Euro 2008 (Official Man City LOL Thread)

[matt_h]

despite what mcclaren has done, he is currently in the england set-up, so it may get complicated if he is at the world cup and is gonna be manager afterwards, which wont please sven, and i dont know if he would drop people like beckham if they under perform having got to know them so well.

[Britney Diva]

So Scolari turns the Job down.

Thoughts?
I had a feeling he would. While the job itself is very attractive, I think you'd find it very difficult to find a non-Englishman or somebody somehow committed to British football to actually deal with the baggage. It probably didn't help that the FA's been paying Sven stupid amounts of money without provocation and they're finally realising they'll have to live up to it with the next manager.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, I think he really didn't want the ludicrous and horribly intrusive press over here to deal with, as Sven has.

[Britney Diva]

I think Sven likes the attention. There's no way he's as ****ing **** **** **** stupid as he makes out.

[poorquality]

So the big game soon, possible title decider, roughly 9 and a half hours away, I need to sleep if I'm going to see it :P Go on united, dont think i can bear to see chelsea win the title in the game against us.

[TakeWarning]

I don't want to Chelsea to win either.

[Frankie]

Aye I'm willing united on, no doubt the youngsters will be out in force today I hope they do us proud as they usually do.

[Lord Abortion]

Ah, wank.

[Britney Diva]

hrmph

[Dead Star]

I guess everyone hates the Chelski then.

[Drop The Baby]

The FA really f'ucked it up. By publicly going after Scolari and failing whoever gets the job now knows that they weren't the first choice.

Good work lads

[matt_h]

what do you expect, all of football's governing bodies are f'ucked up, uefa, fifa, spanish fa etc.
and its also the medias fault, but again, its no surprise

[Cannibalcorpse1626]

/Turns radio off

This is too depressing.

[Drop The Baby]

helsea are battering Man U 3-0, but not only that- Wayne Rooney has gone off with a serious injury

[Cannibalcorpse1626]

Yep...this is not a good day at all.
For United or England.

Everyone better hope it's not too bad an injury.

[Drop The Baby]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/4957970.stm

Start hoping...

[poorquality]

Right well that was like a kick in the nuts for me, Rooney had our best attempt but missed it, we didn't look like scoring or doing much after that, then Chelsea dismantle us and put another 2 past us, and then to sum it all up, Rooney has a probable broken foot which would rule him out of the world cup, and thus dash englands chances by a lot


EDIT: Wow...did I hear right? Did Mourinho give his premiership winners medal to a fan?

[Ganondorf]

omg Rooney injured

[Distorted Vision]

United's performance and Rooney's injury: feck and double feck.

We were so bad today, not linking passes up well and letting ourselves be closed down by Chelsea way too easily. Granted, Cole's goal was genius and they deserved to win, but Rooney was seemingly the only one fighting for United. As for his foot, the look of agony on his face said it all, and with Terry picking up an injury too, the future ain't looking too rosy for England

[Faith No Doubt]

Chelski beating Man United is good news for us this Tuesday.

[Ganondorf]

:(

Wba

[Frankie]

F'uck no Rooney would be a kick in the balls. And boro lost :upset:

[metal-militia]

:(

Wba

See you next season :p

Can't believe that saggy faced twat kept Pompey up :angry:

[Frankie]

Well its 6 weeks today that the WC starts and Rooney has a broken metatarsel whcih will keep him out for 6 weeks. So all hope is not lost.

[Lord Abortion]

It's been a pretty bollocks day all round, really.

[Britney Diva]

I don't know where all these O'Neill rumours are coming from for the England job or for the Newcastle job. He's stated that he's taking time out from football to care for his wife and has expressed zero interest in returning to football. He's not going to take either job.

[TakeWarning]

I doubt Wayne will be match-fit in time for the WC if he's going to be out for 6 weeks and the tournament's only 6 weeks away.

Speaking of injuries, I jarred my knee today, some fat guy elbowed me off the ball. Hurt my wrist too.

Injuries are gay.

[Ganondorf]

If Rooney and Owen are out for the world cup, we should play 4-3-3 Chelsea style system, using Crouch like Drogba, Coel and SWP as wingers, with Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham in the middle.

[Britney Diva]

I'm sure Owen will be back.

[TakeWarning]

Crouch = complete crap.

Use Defoe, he's alot better.

[Lord Abortion]

Rooney should be back by the second or third game, I would say.

Surely everyone knows O'Niell is waiting for Fergie to step down or die?

I, too would much rather see Defoe start for England.

[Frankie]

Well Owen has done no damage to his foot which is good news and should play against chelsea. Any news on JT ??

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Thank f'uck Owen's gonna be alright.

F'uck about Wayne Rooney.

And what about jt ?

[matt_h]

even a half fit rooney can produce some magic, so he is worth taking. however, if he isnt fit then we should start with owen and crouch and bring rooney on as sub. terry will be fine, and hopefully king will be back, and if he isnt back in time, erikson better not take hargreaves or p. neville.

[Frankie]

Downing Should go !!!!!!!!!

[TakeWarning]

If a player won't be playing their absolute best at the WC I say you should pick someone is, so if Rooney's not 100% fit someone else should be put in the squad.

[Britney Diva]

Well do people think it was the right decision for Beckham to play in the last WC? Rooney is as influential and certainly more important to England than Beckham was, and a far better player.

[Frankie]

This is why S.Downing should go to the WC

[+3kk!]

If Rooney and Owen are out for the world cup, we should play 4-3-3 Chelsea style system, using Crouch like Drogba, Coel and SWP as wingers, with Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham in the middle.

crouch cant be used like drogba, he doesnt have strengh, pace, dribbling skills......he cant out muscle defenders like drogs, dont have the pace of henry or eto' certainly dont have the dribbling skills to make up for his lack of pace

[poorquality]

The only thing crouch has going for him is his height, and i've still seen him outjumped for headers...how the hell can that happen.

[TakeWarning]

Pretty much all EPL strikers > Peter Crouch.

Don't know why he even makes the England squad.

[Ganondorf]

crouch cant be used like drogba, he doesnt have strengh, pace, dribbling skills......he cant out muscle defenders like drogs, dont have the pace of henry or eto' certainly dont have the dribbling skills to make up for his lack of pace

I guess so, the 433 system needs someone who can play a similar role of the loen striker, I think Darren Bent has doen it a few times this season......

[Ganondorf]

omg Heskey

[Frankie]

HA heskeys been relegated

[Interstate]

I was shocked to find that Alan Curbishley is leaving Charlton even though I'm not a big Charlton fan. It was such an unexpected decision.

[Ganondorf]

Heskey could be OUR Drogba :p

[RandyfromPennywise]

Well, that win on Saturday was pure gold. How about the hit from Carvalho? Great. He's our new Franck Lebœuf. The performance all around was very good, we just wanted it more. Don't know what was up with Fergie saying 3-0 was unfair and that...

Losing Rooney, well it's big for you but not the end. He'll certainly be back for the second round at the latest, assuming you make it (!), but I think there are enough options in the England set-up to cope with getting through the group. I think Aaron Lennon must go to the World Cup (as a player, not just go and watch games as a spectator and that), what does anyone else think? Having him in the squad gives you so much more than Owen H or Phil N, those players are merely there as cover and with players like Carragher and King you've already got it in defence and I certainly wouldn't want either Phil or Harg starting in my midfield. Defoe should be in there as well.

Mourinho threw his coat into the crowd, followed by his winners' medal. About 5 minutes later they gave him another medal, and he went and threw that one into the crowd as well.

How good would it have been to have been at the Bridge on Saturday? Just the best ever almost. JT's injury can't be too bad, I've heard nothing, he'll certainly be fine for World Cup, just dirty Rooney trailed with his studs and cut his foot... Dirty scouser.

Fair Play to the Boro as well. And about the FCB 0 - 0 ACM semi, that had to be one of the most technically superior displays of football I have seen. I don't think I have ever seen a game where both sides enjoyed extended periods of possession and the accuracy of passing was phenomenal. A great 0-0'er.

[Steve M.]

Dirty scouser.

**** off you convict :thumb:

[Frankie]

You not worried about big schwarz or cahill randy ??? Cos kewell and viduka have both hit good form lately.

And howay boro we're fielding youngsters tonight but what a bad few days it will be if we beat Utd :p. We can do it tho' we got a draw last year when we fielded youngsters.

[+3kk!]

I guess so, the 433 system needs someone who can play a similar role of the loen striker, I think Darren Bent has doen it a few times this season......

but not crouch...he has the height, but he never uses it.


i am still wondering how he got into the england team

[Frankie]

^ Bribery

[Frankie]

^^ Thank you Downing and Arron Lennon should both go IMO.
As for your idea I'd prefer to see maybe Gerrard do that role or maybe Lampard.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

No to Downing lol.

Parker if fit i think should, kick Hargreaves out.

[Lord Abortion]

Hargreaves is wank, he's only in the squad due to the sheer novelty that he plays for a big European side.

[Britney Diva]

I've been really impressed by Joe Cole recently. He was crap until Mourinho took charge at Chelsea.

OK, he wasn't crap but he was underperforming to Rio Ferdinand or perhaps even Stan Collymore proportions.

[Diabulus in musica]

Ah man i wish i could watch some matches from the premier league, but the only matches they play here are from the mexican league :angry:

[TakeWarning]

Owen Hargreaves is really nothing special at all.

Randy: I think Aaron Lennon could do fairly well at the World Cup, even if he is a little inexperienced. And he probably impressed Sven with the goal against Bolton on the weekend.

I also think Michael Carrick should go, he's been defintely one of Tottenham's best this season. I haven't really seen him have too many good long shots just yet, but other than that he has everything a great midfielder needs.

[Drop The Baby]

Lennon and Downing should go.

IfRooney doesn't make it, i think it's a toss up between Gerrard and Cole as a support forward, with Carrick filling the midfield holding role.

Personally i'd play Gerrard as the support forward. He's played there for Pool this season and with Carrick as a holding midfielder it also allows Lampard more freedom to support too.

[Britney Diva]

Yeah, Carrick should definitely go.

[Lord Abortion]

I, as always, listened to the match last night on Radio 5 live, due to my lack of Sky.

I usually switch it straight off after the match, not caring much about the post-match stuff.

I left it on a while this time to hear the chorus of boos I truly expected to hear ring around Old Trafford.


I was right.

[Drop The Baby]

There's no doubt Wright-Philips should definately go. He's a tremedous player and would add pace and goals to the team.

I fully take and understand your point about matches played, but he's more than worth taking in my opinion.

[poorquality]

I dont think there is a real chance of Rooney playing in the world cup, the papers are saying it's 6 weeks, yet last time Rooney broke the metatarsel he was out for 9 and a half weeks, the shortest time a professional footballer has been out with that injury is I think 7-8 weeks, and that was Beckham who was rushed into Euro 2004 (Or may have been 2002 world cup I forget)...was he fit? Should he have played? That's my point. No real hope I think.

[Britney Diva]

Well it depends on which metatarsel you break. Rooney broke his 4th metatarsel, which isn't as critical as the first or fifth.

[Lord Abortion]

I think that might be the thing, he'll miss out on the first couple of games, then come back for the third, or the second round.

[Frankie]

Wow good point for us yesterday. And lol at RVN at missing the penalty adn well done for brad jones for making a quality stop :thumb:

[poorquality]

I can't believe it stayed 0-0, I mean the penalty miss, then the fact we sorta swarmed you for the second half but still couldn't do anything, Rossi played for 8 mins...what the hell is up with that? Saha and Ruud did NOTHING, should of given Rossi about 40 minutes, he made Jones make a good save in the 8 mins he was on...i feel well bad for him, and now of course since we couldn't beat Boro we now NEED to beat Charlton to secure 2nd...bah

[Britney Diva]

If I were him I'd try leaving Chelsea, since they seem set to buy Michael Ballack, and it's hard to see how he's going to fit into Mourinho's first team. He's got fantastic potential, but he's not going to meet his capabilities there.
I dunno, he seems to be very happy where he is and who he's playing with. If Duff and Robben are injured/crap again next season, he could easily push his way to the front of the running order.

[Lord Abortion]

I really think Rossi should start the Charlton game.

[matt_h]

Lennon is full of confidence and is different and the opposition wont have heard of him. SWP has lost condidence and that has shown in his performances. In his last England outings, he didnt want to take on players as much as he used to. I say have both in the provisional squad and see who does best.
Also, Carrick should go, but not Parker as he has more international experience, and P. Neville and Hargreaves should not go even if the other midfields were all shot. They are both a pile of wank.
Bent hasnt got what it takes, Defoe lacks confident at the moment but he the best we've got left.
Crouch is useful, Argentina didnt know how to handle him last year, so he is a good player to bring on if you're struggling.
Who do people think should go if King and/or Campbell arent fit?

[poorquality]

I really think Rossi should start the Charlton game.


Exactly, what can he possible do worse than ruud or saha did against boro, give the lad a chance. Drop ruud to bench, rossi saha upfront, i bet we'll win and i'll bet he'll score one.

[Lord Abortion]

"He's the best natrual finisher we have, and I include Ruud in that."
Said Fergie... So why not give the lad a chance?
He played better in 8 minutes last night than Saha did all game.
His quick feet are unbelievable.

/Has small dire chuckle at Chelsea.

[poorquality]

Sad isnt it, if we beat sunderland, chelsea, and boro, and then chelsea lost to blackburn...we could still be in it...*sigh*

Rossi is an amazing player, he's fast and skillful, he's like wayne rooney which is why he'd partner saha so well, only thing he lacks is strength.

[RandyfromPennywise]

these fkung forums are a joke, i just typed a ****ing long reply and it deletes it all and asks me to logg in again, fking joke.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Chelsea scum, can't even beat B'Burn :angry:

[TakeWarning]

Hahahahaha, UP YOURS CHELSEA!

[munky_magik]

I've always found stills from matches to be amusing:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41628000/jpg/_41628138_reid_pa300.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41628000/jpg/_41628172_eidur_empics416.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41628000/jpg/_41628256_cole_ap416.jpg

[TakeWarning]

Haha cool, where'd you get those?

[munky_magik]

The BBC sport site, they usually have pictures of the day's football.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41528000/jpg/_41528122_hartson220.jpg

I think the guy's expression in the bottom right says it all.

[TakeWarning]

Haha, what a funny lookin' feller.

[Lord Abortion]

Spot the ball competitions always confuse me...

They're right there in his shorts!

[Britney Diva]

Sven? A plan?

[Frankie]

We're totally ****ed without Rooney :(.

1-1 with bolton, howay boro !!

[Lord Abortion]

Why Maclaren though?

Does no-one else want the job?

[Angry Balled Fists!]

GG 'Boro, i think we'll make 7th now.

[munky_magik]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41632000/jpg/_41632952_bolton_boro203x270.jpg

Caption competition anyone?

[TakeWarning]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41632000/jpg/_41632952_bolton_boro203x270.jpg

Caption competition anyone?

Haha nice.

Going for the balls is one of the worst fouls you can commit in soccer IMO.

And why the hell would you give McClaren the job? He's nothing very special, I'd rather give it to Sam Allardyce, the kid seems to have worked wonders with Bolton.

And yeah, you guys are ****ed without Rooney.

[Frankie]

Well what a kick in the bastard teeth from McClaren :angry:. I'd like to see Martin O'Neill or maybe even Tony Mowbray as the new manager.

[guitarbaz]

Well what a kick in the bastard teeth from McClaren :angry:. I'd like to see Martin O'Neill or maybe even Tony Mowbray as the new manager.

martin o neill?? dream on...:lol:

nice touch with the 1-1, a sound thrashing of chelski on sunday should see us safely into the intertoto...oh the heady heights...:eek: :rolleyes:

[Britney Diva]

Haha, the FA tried their best to screw that up.

[Dead Star]

Well what a kick in the bastard teeth from McClaren :angry:. I'd like to see Martin O'Neill or maybe even Tony Mowbray as the new manager.

Tony Mowbray?

Bit of an odd choice if you ask me.

[Drop The Baby]

Macca got it.

Rather him than Allardyce,. the only reason i'd want him is so that Arsenal might eventually beat Bolton

[Frankie]

Passionate about football and he played for us after all. Dunno who gibbo will pick but I'm behind his pick all the way, never done the boro wrong.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

I'm dissapointed with Mc Laren being the new manager.

I hope Glen Roeder can stay on.

[Frankie]

Unfortunealtey he can only stay on (ya know t'without them badges) if all the prem clubs agree to let him stay at a club conference which is held annually after the last game of the season.

[Drop The Baby]

Gibson has been a brilliant Chairman for that club, one of the best for any club in the world that i can think of.

He's ploughed millions into that club

[Kickflip_Burrito]

My brother just told me Arsenal won the Champions League 3-1, I thought it was for real til I looked on the net and saw it was Manchester City :upset: I thought it wasn't tonight but I believed him, argh.

I would rather see Sam Allardyce as England manager. He seems a little tougher than the others and would get the team in that fighting spirit.

[TakeWarning]

Steve Mclaren sssuuuucccckkkkksssss.

Well, not really, but he's not good enough to coach England.

[Drop The Baby]

He should appoint Pearce as his number two

[TakeWarning]

Yeah Stuart Pearce has done well for himself at Man City.

[Ganondorf]

Last day of the season tommorow?

[TakeWarning]

Well, I think he deserves it. (http://premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=setSelectedId&nextPage=enNewsLatest&id=1273516&type=com.fapl.website.news.NewsItem&categoryCode=NewsLatestFAPremierLeagueNews&breadcrumb=latestfa_breadcrumb)

^^Yeah it would seem so.

[Lord Abortion]

...Predictable

[Angry Balled Fists!]

omg @ grimsby letting in a last minute goal :eek:

They let in a 93rd minute goal and then Leyten Orient scored a 95th minute goal !

Playing Lincoln in the play offs :D

[Timm]

just looked at the results of the Bundesliga..

:upset:

HSV was so close, hopefully we'll make it to the championsleague at least
gotta play remis or beat werder bremen though :(

[Dead Star]

Motherwell drew 1-1 today on the last game of the season, finished 8th.

We had 3 players injured though.

[red barchetta]

Barnet are staying up. hell yeah :cool:

[Frankie]

I'm hoping for my 2nd celtic to not get embarrased in the qualifiers like they did last year :upset:

[Lord Abortion]

Final day of Premiership football.

Thoughts?

[poorquality]

United need to beat Charlton, they also need to start Rossi from the beginning, erm, The 4th place is finally going to be decided, can't wait to see those results, hoping Liverpool lose just incase united can't beat charlton...and other than that, gutted its the last day already, but happy the world cup is soon, i love world cup/euro cup years...because there is never a massive gap between football :D

[Lord Abortion]

Yup, I think United should do it, although I remember an almost identical situation a few years ago where we needed to beat Charlton on the last game of the season to take second, and we were bollocks and drew 1-1, and Liverpool got it.

Spurs will take fourth...if their game even goes ahead:eek:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4982144.stm

and Apperently Athletico have offered us Torres for £14m and Ruud.
I am really torn over that mind...since I would really hate to see him go...but the prospect of Torres at OT is mouth watering.

[Happy]

I don't follow football much. Are Tottenham in 4th?

[Faith No Doubt]

I have a feeling we're going to lose to Man City.

[Lord Abortion]

I have a feeling we're going to lose to Man City.
/Smiles at your location.
Great album.

Spurs should take fourth.

[Happy]

Nice. I'll watch them in the UEFA cup or whatever it is.

My poor, poor uneducated brain :(

[poorquality]

Yup, I think United should do it, although I remember an almost identical situation a few years ago where we needed to beat Charlton on the last game of the season to take second, and we were bollocks and drew 1-1, and Liverpool got it.

Spurs will take fourth...if their game even goes ahead:eek:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4982144.stm

and Apperently Athletico have offered us Torres for £14m and Ruud.
I am really torn over that mind...since I would really hate to see him go...but the prospect of Torres at OT is mouth watering.


If we can get Torres and 14 mil for Ruud I say take it, he hasn't done much recently and he's getting on, in a season or twos time we wont get near that for him.

[Lord Abortion]

Nah, I mean we have to pay them 14 mil and Ruud for Torres.

[poorquality]

Oh right sorry I mis-read, erm well I dont know about that...we could still get maybe 20 - 25 mil for Ruud if we sold him this season, just considering wether it would be in uniteds best interest to take cash to get Torres, personally I believe we'd have no problems playing Rooney and Rossi upfront every game next season, but Fergie probably wouldn't risk it, even though he keeps on about how good Rossi is :(

But I personally think I would prefer united to try and get a cash offer, mainly as we're on a budget now thanks to Glazers, and 14 mil would go right away for Torres.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Come on toon, a win and inter-toto is ours !!

[poorquality]

Team News in

Upfront for United


Saha....and...ROSSI :D yay

I'd say Ruud is definately on his way out. If we can get Torres I say we get him, he's been captain of his side since he was 19, he's only like 23 now and an outstanding striker.

EDIT: Well it turns out Ruud has driven away from the ground 3 hours ago, now I'm certain he's on his way out. He's probably been told he'd be on the bench had a row about it and gone home, atleast thats what I think, United won't comment until after the game, but they have confirmed he has gone home.

[Frankie]

Well middlesbrough have fielded the youngest premiership side in history. And where doing alot more than holding our own.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, I can't see Ruud coming back after that.

3-0:)

Spurs and Arsenal are both drawing their games...

Drama:p

[poorquality]

The spurs, arsenal games are providing all the drama and tension, as Charlton haven't really shown any signs of doing anything.

Feel bad for the guy who scored the own goal though, he'll get blamed, but if he had left it Ronaldo would of tapped it in, he had to try to do something.

Rossi is having an alright game, Richardson is having an amazing game, it's like nothing he does goes wrong, what a shot as well, I wish that'd gone in, goal of the season right there and then.

[Faith No Doubt]

:lol: @ Spurs

Hurrah for Kuqi, he can shoot.

[guitarbaz]

7th.

good grief. works for me.

nice one Glenn.

[matt_h]

what a horrible weekend, forest miss the playoffs and spurs miss fourth!

[Angry Balled Fists!]

YAY FOR FINAL DAY!

Newcastle win :D - 7th :D

Arsenal Champs League :D

Man U 2nd :D

Good day all-round for me.

[red barchetta]

what a great weekend for me.

Barnet stay in League 2, Chelsea lose again, Arsenal get 4th, Spurs get 5th...

now for West Ham to win FA cup and Arsenal to win Champ's league :)



also, David Thompson's goal was pretty amazing...

[Frankie]

How fitting was it for henry to not only get the last hat trick at highbury but the last ever goal. The man is a legend.

[Faith No Doubt]

7th.

good grief. works for me.

nice one Glenn.

6. Blackburn P 38 pts. 63
7 Newcastle P 38 pts. 58

Works for me too.

[guitarbaz]

6. Blackburn P 38 pts. 63
7 Newcastle P 38 pts. 58

Works for me too.

also

Blackburn = unbelieveable season (allegedly)
Newcastle = shíte season.

so even when we're shíte there's fúckall difference between the two. that the best you can do then?:rolleyes:

just as well we didn't even have an average one.....

[matthew121]

How fitting was it for henry to not only get the last hat trick at highbury but the last ever goal. The man is a legend.

Agreed. The man is a legend. I don't support Arsenal but I really do hope he'll stay there, he's awesome to watch.

[Lord Abortion]

Good day for us..I feel sorry for Spurs, I could have sat and laughed at Arsenal all evening.

[Pinhead13]

Did anyone watch the Ajax - PSV game?

[Grutte Pier]

Did anyone watch the Ajax - PSV game?

Yeh, Huntelaar to Germany this summer!

[red barchetta]

Huntelaar's had an awesome season. 33 goals in 31 games or something in the league. he should definately go.



looks like i've won the MX league (http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/table.mc?id=34774) in fantasy football :cool:

[Grutte Pier]

Ruud leaving Manchester? wtf?

[matthew121]

Ruud leaving Manchester? wtf?

Ever since he was replaced by Saha in the Carling cup it was inevitable. He hasn't been the same since. Being replaced by Rossi today though must of really made him want to go, he even left the stadium, not wanting a place on the bench. I think he will go, he's been fantastic for the club though.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Come to newcaste :D

[Lord Abortion]

I finished 20th.

I forgot about it, to be honest.

Ruud will leave, it's unfortunate, but surely they must have SOMEONE lined up if they're going to be that rash.

[Frankie]

Maybe Torres. I don't get all the hype around Tevez either, when he played against england he looked distinctly average.

[metal-militia]

looks like i've won the MX league (http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/table.mc?id=34774) in fantasy football :cool:

Well done :thumb:

I got 6th woo!

[HipHopDontStop]

as a spurs fan can i be the first to post blatant arsenal fan stitching us up with poisoning our players..and yes i am aware this is probably just my natural spurs' pessimism/hate of arsenal

*mutters curses about arsenal in general*

[red barchetta]

England squad announced:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/4983618.stm

Defoe, King, and SWP all miss out (WTF), while Lennon, Walcott and Downing all make it. also, so does Hargreaves (even more WTF). its good to see Reo-Coker in the stand-by list, he's been brilliant.

[poorquality]

Brown left out is a joke, he's been one of the best defenders this season since coming back from injury, I can't believe he's taking Rooney and Owen but leaving Defoe, does he realise his plan to play Rooney means we need to get far enough in the competition for him to recover fully, we won't make it far without fit strikers to score.

Not surprised SWP misses out, it's not like he's had a chance this season to prove he's worth taking, but hey he turned down 1st team football for a bigger cheque every week.

Other than that it doesn't really surprise me, kind of gutted he didn't take Richardson considering england are lacking a natural left sided midfielder, and what a blinder he had against Charlton. Meh

[matthew121]

WAlCOTT! Really? He's never even played a senior game for Arsenal! I wish he had though and I'm so glad he's in the team, he's an incredible player, well he was at Southampton and he's only 17. So incredibly fast, one of the fastest players I've seen. That is unexpected though, I thought Defoe would of been in instead of Walcott. Good to see Lennon in squad aswell, he's in great form, shame about SWP though, too few games at Chelsea, and we know why that is. Hargreaves!? Im thrilled about Walcott though, he's going to be fantastic for England, especially in the coming years.

[red barchetta]

i expect Walcott to become a world cup legend like Pele and Maradona :).

[poorquality]

One thing is though, he didnt pick SWP because he hasn't had a chance to show what he's got this season, yet Walcott hasn't played a single game for Arsenal and he's in it because Wenger recomended him, how does that work? If he's so good Arséne why haven't you played him...bah

[Kickflip_Burrito]

I can't believe Hargreaves got called up again! I certainly wouldn't take him. Maybe SWP in his place but with SWP, like poorquality said, he gave up a regular first team place at Man City for a bigger pay cheque at Chelsea.

I'm kinda surprised Walcott got called up. He'll either be a World Cup success, or he won't perform very well at World Cup standard, I'm really not sure.

Lennon and Downing were a bit surprising, I've never really rated Downing, Lennon has been good this season too but I don't know at World Cup level. Jenas and Carrick definately for England, they'll be good.

Gotta feel sorry for Darren Bent though. 22 goals this season, highest English goalscorer in the Premiership and gets overlooked. I definately would have put him in the Stand-by, at least.

[Faith No Doubt]

David James :lol:

[Kickflip_Burrito]

One thing is though, he didnt pick SWP because he hasn't had a chance to show what he's got this season, yet Walcott hasn't played a single game for Arsenal and he's in it because Wenger recomended him, how does that work? If he's so good Arséne why haven't you played him...bah
- Sven watched Walcott play in the Arsenal Reserves.

- Sven wanted a pacey striker because Rooney might not play.

- Walcott didn't get picked for the Arsenal first team because a) is age. b) he would play in Henry's role.

- Sven wanted to gamble on Walcott.

- England have 3 friendly matches so chances are we will see Walcott play to give him some international experience. Its only 3 games but playing with the England team will help.

[poorquality]

I can't believe Hargreaves got called up again! I certainly wouldn't take him. Maybe SWP in his place but with SWP, like poorquality said, he gave up a regular first team place at Man City for a bigger pay cheque at Chelsea.

I'm kinda surprised Walcott got called up. He'll either be a World Cup success, or he won't perform very well at World Cup standard, I'm really not sure.

Lennon and Downing were a bit surprising, I've never really rated Downing, Lennon has been good this season too but I don't know at World Cup level. Jenas and Carrick definately for England, they'll be good.

Gotta feel sorry for Darren Bent though. 22 goals this season, highest English goalscorer in the Premiership and gets overlooked. I definately would have put him in the Stand-by, at least.


It's sven having his last chance kicking us all in the balls

I mean it makes perfect sense to pick the untried player who's never played for his club (Arsenal) over the proven top english scorer of the season. :rolleyes: god I'm so glad Svens gone after this competition.

EDIT: Kickflip, he's never played a premiership match, the reserves is a totally different game, it in no way shows how he will perform on a big stage. I don't care how fast he is, I would rather have a player who's proved himself in the premiership such as Bent

[Kickflip_Burrito]

EDIT: Kickflip, he's never played a premiership match, the reserves is a totally different game, it in no way shows how he will perform on a big stage. I don't care how fast he is, I would rather have a player who's proved himself in the premiership such as Bent
I realise that, but like Sven said, its a gamble. He could be a flop as most people would predict, on the other hand he could be a thriving success. Nobody has seen him play properly yet, we will just have to wait and see how he does in the World Cup, if he plays.

I personally would've taken 5 strikers. Rooney is a major doubt, that now leaves 3. Should one of those 3 (God forbid) get injured or suspended, that leaves 2 to do all the work with no cover. I'm sure most people would disagree with me, I'm just cautious. In which case, the 5th striker, for me, would be Defoe or Bent.

[poorquality]

I know where you're coming from, but I still say I wouldn't put such a gamble in a major competition, if he's a success everyone will be happy, but if he's a flop everyone will complain about him, I would hate that if it was me, too much pressure, you're first real top game, in the world cup, your entire reputation at stake. It's not only unfair to england, but it's unfair to him.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

To be honest, I'm more gutted Hargreaves is in the squad than Walcott.

But you are right though, it is immense pressure on Walcott now. That is of course, if he even plays.

[TakeWarning]

Hargreaves and Walcott instead of Defoe and King?

What a joke.

Wow, the guy's played in the Arsenal Reserves, bid ****ing whoop, he's got practically zero experience whatsoever, he's going to be knocked over backwards by the standard of World Cup Football.

And Hargreaves ain't nothing special, people just think he's good becuase he plays for a big-name European club.

[Frankie]

I can't believe Hargreaves got called up again! I certainly wouldn't take him. Maybe SWP in his place but with SWP, like poorquality said, he gave up a regular first team place at Man City for a bigger pay cheque at Chelsea.

I'm kinda surprised Walcott got called up. He'll either be a World Cup success, or he won't perform very well at World Cup standard, I'm really not sure.

Lennon and Downing were a bit surprising, I've never really rated Downing, Lennon has been good this season too but I don't know at World Cup level. Jenas and Carrick definately for England, they'll be good.

Gotta feel sorry for Darren Bent though. 22 goals this season, highest English goalscorer in the Premiership and gets overlooked. I definately would have put him in the Stand-by, at least.

Downing has been immense since he came back from injury. Him (and his crossing ability) + Any player that can head = guarnteed goals for england.

I was shocked Sven picked Walcott just on Arsene Wenger recomendation. I think he shoulda taken defoe or bent aswell.

[FuzzyDuck]

The thing is with Bent, as good a finisher as he is, he's a player who thrives on long balls over the top of the defence, which is not really suited to the World Cup, and to England's game-plan. And Walcott could be one of those unlikely World Cup success stories, you never know. It's obvious that he's an immense talent, and his youth and inexperience could work in his favour, as he will be an unknown quantity, and won't be fazed by any of the big-name defenders at the tournament.

As for King, it seems preposterous to leave him out, he is a far better utility player than Hargreaves, and can cover the defence as well as the midfield. He has fitness doubts, but not on the same level as Rooney, who has been included.

Wright-Phillips deserves omission, as he hasn't had a great season, and looks short of form and confidence. As for Defoe, his situation is similar to that of SWP, and I would pick Crouch ahead of him. IMO Crouch and Owen seem to work well together, Owen having scored five times in the relatively short space of time they've played together. They would certainly unsettle foreign defences, and with Walcott thrown into the equation, they would have no idea who they were up against.

And finally, regarding Rooney, although it is extremely unlikely that he will return in time, miraculous recoveries do happen in football (Cisse anyone?), and he has the option of replacing him right up until the night before the first game, so why not use that option to see if there is any chance of him recovering? Also, remember that this is a provisional squad, and is therefore subject to change before the final deadline on May 15th.

[Lord Abortion]

Wow, I can't believe he hasn't even selected Brown and King.
Richardson misses out too...:(

Walcott being selected is a Joke.
Pace?!

What's Defoe apart from the Quickest striker in the Country?!

[Angry Balled Fists!]

omfg, crazy squad.

ergh, jenas and hargreaves :(

[Kyle]

awful squad, Sven better know what he's doing. Defoe and SWP should definately be in, they are proven players despite current form.

[poorquality]

They asked him how he knows Walcott is so good since he hasnt played a premiership game, he replied "I dont it's a gamble"

Brilliant managing there

[Lord Abortion]

Jenas, Walcott and Hargreaves out, Richardson, King and Defoe in.

That would have been sensible.

[poorquality]

I'd have Bent in there instead of Defoe probably, I would of thought the top english scorer would be first choice after rooney and owen, but apparently the less known you are the better in Svens eyes.

[Lord Abortion]

I'd have Bent in there instead of Defoe probably, I would of thought the top english scorer would be first choice after rooney and owen, but apparently the less known you are the better in Svens eyes.
Well being the top scoring English striker in England didn't do Andy Johnson any good, did it?

[Kyle]

I think it's disgusting that Scott Parker hasn't been given any chances in the england squad. I know he is way off a first team place, but he has been absolutely flawless this season, a real gem in the Newcastle midfield. I would feel much happier with him defending the back four than Jenas/Hargreaves/Carrick.

I'm pleased about Lennon though, he's had a cracking season.

[Britney Diva]

I don't think I've ever disguised my feelings regarding Sven Goran Eriksson, being as they are that he's the biggest idiot in football and possesses the strategic knowledge of an elephant, but I honestly think he's just lost it this time. Rooney won't play in the World Cup at all, there's not even an argument to be made, so basically he's left with an untested Owen and whatshisname up front, with the second best forward at Southampton on the bench for the inevitable moment when you're 1-0 down to a South American side with 20 minutes to go and Sven bottles it yet again.

[guitarbaz]

Huntelaar's had an awesome season. 33 goals in 31 games or something in the league. he should definately go.



looks like i've won the MX league (http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/table.mc?id=34774) in fantasy football :cool:

congrats:thumb:

i got 11th. meh. i was ravaged by injuries and food poisoning..:p

[Lord Abortion]

Why Richardson? We've got Bridge and Ashley Cole as left backs (Carragher can cover there too). Joe Cole and Downing as left midfielders. Having Richardson would be kind of superfluous. Personally I'd seriously consider taking one less player and leaving Hargreaves here just so there'd be no chance of him getting onto the pitch, but that may be a bit irrational. Darren Bent must be devastated at not even being a back up player.
I wasn't thinking logically, I just like him as a player:p

[matthew121]

We certainly have better strikers than we did 4 years ago at least. Heskey anyone? Oh wow, does anyone know who we had on the bench back then!? If Heskey makes the starting line up, even I could of been on the bench.

[Britney Diva]

Terry Vassell is probably in the top three quickest strikers in the Premiership, plus he's proven himself at international level. Is he injured or something?

[Lord Abortion]

Terry?

[Frankie]

Play beckham as the holding midfielder have lennon right with dowing left (gerrard and lamps central of course) and give J.Cole the license to get forward. And play owen as a lone striker.

[guitarbaz]

Terry?

Terry Fúckwitt*. Sven's alter ego who made an appearance today.:p

*see Viz.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

yay for leeds

[Lord Abortion]

Terry Fúckwitt*. Sven's alter ego who made an appearance today.:p

*see Viz.
I have a subscription:cool:

[guitarbaz]

I have a subscription:cool:

fnar fnar!

mind you, i'm surprised sven didn't call up billy the fish...

[HipHopDontStop]

so of the 4 striker's we are taking, 2 are injured, one completely untried and one is PETER CROUCH! good decision on lennon instead of SWP though, and his justifications for not picking King (is injured, we have plenty of cover) are sound....imo he should have dropped Hargreaves and kept Jenas (im spurs) as they are the same player, and added a fifth striker (defoe, or at least bent)...regarding Rooney, he can always withdraw him right up to the last few days before vs. paraguay, so that was a good decision...if he doesn't make it, i hope he brings defoe

[Lord Abortion]

fnar fnar!

mind you, i'm surprised sven didn't call up billy the fish...
There's a world cup Billy strip in this month's.

[metal-militia]

I couldn't believe Walcott got called up. I've seen him numerous times for Saints before he left, and in some of the games he was pretty bad (especially against big hard bastards). He is pretty lightweight and gets knocked off the ball quite easily. His biggest assest is his pace, which is still a **** reason to call him up, and his finishing is way below par.

On the plus side Saints get 2mil from Arsenal if he plays a competitive game for England :p

[Untitled]

Walcott was a terrible desicision, i realy thaught Sven would call up someone like Bent, who's been playing well this season, plays in the premership, Svens going to screw us over this World Cup.

And wtf, Hargreaves? why is he in the squad, he's ****e. And why has SWP been left out SGE says he's not played enough chelski games, bollocks, Walcott hasnt even played a premiership game, the line up has angered me.

[Surtr]

Walcott was a terrible desicision, i realy thaught Sven would call up someone like Bent, who's been playing well this season, plays in the premership, Svens going to screw us over this World Cup.

And wtf, Hargreaves? why is he in the squad, he's ****e. And why has SWP been left out SGE says he's not played enough chelski games, bollocks, Walcott hasnt even played a premiership game, the line up has angered me.
I agree I'm not overly happy with the England squad either.

[Drop The Baby]

Sunday was one of the greatest days of an Arsenal fans' life! :lol: :lol:

It will be bettered on Wednesday week

[TakeWarning]

Sunday was one of the greatest days of an Arsenal fans' life! :lol: :lol:

It will be bettered on Wednesday week

Nah, Barcelona will beat you guys.

[Faith No Doubt]

I'm a Watford fan until the playoffs end. Anything to keep Leeds United from coming back up.

[matt_h]

it is nice to see surprises (its great to see lennon in) but sven is still playing favourites taking campbell, hargreaves and bridge. campbell hasnt looked himself, bridge hasnt been back that long but there is limited quality options there. hargreaves has never impressed me in an england shirt, he is only going coz king is injured but he is the same as carrick and jenas. hargreaves should be cut for another striker, preferably defoe. and i also think that richardson is better for england than downing as he impressed in the usa tour.

[Britney Diva]

Yeah, I'd have taken King over Campbell despite the injury.

I thought it was funny that in the official presentation thingy, they showed clips of all the players as they were announced scoring a goal for England or their club or whatever, then when it came to Hargreaves it showed him hitting the bar from a free kick against FC Köln or something. That's the highlight of Owen's career to date!

[Frankie]

^^ Its ****ing joke can't wait till SGE gets the f'uck out of this country.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Chances are, Rooney will be deemed unable to play thus promoting Defoe to the squad from stand-by.

I really hope Walcott proves everyone wrong and has a good World Cup (if he plays).

Spat_out_Plath, I noticed that too, about Hargreaves' 'highlight', :lol:. Did it even hit the bar? I thought it went wide!

[TakeWarning]

I'm a Watford fan until the playoffs end. Anything to keep Leeds United from coming back up.

Get it out the way
I've gotta say
Can we get some more
Watford Pride.

Haha, I saw some article on a "17-year old wizz kid from England" and I just instantly thought "Oh ****". I've never seen him play, but I guess that's just becuase HE HASN'T MADE THE FIRST TEAM AT ARSENAL YET.

I hope England get knocked out in the first round just so I can laugh at Sven.

[Cannibalcorpse1626]

England will get past the group stage barring an absolute disaster.
However...anything past that relies on a good draw.

[Frankie]

UEFA cup final tonight F'UCKING COME ON BORO :D:angry::D

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Come On Seville!

[Frankie]

^ You bastard :upset:

[guitarbaz]

Come on Leeds, get some more North in the league.

And come on Boro too. Gonna watch that baby. :)

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Yeah i want Leeds to win.

I wan't Boro to lose :(

I dunno why maybe coz if we get in it next year we could win it and if Boro win it then it's not as good to win :(

[munky_magik]

I want Boro to win, speaking of which I'm off to the pub. :)

[Dead Star]

Howay the Boro!

[Britney Diva]

I want Arsenal to win. I don't like them, and I did want them to lose so Tottenha m could get the last CL spot, but now I don't really care. I just want to see a great game of football and for Henry to stay in England.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

I easy want Arsenal to win, but i want Boro to lose.

edit - get innnn, halifax are winning !!!!!!!

My dad's at the game and i'm gonna see the conference play off final :D

[Dead Star]

****ing Sevilla :(

[Frankie]

I'm absolutely gutted. Don't know what to say :(:(:(

[Pinhead13]

Boro 0 - Sevilla 4

[Cannibalcorpse1626]

Bad luck Boro...I turned the radio off after the third...it's pretty harsh:(

[munky_magik]

Sheesh, Boro got hammered :(

[Pinhead13]

I blame their loss on the fact that their goalkeeper has a fractured bone.

[Britney Diva]

I blame it on the fact Sevilla were better.

[poorquality]

I'm well gutted :( bad luck Boro

[munky_magik]

I really wanted Boro to score but they just didn't seem there for most of the game.
Sevilla really desevered the win though, so good for them.

On another note I wish folk wouldn't smoke in pubs cause it makes me smell horrible :(

[Angry Balled Fists!]

egh, didn't want 'em to win, but didn't want 'em to get trashed :(

yay for shaymen though!

[Britney Diva]

On another note I wish folk wouldn't smoke in pubs cause it makes me smell horrible :(
Haha, it must have been bad, you got out of there pretty quick after the match! I was having this discussion at a gig the other day, as smoking is banned in bars here, and we came to the conclusion that the smell of smoke is preferrable to the rancid blend of farts and Lynx Apollo.

Anyway, bad luck Middlesborough. Sevilla were always the better team, but it could have been oh so different had Viduka been given that penalty.

[guitarbaz]

Ouch. I felt that spanking.

[munky_magik]

Haha, it must have been bad, you got out of there pretty quick after the match! I was having this discussion at a gig the other day, as smoking is banned in bars here, and we came to the conclusion that the smell of smoke is preferrable to the rancid blend of farts and Lynx Apollo.

Anyway, bad luck Middlesborough. Sevilla were always the better team, but it could have been oh so different had Viduka been given that penalty.
Yeah, well me mate said she didn't really wanna stick around for the end.
And I'm not too sure, smoke sticks to your clothes whereas the other stuff tends to fade more. Smoke is less likely to explode though, so I guess it makes it kinda even.


Also, I'm not really sure if it was a penalty.

[Britney Diva]

It was a clear penalty, he just smashed into the back of him. He might have got the penalty if he hadn't taken about ten minutes to fall over though.

[munky_magik]

It was a clear penalty, he just smashed into the back of him. He might have got the penalty if he hadn't taken about ten minutes to fall over though.
That's what defenders are for, right?

I wish windows updates would piss off, they keep trying to re-start my computer :-/

[TakeWarning]

Well I really didn't expect a 4-0 thrashing.

[Drop The Baby]

Middlesborough would've won, they just forgot there wasn't a second leg they could win 7-2

[Frankie]

Well lets see whos cracking jokes when ron and the boys hammer the gooners next week eh ? :)

[munky_magik]

Scotland 5-1 Bulgaria

:cool:

[Dead Star]

Scotland 5-1 Bulgaria

:cool:

Oh Yes.

:cool:

[Drop The Baby]

Well lets see whos cracking jokes when ron and the boys hammer the gooners next week eh ? :)

Haha!


:chug:

[TakeWarning]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/kieranhurn/NedlandsFC204.jpg

Yours truly latches onto a through ball, takes it around the keeper and slots it into the empty goal with his left foot!

[Drop The Baby]

What the hell is that gola keeper doing ?

He looks like he's wanking and waving at the same time, but he's certainly not paying atention to you!!

What position do you play?

[red barchetta]

you look a bit like Hleb in that no.13 yellow shirt and that slightly short socks.

[TakeWarning]

What the hell is that gola keeper doing ?

He looks like he's wanking and waving at the same time, but he's certainly not paying atention to you!!

What position do you play?

Now that you mention it, he does look a little like he's wanking.

I usually play right midfield, but I played striker in that game, and I played pretty well there if I do say so myself.

[Lord Abortion]

Haha, the wanking keeper.

[TakeWarning]

I think my *** looks pretty good in that picture.

Seriously, take a look it and tell me you wouldn't want buns like that.

[guitarbaz]

Well lets see whos cracking jokes when ron and the boys hammer the gooners next week eh ? :)

well that's not very community-spirited now is it?:p

[Frankie]

I don't care really, defend my team to the hilt I will.

[red barchetta]

apparently, Shevchenko wants to leave Milan for England...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4766837.stm

[Lord Abortion]

£10 on him replacing Ruud, anyone?

[munky_magik]

I think he's more likely to go to Chelsea :-/

[Lord Abortion]

Bollocks.

[HipHopDontStop]

nah schevchenko has stated many times he wouldn't go to chelsea 'cos he doesn't like them

[Pinhead13]

Pretty hot! eh? :naughty:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060511/1/6r0a.html

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b348/falsehopesgg/dfba3576.jpg

[TakeWarning]

Holy ****, I would cream myself if I had boots like that.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Come on Grimsby, let's beat Lincoln today!

Come on Hammers too!

[TakeWarning]

The Cup Final's on a little latefor me, I don't know if I'll watch it tonight.

[Frankie]

I won't be watching as I don't care :).

[Lord Abortion]

I'm going to watch it, because there's only a few games on terrestrial TV a year, and I need to take every opportunity I can to watch matches.

Reports say United could be swapping cash plus Ruud for Diarra:(

I don't even think he's particularly good.

[guitarbaz]

Come on Grimsby, let's beat Lincoln today!

Come on Hammers too!

fishy fishy fishy

1-0 to the skate fúckers then. there'll be trouble in the city this afternoon:eek:

[guitarbaz]

nah schevchenko has stated many times he wouldn't go to chelsea 'cos he doesn't like them

obviously a man of great principles :thumb:

[TakeWarning]

Yeah Chelsea are homo.

[Lord Abortion]

2-0 West Ham!

Up the Irons!

[poorquality]

3-2 West ham.. wow I just got back from work :D this is an amazing final

[Lord Abortion]

What a match...best game of football I have seen for a good couple of years.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

omg come on hammers!

Yay for Grimsby :P

[Lord Abortion]

On to penalties.

[Untitled]

c'mon 'pool.

/is a liverpool fan, when it comes to the premership anyway.

Ive only just got in from work, and its penalties, i wish i saw the whole match.

[Lord Abortion]

Bugger.

Bad luck West Ham, you deserved to win it by miles.

Screw Gerrard, Man of the match: Yossi Benayoun, brilliant throughout.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Fu'ck off you scouse c'unts.

I'm so gutted for West Ham, they easily deserved to win, Liverpool are a disgrace to english football ARGHHHHH.