New EPL Thread - What the crap is going on with Liverpool?
Basically, if the club goes into administration and is docked 9 points, the deal with NESV will be off.
I can't possibly imagine this happening, if only because Liverpool is Liverpool. There's no way the bank will call in the loan knowing the potential buyer would walk, and there's no way the Premier League would punish Liverpool this way. Portsmouth, Leeds, etc...they're hardly small clubs but they're not a behemoth like Liverpool.
Also, international break. Yay! Rec this up before the GDTs start flooding in tomorrow.
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LiamP
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TheGame podcast last week was a beating
when it came to discussing Liverpool. People ranting about “the great history of Liverpool” or something along those lines.
It just seems inconceivable for Liverpool to go down, even if they’ve played like absolute dogshit so far this season. I agree, I feel that the EPL will somehow work a compromise.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Looks like Sagna is out for a few weeks
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Liverpool question ...
the court case to determine if the Liverpool board can sell the team w/o Hicks’ approval … when will it be decided? Monday? A month? A year from now? Because Friday is the deadline and I don’t see how it will be decided before then. Will it? English courts that prompt and accomodating?
it's start to looke more and more like the rangers sale
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
answer ...
LONDON (AFP) – The legal battle for control of Liverpool has been scheduled to get under way in London’s High Court on Tuesday with the club’s unpopular American owners trying to block a takeover bid.
.
Court listings revealed Monday that the case will go before a judge on Tuesday at 10:30 am (0930 GMT).
No, he doesn't
I read the relevant clauses of the current Liverpool contract over the weekend, and it’s pretty clear that Broughton (the chairman) is the only one with the authority to replace board members. Hicks is going to argue that clause doesn’t apply to Kop Holdings, which is the entity which “owns” the club, but I don’t see that standing up in court.
And even if Hicks wins the case, RBS, who holds the debt, is going to take the team from him by the end of the week for defaulting on the loan payments, at which point they could sell it to the high bidder, and tell Hicks to go fuck himself. All they care about is the loan debt being repaid; any profit or loss for Hicks isn’t their concern.
As for Gillett, I’m not sure he’s even involved any longer- several British papers have reported that his half of the team now belongs to Mill Financial, who supposedly seized it when Gillett failed to repay a loan to them earlier this year.
Marseille suing Nigel de Jong
I’ve been very critical of de Jong (perhaps overly so, I am biased after all), but this is way too far in my opinion. Just curious to see what others think about litigation/prosecution as it pertains to actions that take place inside the lines of the pitch between players.
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Oct 10, 2010 11:21 PM CDT reply actions
yea im not sure how this can actually be won/lost in court
or anything other than thrown out
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 11, 2010 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions
What the crap is goping on with Liverpool, you ask?
Whatever it is, it is delicious. I love it. And you’d think Leeds would be a good enough cautionary tale, but evidently they’re just looked at as the outlier. But the debt all of these clubs are mounting up is built on sand. When the money they expect (TV deals, Euro competitions, stock market) doesn’t come through, they’re screwed. The FA needs to vet these owners and their finances better rather than going for the highest bidder.
Yeah, well at least I'm housebroken.
corrected
The FAall sports leagues needs to vet these owners and their finances better rather than going for the highest bidder
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 11, 2010 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I read an interesting article about this
how the overspending and going into debt is ruining soccer (football) and teams like barca and real keep spending and spending but are running up the debt tab without a way to get out from under it. While a team like man city has so much money they can afford to spend whatever and operate at a loss.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Real has an easy way to get out of it.
Banks are all beholden to then given their ties to the royal family. Banks are almost obligated to lend to them and will never call in debt because of how powerful that club is. That’s how they have practically unlimited spending power.
Yeah, i think that was mentioned in it too
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
didn't man u have increased revenue too?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Blackburn
In Blackburn’s case Uncle Jack Walker set up vetting procedures as part of the Trust that was enacted at the time of his death. If he hadn’t done this his family would’ve flogged the team off for the highest bidder years ago. And I doubt very seriously that the FA would’ve said a word about it.
I guarantee that whatever hoops the FA jumps through to keep Liverpool up and solvent would NOT be done for a team like Rovers as fans of Portsmouth would tell you.
And yes I know Liverpool makes the EPL much much more money than lowly Blackburn, but it sure would save a lot of embarrassment if they’d go through their due diligence and establish some guidelines and have prospective and selling ownership groups abide by them.
Yeah, well at least I'm housebroken.
I've been amusing myself by reading stories of Football Manager addiction.
I think I really should get into the entire thing, when I finally have time after exams.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Football Manager addict here
I got into it back in 2008, and probably spend 15-20 hours a week playing.
The realism and detail of the game is amazing, and from what I’ve read, that’s only going to improve this year.
What’s really fun is that there are so many ways to play. If you’re someone who likes to play as Real, Barca, or United, and win tons of trophies, you can do that. If you prefer to start with a small club and turn them into a big club, you can do that. I tend to pick bigger clubs in smaller leagues- Lyon, Sporting, Panathinaikos- and try to turn them into European powerhouses.
I have a great Lyon game going on FM10 right now, and it’s bumming me out a bit that I have to retire it in a couple weeks when FM11 comes out. I’ll probably start with them again in FM11, but also considering trying out one of the mid-level European leagues (Russia, Belgium, Portugal) or taking on the challenge of fixing Liverpool.
never done anything like that before
is there a decent free online football mgr that I could cut my teeth on?
+1
same here
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 12, 2010 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
It's very Australian.
And admittedly, British.
Unfortunately, I’m probably more suited to netball than plenty of other sports.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Today's court proceedings
From the Guardian:
“RBS says owners have contradicted rules of sales agreement by trying to oust two members of the board and there should be a mandatory injunction imposed by the court to make sure the board is reinstated.
G&H admit they have breached sales agreement but say they only did it because the board excluded them from the sales agreement and refused to take into account stronger alternative bids to NESV. As a result, they dispute the injunction claim.
The Board disputes the claim that the owners were excluded from the sales agreement and says that instead the owners simply refused to take part. It also insists the NESV bid was the strongest on the table after a thorough process to find a buyer for the club."
Judgement coming at 10:30 AM BST tomorrow…
USMNT
They apparently played a friendly last night.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Yeah.
2 fc dallas players are on the team as well Shea and Pearce
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Re: The Hicks injunction
Found this on RAWK
At what point would the government step in and have communications directly with the president of the United States to put a stop to this madness?
This is a club that is rich in history and tradition and it’s being drained because the american owners want more for their buck but at the club’s expense.
This really is a issue that should be taken seriously at the highest levels of government.
This made me laugh for a pretty long time.
Yep
Walcott, Cesc and Bendtner should be ready for Saturday too.
Fabregas’ latest comments make my penis sad. He’s right of course, but it sucks. Although, they probably need better players to get that mentality. Which makes me pissed off at Wenger. He knows this is Cesc’s last year and he still didn’t shore up the defenes/goalkeeping situation. But hey, at least we don’t have a lot of debt. Woooo.
Adding to my confu$ion is ...
finding out a few days ago that one of the Arsenal owners is an obscenely rich Russian oligarch with a miniature giraffe on a pillow. That dude didn’t think about infusing some talent into Cesc’s last go-round? He must own a very small percentage or something.
Cliff - Cliff - Cliff! Lee - Lee - Lee! Los Rangeros and Cliff Lee!!
He's losing the battle to hold the majority of shares to the American guy (Kroenke?)
by LiamP on Oct 14, 2010 4:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I read that Jay-Z was looking to buy shares in the club
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
* catches breath *
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
I think the Pres is more worried about a college playoff system than the illustrious history of the Scouse…which is to say, not much.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 13, 2010 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions
damn, why didn't the Rangers think to go to Obama about their sale
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
if only W had still been in office
this could have been settled by ST!
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 14, 2010 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
wow.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 14, 2010 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
You know, as crazy as the Rangers sale was...
…this shit is Infinitely crazier. Hicks is clinging on for dear life. If he can make it past Friday with disputed control of the club, mayhem will ensue.
by LiamP on Oct 14, 2010 2:11 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I have no idea what's going on.
It’s like watching the plane crash scene in Castaway – over and over and over.
Cliff - Cliff - Cliff! Lee - Lee - Lee! Los Rangeros and Cliff Lee!!
It's pretty insane
The High Court (UK) threw out Hicks’ injunction earlier today on jurisdictional grounds, and told his lawyer that he had until 4 pm BST tomorrow to comply with the court’s order that the sale proceed. Otherwise, he’ll be held in contempt, and could be arrested the next time he sets foot in the UK.
Gillett appears to be out of this completely- he was ready to cut his losses and get out months ago- so it’s just BMFF Senior that’s holding this thing up.
The thought of hicks being thrown in jail for his jackassery is endlessly amusing
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I mean,
it’s not like there would be any Scouse in prison that he would have to worry about, right?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 14, 2010 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I've decided on a team!
It was really difficult choosing between Everton and Villa, but I’m going the latter, for an assortment of relatively pointless reasons:
1. Stephen Ireland is delightfully insane (even though Marouane Fellaini’s hair is delightfully insane).
2. They seem a lot more frustrating to watch than Everton. (this is my tortured sports fan side coming out)
3. Nigel Mediocre and John Carew seem like an appropriately-frustrating dynamic duo to watch, even moreso than Everton’s bunch of forwards who can’t score.
4. In terms of players I like, there isn’t really much of a difference between the two; I like Young, Agbonlahor, Albrighton and RIchard Dunne but there’s at least an equal number of Everton players too.
5. And really, I err on the side of liking Villa’s uniforms
Something tells me this will be unfortunate.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
AV has a good SBN blog
7500toholte.com
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Oct 16, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
IT'S OVER!!!!!
Hicks & Gillett have given up control of Liverpool, and the sale to NESV is going through!
Of course, H&G are filing a suit for damages, but those bastards are out of my club!
Seeking 1 billion pounds
I hope he doesn’t see 1 cent!
Just imagine this season for the Rangers if the bank essentially forced the sale to the greenberg / ryan group right at the start
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Watching the Stars last night made me wonder if ...
no matter how well the Stars do in the 1st half of the season, Richards is gonna be traded away since there’s no way Hicks will ever be able to re-sign him. sadness
Cliff - Cliff - Cliff! Lee - Lee - Lee! Los Rangeros and Cliff Lee!!
I will break all kinds of things if that is the case.
I miss playoff hockey in DFW, even if it is for two games against a #1 seed.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
i know, i was hoping they would throw him in jail if he went back to england
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I was hoping that Hicks would hold on.
Was really looking forward to the shit hitting the fan.
by LiamP on Oct 15, 2010 1:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Not me
This was worse than the Rangers- at least Hicks was a (somewhat) willing seller there. Although, yeah, I’d like to see him in jail too. I would wish him broke and homeless, but I donate to a homeless shelter, and I’d rather support people who actually deserve it.
The Rangers' saga was more protracted.
This was worse. There’s no administration in baseball. Imagine if, when the Rangers declared bankruptcy, Selig docked the team like 10 games. That’s what Liverpool were facing.
Yeah, I guess it was the length of time that made it torture.
Going into administration is definitely worse.
arsenal's D looks like Young at third base
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
you cause teams to lose, I cause players to get injured.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
his rep bought him that 2nd goal
Carr shied away from a proper challenge under threat of another Chamahk dive.
Magpies down 2 at the half to The F-ing Latics
If the Rangers lose today, I’m going to have to take an extended break from sports or something.
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Oct 16, 2010 9:59 AM CDT reply actions
Ahhh. Wilshere red to end the game
That’s tough. I will say that I have a new man crush ready when Cesc leaves. Wilshere is orgasmic.
The more I watch him the more I like him
the behind the back pass he made to asharvin in the last CL match was excellent.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
This weekend sucks a bag of dicks.
There’s a strong possibility that all of my teams’ seasons will be over by Sunday.
by LiamP on Oct 16, 2010 11:55 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Seems like a bit of an overreaction.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 16, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
On which front?
I know you don’t want to be over-confident Chelsea fan but holy shit you should take a look at United some time.
I've only caught parts of a couple of their games this year,
but how can an EPL season be over for a contender in October? Sure, the spread is large right now, but Chelsea have played a lot of bad teams. Additionally, they’re pretty banged up right now. Lampard, Drogba, Bosingwa, and Terry should be back in form sooner, but they still have injuries to Alex and Yossi to contend with.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 16, 2010 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Because, with the way this United club is playing, they're not a contender.
Chelsea are “out of form” and nicked up and still have a 5 point lead.
United’s best player is about as out of form as you can be and their midfield is completely broken.
Don't worry, Owen Hargreaves is riding in on his stallion to save you.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
wow, how did Villa not score there
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
So my impressions from watching abbreviated highlights...
Villa probably could’ve stolen a win there, but a point against Chelsea, even at Villa Park, even with a number of guys out, is a fair result, considering both teams had chances.
Villa should’ve scored twice early on and seemed to generally control the first half. I’m very comfortable with the depth they have on the flanks and up-front, providing they’re in reasonable health. Petrov and Reo-Coker are really solid in the middle, but I don’t know too much about what’s behind them. Chelsea pretty much controlled the second half but I really shouldn’t be surprised to see Reo-Coker miss a shot.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Mick McCarthy
Actually one of the funnier managers in the league, which is surprising given that he looks like one of those morose evil genius characters in shitty b movies.
See if you can make out this part of his post-game interview.
Hah. It can take some getting used to.
“No, no, I asked all the lads to go out and knock seven bells out of everybody like I normally do. Shame that, isn’t it? The one time they played free-flowing football and we’re rampant for 45 minutes. What the hell were they playing at? Cheers.”
Unbelievable
Hodgson’s post-match comments:
"I don’t feel it to be a crisis because the way we have played today I don’t think anyone would believe that is the type of football of a team in the bottom three. I think we can consider ourselves unlucky."
Were we watching the same match?
yep
Thank goodness that’s over with. I hadn’t got done cussing about the first Blackpool goal when Tevez suddenly regains the lead. Rollercoaster. Notice how much different City played when Adebayour left? He’s beyond a waste. He’s a negative. He’s like 9 vs 11. He sucks the life out of his teammates with his uselessness.
ESPN Soccernet, brah.
I won’t believe it until it actually happens.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Other spots
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3184649/Wayne-Rooney-I-want-to-quit-Manchester-United.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/17/wayne-rooney-manchester-united
by Brett Perryman on Oct 17, 2010 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, I'm more sold on the Guardian.
The Sun is absolute trash though.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
It's everywhere.
I’d trust ESPN Soccernet before The Sun.
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Oct 18, 2010 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Parts of it are true, others are speculation.
He did reject a contract offer, but that’s because he’s holding out for 200k a week. The stuff about falling out with SAF would hardly be surprising, but he’s way out of form at the moment. He said in an interview before the England game that he didn’t expect to be picked for United the way he was playing, but was healthy for the Montenegro qualifier.
Wouldn’t surprise me if they sold him next summer, but at this point they’re really cutting off their nice to spite their face with this stuff.
Maybe they can use the nice as a hair piece?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 17, 2010 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh goddamnit.
I meant nose. My brain’s fried.
Much more likely to be Real than City.
United wouldn’t sell to City and Mourinho has a massive hard-on for Rooney.
And selling him still won't be enough to pay the Glazer debt!
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Though I am ill-informed about this matter, so my opinion is irrelevant.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Ya think the press will roll with the Rooney-to-City speculation much? sigh
I agree with Liam that ManU will look to Real for an out if things truly fall apart. But, that Winter guy at the Guardian thinks Rooney is too chav to go play elsewhere than the UK. I miss the old box-storming Wazza. Get it together dude.
One rumor that sounds possible is City getting Jordan Henderson in January from Sunderland. The noise and the situation remind me a lot of Adam Johnson’s January transfer buildup from a year ago.
That would be a weird move.
Where would Henderson fit in?
by LiamP on Oct 18, 2010 8:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He'd back up Yaya and Barry - and be heir apparent MF workhorse I suppose.
He’s only 20, so he’d see lots of cup and Europe PT for a year or two. I watched the Sunderland game today and really eyeballed him – soft first touch, weights a good ball, good vision. Mancini likes tall guys, too. If we ended up with him I’d say it’s a solid move for a young English talent – which of course City will overpay for.
On the Rooney tip – I’ve been reading tons of UK columnists tonight while admiring Cliff Lee and I’m starting to see the logic that Rooney could actually be on his way out. He wants to be paid more than anybody in the EPL and it’s a tough ask considering the Glazers situation and his own off-field stumbles … not to mention his horrible form lately. He wants to get paaaaaid and Fergie just might say no. Plus, lots of the ManU legends have one foot out the door to retirement – VDS, Giggs, Rio, Neville, Owen, Scholes – he might find himself without much help due to the Glazers inability to re$tock talent around him.
x
Plus, lots of the ManU legends have one foot out the door to retirement – VDS, Giggs, Rio, Neville, Owen, Scholes – he might find himself without much help due to the Glazers inability to re$tock talent around him.
This is going to be the key. Gill’s been insisting that the money’s been there for a couple of summers now, and Fergie has actually gone on the record as saying that United will need to spend to replace Scholes and Giggs. If they don’t splash the cash this summer, it will be a really scary situation.
Fulham
First loss of the season to Spurs. They were a bit hard done on the second goal, since Gallas cool have been ruled offside. However, Spurs probably deserved the win. They are a squad transformed with Van der Vaart running things in midfield.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Hodgson
Yeah, he has not worked out as well as I expected. Two months ago he was England national team manager-in-waiting. At this point he may not make it to the next transfer window.
That said, Liverpool as currently constructed is not a good team, certainly not as good as Everton. They have an excellent keeper, but aside from Reina it’s only one useful striker (who has been terrible for half a year), a past it Gerrard, a rickety and slow defense, and a bucket load of mediocre midfielders. I think the loss of Mascherano and Alonso before that have hurt much more than the loss of Benitez. Benitez let so much quality slip through his hands through the years at the helm at Liverpool. Wouldn’t you rather have Momo Sissoko patrolling midfield for you right now instead of the Lucas, Meireles, Poulsen hydra?
As for Hughes, he has to have set some sort of record for the number of draws per games played over his last 2-3 seasons. It’s just bizarre.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Interesting
Apparently Frank Rijkaard resigned this morning as Galatasaray’s manager- lots of Twitter activity this afternoon speculating that he’s going to replace Hodgson.
Not sure what to make of that
The name sounds good, but technically you’d be taking a Turkish club’s reject.
by Brett Perryman on Oct 18, 2010 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Huh
Should be interesting some story lines for the NDJ vs. Karl Henry clash.
Not mediocre. Right about average
NDJ played like a butterfly @Blackpool.
Seriously, don’t think he ever got his shorts dirty. Had about 5 meh touches the whole game. I’m guessing Mancini warned him to park the testosterone for a match or two until the foofaroll blows over. Arsenal should be interesting, plenty of opps to knock nimble dribblers on their azz in that game.
I should not be depressed today but I totally am.
Replacing this fat idiot is going to be tricky.
by LiamP on Oct 19, 2010 10:38 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
This buyout thing seems like it could make it a reality
I mean they’re Manchester United. They would replace him with something pretty special, I have to think.
by Brett Perryman on Oct 19, 2010 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes.
I think this whole thing was devised by the Rooney camp to force a January sale. Surely there has to be some investigation of City for tapping up the player though.
The only guy of real substance they bought after the Ronaldo sale was Valenca, so they’ve gone cheap before.
by LiamP on Oct 19, 2010 11:06 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
With Ronaldo, though
they had Rooney there to take on a bigger offensive role. They still had a world class guy to run their attack through. I just don’t see them saying that Valencia and Berbatov, or exclusively players of that ilk, would cut it. You’re about a million times more familiar with how they do things, though.
by Brett Perryman on Oct 19, 2010 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
It's not a matter if whether they want to or not.
I’m sure they would…it’s a matter of whether or not they have the money to buy a top-notch replacement.
by LiamP on Oct 19, 2010 11:23 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Because Rooney's money wouldn't be enough?
by Brett Perryman on Oct 19, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Who knows how much they'll end up getting for him.
Everyone now knows the player wants to leave, and he only has 1.5 years left on his deal. Plus, who knows how much of the transfer money will actually be re-invested?
by LiamP on Oct 19, 2010 11:28 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I doubt they'd get much from him
He’s only got a year and-a-half left on his current contract. They’ll get a nice fee for him, maybe around 30 million pounds, but nothing like Cristiano Ronaldo’s fee. Of course with Man City involved in the bidding, who knows?
Not mediocre. Right about average
Wayne Rooney's name has been discussed amongst the Sheik's roundtable ...
ever since he purchased the team – Mark Hughes said something to that effect recently. I hope the City boyz played it all legal.
The one thing about Rooney coming to City is … I’ve always scoffed at the “EUFA fair-play crisis for City” articles in the UK press – there’s a plan and City surely will meet the guidelines. No sweat. But adding 250K/wk of paypacket to Rooney finally gets my attention. Eventually “Payroll = Revenue” has got to get even the Sheik’s attention. I wonder if the City business plan has room to include an unplanned raid for Rooney so near to the rules going into effect? Guess we’ll find out.
Interesting
Still the thought of a Tevez/Rooney reunion is fun to imagine. City would be utterly dominant.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Meh.
Chelsea would still be stronger, and Tevez/Rooney wasn’t unstoppable the first time round.
by LiamP on Oct 19, 2010 1:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
If he goes to Chelsea, we can all just give up.
Drogba and Rooney with that midfield behind them truly would be unbeatable.
by LiamP on Oct 19, 2010 1:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes, please.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 19, 2010 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
And Dzeko
And Llorente, Torres, Hulk…
This is a transfer muppet’s wet dream.
by LiamP on Oct 19, 2010 1:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
...well, at least they're all handy replacements.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
by jonthefon on Oct 19, 2010 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wow
Lots of Twitter noise this morning regarding Hodgson- a couple fairly reliable LFC sources both reporting that tomorrow’s match against Napoli may be his last, and that at least 2 senior players (one possibly Torres) have made it known that they want out if he stays on as manager.
Also, Roy reportedly asked that Kenny Dalglish not be included on the trip to Napoli, as he’s finding him to be a distraction. Suicidal move on Hodgson’s part if true- Dalglish is to LFC as Nolan is to the Rangers.
so if torres comes out in the media and says he wants hodgson out
how long before they give him the boot? 5 min? lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 20, 2010 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
lol
if you dont have those 2 on your side at LFC, your pretty much screwed
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 20, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Rooney's statement
Originally Posted by wr8_utd
Wayne Rooney has confirmed he wants to leave Manchester United.
Here is his statement in full:
“I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad.
“I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.
“I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it.
“It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.
“I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?
“For me its all about winning trophies – as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.
“Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.
“For Manchester United’s sake I wish he could go on forever because he’s a one off and a genius.”
by LiamP on Oct 20, 2010 12:05 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
so in other words
“i dont want it to be me and 25 kids” /arod rooney
wonder how ugly this gets…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 20, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Not even close.
He knows that going after SAF will completely backfire so he went after Gill and the Glazers. Unfortunately, accusing a club that won 3 league titles in 4 years (lost the other by a point) of a lack of ambition is pretty fucking retarded.
Whichever one of his camp wrote that needs to be fired, because that statement is so apparently disingenuous it’s unbelievable.
by LiamP on Oct 20, 2010 12:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
i couldnt believe it when i read it
asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.
your at man fucking U. not at some start up MLS team.
assuming they actually have the c ronaldo $$ to play with thats a pretty damn large chunk of change
i wish ill upon wayne rooney.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 21, 2010 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I assumed that to mean that they don't have the money to spend.
I mean, let’s be honest, how many truly elite players are there on ManU right now?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 21, 2010 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
no i agree
i dont think that SAF really has the $$ from ronaldo sale to play with though
then again, whose to say they were not in on villa, etc behind the scenes? i mean if they sell rooney what do they do with THAT $? who do they go after/get in exchange?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 21, 2010 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Who knows what it means?
Could just as well be a deft way to transfer blame onto Gill & the Glazers.
And to answer your question: Vidic, Evra, Scholes, Nani.
by LiamP on Oct 21, 2010 9:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Ages at the end of this season:
Vidic: 29
Evra:30
Scholes: 36
Nani: 24
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 21, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Right.
Ferguson’s point is that some players aren’t willing to wait at the end of one player cycle for the middle of the next. Rooney though, was part of the very same thing when he came in, so he should have a modicum of faith in SAF’s ability to develop the young talent in the squad.
by LiamP on Oct 21, 2010 10:09 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Good point.
This is Rooney’s age 25 season. I’m not exactly sure what the peak for a footballer, but there’s no way Rooney would be past his prime by the time the next group arrives, no?
Why is it that he’s chosen to follow the RonRon model instead of the Scholes ones?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 21, 2010 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Because he's a shithead
Ronaldo treated the club with more class than this. Everyone knew his dream club was Madrid from the moment he was bought, but he never publically demanded to leave and he never threw his teammates under the bus like Rooney. In fact, Ronaldo even said he owed it to SAF (who he still calls his second father) and the club to respect the process and not affect his transfer value to the club.
by LiamP on Oct 21, 2010 10:32 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
lol
just night and day.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 21, 2010 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Pretty pathetic
The lad’s head is not right. The going gets tough for your squad and you bail on them? Not that any Everton supporter would be surprised. Nor his wife, I suppose.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Steve
Davis with a great take on Tom Hicks:
http://mobile.dailysoccerfix.com/2010/10/20/1763673/tom-hicks-and-why-im-so-happy-hes-out-of-soccer
Not mediocre. Right about average
Can you argue, on the basis of how good he's been this season
that he’s absolutely one of the best wingers in the EPL?
Probably the top left winger, alongside Malouda…
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Malouda, Bale, Nani
In that order IMO as far as wide players go.
by LiamP on Oct 20, 2010 5:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
And it still shocks me.
Malouda was my Martellus Bennet or Joaqin Arias for quite some time…
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 21, 2010 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Rooney questions ... and Arse vs City ramblings
Is Wayne parked until the Jan transfer window? Surely he won’t play, right? OT fans would murder him. And he’s GOT to go in Jan to get full value, right? ManU will cost themselves millions waiting for Summer, not to mention what to do with him until then.
I ask all this because … it’s weird that Mancini claims that City won’t do anything in January. If they are in strong for Rooney then it’s gotta be in Jan. Yet he claims he’s waiting for next summer to consider the transfer market again. I know you’re gonna say he’s obfuscating, but so far his MO is to play it straight in these matters. So, maybe Chelsea IS Rooney’s likely destination if all the columnists are right that he won’t want to leave Engerlund. Somebody’s gonna get a good price for him if City lays out in January.
I suppose it’s still possible that he stays with ManU. Behind the scenes negotiations producing a hefty contract that makes everybody happy, including the Glazers who need success in the standings to pay their debts. Promises could be made to Rooney that they are in fact closing in on incoming fresh talent by next summer, etc. Could happen.
As a City fan … a year ago I dreamt of getting a Torres or Rooney-type talent in – damn the cost. But now, both guys have question marks over their heads about their spirit, health and form. I’d almost rather see the cost of Torres or Rooney broken up into getting, say, Javier Pastore and David Luiz or something. Maybe picking up a striker later after we see what we got in Balotelli.
Balo and Koralev are training, btw. It wouldn’t surprise me to see both on as subs vs Arsenal. That would allow Mancini to play a slightly stronger team Thursday trying to nail down a top-2 spot in our Europa group. Mancini’s 11 tomorrow will really tell us how he plans to counter Arsenal. Sunday, I’m basically expecting NDJ, Yaya, Barry, Silva, Milner, Tevez up front. But we’ll know more tomorrow afternoon. Man, I’m glad Wilshire isn’t playing next to Cesc against us. Phew – I’d happily take a draw right now and slink on into the Balotelli/Boateng/Silva/Koralev era without an Arsenal beating stinging our hides.
okay, i’ll stop now – Buster Posey!!
SAF says the Rooney situation will be sorted after a meeting with Gill tomorrow.
Speculation is that they’ll banish Rooney to the reserves until January, at which point they’ll flog him off somewhere.
I ask all this because … it’s weird that Mancini claims that City won’t do anything in January. If they are in strong for Rooney then it’s gotta be in Jan. Yet he claims he’s waiting for next summer to consider the transfer market again. I know you’re gonna say he’s obfuscating, but so far his MO is to play it straight in these matters. So, maybe Chelsea IS Rooney’s likely destination if all the columnists are right that he won’t want to leave Engerlund. Somebody’s gonna get a good price for him if City lays out in January.
No, it’s still most likely going to be City. Disregarding his ridiculous statement today, this is all about how much City is going to pay him. Stan Collymore, who supposedly broke this story, says he’s hearing around 500k a week. Others are saying it’s closer to 300k. Either way, it’ll be the highest wage in the history of the league by a good margin (Yaya Toure’s currently the highest earner at 220k per week…try to process that without punching a wall if you’re not a City fan). The question is how much will City pay United to secure him now before Real or someone else steps in with another offer. Based on Mourinho’s comments, Real clearly weren’t expecting this, so they’re not players in this thing just yet.
I suppose it’s still possible that he stays with ManU. Behind the scenes negotiations producing a hefty contract that makes everybody happy, including the Glazers who need success in the standings to pay their debts. Promises could be made to Rooney that they are in fact closing in on incoming fresh talent by next summer, etc. Could happen.
I will slice my penis off if he stays. Forget burning bridges, Rooney scorched the earth with his statement today. Dude’s gone.
As a City fan … a year ago I dreamt of getting a Torres or Rooney-type talent in – damn the cost. But now, both guys have question marks over their heads about their spirit, health and form. I’d almost rather see the cost of Torres or Rooney broken up into getting, say, Javier Pastore and David Luiz or something. Maybe picking up a striker later after we see what we got in Balotelli.
Pastore’s a midfielder and Luiz is a defender. Both are still raw and neither have remotely as much marketing power as Rooney. Buying Rooney would be a huge coup for City when it comes to attracting other big name players too.
I initially thought the City chatter was a bunch of shit but, really, they appear willing to pay United a substantial amount to let him leave in January…even after all of this came out. Honestly, and I’m not being dramatic, it’s a pretty sad situation for football as a whole, let alone just United.
If Real were legitimately a chance
how feasible do you think the idea that Benzema would come the other way, would be?
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Getting rid of one moody, underperforming,
prostitute-patronizing striker for another. There’s certain symmetry there.
Not mediocre. Right about average
so in reality, who are the teams that have a hope of getting him
or do you think man city is SUCH a runaway leader its not a huge thing?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 21, 2010 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
What of Rafa's talk of Inter Milan's interest?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
i want him to leave england
just b/c he wants to say
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 21, 2010 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
stay*
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 21, 2010 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Would be lovely to sell him abroad.
No chance it happens with Inter though.
by LiamP on Oct 21, 2010 10:01 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It really is.
I say this as a fan of one of the team’s responsible for it, but I much prefer the system where the big clubs by young promising players (late teens, early 20s) and develop them into stars. It creates a greater attachment to your team’s player and better rivalries.
Players moving in their primes just because their team doesn’t look like a 50% chance for a title makes me angry/upset/sad. We’ve all come to grips to some degree between the haves and have nots, but it’s getting ridiculous now.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 21, 2010 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
It's really City and Madrid
These are two teams, City in particular, that have no problem obliterating the established wage structure. If City is willing to pay Yaya Toure 220k per week, what is any elite player that joins that club going to command?
by LiamP on Oct 21, 2010 10:00 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
i was shocked when i realized he was the ighest earner in the EPL
i mean i like him quite a lot, wish he was still @ barca, but damn.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Oct 21, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
btw
Evidently, after the cameras went off it sounds like Mancini admitted to a MEN reporter that City will probably try to add a coupla guys in January. But, Roberto, you just said …
BTW part deux, my secret fantasy replacement for Adebayour has always been Darren Bent. Today I actually saw an internet rumor that City is after Bent in January. Be still my heart.
Football Manager 11
for those wanting to try it out, the Demo is available today (through steam download)
http://store.steampowered.com/app/901580/
It’s supposed to be the full game, playable till it’s released
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Played a bit last night
2 weeks until the full game comes out- I’m trying to decide between going with Lyon again (played them in FM 10) or taking up the challenge of fixing Liverpool.
more on rooney:
from the mail:
Did this great football club ever fail to satisfy his ambition or his bank account? How can Rooney play for United and Ferguson again after the arrogance of his statement yesterday evening?
the guardian:
“Coleen forgave you, we won’t.” The first anti-Wayne Rooney banner unfurled at Old Trafford last night signalled the opening response to what many Manchester United supporters view as the ultimate betrayal by their favourite adopted son.
that is a great banner btw
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
Whoa - that was close.
The first angle the ball looked over the line. The second angle it looked like a definite no-goal.
Based on today's starting 11 for City ...
I’d guess that Mancini plans a narrow 4-3-3 scheme vs Arsenal similar to that played against Chelsea. I’d guess – Hart, Boateng, Kompany, Lescott, Bridge, Yaya, NDJ, Barry, Silva, Milner, Tevez. Balo could come on late up front and Koralev might sub in for Bridge if they’re both as fit as being hinted at. The touchlines should be wide open on the weak side – it always seems like there is always tons of room in front our wingbacks that simple diagonal switches can exploit when we play this formation.
Neither Balotelli nor Kolarov are on the bench.
by LiamP on Oct 21, 2010 2:05 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh shit, I totally misread your post.
Screw me.
by LiamP on Oct 21, 2010 2:06 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
For you Juventus haters ...
if today’s halftime scores hold, Juve will be last in the group with 2 points with half the fixtures played.
See, now I'm not so sure about my earlier 4-3-3 prediction.
Postgame, Mancini was saying he would consider playing Ade vs Arsenal now that he’s found the net. If we play Ade, you guys are gonna own the middle of the field since one of Barry/NDJ/Yaya will have to come off. And if Ade replaces Silva then it’ll virtually be 9 v 11 like vs Blackpool last weekend – which sucked. Stack Walcott vs Bridge with that and I don’t like what it adds up to. BTW, I am glad that it sounds like you guys might play Bendtner. That guy doesn’t scare me much. [cue Bendtner goal explosion]
I doubt Bendtner sees much playing time.
Maybe a 10 minute run to end the game but I don’t see him getting much action. Sagna is back so that’s a good and hopefully Walcott is healthy enough to get the start.
Ade will probably score a goal or two and you guys will clog up the midfield and suffocate the life out of Arsenal. Sigh.
Vermaelen
Now saying he’s out till mid November.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Didn't see this one coming.
Rooney signs 5yr contract with Man-United.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9118602.stm
Wayne Rooney has made a shock U-turn and agreed a new five-year contract at Manchester United just days after announcing his intention to leave.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK
Um.
Well the last few days have sure been a waste.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Very Gerrard of him
posturing is so passe.
Yeah, well at least I'm housebroken.
I did...
Good for Man U… Good for Rooney….
Now at what point to they consider starting to bring in some more young talent on the defense and midfield…
I still expect Bebe to be a force in a few years and work his way into the sub rotation next year…
JD’s like, "you want some fucking pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, bitches!"- RCCook
Ronaldo pt. 2 maybe.
He did the same thing the year before he left. It ensures United will get proper value for him.
by LiamP on Oct 22, 2010 9:15 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
...
I will slice my penis off if he stays. Forget burning bridges, Rooney scorched the earth with his statement today. Dude’s gone.
The absolute first thing I thought of.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Oct 22, 2010 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Say it again.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
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