Rock the Crossbar

An Open Apology To Rich

2008-06-06T19:53:00.002-04:00

This is overdue mate, but I have to concede that Bakary Sagna's hair did after all turn out to be the worst in the Premiership. I predicted that Torres would offer competition in this department, but disappointingly, he chose to concentrate on scoring 24 goals in his first premiership season instead. Scouse salons must be on the brink of insolvency as a result. I should have known that Sagna's 'do was already as high as the silly hair bar could be raised. I shall defer to you on matters tonsorial in the future.

FSF Petition

2008-02-12T19:24:00.000-05:00

Anyone like me who thinks that this idea to throw a Premiership game here, and there, is an blatant money grab by the Premier League can add their name to the Football Supporters' Federation petition. Click Here To Sign

Week 15 prediction results

2008-01-22T15:27:00.001-05:00

Shockingly Anthony wins a week - hell has frozen over indeed. Blind squirrel finds nut shocker.... Allan maintains a good lead after his strong Xmas performance.

more of Jose on Setanta Sports

2008-01-22T15:25:00.000-05:00

Sheer class.

Hilarious Jose is BACK

2008-01-02T11:33:00.000-05:00

Well sort of... Here he is on his new Show, I'm on Setanta Sports. Very funny.

He's Just a Fat Gary Mabbutt..

2007-12-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

This was my favourite chant at the Emirates this past Saturday. When Tom Huddleston came on as sub, the lads behind us started a chant of "You're just a fat Gary Mabbutt" Absolutely priceless banter. The game itself was a great experience, the Emirates is an incredible stadium, the food is ridiculously overpriced so we had burgers outside on the street which were much better value :) Inside was amazing though and despite a shocking first half we had a great second half and the pleasure of seeing that muppet Keane miss badly twice. Bendther scored right in front of us and to me will always be a legend now. Pick that out you Spuddies. A great day out.

Holiday Roasting

2007-12-21T10:17:00.001-05:00

Tis the season. Evans also cleared in rape claim. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=503783&in_page_id=1770&ct=5

Super Sunday

2007-12-17T11:26:00.000-05:00

Two big games yesterday and two big wins for the top two. United beat Liverpool at Anfield again. This Anderson kid is really growing on me and is only 19. I thought he was shocking in his first few games when they played him up front. Hargreaves was very good yesterday too. This is the kind of game he was bought for. Most of Liverpools best chances came from some Van Der Saar craziness rather than any great creativity. Rooney should have wrapped it up with 10 to go instead of subjecting me to the agony of those late free kicks. Gotta love the lad for kissing his badge in response to the "you fat bastard" chants. Was delighted Kewell started instead of Babel. Really enjoyed the Arsenal - Chelsea game. If you had told me beforehand the game would be decided by two keepers I would have said Chelsea would win but Cech had an uncharacteristic error while Almunia made some screaming saves. There are still lots of twists and turns to come I am sure.

Week 13 pick the score results.

2007-12-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

Steve picks up the win in a week where most people got stuff wrong. A lot of people only got one or two results right.. out of 10.

THE BEST VIDEOS EVER

2007-12-10T10:39:00.000-05:00

NEW ORDER 1990 - WORLD IN MOTION - Remember what John Barnes looked like before he ate all the pies and was getting abuse from England fans every week - John Barnes next game was always his last chance. (And Frank Lampard thinks he has it bad).

Three lions 96 This is maybe the best footy song ever made? So good it had a sequel! Clips of Alan Hansen with Jimmy Hill :) Here is the sequel - Three Lions 98 Then we have Hurry up England , the WC 2006 song - ANd lastly - for sheer shocking England music - we have Vind-a-loo, which is aimed at the fans that cant read or remember a lot.

Week 12 picks corrected

2007-12-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

Somehow i entered a load of scores wrong this week and the previous results (now removed) were all hocus. So trying again: JOhn O TOole wins, BBC LAwro second and 3 people third (Jim/Allan/Chris). Anthony in fact does not win and comes second last.

No Chance in Hell

2007-12-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

Bruce Arena has made no secret that he has thrown his name into the hat for the Scotland vacancy. If I were to publicly announce that I am now open to dating supermodels, the effect would be the same.

Arena is beyond delusional. Pigs will fly, les poules auront des dents, hell will freeze over, the US wil win the World Cup. All these things will happen before Arena gets the Scotland job.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=500967&in_page_id=1779

Snoop Dog and Becks

2007-12-08T16:45:00.000-05:00

Seems Beckham is enjoying his time in LA. Can't understand why Snoop didn't want Landon Donovan to teach his children though.

Might as well.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=500604&in_page_id=1773

John Sinclair wins again

2007-12-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

A new force is emerging - and Alison finishes top 3 again and is rising quickly. Nick keeps the overall lead after another strong showing. Burkey rescues week by picking Arsenal not to beat Newcastle as he is a true fan.

Week 10 fantasy results

2007-11-28T16:49:00.001-05:00

Here we go, John Sinclair gets his first win by a mile thanks To VIlla thumping Blackburn.

England Football team - Not these Chaps

2007-11-26T11:32:00.001-05:00

If the civilised world had to depend on the England football team to save Britain we would all be speaking German right now. I am so sick of them talking a good game, bottling it and / or complaining of gammy legs / whatever only to recover and play out of their minds on Saturday for club.

For lack of better way to describe it - Gerrard, Owen and company do not really care about playing for England. They say they do but they have no grit or determination. They are really soft as shite and living in some delusional fantasy world.

Owen yesterday spouted the following: "I don't think any of the Croatian team would get into ours," wrote Owen. "Doesn't that tell you it is not about ability or technique but in the mind?"

Okay, so what that tells us is that England players don't give a toss. They will say they need to see a sports psychiatrist. They are a disgrace to the badge and to England.

This great generation of footballers has been proved wanting. Fortunately for England, there are good players that could make their mark such as Walcott and Abgonlahor.

The FA should do what it takes to qualify for the WC but jettison as many of the big time Charlies as possible whilst doing so. For one, Owen should go focus on his horses. He is crocked and in many ways resembles a child actor or one hit wonder he peaked early and then fell away.

Gerrard. I would like to smash his teeth in his smile after his goal on Saturday. Do that for England you tosser. He is another delicate one.

Lampard - Don't really know about him. The problem has been with playing him and Gerrard but if you ditch Gerrard Lampard might be alright alongside Hargreaves. It may be good to jettison him as well though. Take a player like Barry who will graft more.

Terry - I dislike him but can't see who could replace him now. I think he epitomises all that is wrong with the England squad but can't see him being shown the door.

Rooney - is a lot more disposable than people think. Another young lad who peaked early. If he does not control his temper he is a liability. All players should take a page from the Latin playbook and provoke him because he will respond. Wonder how long he will continue to think he's hard. Maybe from a boxing family but basically is the King of Chaves.

Crouch - Please get rid of him. I would rather have Dafoe or Bent play up front.

Johnny Foreigner must be stopped

2007-11-16T16:38:00.001-05:00

The debate is finally going on in England about the foreigners in our game. About time - the trend is alarming, English talent being squeezed out in favour of imports and in 24 hours its likely to be one cause of England not qualifying for the Euros next Summer and ruining the dreams of the Austrian/Swiss tradesmen who banked on the pounds rolling through with our good away support.

Steven Gerrard when pressed basically said we need caps for the league to ensure a healthy international future. There are enough people in the game now saying the same thing that it has to be true, at least to an extent. I firmly agree that if English players aren't given a chance and then not given a chance to develop that we will cease to be relevant in the international game as our players will all be coming from the Championship as England doesn't produce many Wayne Rooney's.

Its all very well saying don't worry , England will produce less players but that the best ones will find a way through but I am not so sure. With managers under more pressure than ever to produce instant results, they don't have time to take chances on unknown British youngsters when there are cheap foreigners there to fill in the gaps, some we may even have heard of.

Look at Walcott - cant get a start at Arsenal because Wenger doesn't trust him enough to get us 3 points every game so he gets thrown into some B games. Walcott would get a chance and would surely shine is there was a cap limiting all the foreigners.

There are many problems with the system - one is that foreigners are cheaper, clubs pay for rubbish like Carew for 2 reasons - name recognition sells some shirts and they are cheaper than English alternatives. English lower division clubs impart an 'English tax' on the bigger clubs who try to buy their English assets. Its daft really but its the culture of the domestic game and its killing us as it forces chairmen to buy abroad - simple economics: Buy 18 Fabregas's or one Carrick .. for the same price. This has to be sorted out. Trouble is Premiership chairmen don't care about England, some of the chairmen aren't English so really shouldn't have to. The FA and the Premier League need to care but their hands are tied by European law so instead they are focusing on coaching , however they aren't putting any serious money into it yet so by caring, they are in fact just talking...

The FA also need to fix one massive coaching flaw - the 90 minute rule. If a young English talent is unearthed by a club, they can only take him on if he is within 90 minutes (or miles, not sure which) of the club else he cannot play for them. This means places in the North East have less chance (and less Geographical area due to the coast) to scour for talent. Yet the laws allow such clubs to take anyone from anywhere in Europe on, just not England where you are restricted to the 90 miles. Total joke which again only encourages clubs to scout abroad.

The cure - fix the 90 mile rule to encourage clubs, have clubs reduce their ridiculous prices for English talent (don't know how) and cap foreign player limits to that at least 2 or 3 English players (and I don't mean Scots and Irish) are in the team - a league requires national identity as well as class. I love Johnny Foreigner in England, I think Fabregas, Henry, Cantona, Ruud the Donkey, Alonso, Drogba the cheat, Berbatov and that ilk... they have improved football immensely. But can anyone say the same about Senderos, Stepanovs, Aliadiere, Djemba Squared, Josemi, Pellegrino, Kuyt, Boularouhz, Yakubu, Clint Dempsey, Finidi George... for every superstar that comes in there is just as much dross which doesn't exactly address English technical deficiencies. Look at Fulham, bought a load of pap this Summer and are now in the mire.

Swiss Roasting

2007-11-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

Disgraceful on the part of all parties http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=493421&in_page_id=1779

week 9 fantasy results

2007-11-12T17:04:00.000-05:00

Brian tops it (again), ALison second tied with Allan... nick misses out in 4th but retains overall lead...

One more reason to hate Tottenham

2007-11-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

Nuff said.

For the related article

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=493154&in_page_id=1779

Fulham Top of the Table!

2007-11-09T11:13:00.000-05:00

If only matches lasted 45 minutes. "It's a game of two halves". How much is down to bottle and how much to fitness versus riding own's luck and the losing team's gaffer's bollicking at half time is any one's guess. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=492539&in_page_id=1779

Question

2007-11-08T08:06:00.001-05:00

Does this film sound familiar to anyone? It's set in rural Ireland and is about a weekend football trial conducted by a Manchester United scout, maybe Pete Postelthwaite. The boys in the film are mostly school aged 16 year olds that were signed to some professional team, so they clipped the ball around very well and it looked really authentic. They seeded in two actors of decent ability who were the ones that the story was about, the earnest but not quite good enough one, and the one who was obviously brilliant, but with a bad attitude. And at the end of the film there's a cameo with George and Callum Best, Callum looks about 11 or 12 and is wearing a Giggs shirt. Any idea of what this is called?

Football Fibbers

2007-11-02T10:57:00.000-04:00

I'm sure we have all told our fair share of whoppers over the years to get out of assorted unpleasant duties and situations. In fact I have heard at least 3 or 4 of them from people on this list... but when it comes to fabricating ludicrous, inept tales of personal woe, no one can top the professional footballer: Liar, Liar

THE BIG ONE

2007-10-30T11:33:00.000-04:00

I would say its 2 unbeaten teams but some pap side knocked off United already (city). THe only unbeaten sides are New England v Indianapolis but this is as close as the Premiership can provide.

I hate to say it but United have come very good. I havent seen that much of them this year as they were so boring early on that I didnt keep watching them. By all accounts now, Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo are all on fire and it should be a terrific match as Arsenal are flying and thank God we are at home as I do genuinely fear them right now but they should also fear us. Waiting for Fergie and Wenger to bring out the handbags... I am sure on Thursday the players will start sniping, and I dont think either manager can resist it either.

---- Also apparently United have some crap friendly in Saudia Arabia in January - miles and miles away. I am delighted as surely thats a daft decision - sure the money must look good to the Glaziers but is that the best footballing decision to take after a busy Xmas???

American complainers

2007-10-30T11:27:00.002-04:00

Okay - FIFA has dropped its rotation policy: THe result of this seems to be Americans complaining that this has screwed them out of the 2018 World Cup. It may favour England who are thought to be putting together a bid for 2018.

As for rotation, I can’t answer this without showing bias but the simple fact for me is - America hosted the World Cup in 1994. You don’t deserve it again for a few more years yet. I don’t see why America thinks that it’s the next COncacaf nation to host the cup, you were the LAST Concacaf reps and so shouldn’t it be Canada's turn or back to Mexico? (they have hosted it twice so I am dead opposed to them getting it). England started the game, has only hosted it once and it would be wrong if America hosts it twice in 24 years whereas we will have then hosted it only once since the tournament's inception in 1930.

Americans have gotten used to hosting the Olympics so often and have forgotten that it shouldn’t work that way. I doubt America will get it before 2034 and think that’s perfectly fair. If Canada want it you shouldn’t get a sniff. China are likely to get it in the 2020's and a joint bid from Uruguay/Argentina in 2030 leaving only one open slot before 2034. Egypt/Holland/Spain will all feel they can bid for 2026 along with a Concacaf nation who if its Canada should get preference over America assuming they can get the stadia right. America may believe its a soccer power but its not. Attendances are still crap here - your team is still crap historically and the last World Cup didnt help that and if Canada bids for it surely you cant get it ahead of them.

Of course, no guarantee England will get it either but I would be dead opposed to America getting it ahead of ANYONE in 2018 barring France, Germany,Sth Africa and Brazil ; none of whom will bid.

2007-10-18T16:25:00.000-04:00

Click here for BBC Article on decline of English football as we head into Euro 2008.

Thoughts?

Is it that that there are too many foreigners?

Is it grass roots desire to hoof it to a big man?

Is it that we just need a few coaches and only a pool of 33 English supertalents in the Premier League who will be great because they have to be to compete?

Jovan kirovsky

2007-10-18T15:40:00.000-04:00

So I am listening to the Guardian podcast on the plane back from Canada on Monday and some listener posted in correcting the panel on who the first American to score in the Champions League was - the panel had said it was Beasley. In fact the listener pointed out that it was Jovan Kirovsky who played for blah blah team in 199 something..... The only person I have ever known to bang on about Jovan Kirovsky is Tom Esch - that listener turned out to be "Tom from Washington". Was that you Esch???

Graham Poll - A bit rich

2007-10-12T15:42:00.000-04:00

You could not make this stuff up. The worst referree in the history of the English top flight retires and now gets a column in the Daily Mail. If a manager so much as says anything mildly critical of a referree in the press, the FA hauls them in for disciplinary action. Once the referrees retire though, the referreee may say anything: "There cannot be a less popular character in football" regarding Warnock. Poll was just warming up.

Poll continues

"Warnock has to be the biggest whinger to have taken charge of a football team and he has fallen out with almost every manager he has come across. His foul-mouthed tirades expose his lack of intelligence and self-control. His obsession with referees is almost perverse. "

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/columnists/columnists.html?in_article_id=487140&in_page_id=1951&in_author_id=482&expand=true#StartComments

Jump on the bandwagon, suckers!

2007-10-08T06:49:00.000-04:00

There is STILL time to order City's new home kit for all of you gents (and maidens) out there looking to support a new club now that many of your teams have fallen to the wayside in the EPL title chase - not to mention CL, UEFA Cup, etc. We look forward to your patronage! "Sky Blue" will pretty much go with any color in your wardrobe and will match up well with those of you who have canvas Converse high-tops with the combat pattern. Here's your opportunity to go with a winner (for a change) - don't let it slip through your fingers! *This is a free public service announcement from George.

TWO NICE WEBSITES TO BOOKMARK

2007-10-02T15:00:00.000-04:00

Okay I have 2 to share:

Firstly this one: 101 Great Goals. This is the best site to get goals from many leagues on the web and usually in a hurry too.

Then we have xscores.com. This is useful if you ever want to watch a set of matches but not see all the scores from that league. Example: I am following Champions League scores right now but want to avoid Arsenal so I can watch them later. Now you can.

1 Click on this (www.xscore.com).

2 Select soccer

3 Click on the PERSONALISE option near the top.

4 All the leagues in process are shown and you have to select your league.

5 First click on clear all at the bottom, then simply place a check by your league. CL is denoted as GS (Group Stages in the abbreviations) - Premier League is PL.

6 Click Submit

7 Pick your games you wish to see - basically select all but the one or 2 you are avoiding.

8 Click submit and your games are shown and the one you are avoiding is never shown. You can see scorers and when etc..

Thanks to Ryan for alerting me to this site.

Week 4 prediction results

2007-10-01T17:06:00.001-04:00

Allan gets his first win of the season, Nick quietly gets second along with Ryan and Steve and Ian - Nick snatches the lead overall. The newbies are suffering now.

Happy Days!

2007-10-01T11:31:00.000-04:00

Tough day at the office for Chelsea: another draw; no goals scored; John Terry out for six weeks; Drogba suspended; a hostile crowd taunting Abromovich and booing Shevchenko; Peter Kenyon looking miserable and Grant very uncomfortable. Fulham had it easier with the crowd than Chelsea did and it was at the Bridge.

They are now asking the FA to suspend Dempsey. That is a bit harsh and contrary to rumours, Dempey did not read this board and have a go at Terry as a favour for me. It was Drogba that thought he was filming a Kung Fu Fighting video for Carl Douglas. Chelsea fans are just used to having it too easy. Wonder how many of this lot above were there when Bates was still the chairman.

On Saturday perhaps if Kalou could finish it would be a different story but the same could be said of Kamara. In short, Chelsea did not look like world beaters on Saturday. They are like those aliens in "Independence Day" once the shield goes down or like Drago once he is cut. May the rest of the league put the collective boot into them and may Abromovich take his marbles and go home. In short time, Chelsea's reputation will be based on its firm.

Good Bye

One way of stopping a seal

2007-09-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

Hilarious this past week in Brazil - the seal , "Kerlon" tried to go past a defender and was met by a fella who got a 4 month ban for this - at first it doesnt look so awful but watch the replay in the last 20 seconds. Dunga has said basically the attacker deserved it and he is the manager of the most flair packed team in the world. If he is treating flair with this contempt it makes you wonder about the future of Brazil.

Owen - Medical Mumbo Jumbo

2007-09-26T12:06:00.000-04:00

So Owen is out again with another groin injury that appears to require surgery. Big Sam seems to be at pains to stress though it is not a "hernia".:"The full picture is that he has not got a hernia but there may be a weakness in the stomach area which may have contributed to his 3cm abductor muscle tear."

Actually Sam, by definition a hernia is a tear in the abdomen. I'm having surgery for one in a few weeks and the time off from lifting, running and football is only three weeks. They are doing a smoke and mirrors thing to make his injury appear less serious than it is. In fact, the abductor tear is more serious than a simple hernia.

I don't know if Own will ever be right again.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/7009480.stm

A fascinating Chelsea article

2007-09-25T20:12:00.000-04:00

This was in the Guardian on the Sunday edition and was referenced tonight on Fox Football Fone in which in the firat 13 minutes has been more interesting than ever. The person who wrote this was interviewed and stands by every word thanks to 'well placed club sources' - if this or even half of this is true it makes you wonder who in their right mind would work there??? Is money really everything?

The top 4:

2007-09-25T13:00:00.000-04:00

Alright in response to Ian's jibe - let me first discuss Liverpool. I said earlier this season that Benitez will coach himself out of the Premiership and he is managing it by tinkering about with the team. Casual and clever fans alike know that Torres at 20 million plus quid needs to start games. Publicly Benitez is talking of winning the Premiership but his management says anything but. It looks like Torres is starting in the Coca Cola throwaway cup today and if that’s the case Torres was rested in the Prem to take part in this worst cup on the earth. Liverpool have just set fire to 4 points at a time when rivals are struggling (spurs/Chelsea). Arsenal and United have capitalised on Benitez's ridiculous policy. If Benitez keeps on in this vain , the "I know more about coaching than the fans and I will show them" vain then Liverpool will not be champions .. again. 1990 is a long time ago. The fans want the Premiership more than the Champions League and Benitez doesn’t know how to coach a team that can win the Premiership because he still believes his second 11 is as good as his first.

Arsenal - against all odds they are top , they are playing great football and barring a couple of goalkeeping mishaps could be perfect. Instead they have taken advantage of a fairly generous schedule and are rightfully top. We defeated City (third), Spuds away and got a point at hateful Blackburn. West Ham away this weekend will be a tough test and then its Sunderland at home. If Arsenal get 6 points we will be top 3 for sure... at least. I don’t think we will win the league but we may well go close. Wenger's policy of playing well scouted cheap buys who have bags of talent is paying off bigtime this year. Arsenal are shooting from distance and Adebayor now looks at the level of Drogba - we had 5 first teamers out against Derby and you'd never have known it (Gallas/Gilberto/Hleb/Rosicky/Van Persie) all would start if available and not being rested for bigger games to come.

Chelsea: Collapsing. Injuries and poor free transfers instead of 'buys' have really hurt them. NO-one really knows who runs the club, Abramovich is in there, his cronies (Buck, Kenyon, Arnesen and Grant) run some part of the club. AS for the players, they were playing as much for Maurinho as they were Chelsea and its very likely Drogba is off this Summer. Lamps will stay cos no other club would pay him anywhere near what he thinks he's worth. I am sad they are collapsing , it’s a shame for their fans. Like f*ck. For three years they thought they were a real club but they sold out and this is what they deserve. Any Chelsea fans who thought they deserved to compete have been strongly reminded that they have a load of bandwagon fans and that their club is the playtoy of a Russian tw*t who CAN do anything he likes. Smug Chelsea fans are now in scarce supply.

Manchester United: Real threat, I picked them from the outset though wavered after their crap start. Presently not the best team in England but the team with the strongest mindset and they are playing turgid footy week in week out and winning while keeping clean sheets. I can’t see anyone else winning the league than United and I suspect Wenger V Fergie will soon reignite as they become Britain’s top 2 again.

The team most likely to break into the top 4: SPURS. Utter gash. Forty million spent on players , most of whom I have never heard of and one was Darren Shocking Bent at 16.5 million - total joke. No-one knows who is buying the players, like Chelsea it’s not just the manager. Their fans are muppets, the club is run by a cowardly board of muppets and they have just 5 points from a possible 21 and the manager has fallen out with at least 2 of his stars. When not if.. will Jol be sacked? I hope they sack Jol and bring back John Gregory - I would cry laughing.

Week 3 results

2007-09-23T14:18:00.000-04:00

Its all me this week - the sheet had an error in and gave me an extra point which I have since removed. Anthony is back to the bottom of the heap where he belongs while over all Rich is dead last due to his inability to get around picking Liverpool. Newbie Brian is returned to newbie status. Nick and Joe round out the top 3. Simon got 8 out of 10 right.

Truly God Awful

2007-09-22T12:42:00.000-04:00

It's very good that I have Adebayor and Clichy on my fantasy team otherwise it would not have been possible to watch the Arsenal Derby match today.

Derby lack pace, skill, style and a clue. They have Eddie Lewis and their fans invaded the pitch against Fulham in 1982 forcing the match to be adandonned which many see as the tipping point in Fulham's spiral down in the 80's. In short, I hate this club.

I would recommend that the premiership tell them to f$*k off back to the first division immediately and premiership clubs have a bye week instead of wasting time playing Derby. Obviously this won't happen but what is the point.

May they leak goals all season and any wannabe firm they may have take a severe hiding.

Woman and Children First

2007-09-21T12:57:00.000-04:00

For those doubting Mourinho's worth as a manager, those players wanting out now are their best players IMHO. Carvalho, Drogba, Malouda, Lampard for sure.

Essien and Makele not sure, could see them back in Europe after Grant starts trying to manage. Terry going nowhere due to his mad wages though.

Maybe Ballack and Shevchenko will start scoring now? Doubt it but sure they will get a run in now under Grant. He may be a "gifted coach" but in no way does he have the stature to manager a club comprised of internationals and their egos. You might as well grab some gifted woman's soccer coach from the US or Donal from the Kendall for that matter. Grant will accelerate the rush for the doors but maybe Sidwell and the Academy players will respect him I'm sure.

I see decline for Chelsea which pleases me. They were a piss poor club with Ken Bates as chairman and inexplicably insufferable fans. Roman decided to park some of his illicit gains in the UK. Now the fans are turning on Roman. He may take his marbles and go elsewhere. Spare a thought for that tosser who is / was on Fox Football Fone-in.

And as for Peter Kenyon, don't know what to make. Appears to be a shoe licker albeit a well dressed one.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7006084.stm

SACKED

2007-09-19T22:54:00.001-04:00

He's done fella's. I am devastated as i am sure all of you are. SACKED. No confirmation but I will stand by this Sun style headline. Given no proper money to buy players this Summer and then expected to deliver Wengerlike/Fergielike football. Never going to happen. Sidwell -HAHA. Belletti - more rubbish. Pizzaro, over the hill at Munich. NO Alves/ no Ronaldinho - no chequebook opening. Three poor results in a row, all dour again but hampered by no Drogba, Lampard and Carvalho. The only person to blame is Abramovich of course as I cant fault Maurinho on this evidence but I am truly delighted. PLs sink out of sight now Chelsea so that when whoever comes in gets 50000000 bazillion quid to spend in January, its too late this year. SOD OFF MAURINHO - the media will portray you a hero tomorrow and hereafter but yuo were an utter twat.

Tottenham Board

2007-09-18T12:51:00.000-04:00

Chuck D once intoned "it's weak to speak and blame somebody else when you destroy yourself". This may apply to Tottenham's board and Daniel Levy in particular. That footballer-cum-scholarly writer Ian Wright is now claiming that the only summer Tottenham signing that Martin Jol wanted was Gareth Bale which looks to be a good bit of business. Wright wrote in the Sun " "Word reaches me that not all of Tottenham's summer signings were brought in by Jol. "In fact, it appears that the arrival of Gareth Bale was the only one he requested and this is extremely worrying. " Puts a different gloss on things.

Tosser

2007-09-18T12:41:00.001-04:00

You would think "Big Sam" would have enough to worry about what with losing to Derby, bung allegations and general state of Newcastle football versus Geordie expectations but no. He has to go popping off in a magazine about Benitez being lucky to have a job and how Europe saved him. Per Allardyce, priority should be on success domestically and then Europe. A bit rich from someone who won f$ck all.

Yes you could say he did a good job with Bolton but it is an open question whether Bolton's troubles are a result of his leaving or problems that were there when he was still there. I opt for the latter.

Additionally, I don't understand the attack on Benitez. You can criticise the squad rotation that he employed for a while but he seems to have done a good job with Liverpool and the football is more enjoyable to watch for the neutral than the long balls that Liverpool employed before his arrival.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=482401&in_page_id=1779

Week 2 pick the score results

2007-09-17T17:06:00.000-04:00

Newboy Brian stole it .. by miles. Anthony picks himself up from mediocrity and uses the random number button to hit second along with perennial pick specialist Jim.

Spurs are rubbish

2007-09-17T12:28:00.000-04:00

Okay here is the price breakdown of the players involved in Arsenal's away fixture at Spuds this weekend - Wenger or Jol? WHo is the master?

Almunia: 500k

Sagna: 6million - Toure: £150k -Gilberto: 4.5million - Clichy: 500k

Diaby: 2million - Flamini: Free -Fabregas: Nominal - Hleb: 7.5million

Van Persie: 3.5million - Adebeyor: 3million

Subs

Rosicky: 6.8million - Song: 1million - Denilson: 3.4million

Total: 32.85million (that's the price of two Darren Bents).

In contrast the Spuds cost...

Paul Robinson: 1.5million

Pascal Chimbonda: 4.5million- Young-Pyo Lee: 1million - Younes Kaboul: 7million - Gareth Bale: 5million (could be 10, but we'll say 5 for now)

Michael Dawson: 8million - Tom Huddlestone: 2million - Jermaine Jenas: 9million

Steed Malbranque: 2million -

Dimitar Berbatov: 10.9million - Robbie Keane: 7million

Subs

Aaron Lennon: 1million - Darren Bent: 16million

Total: 74.9million

Verdict - good scouting still goes a long long way...

Muppets, mafia and monitors

2007-09-16T11:43:00.000-04:00

Chelsea's disallowed goal is just the latest example of the horror show passing as officiating in the premiership. The refs and linesmen are not accountable, recent suspensions aside, and above criticism as seen by any manager penalised for criticising decisions in the press. It's exactly that combination of arrogance, ineptitude and unaccountability that makes English institutions (and the Bush administration) so despised. These decisions are changing the outcome of the season for many clubs - Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Fulham so far to name a few. And they do not necessarily even out at the end of the day. With the technology in place whereby everyone in the stadium can see the replay, we have to question why the FA refuses to allow use of replays. It's completely daft and arguments that it would cause more stoppages ring hollow as the hair-gel boys are falling all over the pitch anyway causing needless stoppages. The league is also opening itself up to possible manipulation by the mafia. Whilst we are yell at the telly and think the ref deserves disembowelment, end of day most viewers just assume the ref is clueless. Refs have been corrupted in Europe before and there was the basketball scandal in the US, we have to start wondering if some of the decisions made in the premiership are not similarly influenced. The only way to nip that in the bud is to start using replays.

England - Toss out the pretty boys

2007-09-11T13:22:00.000-04:00

Rather than have a go at these big time Charlies, again, thought I would share the perspective of a Daily Mail poster. He basically makes the argument that strip out the superstars from the team and England have some decent players. SWP is a good winger. Joe Cole is tasty down the other side. Toss Lampard out and throw in Barry with Gerrard and things are alright in the middle. Get rid of goofy robot upfront and things aren't so bad. Of course, everyone is talking of a resurgent England after beating Israel and winning two out the last nine but an interesting view all the same as I think England has been less than the sum of their parts because their players don't give a toss. Maybe if you strip out the egos and hair gel and play English "yeoman" with the "cut and thrust" England will get back to winning ways. "Suddenly, from being a weakened team, lacking depth of resources; the press has come to recognise, that McClaren's real problem has actually been an embarrassment of riches. At last, thanks to injuries, we have had the opportunity to see the hugely underrated Gareth Barry, doing for England what he has consistently done for Villa in the last two years. At last, we have seen a winger with real pace, in Wright-Phillips, play with the kind of confidence that will surely now see Beckham reduced to no more than a squad player. We have also seen that the manager can afford to leave out Lampard and (thanks to the wonderful performance of Richards), Gary Neville. And just to prove that no one is indispensable, we have seen Heskey return as a more effective partner to Owen than Rooney. The assumption that England players need to be playing in the Champions League with fashionable clubs, is now blown apart. It is vital that McClaren stands by this team, and only brings back the absentee "superstars" if form, not reputation, demands."- Martin Dimery, Frome

Crouch branded cheat by FIFA ahead of WC

2007-09-05T17:24:00.000-04:00

Graham "Three Yellows" Poll has revealed that FIFA identified Peter Crouch as a cheater ahead of the World Cup; showed videos of England; and instructed officials to watch him very closely. Other sources revealed this was to prevent any possibly occurence of his robot dance.

I'm sure some will now bang on how England is being unfairly discriminated against and if it weren't for Crouch's suspension, England would go through. Think you need to be pretty blinkered by that argument and this coming from someone who has accepted and promulgated the argument that the rise of England hooliganism was a response to the Scottish pitch invasion at Wembley and indiscriminate attacks on Londoners in 1977.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=480022&in_page_id=1779

Fergie on Beckham and the US

2007-09-05T13:15:00.000-04:00

Ferguson makes an interesting point on the US needing four regional leagues: "In European football, and especially in British football, you can travel easily. "If you are Boston and need to go to Los Angeles it's a six-hour flight. Supporters don't travel so you are missing that rivalry between fans. "So you have a problem. To make it substantial you would have to go regional but there's not enough teams to have four strong leagues." On Beckham as footballer or entertainer: "He was never a problem until he got married. He used to go into work with the academy coaches at night time, he was a fantastic young lad. "Getting married into that entertainment scene was a difficult thing - from that moment his life was never going to be the same. "He is such a big celebrity, football is only a small part. The big part is his persona." " http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=480063&in_page_id=1779

Fulham - La juega bonita

2007-09-04T16:36:00.000-04:00

"You must be joking" is surely your response and I am having a bit of a laugh. Whilst delighted as a Fulham supporter to have fought back, from a neutral perspective it is clearly laughable how Jol went defensive and did not kill off the match. Lawrie Sanchez started talking about James Bond even:

"You see in James Bond films when they don't kill him and he comes up and finishes them off. It's similar in life. You never give people the chance and they gave us a chance to get back in it."

For those that did not see the match Tottenham were up 3-1 and Berbatov had already made Stefanovich look like a muppet; he has all the blazing speed of a Carlos Bocanegra. Why he was signed I do not know. Fulham brought four forward and Tottenham sat back and did not counterattack other than to send their strikers. There were numerous instances where their strikers were marked but a pass across the middle would not have been covered by Fulham's defence, only no Tottenham player was there.

For those not pleased with Jol, this is really fuel to the fire.

Finally, Fulham got a bit of luck on their side.

Steve McLaren's job

2007-09-04T13:42:00.001-04:00

I think it is almost certain at this point that England will drop points against Israel and / or Russia and not qualify for Euro 2008. With that we can all say goodbye to Steve McLaren. I for one will not be sad. I hate the way he has that sh&t-eating grin when giving interviews after results that somehow went his way but for which he was really just lucky.

I believe he will try to pressurise unfit players into playing these matches, namely Gerrard and Lampard. While I'm no fan of the England set-up lately composed of big time Charlies who pay lip service to England and care more for their cars, birds and night clubs than playing for country, I think the clubs who pay their salaries should have a say in whether they play. Only the most blinkered supporter would insist England are still going through and it is not worth risking serious long-term injury to try to bail McLaren out. Lampard is apparently out for six weeks but McLaren wants him for next Wednesday. I'm sure someone will cite Ryan Gigg's miraculous healing powers on Thursdays and Fridays after Wednesday Wales international matches and it is a valid point. However, I think the facts may be different here. Plus, Lampard and Gerrard really do not play well together.

Predictions League

2007-09-04T12:18:00.000-04:00

This will appear each weekend after the last Premiership game is completed - and the spreadsheet will be sent out on Tuesday. Week's one winner is Chris who boldly predicted 7 out of 10 correct results.

Spreadsheet Nick as ever is second while John O Toole and Jim split third.

Everyone else was fairly close to each other.

England/Ireland/Yanks this week so no Prem predictions till the following weekend.

Podcasts

2007-08-31T11:36:00.000-04:00

I dont know about you all but I am big into the footy podcasts as i can then listen to them at my leisure. THe current crop i am listening to: The Guardian footy podcast - twice a week. Pretty good banter.

BBC Radio 5 has a good few: Sportsweek is a 1 hour interview show each week with top named guests, from all sports but primarily football.

Five Live Football Daily is a daily 25 minute round up of BBC's coverage with interviews, panels , match reports...

Fighting Talk is hosted by Northern Ireland's Colin Murray and is a cant miss.

And of course the 606 phone in where muppets call in and butcher English while telling the various hosts (Tim Lovejoy, Alan Green, Spoony) why they would be a better manager than their current beleaguered one.

Another Jose song

2007-08-31T11:33:00.001-04:00

This one was from last season - brief interview with fake Jose and a song that makes me laugh. Something for a Labour Day Friday...with a U in it.

Season so far

2007-08-28T13:29:00.000-04:00

Well its only August still but already its the best Prem ever. United are up and running and despite having no decent strikers fit are still a threat. Chelsea are as crap to watch as ever - remember this is new super expansive exciting Chelsea and they still really just aim to play crap footy and win by 1. Rubbish

Arsenal are quietly winning games without anyone really giving them a prayer and Jens has ..got an injury... allegedly. Fulham are clearly the unlucky team that only has 84 minutes in them. Dead striker, goals not given but Healy will keep them up and hopefully more than that. Tottenham have broke into the elusive bottom 4 and long may they stay there. Jol has sword of Damacles over him and will eventually be kicked out. Liverpool look the main threat but lets be honest Benitez will eventually rotate when he shuoldnt and cost them all.

Of the mid level sides, Portsmouth are the threat, Man City with 2 more Svennis signings may make UEFA Cup. Vila/West Ham/Newcastle all mid table sides who will upset the big 4 more often than last year. Blackburn are the most hated team I hope - they are evil. All of them.

Its been fantastic so far..

UNITED IN CRISIS

2007-08-19T10:54:00.000-04:00

UNITED - played 3, scored 1, won 0. SEASON IN TATTERS Manager buys no proper strikers... Humiliated by City. There is always Europe United fans. I am seeing Arsenal later and know that if Blackburn beat us 10-0 we are still ap oint clear of United with a game in hand.

Blue skies, smiling at me....

2007-08-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

Nothing but blue skies, do I see. City 3, United 0. My prediction.

Fox soccer channel online ..

2007-08-12T15:36:00.000-04:00

Okay its just been announced.. Five dollars for an online game that they show... plus Monday morning free highlights of every Premiership game on your computer (with commercials).

EPL Predictions

2007-08-10T10:51:00.000-04:00

So, it's that time of the year again...predictions for the EPL season!!! As you can see, this fine representation to the left is of Patrick Devitt laying down the green for Arsenal - and it all starts early on Sunday for the Gunners. (please note that the dice in his closed right fist are most likely "loaded") First, though, ESPN reported during the Beckham-cam laced MLS match last night that USA star-in-the-making Feilhaber got his work permit to play for Derby...and pronounced it as derby, vice the correct "darby." Pathetic, but expected. So, with that, I will give you the first round of picks for the final table of the 2007-08 campaign. Go Sky Blues!!!

1. United 2. Tottenham 3.Chelsea 4. Liverpool

5. Arsenal 6. Reading 7. Bolton 8. CITY

9. Pompey 10. Sunderland 11. Everton 12. West Ham

13. Newcastle 14. Fulham 15. Wigan 16. Aston Villa

17. Boro 18. Blackburn 19. Derby 20.Birmingham.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

2007-08-08T12:31:00.000-04:00

UPDATE: FSC have reneged and are now showing Arsenal LIVE at 7am. Thank God. Crappy FSC obviously dont have their broadband coverage anywhere close to set up...

EPL 2007/8 US coverage

2007-08-06T16:14:00.000-04:00

Listened to an interview this afternoon with some twat from FSC who was talking about their channels coverage. Basically the keypoints were: 1) Some crap Beckham program will be aired on FSC weekly - joy.

2) Games will continue to be shown on slight tape delay so they can get in the titles and not make folk who switch on at 10 miss the lineups. Whatever they claim they are not keeping it live and you are advised not to have the web open at the time.

3) The crappy ticker which shows out of date news and/or spoilers for games is gone during English matches.

4) It looks like Foxsoccer.com will have free Premiership highlights on late Sunday/sometime Monday. They won the rights but its unclear if they are going to attempt to charge for them yet, i think though that it will be free and at better quality than Youtube.

5) FSC will also show a game a week on PPV on Broadband (price not yet announced), the first week is Arsenal V Fulham though I think this is a 7am Eastern time match on a Sunday. Fox soccer will also beam you highlights to your cell phone if you pay for it. Apparently mobile highlights will be during the game live..ie) Van Persie scored his third against United, its on your phone 3 mins later.

6) FSC will air a half hour show before the 10am Eastern game Saturday for preview purposes which I am pleased about unless I see Max and Nick in their all too similar outfits standing up looking awkward and trying to fill time... They will also air a 90 minute show Sunday showing a mixture of highlights from the weekend of MLS/Premiership/Argentina/USL and Italy. Sounds like a longer just as crap version of their Shorter Super Saturday round up show. I hate watching multiple league highlights at once and would rather wait for the hour English round up show on Sunday nights (apparently now at midnight Sunday)

7) One half of team twat is gone from Fox's footy fone in joke. The Liverpool supporting one has gone off to produce a poker show - yes POKER. Says everything. The acerbic Chelsea twat remains with Nick Webster, Bus Stop boy.

8) Setanta confirmed that EPL is online this year, at 600K - at 14.95 per month. Includes GAA sports and Rugby and online services allow you to choose between games apparently if they own the rights to them (FSC own half, Setanta own half). NO games on here are PPV (for EPL).

Lets all laugh at Beckham and/or MLS

2007-08-06T15:57:00.000-04:00

Okay I haven't posted on Beckham yet but there is just so much material I now have to. Firstly, did anyone watch that shambles of a game he played in for 10 minutes V Chelsea - worst coverage ever - his own camera showing him tying his laces every 2 minutes... then he played and I cried with laughter when Steve Sidwell clattered him. Since then Beckham hasn't played , has been spotted in the stands instead of with his team and the US Public is beginning to get impatient - where is Beckham? Can we get a refund... He hasn't played in Dallas and now in Toronto where American idiots bought tickets at inflated prices to see him play only to be disappointed and not even have him do a pre game bow. So MLS has problems - its marquis player cant play and fans aren't happy - he is due in DC this Thursday and I will laugh if he cant play and the 58000 or so fans who have sold out RFK at higher than normal prices are left deflated on a Thursday night. I didn't buy a ticket as I couldn't give a shi* Surely there are others out there enjoying this as much as me.. I hope he declares himself fit on Friday and then makes the England V Germany friendly next week though I doubt he will come over for that. truth be told Beckham is right not to play till he gets fit, its a 5 year deal, no point playing hurt, getting more hurt and missing 6 months. Stupid pratt fans have no clue. Also look out for ESPN's new overhead cam, great when a team takes a free kick or corner - its a camera that 'floats' around is way behind a free kick , ie) half way line. You see a free kick as if you were miles away. Its awesome. No. Its shi*. Thanks ESPN for trying to reinvent footy camera views. Now stop.

The best of the Rest

2007-08-06T15:42:00.000-04:00

So big signings this Summer - Fulham bought Kamara and Healey, Liverpool bought that floppy haired muppet and Babel, Arsenal picked up the Crozillian and Sagna, United picked up some divers and Hargreaves. Chelsea bought some free pap and I expect will still pick up one or 2 late high price buys (daniel alves watch this space)...West Ham picked up all the wankers in World football, Spurs signed Darren Bent and Gareth Bale for a combined 27 million...Portsmouth I think bought a lot or at least were linked with a lot...Villa bought the West Ham rejects... And then we have Manchester City - 8 signings this week alone. City fans excited and claim Sven has attracted overseas talent. And its ALL overseas. Here is the problem - i have hardly heard of ANY oF THEM. Indeed as I sit here, i cant remember what they have signed - ther were a few that sounded like Bulgarian words for vomit and then what - i think only Martin Petrov is someone i can remember hearing about ever before. Another drab season for City... Whats Sven's severance package this time?

A tale of two Manchesters

2007-07-05T11:04:00.000-04:00

Alright what happened to the doom and gloom i was promised a couple of years ago. I had visions of United securitising their debts and going under as they succumbed in Europe and the Premiership - instead today i read from reputable sources like BBC Five Live that a deal for Tevez is about done - making their 4th very expensive signing this Summer. Did United suddenly become the new Chelsea???

And then we have Man City - bought with bent money, how much of it actually exists I don't know but either way new ownership is imminent and Sven has apparently demanded TEN new signings. I am sure this pleases GAC and the City fans who know that that team right now is a utter dreck. Still ten new signings - where do clubs get that wealth.

And don't even start me on Spurs who for the last 3 years have somehow found bazillions to spend - 16.5 on Bent, 10 on Bale. In some sense its nice to see our top clubs buying British as its good for the national sides but seriously 16.5 for DARREN BENT is more than we sold Henry for. Arsenal never spend any of our cash like this but I am beginning to think the new market means we will have to.

Top 50 world Footballers

2007-07-03T15:46:00.000-04:00

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article1963015.ece Thoughts, Gentlemen?

Copa

2007-07-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad that MLS is starting to benefit our men's national team! To think that I was worried about aging Euro stars like Beckham taking roster spots away from aspiring US teenage sensations. I guess I was a bit jaded, at first, but now I'm really a believer. Did you SEE the last two matches against Argentina and Paraguay? Brilliant stuff. I mean, sure, the Argies bring off Messi and bring on Tevez - big deal! We bring on Nguyen for Kljestan. Fantastic! As for our marking in the back, wow...quite frankly, I've never seen anything like it. I would wager that even City would have a hard time beating the USMNT: most likely due to the laughter. Absolutely f-ing pathetic.

Setanta

2007-06-26T11:29:00.001-04:00

Apparently about to announce deal with DISHTV... I hope Comcast isnt far behind... Also GolTV was supposed to be bought out but that failed.. They are showing the Copa America all month, the yanks get to play real teams in this, not Canada and Guatemala. They play Argentina Thursday night! Commentary in English, though it may be Ray Hudson who is by far and away the WORST commentator to have ever come out of England. BY MILES.

Adieu

2007-06-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

"If an opportunity like Barcelona comes again, with all my respect for such a club, I will refuse" - Thierry Henry, 2006

Its been dead here lately but its time to get going again.

£16.1m? Seems a little cheap to me in this day and age. When was his contract up? I thought he signed a 4-year one after the 2006 CL final?

I wonder how much Arsenal would have got for him if they had cashed in 12 months ago?

Football gear for players in Sierra Leone

2007-05-13T04:54:00.000-04:00

I realize this blog hasn't been that active lately - most likely due to the fact that the season is winding down save the FA Cup final and the CL final. Of course, City just did enough to avoid relegation (again) and it looks like we're about to lose our best, most combative player. Typical.

What is not typical is the following: I'm organizing an effort to collect used football gear for players in the war-ravaged land of Sierra Leone in West Africa. I helped start a supporters' branch for MCFC in the USA recently and it turns out that there is a branch established in Sierra Leone that fields its own youth team.

Gents, we can really use your help! Please take the time to copy the following message and email it to your extensive lists of email contacts. If you would like to help, email me.

Thanks so much,

George

---

The Red, White and Sky Blues are the official USA supporters’ club of Manchester City FC. We are a branch of the team’s Centenary Supporters Association and we would sincerely appreciate your attention to the following matter.

The West African nation of Sierra Leone suffered through a civil war that lasted more than a decade and claimed at least 50,000 lives. The current life expectancy in the country is just 38 years for men and 43 years for women. Devastation, poverty and hunger have all reigned supreme in recent years.

Through the game of football (soccer), however, one man is attempting to make a difference and it is our intention to help further his efforts.

Like all of us in the Red, White and Sky Blues, Armani Sheku Kamara is a fervent supporter of Manchester City FC. In his war-ravaged and impoverished homeland, Mr. Kamara has somehow organized both a supporters’ club and a squad of players that competes against similar teams from other villages. The dire circumstances of the recent past in Sierra Leone have made his accomplishments remarkable enough; now, our supporters’ club is getting involved to hopefully bolster the entire soccer community there.

It is our sincere intention to assist Mr. Kamara and all of the soccer players of Sierra Leone through the collection of used equipment from the youth, high school, college and adult participants throughout Massachusetts. I'm starting here in my home state in the USA, but I hope that you will be able to get involved regardless of your location.

We need your help. We need you to encourage your players, coaches, parents, family members, administrators, fans and friends to donate their old soccer gear to the impoverished players of Sierra Leone. We need you to spread the word about this project to newspapers, magazines, radio stations and web sites. We need you to collect old uniforms, used cleats, balls and all other soccer-related materials so that we may ship the materials to players in West Africa.

We need you, as members of the soccer community of the world, to get involved.

In a recent email, Mr. Kamara sent us his request:

“We need soccer equipment. Balls, shoes, socks, etc. We lack basic soccer equipment and it is very hard in the second poorest country in the world to set up a team. I have a budget of $2 for 24 players and that comes out of my own pocket.

“Please, I am ashamed to ask and I hesitate to ask but it is very, very hard in Sierra Leone as our country has gone over twelve years of rebel wars, the most brutal civil war in the world in which people’s limbs were amputated and many lost their loved ones. It is only through soccer that we have been able to move forward to try to forget about the past.

“Please, we will be very happy and grateful to receive soccer equipment and any financial help from you and we will be delighted to receive anything that you will be able to help us out with here. We look forward to hearing from you and this development is going to help the youth players, many who have great talent in my country. Thank you.”

---

If you would like to help us, please respond at your earliest convenience. At the very least, we would sincerely appreciate it if you could forward this message out to your entire list of contacts. As well, please contact us with any suggestions or questions.

We will be happy to meet with you to discuss this idea. Please visit our web site at the address listed below to see a few pictures of Mr. Kamara's players in Sierra Leone.

Sincere regards,
George Cuddy
Chairman
Red, White and Sky Blues
Manchester City FC Centenary Supporters Association
USA Branch
Web site: www.myspace.com/mcfc_csa_usa
Email: redwhiteandskyblues@yahoo.com

Bird commentates on footy

2007-04-19T11:28:00.000-04:00

Its happened, this weekend a bird will commentate on a footy match for the first time in England. see link here.

Thoughts?

Also scroll down to check out metrosexual Dave Bassett's view - hilarious.

Personally I dont care one way or the other, however if Julie Foudy shows up i turn my life to Hockey, seeing her on ESPN last year was just.. horrific.

Daft Republitard Bint

2007-04-18T17:54:00.000-04:00

It's old, but worth a read...

http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2005/06/michael_jackson.html

Michael Jackson & Soccer Unite our Enemies Printer Friendly By Debbie Schlussel What do Michael Jackson and soccer have in common? That's easy. Smart Americans with taste dislike both. But our enemies just love Michael Jackson and soccer. It's part of a secret international IQ test. Post 9/11, if you love freedom and decency, you have no interest in either the silly game of low scoring and the bizarre has-been-pop-star-come-plastic-surgery-victim. If you hate America and love terror, soccer and Michael Jackson are the best things since sliced bread (if you're from those countries who hate us and haven't yet emerged into the advanced era of sliced bread, then they are the best things since whole pita with hummus). As USA Today reports, "'M.J.' Has Own U.N. in His Corner Outside Courthouse." Fans from Oslo (home of the failed give-in-to-terrorists Oslo Accords), Germany (home of the Hamburg cell and O.J-style juries that repeatedly fail to convict Al-Qaeda terrorists), and pot-smoking Amsterdam (where Muslim terrorists assassinate Van Gogh descendants), have all convened outside the Santa Barbara Courthouse to worship at the alter of the "King of Pop." Foreigners hold up signs with such reassuring messages as "Germany Fights With You!" (Germany fought with Der Fuhrer and the Third Reich, too) and "He's not Hitler." Hmmm . . . . That explains why every Muslim terrorist gets away with murder in Germany. They're not Hitler, either. I guess if you're not Hitler, anything else goes. Posted by Debbie at June 12, 2005 11:15 AM I BLAME THE LIBERAL MEDIA, TOO.

The best of whats left

2007-04-18T13:11:00.000-04:00

Was yapping on the phone to Rich yesterday and he had a good question but is too lazy to post. Who is the best 11 in the Premiership outside of the top 4 clubs? Thats your afternoon's challenge...

Not getting into Emirates = Bummer

2007-04-13T08:33:00.000-04:00

Just got back from a trip to the UK: saw my beloved Citeh send CC packing with a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage, then saw the "classic" 0-0 draw between Reading and Charlton at The Valley later that evening. Two EPL matches in one day, not too shabby. Sadly, didn't get into the Arsenal/WHU contest...

Bye Bye Chris Coleman

2007-04-11T12:33:00.001-04:00

Glad to see that Al Fayed has taken action. Three points out of a possible 21 deserves relegation.

This team has been consistently inconsistent but generally crap over the last two months. Coleman possibly could have turned the ship around but why take the chance. When a club sacks a manager there is normally a short term bounce. If that bounce provides six points, then Fulham escape relegation most likely.

However, it's a tough run-in including Liverpool and Arsenal. First come Reading and Blackburn so let's hope the lads show some bottle and try to impress the new short-term gaffer. It may come down to the last match of the season against Middlesbrough.

'ard man attacks Lampard

2007-03-20T20:33:00.000-04:00

The only thing more ridiculous than this young lad acting tough is the Chelsea players walking around the pitch without their shirts.

Link to story and clip http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=443432&in_page_id=1779&ct=5

UK RIP

2007-03-15T12:14:00.000-04:00

As if the UK were not aleady going to hell in a handbasket due to the Labour party (Thatcherite concerning economics, lap dog to US on Iraq, but loony left in all other aspects resulting in failed policies on transport, hospitals, and schools; persecution of Christians; alienation of Muslims; and rampant violence by maurading gangs of 13 yr olds), the Football League is now proposing shot-outs in cases of draws. Granted it would not affect the Premiership yet, but if you let the devil in for tea he will soon plan a banquet in your house. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=442507&in_page_id=1779&ct=5

George did you write this?

2007-03-13T10:18:00.000-04:00

READ ME A good 3-0 thumping from Chelsea tomorrow might be the end..

College Basketball Pool

2007-03-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

Hey RTC contributors and fanatics...it's tourney time again - something to take our minds off the demise of Man City FC and the fact that Arsenal will not have any silverware this season...
So, spread the word - please!
As the UCLA Bruins seek their 12th title this year in men's basketball ("powerhouses" UNC and Duke have seven, combined), I'll try to keep this pool as simple as possible - especially for Big 10 fans.
The participation donation is $10. You can contact me to get my address to mail it. No hurry, but prior to the end of the second round would be great.
1st Place = 65%
2nd Place = 25%
3rd Place = 10%

Because I don't wish to waste time dealing with spreadsheets, late entries and disputes over selections or point totals, this year's pool will be run through Yahoo.
To enter, follow these easy steps:
1. Go to this link http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/men
2. Select "Join a Group."
3. If you have a Yahoo ID, simply enter your user name and password. If you don't, it takes about three minutes to get one.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Select "Private Group."
6. Enter the Group ID number: 54742
Note: the group name is Buzzer Beaters.
7. Enter the password: thunderfc
8. You will then be able to select the name for your bracket (be creative) and choose user options. Yahoo will send updates and reminders to you about entry deadlines, etc.
---
That's it! You're in! The only final suggestion (other than picking the Bruins) is to forward this email to all of your friends - the bigger the pot, well, you get the idea!
Cheers,
George

A proper punch up

2007-03-07T09:31:00.000-05:00

Forget Arsenal v Chelsea - this was anything but handbags. Here is 9 minutes of Sky coverage of it all, make of their anti Argentine bias what you will. Cracking stuff though! A couple of good angles I didnt see on Fox Soccer Channel last night.

The Run-In

2007-03-05T14:37:00.000-05:00

Okay Johnno, i figured I would beat you to the punch and provide the run-in which as I see it has 7 key weeks. Both sides pay 5 of the top 10 in their last few games including each other right near the end assuming one of United and Chelsea makes the semis of the FA Cup. If United win the first 2 fixtures at home, thats it - all over. If they slip Chelsea might claw it back. Sadly enough I can see Chelsea winning every single one of these games. If that happens United need to win 7 of the 8 (assuming Chelsea beat them). Thats still tough but if they win the first 2 I think Chelsea will give up. Lets hope anyway. May 5th sees 2 potentially massive derbies with Arsenal hosting Chelsea and City hosting United, if there is still anything to play for that will be a volatile weekend.

The dream is over...

2007-03-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Take a good look, my friends, at the kit required to be an absolute disaster. It's bad enough that MCFC spent 7.5M pounds on two strikers who, in 74 combined appearances, have scored 14 goals... 30 points taken from 27 matches? Horrendous. Relegation is certain. Why? Well, how about 11 matches to play with four of those against United, Chelsea, Gunners and Pool. We're doomed. I won't bother mentioning my pre-campaign prediction for European qualification; I am disgusted by the lack of invention, creativity, flow, determination and passion in this listless, powder blue collection of dunces. Years ago I suggested that a flamethrower be taken to the headquarters of US Soccer in Chicago. I now add the entire board, coaching staff and locker room for the Sky Blues. I'll be more than happy to man the fire-blaster. Last Saturday, I wore my Barton #8 2006-07 kit top to work and was lambasted by three UK visitors. They asked how I could possibly support that club...was I a total masochist? I very well may be. The club is already some 7M pounds in the red; relegation means a loss of at least 30M pounds in television, advertising and related operational revenue. Pitiful. Can't wait to play at Luton, Plymouth and Colchester next season! (Who needs Old Trafford, Anfield or Emirates?) For now, though, at least I have something to look forward to: going to England in early April to see three matches in four days. Charlton at Man City, Liverpool at Reading, Man City at Fulham. I'll post the pics when I return. I hate football.

England get new chariot driver

2007-02-27T23:54:00.000-05:00

Some clips from Ireland's historic 43-13 thumping of England on Saturday Anthems Action

That Carling Cup Final...

2007-02-26T12:16:00.001-05:00

Wow, what a game. John Terry dead, Abou Diaby breaks hurts foot in the same incident, young Theo scores a cracker, Drogba scores a great header and one questionable goal. Oh and apparently there was some incident at the end. Overall - we deserved it but Chelsea, and particularly Cech won it, he is some keeper. But in terms of football, the youngest team ever were terrific but you dont take your chances, you dont win. Still I think barring the last few minutes that this team proved themselves great and proved Wenger a great manager. Drogba however took home the spoils.

JOHN TERRY goes to heaven (or hell)

HANDBAGS

And something good.. England take notice.

United v Lille

2007-02-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

This is a very good recap (7 mins) of this game including an interview with Sir Alex and a good look at the 2 football incidents and the near walk out. For me Lille deserve to play 2 gmaes behind closed doors - and thats without taking into account their awful handling of the crowd in scenes that could have been Hillsbroughesque.

And for the rest of us

2007-02-22T17:17:00.000-05:00

Never ceases to make me laugh - United goalkeeper Massimo Taibi shows us how its done. ANother fantastic Fergie buy - 4 or 5 million i think he paid for this.

One for Johnno

2007-02-21T14:36:00.000-05:00

Just to show my impartialness - here is a moment of Jens that I can see why leads him to be hated by non Arsenal fans (and occasionally Arsenal fans).

Funny Stuff

Burkeys hated 10

2007-02-16T18:09:00.000-05:00

10) Yakubu Big diving cheat who got a very unfair penalty against us a couple of weeks ago - gave me great pleasure to see him fluff 2 in the Cup this week.

9) Robbie Savage Just in general but also for getting Gilberto sent off unfairly this year - got his just desserts a week later and broke his leg. I hope his hair falls out.

8) Robbie Earle Sick of listening to this twat on FSC. Arsenal play too intricate a football for him, then he goes two faced and moans that when we are direct it doesnt suit us - he takes one of these 2 lines every time he talks about us while heaping on praise when we suddenly score.

7) Paul Jewell Sick of listening to this muppet - yes Wigan played well for one game but the facts are they are 17th cos they are crap week in and week out. Heskey fell over as fast as he could when Flamini brushed him, no penalty and no points for you Wigan. I didn't hear Jewell correct the referee when Adebayor's goal was wrongly ruled out for offside.

6) Joey Barton What a cock he is. Shocking tackle last week on Mendes, subtle enough to avoid a red but the FA should have give him a 5 game ban for it - he is a constant twat and the best City has - says it all about them.

5) Mike Reilly He had to be here, gave Yakubu a horror pen and Senderos an unfair red in the same game - used to set up Ruud every year at Old Trafford with his whistle and then point to the spot.

4) Martin Jol The big jawed Dutch twat isnt so smug these days. Hammered by Arsenal's kids in the Cup semi, beaten by everyone who plays them now and sinking fast. Would be delighted to see the mouthy git sacked this year after wasting a fortune on players and producing nothing.

3) Ashley Cole Best news all year seeing this twat carried off after tripping on the ball. Cliche is as good as he ever was and we got Gallas in exchange who when fit is worth 3 Coles. The Cashley one nearly crashed his car when he heard the derisory offer we gave him of 55k a week.... TWAT!!!

2) Cristiano Ronaldo Would be top but he has helped my fantasy team just enough in Yahoo. The man is born to cheat, be it in the World Cup or as he falls over at the slightest glance, or none at all. Has won too many favours from refs this year who should be running over to red card him and kick him every time he 'falls' over.

1) Jose Maurinho On the way out with Chelsea and somehow portrayed as a hero to his club by the press. Lets not forget this man is a complete lying sod who is devoid of seeing things correctly. I hope he is sacked and leaves in disgrace. Hero to his club, he has already tried to get out of there twice!!! Thinks he has done wonders at Chelsea where has had all the worlds cash to spend and only built a thin squad which is going to get caught out before the season is done.

UPDATE I would like to add an eleventh entry - the entire Blackburn set up - they played for a 0-0 draw from the first kick today. Whats the point? I hope we beat them in the replay, I am sure Wenger is about to moan about it and quite rightly so. Clubs like this wonder they cant fill stadiums.

Arsenal in "lack of class" crisis.

2007-02-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. If I did use a thousand words to describe Messrs Henry and Lehmann I think I would just use "Horrible Bastards" 500 times each. I wonder if Henry reprimanded Lehman for wasting time after the match?

Superbowl bollox

2007-02-07T13:19:00.000-05:00

Okay so i watched the Superbowl last week, all 16 hours of it and what a load of bollox. I like American Football, know the game fairly well so am somewhat knowledgeable. I have a problem though with the Superbowl. How does what is in an essence, the final of a tournament and league end up playing second fiddle to the hype that surrounds it. Imagine if the World Cup was all about the 45 minutes of Half Time, or the ads that punctuate every few minutes of the game. Dont get me started on that crap which was the pre-game. I would much rather watch pundits bore me with their views than see weird looking badly dressed Floridans bounce around like they are in a circus - what does have to do with Football? Trim out all the crap and get back to it being a sports final. Its torture to sit through this crap every year. American sports fans are their own breed.

Beckham and MLS

2007-02-07T13:11:00.000-05:00

Okay so its been announced in DC that Goldenballs will play in DC for the Galaxy on August 9th, I can hardly contain my excitement....

However - right now its a ticket you can only get by being a SEASON ticketholder. Yes sign up for all the DC united games and you can get the privilege of watching speedy, dribbling, ultimate superstar Beckham play LIVE as you sit there with your hot dog and Bud. I had to laugh. Regular tickets go on sale July and I will happily sit out the MLS and pick up my ticket then. Beckham in a schedule which is so badly set up with business before football will play several away games after his arrival, only Dallas wont see him after he arrives. LA will play most of the first half of the season at home. Business before soccer.. as always. Incidentally - this league which claims it wont repeat the NASL horrors of signing over the hill players at inflated rates has recently tried and failed to sign Ronaldo (New York) and ZINEDINE ZIDANE!! (Chicago). This league is in good hands.

England V Spain

2007-02-07T13:04:00.000-05:00

Cracking good read this from Sarah Winterburn, the only decent bird pundit i know. PHILLIP NEVILLE (again!!), Lefty Lampard, Crouch in a 4-5-1... I despair. We wont be going to Euro 2008. http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8742_1899167,00.html

Croke Park Is Ireland's Common Ground

2007-02-06T09:44:00.000-05:00

Here is an article i read today in the Washington Post - pretty interesting stuff if you care for English and Irish sports and a bit of history. John thoughts? Are you for or against Croke opening up to non-GAA sports? By Michael Moynihan Special to The Washington Post Tuesday, February 6, 2007; Page E03 DUBLIN -- When the British army wanted to strike back at those fighting for Ireland's independence in 1920, there was one obvious target: Croke Park, a ramshackle sports venue on the north side of Dublin and focus for the national sports of Gaelic football and hurling. On what became known as Bloody Sunday, soldiers fired on the crowd watching a Gaelic football game, killing several spectators and one player. Visit Croke Park now and it's a superb stadium that seats 82,000 people, a sleek emblem of Ireland's economic growth with luxurious corporate boxes and convention facilities. But one of its towering stands is still named after Michael Hogan, the young footballer killed on the field in 1920. Croke Park is a facility that routinely hosts the indigenous games of Gaelic football and hurling, but when rugby and soccer matches are played in the coming weeks and months, it will serve as a reminder of how far Ireland has come. (AP File Photo) Ireland's Native Sports Gaelic Football Field: Rectangular, larger than a soccer field, with H-shaped goals at each end. Players: 15 per team. Ball: Round, smaller than a soccer ball and larger than a volleyball. Object: Propel ball through the goal. One point is scored for putting the ball over the crossbar, three for balls that go under. Other Equipment: None. Special Rules: Players cannot throw the ball but can advance the ball by dribbling with the hand or foot, punting the ball or using a "hand pass." In a hand pass, the player strikes the ball with the side of his fist. Hurling Field: Same as Gaelic football. Players: 15 per team. Ball: Known as a "sliothar," it's made of leather and 2.5 inches in diameter. Stick: Players carry a "hurley," a wooden stick that curves out at the end. Goalkeepers' sticks are bigger. Object: Send the ball through the goal, scoring one point for balls over the crossbar and three for under it. Other Equipment: Players wear helmets but no padding. Special Rules: Players can strike the ball in the air or on the ground, and may pick the ball up with the stick and carry it in hand for up to four steps. Players also can run while balancing the ball on their stick. Save & Share Article What's This? DiggGoogle del.icio.usYahoo! RedditFacebook Croke Park always has been more than just a sporting arena. That fact will be underlined once again in the coming weeks, when rugby and soccer matches are played there for the first time. The constitution of the Gaelic Athletic Association, which owns Croke Park and administers the indigenous games of Gaelic football and hurling, had forbidden rugby and soccer at its facilities since its founding in 1884. But when it was announced in 2000 that the home of Ireland's national rugby and soccer teams, Dublin's Lansdowne Road, would have to be closed for refurbishment, some suggested Croke Park bend its rules. The debate that ensued soon became a touchstone of Irish cultural life: You were either for or against, and your values could be extrapolated from your position. The debate focused initially on whether the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) should open its biggest stadium to the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Rugby Football Union, the governing bodies for soccer and rugby, while Lansdowne Road was being rebuilt. Those who wanted Croke Park opened pointed out that the Irish government had funded its development to the tune of 60 million euros ($77.6 million). Since the stadium had been funded publicly, they said, it should be open to all. Those who opposed the opening of Croke Park maintained that the GAA was an amateur sporting organization confined to one small island, while rugby and soccer in Ireland were outposts of international professional sport. Croke Park had hosted other sports since the 1970s, including boxing and American football, but some viewed soccer and rugby as direct competition to the native sports that called the grounds home. They also asked why the GAA was being pressured after having the foresight to develop its own facilities. The rugby and soccer associations said that if Croke Park would not host their teams, they would have to go to England to find stadiums large enough to host their international contests. On and on it went. You were a narrow-minded backwoodsman if you were opposed to opening Croke Park; if you were in favor, you were sabotaging Irish culture. The debate raged until April 2005, when the GAA, to the surprise of many, decided to allow international rugby and soccer matches to be played in Croke Park while Lansdowne Road was being redeveloped. The first rugby match -- a Six Nations contest against France -- is scheduled for Sunday, and the first soccer game -- a Euro 2008 qualifier vs. Wales -- will be played on March 24. One man played a large role in the resolution of the issue. When Sean Kelly was appointed GAA president in 2003, there had already been two years of squabbling on the topic within the GAA and without. "Inclusivity was the key word," Kelly said. "In modern Ireland every organization has to be inclusive, and the GAA is no exception. It's a form of maturity, of advancement, that you can see people not by their differences but by what you have in common. Welcoming people is the way to sum it up." He was guided by the changes in Irish society as a whole. Prosperity has transformed the country's demographics: When Muhammad Ali came to Dublin to fight in 1972 (in Croke Park, coincidentally), he asked where the black people hung out. "There aren't any," was the reply. Today's Ireland has a significant black presence in all the major towns. The number of Polish immigrants in Ireland is greater than the population of the country's third-largest city. Kelly felt the GAA would have to reflect the new realities of modern Ireland, although he also was conscious not to abandon older values. Croke Park is a facility that routinely hosts the indigenous games of Gaelic football and hurling, but when rugby and soccer matches are played in the coming weeks and months, it will serve as a reminder of how far Ireland has come. (AP File Photo) Ireland's Native Sports Gaelic Football Field: Rectangular, larger than a soccer field, with H-shaped goals at each end. Players: 15 per team. Ball: Round, smaller than a soccer ball and larger than a volleyball. Object: Propel ball through the goal. One point is scored for putting the ball over the crossbar, three for balls that go under. Other Equipment: None. Special Rules: Players cannot throw the ball but can advance the ball by dribbling with the hand or foot, punting the ball or using a "hand pass." In a hand pass, the player strikes the ball with the side of his fist. Hurling Field: Same as Gaelic football. Players: 15 per team. Ball: Known as a "sliothar," it's made of leather and 2.5 inches in diameter. Stick: Players carry a "hurley," a wooden stick that curves out at the end. Goalkeepers' sticks are bigger. Object: Send the ball through the goal, scoring one point for balls over the crossbar and three for under it. Other Equipment: Players wear helmets but no padding. Special Rules: Players can strike the ball in the air or on the ground, and may pick the ball up with the stick and carry it in hand for up to four steps. Players also can run while balancing the ball on their stick. Save & Share Article What's This? DiggGoogle del.icio.usYahoo! RedditFacebook "Helping your neighbors is an old Irish custom, after all," Kelly said. "I remember at one meeting about Croke Park a man said, 'If your neighbor's house burned down and you had a spare room, wouldn't you give him the room while he was having his house rebuilt?' " Kelly worked hard to get the GAA to combine old hospitality with an awareness of the new realities. The idea that Ireland's rugby and soccer fans would have to go to England to follow their teams was intrinsically unpalatable, Kelly said, but he was also motivated by common sense: "That would have been an immense cost to the economy, it would have been a major drain on the fans, but the prestige and image of the country would also have been affected badly." His pragmatic patriotism paid off. When Kelly finally won the vote to open Croke Park at the GAA's National Congress almost two years ago, the decision led every news broadcast and newspaper front page. "At the end of the day the GAA would have suffered a backlash" if Croke Park had not been opened, Kelly said. "The situation wasn't our fault, but we were the only people who could help." The aid offered by the GAA impressed many, particularly those from the Unionist tradition in Northern Ireland, who identify culturally with rugby and soccer rather than the GAA and its sports. "I think there's been a transformation in attitudes towards the GAA because of the decision, though," Kelly said. "In Northern Ireland, I've met many people from the Unionist tradition who've thanked me for it, saying it was a major step forward. When we did that, it gave a lot of people in the North the courage to cross over themselves and shake hands." Even with the historic games in view, there may be choppy waters ahead. The Irish rugby team trained in Croke Park last week, and Michael Greenan, chairman of the Ulster Council of the GAA, weighed in with a final broadside: "We have not been sold a pup but a whole litter. [The national rugby team] will have five training sessions before a match. Would any county get five sessions in Croke Park before a match? Not a chance. They are training more often in Croke Park than any of our counties would get to play there in a year." For his part, Irish rugby team captain Brian O'Driscoll -- a self-confessed GAA fan -- was gracious about the venue. "The passion and the history behind [Croke Park], it might not be so well known by the countries who come and play, but there is so much of it at Croke Park," O'Driscoll said last week. "A lot of the boys will have gone there and seen the fanaticism of the hurling and Gaelic football for sure. There is an aura about the place and we just feel we are incredibly fortunate to be allowed to play there. "It's an honor and we just feel, hopefully, it will give us that little extra element, and we don't want to let the GAA down for granting us the opportunity to play in one of the best stadiums in the world." There are legitimate worries. The GAA fears Lansdowne's zoning difficulties may keep rugby and soccer in Croke Park for longer than anticipated; the IRFU and FAI are keen to get back to their own stadium as soon as possible. However, on Feb. 24, Ireland's rugby team will play England at Croke Park. The fact that the two teams will listen to "God Save the Queen" on the same field where Mick Hogan was shot by British soldiers will serve as a reminder of how far Ireland has come. Michael Moynihan is a staff writer for the Irish Examiner.

This is AWESOME!

2007-02-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

I haven't been able to contain myself this morning...I mean, how many breakaway goals against Honduras and tap-ins against fantastic MLS opponents do I have to see to reaffirm my stance that LANDON DONOVAN is the greatest player on the planet! Really, the thought that comes to mind is this: George Best who? I don't know what brilliant soccer/football fan took the time to put together this amazing highlight reel - in high def no less - but I would just like to thank him/her profusely. Fantastic effort! Go USA! (Note: this b.s. never gets old.)

Scummy club breaks rules again

2007-02-01T14:45:00.000-05:00

Yes again, Liverpool have cheated in football to gain something that they didnt deserve. This time they have signed Javier Mascherano - despite a FIFA rule stating he couldnt play for a third club this season. THey harrassed FIFA enough through the media to get FIFA to back down. Its a pattern with Liverpool who were too poor to finish in the top 4 recently yet got UEFA to let them into the CHampions League anyway by re-writing the rules to suit them. It doesnt stop there, Derby County were fined in the 1970s for having shirt sponsors (they were the first English club to do so). The FA fined them but when Liverpool did it second, no-one fined them. Oh well, thats life - they have lost their big buyout and will now be bought by a second rate bidder who isnt in the worlds 10 richest list and they were smashed in both cups conceding 9 goals at home in the process.

UNITED IN CRISIS

2007-01-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

Once again Arsenal have shown United that they are hasbeens. THe team is too old, Scholes and Giggs were anonymous, Neville was caught cold. Van DE Saar never moved. Arsenal with youth and a mix of good football and hoofing it to Adebayor deserved 3 points and showed Fergie that he NEEDS TO GO - I said this before after Arsenal thumped United in the first game that Fergie needs to be replaced now as his old 1970's style of football has no place in the modern game.

Glen Johnson caught trying to buy toilet seat on cheap

2007-01-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

Apparently Glen Johnson can't get by on 30K a week. He fancied the more upmarket seat but wasn't going to pay full price so with the help of a Milwall player he put in packaging for a cheaper seat. Class http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=429936&in_page_id=1779

How the Mighty Have fallen

2007-01-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

BBC confirm Beckham move in summer to LA Galaxy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6248835.stm

Season finale and Liverpool dreams

2006-12-28T13:03:00.000-05:00

Okay - some clever fella realised that Chelsea host United on April 14th - also known as FA CUP SEMI FINAL day. Odds on United and/or Chelsea will be in the semis especially with Arsenal or Liverpool eliminated at the first hurdle.

If that happens - Chelsea v United will be moved to May 8 or 9, a midweek game just prior to the last fixture of the season the following weekend.

Assuming United can keep Chelsea at bay long enough and the gap is within 3 points that will be a mouthwatering week. Chelsea just prior to that game would face Arsenal at the Emirates in the league. What a week in store , potentially :)

So Far So Good

2006-12-26T12:28:00.000-05:00

Stuck in Ohio with no access to matches on television, so I've been reduced to listening to radio coverage online. Nonetheless, I'm loving results thus far today. Before leaving on Saturday, I was stuck listening to some of the most moronic drivel I've heard in a long time - all of out it spouted by some pathetic Arsenal supporter - while in the Phoenix. This kid was easily one of the biggest bozos I've encountered ever. Anywhere. Settling in now for the Simon derby. Come on Watford!

Big Girl's Blouse

2006-12-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

This is completely ridiculous. I thought Everton were meant to be tough but they are having a good whinge and now taking legal action for someone calling Johnson a diver. Soft as sh%te.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6192485.stm

Who are these people?

2006-12-18T13:26:00.000-05:00

Every now and again I go to ussoccer.com. They are taking votes for the best play / moment something of 2006. Shockingly, the montage to the left has no picture of the World Cup. These people are pathetic. They're aliens. I have absolutely no idea who the effeminate guy is in the top picture nor what relevance a woman in a dress has to the sport but they must have played a large part to US Soccer this year.