Euro 2008 (Official Man City LOL Thread)

[Grutte Pier]

A thing that worries me about the England team is that the selection is thinning in quality. They can still bark up some top class players but it's getting less and less. I mean, look to the striker position, only Owen and Rooney had the class to play up there. There was a big gap from there. I think it's because the five english top teams are putting out entire squads of foreigners nowadays. I've seen Arsenal play with eleven non english players in some CL matches. The England staff is starting to pick up players from the sub-top and foreign clubs, it can go awfully wrong from there for the English team I think.

[HipHopDontStop]

I disagree. We (Spurs) are the fifth-best team in England and we play loads of young English talent, as do clubs like Middlesborough. Arsenal are disgusting the amount of foreigners they play, so I agree with you there. I think we will always have the young talent available, it just relies on the premiership clubs playing them and then the England manager giving them a chance as well. I'm quite optimistic for McClaren's reign as he is not afraid of playing young talent.

[Lord Abortion]

Man United always have had a wealth of young England players, but it's getting slightly less...just Rooney and Richardson at the moment.
But that's because the players haven't been a good coming though

[loathed]

Why didnt richardson play? or was he even not in the WC squad? he and downing are one the best left siders in england

[Grutte Pier]

I tried to aim at the CL regulars (Chelsea, ManU, Arsenal, Liverpool). English players in general stay in their own national competitions. It seems like the big four are more keen into investing millions in an exotic, southern, long haired player than a local 'fish and chips' bloke. Foreigners in general are more worth than local players, that's the way in every European competition. So less and less english talent is reaching the top 4 and miss the Champions League. Where they could develop their talent into world class.

[TakeWarning]

Not to sound biased or anything, but Arsenal play way too many foreigners, and last time I checked they had a great youth program, so there should be some good English guys coming through.

Chelsea is another club who are pretty much ignoring local talent, I think if it gets too bad the FA should step in.

[Timm]

when it comes to foreign players the bundesliga was far worse in 03/04
fc bayern only played two german players, kahn and ballack, in the league more or less the whole season

[Bad Blood]

Not to sound biased or anything, but Arsenal play way too many foreigners, and last time I checked they had a great youth program, so there should be some good English guys coming through.

Chelsea is another club who are pretty much ignoring local talent, I think if it gets too bad the FA should step in.

Chelsea has always had quite a few foreign players.

But, if you have the money, you're going to buy the best players in the world aren't you?

[Minus The Flair]

Hopefully Walcott will be good in the future. Oh wait, he's an Arsenal player? And he's not foreign? And he's a young talent? That's a first

[Britney Diva]

I think you guys are forgetting that there's only really three major footballing powers in Europe who can boast all but one or two of their national squad play domestically: England, Spain and Italy (coincidentally, the three European nations who consistently perform below themselves in international competition). Would you prefer to be in France's situation, where most of the domestic teams are full of French talent, but all the top players play abroad?

[Minus The Flair]

At one time, all French players played at Arsenal

[HipHopDontStop]

Arsenal don't have a "good youth programme", they just buy young players from other clubs, usually foreign clubs as well. They've only produced one decent footballer from their academy in recent years (Ashley Cole).

I agree with Splat Out Plath that it's better picking the vast majority of our national squad from our national league.

[Steve M.]

I think Walcott has a good chance at becoming something very good in the next four year, especially learning from Henry.

[Ganondorf]

daaaamn u fine :lol:

[Frankie]

Hmmmm. She is pretty nice.

[Pinhead13]

:)


http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060706/1/8mpx.html

Revised FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as of 12 July 2006
6 July 2006
by FIFA
In Berlin today (6 July 2006), three days before the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, FIFA presented the revised FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. The new method will be applied immediately after this year’s FIFA World Cup™, with the first new FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking to be published on 12 July.

“We have acknowledged the need for a substantial revision. I am convinced that our experts have come up with a satisfactory solution for a new way of calculating the ranking. We are aware that it is difficult to meet everybody’s expectations, but are confident that the new system will provide an accurate measure of the strength of each of our member associations,” said Blatter.

Since its introduction in August 1993, the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking has become a regular part of international sports reports and an important indicator for FIFA’s 207 member associations to find out where their respective teams stand in world football and how they are progressing.

Nevertheless, the increasingly high profile of the world ranking also attracted some criticism indicating that its calculation formula was too complicated. Therefore, in 2005, under the chairmanship of Michel Platini (France) and Ángel María Villar Llona (Spain), the FIFA Technical and Development Committee and the FIFA Football Committee decided to revise the ranking in order to simplify the way in which it is calculated.

A multinational group comprising FIFA staff and external experts was subsequently formed to find a new procedure for drawing up the world ranking. Extensive tests and assessments were then carried out, which – following a number of presentations – reached their conclusion at the end of 2005.

Transparency and simplicity – the key principles guiding the revision – have been combined with sporting criteria and statistical requirements to establish the new and simplified method of calculation that the FIFA Executive Committee ratified at its meeting in Leipzig, Germany, on 7 December 2005.

The most important change to the calculation of the ranking is that it will no longer take into account the last eight years of results but only the last four. At the same time, all of the other factors previously taken into account (result, importance of match, strength of opponents, regional strength, number of matches considered) were tested, analysed and, in some cases, totally revised. In fact, two of the factors that were previously used (goals scored and home advantage) will no longer have any impact on the ranking.

Next year, the official website of the football’s world governing body, FIFA.com, will also offer an online tool that will make it possible to carry out hypothetical calculations for all teams based on the consolidated database of FIFA’s Information Services Department.

[Frankie]

SO the transfer market has moved on a fair bit. Bellamy has moved to Liverpool, Jason Roberts has moved to Blackburn, and hilariously Emile Heskey has moved to Wigan with Paul Jewell describing it as a 'great coup' for wigan. Oh and JFH has been released by Middlesbrough :(

[matt_h]

it will be interesting to see where mexico and the usa come in the new rankings, no that 8-0 wins away to guatemola dont count for as much as they used to

[Ganondorf]

If Juventus go to Serie C, hopefully alot of their players come to the Premeirship

[clown_phobia]

It will definately be interesting for the world game if those four big italian clubs get demoted. Their players will surely leave, but to where? It will cause a big change in the powers of Europe. It will make clubs from England and Spain and possibly Germany a lot better.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

It'd be the greatest thing to ever happen for football :D

[clown_phobia]

Are there any players you can think of that might get really good new contracts based on their performance in the world cup?

[RandyfromPennywise]

Frank Lampard should get a new contract. One with Barçelona.

[Lord Abortion]

Hehe, I take it he dropped in your estimation a fair bit?

I think Ribery and Torres are going to be the breakthrough stars from this WC.

Bact to premiership action soon:D

[Frankie]

Its a damn shame that JFH went. I wonder who Southgate will replace him with or even if he will replace him.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Well with Yak and Dukes, at 34 he's probably had his last solid campaign. I'd be surprised if he bags over a dozen goals this year, although you never know with Jimmy. Looks like Huthy might not be going up North after all.

Yeah Frank was frustratingly awful during the World Cup. I'm not an England fan but I like to see the players I like doing well. Any argument that there was going around (perpetuated by myself at times!) that he was as good as Ronaldinho or at least the second best player in the world is surely out the window. The thing is as well, I was thinking about it, for a lot of that England squad, they have now missed their chance at true greatness in the eyes of history. Let's face it, to be one of the all-time greats you have to turn it on at a WC or two, and for players like Lamps, Gerrard, Owen, Rio, Terry, A. Cole they are realistically going to have one more WC while at their peak. The younger lads like JT and Gerrard may play again in 2014 but as ageing stars. This was this generation's best chance one feels, in 2010 it will surely be the last chance for a lot of them. What price on Lucas Neill holding the Cup aloft in four years' time? :)

Just quietly, does anyone remember The Special One saying that Chelsea would have 3 ins and 3 outs this off-season? I do. Well wasn't that a load of bullshit.

[Drop The Baby]

Yeah what a load of bollocks that was, you'd signed Mikel and Kalou before you even startyed to make 'Chelsea signings', Ballack and Shevchenko.

And Hilario, why? You've got Cudicini and Cech (both top drawer keepers) and a couple of others of decent quality, so just why?

And yes, that was England's Golden Generation.

[Minus The Flair]

Yeah Frank was frustratingly awful during the World Cup. I'm not an England fan but I like to see the players I like doing well. Any argument that there was going around (perpetuated by myself at times!) that he was as good as Ronaldinho or at least the second best player in the world is surely out the window.

Well, look at Ronaldinho at that WC. Some flashes of excellence but mostly he was pretty ordinairy. Massive underperformer, just like Lampard

[loathed]

Both Lampard and Ronaldinho underperformed massively in the WC. Gerrard played alot better than Lampard imo.

[Mispeled]

How bout them cowboys, eh?

Oh, ****... wrong hemisphere...

[Mr. Black]

Both Lampard and Ronaldinho underperformed massively in the WC. Gerrard played alot better than Lampard imo.
Gerrard's never played as well for England than he has for Liverpool. Except against Germany 5-1.

[RandyfromPennywise]

How bout them cowboys, eh?

Oh, ****... wrong hemisphere...
No, just wrong country.

And Hilario, why?Yeah that one was because our third 'keeper - Lenny Pidgeley - left to join Milwall, so we needed a third 'keeper. Yves Makabu Makalamby is only 19 and with an injury to either Carlo or Petr I don't think he's adequate cover. Don't expect to see Hilario in a Chelsea first-team shirt anytime soon.

Gerrard played a lot better than Lampard imoYes, he did.

[matt_h]

it will be interesting to see where mexico and the usa come in the new rankings, no that 8-0 wins away to guatemola dont count for as much as they used to

and they are released...
http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statistics/index/0,2548,All-Jul-2006,00.html
ha ha ha ha
justice

[ZaaR]

there have been talks that cannavaro might be going to chelsea

edit: how come italy are only ranked second after they won the world cup, and brazil are still first if they got knocked out in the final eight? :confused:

[RockAndRoll]

there have been talks that cannavaro might be going to chelsea

edit: how come italy are only ranked second after they won the world cup, and brazil are still first if they got knocked out in the final eight? :confused:
Probably something to with the fact that one tournament doesn't actually negate everything else that happened in the past 4 years.

[Lord Abortion]

there have been talks that cannavaro might be going to chelsea

Oh please God no.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Australia are the top-ranked Asian nation. Rightly so. :thumb:

Editisimo: Fabio would be ok on the bench, he'd be really good for Cup matches and Champo matches against Trømso and Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Yeah, I think we should get him, he'd be good cover and he has a couple of years left in him.

[ZaaR]

Probably something to with the fact that one tournament doesn't actually negate everything else that happened in the past 4 years.

italy are undefeated in the past two years. also, canada is ranked above korea republic :amaze:

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Yeah, Canada have jumped 29 places in a month, thats amazing!

The new ranking looks a little more accurate actually, but why have England gone up to 5th? and Portugal are below despite them knocking us out (arrggh, I hate saying that!). Maybe all the cheating :p.

[Dead Star]

Scotland are up to 41st.

Score.

[Minus The Flair]

You still can't trust the rankings. Where are the Czechs now? They were second!

[Dead Star]

the Czechs are down to 10th.

The rankings are actually kind of accurate now.

[Untitled]

The ranking system is pretty stupid imo.

Teams like the USA are too high, they might be a decent team, but they only reason they have the rnaking they have, is because in there confederation they play easy teams. So they win more, and they get put up the rankings, but with better opposision, they will get owned.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

The ranking system is pretty stupid imo.

Teams like the USA are too high, they might be a decent team, but they only reason they have the rnaking they have, is because in there confederation they play easy teams. So they win more, and they get put up the rankings, but with better opposision, they will get owned.
Yeah but they dropped to 16th. And they're STILL above Mexico who actually won a game and got through to the second round!

Unbelivable. :angry:

[Untitled]

Yeah but they dropped to 16th. And they're STILL above Mexico who actually won a game and got through to the second round!

Unbelivable. :angry:
I know, its riducluas.

I suggest they just put all the names in a hat and pick them out at random. Im sure that would be better.

[Dead Star]

I know, its riducluas.

I suggest they just put all the names in a hat and pick them out at random. Im sure that would be better.

We'll get higher than you eventually.

[Untitled]

We'll get higher than you eventually.
Because your name will be pulled out of the hat first.:thumb:

[Dead Star]

or we shall gradually get better and better.

I'll take the hat one plz

[ZaaR]

The FIFA rankings are some way beyond meaningless. How exactly England have actually gone up to #5 after that unbelievably crappy series of performances can only be described as a complete mystery.


Don't worry, he's being linked heavily with Real Madrid. Cappello has just taken charge there and basically every Juventus player that will leave if they get relegated (Zambrotta, Buffon, Vieira, Emerson, Cannavaro, among others) has been linked with moving there. If them, AC, Fiorentina and Lazio go down then expect a massive sale that's going to see a lot of players switching between the biggest teams in Europe.

apparently alot of the teams might just loan players for a year, until they get back to serie A and then they'll all move back. this might only apply to a few key players though, not the lot.

[RockAndRoll]

italy are undefeated in the past two years. also, canada is ranked above korea republic :amaze:
Yes, they have actually.


The FIFA rankings are some way beyond meaningless. How exactly England have actually gone up to #5 after that unbelievably crappy series of performances can only be described as a complete mystery.
Err, well that's obviously understandable seeing as they changed the ranking system.


The new ranking looks a little more accurate actually, but why have England gone up to 5th? and Portugal are below despite them knocking us out (arrggh, I hate saying that!). Maybe all the cheating .
Because as I said earlier one match doesn't negate 4 years of statistics.

[Britney Diva]

Yeah, the rankings have changed so drastically because they've started calculating it based on the last four years instead of eight.

[ZaaR]

Yes, they have actually.



Err, well that's obviously understandable seeing as they changed the ranking system.



Because as I said earlier one match doesn't negate 4 years of statistics.

my apologies, they haven't lost in 25 matches.

[RockAndRoll]

my apologies, they haven't lost in 25 matches.
Ya. Back to the point though they don't stand out as better than Brazil. Even in their last 25 matches their record is:

14 wins
0 losses
11 ties

Brazil's is:

16 wins
4 losses
5 ties


with a regular points system W = 3, L = 0, T= 1, They'd both have 53 points, so even though we've strayed pretty far beyond the original point about how Italy should be ahead because they've won the world cup, you can see Italy really doesn't stand out above Brazil and although they've done very well, they're in second so there's hardly much to complain about ranking wise.

[Frankie]

'Parently we've signed signed someone from lyon called Gerold Houlan. Don't know who the fu'ck he is tho'.

[matt_h]

the rankings also dont consider goals scored (mexico 8-0 guatelmola is a typical n.america qualifying result) there is no home advanatge and the importance of the match matter more. take it as completely new from now on, starting from scratch, it doesnt matter how much teams have moved cos the system is different, and imo more realistic

[Minus The Flair]

when is the first day of the premiership?

[matt_h]

italian result due very very soon....
i will have a good laugh if they are all relagated :)
but i heard reports than milan will stay up, the rest into serieb and all get large point deductions and euro bans.

any time now...

[matt_h]

decision!!!!

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!!!!!!
:) ha :cool: ha :) ha

juventus to serie b and -30 and stripped of 2 titles
lazio to serie b and -7
florientina to serie b and -12
ac milan stay up but -15

:chug:

[ChodaBoy]

Is that minus points from last season, or the upcoming?

[Minus The Flair]

upcoming, so they start the new season with -30 points. in other words, if they won ten games, they'd have 0 points

[ChodaBoy]

How embarassing for them. At least it will set an example so that there wont be any follow ups.

[Britney Diva]

haha Fiorentina, I doubt they'll find another Di Livio to help them this time.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

juventus to serie b and -30 and stripped of 2 titles
lazio to serie b and -7
florientina to serie b and -12
ac milan stay up but -15
Thats crazy, I heard that only 1 club would go down.

Oh well, here come the bargains and the mad sale prices! :chug:

[Ganondorf]

Apparently most of them will stay in Italy as otherwise it's hard to get into their national team.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Apparently most of them will stay in Italy as otherwise it's hard to get into their national team.
Oh yeh, shi, gd point. There's some policy that they're not allowed to play in the national squad if they play abroad. Damn Italian FA !!

If that is the case, I hope all the good players go to Inter Milan.

[Ganondorf]

I don't think it's an actual rule, just like something that happens

Also, I dislike Inter, so I hope Roma becomes the major Italian force next season :cool:

[Kyle]

Haha, I'm glad something was actually done to the italian teams, I thought they'd get away with it.

Time for the italian shopping spree to begin now!

[RandyfromPennywise]

Oh my god, I am actually sitting here with my mouth open in sheer disbelief. I mean it's not unexpected but **** me this is absolutely huge.

FORZA PARMA for next season, Bresciano to lead them to the title!

[DonMancini]

Hoooooooooooly shiiiiit

Chievo and Palermo? IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?!

Hooooly crap.

This is so entertaining. Go Roma!

[Britney Diva]

Wow, Chievo and Palermo could really profit if they get hold of some of those relegated players.

[RandyfromPennywise]

It's going to be a bit of a meat-market one feels.

"Mmmm, should we bid for Emerton? £1.5 million? Nah, let's bid for Nedvěd!!!"

[Frankie]

Now how funny would it be if viera comes back to Arsenal with his tail between his legs, "erm arsene can I come back plz ?"

[Lord Abortion]

Most of them will have to leave the country, Inter are the only ones who could afford the players and their wages, but they could only maybe buy two players, as they aren't all THAT rich.

/Hopes United get lots of players.
/Is upset and angry about Van Nistelrooy.
Good luck Ruud, wherever you venture to, you're a fantastic player, and you deserve all the best.

[Frankie]

WHo d'you think will replace him Klose or Torres

[Lord Abortion]

Both, I hope:p
Fergie should make my footballing dream of the past 10 years come true and sign Del Piero

I think we should get Gatusso and/Or Pirlo.

[badtaste]

Both, I hope:p
Fergie should make my footballing dream of the past 10 years come true and sign Del Piero

I think we should get Gatusso and/Or Pirlo.

AC Milan haven't been relegated, so won't those two be staying in ITaly?

What does everyone think of the new tops that are popping up?

Manchester United's kit is ridiculously boring, but it's about heritage in this top.
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/1826/manutd07c4wc.jpg

Their away top is nice though http://a712.g.akamai.net/7/712/225/1d/www.eastbay.com/images/products/zoom/14681710_z.jpg

Arsenal has reverted to their old red and whites, but their away top is pretty much identical to Inter Milans (bar a few strips). http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1253/arsenalawayid2ye.jpg

[Lord Abortion]

They look pretty nice, actually.
Well BBC sport are still saying the AC players may leave, but It may be wishful thinking on my part, Gatusso has always said he wants to play for us one day, so it might be now...

[matt_h]

all the new nike kits are awful, they are trying to go all retro but have failed imo, whilst adidas and umbro are making some very nice kits.
ac milan may lose players because there will be no champions league for two seasons

[DonMancini]

This is SS Napoli's moment to shine!

LIVE NAPOLI LIVE!

[TakeWarning]

New Arsenal shirts look stupid, Man U ones are a tad boring.

I doubt Spurs will pick up any good players in this recent scandal, I've always seen us as a club that is reluctant to buy players at all actually. Meh.

[Lord Abortion]

Apart from the manager's addiction to midfielders.

[ChodaBoy]

Man City's new shirt is quite nice, not keen on the sleeves though.

https://shop.mcfc.co.uk/images/SSHOMEZOOM.jpg

[Britney Diva]

This is SS Napoli's moment to shine!

LIVE NAPOLI LIVE!
Maradona!

[Drahmen]

Both, I hope:p
Fergie should make my footballing dream of the past 10 years come true and sign Del Piero

I think we should get Gatusso and/Or Pirlo.


Del Piero has stated that he's staying with Juve. One of the other big names said they were very likely to aswell but I cant quite remember who that was now.

[Frankie]

New Middlesbrough away shirt ain't bad

http://shop.mfc.co.uk/Product.pasp?txtProductID=K603879

[TakeWarning]

^Yeah that looks pretty good.

[Drop The Baby]

Del Piero has stated that he's staying with Juve. One of the other big names said they were very likely to aswell but I cant quite remember who that was now.

I think it was Cannavaro, although it looks ike he will be the first to leave

[Drop The Baby]

New Arsenal shirts look stupid, Man U ones are a tad boring.

I doubt Spurs will pick up any good players in this recent scandal, I've always seen us as a club that is reluctant to buy players at all actually. Meh.

Spurs buy tons of players, they're probably only second to Chelsea in transfer terms in the world. Well, that's probably not true, but they do buy a hell of a lot of players, especially midfielders.

When they start buying one decent player instead of three average ones then i fear they will make huge strides forward. They should bid for some of the impressive players they keep getting linked with.

[Untitled]

Man City's new shirt is quite nice, not keen on the sleeves though.

https://shop.mcfc.co.uk/images/SSHOMEZOOM.jpg
It would be nice if it wasnt Reabok

BOOOO to reabok, they make and sponser the crapy team of bolton wanderers.

/ages old tradition says us Bury FC fans must hate Bolton, and thus Reabok, i have also never owned, or wore anything reabok, because my dad wouldnt let me, now i dont want to.

[Lord Abortion]

So United need at least two strikers once Ruud goes.
Only Rooney is worthy of playing for United, anyway and since Saha will be injured most of next season, I would think, since he usually is, Ole isn't going to play much, and Rossi will go out on loan.

Klose and Torres?

Mehopes so.

[Britney Diva]

Klose ****ing sucks.

[Lord Abortion]

He's top scored in the past two world cups, but his domestic form is atrocious...he's like a German Milan Baros.

[Britney Diva]

Put it this way. If United play Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia in every round of the Champions League, we'll be unstoppable.

[Minus The Flair]

Good to see Solsjkaer scoring a couple goals after coming back from injury. He'll always be one of my favourite players after scoring the winning goal that won us the champions league, completing the treble.

[Lord Abortion]

Eh, I really rate Saha as a striker. If he stays fit, I think he'll surprise a lot of people that simply don't know much about him. If we get Torres and pair him with Rooney, with Solskjaer (the guy deserves some luck), Saha and Rossi as backups then I think we've got a very good strike force there, actually. I don't think we should buy two strikers as our funds are inevitably going to be reasonably limited and we need midfielders. I'm hoping that we can get Gattuso off Milan, even if it's just on loan for a year (we've been linked with him today), and there are also persistent rumours about a bid for Vieira, who would be a very good addition, even though a lot of people seem to think that he's past it.
Gattuso would be the best signing we've made since Rooney, in all honesty.
However...looking at it this way, what if Saha gets injured again, and Rossi is out on loan, then Solskjaer gets injured...we'd be cursing if we didn't buy someone else...yes?
With both Players' recent record, that's a very likely situation.

Put it this way. If United play Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia in every round of the Champions League, we'll be unstoppable
/Bribes UEFA.

[TakeWarning]

Spurs buy tons of players, they're probably only second to Chelsea in transfer terms in the world. Well, that's probably not true, but they do buy a hell of a lot of players, especially midfielders.

When they start buying one decent player instead of three average ones then i fear they will make huge strides forward. They should bid for some of the impressive players they keep getting linked with.

See that's what I mean, we seem to buy alot of fairly crap players who sit on the bench for most of the season, whereas we should be trying harder to get players who have already established themselves as world-class.

[Lord Abortion]

ITV sport says Spurs getting Nedved, BBC sport says they're getting Duff.

United Linked with Torres, Vieira and Gattuso today:)
Ronaldo is told by Jose Mourinho AND Eric Cantona to stay at United.

[Untitled]

ITV sport says Spurs getting Nedved, BBC sport says they're getting Duff.

United Linked with Torres, Vieira and Gattuso today:)
Ronaldo is told by Jose Mourinho AND Eric Cantona to stay at United.
Ronaldos mum said he IS staying at Utd apparently.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Oh man why can't we buy Duff ?

[Lord Abortion]

Duff is already injury prone...if he goes to Newcastle, his career is over.

[ATM]

So my local club (DC United) are talking with Real Madrid about playing a friendly. That would be awesome, seeing Ronaldo and Beckham.

[TakeWarning]

Yeah I heard Spurs are in the market for Duff, hope that pulls through.

Didn't hear about Nedved though until now.

[matt_h]

the times says he will only be available for £1m, down from £5m. it will be nice to see him play though, even if he is past his best

if only forest were good enough to buy some of these players :(

[ZaaR]

can someone give me a good link to all the recent transfers regarding juventus, and the other 3 clubs that have been caught up in the scandal? thanks

[Lord Abortion]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/football

That has all sorts of speculation

[ZaaR]

i didn't know fiorentina and lazio also got demoted. i thought those two clubs were in the same position as milan, staying in serie A but starting with less points.


edit: i also hope that most of the italian players on the market either stay in the italian league, or go to spain. i really don't want to see chelsea, manchester, liverpool, and arsenal stack up with these top class players.

[Frankie]

Meh I'm not bothered about which players go where as long as Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool make a proper challenge this year isntead of getting bummed by Chelsea for the third consecutive year.

[Britney Diva]

ITV sport says Spurs getting Nedved, BBC sport says they're getting Duff.

United Linked with Torres, Vieira and Gattuso today:)
Ronaldo is told by Jose Mourinho AND Eric Cantona to stay at United.
TOTTENHAM IN BUYING MIDFIELDERS SHOCKER

[badtaste]

Ronaldos mum said he IS staying at Utd apparently.

Can we all call C. Ronaldo "Cronaldo"?

Ronaldo > Cronaldo (Therefore, Cronaldo is undeserving of the name (despite it being his name))

I really don't like all these big players going to big clubs. I wanna see some new talent!!

[Lord Abortion]

Chronological Ronaldos

[clown_phobia]

Anyone follow the Bundesliga? It'll start in about 11 days or something. Hopefully Bayern can have another great season, it's a bummer Ballack and Ze Roberto left, but they've still got a great side. Kahn, Sagnol, Lucio, Lahm, Hargreaves, Deisler, Schweinsteiger, Makaay, Podolski, Pizarro, Santa Cruz etc... I think Werder Bremen'd be their main threat this season, Klose's in great form. Doesn't look like they'll be dominating the world this season, but champions league quater finals'd be good.

[Timm]

it starts on 11th of august

bayern is the bundesliga's fc chelsea, I hate them.

I hope HSV does great this season, they're still in need of a striker, it will probably be either kluivert or baros.

last season they were bayern's main threat. too bad they facked up the last three games :(

[clown_phobia]

I like them because i was born and grew up in Munich... do you just not like them because they have more money and win a lot more than the other clubs?

[Minus The Flair]

ha, Fergie says he won't sell Ruud unless he gets the right offer, and he says it should be close to 30m because thats what Schevcehnko went for and they're equally good players

[clown_phobia]

Yeah I read that on BBC too. Do you think Ruud or shevchenko is better?

[Minus The Flair]

schevchenko now easily. ruud was a lot better, not anymore. i do hope we get a lot for him though, it can help us buy torres if we do

[Lord Abortion]

I'd rather have Van Nistlerooy, personally.
£30m is a much more realistic price tag than the ludicrously cheap £10m that was being bandied around.

[Minus The Flair]

id rather have torres

[clown_phobia]

Supposedly Beckham's in talks with Newcastle... they're looking for a big-name signing now Owen's out for ages..

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, Newcastle are signing Beckham, and I'm the Pope.

[Timm]

I like them because i was born and grew up in Munich... do you just not like them because they have more money and win a lot more than the other clubs?
actually; yes.
players become great at other clubs and the next season they're sitting on bayern's bench. it's actually more exciting to see who comes second than who wins the season :-/
plus they've just stolen van buyten from us :( he was one of the best players last season imo.
but since we have van der vaart bayern needs to watch out for both werder and hsv :cool:

[Britney Diva]

I'd rather have Van Nistlerooy, personally.
£30m is a much more realistic price tag than the ludicrously cheap £10m that was being bandied around.
Yeah, as good as Shevchenko is, I think Ruud is the best goalscorer in the world.

[clown_phobia]

Ruud only got one goal at the world cup... He's a great player but I think Henry is better. Henry is often absolutely amazing for Arsenal IMO the the best player in the premiership at the moment. Ronaldo before he got fat also, but I don't know how much ronaldo's got left... either he's gotta lift his game and reclaim his crown as the world's top striker or he's finished...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5193288.stm

^^there, ManU have turned down Real's offer for Ruud...

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah, as good as Shevchenko is, I think Ruud is the best goalscorer in the world.
To you and Lord - Yeah it's a bit of a tough one comparing these two greats. The horse's goal-scoring record can't be faulted, but by the same token Sheva's been playing in the most defensive league in the world and still been banging 'em in. Sheva's Champo League record is immense also, although I don't know how it compares to the horse's. I think it's fair to say they are both in the top half-a-dozen strikers going around... Adriano, Henry, those two, Eto'o are probably the top five yeah? Anyway the point about the price is the different circumstances: Milan didn't want to sell, Chelsea is Chelsea; United do want to sell.

Did anyone know Ruud's real name is Rutgerus Johannes Martinius van Nistelrooij? I never knew that either.

He and Sheva are completely different players though, obviously, and I think you're right Plath when you say Ruud's the best goalscorer in the world, his ability to be in the right place at the right time is second-to-none. Maybe other strikers add more around the ground but Ruud will always hit the back of the net. Real could be absolutely awesome next year if they get him, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Emerson and others.

[clown_phobia]

But for many years they've had an all-star, dream team type lineup but they haven't necessarily converted it into results.. so just because they get some top-class players doesn't mean they'll play well as a team.

[RandyfromPennywise]

But for many years they've had an all-star, dream team type lineup but they haven't necessarily converted it into results.. so just because they get some top-class players doesn't mean they'll play well as a team.
But notice that the three players from Juventus are all defensive players.

[clown_phobia]

But notice that the three players from Juventus are all defensive players.

true. but they're all also getting old...

Do you guys think Rooney can become a world-dominating striker? He shows so much promise so young but I don't think he's quite there yet.

[Lord Abortion]

He's not, and I think that he needs a little more formative time before he can dominate more.
Maybe we'll see it this season, maybe next, but there's going to be something special happening with that lad.

On Sheva-Ruud...I think that Randy is right when he says Ruud is a better goalscorer, but Shevchenko does more buildup work.
And Ruud is only behind Raul as the Champions league alltime top goalscorer, is he not?

[TakeWarning]

See, the thing about Ruud is that he only scores goals, he rarely helps out elsewhere. He's good at what he does though.

But the Schevmeister helps out alot setting up goals, which is why he can be more useful for teams that need a player in his style.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, I just said that...

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Sheva is the new all time champs league scorer i thought.

[Lord Abortion]

My new expression is "he's got a knob like Michael Owen's knee, apparently"

Meaning it pops within a minute:)

[TakeWarning]

Yeah, I just said that...

Sorry :(

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah that was funny, I read Lord's post and then the exact same point was made below, I was like, I am that tired?

Here's the top Champo League scorers: (goals/games)

1 Andriy Shevchenko 53/90 Dynamo Kyiv, A.C. Milan
2 Raúl 51/101 Real Madrid
3 Alfredo Di Stefano 49/60 Real Madrid
4 Ruud van Nistelrooy 47/55+ PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United
5 Eusébio 46/64 Benfica
6 Thierry Henry 41/75 AS Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal

A few things to take out of this: Sheva is an all-time great, already. However, look at Ruud's goals:game ratio and you can see he is up there with the very, very best (Di Stefano and Eusébio). In terms of goals, Ruud is the best striker in the world right now I guess. Another thing: I didn't realise Thierry was so high up there and had scored over 40 goals in the Champo. I guess that dispells a lot of those myths that he can't play well on the big stage. And finally, because of the greater amount of games the current-day players play, they will typically dominate stats tables like this. (Look how many games Raúl's played, and he's only 29!)

**** I can't wait for the domestic seasons to start again. A-League, Prem, La Liga and Champo, Serie A as well, can't wait!

[badtaste]

Don't know if this is true, but Cannavaro and Emerson have joined Real Madrid for 20 million Euros (combined).

probably known already, but Duff is now at the Spurs.

http://shinymedia.blogs.com/whoateallthepies/2006/07/cristiano_ronal_3.html

[TakeWarning]

That's relatively humourous.

Where did you hear that about Duff? The Spurs site says nothing, and today's paper said nothing either.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah Duff is 100% Chelsea, for now at least, and I'd like it to stay that way. Piss Robben off if you have to José but not the Duff, him's well class.

[Britney Diva]

Duff needs to be at a club that will give him 90 minutes every week.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Duff needs to be at a club that will give him 90 minutes every week.
Yes you are right, but as one of my favourite players I want him at Chelsea. And the fact of the matter is that if you are a wide attacking player you will never get 90 minutes (ok, maybe once a season) with Chelsea. Mourinho always takes Duff off after 59 minutes, or doesn't play him for two weeks in a row. For Duff's sake he should move to Spurs but I want him to have at least one season at Chelsea where he plays 50 games and scores 10 goals and completely rips **** up like I know he's capable of doing. The chances of that are becoming more and more remote with Chelsea.

Duff > Robben.

[TakeWarning]

Does Duff play right or left wing? Or both?

Because Aaron Lennon has already got the right wing covered, and there shouldn't be too much room for him on the left, especially now we've signed Didier Zokora.

[Britney Diva]

He plays both, Chelsea and Ireland often switch him around if he's being man-marked on one side.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, he's versatile like that.

O' leary leaves Villa.
and Cannavaro and Emerson join Real.

That record of Ruud's is phenomenal.

47 goals in 55 games?!
wow.

[TakeWarning]

Didn't see the Emerson-Real move coming.

Still, good for him, he had a great world cup and now he's playing for one of the world's best clubs.

[Minus The Flair]

Why does Ruud need to leave again? Fergie sucks *** sometimes

[Angry Balled Fists!]

he sure does, if i was a Man U fan i'd definetley want Ruud to stay.

[Lord Abortion]

I certainly do.
He's the best pure goalscorer in the world.
Sure Henry scores spectacular goals, and is skillful, but I know who I'd back to score a chance every time.

[TakeWarning]

My opinion on Ruud: For someone who scores so many goals he's not really that good to watch. I wouldn't really care that much if he left England, I'd much rather watch Torres.

[Minus The Flair]

3 match ban for Zidane. (http://home.skysports.com/worldcup/article.aspx?hlid=404508&CPID=4&clid=119&lid=4161&title=Zizou+and+Materazzi+both+banned) sort of

[TakeWarning]

I doubt Materazzi will learn anything from the incident, if the punsihment has no effect for 2 years, he'll probably have half-forgotten about the incident by then.

[matt_h]

^ what? ^
it says 2008 qualifiers, not the actually finals. the qualifyiers start this autumn.
hopefully there will be a statement saying what was said soon, but i doubt it...

[Lord Abortion]

Barca sign Thuram and Zambrotta.

[TakeWarning]

^ what? ^
it says 2008 qualifiers, not the actually finals. the qualifyiers start this autumn.
hopefully there will be a statement saying what was said soon, but i doubt it...

So it does.

Still, I doubt Italy will have any trouble against Lithuaina without Materazzi anyway.

O'Leary's gone for anyone who doesn't know.

[badtaste]

That's relatively humourous.

Where did you hear that about Duff? The Spurs site says nothing, and today's paper said nothing either.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006320740,00.html

Yeh, not confirmed yet.

Barca sign Thuram and Zambrotta.

Really? Interesting. Will they slot in the first team though?

[RandyfromPennywise]

Does Duff play right or left wing? Or both?

Because Aaron Lennon has already got the right wing covered, and there shouldn't be too much room for him on the left, especially now we've signed Didier Zokora.
Zokora's a defensive midfielder not a winger. Duff would fit in perfectly for Spurs on the left. Yeah he can basically play in any attacking position, even striker. He's played about equal amounts on the left and the right for Chelsea, as whenever he plays with Robben, Duff plays on the right because that diving twat has no right foot. He's also played behind a front-one or -two and as a striker, moreso for Ireland than Chelsea though. Basically Duff is a gun player, one of the best wingers in the Prem and the world.

[TakeWarning]

I'm not sure he's "one of the best in the world". He played well in the 2002 World Cup, but since then he seems to have had a form drop and frankly I don't really like him too much. Spurs midfield has enough players as it is, I don't know why we're buying him.

[Lord Abortion]

I wouldn't mind United getting Duff, actually, although Chelsea probably wouldn't sell to us, he would be a great long term replacement for Giggsy, but it looks like young Richardson will be that, which is good, because I really rate him.

My estimation is that Barca will play Van Bronkhorst-Thuram-Puyol-Zambrotta

[RandyfromPennywise]

You hate Duff?

Yeah he's not the best but I reckon he has to be in the top bunch of wingers going around. He is under-rated nowadays.

Duff would be a great signing for pretty much every club going around, especially in the Prem. **** I hope he doesn't go to the Geordies.

I reckon Barça will play Gio-Marquéz-Puyol-Zambrotta with Thuram acting as cover for both centre-back and right-back, although with Belleti, Oleguer and Zambrotta all able to play there I'd say he'll play mainly as CB. Maybe he will play at RB and Zambrotta at LB? Meh they now have plenty of defensive options, they'll be fine. La Liga's gonna be awesome this year.

[Lord Abortion]

Since when do I hate Duff?


I remembered yesterday about Harry Kewell saying that he wanted to sign for Liverpool over United because he "didn't want to just become another number"
Oh yeah...and who are you again?
Come and talk to me when you're not injured.

I had a good chuckle at that one.

You're probably right on the Barca thing, I forgot about Marquez.

[Drop The Baby]

I hate Duff now. I used to have a lot of respect for him cos he was a very good player, but his antics on the pitch have really put him off me.

Seems appropriate that he should play for Chelsea, and leaving to either Spurs or Newcastle, all clubs that i also hate.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Since when do I hate Duff?


I remembered yesterday about Harry Kewell saying that he wanted to sign for Liverpool over United because he "didn't want to just become another number"
Oh yeah...and who are you again?
Come and talk to me when you're not injured.

I had a good chuckle at that one.

You're probably right on the Barca thing, I forgot about Marquez.
I didn't say you hate Duff, I was asking if you did, because I completely misread what you said in your previous post. You said "I really rate him", I thought you said "I really hate him", which kind of confused me anyway because you said you were glad Richo was coming along, haha my bad.

Harry really only ever wanted to sign for Scouse because he's supported them since he was 4 and it was his dream to play for Scouse at Anfield, he really never would have considered anyone else after he knew Scouse were interested. Harry would make United first team when fully fit (agree with that?), I though he was excellent after November last year actually, yeah his injury problems have been bad for the last two years but I think he's still a quality player.

I hate Duff now. I used to have a lot of respect for him cos he was a very good player, but his antics on the pitch have really put him off me.I really hate it how he always puts both arms up in the air and has this bemused look on his face every time he doesn't get a decision go his way. I do love his playing style though, his good pace and dribbling, I just love watching him in full flight (like 18 months ago when he scored about 6 winning goals in 7 games). Where you been mate as well, haven't seen you round these parts for a while.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, I'm sure Kewell could well make the United first team , and he was sporadically good for Liverpool last year, but I think we were better off not getting him, as he's perpetually injured.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

Duffs a brilliant player, we should sign him. And Huth and Bridge too.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Duffs a brilliant player, we should sign him. And Huth and Bridge too.
Sorry I have forgotten which team you support. Which is it? I am too lazy right now to go back and find out. I agree that those three players would absolutely shine if they were given 40 full matches a season. God I hope Bridge is Chelsea's 1st-choice LB this season, but it looks as though he's the most under-rated player in the Chelsea squad at the moment. For fek's sake there is talk we might sign TWO LBs!!

About Kewell - yeah he needs a completely injury-free season very soon otherwise he'll never get back to what he was when he was 22-23 years of age.

[Lord Abortion]

Well, Del Horno is on his way out, for sure.

And he's a geordie.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Source?

EDIT: I see we've agreed to sell Asier DH but that by no means equals his sale. Valencia's wage structure is very rigid, they are offering him €1.5m a year, which is what, €30k per week, which is £20k per week. Reportedly he's on between £50k-£60k per week at the Bridge. This deals got a fair way to go before being done.

And Duff's not signed for anyone yet, am I right? He's still True Blue for now.

[Minus The Flair]

So it looks like hes [Duff] definitely going to Newcastle

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=404904&CPID=8&clid=4&lid=4161&title=Magpies+on+verge+of+Duff+deal

And it looks like Van Nistelrooys ''imminent" departure was not imminent after all.

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=404807&CPID=8&clid=1&lid=2&title=Fergie:+Ruud+could+stay

"Ruud is not definitely leaving and I expect to see him at training on Monday," Ferguson explained.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, I read that, I still hope he stays, the Real bid of £12m is ludicrously cheap for him and if no-one meets the club's valuation then he might.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I hope Duff fails the medical.

[TakeWarning]

Wow, I thought Ruud would be leaving for sure. Fergie sure is strange at times.

Well, most of the time.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yes, he is. But Ruud's one of a kind so they'd be loathe to lose him really, he's effectively irreplaceable.

[TakeWarning]

Well, he's done well to keep him after their falling out.

5000th post.

[clown_phobia]

If Ruud stays at Man U hopefully he'll actually get some game time...

[Drop The Baby]

I really hate it how he always puts both arms up in the air and has this bemused look on his face every time he doesn't get a decision go his way. I do love his playing style though, his good pace and dribbling, I just love watching him in full flight (like 18 months ago when he scored about 6 winning goals in 7 games). Where you been mate as well, haven't seen you round these parts for a while.

Yeah that was exactly my view on it, incrtedibly exciting player to watch, a genuine winger who will run at people, get crosses in the box and score goals.

I haven't been around much recently, so haven't posted much. I'm coming to your Aus land on Tuesday! :chug:

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah that was exactly my view on it, incrtedibly exciting player to watch, a genuine winger who will run at people, get crosses in the box and score goals.

I haven't been around much recently, so haven't posted much. I'm coming to your Aus land on Tuesday! :chug:
Oh really, that's cool, where are you going in this big brown land?

[badtaste]

BTW< how cool was the Dennis Bergkamp testimonial match? Too bad he didn't score though.

[TakeWarning]

BTW< how cool was the Dennis Bergkamp testimonial match? Too bad he didn't score though.

They should have just paid the ref to award a penalty unnecessarily, then Dennis Berkgamp could score it. It's not that hard really. :-|

Copped a nice bruise from a set of studs in my ankle today, thought you might like to know.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Fantasy Prem -> MX League ---> http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=483548

Get to it.

[Lord Abortion]

I'm not sure if I should wait until more transfers have been made...

[Kyle]

Damien Duff :D We still need some strikers desperately, but it's a start.

[Drop The Baby]

Funny thing is i bet anything Toon are paying him absurd wages.

Oh really, that's cool, where are you going in this big brown land?

Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney. Should be sweet!

[Lord Abortion]

Haha...I reallly laughed when they announced that Dyer was on 70k a week.

For what exactly?

[Kyle]

Freddy Shephard seems like a terrible businessman, yet every season he has these mysterious sums of money to spend on new players.

[Drop The Baby]

Yeah, i agree.

He doesn't seem to understand principals of bidding. Spurs go £7mill so he automatically goes £million higher than that instead of testing the water with a lower bid.

The whole Michael Owen transfer was ridiculous. £16mill for someone he transfered for only £8mill the season before. Barmy

[Ganondorf]

Man U should trade Van Nistelrooy for Hargreaves + Money

[Lord Abortion]

I would prefer Schweinsteiger+ nothing

[Britney Diva]

If Man Utd ever bought Hargreaves I'd move to Cuba and never come back. Seriously.

[Hungry Bald Fists]

duffduffduff!!!

i haven't been this excited over a buy in ages.

also klose is apparently maybe coming :D :D

[Dead Star]

to Newcastle?

sorry, but thats a bit unbelievable.

[Hungry Bald Fists]

just as unbelievable as owen, kluivert, duff etc going.

[Britney Diva]

Yeah, it's already happened. Mourinho said he pushed for a move because he doesn't want to be a bit player anymore. I'm glad he's gone to Newcastle, he'll be a (the?) star player there. I think he played the best football of his career under Ranieri and I think NUFC has a similar kind of dynamic.

[Dead Star]

just as unbelievable as owen, kluivert, duff etc going.

no offence, but Klose was the top goalscorer at the WC, hes in his prime, and imo I dont see him going to Newcastle, a larger club, such as Man Utd, or Chelsea looks a more likely place for him to go.

Kluivert was past his best when he arrived too, and Owen was never the prolific goalscorer he was at Liverpool.

[Lord Abortion]

If Man Utd ever bought Hargreaves I'd move to Cuba and never come back. Seriously.
Well said, well said.

And Klose is poor domestically.

[Dead Star]

I guess you have a point Med.

Owen is still very injury prone though.

[MattSharpIsCool]

I'm curious....is Coventry City any good?

They played the Portland Timbers (a USL team) on July 8, and Portland won. Coventry City is in the Premier League, arent they? If so, thats a pretty big win for US soccer I'd think.

[clown_phobia]

Well said, well said.

And Klose is poor domestically.

That's obviously not true, as he was the bundesliga's top scorer last season...

[Britney Diva]

I'm curious....is Coventry City any good?

They played the Portland Timbers (a USL team) on July 8, and Portland won. Coventry City is in the Premier League, arent they? If so, thats a pretty big win for US soccer I'd think.
No, they're in the Championship, the second from top division, basically.

[clown_phobia]

It looks like Ruud will go to Real, but there's still a chance he'll go to Bayern - they've made their offer. It'd be really good if Ruud could go to Bayern, they've lost a few key players this season... Ballack, Ze roberto etc...

[Minus The Flair]

Wow, I dunno if it's been said but Duff actually, apparently went for 5 million

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, so I hear.

That's obviously not true, as he was the bundesliga's top scorer last season...
I stand corrected, although I meant over the past few seasons, rather than last.

I'd be pissed off if Ruud goes for less than £15m...if Shevchenko is worth twice that, I mean, it's ludicrous.

[Minus The Flair]

And we (United) offered Tottenham 20 mil! for Carrick. That's ridiculous. He's not worth that much, but Jol's considering letting him go for that much

[RandyfromPennywise]

Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney. Should be sweet!
Probably the three best places in the country. The beaches just North of Cairns are magic, Palm Cove and the like, also up to Port Douglas, just a beautiful place. Melbourne is class, a real city. Lots of places for a young English lad to go out to as well! Have a blast James.

I would prefer SchweinsteigerGood call. I rate Bastian very highly, especially after that third-place play-off match at World Cup! He's been very good for a few seasons now and is still young, can play left or right (or even through the middle): he'd be a great buy for anyone.

I think he played the best football of his career under Ranieri and I think NUFC has a similar kind of dynamic.I agree that he was great under Ranners, particularly thrived in a 4-4-2. However, I have to say that he was electric in that partnership with Robben in 04-05, particularly in the middle of the season when he scored six in nine games, five of them winning goals if I remember correctly. And when he scored against Barcelona at the Bridge, that was gold. But yeah the two goals in the same week v Lazio and Newcastle in 03-04 were his best goals, that goal against Newcastle is one of my favourite Chelsea goals of the last five years. Man I love the Duffer.

I think he has every chance of being the Geordie's best/star player, if he hits form he's capable of anything. You obviously think it's a good move for Irish football yeah?, although I've heard other opinions. Interesting.

Chelsea-related inflationGreat phrase!

---

As I said before, Ruud's price is drastically deflated because 1) He wants to leave and 2) His club is willing to sell him/wants to sell him. Most of the big transfers in history lack these two factors.

[clown_phobia]

Yeah that's true, if a club wants to get rid of a player, the price always drops a lot and they're likely to accept a much deflated price

[Lord Abortion]

Me too, it's blatantly obvious that we need new signings, and fast.
We need at least one striker, plus that Keane Replacement, plus a creative attacking midfielder that we've been lacking...well since we sold Veron, to be honest.
We need a Totti, or a Ronaldinho, a Messi or Riquelme
And we've needed that for a good long time.

Another midfielder on top of those two wouldn't go amiss, either.

[Kyle]

Duff - Emre - Parker - Dyer/Solano = Great midfield. Shame the rest of the team (excluding Given) is not up to scratch.

[Lord Abortion]

Hahaha...Dyer...

[Dark Banana]

Have United (Manchester actually made any big signings this summer. They're going to need them especially with Ruud gone. Although Scholes is back and he was always good, did anyone hear about him making himself available for England again?

[RandyfromPennywise]

......It is Chelsea's second sale in two days following Saturday's transfer of Damien Duff to Newcastle for £5 million.

You're ****ing kidding me.

[TakeWarning]

Carrick for 20 milliom???

We could do alot with that money, I think we should sell him.

[Lord Abortion]

Have United (Manchester actually made any big signings this summer. They're going to need them especially with Ruud gone. Although Scholes is back and he was always good, did anyone hear about him making himself available for England again?
Scholsey is a great midfielder, but He's not the kind of player I'm talking about.

Carrick for £20 million?!

WE could do alot better with that money.

[Hungry Bald Fists]

wait, dyer when hes fit is amazing, he scares defenders like anyone.

[Kyle]

Dyer just has a really bad reputation, but when he's fit for Newcastle he's really great. Shame he's never fit..

[Lord Abortion]

He's the new Darren Anderton, really.

[poorquality]

So, haven't posted here in a while, what's everyone think of Duff going for £5 Mil?

and I saw someone said £20 mil for Carrick...not going to happen, he's not worth anything close to that, United have put a value on him and won't exceed that, why pay so much for someone who isn't exactly proven.

Apparently Torres is making a press announcement tomorrow morning, people say it's to say he's staying, but why have a press conferance just to say that? I think there is more too it.

[Britney Diva]

I think he has every chance of being the Geordie's best/star player, if he hits form he's capable of anything. You obviously think it's a good move for Irish football yeah?, although I've heard other opinions. Interesting.
Definitely. Chelsea definitely made him a better player in a number of areas, but I really don't think he fits into Mourinho's style of play. An unpredictable player like Duff (or Robben) can't work in a relatively predictable structure like Chelsea now play and it was inevitable that people would find a way to stop them. I think he'll have a lot more freedom at Newcastle and that'll translate to more confidence on the pitch. And if Robbie retains his form of the end of last season we'll have a real chance of stuffing Germany and the Czechs.

Of course it's never that simple though :/

[RandyfromPennywise]

Definitely. Chelsea definitely made him a better player in a number of areas, but I really don't think he fits into Mourinho's style of play. An unpredictable player like Duff (or Robben) can't work in a relatively predictable structure like Chelsea now play and it was inevitable that people would find a way to stop them. I think he'll have a lot more freedom at Newcastle and that'll translate to more confidence on the pitch. And if Robbie retains his form of the end of last season we'll have a real chance of stuffing Germany and the Czechs.

Of course it's never that simple though :/
Yeah, it is a mightily tough draw you've got though.

I think that - from a non-Chelsea perspective - Duff's three years there were probably very good for his development. Not only did he win trophies and that, but tactically he is much more aware and advanced. When he came to us he was a one-dimensional winger, leaving us he can play in practically any attacking position. I've got him in for fantasy, hope he has a belting season. God he's worth so much more than £5m though, that is the steal of the season by a mile.

[clown_phobia]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/5209074.stm

According to that, it's likely Ruud will go to Bayern. Fingers crossed!

[TakeWarning]

Why? Do you suuport Bayern or something?

[badtaste]

I just found out Ryan Giggs is half black.


Interesting.

[Lord Abortion]

Really?

I can see it somehow.

[TakeWarning]

Haha what?

You're joking right?

[Minus The Flair]

Chest

[clown_phobia]

Why? Do you suuport Bayern or something?

sure do. I was born and grew up in munich :D

I don't think Chelsea will be particularly weakend by Duff leaving, considering the big imports they've got coming up.

[Lord Abortion]

I always thought he was just quite swarthy.

[DooCH]

Juventus wont win the Seria A title.. LOL

[TakeWarning]

Juventus wont win the Seria A title.. LOL
Wow, I really thought they were going to, especially since they're in Serie A and all.

[DooCH]

ooo.. sarcasm. silly cheaters, they deserve it.

[Britney Diva]

Yeah, it is a mightily tough draw you've got though.
Well it looked completely undoable when it was made but since the WC I'm a lot more hopeful. Half the Czech team is retiring, which could be good or bad, and the Germans really don't look like a side that wins a lot of matches.

[Dead Star]

Ireland has a tough group?

Try being Scottish.

Group B:
France
Italy
Ukraine
SCOTLAND
Lithuania
Georgia
Faroe Islands

[Lord Abortion]

Meh, Fiorentina and Lazio didn't really matter anyway, no-one outside of Italy really gives a crap about them.
I would laugh if Juve got a full aquittal on appeal, having sold four of their best players already...oops

We REALLY need to find a new striker.

My limited cash is on Defoe

[Dead Star]

Stadium ban?

Like, you cant have any crowd in?

[Lord Abortion]

No, they can't play at their ground.

[Dead Star]

Oh right.

Thats a bit of a :-\ punishment.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, it's a bit silly, really.
Milan get banned for one game:p

[Britney Diva]

Ireland has a tough group?

Try being Scottish.

Group B:
France
Italy
Ukraine
SCOTLAND
Lithuania
Georgia
Faroe Islands
It's not completely impossible. France were godawful in WC qualifying, and that was with Zidane, Thuram and Makelele who've all ****ed off now. The Italians will likely all be settling into clubs abroad so you might catch them with low form or morale, and the Scottish team is definitely looking better than anyone expected at this point.

[Dead Star]

It's not completely impossible. France were godawful in WC qualifying, and that was with Zidane, Thuram and Makelele who've all ****ed off now. The Italians will likely all be settling into clubs abroad so you might catch them with low form or morale, and the Scottish team is definitely looking better than anyone expected at this point.

I seriously hope you're right.

[Lord Abortion]

Heh...I almost want Juve to get cleared on a technicality or something just to see the response to them losing all those players. Defoe is a reasonable bet, although Tottenham would hold us to ransom. Failing that...Ibrahimovic, maybe? He's still at Juventus, I think, although he isn't that good.. Trezueget may be a better bet and should be available.
Yeah, Ibrahimovic should on paper be one of the best strikers in the world, but he really hasn't lived up to that billing.
And although Spurs really are being dicks over Carrick, Defoe didn't play much last season, and they would surely be willing to part, since they have Berbatov now, and if he made it known that he wanted to go.
Which...I would say he would.
Trezeguet has been poor recently.

[RandyfromPennywise]

1. Trez, Ibro or Defoe would all be tops for United, Ibro'd be the best buy though because of his age, strength, height and flair.

2. I would love my second country of Scotland to qualify for a major tournament, but I can't see it happening for 2008.

3. So no Milan players will leave now. This is a really, really bad thing that has happened, these teams going back to Serie A and Milan getting back to Champo. One of my favourite players, Marco Bresciano (check my avatar), moved to Palermo last week, with the prospect of Champions League Football no doubt a major factor. I believe that Palermo will not be in the qualifiers now.

4. I think Ireland could qualify, but they'll need the Duff and Keano (Robert) firing on all cylinders. Duff needs to score some goals for Ireland, unlike the last few years!

[Britney Diva]

He scores in friendlies and other useless games, the cunt. But yeah, I'm not massively confident given our track record and the fact we're still lacking in a few areas but the new manager seems to have morale up high and has inherited a lot of players who ended last season strongly. Players like John O'Shea and Andy Reid need to get back in shape and become regular starters and Duff and Keane need to hit top form, but it's completely possible.

[Lord Abortion]

Yeah, Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be a superb buy for us if we can get him for a knockdown price.
Although, as I said he hasn't been as good as he can be so far, he's young, and it would be a good idea and an exciting addition to the side.

[Lord Abortion]

I too, am at a loss to figure out what the **** Fergie is actually doing, Bayern have made an improved bid for Ruud, apparently, but it's still some way off the valuation.

Bearing in mind that we, at no point made any sort of bid, or even inquiry about Torres, I'm not sure what's going on...
The only players we've actually bid for are Carrick and that tit of a goalkeeper, which would be a ****ing pointless signing...if we want a goalkeeper, go out and get Buffon from Juve, It'll cost us £25 million at most, and every penny would be worth it.

[Ganondorf]

Why is Nedved wasting the last years of his career playing in Serie B? You can kind understand Del Piero, as he has only ever played for Juventus, but surely Nedved can go somewhere else?

[Frankie]

Jermaine Pennant looks like hes going to sign for Liverpool, I'm quite surprised as benitez has sorta of turned Anfield into a safe house for agrentines and spainish.

Oh and we've aigned Julio Arca which is a weird move as we have two LB so I can't see him playing their, he have two great young wingers so I can't see him playing their either. Southgate needs to focus on us getting a right winger.

[Britney Diva]

I'd agree, but apparently Buffon, Nedved and Del Piero have all said that they're staying at Juve, and Deschamps is trying to persuade Trezeuget to do the same. Those three are going to be so far above Serie B that it's going to be laughable...just in terms of intimidation, everyone playing against them won't know what to do. My theory is that the Glazers are having some kind of dispute with Ferguson about money and transfer policy. I simply don't see what we're doing at the moment if there isn't some kind of backroom argument going on about what players we should buy.
I dunno. It seems like Fergie would walk out rather than have Glazer tell him what transfers to make.

[Lord Abortion]

Why is Nedved wasting the last years of his career playing in Serie B? You can kind understand Del Piero, as he has only ever played for Juventus, but surely Nedved can go somewhere else?
Most strange is Buffon.
He's clearly the best keeper in the world, and to waste at least a year, if not two, sitting in Serie B...it's strange indeed.

[Ganondorf]

Yeah, maybe they're gonna get massive wages from the money freed up by Cannavaro etc's depatures.

[Lord Abortion]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5218944.stm

:cool:

The Ginger king is back.

[Dead Star]

When does the Premiership start?

[sgrevs]

Mid August. Not sure of date...I'm guessing 12th.

Could be 19th.

[TakeWarning]

I'm pretty sure it's the 19th.

[Minus The Flair]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5218944.stm

:cool:

The Ginger king is back.

yarr! thats v good news.