***Official*** English Football Discussion Thread

[McBain]

Villa play Haaarffnnaajannranrjja then.

[Ezman]

Haha. Arsenal have drawn FC Twente. :D

Poor McClown he went to Holland so that he could try and repair his reputation before trying to sneak back into the english game...Now he's in for more media abuse and a battering by Arsenal.

[Murphy]

I know. Great, isn't it? :)

[turdpower]

What if he bloody pulls it off?

[Ezman]

I know. Great, isn't it? :)

Its win/win for me.

If Arsenal lose and go out to McClown it will be hilarious! But the hatred for hims bodging up of our Euro campaign still runs high in me so I would be equally happy watching him getting humiliated and sent wimpering back to his hiding hole in the Netherlands.:evilgrin:

[McBain]

Same here.

[McBain]

Brad Guzan granted work permit.

I wonder if he's ever played full-back.

[Ringo]

Just lost another penalty shootout in Moscow... :irked:

The CURSE continues.

[turdpower]

Who fell over this time?

[JIJ]

With a week to go till the new season it's time for a little review of how I think QPR's pre-season has gone. We've brought in a lot of new blood but we've also got rid of a lot of dead wood which is positive. Interestingly we haven't been splashing the cash too much, only two of the nine imports have cost us anything, and the total combined fee for them is only £450k :yes:

Ins
Radek Cerny (Spurs/Free) - Excellent keeper, didn't look out of place between the sticks at the yids last season, and to get him on a free is superb business. Should be our number one.

Peter Ramage (Newcastle/Free) - Again, superb business to get a player of this calibre for nothing. Can play either at right back or in the middle and like Cerny, never looked too out of his depth in the Premiership so should prove to be more than adequate in the Championship. Has already come out and stated how settled he is in LDN which is encouraging.

Kaspars Gorkss (Blackpool/£250k) - But of a drawn out saga this one (for a Championship level transfer anyway, not if we're comparing it with the fannies up in the Premiership). We essentially made our interest clear much to the displeasure of Blackpool ages ago, however the B'pool chairman was reluctant to let Gorkss go, "anywhere but QPR" I think was his reply. Unfortunately for the Tangerines fans the club had inexplicably included some ridiculous clauses in their star players contracts meaning Gorkss' arrival was inevitable (along with Wes Hoolahan's move to Carrow Road). Don't know too much about the guy but from what I've read he is another solid addition to the back line so I'm happy. A good barometer of how good a signing a player is can often be the reaction of the fans he's left behind, Blackpool's fans did not want to see him go :D

Lee Cook (Fulham/Loan) - Over the moon with this signing confirmed only yesterday. Since Cooky left last Summer our left side has been shocking. Many players have been put out there but none have come close to imitating the form this man showed. Hopefully his time at Fulham won't have effected his confidence too much and he'll be able to torment right backs in the Championsleagueship for another year.

Emmanuel Ledesma (Genoa/Loan), Matteo Alberti (Chievo/£200k), Samuel di Carmine (Fiorentina/Loan) - Bunched these three together as they're all a bit of an unknown quantity. Ledesma has put in some good performances in pre-season and looks a promising playmaker, Alberti hasn't done much so far but they'll be plenty of time for him to do so and di Carmine ditto. di Carmine did actually make a few appearances for Fiorentina last season though and managed to get on the scoresheet once so I'm looking forward to seeing how he'll get on.

Daniel Parejo Munoz (Real Madrid/Loan) - *PENDING* - This transfer hasn't been completed but numerous sources are saying it will be very soon. An exciting young attacking midfielder from the biggest club in the world cannot be a bad thing so if he comes I'll be very happy. Looks like our rumoured link with Real may be true, some Real officials were spotted down at Loftus Road last season and earlier this summer rumours spread around that Michel Salgado was to join us on loan after he was seen dining with Flavio Briatore in a cafe in Madrid.

Quick rundown of players let go - Jake Cole (Oxford/Loan), Stefan Bailey (Grays), Daniel Nardiello (Blackpool), Zesh Rehman (Blackpool/Loan), Matt Pickens, Sean Thomas, Andrew Thomas and Aaron Goode were all released.



Our pre-season results haven't been good but more importantly the performances have been so I can't wait to get the season underway. I don't think we'll be as good as the bookies think, our status as favourites is not justified and so for anyone thinking of putting money on us....don't. At least not until October/November time when we'll have a better idea as to how the team has gelled.

I have no idea what our starting line-up will be come next Saturday but here's what I'd like it to be (presuming everyone is fit and available):


Cerny

Ramage...Connolly...Gorkss...Delaney

Rowlands...Buzsaky...Ledesma...Cook

Vine...Agyemang

Bench: Camp, One Size Fitz Hall, Leigertwood, Ephraim, di Carmine. This leaves out players such as Gavin Mahon, Simon Walton and Dexter Blackstock....bloody hell the squads actually better than I thought :yes:

Oh and by the way, from now on whenever I make a post in the footy forum I will only be posting in blue and white. I think we should all start posting in the colour of our teams. Give them place some AMBIENCE

[Andy]

i broke my ankle going to hospital :(

[TraXX]

Marshall

Otsemobor Shackell Stefanovic Bertrand

Bell Fotheringham Russell Hoolahan

Lupoli Cureton

Subs: Nelson, Drury, Doherty, Croft, Chadwick, Clingan, Pattison



Need to strengthen that attack with a big man for the little guys to play off, but apart from that we're looking good. Hopefully we can put in a decent challenge at the top end of the table. Not automatic promotion but in and around the play offs would be great. :yes:

[Lawson]

Loving the colour-schemed lineups.

[Torn]

Nice write up JIJ. Sort of thing I like to read rather than DARREN BENT SCORES AGAINST ORIENT :hyper: :blah:

Here's my attempt at a similar one. We've brought in a lot of new players but they all look like very positive signings. For once we've had the squad almost complete really early in preseason so they've had time to gel together aswell.

INS:

Ben Hamer (Loan, Reading) - We had him on loan last year and he was fantastic when he played. Really pleased we've got him against, makes some absolutely ridiculous saves, commands his area well and can only improve. One of the best young keepers in this league.

Marcus Bean (Free, Blackpool) - Excited about this signing. Strong defensive midfielder and by all accounts probably too good for this league. The sort of player we need. Has looked very very good in pre season.

Leigh Mills (Loan, Spurs) - Young centre-back, will be interesting to see how he good he is but once again has looked brilliant in pre season.

Adam Newton (Free, Peterborough) - Pacy right back/right midfielder, played well for Peterborough last year. Surprised we got him really.

Charlie MacDonald (Around 30k, Southend) - Although Beefy described him as the worst centre forward he's ever seen in a Southend shirt I think he can score goals at this level. From pre season he's shown he makes some really clever runs and if we can capitalise on that he could score bucket loads like he did in the conference. However, he might be shit too. We'll see how it goes, but I don't get the same 'Brilliant signing' feel from this one.

Marvin Williams (Free, Yeovil) - Pacy right winger, really excited by this signing. As long as he stays fit I can see him absolutely terrorising left backs all around the league. Looks like he has the end product to go with his pace too.

Sam Wood (Bromley) - Left back/Left midfielder. One for the future, can't see him getting above Dickson and Poole as first choice but I have no idea how good he is.

Moses Ademola (Croydon) - Young striker. I thought he wouldn't be playing much this season, like Wood one for the future but in pre season he's looked impressive.

We've had a really good pre-season this year, good results and performances. Optimistic about the current season. We're still looking for a centre half to partner Mills, Ian Pearce is the most likely, Mark Phillips is the next target. Really hope we get Ian Pearce, his experience will be fantastic at this level and a good player too.

Top players that have stayed from last year are Gary Smith, Glenn Poole, Alan Connell, Nathan Elder, Kevin O'Connor and Ryan Dickson. Gary Smith in particular will be really important to us, fine fine central midfielder.

OUTS: Mousinho (Wycombe), Ide (Grays), Shakes (Released), Heywood (Grimsby)

Just heard than calamity goalkeeper Simon Brown has gone on loan to Darlington, YES!

TEAM:


Hamer


Newton/O'Connor - Mills - Pearce/Phillips/Osborne - Dickson/Wood


Williams/Newton - Smith - Bean/O'Connor - Poole/Dickson


Elder/Connell - MacDonald/Connell

I have no idea if O'Connor will play right back, where Newton will play or which strikers will start. Or if Dickson will play left midfield. I think we have a team capable of promotion. Forget about Terry Butcher last year, under Andy Scott we had playoff form and we've much improved the players since then. I'm optimistic.

[JIJ]

Where do ya reckon you'll end up this season Torn??

I'm looking to put some bets on for the upcoming season but I have no idea about League Two whatsoever.

Think I'm gonna be doing what I did last season and using the FourFourTwo season preview as a guide.

[JP]

JIJ, you bought in by the odds your getting with the bookies? I think you're way too short, Play-Off's are what I think would be your best hope.

Think we'll win the league.

[JIJ]

Nah, I mentioned briefly somewhere in my review that I think they've over-estimated us. Our odds are ridiculous, purely based on our financial wealth I presume.

There's no way we'll be winning the league this year, I'd be surprised if we even challenged for automatic promotion to be honest. The team hasn't been getting results in pre-season and although they're only friendlies it's always good for team spirit to be winning matches.

I think the title will be taken by one of yourselves, Sheffield United, Derby or Palace. For some reason I don't fancy Reading, their strikeforce is too lightweight.

[JP]

If I'm honest I can only see it being one of the relegated teams.

Derby were building for a strong Championship team from Christmas and should be a contender and while Reading have lost Kitson they've managed to keep enough of their squad and more improtantly a fantastic manager and should challenge

My pessimism from a month ago has dissapeared. After the way we've performed so far in pre-season, the more recent signings we've made and the fact that I think e've got the best manager in the league I can't see anything apart from us going straight back up, almost certainly in my mind as champions.

[JIJ]

My concern with Reading is that I'm not sure Coppell wants to be there. He hummed and harred before agreeing to stay on and if they get off to a dodgy start, I think he could well be out the door.

Shane Long and Leroy Lita aren't gonna be good enough in this league IMO either, and a good set of strikers is essential if you're to do well at this level. That's where Brum and Derby have the edge, especially your lot actually. Jerome, Phillips, McFadden, Bent and O'Connor is an insane strikeforce for the Championship.

[JP]

McSheffery as well if needed. :)

[JIJ]

Fucking hell forgot about him :irked:

Derby's line up of Hulse, Villa and Ellington is also excellent.

Saying that Forest have Earnshaw and Andy Cole :chin: If it weren't for the standard of the rest of their squad they'd be right up there.

[Torn]

Where do ya reckon you'll end up this season Torn??

I'm looking to put some bets on for the upcoming season but I have no idea about League Two whatsoever.

Think I'm gonna be doing what I did last season and using the FourFourTwo season preview as a guide.

I think it's a bit risky putting any bets on us. I can't really predict where we'll finish as it depends on injuries and the like as we have quite a paper thin squad in some areas. I think we'll get playoffs atleast though, if everyone stays fit then in this poor league with 3 promotions spots available we are capable of getting one. Last year our playoff push under Andy Scott was basically ended because of an injury to Kevin O'Connor. I can see something similar happening this year.

As for League Two, Bradford have to be the favourites for me. Strong strong side with really good strikers. Aldershot coming up also have the potential to do very well and could sneak into the playoffs, maybe more.

Liking the team coloured fonts :D

[Andy]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x259/AndyL12345/2m5nocm.jpg

ahahahahhhhhhaaaa ffs :lol:

[GMH]

My mate was standing just along from that sign, out of picture though unfortunatly, He rang me up post match and it was funny.

[GMH]

TEAM:[/b]


Hamer


Newton/O'Connor - Mills - Pearce/Phillips/Osborne - Dickson/Wood


Williams/Newton - Smith - Bean/O'Connor - Poole/Dickson


Elder/Connell - MacDonald/Connell


I have no idea if O'Connor will play right back, where Newton will play or which strikers will start. Or if Dickson will play left midfield. I think we have a team capable of promotion. Forget about Terry Butcher last year, under Andy Scott we had playoff form and we've much improved the players since then. I'm optimistic.


O'Conner for me, Simply because he's a cracking corner taker, osbourne would be my CB and Wood my LB. Not sure on our right wing, Bean and Poole on the left of midfield
Oh, and Super McConnel and Super Elder up front, and We'll be knocking on league 1's door come May

[Ringo]

I hate prejudiced people, but fucking hell I cannot contain my hatred for scousers.

[Torn]

Poole and Smith take the corners anyway, not KO'C :wtf:

Bean is a defensive midfielder so why would he play on the left wing.

Dickson is absolutely class I wouldn't put Wood at left back over him unless Dickson plays left midfield.

THERE NO U IN OSBORNE I fucking knew you would make that mistake if you posted about him. We need an experienced centre back to play alongside Mills, but Karleigh is good for cover.

And who the fuck is 'McConnel' :lol:

[Prototype16]

I too will embrace JIJ's 'posting in your club's colours' idea, at least for the purporse of this post

So far our main movement has been signing Dave Kitson for £5.5 miliion, This is a brilliant piece of business in my opinion. Kitson was the pick of the Reading bunch that went down, he is Premiership class and a definite improvement on what we've got. The important thing will be whether he can establish another partnership now. Fuller is obviously the one everyone will be looking to establish himself in the Premiership, but Sidibe has been absolutely vital to the way we've played in the last couple of seasons and will have a big part to play. There is some talk at the moment about us signing Zigic from Valencia as a signing that would 'rock the city' but to be honest I think the money could be better spent elsewhere. Right now our strikeforce is looking like the strongest aspect of our squad, considering that Cresswell- who managed something like twelve goals last season despite being played out of our position at left wing for the most part and is probably our best finisher- is another good option here

In midfield we've signed Seyi Olinfanjana from Wolves. Like most of our players (and most of Hull and West Brom's players) he fits into the category of 'good Championship player who needs to prove himself at Premiership level.' In all honestly I haven't seen much of the bloke except for highlights on the Championship, but from what Wolves fans are saying he isn't a typical Stoke player as- to quote one Wolves fan- our players are hard bastards and he's a fairy. This isn't a bad thing though as, whilst we can't abandon what's brought us to this league, we've got to expand on it also. The main priority is to get a left winger- Cresswell was our unsung hero last year, but his efforts simultaneously sum up why we went up and why we might go down next year. For all his effort, commitment and dedication and the superb way in which he performed in an unfamilar position, we can't afford to rely on hard work in the Premiership. We need actual quality on the left side on midfield- someone who is naturally suited to this position and not a square peg in a round hole. This must be a priority over the next two weeks. We've also just missed out on signing Jamaican Rudolf Austin (Fuller's mate) an excellent prospect but apparently not worthy of a work permit due to Jamaica being ranked too low in FIFA's World Rankings. Can't help but think a more fashionable club than us wouldn't have such a problem. Not to mention the fact that it's hard to see how a nation like Jamaica is expected to progress at an international level if their players are barred from competing in the top leagues

The next prioritiy is the defence. Right now we have loads of players who are potentially good enough for the Premiership but no one who DEFINITELY is. Ryan Shawcross is an excellent prospect and will feature heavily next season. His main colleague is Leon Cort who is, for want of a better expression, 'dangerous at both ends.' He has scored a lot of goals for us since joining in November, but also is prone to making the sort of mistakes at the back that a quality centre back just shouldn't be making. He is brilliant at the last ditch, backs to the wall type effort but makes simple mistakes that don't get punished in the Championship but will be in the Premiership. We just need an experienced, established Premiership central defender that can hold things together and form a partnership with either Cort or Shawcross, with the other being a more than capable back up. As far as full backs go both Wilkinson and Dickinson are excelllent homegrown options- Wilkinson is the more reliable but injury prone, Dickinson the cult favourite that could go either way - neither are guaranteed to deliver in the Premiership but either could do. Andy Griffin is the more experienced option- 12 months ago I'd have defintiely said he'd do a good job for us but he was unconvincing for Derby-so there are question marks. He never disgraced himself at Newcastle or Portsmouth so hopefully he can do a job next season, but we could do with at least one more full back coming in over the next couple of weeks

Our other signing is Thomas Sorensen on a free from Villa. This has pissed of Sunderland's cunt of a manager. According to Keane we are a disgrace for opting to go for an experienced Premiership 'keeper who has earnt countless caps for his country and has played in World Cups and European Championships AND WANTED TO SIGN FOR US ahead of a bloke with loads of potential but who's shithead agent had wanted to string us along for weeks on end. At the end of the day we had to make a move and we now have an experienced Premirship 'keeper and a more than capable deputy in Simonsen so I'm pretty pleased with this aspect of the team

Nothing much to report on the outgoings. Only real one of note is the released Dominic Matteo- ageing defender/midfielder who was nothing more than solid on the pitch but by all accounts did a fantastic job for us off. In years to come he'll probably be dismissed as a useless signing but deserves hero status for his effort over the last 18 months

Fuck knows how we'll do next season. I'm confident we won't 'do a Derby' as the lazy journalists are predicting. If we go down we'll go down fighting. I can't wait for the season to begin. Expectations are so low beyond our fanbase that we'd probably get credit just for reaching twenty points. Stokies want much more than that though.

COME ON STOKE!

[da_man]

I went to see us at Wolves today, we were fucking shocking. Lost 4-2. Robbo made some good saves and Dunny looked trim and got on the ball a lot - they were about the only positives.

[Andy]

I've got £20 on Rovers to go down.

[I refuse to job. Ever.]

Seems Saha must be on his way out of Old Trafford...

"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to give youngster Fraizer Campbell a Premier League chance because he is short of strikers.

Campbell, 20, scored the winner against Espanyol in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's testimonial at Old Trafford.

"We do not have any strikers apart from Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez and Frazier plays in that area.

"He is quick and determined and he can do very well in the game. Fraizer's future is here," said Ferguson."

From BBC.

[Matt E]

ahaha not so subtle hint then.

[Murphy]

Wonderful team goal from Spure there.

[Lazurus]

18 passes leading up to it.

It's a shame that we've started carrying injuries already although Bale's got up from a few strong knocks so hopefully that shows that he's OK now.

Our fitness and stamina is incredible though; the last 10-15 minutes in every friendly so far have shown this.

[Murphy]

Looks like King is still fucked. Must be permanent now.

I don't like The Hudd playing centre back. We need a centre half. I'd rather see Gunter be given a go at right back, rather than Zokora.

What's the news on Hutton?

[Lazurus]

We're going to rest King whenever possible. Thinking he's permanently fucked is far from the target really but we're hardly likely to keep playing him in friendlies when his knee will never be 100%.

Hudd doesn't know what to do at CB; Zokora's much better there but Ramos seems to want height in the middle. I think we still need to sign a 4th choice CB if Kaboul's going so maybe we'll see someone come in.

Hutton's out until the start of September, not sure what's wrong with him though. There was confusion as David Hutton in the reserves got injured in the same week.

[Andy]

Brilliant pen from Ade there. :yes:

RVP, Walcott, Denilson and Nasri have all been excellent. And Ade of course. :heart:

[Torn]

You've just murdered Sneijder.

[Gary J]

Well for this season I think we'll have to keep showing the improvement that we did for last november.Unfortunately i think the real improvement was Frazier Campbell coming in on loan and it doesn't look like he is coming back now.But good luck to him at Man Utd and i hope he gets a fair chance there this season.

As for the rest of the squad.(well the important ones anyway)


Boaz Myhill - His positioning needs to improve slightly but he'll be one of the one who'll make the step up.

Tony Warner - Never been too impressed by him but he'll only play if Myhill gets injured.


Michael Turner - Just kept improving game after game last season and another main factor in our promotion.He'll make the step up comfortably and wil be staying in the premiership even if we do go down.


Wayne Brown - Had a great partnership with Turner last season will probably be split up this season.


Anthony Gardner - while he is a strong player , he lacks concentration and is also rather inconsistent.


Bernard Mendy - A shocking debut in pre-season hopefully that was due to a lack of fitness but judging by the pace and dribbling skills he has shown in the games since i'd put him on the right side of midfield


Sam Ricketts - Had a shocking start to his Hull career still improving but the prem may be a step too far.


Andy Dawson - i think he may do a lot better then some think including Phil Brown.


Ian Ashbee - Club Captain and while hes loved by our fans i don't rate him at all.If i could get rid of one player it would be him.


George Boateng - If he stays fit and not using us for one last payday could be a very good signing.

Richard Garcia - Very injury prone but if he stays fit he'll do well.


Geovanni - Looked very good in preseason.


Petr Halmosi - Think he'll prove to be Brownies best signing this summer.


Dean Marney - Was utter shite until Okocha came in and actually gave him some competition for his place then he pulled his socks up and kept Okocha out.Hopefully he keeps improving.


Nick Barmby - Past his best and rarely plays these days anyway.


Craig Fagan - Hopefully we get the Fagan we had in his first spell here.His progression went backwards at Derby.


Dean Windass - Respect the legend. Respect Windass.He's actually immensely in shape for a 39 year old. He can last 90 minutes for a start, plus he also reads the game like a book and the shooting accuracy is till there.He'll piss off a few defenders in the prem next season.


Caleb Folan - The Irish Drogba i rate Folan and think he would unsettle a fair few defences unfortunatle Phil Brown doesn't seem to think the same as he is constantly leaving him on the bench and seems to be after similar targetmen - Marlon King , Kevin Davies and Zigic now apparently.


As for final league standings.Well i think we are in similar situations to Bolton , West Brom and Stoke in that we will all struggle for goals and will probably be the bottom four teams and i am just hopeful we are top of that mini league.

[GMH]

Poole and Smith take the corners anyway, not KO'C :wtf:



Kev was taking them when i saw him play at town last season, and he was deadly from them, every single one he took tested the keeper or at least was headed towards goal.

[Torn]

Daniel Parejo Munoz (Real Madrid/Loan) - *PENDING* - This transfer hasn't been completed but numerous sources are saying it will be very soon. An exciting young attacking midfielder from the biggest club in the world cannot be a bad thing so if he comes I'll be very happy. Looks like our rumoured link with Real may be true, some Real officials were spotted down at Loftus Road last season and earlier this summer rumours spread around that Michel Salgado was to join us on loan after he was seen dining with Flavio Briatore in a cafe in Madrid.


Just came on in the friendly against Arsenal.

[Andy]

You've just murdered Sneijder.

Yeah, that was Diaby. He has been fucking awful today.

He can't tackle. Unless Denilson improves a bit more in the next two weeks, we need a new DM.

[Torn]

Kev was taking them when i saw him play at town last season, and he was deadly from them, every single one he took tested the keeper or at least was headed towards goal.

Gary Smith wasn't playing that game.

You don't pick a player based on his cornering ability. He did really well at defensive midfielder last year for us, really key player but I think he'll be replaced by Bean. He might go back to right back though, who knows. Very good player to have on the bench though.

[Lazurus]

Great goal and again Jenas makes it.

Captain fantastic.

[Torn]

Wilshere is on for Arsenal and looks amazing. First time I've seen him. Future England great, HOPEFULLY.

[Lazurus]

You should've seen that Bent lad we played in the first half. 9 goals in a week.

[Torn]

That was against Leyton Orient. This is Real Madrid mate.

[JIJ]

Just came on in the friendly against Arsenal.

He scored the winner against Hamburg yesterday.

[UK Blue]

POMPEY SQUAD SUMMARY

David James - An absolute hero. Two brilliant years so far, still in amazing shape for someone his age. Far and away the best keeper in the country, and seems to be getting better with age.

Jamie Ashdown - Capable deputy.

Glen Johnson - Maturing all the time at right-back. Defensively he has improved considerably, offers a lot going forward.

Lauren - Able to fill in at either full-back or in midfield. Good squad man. Excellent defender, lacks pace now but still rarely beaten by opposing wingers.

Martin Cranie - Promising England U21 who performed well on his debut against Man Utd last season and was superb for QPR until his loan was cut short with a broken leg. Another loan move is likely, but one for the future.

Noe Pamarot - Good cover for all defensive positions.

Linvoy Primus - The greatest human being that ever lived. Hopefully over his injury problems now but at 34, has to prove once again that he's still able to play at the top level. Wouldn't bet against him.

Sol Campbell - Solid and a great leader, although is looking vulnerable against pace in his advancing years.

Sylvain Distin - Key man at the back. Outstanding pace, great will to win.

Herman Hreidarsson - Solid at left-back or centre-back. Still a bit left in the tank, but position may be under threat if more players come in.

Glen Little - If he stays injury-free, could well be a sound addition to the squad. No pace but good crosser of the ball and great football brain.

John Utaka - Disappinting debut season and has plenty to prove, although has pace and skill in abundance. Needs to find consistency.

Lassana Diarra - Class act. Key man in the middle of the park.

Pedro Mendes - Excellent passer of the ball. Looking to cement his place in the side.

Sean Davis - May get more opportunities after Muntari's departure. Solid.

Papa Bouba Diop - Big strong and excellent in the air, but can't pass the ball. Handy squad man.

Richard Hughes - Long serving player, strong holding midfielder but lacks pace and may find opportunities scarce.

Arnold Mveumba - Struggling to make impact.

Nico Kranjcar - The creative spark in the side. Good season last time out, hoping to push on this year and perform more regularly.

Peter Crouch - Excellent signing. Should get his fair share of goals and be the perfect partner for Defoe.

Jermain Defoe - The main goalscoring hope. 20+ goals isn't unrealistic.

Kanu - Can hardly move but still possesses unbelievable skill. Squad man.

David Nugent - Needs to improve after poor debut season. Will find it hard to dislodge Crouch or Defoe, but should still get games due in squad rotation.

Ben Sahar - Good pre-season, may have to settle for starts in Carling and UEFA Cup early rounds to impress.

[Lazurus]

Andy Smith's looking damn good for Spurs. First time I've seen him.

[Andy]

He's not Jack Wilshere mate.

Did anyone see him take out Salgado? :lol:

[Lazurus]

He's not Jack Wilshere mate.

Did anyone see him take out Salgado? :lol:

He's not indeed.

He doesn't look like a window licker for a start.

[Torn]

Pompey really do have a lovely team.

[Lazurus]

What play by Smith to set up the 3rd.

3-0 Spurs and we're bringing a cup home from pre-season for the third season in a row.

[Murphy]

Very, very impressed with that. We weren't tested much, but that was very good to watch.

Nice to see Adam Smith get on. :yes:

Looking forward to Roma next week and really looking forward to the new season.

[Lazurus]

Good to see Martin Jol taking Arsenal's little cup home with him too.

[Andy]

Chelsea fans - did Flamini play in your demolition of Milan today?

[Lazurus]

Chelsea fans - did Flamini play in your demolition of Milan today?

I was going to say FFS look it up. But I did and couldn't find it.

[Lazurus]

Ugggghhhh you made me go on the Chelsea page

Yes he did play; the entire match.

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech (Cudicini 72), Ivanovic (Ferreira 61), Alex, Terry (c) (Carvalho 61), A Cole; Ballack (Deco h-t), Mikel, Lampard; Wright-Phillips (Sinclair 77), Anelka (Shevchenko 66), Malouda.
Scorers Lampard 2, Anelka 5, 17, 50, 57.
Milan(4-4-1-1): Kalac; Bonera (Paloschi 63), Simic (Digao h-t), Maldini (Kaladze h-t), Favalli (Antonini 63); Zambrotta, Flamini, Gattuso, Jankulovski; Pirlo; Ambrosini (Seedorf H-T).
Booked Jankulovski 77.

[Andy]

I just found it and he did.

HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHA


:(

We really need him back.

[McBain]

I'd love to do a Villa squad assessment but I really don't see the point.

Top 10 if we're lucky at the minute. Unbelievably disappointed with how this summer's gone.

[Lazurus]

I'd love to do a Villa squad assessment but I really don't see the point.

Top 10 if we're lucky at the minute. Unbelievably disappointed with how this summer's gone.


Come on mate; it'd only take you 2 minutes.

[McBain]

:cry:

[UK Blue]

Zeljko Kalac is a clown.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Kalac is the worst keeper I have ever seen. How has he been at AC Milan for a number of years? Dida wasn't too hot either.

Sebastiano Rossi must be spinning in his grave, or would be if he was dead and not cremated.

[eldanielfire]

He's not indeed.

He doesn't look like a window licker for a start.

And he doesn't look amazing like Jake Wilshere mate. Wilshere is the fucking man, bent just a little boy at the most MASSIVE club in the bottom half of the league!

[eldanielfire]

I just found it and he did.

HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHA


:(

We really need him back.

I think given a run in the team Denilson will be a fine replacement and has stated he is willing to step up.

[Lazurus]

And he doesn't look amazing like Jake Wilshere mate. Wilshere is the fucking man, bent just a little boy at the most MASSIVE club in the bottom half of the league!

Bent? Are you even paying attention Danny?

[Andy]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ITVSdAzBjXY

WHAT A GUY

[Hulkamaniac]

How did Sheva look?

[Torn]

He had blonde hair and was about 6ft mate. Wore a blue shirt too.

[Andy]

Well done mate.

[Bluemoon]

Had fun going to Barnsley and Stockport's ground, reminded me of the good old days. You can't beat lowere teams grounds :yes:

[UK Blue]

You'd love being a Pompey fan then. Get to go to a shit ground every week.

[Murphy]

I should be going to Luton's first home game of the season next Saturday. It'll probably be a bit of a werd atmosphere, to be honest. :(

[Torn]

But really funny at the same time.

[Murphy]

Probably. :happysad:

[Torn]

Really can't wait until next week. FOOTBALL AGAIN :panic:

Bury vs Brentford, MASSIVE GAME. I'm more excited about going to my first game of the season the week after, which is Bees vs Grimbsy.

TOO BIG FOR THIS LEAGUE
TOO BIG FOR THIS LEAAAAGGGUUEEEE
WE'RE THE BARCELONA
OF THE LOWER LEAGUES

[Bluemoon]

You'd love being a Pompey fan then. Get to go to a shit ground every week.

Hahahaha

I would love to swap your ground for ours when it comes to the atmosphere.

In fact I miss Maine Road, I loved that place.

[Torn]

I'm scared that when we get our new 15,000 seater stadium (fuck knows why when we barely get 5000 every week) it'll just be cold and have no atmosphere.

[Bluemoon]

It will be all downhill if you do get a new stadium.

[Murphy]

Like 'Boro.

[Slare]

I'm scared that when we get our new 15,000 seater stadium (fuck knows why when we barely get 5000 every week) it'll just be cold and have no atmosphere.

Nah mate, they will probably install heating this time.

[Torn]

good one ther m8

[son_of_foley]

Hopefully we can smash donny and start A RUN

[Java]

I think given a run in the team Denilson will be a fine replacement and has stated he is willing to step up.

Yeah, from what I've seen of him recently I wouldn't have a problem with him gettnig a run of games as a starter.

[Simon]

Following on from UK Blue's analysis of Portsmouth's squad...

Heurelho Gomes - great record for PSV and is currently vying for Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper spot, so his pedigree can't really be argued...but the few times I've actually seen him play, he's been a laughing stock. Seems to be capable of incredible saves but also ridiculous errors, which to me puts him on much the same level as Robinson. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt until we see him in competitive action, but until then I'm not convinced.

Stephen Bywater - decent Premiership-standard keeper who seems happy to be on the bench...a step down from Cerny, but I'm sure the plan is to have him here for just a year or two until Alnwick, Button, Ranieri or Jansson have shown enough quality to move up to the first team.

Gareth Bale - very excited. It's easy to forget how good he was for us last season, probably our best player before he got injured, including a MOTM performance at Old Trafford. Looks like he will play left back, I can't wait to see him.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto - he's the forgotten man at the Lane because of his long-term injury, but he looked a decent prospect when he played for us before and has impressed in pre-season, wouldn't surprise me if he's now ahead of Gilberto in the pecking order for the left side.

Gilberto - two long-term injured players are ahead of him so he could be called upon at any moment, but in all likelihood I can't see him staying beyond this year, probably leaving in January unless he somehow starts getting regular games. He was an odd purchase in the first place and he didn't show much of his supposed quality after joining.

Alan Hutton - probably the first name on the team sheet most weeks, partly because of his quality and partly because there isn't much established competition. No doubts about his ability, the only worry is if we can keep him if we don't have a good season.

Chris Gunter - not seen much of him yet but he's very highly rated by the club and seems to be set for a regular place in the first-team squad, covering across the back four. I imagine for that reason he'll be the first name on the subs bench next year. Hopefully he gets a fair bit of action to show what he can do.

Ledley King - first name on the team sheet when fit, just hope the fucker keeps fit. Rumours have varied from "He's 100% fit and ready for a full season" to (this morning :\) "he has arthritis in his knee and the coaching staff will have to cherry pick the games he takes part in". An incredible shame for the best player we've had in my time watching Spurs if it's true, but the fact that Ramos seems to be making no attempts to get a centre back in, while actively trying to offload Kaboul, hopefully says something about his belief in Ledley's fitness.

Jonathan Woodgate - another guaranteed starter, he seems to have rid himself of injury problems (touch wood) and had a great season last year with only one poor performance I can remember. If him and Ledley play regularly our defence will be infinitely better for it.

Michael Dawson - he's a decent squad player as long as he has Ledley or Woody alongside him, but if he's given the job of marshalling the defence we're fucked. All blood and thunder but no brains, apparently our coaching staff are desperately trying to train that side out of him but without much success.

Didier Zokora - hopefully, HOPEFULLY, the new formation will bring the best out of him. His energy and tackling ability make him a good choice for a purely defensive role, compared to how he was wasted in a box-to-box role last season. I'd still much prefer us to get Veloso or, more likely, Albelda signed up, but I wouldn't be devastated if we kept him.

Jermaine Jenas - I'd hoped he would be no more than a squad player this year, but it seems as though he's at the front of Ramos' thoughts. He could be another who benefits from the new tactics, with less creative input his stamina and effort could be put to good use alongside Zokora, in a deep but more attacking role.

Tom Huddlestone - he seems to have lost about 90% of his body weight and now looks oddly slim, let's just hope it shows in his performances as he really looked to be improving at the end of last season. If the lost weight means teams can't play through him as much now, he could be the great player we hoped he would be. Might even be a better bet than Jenas for a role in front of the back four alongside Zokora, allowing Zok to break up play and do the dirty work while The Hudd can do the technical stuff and link up with the attack.

Luka Modric - I'm worried about him, to be honest. He's clearly got a lot of quality but there's something about him that screams expensive foreign flop. I know that for all his lack of stature he's supposed to be a little rottweiler like Fabregas, but there's definitely a worry there for me. High hopes, but with major misgivings also.

Jamie O'Hara - I really like him. Very impressed with him last year, he's an all-rounder who is good at everything without being exceptional at anything. Hopefully he'll get a lot of first-team games this year as I think he has the ability to be better than Jenas, Zokora and possibly Huddlestone too.

David Bentley - this is where it starts to get confusing, because we don't know where the wingers or attackers will play. Ideally Bentley will play in an attacking right-sided position, swinging in crosses for Bent and/or Berbatov (or replacement). I think he's overpriced but maybe that's just the market at this time, what's more important is that he's an improvement in quality.

Aaron Lennon - a huge letdown last season but Ramos won't shut up about him at the moment and he really seems to believe that he's improving. He's been playing centrally for much of pre-season and if his dribbling starts getting him into dangerous central areas rather than down blind alleys on the wings he could still be great. I suspect he might come off the bench for a lot of this season, but an impact sub like him could be great. He's a more intelligent player than people think and in this new fluid 4-2-3-1 formation we're trying it could really suit him, his link up play with Keane and Berbatov was fantastic at times.

Giovani Dos Santos - he's another tiny one but I'm less worried about him than Modric. He's small but tough like Aguero and Tevez (not as much of a beast as Tevez obviously) and clearly has a lot of quality. He's another one I'd worry about losing as it's feasible that he could have a great season while we continue to underachieve. I don't think anyone's under any illusions that he really expects to be here longer than a couple of years if we don't make the step up to the Champions' League - we really need to make it happen.

Darren Bent - genuinely think he is going to show a few people up next year who scoffed at his asking price. He's been in incredible form in pre-season (10 in 5 games, including goals against Dortmund and Celtic, and four against Norwich) although he was also in good pre-season form this time last year. On the assumption that Berbatov goes, he has been our first choice striker, and I think his direct style could suit us. Three attacking midfielders creating everything and him putting the chances away could work very well, the same way Van Nistelrooy plays for Madrid. I'd love for him to be a success, because he had a rough year last season and still managed to play well and often score when he was given a chance. Never complained and spoke very highly of the club regularly, he deserves a better go this season.

Dimitar Berbatov - looks slightly more likely every day that he will stay. Obviously I'll be happy if he stays, but I'll be much happier if he keeps playing like he's capable and does his bit to turn us into a team that challenges for the honours he wants to win. The alternative is that he doesn't bother his arse, we continue to underachieve and keep an under-performing player for an extra year and sell him for half his current worth next summer...if that's the way it's going to be, I'd rather we fuck him off now and sign someone who wants to play for us. Not fucking Pavlyuchenko though.

[Lazurus]

We haven't signed Bywater Si.

[Lazurus]

Gareth Bale - very excited. It's easy to forget how good he was for us last season, probably our best player before he got injured, including a MOTM performance at Old Trafford. Looks like he will play left back, I can't wait to see him.

On account of him starting on the left wing three times in preseason?

[son_of_foley]

Not yet.

And also he's better than cerny. Who is probably closer to lee camp than Ian Dowie realises

[son_of_foley]

On account of him starting on the left wing three times in preseason?

THATS FUNNY WHY DID YOU LIST HIM AS EXPECTED FIRST CHOICE LEFT BACK THEN

[Simon]

Bywater is pretty much nailed on, Paul Jewell has come out and said so himself. I don't think anyone will accuse me of jumping the gun considering he's an average replacement keeper.

Bale will be left back.

[Lazurus]

Yeah but no-one from Spurs has mentioned it and Jewell's comments came totally out of the blue and haven't been followed up. It just seems really odd to me.

[Melv]

With all those attacking options, why the fuck would Bale play left midfield?

[son_of_foley]

Yeah but no-one from Spurs has mentioned it and Jewell's comments came totally out of the blue and haven't been followed up. It just seems really odd to me.

Out of the blue as in there was loads of rumours about them putting an offer in and he said yes theres been one and we wont stand in stephens way. Bearing in mind it was friday he's probably sorting a medical this week.

There was a rumour it wont happen now but it's not rubbish. Jewell would have no reason to lie about it. He isn't trying to drum up interest or anything like that.

[Simon]

With all those attacking options, why the fuck would Bale play left midfield?

Well he will play left back, but none of those attacking options are left wingers. Giovani can play there but really he's a striker or behind the striker. Bentley and Lennon are right wingers, Modric is a centre mid.

[Lazurus]

With all those attacking options, why the fuck would Bale play left midfield?

He's the only real left footed option we have.

[GMH]

Really can't wait until next week. FOOTBALL AGAIN :panic:

Bury vs Brentford, MASSIVE GAME. I'm more excited about going to my first game of the season the week after, which is Bees vs Grimbsy.

TOO BIG FOR THIS LEAGUE
TOO BIG FOR THIS LEAAAAGGGUUEEEE
WE'RE THE BARCELONA
OF THE LOWER LEAGUES

Im likley be going to Bee's/Town, Might be down there doing the garden at my grandads old house SO maybe i could wave to you, Although it's still a maybe about going down in the first place.

[Andy]

Bellamy is fucked again. :lol:

[Andy]

http://img.skysports.com/08/08/800x600/WesleySneijder_1085346.jpg

aaah fucking hell Abou :nono:

[McBain]

What's happened?

[Melv]

Sneijder got injured. I assume Diaby injured him.

[eldanielfire]

Yeah, from what I've seen of him recently I wouldn't have a problem with him gettnig a run of games as a starter.

Indeed. Even though it's all pre-season stuff he's been impressive against quality opposistion and is dedicated to the team and like Flamini has a massive workrate and unlike Flamini he has pace, a great pass and cross and more strength. Given a run he'll quickly learn the reading of the game Flamini had seeing as he's an intelligent player who impressed from day 1 and was tragically hampered by lots of injuries over most of last season.

[da_man]

'Ince faces mutiny' (http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/football/article-1041607/Ince-facing-mutiny-Blackburn-stars-dont-rate-new-boss.html?ITO=1490)

:rolleyes:

Nicko's take...


I'm very disappointed that this has become public knowledge.

Players talk all of the time...and there have been leaks on this for about two weeks.

I don't want to sound like a saint - or that I have gone soft - but THAT was why I went dark last Thursday. The Sunday People were going to run this story but I had to nip it in the bud because I feel it is too early and unfair to be throwing allegations like this about.

One or two players need to shut it, basically.

There ARE teething problems, but that happens. However there is no need for the level of chat that has been going round.

I will no doubt get a bit of a grilling from the People for not writing this particular story, but I feel that it is a bit unfair and the new regime needs time to get its act together.

I have a very fair idea where this has come from - and you might be able to work out for yourself what opposition club may have leaked this.

I will say no more.

[Smell It?]

What's this all about?

[Torn]

All these problems really do show what a brilliant job Hughes did.

[Andy]

That money on Rovers to go down looks a safe bet. :D

[Lazurus]

Let's be honest lads; this is all just to cover for the fact that all the talent walked out the door/is about to.

How much for Santa Cruz again?

[son_of_foley]

All the talent aside from ENGLANDS BEST EVER GOALKEEPER who they signed recentley I assume.

[Lazurus]

Blackburn Rovers players are reportedly on the verge of mutiny after losing faith in Paul Ince just weeks after his appointment as the club's manager.

Ince has never managed a Premier League side before and, at the age of 40, is one of the youngest bosses in the league. According to The Daily Mail, he is already struggling to quell the threat of a rebellion after disillusioning his players 'by the way he has tried to impose his personality on the club'.

'Some players have been less than enthusiastic about Ince's approach to training, which is said to vary drastically from Hughes's meticulous, scientific (http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3912941,00.html#) method, while others have complained that the former Manchester United midfielder is too egotistical,' the newspaper reports.

David Bentley, who has since left the club, is reported to have walked out of training in disgust after being ordered to do 20 press-ups 'as punishment for having his arms folded'.

An unnamed but 'senior player' is quoted as complaining: "We've gone from a well-organised, well-drilled back-room staff to one that feels like it's been patched together. A lot of us wanted to give him a chance to see how it worked out, but it's not looking too good."






If that's true it's bloody hilarious.

[son_of_foley]

You can say what you want about Young DB but he's got a great attitude.

[Lazurus]

Well if he is going to hang around with his arms folded he deserves everything he gets.

[McBain]

Subhuman scum.

Sounds like they've hired a marine to do fitness. :lol:

[Lazurus]

APPAZ Fergie's come out and told the press that Ronaldo is staying and that Rooney will miss the start of the season with a virus he picked up in Africa.

There's no word yet if it's AIDS or not.

[JIJ]

He did.

It was on SSN.

[Canuck]

APPAZ Fergie's come out and told the press that Ronaldo is staying and that Rooney will miss the start of the season with a virus he picked up in Africa.

There's no word yet if it's AIDS or not.

Hand over Berbatov.

[Lazurus]

Hand over Berbatov.

Are you representing Barca or Milan?

[Canuck]

Toronto FC

[da_man]

Subhuman scum.

Sounds like they've hired a marine to do fitness. :lol:

We have! He's an ex-army guy who apparently also buys in big to sports science and advanced training techniques.

The 20 pressups is standard fare in the army for some plonker standing around not paying attention.

I think it's great news. The players were in the comfort zone for the last 20 games of last season so it's good that a few of the big time charlies have been shaken up. Anything that gets that gobshite Bentley upset (where no doubt the leak has come from) is a-ok in my book.

Also today, David Dunn has been named as vice-captain. Good move also. He's been our best player in preseason.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

dowie to be sacked from qpr lads.

[Andy]

We know, mate.

[Andy]

ATTN: El Capitano Gatisto, anyone else

Do you actually support a football team? Other than Ireland and Croatia I mean.

My flatmate from last year is adamant that he doesn't support any club, despite living in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Birmingham at various points in his life. I find this very odd. Obviously you can still enjoy following football with out supporting a club, but it can't have the same amount of passion and enjoyment, surely.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I only got into football because of the Irish national team and my favourite players when I was younger mainly played for Barcelona or AC Milan. If I lived in a city in England, or any other country with a good football league, I'd probably support a local side but I don't. So picking any club would just be fake attachment and not really make a difference for me.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

We know, mate.

you actually know fuck all about football.

[JIJ]

He's not.

It's just a silly rumour.

[Winkle van Tinkle]

Mate, my best friend has 2 family members pretty high in the club, and its definitely more than rumours. There was a meeting this afternoon/evening.

[JIJ]

Well fair enough, but a very well respected poster from one of the boards I go on, who is well known to have close links with board members, has been quick to come out and put the rumour to bed.

He said it's just a rumour created by some randomers online that has been picked up on by some lazy journalists.

The guy rarely ever shows his face publicly on message boards (he has only 2 posts to date despite being one of our most accepted ITK fans) so I'm willing to believe him.

Also, the guy who originally started the rumour on said message board was a newbie with only 2 posts. Smacks of bullshit. Could've been your mate for all I know :D

[McBain]

Can I be the first to belatedly say that this "colours" idea for posting is a load of shite.


Thanks.

[Melv]

I agree. :shifty:

[JIJ]

Was that deliberately ironic?

EDIT: I can't tell because I don't know McBain very well.

[UK Blue]

It's all very gay.

[McBain]

Was that deliberately ironic?



No.

Surely you wouldn't think I'd have spent the last 5 years posting in my own clubs colours.

Hibs? God knows.

[Lazurus]

Toronto FC

You've got Rohan Ricketts what more could you need?

[Melv]

No.

Surely you wouldn't think I'd have spent the last 5 years posting in my own clubs colours.

Hibs? God knows.

Yeovil.

[son_of_foley]

Liverpool but you are colour-blind.

[McBain]

Alright Darius.

[da_man]

A free evening so me and a mate popped down to Accy Stanley tonight to watch them play Everton reserves in a friendly. David Moyes was sat not far away from us.

Everton won 3-0. Accy were absymal to say they had their full side out and were up against a bunch of kids. Everton played some wonderful football though. The show was absolutely dominated by a lad called John Paul Kissock. A small tricky midfielder. He was awesome on the ball and just little things he did like playing round corners and turning out all just oozed class.

He cramped up with 5 mins left and limped off to really good applause. Everyone appreciated what a good game he had. Everton had a couple of other midfielders who looked good but he was the best player on the pitch by a country mile. Forget Moutinho - get this boy in the team!

[Hobbit]

SSN reporting that Ronaldo's said himself he's staying at United and he's been a bit of a cock etc. Methinks Fergie beat him up.

[Melv]

A free evening so me and a mate popped down to Accy Stanley tonight to watch them play Everton reserves in a friendly. David Moyes was sat not far away from us.

Everton won 3-0. Accy were absymal to say they had their full side out and were up against a bunch of kids. Everton played some wonderful football though. The show was absolutely dominated by a lad called John Paul Kissock. A small tricky midfielder. He was awesome on the ball and just little things he did like playing round corners and turning out all just oozed class.

He cramped up with 5 mins left and limped off to really good applause. Everyone appreciated what a good game he had. Everton had a couple of other midfielders who looked good but he was the best player on the pitch by a country mile. Forget Moutinho - get this boy in the team!

That Kissock was on loan at Gretna last season and by all accounts got some promising reviews.

[SheltonLondon]

Yer he's looking a good player, looks fucking ridiculous with that barnet though.

[StevieV]

Mark Clattenburg has been suspended

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7546968.stm

I don't really see why...

I don't understand why being in debt affects his ability to ref a game.

[Lazurus]

Football365 think Ljungberg earned around £400,000 PER MATCH from West Ham. :lol:

That's £4,444.44 PER MINUTE on the pitch based on him playing an average of 90.

[MMH]

Mark Clattenburg has been suspended

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7546968.stm

I don't really see why...

I don't understand why being in debt affects his ability to ref a game.

I would have thought Clattenburg would be minted now after the obviously massive bung he recieved just before last seasons Goodison derby

[Melv]

:lol:

[1_Pablo_Angel]

Bournemouth deducted 17 points :nono:

[Prototype16]

League Two is going to be ridiculous next season, that's three clubs already. Shame after how they ended last season

Vale are going to go up by default at this rate

[Torn]

Ahahaha another potential big rival League Two club out of the mix.

[TraXX]

Mik, did you know that ever since the 1985 League Cup final between our clubs all of our subsequent matches have been for an informal 'Friendship Cup'. It's the first I've ever heard of it, and while Wiki might not be the most factually correct it doesn't sound the sort of thing you just make up.

Unsurprisingly Sunderland are the current holders, since 2006. :happysad:

[Murphy]

Luton could survive after all. :D

[Andy]

I am bored, so name your team's best XI since you have been watching them...


Seaman

Dixon Campbell Adams Winterburn

Ljungberg Fabregas Vieira Pires

Bergkamp Henry

Subs: Lehmann, EBOUE, Parlour, Wright, Bould, Overmars, Kanu.


What a team.

[Beefy]

Royce

Francis Prior Barrett Powell

Gower Marsh Whelan Otto

Eastwood Collymore


Subs: Sansome, Sodje, Maher, Bailey, Byrne, Angell, that bloke we signed off of Dream Team

[Torn]

Smith


O'Connor - Ingimarsson - Turner - Hreidarsson


Rowlands (:() - Sidwell - Tabb - Hunt


Owusu - Forster


Subs: Sonko, DJ Campbell, Vine, Kuffour, Burton

[JIJ]

Juergen Sommer

David Bardsley, Danny Maddix, Danny Shittu, Rufus Brevett

Andy Impey, Marc Bircham, Gavin Peacock, Trevor Sinclair

Les Ferdinand, Paul Furlong

[da_man]

Friedel

Berg Henchoz Hendry Le Saux

Dunn Tugay Savage Duff

Shearer Cole

Subs: Flowers, Moran, Batty, Bentley, Jansen, Bellamy, Sutton.

[Beefy]

That's a cracking front six for Southend. The class of Ronnie Whelan and Mike Marsh, the moments of magic from Mark Gower and Freddy Eastwood and the explosive brilliance of Ricky Otto and Stan Collymore.

It's almost enough to make me cry.

[Andy]

Sutton ahead of Cole in terms of Blackburn's best XI, surely?

[Beefy]

Paul Furlong

Ahhhh Paul Furlong.... Southend's bright young hope.

[Torn]

It's not quite the brilliance of Rowlands, the creative genius of Tabb, the midfield class from Sidwell and the hardworking (:dunno:) Hunt along with LLOYD OWUSU.

[Bad Collin]

Grobs

Jones Hyypia Hansen Staunton

Houghton McMahon Gerrard Barnes

Owen Rush

Winners.

[Andy]

No McManaman or Fowler?

[Torn]

I can't decide if I should have DJ Campbell, Nicky Forster, Jo Kuffour, Rowan Vine or Deon Burton upfront. EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES.

[Bad Collin]

No McManaman or Fowler?

They would be on the bench.

[Beefy]

Grobs

Jones Hyypia Hansen Staunton

Houghton McMahon Gerrard Barnes

Owen Rush

Winners.

Surely Hansen is before your time? I don't really remember seeing him play and I'm three years older than you.

[Beefy]

I can't decide if I should have DJ Campbell, Nicky Forster, Jo Kuffour, Rowan Vine or Deon Burton upfront. EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES.

I feel your pain. Tesfaye Bramble and Martin Carruthers only narrowly missed the cut for me.

[Torn]

The rest of that team could now be Premiership class but our strikers have always been shit (compared to the rest). Atleast you've got Freddy.

[Bad Collin]

Surely Hansen is before your time? I don't really remember seeing him play and I'm three years older than you.

Nope, he played in 88 and 89. The word legend gets banded around a bit but he certainly fits the bill.

[da_man]

Sutton ahead of Cole in terms of Blackburn's best XI, surely?

Nah, Cole kept us up and won us the Worthington Cup in his first season. It was scandalous that he didn't go to the World Cup in 2002.

Sutton did well during the title season but was a bad egg and everyone was glad to see the back of him when he left in the relegation season.

[Beefy]

The rest of that team could now be Premiership class but our strikers have always been shit. Atleast you've got Freddy.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/965000/images/_969147_stan300.jpg

[Torn]

COLLYMORE in his prime paired with Freddy would be a scary prospect. Could probably get roughly a million goals between them.

[JIJ]

Ahhhh Paul Furlong.... Southend's bright young hope.

Don't knock him. The guys in unbelievable shape and IMO is better than Dean Windass.

[Prototype16]

Ed de Goey

Michael Hansson Sergei Shtaniuk Danny Higginbotham Andy Griffin

Liam Lawrence Nigel Gleghorn John Eustace Peter Hoekstra

Mark Stein Mike Sheron

Subs: Steve Simonsen, Vince Overson, Brynjar Gunnarsson, Rory Delap, Bjarni Gudjonsson, Ricardo Fuller and Peter Thorne

[Torn]

Stoke gets the wooden spoon here. Eurgh.

[MMH]

GK Neville Southall

RB Gary Stevens
LB Andy Hinchcliffe
CB Joleon Lescott
CB Kevin Ratcliffe

RM Andrei Kanchelskis
LM Kevin Sheedy
CM Tim Cahill
CM Peter Reid

CF Graeme Sharp
CF Wayne Rooney

[eldanielfire]

I am bored, so name your team's best XI since you have been watching them...


Seaman


Dixon Campbell Adams Winterburn


Ljungberg Fabregas Vieira Pires


Bergkamp Henry

Subs: Lehmann, EBOUE, Parlour, Wright, Bould, Overmars, Kanu.


What a team.

I'd have Overmars in over Ljungberg. Partly as Ljungberg's best run of form was when he was in the centre mostly in 2002. Lauren over Eboue anyday and Ian Wright's goal ratio was better than Henry's (Wrighty hit 185 goals in less games and certainly never missed a good opportunity) which is especially good as he spent almost his entire Arsenal career playing in George Graham's "All defend, no attack" tactics. So possibly he'd be my first choice striker over Bergkamp and Henry.

I'd also have Ander's Limpar there, Martin Keown over Steve Bould and Alan Smith at his peak over Kanu anyday. I'd be tempted to put Emmanuel Petit in there before Vieira and certainly Parlour.

[Torn]

Ahaha I love how Andy has Eboue in there purely for his comedy.

[Murphy]

I'm a tad drunk this evening, but here goes:

GK: Thorsvedt

RB: Carr
LB: Edinburgh (Seems to have been a really dodgy position for us over the years)
CB: King
CB: Campbell

RM: Anderton
LM: Ginola
CM: Gascoigne
CM: Carrick

CF: Keane
CF: Berbatov

Subs: Robinson, Mabbutt, Barmby, Lineker, Sheringham, Klinsmann.

[Bad Collin]

Berbs and Keane ahead of Lineker and Tedders! :wtf:

[Andy]

Ahaha I love how Andy has Eboue in there purely for his comedy.

:yesyes:

[Murphy]

Berbs and Keane ahead of Lineker and Tedders! :wtf:

What can I say. I barely saw Lineker. I was swayed by the great partnership that Keane and Berba had. Pretty irrelevant, really.

I suppose Sheringham and Keane would be a beter choice.

[Oimoi]

GK - Tommy Sorenson
DR - Dariusz Kubicki
DL - Michael Gray
DC - Andy Melville
DC - Jonny Evans
ML - Julio Arca
MR - Alan Johnston
MC - Stephan Schwarz
MC - Alex Rae
FC - Niall Quinn
FC - Kevin Phillips

Subs: Mart Poom, Richard Ord, Chris Makin, Nicky Summerbee, Kevin Ball, Don Goodman and Michael Bridges.

Evans maybe a bit ridiculous considering he's only played about 30 games for us and that was on loan from Man Utd, but the guy is simply a class act who will be a regular for Man Utd soon. Also Johnston played mainly on the left for us, despite being right footed, but I had to include him and Julio so w/e. Also feel bad for leaving Bally out as he was a great captain and would run through brick walls for Sunderland but Schwarz and Rae were better players IMO.

[wardy]

I'll put my Celtic team here so it's easier to compare with the others.

GK: Artur Boruc
RB: Tom Boyd
LB: Jackie McNamara
CB: Alan Stubbs
CB: Stephen McManus
RM: Paulo Di Canio
LM: John Collins
CM: Paul McStay (c)
CM: Lubo Moravcik
CF: Pierre Van Hooijdonk
CF: Henrik Larsson

Subs: Pat Bonner, Enrico Annoni, Neil Lennon, Alan Thompson, Chris Sutton, Jorge Cadete John Hartson

Defence is a bit dodgy but the rest of the team is pure class.

[Beefy]

Don't knock him. The guys in unbelievable shape and IMO is better than Dean Windass.

I'm not. I saw him in one of our pre-season matches and he looked incredibly fit. Wasn't too mobile but didn't stop running for 90 minutes. Should be a good signing alongside Lee Barnard.

[Matt E]

Schmeichel

Neville
Stam
Ferdinand
Irwin

Keane (c)
Scholes
Ronaldo
Giggs

Cantona
van Nistelrooy

[Lazurus]

Off the top of my head.


Robinson

Hutton - Mabbutt - King - Hughton

Anderton - Gascoigne - Hoddle - Ginola

Lineker - Klinsmann


Subs - Thorstedt - Bale - Campbell - Stewart - Waddle - Berbatov - Keane

I expect people are going to have a go at Bale being on the bench but there's hardly anyone else who's half decent with a left foot.

[The Rosk]

De Bilde - Balaban

Penrice - Berson - Djemba Djemba - Hadji

Moustapha Salifou

Tiler - Calderwood - Ghrayib

Kiraly

Solid.

[Andy]

Off the top of my head.


Robinson

Hutton - Mabbutt - King - Hughton

Anderton - Gascoigne - Hoddle - Ginola

Lineker - Klinsmann


Subs - Thorstedt - Bale - Campbell - Stewart - Waddle - Berbatov - Keane

I expect people are going to have a go at Bale being on the bench but there's hardly anyone else who's half decent with a left foot.



But you don't expect people to have a go at the fact you have Hutton in there? And no Campbell?

[The Rosk]

Hutton aso;a78s8o;ausmo;jl;l;l;l

HUTTON.

[Torn]

Ahahah he's put Campbell on the bench out of SPITE.

[Lazurus]

Ahahah he's put Campbell on the bench out of SPITE.

He's on the bench because he's the third best CB I've seen play for Spurs.

[Lazurus]

But you don't expect people to have a go at the fact you have Hutton in there? And no Campbell?

Our full backs have never been great. I've seen Stevie Carr mentioned FFS. Who would you put as Spurs' top RB in your lifetime?

[Torn]

I can see why GARY MABBUTT is in there but Campbell is better than King.

[Lazurus]

If you look at the last 10 years these our are main RBs.

Carr
Ifil
Stalteri
Chimbonda
Hutton

[Lazurus]

I can see why GARY MABBUTT is in there but Campbell is better than King.

In your opinion he might be; in mine he's not.

[Torn]

Ok right instead of picking your Best XI, now pick your WORST XI since you've been watching.

[Lazurus]

Ok right instead of picking your Best XI, now pick your WORST XI since you've been watching.

But no-one would have heard of 95% of them as they'd have only played 2/3 games.

[Lazurus]

That said I'll get started


GK


RB-CD-Campbell_LB

RW-Carrick-CM-LW

S-Keane


I'll finish it later.

[Torn]

Brown


Hurdle - Griffiths - Mackie - Tillen


Brooker - Newman - Leary - Keith


Wijnhard - Onibuje


Subs: Willock, Shipperley, Thorpe, McCammon, Fitzgerald


That was a lot harder than I thought. We've had so many REALLY REALLY shit players over the years. I've probably left a whole bunch out.

Laz - do players that were considered a part of your first team then. Not just random 2/3 game appearances.

[Lazurus]

Booby Mimms.

Dean Austin - Ginger Pele - Ramon Vega - Paolo Tramaazzani.

Jason Dozzell - Andy Sinton - Andy Gray - Johnnie Jackson

Gregor Rasiak - Andy Booth

[Torn]

Andy Sinton what a legend he was for us.

He single handidly won you the League Cup mate. So says Wikipedia.

[Oimoi]

Worst XI:

GK - Kelvin Davis
DR - Gareth Hall
DL - Clive Clarke
DC - Alan Stubbs
DC - Phil Babb
MR - John Oster
ML - Kevin Kilbane
MC - Christian Bassilla
MC - Tommy Miller
FC - Jon Stead
FC - Andy Gray

I started supporting Sunderland when we were at the bottom of Division 1 so I've seen technically worse players than those listed (the Brett Angell, Martin Gray and Lee Howey's of this world for example). However, you can kind of forgive them because they were expected to be shite. Stead and Gray might be better players than Angell and Paul Stewart but they were our first choice Premiership strikeforce and totally embarassed the club and provided the worst season I've ever experienced watching Sunderland (even worse than scraping around the bottom half of Div 1 if that makes sense) so that's why they make the team.

Oh yeah, and I've excluded those who only played a handful of games and were shite, otherwise I'd be here all day. Clive Clarke being the only exception as he really was terrible, gave away a pen on his debut and was subbed at half time IIRC.

[Lazurus]

Stead and Gray might be better players than ... Paul Stewart.

YOU TAKE THAT BACK.

[Gary J]

Tony Norman

Ian Goodison - Justin Whittle - Richard Jobson - Wayne Jacobs

Brian Marwood - Gary Parker - Dean Windass - Billy Askew

Keith Edwards - Billy Whitehurst

Subs - Boaz Myhill ,Michael Turner , Andy Dawson , Andy Payton , Theo Whitmore

[Torn]

You have Turner and Windass in there so JUST TO CLARIFY that's your best XI right?

[Lawson]

Grobs

Jones Hyypia Hansen Staunton

Houghton McMahon Gerrard Barnes

Owen Rush

Winners.

The earliest game that I can remember decently was the 1995 League Cup final. So with the difference of, what? 6-7 years?...


Reina

Jones Carragher Hyypia Riise

McManaman Gerrard Redknapp Berger

Owen Fowler

Bench: James, Wright, McAteer, Hamann, Garcia, Murphy, Torres

The left was rather a problem. Didn't want to put Riise in there but the best alternative (on the basis that Aurelio hasn't played enough yet - something which also keeps Torres on the bench) was Bjornebye and that wouldn't have been any better. Berger will do for the midfield but it was never really a conventional role for him.

Just four players shared. I caught the tail-ends for Staunton, Barnes, and Rush which wasn't quite enough - although both Staunton and Barnes were highly tempting solutions.

[Matt E]

Mark Clattenburg has been suspended

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7546968.stm

I don't really see why...

I don't understand why being in debt affects his ability to ref a game.

Just a precaution from the FA. People in debt can do desperate things, not inconceivable someone might offer to help him out in exchange for a favour.

[Alf]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B6ucoSoIy4

Ahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaa

[Matt E]

ahaha, can just see how embarrassed he is by it all too.

[MMH]

Worst Eleven

GK Richard Wright

RB Marc Hottiger
LB Kenny Sansom
CB Per Kroldrup
CB Slaven Bilic

RM Niclas Alexandersson
LM Peter Degn
CM Claus Thomsen
CM Stephen Hughes

CF Brett Angell
CF John Spencer (Soon to be replaced by Alan Smith)

[Torn]

New worst XI:

???-Leigh Mills-???-???

???-???-???-???

???-???

[Gary J]

You have Turner and Windass in there so JUST TO CLARIFY that's your best XI right?

yeah thats the best XI.

To do the worst XI would take forever we have had so many shite players over the years.

[Oimoi]

Tony Norman


Still see him every now and then in my local supermarket etc. Joined the police force after he retired but had some sort of heart condition so had to quit. I believe he's helping out coaching some of our youth teams but I'm not sure. Top pro.

[Gary J]

Still see him every now and then in my local supermarket etc. Joined the police force after he retired but had some sort of heart condition so had to quit. I believe he's helping out coaching some of our youth teams but I'm not sure. Top pro.

I remember reading about his heart condition.He's still loved by our fans and was voted the 4th or 5th best player we've ever had.

I always felt sorry for him as he could never get in the Wales team due to Neville Southall being probably the best keeper in the world at the time.

[Worf55]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B6ucoSoIy4

Ahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaa

Ahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaa indeed! :lol:

How about doing actual research, instead of 2 minutes of glancing at Youtube?!

Unbelievable.

"Do you have a famous wife or girlfriend we could help to promote?"

:blah:

[Fulham Road Supporter]

Worst Eleven

CF John Spencer (Soon to be replaced by Alan Smith)

He was great for us.

[da_man]

Worst XI:

Alan Fettis

Simon Grayson
Christian Dailly
Darren Peacock
Steve Harkness

Matty Holmes
Dino Baggio
Javier De Pedro

Ciccio Grabbi
Martin Dahlin
Kevin Davies

Subs: Patrick Valery, Dario Marcolin, Richard Witschge, Nathan Blake, Egil Ostenstad, Per Pedersen, Ashley Ward

[Gary J]

WORST XI

Steve Wilson

Steve Swales - Mike Edwards -Kenny Gilbert - Simon Trevitt

Jon French - Brian McGinty - Stephen Boyack , Paul Fewings

Mark Hateley - John Moore

Subs - Iain Hesford , Matt Hocking ,Gregor Rioch , Dave Bamber , Jon Parkin

[MMH]

He was great for us.

To be fair to him he only played about 12 games for us. Dont think he touched the ball once.

There are a few players who played for us who were shite but great elsewhere. Bilic being the most obvious one.

[Beefy]

Oh go on then, although this will be hard as we've had some dross down the years.

Mark Prudhoe

Gary Poole - Dave Morely - Simon Coleman - Jamie Stuart

Gordon Connelly - Mark Beard - Stuart Thurgood - Steven Clark

Charlie MacDonald - Danny Webb

Subs: Mel Capleton, Dominic Iorfa, Neil Campbell, That bloke we signed off of Dream Team

[Beefy]

To be fair to him he only played about 12 games for us. Dont think he touched the ball once.

There are a few players who played for us who were shite but great elsewhere. Bilic being the most obvious one.

Brett Angell. Crap for Everton but a Messiah everywhere else he went.

Including Tesco.

[Burv]

I thought Southend fans liked Capleton. We've had him at our gaff for a couple of seasons now. He came in as a coach, but has played a lot. Has been generally magnificant too. He was brilliant in the play-off final last year.
Your mate Dave Kreyling has left us, Beefy. I don't know where he's gone or who's decision it was though.

[Beefy]

Capleton was very popular and was quite highly thought of at first as he's a great shot-stopper. The more you saw of him though the more you realised how bad a goalkeeper he was.

I'll always remember one match in which five minutes before the end he caught a shot then a few seconds later rolled it out five or six yards ahead of him. Of course none of our brain-dead forwards bothered making a run for him so he ended up picking up the ball again to launch it down field. Except you can't do that and I'd have thought that anyone who has played in goal would know that seeing as it's one of the few rules of the game that a goalkeeper has to remember.

Of course the ref gave an indirect freekick, the opposition scored and we lost by that goal.

He's still remembered fondly by most, including me. But mainly as a figure of fun with a stupid haircut.

I've no idea where Dave has gone. Haven't seen him in a couple of years.

[Burv]

Yeah, the Southend fans at our friendly last month seemed pleased enough to see him. He's alright though. Certainly helped the bloke who actually is supposed to be our number one.

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

We'll never add Furs to that list, saw him at Wakering what a beast.

Off to Roots Hall today boys, apparently some cunts from X factor are dancing on the pitch at about 1.30, no fucking way I'm getting there that early

We'll have the posh today init

[Beefy]

Breakfast at a greasy spoon at 11, pub by the ground for midday.

FOOTBALL! :hyper:

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

init

I've actually been fucking itching for the new season to start for ages.

My mate and his brother are Elvis and Sammy, they've gotta be at the ground fucking hours before kick off for some kid's party or sank.

Where you going for a tipple, Blue Lion, Railway??

[Beefy]

The Spread Eagle.

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

get a window seat mate i'll wave on the way past

[Peter Griffin]

woo im thinking we will beat donny 5-0 :)

[Beefy]

Right, I'm off. See you chaps next season.

[Peter Griffin]

:wave:

[TraXX]

FOOTBAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

:hyper:

Unfortunately I'll be playing today (stupid preseason friendlies) which means I'll miss all of the action as it happens. :(

[Murphy]

Woo.

Off to Kenilworth in a few minutes for the start of mission impossible.

FOOTBALL!!!

[GMH]

2-0 to the bee's today. Bury have no chance.

[Fulham Road Supporter]

To be fair to him he only played about 12 games for us. Dont think he touched the ball once.

There are a few players who played for us who were shite but great elsewhere. Bilic being the most obvious one.

Just Wiki'd it, eight months and you played him nine times :blah:. I suppose it's like us with Bogarde, everyone says he was shit, but he played a similar number of games, he was never given the chance to do anything.

I suppose ours would be:

Beasant

Del Horno
Lambourde
Bogarde
Sinclair

Donaghy
Jokanovic


Fleck
Sutton

Can't think of wingers, Gronkjaer I suppose, Alezsidze can't really count.

[Worf55]

Fleck
Sutton


:cry:

[Prototype16]

First day of the season and Doncaster win away at Derby. Good to see The Championship is as unpredictable as ever!

[Andy]

ahahahahahah derby :lol:

[Flow (Ice Cold) 3000]

1-0 to the Blues, good to see Bailey getting booed at kick off

[RFF Champ]

Gutierrez looks class, bags of pace. Duff is looking good too, there's a bit of a sparkle about him.

[Andy]

Is it just me, or does Carlos Vela look like Walcott's long lost twin?

[Andy]

http://osasuna.theoffside.com/files/2008/04/vela.jpg

[Lazurus]

It's because he looks like he's half retarded and has the facial hair of a seven year old who hasn't washed for a month.

[Andy]

Fucking hell, Laz. Calm down mate, it's all fun and games.

I think you need to sit in the corner and think about what you've done.

[Andy]

Is anyone watching the Arsenal/Sevilla game?

Capel has already dived three times in a friendly (so has Navas), and looks a right fucking prick. And he has ridiculous hair.

[Beefy]

Tilson vs Ferguson part II today. And that's 2-0 to Tilly.

And Daddy was there to witness it.

http://www.theposh.premiumtv.co.uk/javaImages/38/22/0,,10427~3744312,00.jpg

[Peter Griffin]

ahahahahahah derby :lol:

shut the fuck up :mad:

[Andy]

:D

Fabianski has been fucking immense tonight. He's been better than Almunia throughout pre-season actually.

[eugenespeed]

2-0.

That is all :)

[Andy]

What a performance from Fabianski, man of the match.

[Worf55]

Gutted we lost, we need a target man asap. Alot of positives according to our fans.

It's okay though, we have Derby twice in a few months. :lol: