Keepy Ups

Again from EPLTalk

What many UK expats discover upon moving to the USThey show more games on Television over here

I was shocked to find that out myself. There's also most Champions League and Uefa Cup ties, though you have to figure out a way to take time off of work to watch. You also get selected, La Liga, Serie A, La Championat, and Bundesliga matches as well as internationals if they are interesting. You do have to have digital cable and/or satellite to get them all, but the thing is, they are a lot cheaper than the corresponding services are in the UK.

Also exciting, we no longer have to pay 20 dollars at a pub to watch England lose in Euro, the group stages on are going to be televised on ESPN Networks not setanta premium. You can watch it at home on REGULAR cable!

Posted by Chrissy at 1:02 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Americans, Champions League, England, ESPN, EURO, Fox Soccer, France, Germany, italy, Setanta, Spain, television, Uefa Cup

I've just finished, embarressingly late, _Fever Pitch_, by Nick Hornby. It was probably the hardest of his books to find in the US and I was complaining about it in my regular blog a couple of weeks ago, and that day I went to the bookstore and there it was, mis-shelved in all it's "Now a Major Motion Picture" glory (btw, I didn't see the American Fever Pitch film but I hate baseball and Jimmy Fallon is also really annoying so it's probably for the best). Rather than do a review, because I am not a literati, I'd just say if you're a half step above functionally retarded, as I am, and you've not read it yet, you should pick it up. I can lend it you if you want.

I have the following on my wish list from Amazon.com (my birthday is in less than a week if you're wondering what to get that FootieBird in your life).

How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization (Paperback)
National Pastime: How Americans Play Baseball and the Rest of the World Plays Soccer (Hardcover)
Football Against the Enemy (Paperback)
Offside: Soccer and American Exceptionalism. (Paperback)

What can I say? My degree is in a social science (Political Science). I'm very interested in this gap between the US and the rest of the world about the game. I've gone off at length (and when I'm not on my lunch break I'll do it again) about why I believe football is not as popular in the US as it was 80 years ago. (A Short Lesson: I think it's because too many American Middle Class Yuppie/Preppy/Frat Boy assholes are the ambassador of the sport over here).

The Gaffer at EPLTalk did a review of the book Soccer In A Football World and it looks interesting. I will probably order it from him at some point today.

Has anyone read any of the above? Does anyone care to share what they think or recommend more books to me on football--more than the stats and the club profiles and autobiographies?

Keep in mind, most of them I will have to order online, because I went to the bookshop here and all the Soccer books are like "The Baffled Parent's Guide to Soccer" or "Holy shit my kid wants to play soccer instead of football is he a fag?? Is it too late??!"

Posted by Chrissy at 12:45 PM 3 comments    

Labels: American Sports, books, football, Funny Old World

From MEN:Police alert FA over 'gesture'

THE Football Association are to be informed of an alleged incident involving a unnamed Manchester City player at the end of Saturday`s Premiership clash against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Hampshire Police have stressed they are not launching an investigation, but will be liaising with the FA after being alerted by one of their officers.

From the BBC:
Man City give backing to Barton

Manchester City insist midfielder Joey Barton "made no offensive gesture" at Fratton Park following the club's 2-1 defeat against Portsmouth on Saturday.
...
"The club have not received a complaint regarding Joey Barton's behaviour," said City spokesman Paul Tyrrell.

Hampshire Police will tell the Football Association of an alleged incident involving an unnamed City player but will not hold their own investigation.

I love how it's an unnamed player, and everyone assumes it's Sir Joseph. Hell, I did too, as I was reading all the football news via my google reader feeds this morning.

I am now going to start a rumor that it was indeed one Bernardo Corradi who gave the flip under the chin Italian "fungool" sign to Redders. You heard it here first

Posted by Chrissy at 12:36 PM 1 comments    

Labels: England, English Premiership, Footballers behaving badly, Harry Rednapp, Joey Barton, Manchester City, Portsmith

From FoxSportsReds squad to have fun in sun
Liverpool have flown to Portugal for a week of warm-weather training as they are without a game this weekend.

lol. Without a game because they decided it was more important to lose to Barcalona in the Champions League than to pay attention to Domestic Cups.

Oh this MUST be what it's like to follow a team in Europe!


on a side note, FootieBird has returned to work today, for the first time in some weeks--slow updates may be ahead!

Posted by Chrissy at 10:25 AM 0 comments    

Labels: Champions League, England, English Premiership, Liverpool FC

Bolton midfielder Kevin Nolan admits to being increasingly frustrated at being overlooked by England boss Steve McClaren.

No, I'm sorry.

My title for this post makes me seem unsympathetic to his situation. Seriously though, where is Nolan's call up? He should have been there above Barton I think. I'm not sure if whining about it in the press, and writing the world's most boring column is going to help your case tho, Kev. Though, I guess the column can't hurt it exactly. Hell having someone as dull as dishwater might be attractive after Joey "I'm not going to steal your breakfast you fat prick" Barton.

At least he did score today!

To his credit, Kevin Nolan was the subject of my favorite quote from all of last year courtesy of Steven Gerrard, MBE:

It was a complete accident - he fell into me. I am mates with Kevin Nolan. He’s a good Scouser so why would I ever try to deliberately go out and hurt him?

I can not find any youtube footage of Gerro's stomp. Technology fails me again. It is here that I resist making a joke about how that stomp must have killed Nolan, as the only good Scouser is a dead one or something like that. It's dull and I'm PC-like, me!

powered by performancing firefox

Posted by Chrissy at 4:50 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Bolton, England, English Premiership, Kevin Nolan, Steven Gerrard

Posted by Chrissy at 4:22 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Manchester Amateur Sunday Football League, Timperley Big Shorts F.C.

Oasis is on VH1 Classic Right now. I have no time for Oasis--as musicians or people. But I do have time for them as football fans. This reminds me of a post that I posted in my regular blog which I'll repeat here.

Another post combining two of my favorite things… well three
Those being:
1) Footie
2) Music (Specifically New Order and Joy Division)
3) Causing trouble.

I was sent this email today from 1999 in which world renouned cnut Noel Gallagher caused some trouble at an awards ceremony.

LOADED?

I was fortunate to be at the Loaded Awards on Monday. Star attraction was Mr Noel Gallagher who picked up three awards. He dedicated the first to famed producer and City fan Rob Gretton who passed away last week. Later when Johnny Vaughan was reading out the footballer of the century, Noel shouted out “Andy Morrison!” before it was announced it was in fact George Best. Noel then proceeded to shout “Red Scum” as Best got his award, but he did take part in the standing ovation. There were also a few shouts of “Come on Wigan!” directed at Noel from the Charlatans’ table.

IRL Trolling by famous people is great! ;)

Posted by Chrissy at 9:17 AM 0 comments    

Labels: lulz, Man City, music, who the fuck are man united

There are many reasons to love Joey Barton.

1. He's Northern
   
2. He has a strong record of run ins with Evertonians (a somewhat complicated situation being Blue himself)
3. He's got a tight little butt (see above)
4. He's finally growing up a bit
5. and the below
   

"It's alright, I'm not going to steal your breakfast you fat prick" - What one of the England players mentioned above (Barton) reportedly said to a certain tubby midfielder who, less forgiving than Steven Gerrard, moved tables at breakfast to avoid him

It's fucking ART!

from F365 via LJ

Posted by Chrissy at 4:57 PM 1 comments    

Labels: England, Frank Lampard, I played shit here's my book, Joey Barton, Scousers, Steven Gerrard

This article pissed me the hell off.

I have to say that I do not have a proper understanding on what Americans think of English people or what English people think of Americans. It seems to me that too many people think that the whole of the United States is some Times Square esque super magic wonderland with people who don't have any hearts and who condemn blacks, gays, terrorists, and the poor.

What I have to say though is that I wish someone would have a proper understanding of American Sport History before he goes off spouting that the Yankees are the only team we have with history and legacy. What? Did he ignore the fact that the richest man in baseball has been in charge of the Yankees for ages? (MLB and other American sports are a bit out of my forte so excuse me). Most NFL teams have a long standing tradition in their towns and with their supporters. The Eagles (who are basically Manchester City in their successes/failures/form) is a NFL team with history, fans, and dedication.

1. Yes, Gillette saying "Liverpool Reds" was inexcusable. Please learn the name of the club you've bought.
   
2. Two nations separated by a common language. I realise this every time I go back to Manchester and come here. Franchise in NFL and NHL does not mean the same thing that it means in normal people's English, it's different connotations. It's an unfortunate choice of words, but I don't think that Winter should harp on that.
   
3. Teams have left towns. He's got a bit of a point, but I think his over exaggeration and overstatement of this is disingenuous. This is something that has never been taken lightly anytime it's happened.
   

I just can not believe such an uninformed piece of trash (and his article) is informing people of what's to come from the Liverpool take over.

If Gillette et. al, prove me wrong--I'll wage war over here for my kopite friends. An enemy of an enemy is a friend of mine--except for 2 weekends a year. :P

Posted by Chrissy at 12:13 PM 7 comments    

Labels: American Sports, Anti-intellectual-anti-Americans, England, English Premiership, Henry Winter, Liverpool FC, The Telegraph

Gamst is out!

Another case of "when the hell are the FAs of different countries going to start compensating clubs for their loses". I love my beloved England national team and I do not want to see things discourage the best national players getting call ups. BUT! I would be pissed if my club's star player was hurt for two important prem matches and an all important UEFA cup knockout, for an international friendly. It's probably why Fat Frank was the only Chelsea player "healthy" enough to play (;)).

This is particularly disappointing though, because as That's on Point said the other day, It's Morten Gamst Pederson's world, we are all just living in it. I really enjoy watching him play (and yes even against City this season).

Posted by Chrissy at 4:39 PM 8 comments    

Labels: Blackburn Rovers, CSKA Chelski, Friendlies, Gamst, Internationals, Norway, Uefa Cup

I have a couple of questions after yesterday's horrendous performance by Engerland.

1. Why the HELL did he start Gerrard and Fat Frank? sub question: Why the hell didn't Barton play besides either Fat Frank or Gerro?
   
2. Crouch?? While I understand that there were a shit load of hurt strikers, couldn't he have paired Crouch with *ahem* DeFoe from earlier in the match
   
3. Ben Foster, Paul Robinson, what? Robinson has had a shit year and Foster is currently on loan to the championship bound Watford. I'm going to echo the rest of the world by saying that David James is having the form of his life, and while he's old and the Calamity James moniker is not undeserved, he should have been first keeper. Hell, I'd say Nicky Weaver is doing well enough to be 2nd or 3rd, but he's hurt right now

I'm really disappointed-but not surprised. I'm wondering why it was such a big deal to have an English Manager anyway. When was the last English Manager to win a top flight league?

Answers on a postcard please

Posted by Chrissy at 7:55 AM 0 comments    

Labels: England, Friendlies, Internationals, McClaren

Footie Bird was watching her Beloved England down the Beloved Pub yesterday while the Footie Geeza(mentioned here) was watching Ireland.

I can get into the pathetic performance of England later. Let's talk about San Marino:

San Marino has only ever won one international game, a 1-0 win over Liechtenstein in a friendly in 2004. Andy Selva got the winner.

Despite the lack of success at international level, San Marino holds the record for the fastest ever goal in World Cup history. In a World Cup qualifier against England in 1993, Davide Gualtieri scored after just 8 seconds, though the team went on to lose 7-1.

Arguably the best performance by San Marino came in another World Cup qualifier on 10 March 1993, when they held Turkey to a 0-0 draw in Serravalle. The worst defeat inflicted on the team was a 13-0 defeat to Germany in the qualifying to Euro 2008, on 6 September 2006.[1]

If it weren't for Steven Ireland who scored in the 94th minute, this team would have drawn Ireland 1-1. San Marino's goal was the first in competition since 1998.

Oh does this have all of Ireland in a tizzy! Mostly because Steve Staunton is as useless--no more useless than anything save Steve McClaren. Leftback, a football blog, shares these lulz from Wikipedia.

Posted by Chrissy at 7:48 AM 1 comments    

Labels: Internationals, Ireland, San Marino, UEFA 08 Qualifiers

Posted by Chrissy at 6:38 AM 0 comments    

Labels: England, Manchester City, meta

Some People are on the Pitch brings up a ladder system of ranking that it seems like Chris may have used in school or something. Anyway, it's basically if a lower ranked club beats a higher ranked club they switch. Yes, it *is* insane--and it's offered as a joke. (For the pros and cons of it..click the link above).

Look at what the Premiership would look like if they were using this style all season.

1 Liverpool
2 Charlton
3 Chelsea
4 Middlesbrough
5 Bolton
6 Arsenal
7 Watford
8 Reading
9 Everton
10 Man City
11 Man United
12 Aston Villa
13 Wigan
14 Sheff United
15 Fulham
16 Newcastle
17 Portsmouth
18 Blackburn
19 Tottenham

Now, that's about right isn't it? (Especially City over United)

It's a crap idea BUT it would bring more fans back to football than bringing back terraces!

Posted by Chrissy at 8:16 PM 1 comments    

Labels: English Premiership, goofiness

Posted by Chrissy at 12:31 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Americans, England, English Premiership, Liverpool FC, takeovers

Last night while I was becoming "amorous while intoxicated" with my beau, I apparently accused him of being a Manchester United supporter (He's LFC BTW), ranted some shit about Wembley Stadium not being finished and did not allow our relations to continue.

This is because I rock.

Posted by Chrissy at 8:40 PM 1 comments    

Labels: personal, sex, who the fuck are man united

First off I need to disclose that the Eyetay part of my family is from Palermo---I also must disclose that the Palermo home kits are hot as shit.



On Friday afternoon, before going out to the pub, I was watching the Sicilian Derby on Fox Soccer Channel--complete with hilarious Canadian Commentary that accompanies non-English matches on Fox Soccer. I watched the whole thing unfold and had no idea what was going on because the commentators didn't know.

I'm ashamed to admit, when I thought it was just a lot of flares and smoke bombs as Christian Miles lead us to believe, I found the whole thing hilarious. Then I found out someone died.

I do not like the way, however, that the English officials are talking about how Italian officials need to look to England to take the violence out of football. How did England take the violence out? By making everyone sit down at matches and charge them 45 quid for the privilege? FOAD. Seriously!

Posted by Chrissy at 8:29 PM 4 comments    

Labels: italy, Serie-a, violence

Footie Bird was going to attempt to liveblog the Merseyside Derby for all of her readers today but there were a couple of things stopping her from this.

1. Footie Bird is currently in the US--the Merseyside Derby is on at 730 in the friggin morning and she didn't get in til 330 am.
   
2. This match is boring as crap

It's also too early to write in 3rd person.

Instead, I'm currently sat in the pub, a Manchester Blue, surrounded by Mersey Reds and Blues, watching boring football wondering if I'm going to wait til 215 to watch City v Reading on a replay or if I'm going to watch it on the Chinese football pirating website--at the pub. :)

Posted by Chrissy at 9:13 AM 0 comments    

Labels: England, English Premiership, Everton, Liverpool, Man City, Merseyside Derby, Reading

Only I would start a blog late on a Friday afternoon when I am unshowered and the pub beckons. So here's a "hit and run" post about my pub fantasy league team and my premiership predictions for this weekend.

Please do not be jealous of my fantasy team. Now, this isn't a terribly complicated team. This is one of those things where you only get points for clean sheets, assists, and goals...so it's a lot different strategy than what you would pick for say Yahoo! or Premierleague.com, both of which I am kicking ass at btw--this one is for bragging rights down the pub tho.. so you know, I care more about it.

My predictions:
Liv'pool 2 v Everton 1
A Villa 1 v West Ham 0
Blackb'n 1 v Sheff U 0
Charlton 0 v Chelsea 3
Fulham 0 v N'castle 0
Man City 1 v Reading 1
Watford 0 v Bolton 2
Wigan 1 v Portsm'h 2
M'brough 1 v Arsenal 2
Tot'ham 1 v Man Utd 3


I will write about Joey Barton, Fat Frank, and the Sicilian Derby that I watched today when I get back--or tomorrow while watching Liverpool or something.

Posted by Chrissy at 4:49 PM 0 comments    

Labels: England, English Premiership, fantasy team, lulz, predictions, Serie-a

Arsenal/Bolton v Blackburn

Chelsea v Blackpool/Norwich

Manchester United v Reading

Fulham v Tottenham

Bristol City/Middlesborough v West Brom

Preston v Manchester City

Watford v Ipswich

Plymouth v Derby

One would never accuse me of being a Manchester United supporter and live to tell the tale, but jesus if they (or Arsenal) were to win the FA Cup I don't think anyone could really take it away from them, unless of course they wind up facing Plymouth Argyle in the final.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have had the power houses that are:

1. Macclesfield Town AT HOME -- The worst team in the whole of the football league. Looking at relegation to the conference (3 Divs below Premiership) Result: 6-0


2. 
   Nottingham Forrest AT HOME -- They MIGHT be promoted to the championship next year--currently 4th in League 1 (2 Divs below Premiership) Result: 3-0


3. Next round they will have to play either: Blackpool -- Currently 7th in League 1 2 spots behind Nottingham Forrest or Norwich OMG A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM (League directly below Premiership)
AT HOME!

Christ on a crutch AND a bike! I mean I realise the Mighty City hasn't had to play a Premiership team either, more on that in a second, but we're not Chelsea and we're not going to win the Cup.

I am sounding like a spoilsport. Calling CHEATER and NO FAIR before anything even happens. But seriously, it's kind of CRAP.

Anyway, City's draw is not something I am too happy with. Preston have been very solid in the second tier (The Championship nee First Division) for the past couple of years. It's just a matter of when they get promoted (and subsequently promptly relegated). It's an away match for City as well, but beings as though its only 40 minutes away, there should be a good City support showing.

BTW: Do you know what team has won more 2nd tier (The Championship nee First Division nee Second Division) titles, 7, than any other club? :) :) :)

nothing to be proud of but I'll take it where I can!

I'm going to write more about 4th round results later.

Posted by Chrissy at 3:40 PM 0 comments    

Labels: CSKA Chelski, England, English Premiership, FA CUP 06 07, Man City, The Championship