14 February 2008
With what I know about Norway....
I am guessing by this picture that Norway is like France and you can't have alcoholic beverages on your kit. I'm just laughing because Norwegians love their alcoholic beverages if the guys down the pub are any indication. Also, I am not paying attention to the Tippeligaen since IK Start was relegated.
ps I swore i was making posts but they're not here nor in my drafts :( must look in another blog
10 February 2008
Rare biased "at the pub" blog post
At the pub soaking the first City DOUBLE over United in almost 40
years. Love it
09 February 2008
I know I know I said that I would quit
From the Kickette
You do not have to sell things to be marketing. How is this not taking advantage of the Munich Air Disaster? What a fucking awful image.
City is not without its own fault in taking advantage of some slick marketing, but they've not eploited one of the symbols of the event. Look at this picture too, it's like a snapshot. Very understated and that's what United should have done.
Sunday's tomorrow and I know this is wearing thin. :) In the meantime, DO check out this post from the Philadelphia Weekly's blog Philadelphia Will Do about how even Americans got offended and join in in the shared tragedy, over a use of the Munich Memorial in a contest in the US version of Metro. (I'm not linking to this just because I'm mentioned in it either btw)
08 February 2008
To start your weekend
US Sports should do this. They used to in the 80s, if you remember "Buddy's watching you" by the Philadelphia Eagles etc. They need more Super Bowl and World Series Singles.
While you were worried about Villa playing in Suriname
The Premier League went ahead and approved a 7 deep subs bench, which is something Rafa Benetiz and his overpriced rotation system was asking for ages ago. It was brought to vote by Spurs' Chairman (according to last nights 5 Live Football Daily).
Anyway, the reasoning seems to be "giving young people a shot". Old cynics like us here think it's because naming more overpaid supersubs to the bench might attract more people to a particular club and help the rich ones play "buy all the players so no one else could get them" ala CSKA Chelski.
Administrivia
http://www.keepyups.com/ will get you to this site. I decided I liked the name enough to spend a tenner to register it. Update your bookmarks and tell your friends!
Cities best suited for Premiership Clubs WAATPS
There's a fantastically lollerific piece from Who Ate All the Pies on the 20 cities for Premiership Matches. A Definite must read.
A few examples of the ones that made us chuckle.
Manchester United - Calais
Closer than Old Trafford for most United fans.
Sunderland - Dublin
Everything else about the club is Irish, including the chairman and manger, so the home ground might as well be.
Wigan - Las Vegas
Titus Bramble's Travelling Slapstick Show would be the hottest ticket in town.
07 February 2008
English Premiership Clubs to play games abroad??
The 20 Premier League clubs are reported to have agreed in principle to a radical plan that would see each team playing an extra match a season abroad.--SkySports
Under the proposal, cities such as Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, Sydney, Johannesburg, Dubai and Beijing would stage matches between two Premier League sides.
As excited as I am about the prospect of getting a match in the US, I can not help but think this is just one more nail in the coffin of English Football. Tom Hicks has said that he's bought Liverpool because of the tremendous television and internet deals involved. This is for marketing and money and that can only be a bad thing. Are they going to start Bye Weeks as well? Some of those cities above are horrible distance from England.
Jesus this is such a Bad Thing (tm)
Manchester United insists the world must share in their tragedy
Manchester United have confirmed the minute's silence will go ahead at the Manchester derby despite the jeers that were heard at Wembley. The news comes after Wednesday night's minute silence at England's friendly clash with Switzerland was cut short by 20 seconds after disrespectful fans whistled and jeered towards the end of the tribute-- TeamTalk
I agree that it is disrespectful to boo and jeer during the moments silence. BUT WHEN YOU KNOW IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN ISN'T IT DISRESPECTFUL TO GO ALONG WITH THE PLANS. It just serves to further the Manchester United Pity Party. As I said yesterday, I am no fan of shared tragedy. If it didn't effect you there is no need to fucking commerate it. But Manchester United are setting themselves up to be "Poor Manchester United, we're so picked on because we're the best, those beastly City supporters can't even respect what animals". Nothing pisses me off more than that bullshit.
Truly respectful for those who died at Munich would be to stop trolling it out to put you all in the spotlight again. How much additional positive press has United gotten over the past 4 weeks? Don't tell me it's not marketing just because they're not selling the shirts.
Truly respectful would be to not let booing idiots ruin the moment of silence by having a moment of applause instead.
Truly respectful would not be using this as another reason to get into the fucking spotlight.
AND THAT'S finally all I have to say about it. I avoided it for a month but now you have it.
06 February 2008
RIP Mathew Upson's Beard
*moment of silence*
Olaf Melberg is the only one left, and he's going to Juve this summer.
I vote for Crouch to grow one next.
05 February 2008
Cut rate striker for half the price!
Apparently Manchester City was able to sign Benjani not for the 7mil they agreed to for 3.87mil. I'm not quite sure how or why this happened despite the window closing before everything was completed but good on city for turning a potential disaster panic buy into something less costly.
But seriously, unless you're interested in Munich, Benjani, or Africa Cup of Nations this week has been BORING. Roll on tomorrow when we can all bemoan how shit England is.
But seriously, unless you're interested in Munich, Benjani, or Africa Cup of Nations this week has been BORING. Roll on tomorrow when we can all bemoan how shit England is.
I don't do shared tragedy
so you'll forgive my lack of Munich Tribute. God forbid I do not perpetuate the bullshit. The whole thing does more to disgrace what happened than it does to commemorate it
04 February 2008
Jimmy Bullard
Long time readers (well Chris O) will know that I have nothing but love for one James Bullard. He's quality on the field and off.
Was glad to see that he scored an injury time winner against Villa for Fulham today. Have been looking for a youtube clip but can't find it.
In lieu of that, here's a video of the legend himself in dirty laundry with someone's jock strap on his head.. I do hope it was his.
Was glad to see that he scored an injury time winner against Villa for Fulham today. Have been looking for a youtube clip but can't find it.
In lieu of that, here's a video of the legend himself in dirty laundry with someone's jock strap on his head.. I do hope it was his.
01 February 2008
Typical City
This Benjani deal is just typical fucking City it's not even funny.
That said, I'm not sure if City really wants Benjani, and if this isn't a panic buy. He's hit a good run of form but he's not the quality striker in my opinion that City want. He's certainly not worth 9m.
Feel bad for Redders though, he's now got two overpriced strikers!
That said, I'm not sure if City really wants Benjani, and if this isn't a panic buy. He's hit a good run of form but he's not the quality striker in my opinion that City want. He's certainly not worth 9m.
Feel bad for Redders though, he's now got two overpriced strikers!
31 January 2008
KK 6/1 for the sack!
Keegan now third favourite for chop behind Coppell and Benitez
LATEST BETTING; Next Premiership Manager To Leave
Rafa Benitez 2/1
Steve Coppell 5/1
Kevin Keegan 6/1
Gareth Southgate 6/1
Roy Hodgson 8/1
Gary Megson 12/1
Alex McLeish 14/1
Harry Redknapp 14/1
Steve Bruce 16/1
Roy Keane 20/1
Paul Jewell 25/1
Alan Curbishley 25/1
Mark Hughes 33/1
Martin O'Neill 40/1
Avram Grant 40/1
David Moyes 50/1
Sven Goran Eriksson 66/1
Juande Ramos 66/1
Alex Ferguson 66/1
Arsene Wenger 100/1
I'm not used to a City Manager being such high odds to be fired.
OH JUST SHUT UP!
“If I could apologise and go back and change history I would do. But the goal is still a goal, Argentina became world champions and I was the best player in the world. I cannot change history, all I can do is move on.” – Diego Maradona on the “hand of God” goal.
30 January 2008
West Ham 1 - 0 Liverpool
Jamie Carragher is a thug. How many times has he gotten away with dirty tricks in the box and not conceded a penalty? While it is heartbreaking to drop to 7th place in such a fashion, it's a well deserved win for the Hammers who just outplayed Liverpool all night.
I reckon though that Liverpool will probably still finish 4th because Everton really don't have the depth and Villa and City will "fall apart" at the end of the season. City is already starting (a draw away to Derby?? jesus).
Watch this space for some more indepth posts on a couple of topics screaming to get out of my head tomorrow.
I reckon though that Liverpool will probably still finish 4th because Everton really don't have the depth and Villa and City will "fall apart" at the end of the season. City is already starting (a draw away to Derby?? jesus).
Watch this space for some more indepth posts on a couple of topics screaming to get out of my head tomorrow.
29 January 2008
What is an outside agent? Or Outside Agents not about Willie McKay
ESPNsoccernet - England - Roberts: Balloon or Baffoon?
Let me make it clear, as a neutral I fully enjoyed Sheffield United's giant-killing act as I called the game on ESPN, but at the risk of being considered officious: rules are rules! The big blue book clearly states that if the ball touches an 'outside agent' while in play, the referee must immediately stop play and re-start the game with a dropped ball where the contact was made.
Tough luck if the FA Cup Final last minute winner strikes a dog on the goal line on its way to the back of the net, the ref has to disallow the goal and award a dropped ball on the edge of the 6 yard box, though I'd not like to have to call that one.
FIFA qualify an 'outside agent' in the 2007/08 Laws of the Game publication as, 'Anyone not indicated on the team list as a player, substitute or team official.' Match officials, corner flags and goal posts are also thrown into the list of exclusions, but no mention of balloons.
Just wanted to quote this because other than the above I haven't seen any mention of the fact that it was more than an amusing goal, but a dubious one.
Man City have written the FA about the fact that the balloons haven't been cleared off the pitch by the referee, but shouldn't they have written the fact that the goal should have been disallowed as well? Does anyone know why that wasn't mentioned as well?
Quotes of the Week
One of the funniest Quotes of the Week roundup in a long time. And not just because it's got Coronation Street Trash talking.
28 January 2008
FA Cup Draw
Despite the fact that the FA Cup is for all intents and purposes over here is the 5th Round Draw
Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolves
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Brom
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
The round where the premiership catches up. There will be at the very least 3 non Premiership teams in the quarterfinals which doesn't seem as crazy as 10 non premiership teams in the octofinals. So the draw goes the FA's way then, because who the HELL wants to see Cardiff and Soton at Wembley, Or another Championship side (or league one I guess is still possible) representing England in the UEFA Cup?
They've even got that exciting match of Utd v Arsenal so that people will actually still pay attention past the 4th Round! Hopefully that will be more exciting than the FA Cup Final in 2005.
27 January 2008
Youtube Clip Soccer Saturday's Coverage of Havant & Waterlooville taking the lead twice against Liverpool
25 January 2008
Let's all laugh at Pascal Chimbonda
“Kevin Keegan has approached me and they’ve offered me more money. I am definitely leaving Spurs. It’s all about the money. I don’t care about the final, I don’t care about the cup.” - Pascal Chimbonda.
Big words. Hilarious words.
And yet... today Willie McKay (our favorite Football Agent--much like the clap is our favorite STI) says:
"There's no hiding the fact that Pascal is frustrated because the club are looking at new full-backs to replace him.
"However, he wouldn't disrespect Tottenham or his team-mates by saying he doesn't care about the club.
"Pascal cares about Spurs, he cares about his team-mates, he cares about his football and he cares about his career.
"Even if he does move on, Spurs will always have a place in his heart as will the fans.
"Anyone who thinks differently only has to look at his celebrations on the pitch after the win over Arsenal on Tuesday night and that proves everything."
So basically, Willie McKay had him shoot his mouth off and didn't expect Spurs to be upset.
Also, does anyone really rate Chimbonda as a player? I certainly don't.
Liverpool Rundown
I'm facinated with Liverpool lately. Especially how they can have 2 decent players and still be considered a Big 4 club. I know that I'm not alone because of the stories in my fantastic google reader feeds this morning, the Lion Share's were about Liverpool. So here's a rundown of some things:
20 Handy Facts About Havant & Waterlooville Well not really Liverpool but the most exciting thing in a positive light to be happening at Anfield this weekend . Of course this game is not being shown in the US and I will hope it's on a sopcast site of some sort.
Reds 'complete' finance deal For the Liverpool faithful I hope that this part of some deal where The American Owners (tm) can still sell the club off to DIC and walk away with profit for not putting any money out at all. They really are poison.
Hobbs agrees to Iron Switch . Jack Hobbs showed some flashes of brilliance this season when standing in for Liverpool's constantly injured backline. I hope that this loan deal saves Scunthorpe from the drop into League One and gets Hobbs some first team play before going back to Liverpool next year. Maybe then they'll realise hoping for Agger to be fit is like bailing out a yacht with a thimble.
More footie lulz: Sven-Goran & his harem
Mystery of Sven-Goran Eriksson and the Italian faith healer | European Football - Times Online
Sven-Göran Eriksson has been linked to an Italian faith healer, exorcist and “practitioner of white magic”. On Tuesday, the self-described “Baroness” Clara Romano was placed under house arrest by police in the Italian port city of Ancona. She faces accusations of fraud and tax evasion.
Everyone in Italy gets done for tax evasion-especially related to Serie-A Football. This story is that he probably saw her when he was at Lazio and this woman had a check from SGE that she didn't cash so she could keep it as a souvenir.
I guess we can all be happy that this scandal has nothing to do with SGE not being able to keep it in his pants...hopefully, because that woman sounds scary.
24 January 2008
More LULZ from Football
I have to admit I find English Football and the English Football press to be one of the most hilarious things since the beginning of time. From the use of not-so-direct "direct quotes" in which Footballers' language is cleaned up to sound more erudite or just plain literate than they are to footballers feeding their own stories to the news under the auspices of having loads of friends.
Anyway, this story from yesterday's Sky Sports, which I just read today due to a 12 hour sleep fest last night, made me laugh for a good 2 minutes.
John Terry claims Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is the best in the world.
The England captain believes Carragher, who retired from internationals last year, compares favourably with any defender in the game today.
"I personally think that over the last four or five years he has been the best defender in the world," Terry told the official Liverpool website.
"He's been consistent in the Premier League, he's never injured, he always gives 100 per cent, he's a good reader of the game, he's quick and is good in the air.
I can only imagine the doublethink going on there that and how somehow in his tiny blue head complimenting Carra would ensure that Terry's England's captain when he comes back from his 9000th injury this year. If he is the best defender in the world why would so many crappy defenders get picked over him again and again.
My opinion of Carragher is that he's a thug and a merchant of sneaky tackles and suplexes in the box for which he hardly ever gets caught.
23 January 2008
quick post
Spurs making it to the Carling Cup final is a bit incredible but fantastic news for all of us that want to see someone different. An Everton Spurs final would be enjoyable football. But it will probably be Chelsea Spurs and the most boring defensive 90 minutes of your life
I was unplugged yesterday so I didn't get a chance to post or read any football news. Also www.mcfcamerica.org got hacked and I'm going to have to fix that this evening. :(
I was unplugged yesterday so I didn't get a chance to post or read any football news. Also www.mcfcamerica.org got hacked and I'm going to have to fix that this evening. :(
21 January 2008
Hicks and Gillet doing all they can for Anglo US Relations
BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Liverpool | Gerrard hits out at unstable Reds
The Americans have to go," said Mackin. "They've let everybody down associated with the club.
"They've let the manager down by not backing him publicly, they've gone behind his back and undermined his position and in doing so, they've embarrassed the supporters.
"They've dragged the name of the club through the mud and made us a laughing stock."
Americans have managed to buy 2 other Premiership teams without turning it into the circus that Liverpool has become.
That said, I am not sure that they can completely agree that whatever temper tantrums George Hicks is throwing has anything to do with Rafa playing useless Kuyt . Or subbing Benayoun instead of Kuyt for Crouch and moving Babel up. Also the questionable tactic of waiting for Stevie G to nick a goal and a point in the last 10 minutes--a tactic they've used before this year as well. The owners also have had nothing to do with Liverpool's struggling form last year or their 5th place finish in 2005. Without a large full scale overhaul in the squad Liverpool will continue to play for the UEFA Cup no matter who is in charge.
20 January 2008
Muntari Wins it for Ghana
I'm pretty sure I don't care about the Africa Cup of Nations.
1) I'm not African, 2) It's not on television in the United States and because of 1) I really don't feel like going out of my way to watch it via sopcast.
I'm also pretty sure that I'm of the opinion that it should be played in the Summer or all of European football needs to have an extended winter break so that it can be fit in without interfering with important things, i.e, European Leagues. The best footballing country in Africa is tantamount to looking for the World's Tallest Midget: you may win but you're still fucking short.
Anyway, despite all of this, I ran across Muntari's winning goal for Ghana from earlier today. It's a cracker! I'm pretty sure that Pompey ain't missin him with Benjani (who has the good sense to be from a country that didn't qualify for the ACON) scoring a hat trick yesterday.
Here's the winning goal:
They play like it matters, bless.
1) I'm not African, 2) It's not on television in the United States and because of 1) I really don't feel like going out of my way to watch it via sopcast.
I'm also pretty sure that I'm of the opinion that it should be played in the Summer or all of European football needs to have an extended winter break so that it can be fit in without interfering with important things, i.e, European Leagues. The best footballing country in Africa is tantamount to looking for the World's Tallest Midget: you may win but you're still fucking short.
Anyway, despite all of this, I ran across Muntari's winning goal for Ghana from earlier today. It's a cracker! I'm pretty sure that Pompey ain't missin him with Benjani (who has the good sense to be from a country that didn't qualify for the ACON) scoring a hat trick yesterday.
Here's the winning goal:
They play like it matters, bless.
19 January 2008
Ten Things You Should Know About Non-League Football
Over at Pitchinvasion.net (quickly becoming one of our favorite football sites/blogs on football culture) they ran an excellent piece on Ten Things You Should Know About Non-League Football. I've tried to explain the English Football Pyramid to my friends here who want to know more about Football, but they can't seem to get around the minor / major league franchise thinking of baseball and hockey.
It normally goes like this, especially after I tell them that no I don't support Manchester United.
Along with the Wikipedia page that explains the basics of the structure, I will give people links to the excellent Pitch Invasion piece to friends interested in knowing more about what these differences actually mean
It normally goes like this, especially after I tell them that no I don't support Manchester United.
"You mean there's TWO clubs in Manchester? "
"Well no actually there are several in the Football League alone and a gazillon more when you get into Non-League"
*Friends eyes roll back and friend asks me what I think about Beckham in the US"
Along with the Wikipedia page that explains the basics of the structure, I will give people links to the excellent Pitch Invasion piece to friends interested in knowing more about what these differences actually mean
18 January 2008
WOW I actually DREAMT about my fantasy team!
This morning, I read the story that RVP isn't coming back after all and I log onto my pub's fantasy league to offload him. I notice I still (thankfully) have Sami Hyypia (did I just say thankfully about Hyypia??) and not Agger whom I remember putting in and arguing about with FootieGeeza. It turns out that was a dream. I'm not sure what's more sad: Dreaming about my fantasy league or being happy that I still have that Finnish goof on my team.
Oh boy, off to look for another striker--I can afford Adebayor now but everyone has him and it won't help me win. Such hard decisions. ETA: I chose Robbie Keane the striker with the most points that isn't in the top 5 list. The top 5 list being the top 5 players chosen at a position.
By the way I'm 8th in the local league ;)
Oh boy, off to look for another striker--I can afford Adebayor now but everyone has him and it won't help me win. Such hard decisions. ETA: I chose Robbie Keane the striker with the most points that isn't in the top 5 list. The top 5 list being the top 5 players chosen at a position.
By the way I'm 8th in the local league ;)
17 January 2008
Croatians Dream of WEMBLEY??
Corluka's cup dream - Manchester City - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News
Corluka's cup dream
16/ 1/2008
VEDRAN Corluka was just 13 when he vowed to himself that he would one day play in an FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
It's a bit of posturing of course, but there is no way that City will make it to Wemberley if they don't get rid of the load in their pants from last night. They won't even beat Sheff Utd that way.
16 January 2008
American Gridiron Players Crazier than Joey Barton
I know this isn't strictly the theme of this blog, but oh my goodness me--everyone would excuse me.
Dante Stallworth from the Future Superbowl Champion New England Patriots.
But no one was harder on Stallworth than himself. Immediately after Mathis made the tackle, Stallworth pounded the ground and then started punching his legs as if they were defective.
Stallworth said that was punishment from his alter ego, Nicco, whom Stallworth has described as an extra terrestrial being that resides on Mars when the receiver is off the field.
that is WAY weirder than anything Joey Barton said on Inside Sport.
Kevin Keegan! Are you kidding me!?
Toon Army forces the club into stupid sentimental decision. The BBC and Sky Sports both call it a shock. RTE called it sensational so that's the article I'll link to.
Keegan returns to the Magpies
Wednesday, 16 January 2008 16:58
Kevin Keegan will sensationally return to Newcastle United as the club's manager.
He's done so well in management since leaving Newcastle. Next he'll replace Fabio Capello as England Manager!
The one thing about Kevin Keegan, at least he gets better looking the older he gets.
I mean asides from the fact that he looks too old for 55 and a bit like Nick Lowe.
Well, There's Richard Dunne Sold Then
From Skysports this morning:
Blues chief executive Alistair Mackintosh:
"Richard has made it clear
that he is very happy at Manchester City, and we are very happy with him. The
talks we are having are very constructive.
very
14 January 2008
Souness, Keegan, Houllier, Shearer--don't the Geordies want to WIN?
I am extremely underwhelmed with the names that Newcastle have been linked with for their now vacant managerial post. I'm not sure what I'm expecting but two former managers, a former player that doesn't want it, and an idiot Frenchman ain't it. (Discounting Mark Hughes because he's linked with every empty post in England).
It's club football's poison chalice, isn't it? You have deluded fans wanting the glory of just losing the title 15 years ago, a history of revolving door for managers since then, and new leadership that just sacked the best man for the job.
Reading the press today makes it look like Houllier may be the man for the job... God help us all.
13 January 2008
Jimmy Bullard
I let out a small cheer yesterday when I saw Jimmy Bullard subbed in. Hopefully there will be some hilarity from him as Fulham are on their way to the League Championship.
12 January 2008
Oy Vey it's a stereotype super party
Got this AIM earlier. Usernames Changed to protect the not so innocent:
I can't quite tell if he was being serious or not.
INTERNET (8:57:11 PM): So I give up on Newcastle United. They are dead to me and will end up just like Leeds United in the near future, I'm affraid. Most of the guys I liked the most are now playing for West Ham now, so UP THE IRONS! Hopefully they'll be blowing pretty bubbles on Wednesday against your Citizens!
ME (8:57:30 PM): jesus
ME (8:57:34 PM): you can't switch like that!
INTERNET (8:57:54 PM): sure I can!
INTERNET (8:58:05 PM): I'm a Green Street HOOLIGAN!
ME (8:58:13 PM): groce
INTERNET (8:58:25 PM): hahaha
INTERNET(8:58:46 PM): If I ever said that to anyone in East Ham, I'd probably get knifed.
INTERNET (8:59:23 PM): hehe
INTERNET (9:02:32 PM): I will never, ever give up on my Houston Dynamo, though. They are my blood and I can understand a footie fan's passion.
I can't quite tell if he was being serious or not.
11 January 2008
Shffield Wednesday to be bought by M$?
A twitter friend of mine just told me that there is a rumor around Sheffield Wednesday groups that Paul Allen the 19th richest billionaire in the world maybe is going to try and buy Sheffield Wednesday.
I choose to propagate this rumor.
I choose to propagate this rumor.
10 January 2008
Recommended Listening:
Do yourself a favor and listen to the Niall Quinn interview on the World Football Podcast.
09 January 2008
Retardation Up in Newcastle
“I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle United but I wish the club all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future.”
Big Sam Splits with Newcastle
Kevin Keegan was 15 years ago, and he didn't fucking win anything. You're not going to achieve that success without some patience.
I for once can't wait for Alan Shearer to fail so that everyone can stop going on about him.
08 January 2008
a few changes
you may have noticed i changed the name of the blog and I changed my user name to my real name. I'm tired of being confused with a lesbian from norwich.
the url stays the same for now.
FA Cup fourth-round draw
Arsenal v Stoke City/Newcastle
Coventry v Walsall/Millwall
Oldham v Huddersfield Town
Swindon/Barnet v Fulham/Bristol Rovers
Wigan v Chelsea
Luton/Liverpool v Swansea/Havant & Waterlooville
Southend v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich/Bury
Man Utd v Tottenham/Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Derby/Sheff Wed v Preston
Watford v Wolves
Peterborough v Charlton/West Brom
Sheff Utd v West Ham/Man City
Mansfield v Middlesbrough
Tranmere/Hereford v Cardiff
Remember last year when I was complaining constantly last year about Chelsea's luck in the FA Cup draw that led to the most boring final ever? At least they've got an away draw this year.
Coventry v Walsall/Millwall
Oldham v Huddersfield Town
Swindon/Barnet v Fulham/Bristol Rovers
Wigan v Chelsea
Luton/Liverpool v Swansea/Havant & Waterlooville
Southend v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich/Bury
Man Utd v Tottenham/Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Derby/Sheff Wed v Preston
Watford v Wolves
Peterborough v Charlton/West Brom
Sheff Utd v West Ham/Man City
Mansfield v Middlesbrough
Tranmere/Hereford v Cardiff
Remember last year when I was complaining constantly last year about Chelsea's luck in the FA Cup draw that led to the most boring final ever? At least they've got an away draw this year.
Wow.. Ramos might know what he's talking about after all.
BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Tottenham Hotspur | Defoe told he can leave Tottenham
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has revealed coach Juande Ramos has told him he can leave White Hart Lane.
But the 25-year-old England forward - who is out of contract at the end of next season - insists he wants to stay.
Defoe told The Sun: "The manager has said I can leave if I want, but I want to stay here and prove him wrong.
"He called me into his office and told me. I thought it was a joke. I thought he was going to say I would be starting against Arsenal in the Carling Cup."
Defoe got Merked.
07 January 2008
I'm just giving him more attention I know
RTÉ Sport: Berbatov 'fed up' with media frenzy
If he wasn't constantly whining and pouting, no one would give a crap about him. So he is reaping what he's sowing Not that he's really that bothered, I'm sure. Keeps his names in the paper.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov is growing tired of the continued speculation over his future with the London club and wants to be left alone by the media.
If he wasn't constantly whining and pouting, no one would give a crap about him. So he is reaping what he's sowing Not that he's really that bothered, I'm sure. Keeps his names in the paper.
06 January 2008
One word impressions of the matches I watched Sunday
Burnley v Arsenal - Boring
Luton v Liverpool - Shit
Stoke v Newcastle - dreadful.
Luton v Liverpool - Shit
Stoke v Newcastle - dreadful.
05 January 2008
Cupset
I like the word Cupset as coined on 606 this morning to refer to Cup Upsets. It's kind of cute at it's actually very Beeb.
The Cupset I am the MOST excited about is Oldham over Everton AT Goodison. As I've mentioned before, Oldham is a team I've got a bit of a soft-spot for. This increases my chances of getting to see Oldham on television in the US. Actually the past couple of years I have been able to see them a couple of times. Once in the FA Cup two years back and the league one promotion playoffs last year. Since they've got zero chance of being promoted, this is the only possibility.
FootieNeighbor's funeral was this morning so I missed a lot of the 3pm matches. I did get to watch Villa v Man United tho. I was bored to tears for most of it. Villa squandered some real opportunities including Ashley Young's "harder to miss than make" shot. United of course nicked 2 goals in the dying breaths making for a 2-0 scoreline that does not really reflect just how well Villa did.
I'd like to see an Oldham / United derby at Boundary Park. Because it would be good for Oldham $$$$ wise, and of course the possibility of the Ginja Ninja playing against Oldham is as exciting as the possibility of him playing FOR Oldham even for the most casual supporters.
Luton to Liverpool: Plz to help us kthnx. FB to Luton: Thnx for the Lulz.
Sky Sports | Football | News | Luton request Reds' aid
"The administrator asked Liverpool about donating their share of the gate money," Blackwell explained.
"They probably said: 'We have to pay players £100,000 a week. You must be joking! Otherwise we will be like you!'
"You just have to accept it. There are people in life who have got a Rolls Royce while some people have a Mini.
"We are Mini drivers. We tried to live like a Rolls Royce but that's why we are where we are.
That takes some unmitigated gall. Go on Luton that's hilarious. If it's anything like their FA Cup tie with Liverpool two years ago, they may have the next rounds' gates to look forward to. I mean Xabi Alonso isn't fit to hit another screamer from midfield is he?
04 January 2008
FA CUP Worries from a City Fan
If I'm honest, I'm worried that the FA Cup might be canceled due to lack of interested after Saturday's clash at West Ham.
Two quick laughs
Hit and Run today folks. Two things making me laugh today.
1) Joey Barton's stint in jail. His brother and fellow fighter, Andrew is my myspace friend. So is the page that Drew did for Joey. I'm not sure if that makes me cool or not.
2) Dimitar Berbatov and 30 million quid. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA Record signings always disappoint, but shouldn't they wait until after spending a gazillion to find out? Obviously a scare Man United Tactic. But if Pissy Crissy goes to Real, they'll have the money to piss away.
03 January 2008
Don't mess with Dennis Wise
He may look like a hairdresser but don't mess with Dennis Wise or his mother-in-law apparently.
Leeds United manager Dennis Wise has been interviewed by police after chasing a stone-throwing youth.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed a 41-year-old man and a 13-year-old youth had been questioned about the incident.
There had been no arrests or charges and police inquiries were continuing, a police statement said.
Mr Wise jumped out of his car when it came under attack by youths at Potternewton in north Leeds and chased one but could not hold on to him.
Good for him.
Big Sam and his Pink Scarf
A lot of talk has been made the past couple of days about how if Sir Alex the Asshole and Arsene Wenger were newly hired today, they'd never have stayed at their respective teams because people don't give managers chances anymore. It's a cliche argument but it looks true doesn't it?
Big Sam is class. Big Scary Class. The kind of guy who isn't afraid to wear a pink scarf because he'll swallow your head whole if you say anything about it. Obviously there is a motivation problem in the locker room and a lack of confidence. How much of that can be laid at the Large one's feet and not at the feet of the yeoman (and Mickey Owen) gun-shy players he's got? His signings haven't been shit (Joey the jailbird notwithstanding) as much as the existing players in the locker room not accepting him and his signings.
It might not be the best fit, and it's very hard to rebuild in an open league worth the shit ton of money that the Premiership is worth, but it seems like if you don't give the managers the time they need to do what they need to do, you'll never know if it's a good fit or just adjustment / rebuilding. I suspect that if the players aren't behind you it might not be the best fit and it probably is a bit more than just rebuilding, but you can't know because he's not been given any real amount of time. And seriously, how many managers are Newcastle going to go through in a 3 year period? Big Sam's the best that lot and deserves at least until the end of the season before he's done.
Can tell you know one unrelated thing: England would have qualified for Euro if England went the way of the Big one.
02 January 2008
01 January 2008
RIP Chips AKA FootieNeighbor
This morning, I was in the shower thinking about my new year's resolution to post in this blog more (more on this prolly tomorrow) and what my first post of the year should be, and I really hoped it would be something different than this
Chips my neighbor, whom I've mentioned from time to time as FootieNeighbor passed away yesterday morning. He was an avid die-hard Chelsea fan for decades and a fantastic American Ambassador to the sport. In fact we met on the train coming back from watching matches at our respective locals and got to talking because of Football. His enthusiasm for the beautiful game was infectious and I know he's converted people into football fans.
He's been sick for a couple weeks and has dragged himself out to the pub to see his beloved Chelsea over the Christmas Season despite being rather ill. We found out he passed after today's Chelsea match which we were supposed to be watching with him. We had a toast of Tullamore Dew in his honor He was Episcopalian and always made fun of us Papists and our affection for Celtic despite not really giving a fuck about Scottish Football--so of course a Catholic Whiskey was appropriate.
Chips loved this blog (and god I don't have any idea why) and always complained that I didn't update it enough, so for him I will update more often and make sure I stick to my New Year's Resolution.
14 December 2007
hahahhaa capello's mom
ESPNsoccernet - England - Mamma Capello worried about her bambino
True to the stereotype of Italy's famously matriarchal society, octogenarian Evelina Tortul fears for the well-being of the man set to be confirmed imminently as Steve McClaren's successor.
'I am really not very happy about this,' she told the Daily Telegraph.
'The newspapers and the television are going to be on his back all the time now, and talk badly about everything he does - whether it is good or bad.
'My peaceful days are over.'
Signora Tortul's grave reservations appear to extend beyond the levels of parental concern which might be reasonably expected in this country.
'The problem with the media is that it is fine when you are winning, but when you lose they cut your throat,' she believes.
'I'm his mother, so that is going to make me unhappy.'
12 December 2007
On English teams in Champion's League
There is this interesting theory/fallacy in European football from an English perspective. Basically that in the Champion's League English Teams are infalliable, undestructable, and impossible to beat unless by one of the following teams:
AC Milan
Real Madrid
Barca
Inter Milan (swaps places with Roma depending on Italian Standings).
Liverpool advanced out of Group A in the Champion's League yesterday in second place. That means for the first round of the knockout they will face a first place team from any of the other groups provided that they aren't English.
First place in the other groups (sans English Teams)
AC Milan
Real Madrid
Barca
Inter Milan
(Sevilla if Arsenal don't win today)
If Arsenal don't win today, they are in the same situation as Liverpool. Though for some reason I imagine more people would back Arsenal to come out alive than Liverpool (despite the fantastic Golf Swing Celebration victory at the Nu Camp last year).
The other English teams have a pretty easy road to go as there are some especially weak second place teams from the groups. Though there a couple more undecided.
It's just funny I guess.
11 December 2007
Lip Service is all you'll ever get from the FA
So the FA has unvieled a plan where children can get concession tickets for "selected" FA Cup Ties in the 3rd Round for 1 pound. OOOH How great the FA is reaching out to the communit-ay. Etc Etc. Then you see the matches.
The games selected are
Blackburn v Coventry, Plymouth v Hull, Bolton v Sheffield United, Sunderland v Wigan, Huddersfield v Birmingham and Wolves v Cambridge.
It's to get people out who would rather watch the United Match on television. I love watching lower division Football and you can't beat the FA Cup for drama. But jesus christ, a more disengenious statement the FA couldn't have made if they tried.
*you* name the blog
There is some lesbian in Norfolk or someplace equaly ghastly that calls herself footiebird on the internets. She "had it" first. Plus Footiebird is a stupid name. I hated it from the start, but I don't know what else to call it. Should I rename this blog? If I do what should it be? Also, nothing involving my being in US, because I hate American Anglophiles and dont want to be associated. haha
08 December 2007
06 December 2007
My only friend
Man City BEAR --the only one to watch City Matches with me at the bar. :'(
He was very sad after the draw at Wigan.
I will be back to posting normal things after this week. Big client Visit at work.
He was very sad after the draw at Wigan.
I will be back to posting normal things after this week. Big client Visit at work.
29 November 2007
Oh to be a Soton Supporter Today
Harry Redknapp is probably out of the picture for the England job you think?
I of course blame Willie McKay that asshole is just trouble. I've got his mobile number I wonder if he's changed it in the past year.
I of course blame Willie McKay that asshole is just trouble. I've got his mobile number I wonder if he's changed it in the past year.
23 November 2007
Have I mentioned that I want to marry Steven Gerrard yet?
BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Leeds demand High Court hearing
Yeah... that rule about entering CVA is just a suggestion.
Leeds United want their 15-point deduction to be adjudicated by the High Court rather than the Football Association, reports BBC Radio Leeds.
In August, Leeds lost an appeal over the points deduction for the start of the season after the club went into administration.
Since then Leeds have made two requests to the FA to set up an independent commission to review that decision.
...
Leeds chairman Ken Bates had insisted the League One outfit had not broken any rules.
Yeah... that rule about entering CVA is just a suggestion.
Poor Rafa
Happy Thanksgiving to me and whatever Americans may be reading this. Imma eat my weight in turkey and stuffing.
Football365.com - HICKS URGES BENITEZ TO 'QUIT TALKING' - All The News - Football365 News
Jose Mourinho to manage Liverpool next year.
Football365.com - HICKS URGES BENITEZ TO 'QUIT TALKING' - All The News - Football365 News
Liverpool co-chairman Tom Hicks has put manager Rafael Benitez in his place by telling the Spaniard to "coach the players we have" rather than complain about not being able to make new signings.
The American has spoken out further after originally issuing a statement with joint owner George Gillett which said they wanted all the focus to be on the forthcoming matches and not off-the-pitch issues
Jose Mourinho to manage Liverpool next year.
22 November 2007
Well some good news to come out of yesterday's fiasco
Sky Sports | Football | Internationals | England | England axe McClaren
The Football Association have confirmed the departure of England coach Steve McClaren.
The FA board convened on Thursday morning after calling an emergency meeting and they wasted little time in confirming the termination of McClaren's contract.
McClaren's tenure was brought to an end less than 24 hours after England were knocked out of Euro 2008 at the qualifying stage.
20 November 2007
quick un
BBC SPORT | Fun and Games | Quotes of the Week
CHANTS OF THE WEEK
"Who picked your team this week?" and "Stand up if you own Ebbsfleet."
Oxford United fans to the travelling Ebbsfleet fans on Saturday.
oh i lolled
19 November 2007
Rumour Mill
Insane article about how now that City's transfer kitty will be 150,000,000 pounds and Sven will try and bring "good players" to Man City
Crouch tops wanted list as Sven given bumper transfer kitty| Sport | This is London
If Sven signs Peter Crouch I'm going to jump in front of something that will run me over and squish me.
Crouch tops wanted list as Sven given bumper transfer kitty| Sport | This is London
That could even lead to spectacular bids for the likes of Barcelona's South American pair Leo Messi and Ronaldinho, or Brazilian playmaker Kaka, of AC Milan, although nailing down such big names is another matter.
The first big target of the January transfer window will be Peter Crouch, a deal that would depend on whether or not his club, Liverpool, qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
If Sven signs Peter Crouch I'm going to jump in front of something that will run me over and squish me.
16 November 2007
I will also marry Steven Gerrard by year's end
Robbie Keane believes it would be 'daft' to write off Tottenham's chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League this season.
Spurs have made a less than impressive start to the season and are currently languishing in 14th position in the Premier League after winning only two of their opening 13 games.
I believe they will probably wind up finishing very solidly midtable but to finish fourth they probably need a real keeper and a couple defenders in January--oh yeah and for Liverpool Chelsea Pompey and Blackburn to suddenly withdraw from the Premier League.
Of course, after posting this Spurs will beat City in the Carling Cup and the League in December and I will rue ever writing this.
an admin note
This blog's time is in GMT for reasons which I can not fathom (well more to the truth remember)... so when it says that i posted nonsense at 3 this morning I can most assuredly tell you that I posted my nonsense at 10 last night.
15 November 2007
Post of little original content.
Italian policeman who shot dead football fan faces murder charge - Forbes.com
An Italian policeman who shot dead a young football fan has been charged with murder, his lawyer told reporters on Thursday.
Murder and not manslaughter Hallelujah.
Also,
Keeper Carson to make England debut against Austria | Breaking News | Guardian Unlimited Football
Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson will make his England debut in Friday's friendly against Austria.
Chuffed for him. He's quality.
Wall of Support for Israel | Fanbanta
Wall of Support for Israel
Pledge your support for Israel in Saturday's crucial Euro 2008 Qualifier.
It's England's biggest game of the season - and they're not even playing.
England need Israel to stop Russia from claiming maximum points on Saturday, otherwise we're not going to Euro 2008.
Wall of Support for Israel sounds like some Zionist tirade. But with the situation against Russia this weekend, I guess I'll let it go.
14 November 2007
Cookie Coleman is a party animal
Football: Coleman excuse fails to wash | News | Guardian Unlimited Football
Right. That's him back to England then.
It is seriously uncool that the club allowed their manager to hang like that. Who cares if he was out late partying or if he was late because of his washing machine? You need to present a united front with your manager--especially if you've won 4 outta 12. Don't force your manager to embarrass himself more. It's just unnecessarily mean and unfair. It probably wouldn't have been that big of a deal if the club didn't make him admit what really happened.
That said, what kind of professional fucks around like that? Also from experience, I know if you're 90 minutes late from being out late and drinking--you can get there on time. It's only when you get to like 3 hours late that you can use partying as an excuse. He's too old to party.
Real Sociedad are investigating coach Chris Coleman's late arrival at a press conference, amid reports that he was seen at a local nightclub in the early hours of last Friday morning.
Coleman claimed a faulty washing machine had been the reason for arriving 90 minutes late on Friday only to be forced into a statement on the club's website in which he admitted that it had been an "excuse" after being out the night before until the early hours. "I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," said the former Fulham manager, who has taken the second division club to four wins out of 12.
Right. That's him back to England then.
It is seriously uncool that the club allowed their manager to hang like that. Who cares if he was out late partying or if he was late because of his washing machine? You need to present a united front with your manager--especially if you've won 4 outta 12. Don't force your manager to embarrass himself more. It's just unnecessarily mean and unfair. It probably wouldn't have been that big of a deal if the club didn't make him admit what really happened.
That said, what kind of professional fucks around like that? Also from experience, I know if you're 90 minutes late from being out late and drinking--you can get there on time. It's only when you get to like 3 hours late that you can use partying as an excuse. He's too old to party.
13 November 2007
MyFootballClub picked a club.
MyFootballClub has agreed a deal in principle to purchase a controlling stake in Ebbsfleet United FC. Placed 9th in the Conference, Ebbsfleet United FC is one promotion from reaching the Football League for the first time in its history.
I think i will put in my 35quid or however much it is, but I really don't hope that it stops a team on it's way to the league. It's got a very convoluted system. Including members of myfootballclub.com voting on players and starters etc etc. It's really bad.
12 November 2007
Aussies are funny.
Sky Sports | Football | Premier League | News | Cahill hits out at Essien
Cahill then followed up by saying that he believes that Ronaldo and Gerrard should stop diving and he believes in Santa.
Everton ace Tim Cahill has hit out at Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien for his tackle on Leon Osman.
Essien was booked for a late lunge on Osman during the 1-1 draw between the two sides at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Osman escaped serious injury in the tackle and Cahill believes Essien should apologise for the challenge.
Cahill then followed up by saying that he believes that Ronaldo and Gerrard should stop diving and he believes in Santa.
my scallie cred is plus 2000
Quick post: After a bit of an ebay splurge--I now have 8 replica Man City shirts. I'm playing catchup with Footie Geeza and Footie Neighbor
I also have big fuck off hoop earrings.
Try not to hate.
I also have big fuck off hoop earrings.
Try not to hate.
11 November 2007
Italian football is out of control
I'm so angry right now about the state of Italian Football. I am ranting at a friend on IM over the corruption and violence and how everything just needs to fucking STOP.
- After what happened in Sicily last year the whole season should have been behind closed doors
- "Italian Bizzies Are ASSHOLES" from the beating of Man Utd Fans in Rome this year to today's shooting, these fuckers are out of control. Something to be said against compulsory police service--if they don't wanna be there, they won't give a fuck. HOW THE HELL DO YOU SHOOT SOMEONE TO BREAK UP A FIST FIGHT?? Further, I believe that a lot of the violence in Italy has escalated due to poor crowd control. NOT hooliganism.
- Match Fixing -- How could a team punished for Match fixing be allowed to compete in MUCH LESS WIN the fucking Champion's League? I'm not even going to get into the laughable punishment that Juventus received.
It's just a horrible situation all around, obviously. While it's really easy to blame the people involved and the hooliganism which of course is a factor, the institutional corruption of Italian government and Football plays a much bigger part. I'm a radical at heart--so I see a lot of the violence as a reaction to this. Hopefully--this will be the sign that UEFA and FIFA need to clean up Italian football. If they can stop trying to deflect attention away by calling English (and Liverpool specifically) supporters the worst in Europe and actually pay attention to what's going on. If not, a lot more people are going to die both supporter and police.
Fantasy Team: Why the fuck do I have Michael Owen.
Now, let me explain that this is the stupidest fantasy league among the 3 I pay attention to (I have a premierleague.com team that's middling and a yahoo team that's like 90th percentile--don't hate). It is also the highest stakes because it's the one that my local does and you win shit--I mean stuff. 
Anyway, you get 55 million pounds and only 20 transfers a year (which is why I'm riding out the RVP injury). You get 3 points for an goal 2 points for an assist and a complicated system with defenders (1 point for 60 minutes on and 2 points for a clean sheet and minus 1 point for the second goal conceded and every goal thereafter). Pick a captain and their points are doubled.
There are no points for tackles or balls won or anything else, so it's really hard to get a good team because obviously the goal scorers are expensive. You hope for some dark horses like Petrov (MC) or Elano. Of course they've done SFA since I put them on.
I had a really good week this week because of fucking Cristiano Ronaldo my captain--from three people. THAT IS NOT HOW YOU WIN. I mean I'm still doing really well locally and I'm also winning the Philly Scouse Contingent mini league, but I'm really ashamed of my team. If I could get more than 20 transfers I'd put Almunia in goal and get rid of Owen and Geremi. I think I put them in after a bad injury week and Newcastle must have had a decent week--but I'm not sure when that is.
I'm sorry I subjected you to my shitty team.
10 November 2007
Liverpool manage to put me to sleep for only 81 minutes before salvaging their title hopes
So I was watching Liverpool at home instead of at the pub with the Philadelphia Scouse Contingent (of which Footie Geeza is a proud member / leader in debauchery) and holy shit I was bored. First half there was one real gasping chance that Crouchinho had bouncing off the crossbar. Then we were bored for another 35 minutes further until Fernando Torres (El Nino, la) scored. It was a nice goal (not on youtube yet) then 4 minutes later. There was a WELL dodgy penalty that shouldn't have been awarded but Steven Gerrard proved his worth by converting. So there you go a 2-0 win that probably should have been 1-0 but even that isn't a fair enough scoreline for how well Fulham were defending all match (until the last 10 minutes which is pretty much their "thing" now).
Ok now onto the important things. The glasses really do make Lawrie Sanchez not look like an idiot.
Before
After
hmm...
Actually in that last picture he looks a bit... hr I dunno.
What do you reckon?
Ok now onto the important things. The glasses really do make Lawrie Sanchez not look like an idiot.
Before
After
hmm...
Actually in that last picture he looks a bit... hr I dunno.
What do you reckon?
09 November 2007
Confirmed: England Strikers are made of glass and paper
Sky Sports | Football | News | Rooney suffers injury blow
I know England was depending on Israel to beat Russia but I'm not even sure they can beat Croatia now.
BBC SPORT | Football | Holloway column
I, like Pies, love Ollie and he's 100% Ireland is a fucking fruitcake. He's steppin in for Sir Joey of Barton. Only with more dead Nans.
BBC SPORT | Football | Gossip | Friday's gossip column
I also think Jose is fucking Legend and can not wait for him to come back to England and manage some team with money. The unintentional hilarity will last for ages.
oh another note, I started tracking traffic into this site (so there are 30 of you not 2--wooooo) and someone came in through searching google for "fucking old birds". classic. Sorry to disappoint. I'm only 26.
Wayne Rooney is facing four weeks on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury in training.
The Manchester United striker will now miss England's final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on 21st November.
I know England was depending on Israel to beat Russia but I'm not even sure they can beat Croatia now.
BBC SPORT | Football | Holloway column
STEPHEN IRELAND'S SUPERMAN SHORTS
He's a complete fruitcake, that bloke, isn't he? We've got to be careful with him, he's after the old crazy mantle and he's going to win it hands down.
You'd better ask Superman what he thinks about it, someone impersonating him playing for Man City.
I, like Pies, love Ollie and he's 100% Ireland is a fucking fruitcake. He's steppin in for Sir Joey of Barton. Only with more dead Nans.
BBC SPORT | Football | Gossip | Friday's gossip column
Jose Mourinho has been involved in a playground spat with a 12-year-old boy. The former Chelsea boss was not so special when he was forced to write a formal apology to one of his daughter's classmates after pulling the child's hair.
I also think Jose is fucking Legend and can not wait for him to come back to England and manage some team with money. The unintentional hilarity will last for ages.
oh another note, I started tracking traffic into this site (so there are 30 of you not 2--wooooo) and someone came in through searching google for "fucking old birds". classic. Sorry to disappoint. I'm only 26.
08 November 2007
Pele is a FRIGGIN IDIOT
I did have this before PIES but admittedly in my twitter so it doesn't COUNT.
Pele Wants Defensive Walls Banned
Pele has called on world governing body FIFA to ban defending teams setting up walls after conceding free-kicks close to the box.
Basically he doesn't think it's fair that you can pull down a striker right outside the penalty box when he's about to score and then get to put 10 people behind the ball to keep him from scoring. I admit that he has more of a point than that on his head. However, giving basically long range penalty kicks will result in every Mediterranean and Steven Gerrard falling down all they can.
Besides aren't goals like this all the more exciting because of a wall?
apologies for the video phone doesn't seem like there's any proper shots on youtube.
100th post!! Crisy ate all the pies!
woo all 2 of my readers can celebrate with this new classic quote via Who Ate All The Pies.
Staff at Old Trafford have told the pacy Portuguese to cut back on his intake of pies before he begins to put on weight. Ronaldo said: "I dated a girl from Manchester and she showed me that steak pies and chips are very good. But I have to be careful. the club do not want me to eat too much of this food as it would not be good for my game. They have told me they do not want me gaining any extra weight."
I could not stop laughing at this.
Northerners will always lead you astray a fact to which yours truly can attest.
Micah Richards reveals more about team camaraderie than I'd ever hope to know
From his always insipid BBC Sport Column
To be honest, I was supposed to do that celebration with him. We both bought the same pants at the same time!
However, I was not playing so I could not join him - and I am quite pleased now because otherwise I would have got the same stick.
Well then. I can just picture them in the Asda by Eastlands buying their undies together and talking about how fantastic it will be when one of them scores a goal to flash the world their knickers.
I miss "good scouser" Kevin Nolan's column.
07 November 2007
Dear Dave Whelan:
Let me cut to the chase: Paul Jewell over Graeme Souness EVERY FUCKING TIME
Love,
FB
ps., it's a shame you can't have Jimmy Bullard back but he's hurt so Fulham isn't enjoying him right now either.
Love,
FB
ps., it's a shame you can't have Jimmy Bullard back but he's hurt so Fulham isn't enjoying him right now either.
Liverpool 8 - 0 Besiktas - in which our Footie Bird's closet Scouse sympathy comes to light.
I only got to the pub in the 75th minute to meet with the Footie Geeza yesterday. I still got to see 3 goals.
Peter Crouch helps Liverpool to new heights in record win | European Football - Times Online
Kuyt will still start on Saturday because Rafa is a stubborn bastard. I mean he's right in a way--Crouch is rubbish, but he's on form. Even those 10 minutes he gets to play at the end of the match esin the league he's really looking stellar. BUT HE'S RUBBISH omg it makes my head spin.
Another thing that makes my head spin.
ESPNsoccernet - UEFA Champions League - Valencia v Rosenborg Report
HOW THE FUCK DID THAT HAPPEN???? Rosenborg who finished 5th in the Tippeligaen (and my beloved IK Start were relegated), and they beat Valencia twice?!?!? Will Rosenborg benefit next year from the Liverpool rule?? If Porto could win so could Rosenborg haha.
They're being raided by all the big sides of their players after beating big clubs so it'll be interesting to see what happens.
Peter Crouch helps Liverpool to new heights in record win | European Football - Times Online
Liverpool set a Champions League record last night with an 8-0 victory over Besiktas, the most resounding in the competition in its revised format. They may still require victories in their final two group games to reach the last 16, but an emphatic triumph, the club’s biggest in any competition since 1989 and best in Europe for 27 years, has given their campaign a spectacular, if overdue, kick-start.
Kuyt will still start on Saturday because Rafa is a stubborn bastard. I mean he's right in a way--Crouch is rubbish, but he's on form. Even those 10 minutes he gets to play at the end of the match esin the league he's really looking stellar. BUT HE'S RUBBISH omg it makes my head spin.
Another thing that makes my head spin.
ESPNsoccernet - UEFA Champions League - Valencia v Rosenborg Report
VALENCIA, November 6 (Champions League) - Ronald Koeman's Valencia career got off to a dismal start on Tuesday after visiting Rosenborg stunned his new charges in their Champions League Group B clash at the Mestalla.
HOW THE FUCK DID THAT HAPPEN???? Rosenborg who finished 5th in the Tippeligaen (and my beloved IK Start were relegated), and they beat Valencia twice?!?!? Will Rosenborg benefit next year from the Liverpool rule?? If Porto could win so could Rosenborg haha.
They're being raided by all the big sides of their players after beating big clubs so it'll be interesting to see what happens.
06 November 2007
In which our Footie Bird laughs at Stevie Ireland's pants
Boring match last night save for this strange goal celebration:
I've got the match on tape and Setanta kept showing it from all angles, but I have no way to get the tape onto youtube, because I'm old school like that.
At least the FA isn't going to fine him.
I've got the match on tape and Setanta kept showing it from all angles, but I have no way to get the tape onto youtube, because I'm old school like that.
At least the FA isn't going to fine him.
05 November 2007
World Cup Bid Analysis: Stadia
Some People Are On The Pitch: World Cup 2018: Who's got the stadia?
The excellent Chris (the reason I've not thrown the towel in on this blog yet) posted a fantastic analysis of which countries have the stadia infrastructure to host the World Cup in 2018.
It's really informative and basically highlights what England needs to do to get the bid. And why China and the US are prolly set.
Personally, I'm pulling for the US or England so that I can go easily. Travel around the US will be expensive (unless your FB learns to drive in the next 11 years, which is not likely). Travel TO England will be expensive but once I'm there it'll be relatively cheap to travel around.
Reading Footballers to Pay for Manchester Trip: A good start.
Reading players will subsidise the trip for fans visiting Manchester City on 24 November - partly because of the club's inconsistent start to the season.
The Royals squad, currently 12th in the Premier League, have donated £5,000 to supporters heading to Eastlands.
Reading captain Graeme Murty told BBC Sport: "We know that at the moment we are massively inconsistent.
"It's not easy to justify spending so much money to watch us perform and this is giving something back to the fans."
What a fantastic thing for them to do! It's a acknowlegement of their shit form as well as a fact that they are a damn CLUB not a business. While their players aren't getting John Terry money, they will not be put out by sponsoring a bus from Reading to Manchester. It's a shame that the fans will still have to pay out of control prices at Eastlands.
Last year some clubs (in the North but not City) decided to lower ticket prices with the increased television revenue. Those clubs (with the exception of Blackburn) are not doing super well this year but at least the fans know that they are not being gouged for the privillege of seeing shitty football.
A quick post to make up for not posting yesterday...
soccerfans: If England were to win the world cup....
If England were to win the world cup....
.....do you guys think they would swap their jerseys?
Why the rest of the world hates American
Let's deal with the Immediate task at hand shall we?
03 November 2007
New Feature: Matches I watched today in 1-3 words
Arsenal - Man Utd - exciting, but laaaaame
Wigan - Chelski - yawn
Blackburn - Liverpool stoprotatingand getridof kuyt (what?)
I had an eye on: Boro / Spurs, Newcastle/Pompey but they were kinda boring.
much like this post
Wigan - Chelski - yawn
Blackburn - Liverpool stoprotatingand getridof kuyt (what?)
I had an eye on: Boro / Spurs, Newcastle/Pompey but they were kinda boring.
much like this post
02 November 2007
Ian Wright is an Asshole --hit and run entry
Ex-footballer Ian Wright in race row with African traffic warden| News | This is London
Ian Wright is an asshole, I believe he would have called an African guy a Monkey. Simply because he is too stupid to come up with his own insult. That "white man in a white man's road" comment sounds so fucking made up. It sounds like something Wrighty said white footballers said to him in the 90s. I really do believe that Ian Wright would have done this. I have no respect for the man.
Also, BBC. Please learn to write. This article about the same incident is atrocious. I had to google to find another article to find out what was going on. BBC NEWS | UK | England | London | Ex-footballer denies 'race abuse'
Ian Wright, the former footballer and television presenter, has been accused of calling an African traffic warden a "monkey".
He is also alleged to have told the man to "**** off back to his own country" in a dispute over a parking ticket.
Wright denies all the warden's claims, which followed the row outside his home in St John's Wood, North London.
Ian Wright confronts the traffic warden
"He's a liar," he said.
"He called me a white man who lives in a white man's road.
"I said to him, 'I'm sure your parents are happy that you've come to England and been a traffic warden instead of a lawyer or something'."
Ian Wright is an asshole, I believe he would have called an African guy a Monkey. Simply because he is too stupid to come up with his own insult. That "white man in a white man's road" comment sounds so fucking made up. It sounds like something Wrighty said white footballers said to him in the 90s. I really do believe that Ian Wright would have done this. I have no respect for the man.
Also, BBC. Please learn to write. This article about the same incident is atrocious. I had to google to find another article to find out what was going on. BBC NEWS | UK | England | London | Ex-footballer denies 'race abuse'
01 November 2007
Let's try this again! (fb post)
So it's November and I am going to try to NaBloPoMo this month. That's write a post every day in November in the hopes that it will start a habit and this blog will turn out to be something. I love football and talk about it 24/7 srsly, but I can never get my ass together enough to actually update this blog.
First off, the Scotsman wins for the headline to this article:
Scotsman.com News - Balls up at cup draw by top politician
Hearts just beat Celtic 2-0 yesterday and then get told they've got to plan fucking Rangers after thinking they've had a (relative) cakewalk. I'd be fucking PISSED OFF too. Rangers are on fire this year. How a member of Scottish Parliament can fuck up 4 balls numbered 1-4 is beyond me.
Actually, it's not beyond me but I thought I'd be nice to the Scots for my first post "back". Don't expect another kind word about Rangers tho.
First off, the Scotsman wins for the headline to this article:
Scotsman.com News - Balls up at cup draw by top politician
THE draw for the semi-final of the CIS Insurance Cup has descended into farce after it emerged that one of Scotland's most senior politicians apparently messed it up.
Hearts were initially told they would be facing Dundee United after First Minister Alex Salmond performed the draw live on BBC television.
But within hours it emerged that his colleague, the Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson, had matched up the wrong teams with the balls which Salmond pulled out.
Hearts were then told they would be playing Rangers instead.
Hearts just beat Celtic 2-0 yesterday and then get told they've got to plan fucking Rangers after thinking they've had a (relative) cakewalk. I'd be fucking PISSED OFF too. Rangers are on fire this year. How a member of Scottish Parliament can fuck up 4 balls numbered 1-4 is beyond me.
Actually, it's not beyond me but I thought I'd be nice to the Scots for my first post "back". Don't expect another kind word about Rangers tho.
22 October 2007
Quick Note
To let you know I'm alive (I started a new job been busy) and to say THIS is unadulterated bullshit.
If Dida were English or played for an English side Uefa would have decapitated him already and paraded his head around Europe.
It's crap.
22 September 2007
Manchester City v Man Utd, Nov 6th 1971
I love that even though City were a much better team in the late 60's early 70's than Manchester United
they were still trailing most of the match and are happy with a draw at home.
This guy jungneil on youtube has a TON of classic city stuff. That the premierleague doesn't have the rights to lladdy laddy laaaa (but the FA does so who knows if they'll order it down)
they were still trailing most of the match and are happy with a draw at home.
This guy jungneil on youtube has a TON of classic city stuff. That the premierleague doesn't have the rights to lladdy laddy laaaa (but the FA does so who knows if they'll order it down)
14 September 2007
I'm a weak woman
Remember when I complained about City's ugly shirt?
Well, in a moment of weakness I bought it on ebay.
Well, in a moment of weakness I bought it on ebay.
13 September 2007
a couple lulz from yesterday
Second half, Emile Heskey is in the box by himself with a great chance to set up something fantastic. Sends the ball via a cheeky back heal to--a russian defender. English kid two stools down from me "Aww bless. He does try though"
Second half again, some mystery black guy scores for England making it three - nil. Everyone including myself and the aforementioned English kid get up and cheer. Camera zooms in on mystery black guy's face.
English kid and me: "OH FUCK". Then we look at each other and give high fives.
The goal scorer? Rio fucking Ferdinand.
English kid: "Well at least we'll get another series of Rio's world cup wind ups"
Ireland lost and there was some WELL DODGY sending off. Noirn lost on an own goal. SCOTLAND BEAT THE CHEESE EATING SURRENDER MONKEYS Norway drew. My 2nd favorite Norwegian scored the equalising goal (well early in the 1st half mind) of his rocket of a left foot.
11 September 2007
lol
former Liverpool star/ worst Man City Manager since Allan Ball (also worst English Manager since the beginning of time) teaches us how to cross the road
oh that kevin keegan was sooo dreamy
I stole this from Liverpoolpies.tv
oh that kevin keegan was sooo dreamy
I stole this from Liverpoolpies.tv
05 September 2007
Speaking of BBC
Why do columns in the UK correct Footballers' grammar in direct quotes? It's not a direct quote if you're correcting grammar or diction. I've seen interviews on Skysports and read totally different interpretations of them on bbc's website or in the papers--using direct quotes. It's as if we're supposed to believe that footballers aren't stupid and always use proper diction and grammar.
It's something that annoys me about UK press. It doesn't happen in the US, which makes for HILARITY when reading quotes from professional athletes.
It's something that annoys me about UK press. It doesn't happen in the US, which makes for HILARITY when reading quotes from professional athletes.
26 July 2007
Memories of Maine Road
Love this photoset from someone I found on Flickr.
I also love the graffiti at this sign--at Maine Road ;)
Oh PS the City away kit is available for pre-order WOOT
I also love the graffiti at this sign--at Maine Road ;)
Oh PS the City away kit is available for pre-order WOOT
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grandmom died. oh, she's not dead? I meant the other one. Oh, she's
alive too? it was my lying manipulative girlfriend. she had a
miscarriage. sry.
It reminds you that so many of these people are basically kids with more money than sense. And thickos too.