Football (Soccer)
Anybody here interested in football (soccer)? Particularly the English Premiership?
WHIP picked Chelsea to win it and says nothing can prevent that.
That is correct! It may seem like a two horse race, but there's really only one running.
More interesting things are happening throughout the premiership though.
Sheffield United could drop all their players and play with a high school team and still avoid relegation. The clashes between sheffield Wednesday and United cannot go on anymore and they will always be sepeated by a division,so that they should never have to play against each other in a league math again.
Liverpool remains the second best team in England and prove that in the Champions league.
Lets be real, The Champion League is EVERYTHING in european football.
Individual leagues are simply there for qualification towards the CL.
Its ever level of the game as well, economical(We can sit down and argue about that one as most people have a lack of vision of how money is really made in soccer franchises).
The great teams of Europe will litterally go to a league's weekend match to lose it when there's an upcoming champions league game to play.
It seem like Wenger hasn't learnt that lesson yet, and has paid dearly for that mistake in the past, but it looks like he's still making the same mistakes.
Arsenal is doomed with him at the head.
Man Utd on the other hand has gone through a terrible couple years, holding one of the weakest middle lines in the premiership, but thats all changing now, United is rebuilding, and from what i can see, it looks like some excellent work.And it would have to be, for the standard that Chelsea has set is beyond reach.
But don't be expecting UTD to be challenging this year....it is a false illusion.
A team takes a few years to build, Chelsea has gone through those years, United is on its first.
The Spurs are looking really solid, and may prove worthy of a Champions league spot. Aston Villa as well, but it looks like it may take 1 more year for them to gel perfectly.
Charlton should manage to stay.
City, despite the names it holds, does not look worthy of staying inthe premiership, although the may prove me wrong in the nick of time.
Watford's falling obviously.
Wigan! now there's a team to look at! the one and onl exampe of a team with a strange economical policy that allowed them to jump from division to division, until they reached the premiership, and now have shined ever since.
The contracts...if you noticed the team while they were in the 2nd division, ou'd see that the players contracts were tiny, its like they had this thing where, the would only sign players that agreed on the minimum salary.
When the were in the first division, their players were getting payed less than most teams in the 2nd division, and still they managed to progress.
Teams will attempt to follow Wigan's example.
>And whats this about West ham????????????
Jewish money coming in? Huge players on their way.
Shall the Premiership be dominated by teams from London?
It is a two-horse race. Chelsea aren't as good as they were last year, and while they're probably still favourites, they aren't guaranteed to win it. Manchester United (my team) are playing better than they have since we last won the title, and while it's true that the centre of midfield is a bit lightweight, Scholes and Carrick are talented, and our wingers (Giggs and Ronaldo) are the best in the world. The defence looks solid and we're scoring goals. The biggest problem will be the small size of the squad, I think. I'm not saying United will win the league, but we have a good chance.
Liverpool aren't the second best team in England, probably fourth; they're not good enough away from home; only one away win in the league so far. Same problem with Spurs.
Watford and Charlton look certain to go down, along with another team, maybe West Ham, it depends whether they buy players in January.
King, what's your opinion of FC united? Lot of my Man U fans have been paying it quite a lot of attention.
Their doing quite well for a club of that size; they were promoted in their first season. I don't wish them any particular harm, but at the same time, I don't really support them. I can understand why the fans were angry after the Glazer takeover, but I think they should have stuck by the club anyway.
It is a two-horse race. Chelsea aren't as good as they were last year, and while they're probably still favourites, they aren't guaranteed to win it. Manchester United (my team) are playing better than they have since we last won the title, and while it's true that the centre of midfield is a bit lightweight, Scholes and Carrick are talented, and our wingers (Giggs and Ronaldo) are the best in the world. The defence looks solid and we're scoring goals. The biggest problem will be the small size of the squad, I think. I'm not saying United will win the league, but we have a good chance.
Liverpool aren't the second best team in England, probably fourth; they're not good enough away from home; only one away win in the league so far. Same problem with Spurs.
Watford and Charlton look certain to go down, along with another team, maybe West Ham, it depends whether they buy players in January.
I must stress for you to take a closer look at
Liverpool, and understand that this is a work in the making.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the ONLY thing that Liverpool is looking at this year is the Champions League! They are by far, the 2nd English favorites within the competition.
The team Liverpool was 5 years ago, is NOT the team that has been put together since then. Liverpool's managment has been the absolute elite amongst European teams, buying young talent with EXCELLENT scouting!
That is the way to build a team, and Liverpool started this piece of art by working on the defence. There is no better place to start.
What seperates Man UTD and Liverpool in reality, is that Liverpool is a team 5 years in the making, and Man UTD is a team in its develpoment, too many changes, it sets them a step back as far as Europe is concerned.
The Poterntial is obviously there, but it will not come into effect until the team has had a year or so to gel.
Europe is not England. Look southerly at Lyon (Lyonnais), there are superior teams in Europe than Man Utd and Liverpool, forget about Arsenal.
With Chelsea of course the exception!
Watford and Charlton look certain to go down, along with another team, maybe West Ham, it depends whether they buy players in January.
Watford looks certain, yes.
I can't say the same thing about Charlton though.
There are reaons why I would wager on them being in the premiership next year.
Would you believe the same thing about West Ham if Beckham played at the franchise come january?
I'm not saying Liverpool aren't a good team, but being good in Europe and being good in the Premiership are 2 different things; just look at Arsenal last year, poor in the league (by their standards), but got to the Champions League final and could've won. Liverpool are definetly better in Europe than they are domestically; their manager Benitez is more suited to Europe. Their defence isn't that good; they've had big problems with their centre-halves this season, United, Chelsea and Arsenal all have better defences. They're not really 5 years in the making; Benitez has only been there 2 and a half years. I agree that they've bought well (Kuyt, Agger, Garcia), but they've also had some bad signings under Benitez (Reina, Nunez, Josemi, Pellegrino). I think United are more of a complete team, we're only lacking a more consistent goalscorer and a box-to-box midfielder. Liverpool may well do better than United in Europe this year; we're more focused on the Premiership, and our tactics are too cautious in Europe. Lyon are very good, and I think they'll do well in Europe this season, although I'm not sure they're better than United.
Out of interest, what leagues do you watch W.HI.P, and who do you support?
I think Charlton are pretty likely to go down. They got hammered yesterday by Spurs, their manager is inexperienced, and their squad isn't very good. Their performance this year shows how good their old manager Alan Curbishley was.
It's difficult to know what the problem is at West Ham. They've got a good squad on paper, and a decent manager in Alan Pardew, but it just isn't working for them this year. There's been speculation that the arrivals of Tevez and Mascherano have unsettled them, but I don't think this is a big enough reason. They're another team who are poor away from home. If Beckham came it would make a difference, but I think it would take more than that at the moment.
I'm not saying Liverpool aren't a good team, but being good in Europe and being good in the Premiership are 2 different things; just look at Arsenal last year, poor in the league (by their standards), but got to the Champions League final and could've won. Liverpool are definetly better in Europe than they are domestically; their manager Benitez is more suited to Europe. Their defence isn't that good; they've had big problems with their centre-halves this season, United, Chelsea and Arsenal all have better defences. They're not really 5 years in the making; Benitez has only been there 2 and a half years. I agree that they've bought well (Kuyt, Agger, Garcia), but they've also had some bad signings under Benitez (Reina, Nunez, Josemi, Pellegrino). I think United are more of a complete team, we're only lacking a more consistent goalscorer and a box-to-box midfielder. Liverpool may well do better than United in Europe this year; we're more focused on the Premiership, and our tactics are too cautious in Europe. Lyon are very good, and I think they'll do well in Europe this season, although I'm not sure they're better than United.
First of all, this Liverpool ERA, does not begin with Benitez.
5 Years ago, Liverpool had a serious defencive problem.
The Problem was caused by the way the team was being managed.
At that point, KEY players came to Liverpool, and specific work was done as a team, strategically. The results showed immediatly in the goals against.
From that point and other key purchases pre-Benitez were made, and from then on given to benitez to perfect. I do agree that Liverpool is a tad weaker than last year, but nevertheless, Liverpool remains a great team, and a champions league contender despite specific super powers who seem to have the uper hand like Chelsea and Lyonnais.
The abscence of Italy who will most likely not make a mark this year, despite their general dominance of European football since the econimic changes within Europe.
A swiff mention of Bayern Munich is a must, as they have systematically picked up all the precious diamonds within Germany.
Out of interest, what leagues do you watch W.HI.P, and who do you support
I used to watch all European leagues very close up, but my close examination of the NFL(American Football) has me at a distance of the weaker leagues.
Overall, I support
[COLOR="DeepSkyBlue"]Lazio[/COLOR] and [COLOR="Navy"]Lyon[/COLOR]
!
I've supported [COLOR="Green"]Werder bremen[/COLOR] since the 80's.
The good, bad, and unbelievably amazing, I've been a fan of
[COLOR="Blue"]Chelsea[/COLOR].
I'm a supporter of the one and only full-Basque franchise in Spain. (Bilbao)
In other leagues, I may have more than one team I support, like hibs and Aberdeen in Scotland and so on.
Exchange with me yours if you may.
First of all, this Liverpool ERA, does not begin with Benitez,
I think it does really. Of Liverpool’s current regulars, only Finnan, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard and Carragher were not bought by Benitez.
5 Years ago, Liverpool had a serious defencive problem.
Not really. In the 01-02 season, Liverpool had the best defence in the Premiership, conceding only 30 goals. In 02-03, they conceded 41, but this was still the second best defence in the Premiership, better than those of the top 3 teams that year.
I think you overrate Liverpool slightly, but I agree that they have a good chance of winning the Champions League. I’ll be amazed if an English team doesn’t at least get to the final.
I only really support Manchester United and England. I’ve been to watch my hometown team Accrington Stanley in the past, and I still keep an eye out for their results. I also quite like Inter.
You're being to specific with the years, 5-6 ..whats the difference?
I'm speaking off my memory, not looking at charts.
If you were to look for yourself , you would see for yourself and understand without making specific remarks.
[COLOR="Red"]Liverpool[/COLOR] obviously had a defencive problem allowing [COLOR="Red"]49 [/COLOR]goals against.
[COLOR="DarkOrange"]Arsenal[/COLOR] that year had merely [COLOR="DarkOrange"]17[/COLOR].
Liverpools defence was worse than teams like Sheffield Wednesday(42), Derby County(45) and Everton(47).
Your reference to Liverpools great defence in the 00-01 season, is proving my point exactly on how liverpool began working with their defence.
You're obviously missing the point if you can't pinpoint Liverpool's years of weak defence, and the work that was done to fix it which i was refering to.
I'm not overestimating liverpool in the slightest, I don't like the franchise, I never have.
I do however look at each team without wearing blinkers as fans tend to do.
You being a man utd fan, and not recognizing how much work needs to be done,
will result in your disapointment this year, and most possibly next year.
The plans for Man Utd being great as a franchise is scheduled for the 08-09 season.
Quote:
Originally Posted by W.HI.P
First of all, this Liverpool ERA, does not begin with Benitez,
I think it does really. Of Liverpool’s current regulars, only Finnan, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard and Carragher were not bought by Benitez.
Who TF do you think it is that has brought Liverpool to greatness if not these specific pre-Benitez players you mention?????????????????????????????
You're being to specific with the years, 5-6 ..whats the difference?
I'm speaking off my memory, not looking at charts.
If you were to look for yourself , you would see for yourself and understand without making specific remarks.
[COLOR="Red"]Liverpool[/COLOR] obviously had a defencive problem allowing [COLOR="Red"]49 [/COLOR]goals against.
[COLOR="DarkOrange"]Arsenal[/COLOR] that year had merely [COLOR="DarkOrange"]17[/COLOR].
Liverpools defence was worse than teams like Sheffield Wednesday(42), Derby County(45) and Everton(47).
Your reference to Liverpools great defence in the 00-01 season, is proving my point exactly on how liverpool began working with their defence.
As far as I can tell, this is the 97-98 season, when I guess their defence wasn't that good. It did improve to be the best in the Premiership around 2000-2002, but it isn't as good now as it was then. Hyypia is well past his best. A future defence of Riise-Agger-Carragher-Finnan could be good, but it would have a long way to go before it could be considerd best in the league again. Obviuosly some of the pre-Benitez players were important in Liverpool's European success, particularly Gerrard and Carragher, but the team he inherited wasn't perfect, signings such as Alonso and Garcia had to be made. And it isn't perfect now. Nor am I claiming United's is either. We need a more consistent centre forward than Saha, and we need a box-to-box midfielder. I'm not trying to wind you up or anything, I respect your opinion and I think you've made some good points, I'm just not quite as convinced by Liverpool as you are. However, that doesn't mean I think they are a bad team, as they clearly aren't.
As far as I can tell, this is the 97-98 season, when I guess their defence wasn't that good. It did improve to be the best in the Premiership around 2000-2002, but it isn't as good now as it was then. Hyypia is well past his best. A future defence of Riise-Agger-Carragher-Finnan could be good, but it would have a long way to go before it could be considerd best in the league again. Obviuosly some of the pre-Benitez players were important in Liverpool's European success, particularly Gerrard and Carragher, but the team he inherited wasn't perfect, signings such as Alonso and Garcia had to be made. And it isn't perfect now. Nor am I claiming United's is either. We need a more consistent centre forward than Saha, and we need a box-to-box midfielder. I'm not trying to wind you up or anything, I respect your opinion and I think you've made some good points, I'm just not quite as convinced by Liverpool as you are. However, that doesn't mean I think they are a bad team, as they clearly aren't.
No, were talking about the season that ends in 99, 6 Seasons ago. You can't count 2006, it hasn't happened yet, its in the making.
Look, my point is, that the Base that Holds Liverpool up is 5-6 years in the making, the rest is all sculpting.
Man Utd is building its base as we speak, it will take at LEAST 1 year, more likely two, before they can gel and reach their potential.
How can you not be disapointed by the past few years?
Sure, Rudd, was great. and Rooney, a great replacment. Saha, will fade.
Respect in the United Defence these past years, no doubt.
But you can't represent England in the Champions league with a weak middle line like Man Utd has had over the past few years.
The idea of having Amazing Strikers does not impress me.
Players that play at an elite level are Midfielders, and even more so, defenders. Now, it looks like they're in the right direction.
[COLOR="Red"]
Liverpool[/COLOR]!
Hyppia offered a lot to Liverpool and was a KEY in their success.
S.Gerrard is one of the greatest players in the game. Capability wise~Leadership, position wise. He is a rare individual!
Riise?? Much respect!!
Carragher=proof of the point i was tryna make above about defenders!
Strikers are expendable, for the majority of them last only a few years at the elite levels....few are an exception to this rule.
To think how stupid Rea Madrid feels for picking up Ronaldo when they could have owned A.Nesta even today.
The difference a wise person makes to a franchise.
I insist, Wenger has to go!<<<<<---If ou want me to get into that, I can, specifically explain WHY, this man has to leave Arsenal in order for the team to remain alongside the Spurs for a champions league position next year.
Ah, ok. Looking at the table for that year, their defence was poor, and it contained Hyypia and Carragher, although Carragher was young and relatively inexperienced at that point. 2-3 years later, they had the best defence in the league, after adding Babbel, Riise and Henchoz to the squad. But of that defence, only Carragher and Riise are playing at a high level really. Hyypia has been good for them but now is past his best. Liverpool are good, but I think they'll need to establish Agger as the new centre-half alongside Carragher, and get a right-winger; Pennant isn't good enough.
I am disappointed in United over the last few years, but this has been our best year since 02-03 already. They need a striker and a midfielder. Rooney isn't really a replacement for van Nistelrooy, Rooney is more of a second striker. Saha is van Nistelrooy's replacement, and I agree that Saha isn't good enough for that, but he is still a good squad player. It's the same with Carrick, he's good, but not good enough to be in the first team, and too similar to Scholes anyway. The defence and goalkeeper are fine for now. I see what you are saying about strikers often not lasting more than as few years at the very top, but I still think they're important. United shouldn't have sold van Nistelrooy, but they need a great goalscorer to replace him; Saha just isn't consistent and composed enough in front of goal.
Real Madrid mainly go for attacking players anyway, but their squad is pretty good. Their main problem is the full-backs. We can talk about Arsenal if you want. How come its just you and me on here anyway? No other football fans on here?
i'm checking in on you as i love to watch but i don't keep statistics or anything like that. i'm not a rabid fan of any one team, just love to watch any match really.
Sheffield United could drop all their players and play with a high school team and still avoid relegation. The clashes between sheffield Wednesday and United cannot go on anymore and they will always be sepeated by a division,so that they should never have to play against each other in a league math again.
Is that a league ruling?
No, not at all, thats a goverment thing.
You see, after the 84 massacre followed by the ban of English teams in Europe, England has taken greater measures than any other country.
Things that cannot be controlled,
like the Sheffield United-Sheffield Wednesday meetings,
have to be stopped some other way.
All I'm saying is that United will remain in the premiership until the year Wednesday simultaneously moves up, or drops another category.
There's just no way that they would allow these two local teams to compete against each two or more times a year, to much bloodshed.
Its not just the day of the game, the blood keeps flowing for weeks, even months after the game is played.
No, not at all, thats a goverment thing.
You see, after the 84 massacre followed by the ban of English teams in Europe, England has taken greater measures than any other country.
Things that cannot be controlled,
like the Sheffield United-Sheffield Wednesday meetings,
have to be stopped some other way.
All I'm saying is that United will remain in the premiership until the year Wednesday simultaneously moves up, or drops another category.
There's just no way that they would allow these two local teams to compete against each two or more times a year, to much bloodshed.
Its not just the day of the game, the blood keeps flowing for weeks, even months after the game is played.
I'm not sure what your talking about. There is no particular history of violence in Sheffield derbies. There are no restrictions on these teams playing in the same league, they played in the same league last season, between 2000-2003, and in the first two years of the Premiership (1992-94).
I'm not sure what your talking about. There is no particular history of violence in Sheffield derbies. There are no restrictions on these teams playing in the same league, they played in the same league last season, between 2000-2003, and in the first two years of the Premiership (1992-94).
Are you kidding???
LMAO dude, no violence? What world do you live in?
There is no official restriction, but mark my words!
Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday will NEVER play in the same division again. Higher forces will make sure of that.
King...You wish to talk about the premiership, and yet you lack common knowledge, and furthermore press a point that you are unaware of??? Whats up with you?
i think we found the UK's version of TW.
i think we found the UK's version of TW.
Please excuse my ignorance, but what is TW?
Are you kidding???
LMAO dude, no violence? What world do you live in?
There is no official restriction, but mark my words!
Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday will NEVER play in the same division again. Higher forces will make sure of that.
King...You wish to talk about the premiership, and yet you lack common knowledge, and furthermore press a point that you are unaware of??? Whats up with you?
Where did you hear this? What higher powers are you talking about? Can you provide any evidence for this or is it just your opinion? I didn't say that there had never been any violence whatsoever, but there is not a tradition of violence, such as in the Rome derby, and certainly there have not been enough problems to seperate the teams artificially. If Sheffield United are relegated (possible), or Wednesday are promoted (a bit more unlikely), then they would play in the same league next year.
What higher powers are you talking about?
I never said Higher powers did i?
The higher forces I speak of, are the same kind of forces that stop war from happening.
Like when the European champions Greece travel to Albania and Turkey.
A greek win is forbidden. This is not in any rule book, but a greek win inside either country on the soccer field will never happen, and it has nothing to do with the players on the field, it has to do with avoiding war.
These things are common knowledge to those involved, yet proof cannot be provided, apart from the results of the past years which you will probably call coincidental.
Ask any Greek though, and they'll tell you why Greece will never win whenever they travel to that tiny soccer nation called Albania.
What they'll tell you is that if a war ever broke out between the two nations, the Greeks would be slaughtered in their sleep, as there would be no invasion neccessary, Albania has already moved into Greece!
If you chuckle at the notion of war coming from a silly soccer game, than it would be an ignorant chuckle in this case.
..but then again, wtf am i suppose to expect from someone who lives in England and is unaware of the bloodshed in your own league which you came here so desprately to talk about.
I'm done with this thread
I never said Higher powers did i?
So you're masking a distinction between the terms higher forces and higher powers? They essentially mean the same thing.
The higher forces I speak of, are the same kind of forces that stop war from happening.
Like when the European champions Greece travel to Albania and Turkey.
A greek win is forbidden. This is not in any rule book, but a greek win inside either country on the soccer field will never happen, and it has nothing to do with the players on the field, it has to do with avoiding war.
These things are common knowledge to those involved, yet proof cannot be provided, apart from the results of the past years which you will probably call coincidental.
Ask any Greek though, and they'll tell you why Greece will never win whenever they travel to that tiny soccer nation called Albania.
What they'll tell you is that if a war ever broke out between the two nations, the Greeks would be slaughtered in their sleep, as there would be no invasion neccessary, Albania has already moved into Greece!
If you chuckle at the notion of war coming from a silly soccer game, than it would be an ignorant chuckle in this case.
As you can't actually provide any evidence for this, it seems a lot like a conspiracy theory to me. If that's what you believe, thenm I guess that's fair enough, but it's just a lot of speculation on your part.
..but then again, wtf am i suppose to expect from someone who lives in England and is unaware of the bloodshed in your own league which you came here so desprately to talk about.
Why you get so angry with me I don't know. This 'bloodshed' of which you speak is a throwback to the 60s and 70s. Violence in English domestic football today is pretty much non-existant. For anybody reading this abroad, please don't think that English football games are just mass brawls. I've been to over 100 matches in this country, and I've
NEVER seen any problems. If you're looking for an example of violence, go and watch the Rome derby, or the Glasgow derby, or the Istanbul derby, because it generally doesn't happen in England anymore.
I'm done with this thread
Presumably because you can't get me to buy into your completely baseless conspiracy theories?
sooo, i may have to break down and spend more dough than i planned. i've been trying to get my hands on a Jay Demerit/ Watford Jersey, but because no one expects them to avoid relegation Watford Jerseys aren't carried through any of the major shops so if I want it I'll have to order directly from the team website. they, of course, want an arm and a leg, with an option on my left nut.
are lower quality team jerseys hard to find over there or something? I would have thought Ebay would have turned something up, but nada.
If you find a source, I'd love to get some Tottenham Hotspurs gear for one of my shrinks.
..but then again, wtf am i suppose to expect from someone who lives in England and is unaware of the bloodshed in your own league which you came here so desprately to talk about.
I'm done with this thread
W.HI.P I have to agree with King here - the idea that two Leagues would be involved in a conspiracy to stop the two Sheffield teams being in the same League is frankly incredible. Every team would have to be in on it in order to fix the results so that they did not go up/ down, not to mention how frustrating it would be for whichever team was "chosen" to play in the League below - Wednesday in this case.
Yes, there has been trouble in the past between the two side. Yes, the teams have "crews" of hooligans with a reputation and the desire to spill eachother's blood. But the London teams have crews as well, and they play against eachother in the same city year in and year out. Also, why would this have kicked in this year (as King says, they played eachother last year) rather than at the height of the violence 4-6 years ago?
I do also question the idea that it is "common knowledge". I've asked a Blades fan friend of mine and he's never even heard of this conspiracy. Perhaps if you could point us in the direction of some evidence (at least evidence that other people believe it) it would make it easier to credit.
tottenham sux. just let him know.
tottenham sux. just let him know.
That's a bit harsh.:p Are you saying they're no good or just that you don't like them?
it was harsh, but playfully so. i'm currently wearing an Arsenal jersey. I also like Watford - and they REALLY suck. unfortunately not able to spend the money to stay in the Premiership for more than a season at a time.
Lookout, how often do you get to watch the Premiership?
as often as the fox soccer channel and my DVR allow. mostly it is only the top sides, so i don't get to see watford often. i'm a pretty big Jay Demerit fan (and underdog, in general) so that bums me out.
A bit of searching about and under $15 later, I have a lovely Tottenham scarf in my hot little hands. I expect that I'll just make some comment about the doc seeming a bit chilled on his way into the office this coming Wednesday ...
Unfortunately Watford will probably go down due to the fact that they can't score, their main goalscorer Marlon King has been injured for most of the season. They're actually very good at the back though, DeMerit seems like a decent defender, at least for a team like Watford, and their keeper Ben Foster is on loan from Manchester United and he looks very good; hopefully he'll be our next regular keeper when van der Sar retires. I hope Watford stay up, but it doesn't look good. Maybe if they can get a regular goalscorer in the transfer window?
Watford were one of my local teams growing up. I still have a remote affection for them as I went to watch them play at home a couple of times.
Incidentally I went to a Watford v Luton derby when I was in my early 20s - oh dear. It didn't quite put me off football, but it was a lesson in how real football fans (and decent men) can get caught up in violence not of their planning.
The doctor was very surprised, and quite pleased with the Hotspur's scarf. I could go so far as to say he was quite chuffed.
I love it when a plan comes together.
When he asked me how I'd pulled it off, I just smiled and said "Magick."
W.HI.P I have to agree with King here - the idea that two Leagues would be involved in a conspiracy to stop the two Sheffield teams being in the same League is frankly incredible. Every team would have to be in on it in order to fix the results so that they did not go up/ down, not to mention how frustrating it would be for whichever team was "chosen" to play in the League below - Wednesday in this case.
Yes, there has been trouble in the past between the two side. Yes, the teams have "crews" of hooligans with a reputation and the desire to spill eachother's blood. But the London teams have crews as well, and they play against eachother in the same city year in and year out. Also, why would this have kicked in this year (as King says, they played eachother last year) rather than at the height of the violence 4-6 years ago?
I do also question the idea that it is "common knowledge". I've asked a Blades fan friend of mine and he's never even heard of this conspiracy. Perhaps if you could point us in the direction of some evidence (at least evidence that other people believe it) it would make it easier to credit.
I realise that WHIP is Canadian, but if I may for a moment group and stereotype North Americans... (:eek: ) I find that here in the US, the only news about British sport that reaches the masses is football hooliganism, and that seems to be reported with great glee. Not only that, but the majority seem to believe that the Hillsborough Disaster was a result of "fan" violence. It's often cited as a prime example of British Soccer Hooliganism. :( For those unenlightened in North America, it was entirely due to poor planning, organization and stadium design.
I went to the footy in the UK -the Sheffied rivalry is one of the most friendly ones afaict. Birmingham is the most fractious, in my experence, Manchester is a bit hairy, but so many fans are from outside the city that the real rivalries are actually kept away from the stadiums. In my (admitedlt limited) experience.
Your assumptions about me are wrong.
Going to the whole N.American thing does not apply here.
The violence between the fans from sheffield take place outside of the stadium, usually for months after a game.
In 10 years from now, when they've somehow avoided playing in the same division, you can call it a coincidence, but I know better.
Your assumptions about me are wrong.
Going to the whole N.American thing does not apply here.
The violence between the fans from sheffield take place outside of the stadium, usually for months after a game.
In 10 years from now, when they've somehow avoided playing in the same division, you can call it a coincidence, but I know better.
Mmmm OK.
(Lived in Sheffield area for several years........ must've changed a whole shitload since I was last there......)
I don't debate your expertise at predicting game outcomes -you clearly know your stuff- but your assesment of the "sheffield rivalry" is utter bollocks. It may be that those in power in the English Leagues share your opinion and fix games as per your prediction (doubt it, but then I don't believe in Santa or God either....) but that doesn't make the "alleged" violence potential any more true.
The truth may be irrelevant from a gambling POV, but a win doesn't equal the truth.
Why don't you go ask a cop from Sheffield to see what he/she has to say about it
Why don't you go ask a cop from Sheffield to see what he/she has to say about it
I asked a friend
from Sheffield, whose family still live
IN Sheffield (aforementioned Blades fan). Monster is saying she used to live in Sheffield too. Why do you have to be a member of the police to know what is happening in your own city?
Why don't you back your story up if you have any kind of proof? At least point us in the direction of someone else who believes it too - no-one I have spoken to have even heard of it as a conspiracy theory.
And again, you are missing the point that they were in the same League
LAST YEAR. I think it would be considered a pretty sure bet that both Sheffield teams will play together in the same League in the next ten years. Perhaps I should go put a bet on that they won't - who knows, you might be right and I might be able to retire on my winnings at the age of 43!
A cops not gonna tell you about a conspiracy theory.
A cop from Sheffield will tell you though why its neccesary to keep these two teams from competing against each other.
I'm aware of whats going on in the third division in Latvia.
You'd think I'd be aware of whats going on in the English leagues
Lots of teams have rivalries....historic ones....some of those rivalries bubble up into violence at times (various derbies are known to be potential flashpoints). That said, I think W.HI.P is over egging the proverbial pudding here.
The two Sheffield teams not playing in the same league for the next ten years wouldn't prove anything other than the fact that one is significantly better than the other. It may or may not happen. I'm not trying to be funny, but even if there was some kind of grand conspiracy, how would you know about it?
This is not the first time that there has been an intervention as to avoid further violence.
Its quite common throughout Europe to take measures as to avoid violence, or even war.
If you unaware about the second, i'd advice you to limiting your opinion as it would have no value.
What is common practice throughout Europe certainly can't be considered by any means a conspiracy.
What is common knowledge in circles that it reflects upon may seem to the average fan as something grand as you like to call it.
I think its best that way.
Well done on not actually answering the question.
I answered quite clearly.
What is common knowledge in circles that it reflects upon may seem to the average fan as something grand as you like to call it.
Sorry, I was confused by the rather awkward sentence structure, but that's beside the point. So who do you mix with in these circles then? People from the FA? The South Yorkshire Police? And if a situation such as this, involving two English football clubs, were to be kept from the English football fans then I would consider it a conspiracy.
W.HI.P....do you pick up any other channels through that tinfoil hat, or is it exclusively football related communications you're receiving?
King, you wanna know who I am? what I do? where I live?...My adress maybe? ....My phone number possibly?
You want my girlfriends number while we're at it? oh, and don't forget my banking information and my credit card numbers.
Anthing else?
Grey undies today, but they're usually black.
King, you wanna know who I am? what I do? where I live?...My adress maybe? ....My phone number possibly?
You want my girlfriends number while we're at it? oh, and don't forget my banking information and my credit card numbers.
Anthing else?
Grey undies today, but they're usually black.
No, I couldn't care less about any of that. I'd just like to know who you actually got this information from. I think it's quite a reasonable request, and it should be easy to comply with, unless of course you just made it up yourself. All you've told us so far is that this is true because someone you know told you it is, and that just doesn't cut it. Someone I know told me that the U.S. government planned and carried out 9/11, but that doesn't make it so.
To be honest, this Sheffield thing is getting a little boring. If anyone wants to talk about something else football related, I'll be more than happy to.
This weekend was FA Cup 3rd round weekend in England, which is always good. 6 Premiership teams went out, Aston Villa, Wigan, Charlton, Sheffield United, Everton, and the holders Liverpool. The draw for the 4th round is:
Arsenal v Bolton
West Ham v Watford
Bristol City/Coventry v Hull/Middlesbrough
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Chester/Ipswich v Swansea
Cardiff/Tottenham v Southend/Barnsley
Barnet/Colchester v Peterborough/Plymouth Argyle
Birmingham/Newcastle v Reading/Burnley
Derby v Bristol Rovers
Sheffield Wed/Man City v Southampton
Crystal Palace v Preston
Man Utd v Portsmouth
Blackpool v Norwich
QPR/Luton v Blackburn
Wolves/Oldham v West Brom
Leicester/Fulham v Stoke
All-Premiership ties for Manchester United and Arsenal; they should both be good games, along with Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest.
I just thought some of you (particularly those in North America) would be interested in this:
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_1829981,00.html
BECKHAM HEADS FOR LA ON £128M DEAL
David Beckham will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and join side Los Angeles Galaxy on a £128million (250 million US dollars) five-year deal.
The former England captain will leave Real in June and begin his new career in Major League Soccer in August.
Beckham said in a statement: "This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons.
"After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.
"I would like to thank the supporters and people of Madrid who have made my family and I feel so welcome in my time here, making this an extremely difficult decision to make.
"I have enjoyed my time in Spain enormously and I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great team and their amazing fans.
"I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football and I look forward to the new challenge of growing the world's most popular game in a country that is as passionate about its sport as my own.
"For the rest of this season I will continue to give 100% to my coach, team mates and fans as I believe Fabio Capello will bring this club and its supporters the success they truly deserve."
I wonder if Mrs Beckham had anything to do with the choice between LA and Spurs.....?
nah..... I'm sure she flipped a coin...
heads - LA Galaxy, sun,hollywood,half-million pounds per week..
tails - spurs, English summer, London ,congestion charge....
Sounds like a good match for all involved, but his impact on American soccer is being overblown. The American Soccer community is growing naturally through participation and immigration but I don't think the game translates for folks who weren't raised on it. Star power doesn't keep butts in the seats during a 1-0 match. Heck LA folks don't even watch their baseball team's full games even after the game was rui...altered for them. The NFL, which I love, is where its at for the American attention span.
soccer isn't going to explode because beckham shows up, but he will have an impact. the truth is that even though his skills have deteriorated he is still better than 85-90% of MLS players. Fans of good soccer will show up for the curiosity factor. fans of celebrity will show up for the curiosity factor. kids will buy the beckham shirts. it all adds up to more attention for the game which is good.
i won't get really really excited unless Henry or Ronaldhino sign on with the MLS.. (holds breath)
Wouldn't that be something?
He's still a fantastic player in my opinion; as good as anyone in terms of passing and set pieces, and he has an amazing work rate. In terms of making an impact, I guess it's a start. If it gets more people going to MLS games, and watching on TV, then that's all good. You can't build a good football league without good support. It's a cycle; better players--->better attendences--->more money--->better players and so on.
i think he'll put some butts in seats for the mls. if that works out hopefully it will result in some of our young talent choosing to stay in the states and some talent coming in from foreign clubs. i expect we'll see some south american and mexican names make their way into MLS over the next few years due to the "beckham rule" paving the way for marquee players.
i think he'll put some butts in seats for the mls. if that works out hopefully it will result in some of our young talent choosing to stay in the states and some talent coming in from foreign clubs. i expect we'll see some south american and mexican names make their way into MLS over the next few years due to the "beckham rule" paving the way for marquee players.
Having the best American players play in the MLS is obviously very important for building the league. If you look at the top three leagues in the world; England, Spain, and Italy, most of the best players from those countries play in their own league. One reason why leagues in France, Portugal, Holland etc. are a level below is because their best players often move to the big three. In this way, the top leagues stay top, and the lesser leagues stay lesser; it's very difficult to break this trend.
Problem is Beckham isn't that great anymore. True he is virtually indomitable in free kicks. However, the rest of his game has deteriorated. He can't defend anybody with a modicum of dribbling skill anymore without getting carded. His passing is mediocre at best, and his finishing skill in the penalty box is shockingly lacking for a striker. He may get enough goals to send the fans home happy, and sell Beckham shirts by the buttload. Alas, he is not the person he once was.
A Regina woman who alleges a former Canadian Football League linebacker knowingly exposed her to HIV testified Monday that she had no reason to doubt him when he told her he wasn’t infected before the two had unprotected sex.
His passing is mediocre at best,
What makes you think that? He's one of the best passers in the world, especially over long distances; only a handful of other players can even come close to the quality of his passing. (Suchlike as Scholes, Fabregas, and Pirlo)
and his finishing skill in the penalty box is shockingly lacking for a striker.
Well that's because he's not a striker, he's a midfielder. His finishing isn't particularly great, but then it's not particularly bad either. He can shoot from outside the box as well as anyone. Sure, he's not perfect, but he is a great player, if you want to use that term. What seperates him from a player who is just a good passer, like Michael Carrick for example, is his work rate, which makes him as effective at defending as he is at attacking.
The transfer window closed in Europe yesterday. Here's a list of all the deals involving Premiership and Championship clubs.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8750_1886466,00.html
There hasn't been that many players moving to the big clubs. Most of the money has been spent by Aston Villa and West Ham, who have both been bought by new owners this season, and West Ham need to spend the money in order to try and escape relegation.
I just got home from the USA vs Mexico match. Good game, ugly play. We Won. That event was a wonderful argument in favor of tighter border security.
64,000 tickets sold. 55,000 obscenely drunk, belligerent, and crude illegals. 5,000 embarrassed mexico fans. 4,000 timid US fans.
when the US scored their first goal two fights broke out within 20 feet of me. as i walked out two drunks started throwing beer at the concessionaire then a bunch of folks started throwing punches at each other. their friends quick to get involved didn't pull their friends apart - they pulled out their phones and cameras and taunted the cops to start abusing their 'innocent' friends. of course, it was good to hear that they could at least speak a little english
fucking stain on a good night of football.
Donovan is starting to look like the real deal isn't he? Conrads work was awesome as well. I thought Convey was a little off last night but he kept grinding it out, that guy has a future.
It was impressive how the US kept their composure when Mexico turned up the pressure in the 2nd half.
INS get any work done after the game?
nope, cops were all huddled inside their little command post goofing around as usual.
the mexico team proved they have no class when they refused to shake hands after the game then they pissed and moaned about how horrible the americans are in their post-game interviews.
I didn't see the game, but it sounds like a pretty good win for the U.S. I think Mexico are a quality side, but you guys seem to keep getting the better of them. Good work.
Hey King, I was just looking at the Premiership and it's really amazing to me that only 4 teams have won it since 1992. And only three teams really compete for top position. Do you think it'll stay that way? Was it always that way, or is this a more recent thing, with different rules about transfers?
with the infusion of cash Liverpool is getting they'll regularly bump arsenal now IMO. i think more clubs will start looking for investors to the detriment of their supporters.
Hey King, I was just looking at the Premiership and it's really amazing to me that only 4 teams have won it since 1992. And only three teams really compete for top position. Do you think it'll stay that way? Was it always that way, or is this a more recent thing, with different rules about transfers?
Nowadays, it's a 'Big Four', Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. This is probably down to how qualification for the Champions League has been run for the last few years; the top four Premiership teams qualify for the Champions League, and these teams consistently finish in the top four positions. Teams earn a huge amount of money from playing in the Champions League, and so this helps them to stay on top. It wasn't always this way; after Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal, it was generally a top two of Manchester United and Arsenal, which Liverpool later broke into, and then Chelsea with the huge investment from Roman Abramovich. It looks like staying this way for the forseeable future. It's difficult to break into the Big Four, but it's not impossible; Everton finished fourth two years ago, and Tottenham were only one game away from doing so last year. It's possible that Bolton or Reading could get in there this year, but it takes more than one good season to shift the balance of power.
This is fascinating to me, probably not to anyone else.
In the US, things are usually structured so that it's really hard for any one team to remain dominant. In all major sports, the teams at the bottom are given first pick of new players each year. There is never a promotion/relegation system. Every team in the league feels it has the chance, with a few good years, to win the national title.
In American football, basketball, and now I think in hockey, there is a "salary cap" - teams can only spend up to a certain limit on players. Only in baseball can a team spend as much as it wants - and only in baseball are there dominant teams that are expected to lead the league. But baseball is also a very random sport, and subject to a lot of strange whim, so it's impossible to guarantee victory just by spending.
I think it's interesting that in nations that are more socialist, the league setup is less so. And here in capitalistic US, the leagues are run in a socialist way.
I also think it's intersting that where governments are fiercely controlling, the dominant game is soccer which has relatively few rules. You can lean 95% of the rules of soccer in five minutes. The rule book for Am. football is ridiculously huge and requires precision management, with an entire squad of referees, line judges and umpires.
Even with the last place/first draft systems, money is what rules the day in American sports. One need look no further than baseball, where there is very definite and long-term correlation between dollars spent on talent to success on the field.
Most European leagues have traditional big teams; Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, the 'Seven Sisters' in Italy, etc. Money is a factor of course, but I think sometimes it's overstated and used as an excuse for failure; you can get good players for very little, and similarly, you can spend a lot of money on failures. I don't like the idea of salary caps or the draft system being brought into European football. Also, the simplicity of football is part of what makes it great; you can play it anywhere, anytime.
I haven't been able to get on here for a while but I just thought I'd comment on the League Cup Final. Chelsea beat Arsenal's 'League Cup team' (basically Arsenal without the stars) 2-1. It wasn't so much about the Chelsea win though as that was expected, but how good Arsenal's young players continue to be. They did brilliantly to reach the final, beating the full Spurs team and a strong Liverpool team 6-3 on the way, and put up a good show in the final, taking the lead in the first half. If they can find some consistency and toughness, then Arsenal will be unbelievable in 2-3 years I think.
i agree. that loss, and then the FA cup knockout in one week was heartbreaking. PSV worries me too. a two week period could see the whole season change for Arsenal.
the young gunners really have me excited for the future though. although it wasn't unexpected i was disappointed to hear fabergas say he plans on landing in spain within a few years. he is by far my favorite player.
Yes, it's pretty much season over for them if they go out to PSV. It probably depends on how successful Arsenal are as to whether Cesc stays. If he does then he'll probably become their most important player in a few years. So many quality youngsters though, I'd like a few of them at United.
yes, because your side is really lacking in quality.:rolleyes: who's that guy? ronal, ronol, ron... anyway, i hear he's got pretty good touch.
Last night I was channel surfing and happened upon a game between the Tottenham Hotspurs and West Ham United. The commentators were quite excited about how the game was going ... West Ham was up 2-nil, Tottenham scored to even things up (at least one goal on a penalty kick by a fellow West Ham had traded), and then West Ham scored again to move ahead, much to the delight of the home crowd, whose hopes were eventually dashed by that same traded player, with Tottenham winning 4-3.
Pretty exciting stuff.
yes, because your side is really lacking in quality.:rolleyes:
Yes, we have some quality. That doesn't mean I wouldn't like Walcott or Fabregas or Denilson or Flamini etc. etc. :) We're better right now, but Arsenal's future is far more secure.
Last night I was channel surfing and happened upon a game between the Tottenham Hotspurs and West Ham United. The commentators were quite excited about how the game was going ... West Ham was up 2-nil, Tottenham scored to even things up (at least one goal on a penalty kick by a fellow West Ham had traded), and then West Ham scored again to move ahead, much to the delight of the home crowd, whose hopes were eventually dashed by that same traded player, with Tottenham winning 4-3.
Pretty exciting stuff.
I know, and I missed it live.:mad: West Ham are screwed now. (If they weren't already).
When did that game actually play?
Unlike the World Cup, in the Premier League they sometimes actually shoot and score.
The standard of football at club level (in the top leagues) is better than at international level, mainly because the players get to play and train together much more at their club, and the manager gets much more time to work with his players. This is why international teams often look like they've never played together before. (England at the moment).:mad:
I was really impressed by the grace of play in that game. Reminded me of what I'd always liked about soccer. I miss the NASL. :( Somewhere in a bag o' buttons I have a pin for the Philadelphia Fury.
11 days. 11 days from being in the running for all the cups, to complete and total disappointment. oh well, there is always next year.
Yes, the future looks bright for Arsenal, it's just a shame about the present for you. The other three Premiership clubs in the Champions League have got through to the last eight of the Champions League though. With the best team from Spain, Italy and France all going out, England is the most likely destination for the trophy. It's still a strong draw though:
AC Milan vs. Bayern Munich
PSV Eindhoven vs. Liverpool
Roma vs. Manchester United
Chelsea vs. Valencia
your boys certainly have the talent to take their tie. liverpool should as well. i'll just pray for chelsea's demise.
I agree that we have the talent; on paper I think we're the better side, and if we played the way we do in the Premiership I wouldn't be worried, but our outlook in Europe is all wrong. Ever since we last reached the semi-finals against Leverkusen in 2002, we've just been far too cautious in Europe, and it hasn't worked; we've never looked like a threat. We struggled past Lille in the previous round, and we've already lost to Celtic and Copenhagen away from home this season. If we don't up it a gear in Europe, there is no way we'll win the Champions' League this season.
Liverpool should get through. Chelsea have a difficult draw, but I just have a feeling that they might win it this year; the Champions League is the big one for them, it's the reason that all the money was spent in the first place.
I can't believe it a football thread.. My team won a cup on sunday first time they've won anything in 16 years..
That guy getting hugged on the right looks like
Steve Carrell!
Yes be-bop, a football thread. I'm glad you've found it; most of the time it's just me keeping this alive. Well done to Hibs by the way.
cheers to your side. i think you appreciate the cups more when it has been a long time since the last one. i hear Arsenal fans bitching about the problems with the team because it has been *gasp* 2 YEARS without a cup!
A lot is expected of the big teams though isn't it? Too much, I guess.
i don't know. my perspective may just be a little different. i prefer to win the awards but as long as we are playing attractive, entertaining football i'm content. i've tried and tried, but i just can't stand watching chelsea play. they may be winners, but they are boring. if i just want to watch rough and tumble clinical football i'd prefer watching the lower table sides who are still more club than business oriented. but that is just me.
I see where you're coming from; winning trophies isn't everything. But that said I do want us to win every game. It's the nature of being a fan to want your team to be successful, and when you have all the tools necessary for success but you still aren't getting it, it can be frustrating. I prefer to look to the future though rather than looking at what we missed out on, though.
I haven't been able to post in a while but a lot has happened. Manchester United are now 5 points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premiership with 3 games each to go. 3 out of the 4 Champions' League semi-finalists are English, which along with the high standards that United and Chelsea have set domestically makes me think that the Premiership has been by far the best league in the world this season. Unbelievable season so far. Oh and I'm going to post this picture, well, just because I like it.
your boys are doing just great King. I hope they stick it to Chelsea every chance they get. I'd much rather see a Manchester United v Liverpool Champions League, though. Of course if I'm making wish list how about 1) Mourinho figuring out that anybody not wearing Blue feels he is a whiny little biotch, 2) Abromovich deciding he doesn't really like owning the side that much, and quit investing in it while the players have a mass exodus (mid-table here we come!), 3) Tottenham supporters make a move to becoming the classiest fans in England (ha ha ha), 4) Arsenal settle all the boardroom upheaval, 5) Henry, Van Persie, Fabergas, Rosicky, Adebayor, Hleb, Silva, Gallas stay healthy and combine beautiful football with finding the back of the net. Come on, Untouchables round two anyone? One can dream.
While I'm at it I'd like to see the FA get a better quality coach. Mainly one that understands picking the best player for each position doesn't guarantee success. Finding the right balance of egos and skills does. Gerrard and Lampard CANNOT play together, figure it out already.
Hey lookout! Long time no see! How're things?
things are great! just busy as usual. i don't have enough time to keep up on all the new threads and new cellarites so i just pop in to browse when one of the old topics i was involved in resurfaces.
*still waiting for more photos of labrat*
Sheffield United could drop all their players and play with a high school team and still avoid relegation. The clashes between sheffield Wednesday and United cannot go on anymore and they will always be sepeated by a division,so that they should never have to play against each other in a league math again.
Well I guess THAT argument is settled.Well I guess THAT argument is settled.
Sad but true, the first thought in my mind was this thread when the results came in.
I'm not going to gloat, but am pleased to be vindicated :jig:
Incredible! This thread is as boring as the game. Only three months until REAL football starts.
you mean the kind where overpaid prima donas dance around after tackling someone, even if they are getting beat 28-0? yep, that'll be back in a few months.
and yes, i do like our american brand of football. just don't get the "big dic" (where's tw?) attitude about "real football".
Incredible! This thread is as boring as the game. Only three months until REAL football starts.
Oops. Now I feel really guilty about holding a gun to your head and forcing you to read it...
Incredible! This thread is as boring as the game. Only three months until REAL football starts.
that's "real football" where they don't usually use their
feet to move the
ball? :neutral: More a sort of handball/wrestling thing?
Incredible! This thread is as boring as the game. Only three months until REAL football starts.
Thanks for that excellent contribution.
I haven't been able to post since before the Premiership ended, so thank to the admin for sorting that problem for me. Anyway here's a link to the final table:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/table/default.stm
Manchester United finished as champions (Yes!) which was a great achievement considering Chelsea's resources. Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will play in the Champion's League, meaning that the 'Big Four' has stayed intact for another year. Spurs, Everton and Bolton will play in the UEFA Cup. Sheffield United, Charlton and Watford are relegated to the Championship, meaning that the two Sheffield sides will play each other next season. Of course, this is unless Sheffield United's legal action over the transfer of Tevez and Mascherano to West Ham succeeds, which Sheffield hope will keep them up. It's unlikely, but not impossible. It's been an excellent Premiership season to be honest, with the title race going down to the penultimate week of the season, and the final relegation place being decided on the final day.
your boys are doing just great King. I hope they stick it to Chelsea every chance they get. I'd much rather see a Manchester United v Liverpool Champions League, though. Of course if I'm making wish list how about 1) Mourinho figuring out that anybody not wearing Blue feels he is a whiny little biotch, 2) Abromovich deciding he doesn't really like owning the side that much, and quit investing in it while the players have a mass exodus (mid-table here we come!), 3) Tottenham supporters make a move to becoming the classiest fans in England (ha ha ha), 4) Arsenal settle all the boardroom upheaval, 5) Henry, Van Persie, Fabergas, Rosicky, Adebayor, Hleb, Silva, Gallas stay healthy and combine beautiful football with finding the back of the net. Come on, Untouchables round two anyone? One can dream.
While I'm at it I'd like to see the FA get a better quality coach. Mainly one that understands picking the best player for each position doesn't guarantee success. Finding the right balance of egos and skills does. Gerrard and Lampard CANNOT play together, figure it out already.
I actually quite like Mourinho; he's entertaining, so I'd rather listen to him than somebody like Southgate or Coleman. I also like how he just doesn't care what people think of him and will just wind them up. I don't know why I like that, but I do. From a footballing standpoint, I'd love him to go, as it would weaken Chelsea greatly; the team spirit he has built amongst what is essentially a bunch of mercenaries is unbelievable. Chelsea wouldn't be the same without him. I would definetly like to see Abramovich go; so that anything Chelsea do would actually be an achievement rather than just buying trophies. Arsenal will improve eventually I think; they're going through a period of transition at the moment. They need to keep Wenger and Henry though, whatever happens. I think a lot will happen this summer concerning the big four, and a few other Premiership teams that have big money to spend. The 'silly season' is going to be sillier than ever apparently.