering we went on the road and beat Dortmund.

We've got every chance to make it, but we desperately need another striker. When you're 1-0 down at Old Trafford, no manager should have to bring in Bendtner. Couldn't even get rid of the little **** for next to nothing.

And a goalkeeper. Wish Wenger would just put in Viviano and see how he does.

Daniel M

11-18-13, 03:35 PM

But Szczesny has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League this season...

Brodinski

11-20-13, 03:09 PM

Dude is laughably bad. Should not be anywhere near a top team. Wenger should've forked over the money for Mignolet.

-KhaN-

11-22-13, 05:24 PM

But Szczesny has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League this season...

Nop...

honeykid

11-23-13, 10:32 PM

Dude is laughably bad. Should not be anywhere near a top team. Wenger should've forked over the money for Mignolet.
An opinion you must feel even stronger after yesterdays heroics.

Daniel M

11-24-13, 09:34 AM

Mignolet has been great this season, especially yesterday, yes. But I stand by my comment that Szczesney has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Prem this season, but it seems you guys are blinded by your hatred for him based on past mistakes.

-KhaN-

11-24-13, 02:51 PM

My opinion on teams so far,and my thought on what they can do in race for title...

Arsenal-Ozil was best signing in this transfer windows at least for me,Ramsey is very good for now,that can change really fast,as team they are good...Big problem of Arsenal are injuries,if some important players get injured they dont have good subs...But it will be hard for them to keep on going like this,for now they are doing good job,if other teams played better things whould be diffrent but we are here now,and this is situation.I think Arsenal will finish 3-4 this season but without w8ing for last game to decide that,they will be secure.My thought on them.

Chelsea-They have best team in PL,one month they are good another month they are bad,it seems they still didnt found right tactic,or something else is problem but they are not doing a good job,they need to get in that wining streak, that will happen 100% but question is,when wining streak will come,when will Chelsea start playng good,if they start too late,that will be problem...I think Jose is too good to let PL title slip this year,they have really awesome team....

Man UTD- I think they will fight for 4th place this year,they are not doing good job,Moyes is not doing a good job,they are so bad,they are playng like some children in park,tactic 0 ,game0....If they change Moyes for some manager that proved himself by wining titles,maybe they will get better,they have very bad team,but there is no Alex this time to make them a good team...So yea,i think they wont get better with Moyes,maybe if they get superstar signing in January but i dont think so...They will have bad season.

Liverpool-They will be fighting for title with City and Chelsea,i think they need to get some players in January but all in all they are doing awesome job.They have good manager and i think they will be in top 3 maybe 4th if Arsenal keeps going like this,but if they are 4th i dont see UTD in first 4.They need left back.

Man City-They will be in first 3 fighting for title,but problem is they are not doing good job away and if they keep playng bad away maybe they will fight with UTD for 4th place,they dont need any signings,i think Pelegrini can handle this away situation,they are second best team in PL...

Yea guys just some of my thought on PL so far :)

gandalf26

11-24-13, 03:15 PM

-KhaN-

11-24-13, 07:09 PM

Oops I bet £200 on United for the Premier Leauge at 6/1.

Now after their lame draw at Cardiff they are 8/1:mad::mad::mad:!!!

Still I suppose if they had won the odds would shorten, 3 points short of 2nd aint too bad after 12 games, but obv they need to have a good Christmas run and hope the rest start to struggle.

They didnt had good team for 2-3 years now,but they did have results only because of Ferguson ,now when he is not there,i really think they wont be so good... :)

Daniel M

12-02-13, 06:54 PM

Dude is laughably bad. Should not be anywhere near a top team. Wenger should've forked over the money for Mignolet.

Do you still think this despite some more great performances? I support Cardiff and he made a magnificent save to deny Fraizer Campbell what would have been an equalising goal. In fact, statistically, he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season - http://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/Tournaments/2/England-Premier-League .

Tacitus

12-02-13, 07:37 PM

Do you still think this despite some more great performances? I support Cardiff and he made a magnificent save to deny Fraizer Campbell what would have been an equalising goal. In fact, statistically, he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season - http://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/Tournaments/2/England-Premier-League .

Totally agree. Maybe people forget how young the guy is - He was thrust into the first team very early and had an understandable blip last season.

This season he's been pretty darned good. Best in the league? Dunno about that but most improved? I'd say so.

A settled back four in front of him also helps, of course. Gibbs is having a consistent run in the team for probably the first time and Big Mertesacker has upped his game to the extent that he now looks like a player with 90-odd caps for Germany before his 30th birthday.

gandalf26

12-02-13, 07:55 PM

Looking forward to the next month of games, United have quite an easy run (on paper anyway) whereas the rest have tough games. We will see Arsenal's title credentials put to the test. 7 games over next 30 days and Looking at the fixtures I fancy United to be top or close to it come 1st Jan.

Daniel M

12-02-13, 08:13 PM

Totally agree. Maybe people forget how young the guy is - He was thrust into the first team very early and had an understandable blip last season.

This season he's been pretty darned good. Best in the league? Dunno about that but most improved? I'd say so.

A settled back four in front of him also helps, of course. Gibbs is having a consistent run in the team for probably the first time and Big Mertesacker has upped his game to the extent that he now looks like a player with 90-odd caps for Germany before his 30th birthday.

Yeh, aside from the obvious stand out players - Ramsey and Ozil - there were a few Arsenal players that impressed me against Cardiff. Mertesacker is doing really well recently yes, and Koscielny too, with a settled back four they seem much more confident and stronger. The back three of Szczesn, Mertesacker and Koscielny have all had their critics and for good reason in the past, but this season they are very very strong.

Tacitus

12-02-13, 08:22 PM

He's also the Prem's best Steve Backley impersonator. ;)

honeykid

12-03-13, 03:10 AM

I agree that Szczesny is doing well this season and is starting to look like a keeper of a top 4 team. I'm still not convinced, but a season of this and next season I'll be a lot more positive about the Arsenal keeper. You can't blame an Arsenal fan for being skeptical, though.

I'm fine with Moyes atm. I don't feel we're doing much worse than I've expected, the defeat to West Brom apart. Let's not forget that last season we nearly lost a good few games, Villa/Southampton/Reading off the top of my head and needed late comebacks to get anything. The difference is we won those games rather than drew.

We don't have Fergie, we have new backroom staff, van Persie's injured, Fellaini looks to be having some trouble settling and an injury and, while we're 9 points behind Arsenal, I still think it'll be either Chelsea or City and we're only behind them by 5 and 3 points respectively and 2 points off 4th place, which I agree is the target this year. The genius of Fergie was that he was able to keep us challenging, and looking like challengers, through each of the previous transitions, whereas Moyes hasn't. That and, frankly, Fergie usually had better players even when in transition. All this, and the Glazers said to have taken around £500m out of the club since they took over. No, I'm OK with Moyes atm.

Daniel M

12-03-13, 08:56 AM

Moyes has done better recently but I am still not convinced. I am not his biggest fan but I don't think it's all his fault though and your post is a sensible one, I think the main problem with United is their extremely week midfield. Moyes insists on playing wingers, but who on the wing is actually good? Valencia a couple of seasons a go was for me the best winger in the league, but he has massively declined since then, Nani has never been good enough for me despite occasionally glimpses of quality (a few matches per season), Ashley Young was never great and has got worse - he's probably made more dives than goals in the last couple of seasons, Januzaj is still young and it's not fair to rely on him every week, and then there's Kagawa, who despite being a quality player is definitely not a winger but can not play in a central attacking position as this would mean leaving out Rooney or RVP.

Cleverly also seems to have regressed in his development as a player, and I was a supporter of his a couple of seasons ago.

United undoubtedly owe a lot to Rooney for their recent good form, he's been magnificent and without him they wouldn't be doing no where near as well, especially with the absence of Van Persie.

gandalf26

12-03-13, 10:06 AM

Yep ^^^^ Must sign 1 or 2 quality midfielders in January who can control a game like Giggs did vs Leverkusen, or like Scholes used to. Sell Cleverly at earliest opportunity.

honeykid

12-03-13, 11:58 AM

Moyes has done better recently but I am still not convinced. I am not his biggest fan but I don't think it's all his fault though and your post is a sensible one,
Thanks. I try. :)

I think the main problem with United is their extremely week midfield.
So long as you mean weak, I agree. :p

Moyes insists on playing wingers, but who on the wing is actually good?
Again, I agree somewhat, but considering your previous point, what choice does he have? Personally, I'd play three against the teams I expect to struggle with and wide attacking players against those I expect to beat.

Cleverly also seems to have regressed in his development as a player, and I was a supporter of his a couple of seasons ago.
I think this is the season for Cleverly. If he doesn't do it this season or show some decent progression, I think he could well be shipped out. He's 24 now and, while I'm not one of those that thinks anyone who's not 'made it' by their early 20's is not good enough, for a first team regular, it's time to step up and play like one.

United undoubtedly owe a lot to Rooney for their recent good form, he's been magnificent and without him they wouldn't be doing no where near as well, especially with the absence of Van Persie.
He's been fantastic so far. Of course, being brilliant in short bursts is what he does best. I expect to see him tail of when van Persie, eventually, makes his way back.

Also, while it needs attention, I'm still not convinced that United will spend in January. Certainly not in the way the rumours are going to suggest, anyway.

honeykid

12-07-13, 04:49 AM

Group stage it is, then. :D

Tacitus

12-07-13, 07:47 AM

Ah well, at least Moyes has been responsible for Everton finally winning against one of the Big Four...

Dunno if the van Persie story is true but if it is then I doubt if it'll be long before the other established players (Rooney, Vidic, ermmmCleverly, ermmmmYoung) start putting out antsy vibes through their publicists.

I'm still at the stage where I feel slightly sorry for Moyes, the same as I did for Graham Taylor when he was England boss. Decent men (and managers), overpromoted.

gandalf26

12-07-13, 12:28 PM

LOL United!!

Moyes out!

We're paying for that epic fail transfer window now.

honeykid

12-08-13, 11:47 AM

Dunno if the van Persie story is true but if it is then I doubt if it'll be long before the other established players (Rooney, Vidic, ermmmCleverly, ermmmmYoung) start putting out antsy vibes through their publicists.
I suspect it is true, though I obviously don't know. Fergie apologised to van Persie personally after he announced his retirement. I say announced, as I'm sure he had been thinking of retiring even before he signed RVP. Of those you mentioned, Rooney's the only one I'd miss and that's only because, atm, we really do need him. The players brought in over the last two/three seasons haven't developed in the way that I expect Fergie had hoped they would by now and the weakness in defence has now caught up with the oft mentioned weakness in midfield. Both have needed addressing for a while, but as the young defenders (Smalling, Evans, Jones, Rafael) have still to become consistently good Premier League defenders, which is the base upon which most title winning teams are built. The reason United have won two of the last three titles was down to the combination of a good United defence and, more importantly IMO, the weakness of the same at City (without Kompany), Chelsea and Arsenal. What's happening atm has been coming for a long time, however, the reason it looks even worse than most feared is because it's happened at a time when Liverpool, Southampton and Newcastle are stronger than they have been for years. United should be fighting it out for 4th against Everton and Spurs with, at worst, Liverpool nipping at our heels and, had it happened anytime over the last three years, that's pretty much what you'd have seen.

I'm still at the stage where I feel slightly sorry for Moyes, the same as I did for Graham Taylor when he was England boss. Decent men (and managers), overpromoted.
I can understand that. I feel similarly. People keep saying that these are the champions and that's part of the problem. It's the champions, a year older and, with the exception of de Gea, not a year better.

We're paying for that epic fail transfer window now.
Absolutely. We don't usually get in transfers in January, but if a top 4 finish isn't to be beyond us, that needs to change this season. I'm not even talking, necessarily, about buying players that we'd want in the team come August. I literally mean to give us a good shot at top 4. The money doesn't have to be big by United standards, how much was Tiote, Schneiderlin, Cabaye, Sandro or Dembele? The rumour is that Blaise Matuidi is unhappy at PSG. Go have a go for him. We don't have to worry about them not playing in the CL because they're cup-tied (though that'd be a problem for them, obviously) because we're not going to win that anyway and it's far more important to qualify for next years competition than do well in this years.

As for the last two games, while Newcastle were definitely the better team for most of the game, United had their chances, hit the bar and had a goal (rightly) disallowed. The Everton game was just one of those games where it just wasn't going to happen. Last year we were just managing to win these games, but we weren't really playing any better, IMO. We had RVP finishing the chances and that was the difference.

Tacitus

12-08-13, 01:50 PM

Excellent summation, HK. I remember saying it when Moyes took over - He inherited a title winning squad but one which hadn't been strengthened while the other teams around them had brought in players.

You'd still expect this group to show a bit more fight though. The Fergusons, Mourinhos and Wengers (of a few years ago, although it looks like he's found his mojo again) can instil a confidence which papers over quite large cracks.

honeykid

12-08-13, 03:54 PM

I agree that I expect to see more fight out of the players, but which ones can you really see doing it? Vidic, Rooney, Carrick and Evra seem to be the only players that can do that. Actually, that's another problem. The best United teams, like the best of any team sport, has a team full of leaders. Players who are able to fire up and/or inspire their team when some of the best players are having an off day, which happens to everyone. Carrick and Rooney were missing yesterday and, while Evra and Vidic played pretty well, there aren't enough players good enough to inspire and that's a damming indictment.

I can't understand why Nani is still getting a game. I know that Moyes wanted to see everyone and give them all a chance to impress, but really? Still?

Daniel M

12-08-13, 04:09 PM

I can't understand why Nani is still getting a game. I know that Moyes wanted to see everyone and give them all a chance to impress, but really? Still?

He gave him a new long term contract as well, madness.

Anyway, perfect weekend for Liverpool results wise :) Terrible game for Cardiff, we are going to go down if Malky insists on playing five central midfielders and a midget up front against smaller teams that we should be attacking, too defensive and pessimistic, we only seem to attack against the bigger teams. Play proper wingers (Noone and Bellamy will do) and stick Cornelius (big Danish target man, he cost 8 million, hasn't start yet although he has been out with an injury, Malky still seems reluctant now he is fit) up front to partner Campbell.

Brodinski

12-08-13, 06:03 PM

Alright, guys?

You lot can throw all the stats in the world regarding Sczescny's season at me, and I'll still think we'd be better off with Mignolet (who was up for grabs), Valdes or make a run at Courtois. Sczesny will find a way to turn into sh!te again, just like Bendtner always did after he had a run of good games.

I don't like the way in which Ozil dissapeared against the big teams. They press him, play a high tempo and he just dissapears.

Also, just had a read on something that happened a few weeks back. Some bright fella at QPR figured it'd be a good idea to do a Q&A with Harry Redknapp on Twitter. Check out these gems:

Paul Hatchard ‏@sainthatch 1m
#AskHarry Now do you realise that outside your bubble of arse licking journo mates, the whole country thinks you are a thieving lying prick

Woody ‏@yidingtons 5m
#AskHarry If I draw a face on my bollocks & hang them out the car window, will security let me use your parking spot

Dave Gray ‏@djg23 2h
@OfficialQPR Out of all the clubs you have destroyed, which has been your favourite? #AskHarry

Stupid Football ‏@StupidFootball 1h

What's it like being the only man to crack under the pressure of being England manager without actually getting the job? #AskHarry

Danny Booth ‏@BoothieMCFC 2m
Have you tried bunging Jamie a few quid to let you spaff your cock porridge over Louise's naughty pillows?

You've destroyed the club I support, the club my Grandad supports & the club my uncle supports. My Dad supports Leeds. Any chance? #AskHarry

who did more damage to the south coast you or the Luftwaffe?

ʎllǝʞʞɔıu ‏@nickkelly1983 1m
How many times has Louise caught you in her dirty laundry basket ? #AskHarry

John Wenham ‏@Jonners_86 1m
#AskHarry would you ever appear on 'cash in the attic?'

Noel Prime ‏@MrF1978
#askharry so your accountant was a dog, who drives your car, a ****ing emu?

Michael ‏@SantoDomingos86 31s
#AskHarry What's it like to father a cvnt?

KID CHARLEMAGNE ‏@Sibbo_ITF 2m

Any 3rd rate ****s you’ve signed for no mark shitehouse clubs who you HAVEN’T turned into #TopTop players, you twitching wreck? #AskHarry

Best laugh I've had in a while.