Looks like Leeds are on the slippery slope to the relegation places.. dire run of results recently. The two teams immediately below them in the league have two games in hand and if both of them get two points from their two games, Leeds will be in the bottom three.
Would be sad to see them drop back down again. I'm not a fan but there's a certain nostalgic appeal in seeing fixtures like Leeds vs United, Leeds vs Liverpool etc.
By the way at one point this afternoon Leeds had conceded 22 goals in 7 games, roughly an average of π goals per game.
Too many Championship standard players in the Leeds squad, I fear - the money splashed on Rodrigo and Firpo looks a spectacular waste of resources; they've been atrocious signings.
Well - as you'll have heard, Bielsa's gone now. Will be interesting to see if a New Manager Bounce can propel them up the table a couple of places. Looks like that will be Jesse Marsch's job.
FIFA have now suspended all Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions. Pleased to see this because their earlier pronouncement that the Russians would be able to compete without their flag and as the "Football Union of Russia" was IMO a ridiculous half-baked measure.
But it was never going to fly when some of the national sides said they wouldn't play against them in any circumstances.
Does anyone have any sympathy for Chelsea?
I really don't. I think they've had a trophy laden 20 years solely because they were taken over by an oligarch.
I don't want them to go bust or anything but I'll be happy for them to head back into the doldrums for a while. When I developed an interest in football they were a bit of a yoyo club. Not good enough for the first division but too good for the second.
Looks like Newcastle will replace them at the top table
I think Chelsea's flirtation with the Champions' League and the upper reaches of the Premier League is over now. No sympathy either really, but the whole league has been shaken up by massive injections of money, especially at Chelsea and Man City. You mention Newcastle and of course there are some big ethical questions there, as well.
Agreed! Maybe its time for football authorities and even the government to look at the running of football clubs and how they are owned and managed.
Multi billionaires shouldn't be allowed to take sole ownrrship of clubs as a pr/money laundering exercise.
A few years ago Usamov seemed pretty close to taking over Arsenal. Huge bullet avoided there. And to think, at the time, I would have been delighted with that happening.
Quote from: Slim on March 10, 2022, 11:32:56 PMI think Chelsea's flirtation with the Champions' League and the upper reaches of the Premier League is over now. No sympathy either really, but the whole league has been shaken up by massive injections of money, especially at Chelsea and Man City. You mention Newcastle and of course there are some big ethical questions there, as well.
££££££££££££££££££££
Hypocrisy everywhere you look, including top level sport
Sporting integrity? Deep irony there me thinks!
https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/03/15/middlesbrough-ticket-update?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=orgsoc&utm_campaign=none
It is important for the competition that the match against Middlesbrough goes ahead, however it is with extreme reluctance that we are asking the FA board to direct that the game be played behind closed doors for matters of sporting integrity.
Great response from Middlesbrough...
Given the reasons for these sanctions, for Chelsea to seek to invoke sporting "integrity" as reason for the game being played behind closed doors is ironic in the extreme.
https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/a-statement-from-middlesbrough-fc
I can sort of understand it, I don't think it was a bizarre request really. On balance it wasn't a good idea but it would have meant a fairer fixture.
Anyway Chelsea have withdrawn their request now. The thought occurred to me that they could have sold all the tickets they wanted if they'd channeled all the proceeds into a charity, so why don't they do that?
not usually snarky, but I do laugh at Man U fan complaining about not winning anything.
Sometimes the arrogance of them is astounding .we should win this we should win that its our right to win everything.
99% of football fan don't win anything big.
But Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world. They aren't in the 99%.
brilliant comment.
Another quality header by Diogo Jota to help Portugal beat Turkey tonight.
That's 5 goals he's scored in this World Cup Qualification campaign - all of them headers.
For an average height chap, his aerial prowess for both club and country is phenomenal 👏
So: the Welsh are still in with a chance of qualifying for the World Cup, having beaten the Austrians 2-1 at Cardiff.
Italy have failed to qualify for a World Cup again, as well.
Quote from: Slim on March 24, 2022, 11:01:50 PMSo: the Welsh are still in with a chance of qualifying for the World Cup, having beaten the Austrians 2-1 at Cardiff.
Italy have failed to qualify for a World Cup again, as well.
From champions of Europe to being knocked out by North Macedonia. A country that sounds like its on the Northern Line. That's some fall
Well done Wales, ha ha ha Italy
Quote from: dom on March 24, 2022, 11:12:10 PMQuote from: Slim on March 24, 2022, 11:01:50 PMSo: the Welsh are still in with a chance of qualifying for the World Cup, having beaten the Austrians 2-1 at Cardiff.
Italy have failed to qualify for a World Cup again, as well.
From champions of Europe to being knocked out by North Macedonia. A country that sounds like its on the Northern Line. That's some fall
They've been putting all their efforts into winning a game of rugger ;D
Italy fail to make World Cup again.. blimey...
Quote from: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PMBut Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world.
By what metric? Genuinely curious as most citations I've seen have that as a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Quote from: Fishy on March 25, 2022, 07:54:30 AMItaly fail to make World Cup again.. blimey...
good, their players were a bunch of fouling cheats during the Euro finals and should have had a couple of players sent off.
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 25, 2022, 09:46:08 AMQuote from: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PMBut Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world.
By what metric? Genuinely curious as most citations I've seen have that as a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
History and importance.
Quote from: Slim on March 25, 2022, 09:57:14 AMQuote from: Matt2112 on March 25, 2022, 09:46:08 AMQuote from: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PMBut Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world.
By what metric? Genuinely curious as most citations I've seen have that as a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
History and importance.
That deserves a
LOL
I think Slim is pulling your leg
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 25, 2022, 10:50:03 AMQuote from: Slim on March 25, 2022, 09:57:14 AMQuote from: Matt2112 on March 25, 2022, 09:46:08 AMQuote from: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PMBut Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world.
By what metric? Genuinely curious as most citations I've seen have that as a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
History and importance.
That deserves a LOL
You can't beat a bit of footy bants. :)
Well there's no mathematical proof, but there is at the very least a strong case for the proposition that Manchester United is the biggest football club of all.
Quote from: Slim on March 25, 2022, 06:53:04 PMWell there's no mathematical proof, but there is at the very least a strong case for the proposition that Manchester United is the biggest football club of all.
I thought that was Barcelona?
Quote from: pdw1 on March 25, 2022, 08:01:12 PMQuote from: Slim on March 25, 2022, 06:53:04 PMWell there's no mathematical proof, but there is at the very least a strong case for the proposition that Manchester United is the biggest football club of all.
I thought that was Barcelona?
I think you'll find Real Madrid are bigger than Barcelona. Depends on what metrics you use, obviously, but Man Utd are the biggest English club without a doubt and if not the biggest in the world, definitely top 3 in the world by most usual measures or combination thereof
Maybe under the reign of Fergie, but not now.
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 26, 2022, 12:07:37 PMMaybe under the reign of Fergie, but not now.
I think I'm correct
https://www.sportsunfold.com/top-10-most-popular-football-clubs-in-the-world/
Quote from: David L on March 26, 2022, 01:43:42 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on March 26, 2022, 12:07:37 PMMaybe under the reign of Fergie, but not now.
I think I'm correct
https://www.sportsunfold.com/top-10-most-popular-football-clubs-in-the-world/
So, not the only league table Man U have been gradually sliding down. 😉😬
I'd agree that Real Madrid are ahead of Barca as the biggest club in Spain. Probably the World too. Barca probably realise this too hence the club motto 'mes que un club'. In other words yes Madrid are probably the bigger club but we are more than a club
From the biggest clubs in the World to one a fair bit smaller. A bit of sympathy is required for Dover. They didn't have the finances to complete last season without fans and were punished with a 12 point deduction. After 28 matches they've got themselves to minus 4 prior to a tricky looking trip to high flying and Hollywood backed Wrexham.
Wrexham quickly went 2 up before Dover scored and then kept scoring. Unbelievably after 63 minutes they were ahead 5 2 and looking at the heady heights of minus 1 point. Wrexham had pulled 2 back by the 70th minute. The score was the same at 90 minutes before Wrexham equalised then broke any Kent hearts that made the trip by scoring a winner in the 98th minute.
Sport can be cruel.
Yes I heard on Talk Sport this afternoon that it had gone to 6-5 in the 98th minute. Remarkable.
The race for 4th place is looking exciting this year. Arsenal ahead on points and with a game in hand but with a tough run in compared to Spurs.
The yet to be scheduled North London derby could turn into a Champions League qualifier.
United may still have a part to play but they are playing so horribly at the moment. It's bizarre as on paper their squad should be fighting it out with City and Liverpool
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premierleague-top-four-relegation-supercomputer-26612788
The fabled supercomputer has had its say and predicted the results of the remaining fixtures.
It reckons Liverpool have an 80% chance of winning the league and City only 20%.
That does seem like a wider gap than I was expecting.
An even greater gap for the final Champions league spot with Arsenal given a 96% chance of securing it. Spurs just 3% and United an all too remote 0.3% chance of playing Champions League football next year.
Too me the odds should be tighter than that.
Quote from: dom on March 26, 2022, 05:11:38 PMFrom the biggest clubs in the World to one a fair bit smaller. A bit of sympathy is required for Dover. They didn't have the finances to complete last season without fans and were punished with a 12 point deduction. After 28 matches they've got themselves to minus 4 prior to a tricky looking trip to high flying and Hollywood backed Wrexham.
Wrexham quickly went 2 up before Dover scored and then kept scoring. Unbelievably after 63 minutes they were ahead 5 2 and looking at the heady heights of minus 1 point. Wrexham had pulled 2 back by the 70th minute. The score was the same at 90 minutes before Wrexham equalised then broke any Kent hearts that made the trip by scoring a winner in the 98th minute.
Sport can be cruel.
Shame. You'd think Dover would have a lot of tasty foreign players at their disposal
What I'm most sceptical about is the proposition that the Mirror used a "supercomputer" to make these deliberations. Probably a spreadsheet on a desktop PC.
Quote from: Slim on April 02, 2022, 10:05:01 AMWhat I'm most sceptical about is the proposition that the Mirror used a "supercomputer" to make these deliberations. Probably a spreadsheet on a desktop PC.
;D or the hack with a pencil on the back of his fag packet!
I think that fag packet has been trashed!
The world cup winning mighty Hammers are still in the chase for 4th!
The wheels have well and truly fallen of the Chelsea bandwagon.
Very sweet hit
Charltonesque.
A glance at Everton's fixture list suggests to me that they're probably going down. Will they keep faith with Frank Lampard to bring them back up? I don't think so.
Think they've realised it was a mistake. Will they keep him if they survive?
I don't think so, having said that though - there's a tendency always to blame the manager at that club, but there's more to it than that. Funny how Ancelotti wasn't good enough for Everton, but he went on to manage Real Madrid
Whatever the problem was at United, sacking Ole wasn't the solution.
Ole was a poor manager, the problems at MU run much deeper than Ole.
I think Moyes has one of the better points averages since Ferguson.
It seems at Premier League level there's a culture of unfair scapegoating of managers.
For example, the reason Bielsa was forced out at Leeds Utd was because most of their players simply aren't good enough; at Man Utd, Ole had to go because they have superstars who simply aren't committed enough.
In both cases I thought the managers got a very raw deal.
Quote from: Matt2112 on April 10, 2022, 12:38:42 PMIt seems at Premier League level there's a culture of unfair scapegoating of managers.
For example, the reason Bielsa was forced out at Leeds Utd was because most of their players simply aren't good enough; at Man Utd, Ole had to go because they have superstars who simply aren't committed enough.
In both cases I thought the managers got a very raw deal.
To play devil's advocate, Bielsa was the manager there and had been for a fair while. If the players aren't good enough, whose fault is that? He did suffer with lots of injuries to key players this season so maybe the problem was that the squad wasn't good enough.
With United, something odd going on there that successive managers are unable to correct. You've hit on something with certain players not being committed enough but why? On paper looking at their players, United should be challenging for the title. Seems there's something odd going on there. Is it still the Fergie hangover?
Quote from: dom on April 10, 2022, 02:46:54 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on April 10, 2022, 12:38:42 PMIt seems at Premier League level there's a culture of unfair scapegoating of managers.
For example, the reason Bielsa was forced out at Leeds Utd was because most of their players simply aren't good enough; at Man Utd, Ole had to go because they have superstars who simply aren't committed enough.
In both cases I thought the managers got a very raw deal.
To play devil's advocate, Bielsa was the manager there and had been for a fair while. If the players aren't good enough, whose fault is that? He did suffer with lots of injuries to key players this season so maybe the problem was that the squad wasn't good enough.
With United, something odd going on there that successive managers are unable to correct. You've hit on something with certain players not being committed enough but why? On paper looking at their players, United should be challenging for the title. Seems there's something odd going on there. Is it still the Fergie hangover?
No way should Bielsa have been sacked.
Man U, I remember them before Ferguson, they were rubbish sacking managers, buying expensive players that did not perform, rubbish club. Fergie was a good manager for England then he and his team were made look stupid when they played Barcelona in the Champions league final- men and boys.
AM V MC highlights
5min mark is fun
Nice bit of play acting from Foden. It was no more than a tap. Professional footballers are a bunch of girls
Sean Dyche has lost his job at Burnley - didn't see that coming.
Amusingly, Tony Livesey has phoned in his own radio show on 5 Live to rant about it. Johnny I'Anson is sitting in for him today.
Listened to the first half hour of Liverpool vs United earlier, on 5 Live. Sounded like men against boys. But lovely to hear the whole ground united in support for Cristiano Ronaldo following the death of his son. They even sang You'll Never Walk Alone. Classy.
While out on my bike this afternoon I was thinking about the likely result for the Man City game against Real Madrid, and I came up with 2-0 to City.
And as it stands, I was right! However I think there's at least one more goal in this game.
I reckon Real will win the second game by one goal, so City will go through.
Fabulous game of football (after 55 minutes anyway!)
What a game! City probably a little unlucky not to get the 2 goal advantage Slim predicted
Thought this was quite funny.
(http://truth.justdied.com/images/telgraphquad.jpg)
And Wigan Athletic have eventually won League One and will be in The Championship next season. They made hard work of it at the end though, but what an achievement when they were so close to going down to League 2.
I think Liverpool will beat Villareal tonight, 2-0. The Spanish side were poor in the first leg.
Nope - first goal was always going to be either Game On or the proverbial mountain to climb, and it's Game On!
Even if it's level on aggregate at half time tonight though I would fancy Liverpool to come out on top.
Fantastic news: Bournemouth's Wales international - and former Halifax Town loanee - David Brooks has been given the all-clear after treatment for cancer. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61311759) :D
Quote from: Slim on May 03, 2022, 08:21:02 PMEven if it's level on aggregate at half time tonight though I would fancy Liverpool to come out on top.
And it is. So let's see if I was right!
Superb stuff from Liverpool.
Glad to see Scott Parker back in the Premier League.
Wow - two goals have turned the Real vs City encounter round in the space of two minutes! Absolutely gutting for the City fans if the Spanish side nicks this. Two goals up and minutes to go, and City let it slip through their hands.
Extra time ahoy
Oh dear, oh dear
Unbelievable, Jeff - City looked in total control.
Funny old game, Saint.
Well - before the game last night I thought that either City or Liverpool would win the whole shebang, but not Real. If City didn't beat them, Liverpool would, was my rationale. I'll stand by that.
So tonight my team has a chance to reach the final of the latest UEFA Mickey Mouse cup: the Conference League. Exciting times!
Quote from: Thenop on May 05, 2022, 04:14:25 PMSo tonight my team has a chance to reach the final of the latest UEFA Mickey Mouse cup: the Conference League. Exciting times!
I would say good luck but I'll be supporting Marseille!
Interested to see how Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson gets on.
In fact it will be a little battle of Arsenal loanees as Reiss will be up against Guendozi and Saliba
Quote from: dom on May 05, 2022, 06:41:53 PMInterested to see how Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson gets on.
In fact it will be a little battle of Arsenal loanees as Reiss will be up against Guendozi and Saliba
Reiss Nelson is doing very well as of lately, he has become quite important for the team. Seen him play quite a bit & I like him as well, he seems to have grown into the Feyenoord role and works very hard. Excellent player IMO, with a great future.
Fair play to Feynoord! Hopefully they'll go on and beat Mourinho's Roma in the final.
Quote from: dom on May 05, 2022, 11:41:56 PMFair play to Feynoord! Hopefully they'll go on and beat Mourinho's Roma in the final.
wasn't the best or prettiest game, but we made it.
Now indeed to get Mourinho...
West Ham in fight for 6th for a place in Europe against Man U.. Now they have been knocked out of Europe they can concentrate on the league...and no Man U can not have Declan Rice.
My team Hearts in the Scottish Cup final today against Rangers, 0-0 half time. Nervous times though
More heartbreak for Rangers?
Hope so Dom , although I wanted them to beat Frankfurt . Great run in the Europa from them
Pity! Ran them close
Yeah we ran out of steam . Two great goals by them i have to say . Calvin Bassey for them is an immensely talented player . He will end up in the English premiership without doubt
Mbappe has signed a new contract with PSG for 3 years. This has really surprised me as Real Madrid were very keen on his signature. Despite winning the domestic league at a canter, their season will be considered a failure as they did pretty poorly in the Champions League.
All seems a bit toxic there too with the team regularly being booed by their own supporters.
I was certain he was going to leave and I'm shocked he's staying on.
Balague has more detail in this article, https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61522315
Obscene amounts of money played a part but they were equal on both sides.
Wonder if he was attracted in having a say in the running of the club?
Leeds have just scored (subject to VAR) and Burnley conceded in the last two minutes .. exciting times .. ah Leeds goal disallowed.
Meanwhile Liverpool are losing to Wolves, but I don't think the game will end like that.
Rodrigo, Firpo, Koch and Cooper are simply embarrassing. >:(
Pleased for Leeds!
Liverpool to console themselves with the Champions League?
GET IN LEEDS!!! :D ;D
Now they need a massive clearout in the summer; get rid of at least half a dozen regular first choice players who are clearly nowhere near good enough and spend some money on proper Premier League quality players.
Arse >:(
DIRTY LEEDS
First European final for my team in 20 years tonight. C'mon FEYENOOOOOOOORD!
Quote from: Thenop on May 25, 2022, 05:48:40 PMFirst European final for my team in 20 years tonight. C'mon FEYENOOOOOOOORD!
Hopefully you'll beat Mourinho's lot!
Not a great game with an unfortunate result, so be it, we had a fantastic run!
Bad night for Southgate. First time a team visiting England have scored 4 or more goals against them since Hungary famously won 6-3 in 1953.
I hope the virtue-signalling tool's days are numbered now.
Quote from: Slim on June 14, 2022, 11:03:02 PMI hope the virtue-signalling tool's days are numbered now.
Yes, needs to concentrate more on football than telling the rest of us what to think..perhaps?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10983497/amp/Sierra-Leone-FA-launch-probe-two-division-matches-finish-95-0-91-1.html
😂How did they think they'd get away with it?
lol that's brilliant
England ladies have deservedly won the Euro '22 final against a bunch of proper sheizenhauses.
Quote from: Matt2112 on July 31, 2022, 07:40:25 PMEngland ladies have deservedly won the Euro '22 final against a bunch of proper sheizenhauses.
Thoroughly deserved. The quality of play and fitness levels were outstanding. That goal by Toone was incredible, such composure. Well done Lionesses!
Bum. >:(
I wanted the Krauts to win to prevent all the endless gushing equating this to the second coming.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 31, 2022, 08:35:04 PMBum. >:(
I wanted the Krauts to win to prevent all the endless gushing equating this to the second coming.
I know what you mean, it will be a progressive gush-fest. A milestone on the inevitable journey towards ladies becoming more like blokes! They've already started swearing at the referee and we nearly had fisticuffs towards the end.
I think they could beat the England men's side
I'm glad they won and deservedly so. But it's true, all this endless gushing is horrible to endure. A bit like The Commonwealth Games. I mean, who really gives a toss about that?
When the winning goal scorer took her shirt off, did she get booked for that, I didn't see?
Quote from: pxr5 on July 31, 2022, 10:01:52 PMWhen the winning goal scorer took her shirt off, did she get booked for that, I didn't see?
Yes, she got a yellow card; the actual brandishing was off-screen but confirmed by a graphic.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 31, 2022, 08:35:04 PMBum. >:(
I wanted the Krauts to win to prevent all the endless gushing equating this to the second coming.
Got to admit I was disappointed when I heard they'd won. I'd been avoiding the game while I was out on my bike by listening to LBC, but when I heard they'd won I switched to 5 Live.
I could not believe the overwrought, melodramatic guff coming out of the woman who commentates on the women's footy for the BBC. Historic, monumental, etc etc
My view is that we're being gaslit by the left-leaning media and especially the BBC into believing that women's football is of a comparable standard to the men's and currently it isn't, not by a long way. I'm not just talking physical stamina and strength. Tactics, decision making, passing the ball, controlling it, game management and all the rest of it. Coalville Town are better than the women's England side.
What really annoys me is when the pundits talk about putting an end to the proverbial 56 years of hurt, as if it's the same sport. Nope, 56 years and still counting. Fair play to them for winning something but this women's Euros bollocks is an irrelevance to proper international football.
I agree they shouldn't be conflated like they often are.
I'd not really followed the tournament at all until England made the final - and it was quite watchable and engaging, though even top level women's football matches often are not.
F Off you fing p***k.
The women are on a par when it comes to cursing!
Turn on the telly this morning - 'rainbows' everywhere >:(
Everyone is happy about this victory it seems apart from Alex Scott - she seems angry, sullen and bitter about something and was at it again on BBC Breakfast this morning.
Why not just enjoy it like Wrighty and every other fan? 🤷🏻�♂️
Quote from: David L on August 01, 2022, 08:21:32 AMTurn on the telly this morning - 'rainbows' everywhere >:(
Time for a new one.
;) ;D
Quote from: Matt2112 on August 01, 2022, 08:28:35 AMEveryone is happy about this victory it seems apart from Alex Scott - she seems angry, sullen and bitter about something and was at it again on BBC Breakfast this morning.
Why not just enjoy it like Wrighty and every other fan? 🤷🏻�♂️
What was she angry about?
Surprisingly up here in Scotland , the English lassies got quite a bit of respect , and many people were wishing them well.Even my good lady who has no interest in football generally, watched every game , cheering them on . My own theory is, most people up here reckon they would beat our men's national side 😊
Quote from: dom on August 01, 2022, 11:15:21 AMQuote from: Matt2112 on August 01, 2022, 08:28:35 AMEveryone is happy about this victory it seems apart from Alex Scott - she seems angry, sullen and bitter about something and was at it again on BBC Breakfast this morning.
Why not just enjoy it like Wrighty and every other fan? 🤷🏻�♂️
What was she angry about?
From what I can gather the lack of corporate interest and investment when the women's game didn't have such a high profile - i.e when she was playing.
Quite an unfair and bitter take, it strikes me.
https://twitter.com/QEMrsWright/status/1553818325691555841?t=RenM080LcP4g3WYSgtJymQ&s=19
Men:
Football's coming home!! It's coming home!! IT's coming!!
Women, 60yrs later: ... FFS I'll get it myself.
⚽️💪🏃🏻�♀️
The "taking the knee" gesture is to be dropped for all but the most high profile games in the Premier League this season.
What a relief.
This was apparently agreed by a consensus of team captains, perhaps realising that the (literal) stance of players like Wilfried Zaha carried far more weight than superfluous performative rituals that were preaching only to the converted (the overwhelming majority of people) and wouldn't change any minds already poisoned with racism.
Also, this surely will only benefit the profile and great work by the Kick It Out initiative, which, lest "progressives" forget, has been in place for at least couple of decades in one form or another.
It did absolutely nothing in the fight against racism except to make it worse.
Let's hope this doesn't get ignored by Southgate and his masters at the FA
For me it was a positive. An expression against years and years of bigotry at fooball grounds. The players were making a clear and obvious rejection of this.
Looking forward to the big game of the weekend in London. The West Yorkshire titans taking on the sleeping giants of North West London. Wonder how Barnet v Halifax will play out. Halifax were strong last season whereas Barnet seem to have found a home in the lower reaches of the national league.
Quote from: Slim on August 04, 2022, 11:02:27 PM
Love that clip! Brilliant! "Titans v giants making them both seem normal sized"😂
Quote from: dom on August 04, 2022, 08:36:49 PMLooking forward to the big game of the weekend in London. The West Yorkshire titans taking on the sleeping giants of North West London. Wonder how Barnet v Halifax will play out. Halifax were strong last season whereas Barnet seem to have found a home in the lower reaches of the national league.
As soon as the fixture list was released I booked a return rail trip to King's Cross (and it's an easy tube journey from there to Canons Park), fully intending to travel.
However, long story short, I subsequently had to schedule a holiday which clashed, so I rebooked my tickets for Maidenhead on 2nd Sept (a few southern-based TNMSers / BTWers are meeting up for this game also - everyone welcome 😊).
So I'll be listening to the match commentary under a parasol by a swimming pool, probably. 😎
Enjoy the sun! Hope the commentary doesn't spoil things too much !
:D
Hope the Greek setting was a big enough distraction during away the commentary Matt!
Quote from: dom on August 06, 2022, 05:11:05 PMHope the Greek setting was a big enough distraction during away the commentary Matt!
Yes, it needed to be!
Sounds very much like a real horror show of a display from us and Barnet strolled to a comfortable and deserved win.
The only silver lining is that we have good competition for every position in the team, so I expect there'll be a major overhaul for our first home game next Saturday (I'll be arriving home in the wee small hours of that morning).
What is going on at United?? Such a poor result yesterday.
Martinez looks completely ill equipped to be a centre back in the premier league snd you have to question who made the decision to spend all that money on him.
Ronaldo is toxic and I think United may regret not getting rid when they had the chance.
Will more transfers be sanctioned before the transfer window shuts or will the board be worried about throwing more money after bad?
Was going to start a United thread. I'll do that in a bit. Horrific situation.
Tuchel sacked by Chelsea. Who do they have lined up? Seems insane on the face of it.
Talking to Potter, the Brighton manager. Seems they plan to work in the same way as they did under Abramovic
Chelsea appoint Graham Potter as new manager on a rolling 45-minute contract (https://newsthump.com/2022/09/08/chelsea-appoint-graham-potter-as-new-manager-on-a-rolling-45-minute-contract/)
Thankfully the inane decision to cancel the football and racing (but not cricket, golf, Rugby League etc etc) has lasted only one game day. Back to normal this week - albeit where the respective sports belatedly get their opportunity to pay their due respects; I won't be excluding myself from that.
Quote from: Matt2112 on September 12, 2022, 10:09:40 AMThankfully the inane decision to cancel the football and racing (but not cricket, golf, Rugby League etc etc) has lasted only one game day.
Well, the last three days of the Tour of Britain cycle race called off its last three stages, but I read that was because the Police motorbike riders who shepherd the event were called to duty in London - and were bored off their tits because they had nowt to do...
A spirited performance by England last night in some respects but that's six games without a win now.
Mark my words: if Southgate is still in charge when the first game kicks off in Qatar, we will not win the World Cup.
You read it here first.
I don't think it can be won with Maguire in the first 11, regardless of manager. But perhaps it's only Southgate who would pick him anyway
Quote from: Slim on September 27, 2022, 06:25:48 PMA spirited performance by England last night in some respects but that's six games without a win now.
Mark my words: if Southgate is still in charge when the first game kicks off in Qatar, we will not win the World Cup.
You read it here first.
Is he still 'forcing' them to take the knee?
Southgate needs to grow a spine and keep Maguire and Sterling well away from the squad; the former is a liability with a turning circle of the Titanic and the latter is actually atrocious.
Others such as Walker, James, Rice and the "golden boy" Foden offer very little also; they look great for their clubs, don't they, but only because they're surrounded by far superior foreign players.
A stirring 20 minutes or so in a dead rubber against Germany should be seen in the context of several hundred preceding minutes of Southgate's now trademark snoozeball, which may be enough to defeat the Irans of world football, but clearly is unlikely to seriously trouble those most fancied to win the World Cup.
It's a disgrace it's taking place in Qatar regardless, but that's separate discussion.
Steven Gerrard gone then. I wonder what top job he will be sliding into next? I imagine he's scanning the situations vacant:
'Wanted -useless football manager. Previous performance irrelevant' ;D
Funny old game
Quote from: David L on October 21, 2022, 07:08:55 AMSteven Gerrard gone then. I wonder what top job he will be sliding into next? I imagine he's scanning the situations vacant:
'Wanted -useless football manager. Previous performance irrelevant' ;D
Funny old game
Should have stayed at Rangers.. too greedy fuck him...
My local team Coalville Town (I've never actually been to see them even though the ground is less than a mile away) have just kicked off against Charlton at The Valley. They've already beaten Notts Country on the road to Wembley!
Fantastic if they could get a draw.
Watching Football Focus earlier. I've always liked the FA cup, but accept it's not quite as it used to be. But it was really nice today watching the discussions then showing the goals and incidents from the games as they happened. It's a shame that they can't do the same with the league games.
Watching Oxford v Arsenal. 0-0 at half-time. Oxford are giving them a game!
COYY! ;D
Quote from: David L on January 09, 2023, 08:51:15 PMWatching Oxford v Arsenal. 0-0 at half-time. Oxford are giving them a game!
Well, for 45 minutes anyway!
;D
Fair play to Oxford, well organised and didn't look like a team currently 15th in League 1
Nine wins in a row (all competitions)
Quote from: Slim on September 27, 2022, 06:25:48 PMA spirited performance by England last night in some respects but that's six games without a win now.
Mark my words: if Southgate is still in charge when the first game kicks off in Qatar, we will not win the World Cup.
You read it here first.
I told you.
Kane is apparently open to a new deal with Spurs. A bit Le Tissier like, showing a lack of ambition and a real desire to test himself at the top level and have the opportunity to actually win something. Move on Harry - City, United, Real Madrid - go for it, don't stick with Spurs!
Got to agree with that. I'd love to see Kane at United in the summer transfer window but I don't think it'll happen.
Waste of a world-class striker / provider and talisman.
I did think Duncan Ferguson might get a stint as caretaker at Everton again, but he's just been given a job as permanent manager at Forest Green.
Wasn't surprised at all when Frank got the tin tack. I did think before the game with West Ham that he'd need to avoid losing it to keep his job.
Quote from: Slim link=msg=10295 date=Wasn't surprised at all when Frank got the tin tack. I did think before the game with West Ham that he'd need to avoid losing it to keep his job.
He'll be back earning hundreds of thousands within weeks
Wigan have sacked their manager, Kolo Toure, after only 9 games. ffs what a farce.
Speaking of Sean Dyche, as Dom was in the Arsenal thread just now - given they were after Bielsa, that's a strange choice for Everton isn't it? Either they don't really have a firm idea of the approach and style they want, or Dyche is a stopgap until they can get someone more in keeping with their longer term plan.
Quote from: David L on January 26, 2023, 02:01:44 PMQuote from: Slim link=msg=10295 date=Wasn't surprised at all when Frank got the tin tack. I did think before the game with West Ham that he'd need to avoid losing it to keep his job.
He'll be back earning hundreds of thousands within weeks
It's just a revolving door of failure..
Quote from: Slim on January 28, 2023, 09:10:29 PMSpeaking of Sean Dyche, as Dom was in the Arsenal thread just now - given they were after Bielsa, that's a strange choice for Everton isn't it? Either they don't really have a firm idea of the approach and style they want, or Dyche is a stopgap until they can get someone more in keeping with their longer term plan.
I suppose Bielsa is more of a long term thing and his methods take time to settle in and yield results. I imagine they think that Dyche will get in there and bring some structure and organisation to the team pretty quickly. Let's see if that works out.
The financial might of the EPL has never been more apparent during this transfer window.
I think I saw a figure that 750 million was spent this January. In contrast the German, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese leagues spent 250 million between them. That is astonishing. Chelsea by themselves spent 323 million. Boehly seems to be backing his team even more than Abramovic. Really hope they fail miserably!
Jesse Marsch has been fired .. no surprises I guess but a shame, he did very well there for a time.
Pity, when Arsenal played at Elland Road, Leeds were excellent and deserved at least a point. I thought he looked an excellent appointment, not quite sure why it didn't work out.
I think it didn't work out for Marsch for the same reason it didn't work out for Bielsa - the team simply still isn't of a sufficient standard to get enough good results over the course of a season at Premier League level.
Gnonto looks a great signing but often looks like it's left to him to win games on his own. Too many of the rest are duds.
Wonder what will happen to Manchester City and the Premier League's case against them with regards to Financial Fair Play.
I bet Chelsea are shuffling uncomfortably and even Newcastle might be wondering how it will affect their future spending plans
Quote from: dom on February 06, 2023, 11:52:07 PMWonder what will happen to Manchester City and the Premier League's case against them with regards to Financial Fair Play.
I bet Chelsea are shuffling uncomfortably and even Newcastle might be wondering how it will affect their future spending plans
Aaah, I remember when it used to be about who scored the most goals. Great times
Quote from: David L on July 13, 1970, 11:52:15 PMAaah, I remember when it used to be about who scored the most goals. Great times
Indeed, those were the days!
Well, no doubt who scored the most goals tonight - I think this last run of games has taken the wind out of Arsenal's sails.
City must be favourites now, based on their experience in dealing with title run ins.
Nightmarish mistake by Courtois there, gifting Salah the ball right in front of the goal.
But you know what Mo should have done there? He should have put his foot on the ball, tapped it back to Courtois with a wry smile, and backed off a few paces, to let him clear it.
Because that would have been one of the great all-time moments of footballing sportsmanship. There would have been a standing ovation, right round the ground. And that's bigger than going 2-0 up against Real Madrid.
A really nice thought Slim, but something like that is never going to happen at this level sadly. Anyway, the fates have stepped in and as I type this it's 2-4 2-5.
Anyone predict yesterday's score at Anfield?
I didn't see the game but who decided that the United defence should go back to its early season form?
Interesting to see whether its just a blip to both sides or whether its a shift that will continue til the rnd of the season.
My inkling is that Liverpool will regain their form from last season and it will just prove to be a blip for United. The Old Trafford side could even use it to galvanise themselves between now and the end of the season.
Lineker has been dropped from MOTD and Ian Wright has pulled out in solidarity. Wonder who'll end up presenting it. Matt Le Tissier and Peter Shilton?
Shearer won't appear either. The BBC has got itself in a right mess
Let's hope it saves them some money and we get a reduction in the TV tax
Quote from: David L on March 10, 2023, 07:30:24 PMLet's hope it saves them some money and we get a reduction in the TV tax
Word.
Let's hope the overpaid gobshites disappear for good and take their loathsome soccerball with them.
Regardless of what MOTD viewers think of opinions that have been posted on Twatter by MOTD presenters, I suspect Saturday's broadcast might ram home just how superfluous and super-expensive for license fee payers the MOTD presenters actually are.
Remember when it was just Jimmy Hill introducing the matches, just giving each one a bit of background context with a genuine enthusiasm?
Now it's three divas mostly engaging in lame, conceited, sub-Top Gear matey banter, punctuated by Lineker's abysmal primary school puns. It's gotten very, very tedious.
Hopefully they'll stick with a presenter-less format from now on.
Or maybe get, say, Peter Crouch in to do it; I think he'd be quite good and a lot more naturalistic and appealing than the usual incumbents.
Some of the commentators have announced that they won't be commentating either. Real solidarity shown. Marvellous!
Quote from: dom on March 10, 2023, 11:53:49 PMSome of the commentators have announced that they won't be commentating either. Real solidarity shown. Marvellous!
Indeed. The wage bill is tumbling
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 10, 2023, 10:07:15 PMRegardless of what MOTD viewers think of opinions that have been posted on Twatter by MOTD presenters, I suspect Saturday's broadcast might ram home just how superfluous and super-expensive for license fee payers the MOTD presenters actually are.
Remember when it was just Jimmy Hill introducing the matches, just giving each one a bit of background context with a genuine enthusiasm?
Now it's three divas mostly engaging in lame, conceited, sub-Top Gear matey banter, punctuated by Lineker's abysmal primary school puns. It's gotten very, very tedious.
Hopefully they'll stick with a presenter-less format from now on.
Or maybe get, say, Peter Crouch in to do it; I think he'd be quite good and a lot more naturalistic and appealing than the usual incumbents.
I don't agree with this. If I watch Arsenal play earlier in the day, I'll watch again in the evening (providing Arsenal have won) on MOTD just to see the punditry. I'll often disagree with their opinions, but I'm interested in seeing what they say anyway.
Quote from: dom on March 11, 2023, 08:46:35 AMI'll often disagree with their opinions, but I'm interested in seeing what they say anyway.
You like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
I watch TV to escape people like Mrs S and the boy.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AMQuote from: dom on March 11, 2023, 08:46:35 AMI'll often disagree with their opinions, but I'm interested in seeing what they say anyway.
You like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
I watch TV to escape people like Mrs S and the boy.
What about people who can't escape and get a life? TV is company for a lot of folk who don't have much human contact and lead a lonely existence. You know the sort I mean. The old guy holding up the checkout queue chatting to the staff.
Even better for David, Radio 5 live won't have any commentaries on today's football. What an unholy mess.
36 Tory mps are demanding an apology from Lineker. That's not going to happen. And if you can only get 36 prepared to put their name to this perhaps you shouldn't bother 😂
Fuckin' sheep can all sod off for me. Just sack all the overpaid gits and get someone else in if needed. Maybe if the BBC got rid of football our licence fees might drop - considerably. Then we can all watch much superior sports like Rugby and Cricket.
No Football Focus.😢
Quote from: pxr5 on March 11, 2023, 12:04:46 PMFuckin' sheep can all sod off for me. Just sack all the overpaid gits and get someone else in if needed. Maybe if the BBC got rid of football our licence fees might drop - considerably. Then we can all watch much superior sports like Rugby and Cricket.
Trouble is, too many people see Soccer as being the only sport. That's why the BBC throw money at imbeciles to comment on the bits of soccer scraps they are thrown. The only other sport the BBC like is Tennis, because that's what all the hoorays who run it play.
Did the English rugby team decide not to play today in solidarity with Lineker?
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on March 11, 2023, 11:14:33 AMQuote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AMQuote from: dom on March 11, 2023, 08:46:35 AMI'll often disagree with their opinions, but I'm interested in seeing what they say anyway.
You like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
I watch TV to escape people like Mrs S and the boy.
What about people who can't escape and get a life? TV is company for a lot of folk who don't have much human contact and lead a lonely existence. You know the sort I mean. The old guy holding up the checkout queue chatting to the staff.
The old bloke needs a good kicking! Check out staff are there to process your goods, not chat. I always start with a hearty "FUCK OFF" when I get to the checkout.
I've no problems with people watching the telly, but not to actively seek out morons spouting guff.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AMYou like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
well, he does hang around here
Quote from: pdw1 on March 11, 2023, 11:13:37 PMQuote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AMYou like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
well, he does hang around here
And there was I thinking we were reasonably educated people without lives talking shit. More fool me.
This piece from the Telegraph is spot on:
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/other/good-riddance-to-virtue-signalling-football-pundits/ar-AA18uWTI?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=e1750c49466a4ab0be402a0da8b2c87b&ei=37
Although the reference to virtue signalling isn't necessary. The heart of the matter is:
QuoteThe BBC's obsession with punditry rather than actual sport has long been a blight on its coverage.
FA Trophy quarter finals yesterday saw wins for both Barnet and Matt's Halifax. Wonder if we get to meet in the semis or wait for Wembley. Draw is tomorrow afternoon.
I caught that 'Match of the Day' replacement thing this morning showing the PL highlights without commentary. At first it seemed awful, but as the games went on I really did get used to the lack of commentary. It wouldn't bother me watching football without commentators in the future.
In fact I'm going to write to Points of View suggesting this becomes the norm. Along with binning pundits I could save the beeb a fortune and I'll demand my licence fee is reduced by, say, 50%. Get in. 8) :D
Apparently, the viewing figures for last night's MOTD were 500,000 up on the week before. 🤔
I did think it suffered from the lack of match commentary though; it does inform and provide some vicarious excitement.
Quote from: dom on March 12, 2023, 12:16:17 PMFA Trophy quarter finals yesterday saw wins for both Barnet and Matt's Halifax. Wonder if we get to meet in the semis or wait for Wembley. Draw is tomorrow afternoon.
We were atrocious at home to Barnet the other week, and they didn't even have to work that hard for their win, and that wasn't even the nadir of our recent patch of shocking performances.
However, since key players have returned from injury we're now unbeaten in four games, with no goals conceded in our last three games. Hopefully a corner turned.
Quote from: dom on March 11, 2023, 11:57:58 AMEven better for David, Radio 5 live won't have any commentaries on today's football. What an unholy mess.
36 Tory mps are demanding an apology from Lineker. That's not going to happen.
You're right there, Lineker doesn't have the faintest hint of the integrity or honesty necessary for that.
MOTD2 will be 14 minutes long tonight. :-\
Patrick Vieira has been sacked at Palace. He started off so well with them but with no wins since before the World Cup, the writing was on the wall. Seems their strikers have forgotten how to score.
MOTD will be 1 hour 20 minutes long tonight. :)
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 18, 2023, 07:46:08 PMMOTD will be 1 hour 20 minutes long tonight. :)
With a whole 14 minutes of football ;)
My confidence in Man City's likelihood to win the league has diminished a bit now, with only 11 games remaining and a 5 point gap to Arsenal. If pushed I still make them slight favourites, though.
I think City are favorites and this is only reinforced with the news that 2 key Arsenal defenders are likely to be out for a number of weeks following the Sporting Lisbon game.
Saliba has been a sensational player for Arsenal. So quick, so skilful. Holding, his likely replacement, is just solid and safe. Has nowhere near the same level of quality.
City have the easier run in. They have to play Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool all at home. Arsenal play the same teams but all away.
I wonder if Arteta was a bit naive risking such a strong side in the Europa League? He may never have a better chance to win the Premier League.
Quote from: Slim on March 19, 2023, 07:03:55 PMI wonder if Arteta was a bit naive risking such a strong side in the Europa League? He may never have a better chance to win the Premier League.
Perhaps, 6 changes were made for the game which I thought reasonable. I was worried that the injuries, the psychological and mental impact of playing 120 minutes plus penalties would have adversely affected the team. The result today suggests not.
Holy shit we won .. Scotland beat Spain 'kin hell
(https://i.ibb.co/vBfvcVB/league-table-230405.png)
Very tight in the lower regions of the Premier League table at the moment .. Palace 12th but only 3 points clear of the trapdoor.
Do not understand the decision to dismiss Potter and replace him with Lampard. Why not give the ex Brighton manager til the end of the season to see if this experiment can yield results rather than going back to a previous tried and failed one?
Quote from: dom on April 06, 2023, 10:05:28 AMDo not understand the decision to dismiss Potter and replace him with Lampard. Why not give the ex Brighton manager til the end of the season to see if this experiment can yield results rather than going back to a previous tried and failed one?
Revolving door of failure it seems with football managers these days
Halifax Town meet high-flying, Hollywood star-owned Wrexham at the "San Shayro" tomorrow.
About 5,000 away fans are expected to attend, so we'll probably be outnumbered 2 to 1.
We might be trounced, we might sneak a win, and neither outcome would surprise me.
Fair play to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney though: they have donated a much appreciated sum of money in memory of a 19-year-old Halifax Town fan who recently tragically died of cancer (there will be applause in tribute in the 19th minute). They have form for this kind of philanthropy toward other clubs, which flies under the media circus radar that seems to follow them everywhere they go. So, yes, fair play to them.
Brilliant result Matt! BT Sport are loving it too as that result put Notts County top on 100 points, matching Wrexham's total
and they meet, live on tv on Monday. Should be some game!
On the evidence I've seen, Notts County are much the better side.
But I hope they both go up; great sets of fans to mingle with pre-match.
Surely you'd want one set to mingle with again next season ;D
Hoping Barnet will find some form again and go up with Wrexham or Notts. Unlikely I know but we can dream.
At the Hearts game against St Mirren on Saturday ...by god our standards have dropped through the floor in recent weeks. We were awful , manager had no plan B in any of our recent games , however he has now been moved on . Probably get someone from the managerial musical chairs of the league . P
Quote from: Blastzone on April 10, 2023, 04:34:25 PMAt the Hearts game against St Mirren on Saturday ...by god our standards have dropped through the floor in recent weeks. We were awful , manager had no plan B in any of our recent games , however he has now been moved on . Probably get someone from the managerial musical chairs of the league . P
Frank Lampard may be available quite soon..🙄
No further action against Constantine Hatzidakis over the "elbow" on Robertson.
"It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I've apologised." And the FA have accepted that.
Pleased to see that. I often agree with Chris Sutton but I thought his assessment that a several match ban was in order was ridiculous.
Quote from: Slim on April 13, 2023, 10:15:44 PMNo further action against Constantine Hatzidakis over the "elbow" on Robertson.
"It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I've apologised." And the FA have accepted that.
Pleased to see that. I often agree with Chris Sutton but I thought his assessment that a several match ban was in order was ridiculous.
Yes, common sense prevailed there.
Quote from: Fishy on April 10, 2023, 06:05:12 PMQuote from: Blastzone on April 10, 2023, 04:34:25 PMAt the Hearts game against St Mirren on Saturday ...by god our standards have dropped through the floor in recent weeks. We were awful , manager had no plan B in any of our recent games , however he has now been moved on . Probably get someone from the managerial musical chairs of the league . P
Frank Lampard may be available quite soon..🙄
I believe Frank has now lost his last 8 games as a manager, all of them competitive fixtures.
Premiership management is farcical
Quote from: Slim on April 18, 2023, 09:40:54 PMQuote from: Fishy on April 10, 2023, 06:05:12 PMQuote from: Blastzone on April 10, 2023, 04:34:25 PMAt the Hearts game against St Mirren on Saturday ...by god our standards have dropped through the floor in recent weeks. We were awful , manager had no plan B in any of our recent games , however he has now been moved on . Probably get someone from the managerial musical chairs of the league . P
Frank Lampard may be available quite soon..🙄
I believe Frank has now lost his last 8 games as a manager, all of them competitive fixtures.
And Chelsea's defeat to Brentford makes it nine in a row.
I think the writing's on the wall for Frank's managerial career now. The media / pundit route is probably his best bet.
Spurs fans "mock Liverpool for not being further ahead" according to the BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/64734532
Brutal.
Quote from: Slim on April 27, 2023, 09:27:45 AMQuote from: Slim on April 18, 2023, 09:40:54 PMI believe Frank has now lost his last 8 games as a manager, all of them competitive fixtures.
And Chelsea's defeat to Brentford makes it nine in a row.
Make that ten.
🍾🥂
Liverpool vs United for 4th. Could be an interesting side show as the season draws to a close.
My team is 2 points away from wining the league for the first time in 6 years. Next game is home against a sure win, which probably means it'll take another game :-)
Go Feyenoord!
Brilliant!
Quote from: Thenop on May 08, 2023, 12:43:04 PMMy team is 2 points away from wining the league for the first time in 6 years. Next game is home against a sure win, which probably means it'll take another game :-)
Go Feyenoord!
That Ove Kindvall goal still hurts though.😢
20 mins for kick off....
I've always liked the Feyenoord home kit with its red & white mirror image split shirt.
1-0 14 minutes in ;D
Edit 2- 0 17 minutes
This is going to be a great afternoon
3 - 0 game. Champions!
Feyenoord!
My old football programmes always referred to your team as
Feijenoord. I didn't realise the club officially changed to Feyenoord in 1974 as a kindness to us thick neighbours who didn't understand the ij pronunciation. Every day a school day.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on May 14, 2023, 07:49:04 PMMy old football programmes always referred to your team as
Feijenoord. I didn't realise the club officially changed to Feyenoord in 1974 as a kindness to us thick neighbours who didn't understand the ij pronunciation. Every day a school day.
Haha, well we pronounce it the same so no difference here. There is a part of town though that is called Feijenoord, adjacent to where the stadium is.
It was a a fun watch, with a banner made by the fans that measured 11000 square meters. That's right, 11000. It spanned across 80% of the stands. Length was 550 meters if I am not mistaken. Impressive.
City now need two draws from their last three games to clinch the PL title - disregarding the very slender possibility that Arsenal will make up the goal difference. If Arsenal fail to win either of their last two games City would still win if they lose all three of theirs.
Extraordinary League One playoff tonight - Sheffield Wednesday overcame a 4-0 deficit from the first leg to get to 4-4 on aggregate. Then Peterborough scored one. Then Wednesday bagged another one.
Now it's penalties.
Nice to see a West Yorkshire team actually winning something. 8)
Newcastle are not yet quite guaranteed a top four finish, so I think they'll be on their game against Leicester tonight.
Actually Liverpool can only hope to draw level on points, and their goal difference is 7 worse than Newcastle's. So even if Newcastle were to lose 2-0 tonight, Liverpool would still need a hatful against Southampton on the last day.
Nonetheless I think Newcastle will be keen to make it a copper-bottomed certainty tonight.
A bit conflicted today because my other half and family are all Foxes fans, but I literally hate Gary Lineker. At the moment they're going down despite having their noses in front for a while this afternoon.
Leeds definitely down, would need to score three goals without reply in the next fifteen minutes or so as well as Leicester conceding one. But Everton's survival at Leicester's expense is on a knife-edge .. just one Bournemouth goal would capsize it.
Leeds absolutely abject to the last - they deserve to go down.
Quote from: Matt2112 on May 28, 2023, 06:42:36 PMLeeds absolutely abject to the last - they deserve to go down.
They looked so nervous today. Sam's impact appears minimal or even negative
Congrats to The Hammers tonight. That's the way to win a European final.
Not sure City are winning a European final in the right way at the moment - they've looked surprisingly ramshackle and disjointed, but as I type they're quite likely to bring the trophy home to Blighty.
Foden will rue fluffing his line if Inter get a goal.
Five minutes of normal time remain.
Christ! Tense
(https://i.ibb.co/3zmxvmZ/pep.jpg)
Quote from: Slim on June 10, 2023, 09:45:54 PMNot sure City are winning a European final in the right way at the moment - they've looked surprisingly ramshackle and disjointed, but as I type they're quite likely to bring the trophy home to Blighty.
Foden will rue fluffing his line if Inter get a goal.
Five minutes of normal time remain.
Not quite sure that it has been brought back to Blighty. In general over the last 25 years the EPL has become more and more international, less and less English. Foreign owners managers and players all outnumber their English counterparts. Fans attending matches are still probably mostly English but they are dwarfed in numbers by international supporters watching from home.
And specifically in the case of Man City, it has become a sports laundering device for Abu Dhabi. It really is Abu Dhabi FC. Looks like Newcastle are heading down the same path and Man Utd may well follow suit.
All owned/to be owned by repressive countries, using the EPL for a bit of good pr.
Quote from: dom on June 11, 2023, 08:19:42 PMQuote from: Slim on June 10, 2023, 09:45:54 PMNot sure City are winning a European final in the right way at the moment - they've looked surprisingly ramshackle and disjointed, but as I type they're quite likely to bring the trophy home to Blighty.
Foden will rue fluffing his line if Inter get a goal.
Five minutes of normal time remain.
Not quite sure that it has been brought back to Blighty. In general over the last 25 years the EPL has become more and more international, less and less English. Foreign owners managers and players all outnumber their English counterparts. Fans attending matches are still probably mostly English but they are dwarfed in numbers by international supporters watching from home.
And specifically in the case of Man City, it has become a sports laundering device for Abu Dhabi. It really is Abu Dhabi FC. Looks like Newcastle are heading down the same path and Man Utd may well follow suit.
All owned/to be owned by repressive countries, using the EPL for a bit of good pr.
Well I think soccerball is shit, it' bad PR to me :)
Well it looks like the prize chattel of another club used for sports washing will be on the move this Summer.
Mbappe has said he's not going to renew with PSG. Fascinating to see where he ends up. I'm guessing Real Madrid or Chelsea. If Man U become another oil run club they will be among the favourites to land him too.
Outside bet - Newcastle decide to show off their financial, oil fueled muscle and land one of the biggest talents in football.
I don't buy this notion of "sportswashing", I think it's mainly liberal media folklore. Think about it - has anything made Saudi human rights abuses more prominent in the public consciousness this last couple of years than LIV golf or Newcastle United?
Even the last World Cup was largely treated by the BBC as an invitation to bang on ad nauseam about the plight of migrant workers in Qatar.
You could be right but what reason do you give for the oil states to invest so much into football. They have zero chance of making any money out of the venture?
England winning the Euro U21 final against Spain 1-0 with a penalty save by the England goalkeeper Trafford in added time. Great stuff.
Trevor Francis has died. The first £1M player. Only 69.
The ridiculousness of the Arabs oferring a total of 1 billion euros for 1 year of Mbappe.
No one is worth that, and the notion you can buy anything and anyone is quite disturbing.
Jordan Henderson - 'dump' woke = rich bloke
;D
Starting to wonder if Saudi might turn out to be the downfall of European football. With the ridiculous money they're offering, we'll see more players going there. Certainly they've signed players who are a bit past their peak but they seem to be getting players who still have a lot to offer, more so than the past-it performers who typically go to end their careers in the US.
Apparently they want Mo Salah now.
When I was working in Saudi I used to get chatting to some of the local guys there about football. Even then (6-7 years ago) they were complaining about the amount of foreign players in the club sides basically giving the locals less chances and weakening the national side. Sort of what happened in the PL.
Something similar happened in China around a decade ago. That all fell apart pretty quickly. Hopefully something similar will happen to Saudi. Concerning though that players in their prime are heading over not just those reaching the end of their careers.
Its different to China in that there's a double pronged attack going on. Not only are they pinching fantastic players to play in thrir league they're also appropriating clubs in Europe. Wonder how long it will continue?
Well that's a red letter day .. eight different players score a goal for the same side in a single game.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/12965774/sheff-utd-0-8-newcastle-magpies-secure-club-record-premier-league-away-win-to-heap-misery-on-rock-bottom-blades
Cheltenham Town have scored zero goals in their first nine league games - a new football league record.
The previous holders of this unwanted title, with P8 F0, was...Halifax Town. ::)
Just heard breaking news that the PL has recommended a 12 point deduction for Everton. Brutal.
Hopefully similar penalties will be handed out to Man City and (crossing all fingers) Chelsea
The Spurs fans must be feeling a bit like the Arsenal fans felt a year ago at this stage of the season .. "we couldn't .. could we?"
Quote from: Slim on October 28, 2023, 07:33:22 PMThe Spurs fans must be feeling a bit like the Arsenal fans felt a year ago at this stage of the season .. "we couldn't .. could we?"
Just got to love Ange. Something about this man. When he arrived in Glasgow he was derided to a large extent by supporters from both sides of the Clyde, and also the mainstream media. I don't think there's a shred of doubt in his mentality when he takes on a task. He's as capable as any manager in the game. Even though being honest I had slight doubts about his appointment after the Eddie Howe saga, I did like the look and sound of him when I did a bit of digging about the web. Good luck to him. Great guy.
VAR just sums up what's wrong with football and society.
How do Saudi Arabia get handed a World Cup?.. unbelievable
Quote from: Fishy on October 31, 2023, 03:07:08 PMHow do Saudi Arabia get handed a World Cup?.. unbelievable
$$$$$$$$$$
Strange goings on at Ajax? I've just read this https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67285617 and from that article Ajax I discovered that they are currently bottom of the Dutch Eredivisie https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/dutch-eredivisie/table - odd times indeed.
United a goal up at Fulham a few minutes into the game and it's just as well. Must-win game for United. You've got to think Erik's job's on the line if they lose.
That said, it must be obvious by now that the manager isn't the problem.
Oh hang on .. it's gone to VAR ... was Maguire interfering with play in an offside position? Apparently he was, goal disallowed.
Bizarre and hugely entertaining game between Spurs and Chelsea tonight.
Amongst other barely-believable stats, from one point Tottenham had only three outfield players on the pitch who started the match.
Great stuff for the neutral.
Can't imagine it was as much fun in the ground! Unless you were a Chelsea fan, perhaps! All those VAR delays!
About time Spurs came a cropper. Hopefully they pick up a bit of negative momentum from this result and go on a long losing run😊
Harry Kane has already scored 20 goals for Bayern in all competitions, he's something like the Bundesliga Haaland. Which makes me wonder how many he'd have scored if he'd gone to Man City.
Quote from: Slim on October 25, 2023, 11:06:19 PMJust heard breaking news that the PL has recommended a 12 point deduction for Everton. Brutal.
10 points in the end - wow. An appeal has gone in of course.
I think they should just suck that up, makes no meaningful difference to their season. They won't go down and they weren't going to get a Europa League place. Last season, it would have sent them down so they've got off lightly.
Cup football is the best. We won yesterday, but Ajax lost just now to a third division amateur team.
Not sure which of the 2 games I enjoyed more...
How is this 19 years ago?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/67868505
(https://i.ibb.co/3McBC8Y/carrollnongoal.jpg)
.. and it's very interesting to hear Peter Schmeichel and Alan Hansen discussing the potential disadvantages of video technology back in 2005 (video in the link). Prescient comments from both.
VAR currently causing mayhem north of the border. Rangers in meltdown and demanding that a certain official is never again appointed to referee any of their matches. This, despite the fact they have only just conceded their first domestic penalty in two years. You couldn't make it up.😂😂😂
Edit: I nearly forgot. Their right back is also currently their leading goal scorer. He takes their penalties. Move along now. Nothing to see here.😉
And again cup football: we beat PSV just now, on to the quarter final.
Let's go Feyenoord!
More cup football, we beat AZ (again, last Sunday for the league) with 2-0 to go through to the semis.
Talk of a "blue card" for tactical fouls and dissent, where a player would get sin-binned for 10 minutes. Footy's getting to be like Formula 1, different rules every season.
Just seems like another unnecessary complication. It will inevitably come down to interpretation and will just cause more confusion and discontent. And how will it fit into the current system - Will 2 blues equal a red, and/or will a blue and yellow equal a red for example?
Quote from: dom on February 09, 2024, 10:57:59 AMJust seems like another unnecessary complication. It will inevitably come down to interpretation and will just cause more confusion and discontent. And how will it fit into the current system - Will 2 blues equal a red, and/or will a blue and yellow equal a red for example?
Yes, that's the proposal, I believe
Being categorically denied by FIFA already, a least for higher professional leagues. Just testing the water I guess.
If there's one rule that should definitely be introduced, it's one that penalises goalkeepers when they collect the ball in a stable, standing position and flop to the ground.
I find it annoying even when my own team's 'keeper does it (which recently hasn't been often given our shocking run of form :-[ ).
Well, the season has 10 games left but with PSV 10 points ahead of us, and the draw today it's probably decided. Fortunately the 2nd place gets us in de CL next year again.
And we at the cup final after last Tuesdays' win in the semis.
Still enough to keep the rest of the season interesting!
Germany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68708981
Oh dear....
Quote from: Fishy on April 01, 2024, 09:16:08 PMGermany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68708981
Oh dear....
That's why the German version of
Destroyer looks like this:
(https://i.ibb.co/ccD9CcQ/germanydestroyer.webp)
instead of this:
(https://i.ibb.co/wNHkMrG/normdestroyer.jpg)
Quote from: Slim on April 01, 2024, 09:27:34 PMQuote from: Fishy on April 01, 2024, 09:16:08 PMGermany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68708981
Oh dear....
That's why the German version of Destroyer looks like this:
(https://i.ibb.co/ccD9CcQ/germanydestroyer.webp)
instead of this:
(https://i.ibb.co/wNHkMrG/normdestroyer.jpg)
Brrrr. An abomination.
Should be posting this in what's made my day.
Feyenoord beat Ajax 6-0, what a lovely day.
90 minutes till kick off:
Cup final Feyenoord vs NEC.
Let's go Feyenoord!
Penalties at the Cov v Man U game..
Bad luck Coventry...
Quote from: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 03:34:16 PM90 minutes till kick off:
Cup final Feyenoord vs NEC.
Let's go Feyenoord!
It wasn't pretty, it was a real game, but we won! 1-0, not much but just enough.
Quote from: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 07:25:55 PMQuote from: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 03:34:16 PM90 minutes till kick off:
Cup final Feyenoord vs NEC.
Let's go Feyenoord!
It wasn't pretty, it was a real game, but we won! 1-0, not much but just enough.
Well done! 🍾👍
Strong stuff from Forest. I applaud them for speaking out.
(https://i.ibb.co/7KDvzNX/forestvar.png)
Quote from: Slim on April 21, 2024, 09:48:46 PMStrong stuff from Forest. I applaud them for speaking out.
(https://i.ibb.co/7KDvzNX/forestvar.png)
Good for Forest for calling this insidious back room operation out. VAR is ruining football. Fans can't even celebrate a goal being scored properly until some faceless expert runs a rule over things. Some of the Scottish stats on decisions are beyond belief. The whole set up stinks.
VAR is supposed to reduce human error. In fact it has put additional humans into the chain thereby increasing human error!
Our manager at Feyenoord is now being rumoured to be the next Liverpool manager. Not happy, obviously, but it is well deserved if he went. Let's see how he gets on then.
Mind you, nothing has been decided or signed.
Not a fan of the rumour mill at all, but this sounded credible considering the source here in the Netherlands.
Quote from: Thenop on April 25, 2024, 06:06:12 PMOur manager at Feyenoord is now being rumoured to be the next Liverpool manager. Not happy, obviously, but it is well deserved if he went. Let's see how he gets on then.
Mind you, nothing has been decided or signed.
Not a fan of the rumour mill at all, but this sounded credible considering the source here in the Netherlands.
The BBC are reporting on it too:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cnl4ql0p4pqo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c72plnjy4qeo
What he should not do is make the same mistake that all Dutch coaches make: bring over too much players he has been working with. Having said that I would not be surprised if Geertruida would follow him, and he would poach Kokcu from Benfica, both of which were team captains for him.
Quote from: Thenop on April 25, 2024, 06:48:49 PMWhat he should not do is make the same mistake that all Dutch coaches make: bring over too much players he has been working with. Having said that I would not be surprised if Geertruida would follow him, and he would poach Kokcu from Benfica, both of which were team captains for him.
Totally understand this argument, Nop, but Wim Jensen arriving in Glasgow and then stealing Henrik Larsson for £650,000 resulted in such a happy period of football memory for me. Not just the achievements in terms of trophies, but the display of unbridled talent was something precious to many Glaswegians. He stayed seven years. Unimaginable in today's money driven game, but I'm so glad he reached the ultimate prize in the European game. I think Alex Ferguson heaped huge praise on him recently. The ultimate professional. A former colleague's son worked for a time at the famous Gleneagles Hotel. Henrik and his family came for lunch. They chatted briefly about football and his waiter declared his love for Rangers. Henrik left him a £50 tip. Classy guy and footballer of sublime talent. Wim Jensen RIP and thank you. And thank you Feijenoord, but not for 1970.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on April 25, 2024, 09:57:49 PMQuote from: Thenop on April 25, 2024, 06:48:49 PMWhat he should not do is make the same mistake that all Dutch coaches make: bring over too much players he has been working with. Having said that I would not be surprised if Geertruida would follow him, and he would poach Kokcu from Benfica, both of which were team captains for him.
Totally understand this argument, Nop, but Wim Jensen arriving in Glasgow and then stealing Henrik Larsson for £650,000 resulted in such a happy period of football memory for me. Not just the achievements in terms of trophies, but the display of unbridled talent was something precious to many Glaswegians. He stayed seven years. Unimaginable in today's money driven game, but I'm so glad he reached the ultimate prize in the European game. I think Alex Ferguson heaped huge praise on him recently. The ultimate professional. A former colleague's son worked for a time at the famous Gleneagles Hotel. Henrik and his family came for lunch. They chatted briefly about football and his waiter declared his love for Rangers. Henrik left him a £50 tip. Classy guy and footballer of sublime talent. Wim Jensen RIP and thank you. And thank you Feijenoord, but not for 1970.
Wim Jansen was a great player and a great coach. Cruyff learned a lot from him believe it or not.
And of course I remember Larsson quite well, he was well talented and brought us some success too.
And of course we in Rotterdam are happy to oblige, especially with the 1970 Cup that has prominent place in the stadium ;D
That was fast... Our coach is leaving and joining Liverpool to succeed Klopp.
The Premier League bottom 4. All have played 36 games now. I was looking for Forest to do better than Luton this weekend, and they've delivered.
There's also the tantalising prospect of getting a point back from the appeal against the four point deduction.
(https://i.ibb.co/Fn1hTRV/prem-bottom4-240504.png)
Watched a fantastic game on TV tonight. Full stadium, as always, Sunday night, lovely weather and a 5-0 won.
Crowd were in their best of moods, singing and cheering on. Even though we have 2 matched to go it felt like a goodbye to our coach who was visibly moved by it all.
Football can be so beautiful like this. Or, as one of our sports commentators from days past always said: "football is the most important side issue in life".
I was always puzzled by the former Celtic player, Jan Vennegoor Of Hesselink's name. Looked it up last night and discovered that of is Dutch for or. Seems there was a marriage between two well to do families, the Vennegoors and the Hesselinks and they decided to keep both names. I'd mistakenly assumed that Hesselink was a place until now.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on May 10, 2024, 11:04:53 PMI was always puzzled by the former Celtic player, Jan Vennegoor Of Hesselink's name. Looked it up last night and discovered that of is Dutch for or. Seems there was a marriage between two well to do families, the Vennegoors and the Hesselinks and they decided to keep both names. I'd mistakenly assumed that Hesselink was a place until now.
Very old Dutch though, the 'of' (or) is not in use when referring to names anymore. Instead, marriage nowadays gives many options to choose from: You either keep your own last name, or you combine the 2 surnames with a hyphen. And that goes either way.
So: my name is de Jong, and say my wife's is Jansen (it's not but for argument's sake), I can keep my name: de Jong, I can add my wife's name (de Jong-Jansen or Jansen-de Jong) or I can take on my wife's family name.
Same goes for my wife.
Back to football then.
I think I might add a hyphenated Jansen to my name in honour of the late great, Wim.
If they get beaten on the last day, Forest will stay up with 29 points.