Euro 2008 (Official LOL Vidic Thread)

[808]

Was that before or after he robbed an old woman's flat for pills?

[Happy]

I heard he unleashed the AIDS virus.

[mph4ever]

no that was campbell

[Iai]

Didn't someone say John Terry harassed some American tourists about 9/11 shortly after it happened?
This is what I was going to say.

I thought of something while watching the Spurs/Newcastle coverage - why is calling someone a lazy n!gger any better or worse than saying that all disabled people are paying for sins in a previous life?

[2muchket!]

Frank Lampard has always seemed like a decent bloke to me.

Joey Barton has got to be at the top of the list for being a c'unt.

[Dave de Sylvia]

hmm

The Old Firm can become financial powerhouses if they are allowed to join the Barclays Premier League, according to the author of an annual report on Scottish football’s finances.

David Glen, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, believes the prospect is more likely to occur than ever before because of the nature of the latest proposal, by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, to formulate a plan for two 18-team divisions, the second of which would initially include Celtic and Rangers.

There are many obstacles to overcome, not least the approval of Uefa and governing bodies on both sides of the border, and talks on the matter have been delayed until at least the summer.

Uefa, however, today said it would not oppose the plan and would be willing to leave any decision to the leagues and associations involved.

Director of communications William Gaillard told BBC Scotland: “We wouldn’t take a position on such a proposal.”

Glen feels this particular plan is more attractive to clubs in the bottom half of the English top flight, whose status would naturally be threatened by the arrival of the Glasgow clubs.

And he argues the Old Firm would challenge the hierarchy of power in the English game if they had access to massively-increased TV revenue.

Both clubs have average attendances above 50,000 - only Manchester United can accommodate more fans than Celtic in Britain - and large fan bases in parts of the world including Ireland, North America and Australia.

“Rangers and Celtic have always had a very large income stream despite not being in England or in one of the large European leagues,” Glen said today. “They have always teetered around the top 20 in the money league in Europe.

“It always seemed to me there’s a fantastic income base already. If you add the TV income to that, they would become very powerful.”

Gartside’s plan would need backing from 14 of the 20 top-flight clubs but, with the spectre of relegation haunting most this season, the prospect of softening the financial blow of dropping a division could hold appeal.

Glen said: “I think what it’s going to boil down to is how the TV money gets split between the two divisions.

“At the moment, the bottom club is getting £26-28million whereas the top of the table gets £50million, which totally dwarves what we get in Scotland.

“The current Setanta deal supplies £13million a season across all clubs. That is due to be increased but, as we have heard in recent days, Setanta are looking to renegotiate.”

Glen added: “This plan might have more chance. Any time it has been talked about, it was on the basis they would go direct into the top flight.

“Clubs near the relegation zone would never have voted for it, it would have been like turkeys voting for Christmas.

“The difference here with the two league set-up is that they would have to come into the bottom league.”

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has argued the Old Firm should pay £100million for such a privilege.

Glen said: “I can see what he is saying, ‘you’re coming to join our league and that’s generating the income so why should you have that for nothing?’

“But the other side of the coin is that the Old Firm can attract more fans, particularly into a Premier League II. Those clubs will get a shot in the arm from the travelling support.”

The Scottish Football Association has refused to comment on the proposal but they are likely to oppose any exit of the two biggest clubs.

But Glen believes a financial pay-off could possibly pave their way from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

“There’s the potential to have less excitement without the Old Firm but also the potential to become more competitive,” Glen added. “I would suppose that, if the Old Firm were allowed to leave, it would be on the basis of a parachute payment. Some of the riches might have to be passed back down.”

[mph4ever]

they are scottish and they should remain so. if scottish fans want to enjoy premier league football then they should support a premier league team

and if there is enough money in the premier league to support the old firm then surely the right thing to do is cut the earnings of the top flight teams, cap the wages and pass the money down to benefit clubs in lower divisions

[Happy]

Premier League II sounds pretty stupid to me, especially only allowing 1 team into the Prem from the Championship. That means no variety at all, ever.

[Pastorius]

So what's the proposed plans?

[Happy]

Very basically put:

Two leagues of 18 teams comprised of current Prem teams, 2 Scottish teams (Celtic and Rangers obv) and the top of the Championship.
2 teams relegated from Premiership I each season and 2 promoted from Prem II
1 team relegated from Prem II and 1 team promoted from Championship
More money for Championship teams that become part of the prem
Possible winter break as there won't be as many games
Exclusive knock out cup for teams in the Premiership I & II

[RandyfromPennywise]

Don't rate it. At all.

In better news, Chelsea will probably win the FA Cup. :thumb:

[2muchket!]

they are scottish and they should remain so. if scottish fans want to enjoy premier league football then they should support a premier league team

and if there is enough money in the premier league to support the old firm then surely the right thing to do is cut the earnings of the top flight teams, cap the wages and pass the money down to benefit clubs in lower divisions

But Cardiff may very well get promoted to the Prem next season so if a welsh team can be included I don't see why it should be any different for scottish teams.

[Pastorius]

I think Cardiff are registered with the FA, not the Welsh FA.

[mph4ever]

But Cardiff may very well get promoted to the Prem next season so if a welsh team can be included I don't see why it should be any different for scottish teams.

i hear what you are saying but cardiff, wrexham and swansea have been up and down the leagues for years. here is some history, it seems to differ a little from inserting two rich clubs into the premiership at the expense of other english clubs.


article details records and statistics of Cardiff City Football Club since they joined the Football League in 1920. Cardiff City are a Welsh professional association football club based in Cardiff. The club was founded in 1899 and joined the Football League in 1920 after spending a decade in the Southern League. During their histroy Cardiff have played in all four professional divisions of the Football League. They currently play in the second tier of the Football League, the Championship.

The league was formed in 1992 by Alun Evans, Secretary General of the Football Association of Wales, as he believed that the Welsh international football team was under threat from FIFA. Wales, along with the other three home nations, have a permanent seat on the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and it was thought that many FIFA members were resentful of this and pressing for the four nations to unite into one combined side for the whole of the United Kingdom.

At the time, Wales was almost unique in world football in that it didn't have a national league of its own (Puerto Rico, part of the United States, also has football and baseball teams that compete in the larger country's system, though no promotion and relegation exists). Traditionally, the best teams in Wales had always played over the border in the English leagues. Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham are members of the Football League. Aberdare Athletic, Merthyr Town (both now defunct) and the original Newport County were all members of the English football league before being relegated. Famously, Oswestry Town F.C. an English team did the reverse and played within the Welsh football pyramid until they merged with Total Network Solutions to form the New Saints.

Because of poor transportation links, it has always been much easier for Welsh clubs to travel east-west than north-south so clubs tended to look east to England for competitors and many of the top semi-professional sides in Wales also played in the English football league; Bangor City were founder members of the Football Conference (then the Alliance Premier League) in 1979 and reached the FA Trophy final in 1984, before transferring to the new League of Wales in 1992.

The formation of the League of Wales saw the start of a bitter dispute between the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and those non-English League clubs who wanted to remain part of the English football league. The 'Irate Eight', as they were dubbed, consisted of Bangor City, Barry Town, Caernarfon Town, Colwyn Bay, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport County, Newtown and Rhyl.

Prior to the inaugural season, Bangor City, Newtown and Rhyl returned to play in Wales. However as Rhyl's application to join the league was late, they were placed in the second level of the pyramid system. Because of FAW sanctions, the remaining five clubs were forced to play their home matches in England. Following a season in exile at Worcester City, five became four, as Barry Town joined the Welsh league system.

A court ruling in 1995 allowed the remaining four clubs to return to Wales to play their home matches while still remaining within the English system; despite this victory, Caernarfon Town decided to join the League of Wales. However, Colwyn Bay, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport County remain in the English league pyramid system.

[Pastorius]

great game so far, i can see goals in the second half

[RandyfromPennywise]

...

[mph4ever]

haha

gerrard said he would say it was offside because hes from liverpool even though the reply shows jamie dickhead played cesc on

gerrard said that he was surprsied at how brave the ref was to give the goal at the kop end.

gerrards a dick

[Pastorius]

gerrard is a legend

he was at least 10 metres offside

[Pastorius]

jesus christ, what a game

[RandyfromPennywise]

haha

gerrard said he would say it was offside because hes from liverpool even though the reply shows jamie dickhead played cesc on

gerrard said that he was surprsied at how brave the ref was to give the goal at the kop end.

gerrards a dick

Post of the decade.

What a fkn game. I had $5 on half-time/full-time to be Arse/Scouse at 32/1. I'm super happy it didn't pay off. Get in you little Russian dynamo.

[Dave de Sylvia]

lol Arsenal are so bad at the back

If United don't put at least 100 past that lot over the next three games I will quit and start supporting Boro.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Arshavin kicked major arse tonight. Why doesn't Wenger play him in the starting eleven?!!!

...I'm guessing Arshavin lacks fitness? Thats the only thing I can think of? That or Wenger really has lost the plot.

[Pastorius]

I'm trying to hate Arshavin but I can't

[Happy]

Arshavin kicked major arse tonight. Why doesn't Wenger play him in the starting eleven?!!!

...I'm guessing Arshavin lacks fitness? Thats the only thing I can think of? That or Wenger really has lost the plot.

Pavvy is fat too.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Pavvy is fat too.


Pavlyuchenko?

[gaslightanthem]

Arsenal is missing a hefty amount of their talent, with the latest body count at eight, including Emanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie.

this is before the game tonight. not to mention we had our second string at the back.

thing is it's been like this all season, arsenal have consistently had between 6-9 of our top players out - where's rosicky ...dead? it's amazing we've kept some degree of pressure on 3rd place over recent weeks. i mean our potential game winners - van persie, walcott, fabregas, adebayor ...they've all been out for the majority of the season.

bar injuries and noone leaving at the end of this season next year very well could be arsenals

[talk show host]

hell of a game that, Liverpool games are pretty exciting these days.

Reading finally won so playoffs are all but assured now. It was only bloody Kitson and Long who scored too! Plus there's still an outside chance at getting second...

Did anyone see what happened in the Real Madrid game with Pepe? I want to see.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/04/21/1222227/real-madrids-pepe-to-rack-up-massive-suspension-after-triple-red-

what a twat!

[Kickflip_Burrito]

thing is it's been like this all season, arsenal have consistently had between 6-9 of our top players out - where's rosicky ...dead? it's amazing we've kept some degree of pressure on 3rd place over recent weeks. i mean our potential game winners - van persie, walcott, fabregas, adebayor ...they've all been out for the majority of the season.


I went on a tour of the Emirates Stadium last year and we went by the team bench, the Tour Guide pointed at a row of seats and said 'thats where injured players sit to watch the games....Rosicky and Van Persie have season tickets there'

:lol:

[RandyfromPennywise]

Arshavin kicked major arse tonight. Why doesn't Wenger play him in the starting eleven?!!!

...I'm guessing Arshavin lacks fitness? Thats the only thing I can think of? That or Wenger really has lost the plot.

Mmmm... He didn't look unfit in this morning's game. Last night for you northern hemisphere poofs. I mean look at the run he made for his fourth goal: 80 metre sprint in the last ten minutes of the game and then finished with aplomb. I love 'im, wish Chelsea bought him. See, how much better is Arshavin than Robinho? The Russian is miles ahead. Robinho is such a waste of money. Arshavin's the man.

[horseypie]

you guys see that ludicrous display last night? what was wenger thinking, bringing walcott on that early?

[mph4ever]

obviously coming to the end of a career. scholes is one of the great.


Some of the greats of the game have confessed their great admiration for Manchester United favourite Paul Scholes.

Scholes will make his 600th appearance for United tonight against Portsmouth.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE: “My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. Scholes is undoubtedly the greatest of his generation.”

EDGAR DAVIDS: “I’m not the best, Paul Scholes is. We can all learn from Paul Scholes.”

MARCELLO LIPPI: “Paul Scholes would have been one of my first choices for putting together a great team — that is how highly I have always rated him.

“An all-round midfielder with quality and character in abundance.”

LAURENT BLANC: “I tell anyone who asks me — Scholes is the best English player.”

THIERRY HENRY: “Without any doubt the best player in the Premiership has to be Paul Scholes.

“He knows how to do everything, and he is the one who directs the way his team plays. On top of all that, he has indestructible mental strength, and he is a genuine competitor.”

PETER SCHMEICHEL: “His reading of the game is unsurpassed. He has the best eye for a pass, for what the play or the game needs at that precise moment, that I have never seen anyone else have.

“He controls and distributes the play and the game better than anyone I have ever seen.”

[Dave de Sylvia]

Scholes is a ledgebag.

Pretty good couple of days all things considered. Amazing match at Anfield with the perfect result; Everton hold Chelski at the Bridge; and the best United performance in weeks, despite a fairly average opposition.

Keano to be appointed new Ipswich manager in the next 24 hours. I hear the owner has a lot of money to spend, which I guess explains Keane's interest, but they also have a pretty decent squad that probably should have reached the play-offs on paper.

[mph4ever]

he could with more time down there

[Dave de Sylvia]

Pepe's triple sending-off against Getafe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHFkYEbwrQ0

[TakeWarning]

Can't believe he got sent off for that; he was going for the ball. This isn't netball.

If I were the ref I would've yellow-carded the attacker for simulation.

[mph4ever]

Pepe's triple sending-off against Getafe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHFkYEbwrQ0

he was only kicking him because of the dive. slightest nudge and these continentals go down

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Pepe's second kick was nowhere near the ball, kicked the guy right in the arse.

Found it funny wen all the players go over to the dude on the ground to help, then Casillas goes over, grabs him and picks him up back to his feet, then walks off calmly, lol.

[RandyfromPennywise]

he was only kicking him because of the dive. slightest nudge and these continentals go down

.


Scholes is amazing, he's been one of the best central midfielders in the world for a decade, not many others can say that.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Can't believe he got sent off for that; he was going for the ball. This isn't netball.

If I were the ref I would've yellow-carded the attacker for simulation.
If I was the ref I would've red-carded Pepe for repeatedly kicking the guy on the ground.

[Happy]

I would've done both, red for Pepe, yellow for the diving cunt.

Southampton have effectively been relegated by being docked 10 points - I understand that if they make it out of the relegation zone they'll be docked this season, throwing them back into it. If they don't make it out, they'll be docked at the start of next season.

I hope this makes for some cheap tickets next season as I'll be living there :)

[Dave de Sylvia]

I would have thought the whole being repeatedly kicked would be enough punishment!

[Interstate]

Pepe's triple sending-off against Getafe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHFkYEbwrQ0

That's a joke, the attacker should be sent off for being a diving little turd.

[Happy]

I would have thought the whole being repeatedly kicked would be enough punishment!

Actually, I would've kicked him again, given him a red and given Pepe a penalty at the other end :smoke:

[mph4ever]

steve mcmanaman is a total dick, always was, always will be

/js

[Kickflip_Burrito]

steve mcmanaman is a total dick, always was, always will be

/js


Amen.

[TakeWarning]

More interest from Spurs about Beckham.

Apparently all the LA Galaxy fans hate him now, so this could be a possibilty.

[mph4ever]

Apparently all the LA Galaxy fans hate him now, so this could be a possibilty.

finally intelligent american football supporters. this is a milestone

[RandyfromPennywise]

If Beckham never went on loan to Preston or went to the US, his career stats would look pretty good, playing for arguably the three biggest clubs in the world.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

http://www.offthepost.info/2009/04/gif-it-sir-alex-ferguson-loses-his-balloon-and-his-nose/

:lol:

[mph4ever]

If Beckham never went on loan to Preston or went to the US, his career stats would look pretty good, playing for arguably the three biggest clubs in the world.


career stats mean nothing when you're a dickhead


http://www.offthepost.info/2009/04/gif-it-sir-alex-ferguson-loses-his-balloon-and-his-nose/

:lol:

that was a solid goal penalty claim, no wonder he went mad, he had fielded a team that he thought would be able to win the game, the chance comes and the ref gets it wrong

[Pastorius]

it was a total dive you mong

[mph4ever]

got a light?

[Dave de Sylvia]

Nick Barmby is dominated the Liverpool midfield on his own. Fantastic!

[Dave de Sylvia]

Liverpool go in front thanks to a Mascherano dive. If Hull go down because of that...

[mph4ever]

and what a dive, even when hes not playing you can see gerrard's influence

[Pastorius]

united fans berating dives

people in glass houses

[Dave de Sylvia]

OK, Ronaldo dives- am I allowed throw stones now?

I'd still fancy Hull to nick a point. Liverpool have been so bad, defensively in particular, that I can easily see a Geovanni special or a long ball into the box yielding something.

[mph4ever]

united fans berating dives

people in glass houses


its not much a glass house as a conservatory, liverpool live in the crystal palace

[Pastorius]

that's fine, crystal is pretty sturdy if it's the size of a damn palace

oh dear mr hull will snatch an equaliser

[Dave de Sylvia]

haha handball by Lucas for the second goal and Folan gets sent off for kicking Squirtle

[Pastorius]

it wasn't deliberate, if it happened to any of your teams you wouldn't say a thing

[Pastorius]

god damn lucas, you are actually the worst player in the world

[Dave de Sylvia]

I hear he set up a goal today.

[Pastorius]

3-1, in the bag. Good to win 3-1 when we're playing wank.

[Txus]

god damn lucas, you are actually the worst player in the world

No, that's Oleguer. And I'm a Barca fan, haha.

Michel Salgado might fall in that category too.

[Dave de Sylvia]

I don't think you've seen Lucas play.

[Txus]

I have seen him play a bit, but oh god, its painful to go to the stadium and watch Oleguer play, thank god Guardiola doesn't have him on the team anymore, poor Ajax guys :(

[Dave de Sylvia]

Fulham move into West Ham's UEFA Cup spot, City hot on their heels :o

[Pastorius]

bentoooooooooooooooooooooo

[Pastorius]

modroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[Dave de Sylvia]

lelel

Somebody needs to teach Rio Ferdinand how to attack a cross. That's 6 or 7 goals this season we've conceded from his inability to defend a ball into the box. Player of the Year my arse.

And I can't believe he's gone with Nani on the flanks when we've got Evra on a terrible run and Rafael obviously in need of protection. Lennon and Modric are schooling the full-backs and they're getting no protection at all from midfield.

[Pastorius]

can't believe evra let him on the outside for the second goal

[mph4ever]

game of two halves, manu for the win

[Pastorius]

got to love the 100% probability that united will get a penalty at old trafford

[mph4ever]

stand up for the champions

[Pastorius]

there are no words to describe how much i hate manchester united

[Dave de Sylvia]

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[Pastorius]

god i just hate them so much

[poorquality]

chuffed with that result, was worried at 2-0 down, soft penalty but the other 4 goals were lovely team play in the build up. Like someone said on 606, Spurs had the advantage but decided to sit back instead of pushing forward, teams get punished for doing that against the top sides.

[Pastorius]

i don't know why teams do it against united, they prove every time that they WILL break down your defence

the only way to beat united is to get up in their faces, pressure them, don't give them any time on the ball, not sit back and let them do their thing

[mph4ever]

happy all round really

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yes yes well played United. Very glad that you won. I hate Liverpool.

A few questions. Two in fact. Am I alone in thinking that Florent Malouda is the shittest winger in the Premiership? Am I alone in thinking that Salomon Kalou is awfully rubbish?

Rio Ferdinand getting nominated ahead of Fat Lampard for the Player of the Year is a disgrace to the sport.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Ferdinand hasn't had a good season, I don't care what anyone says.

[Pastorius]

kalou is proper wank

[RandyfromPennywise]

Kalou, to me, is the typical Liverpool Player. One of those kind of average/can have flashes of decency/generally not good enough to be at a big club-type of player who Liverpool seem to rotate through every season or two. I don't rate him at all. He and Malouda on the wings is such a shyte line-up. Zenden and Grønkjær shat all over that and the Gronk was probably the worst crosser in Chelsea history and Bolo had three good games for us. [For reference, Aston Villa where he crossed for the 'Baink, Bolton in the 5-1 win, and against M. United in a 2-2 draw on a Friday night in March 2002 or 2003.] Imagine if we still had Duffer at his prime and a fit Joe Cole, and El Guddy, we would've won the League.

Don't know anyone apart from Tommy Smthye wid a Y who thinks that Ferdinand has had a great season Dave.

[Pastorius]

i hate liverpool kind of negates that little spiel

[Dave de Sylvia]

I was always under the impression that Kalou and Malouda were strikers. They've definitely never given the impression they're natural wingers.

[Pastorius]

or natural footballers

[Iai]

Malouda always played on the wing in France, Kalou I think was always a striker.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I heard Malouda was a left-winger in the Under 8s in French Guiana. Kalou, he belongs in the Belgian League. Or just send him back to Feyenoord, he seemed to do quite well there.

Personally I find it rather amusing that I hate half of the Chelsea squad as of the last three years or so. Back in the good ol' days I loved everyone. Except Slavisa Jokanović and Enrique De Lucas.

"I hate Liverpool" brings authority and accuracy to any statement it accompanies.

[TakeWarning]

F'ucking Man U. So typical, Ferguson complains one week, the next they get given a 50-50 penalty(and I'm being generous when I say 50-50). Wankers.

--------------------------------

Malouda is very talented, he apparently just chooses not to use his ability. Like Jenas.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Malouda cannot be that talented. He can't beat a man. He can't shoot for shyte. He's not overly quick. He has the worst hair in the Prem. All-round rating 2/10.

Blackburn must beat Wigan tonight. I reckon Arsenal will win handsomely. Newcastle - Pompey will be interesting on Tuesday morning (Monday night).

It's an interesting point that the Champo semis both have one team who is trying to win its respective league (Manure and Bartha) and one that can afford to rest players as it can't win the league (Arse and Chelsea).

[Interstate]

Arsenal better win today. We need to keep the pressure up. Was surprised by West Brom's win, although to be fair I think they were as well. I want Hull to stay up, they're an entertaining team.

[DhA]

No, I really hope we stay up, even thoug hwe won't, seeign asWovles are up now. **** them.

[Happy]

Gutted about yesterday's Spurs game :(

[poorquality]

Well that PFA award was completely based on his 17-18 year career. I thought they had special awards they could make up or something to give out for esteemed professionals. Makes the PFA look shambolic really, it clearly hasn't meant Player of the Year this time around.

[Pastorius]

No way was Giggs player of the year.

I think they should make a Premiership Hall of Fame, and make Giggles the first inductee.

[sgrevs]

Giggs winning is a joke. Should have gone to Stevie G.

[TakeWarning]

Should have gone to me, TakeWarning.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Ryan Giggs 2008/09 Premier League: Played 1223 minutes, 1 goal, 8 assists. Played 90 minutes nine times. Started 12 games. Eight appearances in Europe.

Let's just go back and look at that first stat. He's played 1223 minutes this season in the league. Considerably less than half of the time United have been involved in a match in the league, Giggs has not been on the pitch.

Six of his team-mates are more deserving winners. Then there are the other 19 teams in the League.

[mph4ever]

i think you can say that this is like a hall of fame award this year. look at his stats, games played, crucial goals, red cards, yellow cards, trophies won etc over the past 18 years or so and then consider the repsect of his fellow professionals feel they need to show him.

its not his fault his fellow professionals hold him in such high regard

[RandyfromPennywise]

And it is their fault that they are stupid dumb zeros who are too simple to realise that the award is for the best player of the year.

[Happy]

Fabianski should've won it :mad:

[RandyfromPennywise]

Shared between Malouda, Kalou and Ashley Cole!

[Happy]

I think Lennon should've won the Young PFA.

Biased much.

[mph4ever]

And it is their fault that they are stupid dumb zeros who are too simple to realise that the award is for the best player of the year.

haha - they are that stupid they look up to giggs

[TakeWarning]

I think Lennon should've won the Young PFA.

Biased much.

Ireland definitely should have won it. I can say without bias I would have picked Lennon over Young too.

[talk show host]

Young only won because they vote at the start of the year. He was in brilliant form up to Christmas.

[RandyfromPennywise]

haha - they are that stupid they look up to giggs

No, I never said anything about that, did I? The award is not for the Person You Look Up To of the Year, or the Outstand Long-Service to the Game of the Year, is it? The awarding of an award named Player of the Year to someone who was so clearly not the player of the year is a joke.

[mph4ever]

No, I never said anything about that, did I? The award is not for the Person You Look Up To of the Year, or the Outstand Long-Service to the Game of the Year, is it? The awarding of an award named Player of the Year to someone who was so clearly not the player of the year is a joke.

no, i said it. i know what the award is for. i just re-emphasised how stpuid the players were voting for giggs. the dumbass players who voted didn't vote for the best player of this season, they voted with their hearts. if players keep being stupid then we will end up with a hall of fame and player of the year award

and anyway, frank should've won it, right?

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yes. Yes he should have. :thumb:

[gaslightanthem]

marlon king should have

[talk show host]

Last day's gonna be epic if Sheff Utd don't beat Palace.

[Dave de Sylvia]

If Sheffield United get promoted I am just going to give up.

[Pastorius]

Cardiff won't be going into the playoffs with confidence.

Although we have done well in playoffs before

[RandyfromPennywise]

Toon v Pompey was such an atrocious match of football. Newcastle do not deserve to stay up by any stretch. They are bloody horrendous. So many nothing players, and about a dozen who were good, once upon a time.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Hahaha Lampard didn't even make the Team of the Year, hahaha oh goodness me what a farce.

[Pastorius]

Well they can't leave out Gerrard or Giggs, and truthfully Ashley Young has been better than Giggs so he has to make it in.

[sgrevs]

Newcastle lolol

I don't think Lennon should have won best young player, his crossing is pretty **** most of the time. Ireland should have won it.

[TakeWarning]

It should really be Player Of The Season.

[mph4ever]

It should really be Player Of The Season.

yeah but if you have league season and player of the season floating around in a players head then theres every chance they will get confused

[poorquality]

Let's face it, Giggs won because his name was the easiest to spell out of the 6 contenders.

[Pastorius]

I think they all put down G for Stevie G, but they counted them as G for Giggs

[Happy]

They all put down a G for Gerrard then realised he is a cunt.

[mph4ever]

I think they all put down G for Stevie G, but they counted them as G for Giggs

i would imagine he was a sure thing for the award and then the news broke that he might have kicked **** out of a dj who didn't play the right song for him. not really the type of role model that the game needs

[mph4ever]

btw, shearer looks a shadow of his former self. thought he was coming into assess the squad for the summer business he was going to undertake and now finds himself managing them into the championship. got carried away i think. newcastle deserve better, ashley deserves a bullet

[Happy]

There wasn't really much he could do.

[Pastorius]

i would imagine he was a sure thing for the award and then the news broke that he might have kicked **** out of a dj who didn't play the right song for him. not really the type of role model that the game needs

might have

i rest my case judge

[Dave de Sylvia]

They all put down a G for Gerrard then realised he is a cunt.
I love this post

Wanna have its babies

[mph4ever]

might have

i rest my case judge


case closed

[Interstate]

Gonna be an interesting game tonight. I have a damn FA league meeting tonight (typical it seems to always been on champions league nights!) but will try and catch the 2nd half, just have to drive stupidly fast back home.

[RandyfromPennywise]

What do you do at these FA league meetings?

MON THE CHELS!

[mph4ever]

i'm in two minds about tonights game. like both teams would be worthy adversaries.

[Dave de Sylvia]

1 minute 30 seconds: Cech misses his first cross of the night

[Dave de Sylvia]

The more I look at this, the more I think Chelsea have a decent chance. Barcelona look very nervy, even at home- they bottled it a bit against United at this stage last season. Funnily enough, given Spanish football's reputation, it seemed for the first 20 minutes or so that Chelsea were the ones who wanted too much time on the ball, but they've come into it since.

Barcelona centre-halves are just lol. No wonder Ferguson didn't fight to keep Gerard Pique- he's crap!

[Pastorius]

They're some capable players though, running rings round Chelsea at times. Looking bunk in defence though.

[mph4ever]

i haven't seen a barcelona player who can take the game by the scruff of the neck. chelsea have a few and they will come to the fore in the second half, maybe not of this leg but of the tie

[Pastorius]

i dunno, chelsea haven't looked like they're in it at all

will be different at stamford bridge though

[Dave de Sylvia]

It has 0-0 written all over it, to be honest. Really disappointing second half. Barca are dominating midfield, but attacking they really don't seem to work as a team, at least not enough to break down a very well-organised defence. Chelsea will have to play better at the Bridge, but I think they'll be cursing Drogba's misses in the first half.

[mph4ever]

i beginning to see what randy means. malouda does not impress

[Dave de Sylvia]

He's done a job on Messi all night. He more or less gave up playing on the right just after half time and has been having even less luck in the middle.

[mph4ever]

hes more of an alves than a ribery

[mph4ever]

advantage barca in the score, no away goal, barca won't play a team twice and not score

barca have pique, no puyol and marquez injured perhaps

[Dave de Sylvia]

advantage barca in the score, no away goal, barca won't play a team twice and not score
Can't remember the last time that happened in a Champions League semi final

Is Pique out of the second leg too?

[Iai]

http://www.chinawholesalegift.com/pic/Sport-Outdoor-Leisure-Gifts/Soccer-Coach-Gifts/Innovative-football-gifts/Maisto-Chelsea-Bus-13553030746.jpg

[RandyfromPennywise]

Did you know that since 1996 only one player has made the top-three of the World Player of the Year from a league outside of Spain, Italy and England?

Barcelona had about 400 more passes than Chelsea did. Unbelievable. Xavi had 57 passes at like the 80th minute mark, out top passer was Mikel or Bosingwa with about 18.

It's funny though, I didn't feel like we were going to concede tonight. Just didn't. Hiddink puts this belief in me. In Guus I trust.

All-round was a pretty poor game to watch for the neutral I imagine.

[gaslightanthem]

chelsea are such a boring team and that is why i want barca to win in the second leg

that game was awful

makes me glad to be an arsenal supporter who even on our worst shows will put on a good game



Anyway; here's hoping to an arsenal barca final

[Dave de Sylvia]

My girlfriend texted me "seriously, what the **** is this?" about eleven times during it. Not one bit happy.

I thought it was a decent match. Chelsea had a job to do and they did it perfectly and, had Drogba had a bit of urgency about him, would have gone home with a 1-0 lead.

[gaslightanthem]

chelsea had a job to not play football

[Pastorius]

It wasn't very exciting unless you wanted to see quite efficient game killing

[Dave de Sylvia]

chelsea had a job to not play football
oh arsenal fans

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yes. It was not easy on the eyes. It wasn't even an interesting tactical battle or anything like that, which non-attacking games can sometimes be. This was just Barthelona trying to attack, having almost all of the play in midfield, and Chelsea holding on and half-heartedly looking for the odd chance on the counter, or to get the ball clear. Tomorrow should be better, here's hoping.

[Pastorius]

here's hoping ferguson breaks his leg running to the touchlines, moaning about arsenal's 6th goal of the night

[gaslightanthem]

here's hoping ferguson breaks his leg running to the touchlines, moaning about arsenal's 6th goal of the night

beginning to like you more & more

[mph4ever]

beginning to like you more & more


this sort of alignment was last recorded the day before the dinosaurs died out

as dave said, there are similarities with last years semi.

chelsea will make the final now

[Pastorius]

you just want chelsea to make the final because there's more chance of you beating chelsea than barca if you make the final

[gaslightanthem]

i'd rather play barca and actually i think arsenal barca would be the most interesting of all the possible finals

[mph4ever]

you just want chelsea to make the final because there's more chance of you beating chelsea than barca if you make the final

not at all. the semis are satisfying because the scouse scum aint there

[Iai]

this sort of alignment was last recorded the day before the dinosaurs died out
Are you saying Giggs and Scholes will die tomorrow?

[mph4ever]

Are you saying Giggs and Scholes will die tomorrow?
hope not, that'd put a downer on it

[Pastorius]

not at all. the semis are satisfying because the scouse scum aint there

we bowed out gracefully because it was beneath us

[mph4ever]

we bowed out gracefully because it was beneath us


like the rest of the premiership bar one

[RandyfromPennywise]

not at all. the semis are satisfying because the scouse scum aint there

YES! Brilliant. Could not have said it better myself.

Spat Out Plath Diva I remember you saying "by his own admission Frank would say he's not having his best season". Well, I just read that Lampard has in fact said that he feels that he is having his best-ever season this season. So there.

Just heard a little snippet of the radio call Frank did to that bloke who called him scum. Well in Frankie, tell 'im 'ow it is.

[TakeWarning]

Yeah mad Props to Lampshade for having the balls to phone in.

[Pastorius]

YES! Brilliant. Could not have said it better myself.

Spat Out Plath Diva I remember you saying "by his own admission Frank would say he's not having his best season". Well, I just read that Lampard has in fact said that he feels that he is having his best-ever season this season. So there.

Just heard a little snippet of the radio call Frank did to that bloke who called him scum. Well in Frankie, tell 'im 'ow it is.

and he's still not in team of the year

how galling

[RandyfromPennywise]

Team of the Year means sod all, that is pretty clear.

Come on injuries.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I take that back. Come on injuries to United. Come on l'Arse.

[Dave de Sylvia]

ugh same as the first Inter match- complete dominance but not the goals to show for it, although we at least got one this time. Why couldn't Fabianski be playing?!?! :'(

[mph4ever]

I take that back. Come on injuries to United. Come on l'Arse.



make up your mind.

interesting that the commentators here are comparing chelseas job on barca last night to manu's job on them this time last year

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah I can see the similarities.

I did make up my mind. United players to get injured and Arsenal to win was my prefered outcome.

50/50 going in to next week. Maybe for both ties.

Gee Ronaldo's tantrum when he didn't get that foul was something else.

Does Djibril Cissé have tattoos all-over his face now? He will be on the knob-head list very soon.

Walcott needs to work on his positional play.

[Pastorius]

I hate Ronaldo so so much

[mph4ever]

I did make up my mind. United players to get injured and Arsenal to win was my prefered outcome.

50/50 going in to next week. Maybe for both ties.

thats fair. but both away teams can score and an away goal leaves mountains for the home sides

Gee Ronaldo's tantrum when he didn't get that foul was something else.

which one of 20 incidents was that then

Does Djibril Cissé have tattoos all-over his face now? He will be on the knob-head list very soon.

failed scouser - hes already top of the list

Walcott needs to work on his positional play.
walcott needs to learn french to fit in

I hate Ronaldo so so much

so you're actually english and a liverpool fan then

[Wish]

Gee Ronaldo's tantrum when he didn't get that foul was something else. Was that on the edge of the box when he just seemed to give up and fell to his knees?

[Dave de Sylvia]

Yeah, but in his defence he did throw a terrific little ballerina spin in the middle of it.

[RandyfromPennywise]

^ Yes, and yes. The pirouette was delightful.

Walcott was ball-watching a lot this morning. At least three times the ball was with Arsenal on their left wing for a cross and he should have checked out to the back post where there was space, but he sat like a stunned mullett at the top of the box, five yards away from Fletcher/Carrick etc.. Not good enough.

[2muchket!]

He's only short and doesn't have that much aerial presence tho'.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah a ken tha but if there be space a tha back post with nae defenders there why nae ya go there?

[gaslightanthem]

better things to do like park a bus in front of barcelona and show no intent idk

[Dave de Sylvia]

Well Chelsea executed their game plan perfectly, whereas Arsenal were more or less a shambles for 45 minutes, and were still second-best after the break. I mean you can say that you like about Arsenal trying to play football the right way, but clearly they didn't do it very well tonight.

[gaslightanthem]

no tonight they were awful idk what wenger was thinking playing the formation he did; we looked uncomfortable playing in it & i mean come on adebayor as a lone striker?

[TakeWarning]

Fortunately for them, Man United are only one up. I can see them overturning that at Ashburton Grove.

And what's the deal with Rooney's reluctance to get beyond the last man? So frustrating to watch as a neutral, I just wanted to see some goal-mouth action.

[mph4ever]

looked like men and boys from here

[benfan]

better things to do like park a bus in front of barcelona and show no intent idk

Props to Chelsea. After Barca destroyed Bayern Munich i think id of done the same thing. Theyre one of the only teams to keep Barcelona out at their home ground all season. I expect to see a very different game plan back at Stamford Bridge.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Fortunately for them, Man United are only one up. I can see them overturning that at Ashburton Grove.

And what's the deal with Rooney's reluctance to get beyond the last man? So frustrating to watch as a neutral, I just wanted to see some goal-mouth action.
He doesn't like using his left foot, which is annoying since he has two excellent feet. Perhaps his foot injury is still affecting him.

[DhA]

Oh man I hope Arsenal beat United, and win the CL. Arsenal on their day are clearly the best footballing team in England.

[Kickflip_Burrito]

Chelsea - United final methinks.

A rematch of last yr

[poorquality]

Oh man I hope Arsenal beat United, and win the CL. Arsenal on their day are clearly the best footballing team in England.

Tis a shame that 'on their day' only happens a couple of times a season and they're pretty average for the rest of it.

[gaslightanthem]

oh come on if they were average for the rest of it they wouldn't be so high up the table

they normally perform great, sometimes poorly (but every team has their off days), and on other occasions they are phenomenal. this season we haven't been as good as normal thanks to huge losses all year round to the squad but think back to last year - every game up till february arsenal were praised for playing fantastically.

[poorquality]

oh come on if they were average for the rest of it they wouldn't be so high up the table

they normally perform great, sometimes poorly (but every team has their off days), and on other occasions they are phenomenal. this season we haven't been as good as normal thanks to huge losses all year round to the squad but think back to last year - every game up till february arsenal were praised for playing fantastically.

I know I was only having a little poke at the best footballing side in England. I'm just glad we have the ability to grind out results if we have to, wins us leagues and all that.

This season you probably would be as high by playing average tbh, look at the amount of teams towards the bottom of the table that are playing below average, you wouldn't have much competition, maybe Everton and Villa at most.

I do agree Arsenal can play some beautiful football, but last season they were punished by lack of squad depth, the players were tired, this season injuries (haven't learnt about squad depth yet apparently), but every club has had their fair share of injury troubles, United went about 4 weeks without playing the same back 4 or some such. Liverpool lost both of their key players but still managed to step up and be counted. Chelsea....well we know their squad has plenty of depth.

Like you said plenty of praise when teams allow Arsenal to play how they want to, quick passing, free flowing attacking football, lovely to watch, if Arsenal have to get into a bit of a scrap to fight for the game, half their players go missing. Who apart from Almunia turned up on Wednesday?

[TakeWarning]

Chelsea - United final methinks.

A rematch of last yr

Probably.

The thought of this makes me want to cry.

[Happy]

I think Barcelona will beat Chelsea.

[poorquality]

I think Barcelona will beat Chelsea.

Same, Chelsea surely have to be a bit more adventurous at home unless they want to try taking it to Penalties which'd be pathetic. As soon as they start playing more openly Barcelona should be able to take advantage. I can't see Barca not scoring to be honest.

Then again I couldn't see them not scoring at their place, but i'm kind of relying on Chelsea playing a different style of game to try and win the match this time.

[Iai]

I'm gonna say this right now, and have you call me mental long before the event: I think a Man Utd-Chelsea final the year will be a good game.

[mph4ever]

it will be

we have already shown that we can take barca. chelsea need to prove themselves on wednesday to be worthy adversaries

[gaslightanthem]

but every club has had their fair share of injury troubles, United went about 4 weeks without playing the same back 4 or some such. Liverpool lost both of their key players but still managed to step up and be counted. Chelsea....well we know their squad has plenty of depth.

the other big three haven't had 6-8 first team regular players out consistently all season

[mph4ever]

the other big three haven't had 6-8 first team regular players out consistently all season

those 6 to 8 players would not be first team players with manu, nor chelsea, maybe liverpool

taking gerrard and torres out of liverpool is the same as removing the whole winning team

[Dave de Sylvia]

the other big three haven't had 6-8 first team regular players out consistently all season
Yeah they have. It happens to every team.

[gaslightanthem]

no they haven't

[Dave de Sylvia]

United: Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Neville, Hargreaves, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson
Liverpool: Agger, Torres, Gerrard, Squirtle, Mascherano,
Chelsea: Essien, Joe Cole, Carvalho, Terry, Drogba, Deco, Ballack, Bosingwa

Off the top of my head.

[Pastorius]

Yeah it really sucks that we have bunk strength in depth.

Any of our midfielders go down, Lucas comes in to 'strengthen' them up

[Happy]

Bye bye Boro.

[Dave de Sylvia]

It's always reassuring when you're 2-0 up away from home and the opposition brings on Alfonos Alves.

[Happy]

My girlfriend has been looking after the West Brom team at her Marriott.
I hope she accidentally gives them food poisoning.

[gaslightanthem]

United: Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Neville, Hargreaves, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson
Liverpool: Agger, Torres, Gerrard, Squirtle, Mascherano,
Chelsea: Essien, Joe Cole, Carvalho, Terry, Drogba, Deco, Ballack, Bosingwa

Off the top of my head.

*sigh*

walcott, toure, gallas, fabregas, van persie, rosicky, diaby, eduardo, clichy, silvestre and djourou have all been out for a large portion of the season.

evra, ferdinand, ronaldo, anderson and carrick at least havent spent large portions of the season out injured - here and there yeah but not for long and generally not all at the same time. idc enough about liverpool and chelsea but the same goes for them.

[Pastorius]

i don't think all of those were out at the same time were they

[gaslightanthem]

erm rosicky, eduardo, fabregas, adebayor, van persie, walcott, gallas, diaby and silvestre were out at the same time so

[Pastorius]

for how long were they all out at the same time

[gaslightanthem]

a month but we have consistently had 6-8 players out all season as in for nearly every game how many times do i have to say this our situation injury wise has been dire

[mph4ever]

arsenal is full of sick notes

bunch of pussies

[gaslightanthem]

at least they dont sulk and start crying when they're losing lol ronaldo

[Happy]

Arsenal always cry.

[mph4ever]

at least they dont sulk and start crying when they're losing lol ronaldo

gallas last year

wenger is the perfect example of a moan, arsenal players seem to take his lead

[Dave de Sylvia]

erm rosicky, eduardo, fabregas, adebayor, van persie, walcott, gallas, diaby and silvestre were out at the same time so
It's funny how Arsenal's lack of achievement can always be put down to injuries when most teams would just accept that they need to improve.

[poorquality]

Well Barca destroyed Real Madrid 6-2.

Good luck Chelsea

[mph4ever]

it easy to see how liverpool beat madrid. madrid are rubbish. there is talk about €300m being available to spend. the special one may be on his way with that sort of money around

you have to admire messi though

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/05/02/1242691/what-lionel-messis-t-shirt-at-the-bernabeu-meant

[Iai]

I hear Arshavin won a penalty today, but went to the referee and told him not to give it because it wasn't a foul.

Looks like all he needs to do is ditch that agent and he'll be the most likable player in the Prem.

[Pastorius]

Good lad Arshavin.

[mph4ever]

gerrard coud take a leaf out of his book

[Pastorius]

or ronaldo

[mph4ever]

gerrard could take a leaf out ronaldo's book?

[Pastorius]

if he wanted to become a bigger cunt, yes

[mph4ever]

if he wanted to become a bigger cunt, yes

no, then he would have taken a leaf out of john terry's book

[Pastorius]

please, ronaldo far outstrips terry

[mph4ever]

for diving then yes, for being a cunt then no

[Pastorius]

for being a cunt he wins too

sarcastic clapping of the referee when you get caught diving is unacceptable unless you want to top the charts of being a cunt

[TakeWarning]

Ronaldo is just arrogant though.

John Terry on the hand, is racist, blows snot on people and parks in disbaled bays because he can't be bothered to walk an extra few metres.

[Pastorius]

there is no arrogance in goading a player (teammate!) to kick you, pretending to be injured, and winking at your team when he gets sent off

pure cunt

[mph4ever]

there is no arrogance in goading a player (teammate!) to kick you, pretending to be injured, and winking at your team when he gets sent off

pure cunt

you sound like an english red top tabloid

[Pastorius]

i just really hate ronaldo

i wouldn't mind if he wasn't so damn good at football

[Happy]

you sound like an english red top tabloid

of course he was goading him.

[mph4ever]

of course he was goading him.

its half his game really

[2muchket!]

to be a bell end ?

[mph4ever]

thats the other half

[Interstate]

Good to see Arsenal didn't concede yesterday. I was in Portsmouth town centre after a house party down there the night before and was listening to the game in a cafe. I jumped out of my seat and loudly exclaimed "YES!" when we scored the penalty and then realised I was in Portsmouth and everyone had gone silent to look at me.

I ate my food pretty damn quickly and avoided the waitress's eyes when I paid.

[Mother]

So Barca Raped Real in thier home ground ... hail

[mph4ever]

that was a serius going over. next up chelsea

[mph4ever]

that was a serius going over. next up chelsea

[Interstate]

that was a serius going over. next up chelsea

Haha I can't wait. It will shut this guy up at work who worships Lampard.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Barca conceded two awful goals from set-pieces. Chelsea could easily do to them what they did to Liverpool at Anfield.

[Interstate]

Barca conceded two awful goals from set-pieces. Chelsea could easily do to them what they did to Liverpool at Anfield.

Either way it will be one hell of an interesting game regardless of who wins.

[mph4ever]

i was delighted when cardiff failed to make the play-offs.

i reckon reading for the play-offs

[Dave de Sylvia]

I've just seen Liverpool's third goal today. The Newcastle defenders were all the wrong side of the Liverpool forwards- it's one of the most embarrassing things I've ever seen.

[mph4ever]

henry out for two weeks, misses chelsea, villareal and copa del rey final. could be significant

[sgrevs]

Newcastle were laughably bad against Liverpool. I actually feel sorry for them, which is not something I ever thought I'd be saying.

[Interstate]

Newcastle were laughably bad against Liverpool. I actually feel sorry for them, which is not something I ever thought I'd be saying.

Even though they played terribly, it will be weird if they went down.

[Happy]

I can't wait to see the back of them and it will be hilarious to see that smug cunt Shearer end the season with 0 wins.

Then next season, Lawro can take over a managerial position at some club and fail miserably too just so I can laugh.

[sgrevs]

I agree that it will be weird to see them go down. Though Hull could also go down pretty easily. They have been playing like ****.

[Dave de Sylvia]

Hull going down would dependent on Middlesbrough or Newcastle winning a match, which would just be too hilarious at this point.

[mph4ever]

henry out for two weeks, misses chelsea, villareal and copa del rey final. could be significant

barca are saying there is no issue

[Iai]

Hull going down would dependent on Middlesbrough or Newcastle winning a match, which would just be too hilarious at this point.
Next week really will be like the special Olympics.

Aliadiere to score the winner in a 1-0? I mean, he's shown that he's got the nous to get clear opportunities against Man U and Arsenal. I can see him having about 5 really great chances against a defence that shocking, and surely even he can't miss them all?