Between The Wheels

Between The Wheels => Sport => Topic started by: Slim on February 26, 2022, 07:28:47 PM

Title: Football
Post by: Slim on February 26, 2022, 07:28:47 PM
Looks like Leeds are on the slippery slope to the relegation places.. dire run of results recently. The two teams immediately below them in the league have two games in hand and if both of them get two points from their two games, Leeds will be in the bottom three.

Would be sad to see them drop back down again. I'm not a fan but there's a certain nostalgic appeal in seeing fixtures like Leeds vs United, Leeds vs Liverpool etc.

By the way at one point this afternoon Leeds had conceded 22 goals in 7 games, roughly an average of π goals per game.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on February 27, 2022, 01:23:48 PM
Too many Championship standard players in the Leeds squad, I fear - the money splashed on Rodrigo and Firpo looks a spectacular waste of resources; they've been atrocious signings.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 27, 2022, 03:04:43 PM
Well - as you'll have heard, Bielsa's gone now. Will be interesting to see if a New Manager Bounce can propel them up the table a couple of places. Looks like that will be Jesse Marsch's job.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 28, 2022, 05:58:15 PM
FIFA have now suspended all Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions. Pleased to see this because their earlier pronouncement that the Russians would be able to compete without their flag and as the "Football Union of Russia" was IMO a ridiculous half-baked measure.

But it was never going to fly when some of the national sides said they wouldn't play against them in any circumstances.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 10, 2022, 10:48:55 PM
Does anyone have any sympathy for Chelsea?

I really don't. I think they've had a trophy laden 20 years solely because they were taken over by an oligarch.

I don't want them to go bust or anything but I'll be happy for them to head back into the doldrums for a while.  When I developed an interest in football they were a bit of a yoyo club.  Not good enough for the first division but too good for the second.

Looks like Newcastle will replace them at the top table
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 10, 2022, 11:32:56 PM
I think Chelsea's flirtation with the Champions' League and the upper reaches of the Premier League is over now. No sympathy either really, but the whole league has been shaken up by massive injections of money, especially at Chelsea and Man City. You mention Newcastle and of course there are some big ethical questions there, as well.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 10, 2022, 11:44:44 PM
Agreed! Maybe its time for football authorities and even the government to look at the running of football clubs and how they are owned and managed.

Multi billionaires shouldn't be allowed to take sole ownrrship of clubs as a pr/money laundering exercise.

A few years ago Usamov seemed pretty close to taking over Arsenal. Huge bullet avoided there. And to think, at the time, I would have been delighted with that happening.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on March 11, 2022, 12:19:29 AM
Quote from: Slim on March 10, 2022, 11:32:56 PMI think Chelsea's flirtation with the Champions' League and the upper reaches of the Premier League is over now. No sympathy either really, but the whole league has been shaken up by massive injections of money, especially at Chelsea and Man City. You mention Newcastle and of course there are some big ethical questions there, as well.


££££££££££££££££££££
Hypocrisy everywhere you look, including top level sport
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 15, 2022, 12:52:46 PM
Sporting integrity?  Deep irony there me thinks!

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/03/15/middlesbrough-ticket-update?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=orgsoc&utm_campaign=none

It is important for the competition that the match against Middlesbrough goes ahead, however it is with extreme reluctance that we are asking the FA board to direct that the game be played behind closed doors for matters of sporting integrity.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 15, 2022, 04:13:11 PM
Great response from Middlesbrough...

Given the reasons for these sanctions, for Chelsea to seek to invoke sporting "integrity" as reason for the game being played behind closed doors is ironic in the extreme.

https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/a-statement-from-middlesbrough-fc

Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 15, 2022, 09:52:13 PM
I can sort of understand it, I don't think it was a bizarre request really. On balance it wasn't a good idea but it would have meant a fairer fixture.

Anyway Chelsea have withdrawn their request now. The thought occurred to me that they could have sold all the tickets they wanted if they'd channeled all the proceeds into a charity, so why don't they do that?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on March 17, 2022, 01:10:43 PM
not usually snarky, but I do laugh at Man U fan complaining about not winning anything.

Sometimes the arrogance of them is astounding .we should win this we should win that its our right to win everything.

99% of football fan don't win anything big.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PM
But Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world. They aren't in the 99%.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on March 17, 2022, 04:39:26 PM
brilliant comment.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Ali on March 24, 2022, 10:29:48 PM
Another quality header by Diogo Jota to help Portugal beat Turkey tonight.

That's 5 goals he's scored in this World Cup Qualification campaign - all of them headers.

For an average height chap, his aerial prowess for both club and country is phenomenal 👏

Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 24, 2022, 11:01:50 PM
So: the Welsh are still in with a chance of qualifying for the World Cup, having beaten the Austrians 2-1 at Cardiff.

Italy have failed to qualify for a World Cup again, as well.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 24, 2022, 11:12:10 PM
Quote from: Slim on March 24, 2022, 11:01:50 PMSo: the Welsh are still in with a chance of qualifying for the World Cup, having beaten the Austrians 2-1 at Cardiff.

Italy have failed to qualify for a World Cup again, as well.

From champions of Europe to being knocked out by North Macedonia. A country that sounds like its on the Northern Line. That's some fall
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pdw1 on March 24, 2022, 11:42:19 PM
Well done Wales, ha ha ha Italy
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on March 24, 2022, 11:44:20 PM
Quote from: dom on March 24, 2022, 11:12:10 PM
Quote from: Slim on March 24, 2022, 11:01:50 PMSo: the Welsh are still in with a chance of qualifying for the World Cup, having beaten the Austrians 2-1 at Cardiff.

Italy have failed to qualify for a World Cup again, as well.

From champions of Europe to being knocked out by North Macedonia. A country that sounds like its on the Northern Line. That's some fall
They've been putting all their efforts into winning a game of rugger  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on March 25, 2022, 07:54:30 AM
Italy fail to make World Cup again.. blimey...
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 25, 2022, 09:46:08 AM
Quote from: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PMBut Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world.

By what metric? Genuinely curious as most citations I've seen have that as a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on March 25, 2022, 09:51:58 AM
Quote from: Fishy on March 25, 2022, 07:54:30 AMItaly fail to make World Cup again.. blimey...

good, their players were a bunch of fouling cheats during the Euro finals and should have had a couple of players sent off.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 25, 2022, 09:57:14 AM
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 25, 2022, 09:46:08 AM
Quote from: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PMBut Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world.

By what metric? Genuinely curious as most citations I've seen have that as a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

History and importance.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on March 25, 2022, 10:50:03 AM
Quote from: Slim on March 25, 2022, 09:57:14 AM
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 25, 2022, 09:46:08 AM
Quote from: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PMBut Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world.

By what metric? Genuinely curious as most citations I've seen have that as a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

History and importance.
That deserves a LOL
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pdw1 on March 25, 2022, 01:19:40 PM
I think Slim is pulling your leg
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 25, 2022, 06:15:05 PM
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 25, 2022, 10:50:03 AM
Quote from: Slim on March 25, 2022, 09:57:14 AM
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 25, 2022, 09:46:08 AM
Quote from: Slim on March 17, 2022, 03:53:02 PMBut Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world.

By what metric? Genuinely curious as most citations I've seen have that as a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

History and importance.
That deserves a LOL

You can't beat a bit of footy bants. :)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 25, 2022, 06:53:04 PM
Well there's no mathematical proof, but there is at the very least a strong case for the proposition that Manchester United is the biggest football club of all.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pdw1 on March 25, 2022, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Slim on March 25, 2022, 06:53:04 PMWell there's no mathematical proof, but there is at the very least a strong case for the proposition that Manchester United is the biggest football club of all.
I thought that was Barcelona?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on March 25, 2022, 10:43:47 PM
Quote from: pdw1 on March 25, 2022, 08:01:12 PM
Quote from: Slim on March 25, 2022, 06:53:04 PMWell there's no mathematical proof, but there is at the very least a strong case for the proposition that Manchester United is the biggest football club of all.
I thought that was Barcelona?
I think you'll find Real Madrid are bigger than Barcelona. Depends on what metrics you use, obviously, but Man Utd are the biggest English club without a doubt and if not the biggest in the world, definitely top 3 in the world by most usual measures or combination thereof
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 26, 2022, 12:07:37 PM
Maybe under the reign of Fergie, but not now.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on March 26, 2022, 01:43:42 PM
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 26, 2022, 12:07:37 PMMaybe under the reign of Fergie, but not now.
I think I'm correct

https://www.sportsunfold.com/top-10-most-popular-football-clubs-in-the-world/
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 26, 2022, 02:31:14 PM
Quote from: David L on March 26, 2022, 01:43:42 PM
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 26, 2022, 12:07:37 PMMaybe under the reign of Fergie, but not now.
I think I'm correct

https://www.sportsunfold.com/top-10-most-popular-football-clubs-in-the-world/


So, not the only league table Man U have been gradually sliding down. 😉😬
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 26, 2022, 04:58:37 PM
I'd agree that Real Madrid are ahead of Barca as the biggest club in Spain. Probably the World too. Barca probably realise this too hence the club motto 'mes que un club'.  In other words yes Madrid are probably the bigger club but we are more than a club
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 26, 2022, 05:11:38 PM
From the biggest clubs in the World to one a fair bit smaller. A bit of sympathy is required for Dover. They didn't have the finances to complete last season without fans and were punished with a 12 point deduction. After 28 matches they've got themselves to minus 4 prior to a tricky looking trip to high flying and Hollywood backed Wrexham.

Wrexham quickly went 2 up before Dover scored and then kept scoring. Unbelievably after 63 minutes they were ahead 5  2 and looking at the heady heights of minus 1 point. Wrexham had pulled 2 back by the 70th minute. The score was the same at 90 minutes before Wrexham equalised then broke any Kent hearts that made the trip by scoring a winner in the 98th minute.

Sport can be cruel.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 26, 2022, 08:11:49 PM
Yes I heard on Talk Sport this afternoon that it had gone to 6-5 in the 98th minute. Remarkable.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 31, 2022, 01:22:28 PM
The race for 4th place is looking exciting this year.  Arsenal ahead on points and with a game in hand but with a tough run in compared to Spurs.

The yet to be scheduled North London derby could turn into a Champions League qualifier.

United may still have a part to play but they are playing so horribly at the moment. It's bizarre as on paper their squad should be fighting it out with City and Liverpool
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 02, 2022, 08:12:15 AM
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premierleague-top-four-relegation-supercomputer-26612788

The fabled supercomputer has had its say and predicted the results of the remaining fixtures.

It reckons Liverpool have an 80% chance of winning the league and City only 20%.

That does seem like a wider gap than I was expecting.

An even greater gap for the final Champions league spot with Arsenal given a 96% chance of securing it. Spurs just 3% and United an all too remote 0.3% chance of playing Champions League football next year.

Too me the odds should be tighter than that.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on April 02, 2022, 09:51:47 AM
Quote from: dom on March 26, 2022, 05:11:38 PMFrom the biggest clubs in the World to one a fair bit smaller. A bit of sympathy is required for Dover. They didn't have the finances to complete last season without fans and were punished with a 12 point deduction. After 28 matches they've got themselves to minus 4 prior to a tricky looking trip to high flying and Hollywood backed Wrexham.

Wrexham quickly went 2 up before Dover scored and then kept scoring. Unbelievably after 63 minutes they were ahead 5  2 and looking at the heady heights of minus 1 point. Wrexham had pulled 2 back by the 70th minute. The score was the same at 90 minutes before Wrexham equalised then broke any Kent hearts that made the trip by scoring a winner in the 98th minute.

Sport can be cruel.
Shame. You'd think Dover would have a lot of tasty foreign players at their disposal
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 02, 2022, 10:05:01 AM
What I'm most sceptical about is the proposition that the Mirror used a "supercomputer" to make these deliberations. Probably a spreadsheet on a desktop PC.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 02, 2022, 02:31:17 PM
Quote from: Slim on April 02, 2022, 10:05:01 AMWhat I'm most sceptical about is the proposition that the Mirror used a "supercomputer" to make these deliberations. Probably a spreadsheet on a desktop PC.

 ;D or the hack with a pencil on the back of his fag packet!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 04, 2022, 09:51:52 PM
I think that fag packet has been trashed!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on April 05, 2022, 09:46:21 AM
The world cup winning mighty Hammers are still in the chase for 4th!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on April 07, 2022, 08:50:12 AM
The wheels have well and truly fallen of the Chelsea bandwagon.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on April 07, 2022, 10:33:45 PM
What a Goal.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 07, 2022, 11:23:37 PM
Very sweet hit
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 07, 2022, 11:35:27 PM
Charltonesque.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 08, 2022, 08:05:33 AM
A glance at Everton's fixture list suggests to me that they're probably going down. Will they keep faith with Frank Lampard to bring them back up? I don't think so.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 08, 2022, 09:29:50 AM
Think they've realised it was a mistake. Will they keep him if they survive?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 08, 2022, 09:50:25 AM
I don't think so, having said that though - there's a tendency always to blame the manager at that club, but there's more to it than that. Funny how Ancelotti wasn't good enough for Everton, but he went on to manage Real Madrid
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 09, 2022, 03:31:43 PM
Whatever the problem was at United, sacking Ole wasn't the solution.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on April 09, 2022, 06:35:31 PM
Ole was a poor manager, the problems at MU run much deeper than Ole.

I think Moyes has one of the better points averages since Ferguson.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on April 10, 2022, 12:38:42 PM
It seems at Premier League level there's a culture of unfair scapegoating of managers.

For example, the reason Bielsa was forced out at Leeds Utd was because most of their players simply aren't good enough; at Man Utd, Ole had to go because they have superstars who simply aren't committed enough.

In both cases I thought the managers got a very raw deal.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 10, 2022, 02:46:54 PM
Quote from: Matt2112 on April 10, 2022, 12:38:42 PMIt seems at Premier League level there's a culture of unfair scapegoating of managers.

For example, the reason Bielsa was forced out at Leeds Utd was because most of their players simply aren't good enough; at Man Utd, Ole had to go because they have superstars who simply aren't committed enough.

In both cases I thought the managers got a very raw deal.

To play devil's advocate, Bielsa was the manager there and had been for a fair while. If the players aren't good enough, whose fault is that? He did suffer with lots of injuries to key players this season so maybe the problem was that the squad wasn't good enough.

With United, something odd going on there that successive managers are unable to correct. You've hit on something with certain players not being committed enough but why? On paper looking at their players, United should be challenging for the title. Seems there's something odd going on there. Is it still the Fergie hangover?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on April 10, 2022, 05:20:16 PM
Quote from: dom on April 10, 2022, 02:46:54 PM
Quote from: Matt2112 on April 10, 2022, 12:38:42 PMIt seems at Premier League level there's a culture of unfair scapegoating of managers.

For example, the reason Bielsa was forced out at Leeds Utd was because most of their players simply aren't good enough; at Man Utd, Ole had to go because they have superstars who simply aren't committed enough.

In both cases I thought the managers got a very raw deal.

To play devil's advocate, Bielsa was the manager there and had been for a fair while. If the players aren't good enough, whose fault is that? He did suffer with lots of injuries to key players this season so maybe the problem was that the squad wasn't good enough.

With United, something odd going on there that successive managers are unable to correct. You've hit on something with certain players not being committed enough but why? On paper looking at their players, United should be challenging for the title. Seems there's something odd going on there. Is it still the Fergie hangover?

No way should Bielsa have been sacked.

Man U, I remember them before Ferguson, they were rubbish sacking managers, buying expensive players that did not perform, rubbish club. Fergie was a good manager for England then he and his team were made look stupid when they played Barcelona in the Champions league final- men and boys.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on April 14, 2022, 02:35:47 PM
AM V MC highlights


5min mark is fun
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on April 14, 2022, 02:40:44 PM
And it carries on..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on April 14, 2022, 04:41:55 PM
Nice bit of play acting from Foden. It was no more than a tap. Professional footballers are a bunch of girls
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 15, 2022, 06:24:32 PM
Sean Dyche has lost his job at Burnley - didn't see that coming.

Amusingly, Tony Livesey has phoned in his own radio show on 5 Live to rant about it. Johnny I'Anson is sitting in for him today.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 19, 2022, 10:16:57 PM
Listened to the first half hour of Liverpool vs United earlier, on 5 Live. Sounded like men against boys. But lovely to hear the whole ground united in support for Cristiano Ronaldo following the death of his son. They even sang You'll Never Walk Alone. Classy.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 26, 2022, 08:30:52 PM
While out on my bike this afternoon I was thinking about the likely result for the Man City game against Real Madrid, and I came up with 2-0 to City.

And as it stands, I was right! However I think there's at least one more goal in this game.

I reckon Real will win the second game by one goal, so City will go through.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 26, 2022, 09:17:08 PM
Fabulous game of football (after 55 minutes anyway!)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 26, 2022, 09:56:02 PM
What a game! City probably a little unlucky not to get the 2 goal advantage Slim predicted
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 01, 2022, 04:50:26 PM
Thought this was quite funny.

(http://truth.justdied.com/images/telgraphquad.jpg)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on May 02, 2022, 01:40:31 PM
And Wigan Athletic have eventually won League One and will be in The Championship next season. They made hard work of it at the end though, but what an achievement when they were so close to going down to League 2.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 03, 2022, 07:38:05 PM
I think Liverpool will beat Villareal tonight, 2-0. The Spanish side were poor in the first leg.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 03, 2022, 08:21:02 PM
Nope - first goal was always going to be either Game On or the proverbial mountain to climb, and it's Game On!

Even if it's level on aggregate at half time tonight though I would fancy Liverpool to come out on top.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on May 03, 2022, 08:45:35 PM
Fantastic news: Bournemouth's Wales international - and former Halifax Town loanee - David Brooks has been given the all-clear after treatment for cancer. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61311759) :D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 03, 2022, 08:50:45 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 03, 2022, 08:21:02 PMEven if it's level on aggregate at half time tonight though I would fancy Liverpool to come out on top.

And it is. So let's see if I was right!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on May 03, 2022, 09:55:41 PM
Superb stuff from Liverpool.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 03, 2022, 09:59:51 PM
Glad to see Scott Parker back in the Premier League.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 04, 2022, 09:52:23 PM
Wow - two goals have turned the Real vs City encounter round in the space of two minutes! Absolutely gutting for the City fans if the Spanish side nicks this. Two goals up and minutes to go, and City let it slip through their hands.

Extra time ahoy
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 04, 2022, 10:03:51 PM
Oh dear, oh dear
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on May 04, 2022, 11:30:55 PM
Unbelievable, Jeff - City looked in total control.

Funny old game, Saint.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 05, 2022, 09:42:58 AM
Well - before the game last night I thought that either City or Liverpool would win the whole shebang, but not Real. If City didn't beat them, Liverpool would, was my rationale. I'll stand by that.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 05, 2022, 04:14:25 PM
So tonight my team has a chance to reach the final of the latest UEFA Mickey Mouse cup: the Conference League. Exciting times!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 05, 2022, 04:20:30 PM
Quote from: Thenop on May 05, 2022, 04:14:25 PMSo tonight my team has a chance to reach the final of the latest UEFA Mickey Mouse cup: the Conference League. Exciting times!
I would say good luck but I'll be supporting Marseille!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 05, 2022, 06:41:53 PM
Interested to see how Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson gets on.

In fact it will be a little battle of Arsenal loanees as Reiss will be up against Guendozi and Saliba
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 05, 2022, 07:01:44 PM
Quote from: dom on May 05, 2022, 06:41:53 PMInterested to see how Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson gets on.

In fact it will be a little battle of Arsenal loanees as Reiss will be up against Guendozi and Saliba

Reiss Nelson is doing very well as of lately, he has become quite important for the team. Seen him play quite a bit & I like him as well, he seems to have grown into the Feyenoord role and works very hard. Excellent player IMO, with a great future.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 05, 2022, 11:41:56 PM
Fair play to Feynoord! Hopefully they'll go on and beat Mourinho's Roma in the final.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 06, 2022, 05:03:05 AM
Quote from: dom on May 05, 2022, 11:41:56 PMFair play to Feynoord! Hopefully they'll go on and beat Mourinho's Roma in the final.
wasn't the best or prettiest game, but we made it.
Now indeed to get Mourinho...
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Rufus_the_dawg on May 11, 2022, 11:21:02 AM
West Ham in fight for 6th for a place in Europe against Man U.. Now they have been knocked out of Europe they can concentrate on the league...and no Man U can not have Declan Rice.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Blastzone on May 21, 2022, 03:57:55 PM
My team Hearts in the Scottish Cup final today against Rangers, 0-0 half time.  Nervous times though
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 21, 2022, 04:04:34 PM
More heartbreak for Rangers?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Blastzone on May 21, 2022, 04:35:34 PM
Hope so Dom , although I wanted them to beat Frankfurt . Great run in the Europa from them
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 21, 2022, 06:40:08 PM
Pity! Ran them close
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Blastzone on May 21, 2022, 07:31:27 PM
Yeah we ran out of steam . Two great goals by them i have to say . Calvin Bassey for them is an immensely talented player . He will end up in the English premiership without doubt
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 21, 2022, 09:22:58 PM
Mbappe has signed a new contract with PSG for 3 years.  This has really surprised me as Real Madrid were very keen on his signature. Despite winning the domestic league at a canter, their season will be considered a failure as they did pretty poorly in the Champions League.

All seems a bit toxic there too with the team regularly being booed by their own supporters.

I was certain he was going to leave and I'm shocked he's staying on.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 22, 2022, 09:42:48 AM
Balague has more detail in this article,  https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61522315

Obscene amounts of money played a part but they were equal on both sides.

Wonder if he was attracted in having a say in the running of the club? 
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 22, 2022, 04:22:35 PM
Leeds have just scored (subject to VAR) and Burnley conceded in the last two minutes .. exciting times .. ah Leeds goal disallowed.

Meanwhile Liverpool are losing to Wolves, but I don't think the game will end like that.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on May 22, 2022, 05:06:52 PM
Rodrigo, Firpo, Koch and Cooper are simply embarrassing. >:(
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 22, 2022, 05:59:26 PM
Pleased for Leeds!

Liverpool to console themselves with the Champions League?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on May 22, 2022, 07:01:23 PM
GET IN LEEDS!!!  :D  ;D

Now they need a massive clearout in the summer; get rid of at least half a dozen regular first choice players who are clearly nowhere near good enough and spend some money on proper Premier League quality players.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on May 22, 2022, 09:42:17 PM
Arse >:(

DIRTY LEEDS
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 25, 2022, 05:48:40 PM
First European final for my team in 20 years tonight. C'mon FEYENOOOOOOOORD!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 25, 2022, 06:25:43 PM
Quote from: Thenop on May 25, 2022, 05:48:40 PMFirst European final for my team in 20 years tonight. C'mon FEYENOOOOOOOORD!

Hopefully you'll beat Mourinho's lot!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 26, 2022, 06:11:54 AM
Not a great game with an unfortunate result, so be it, we had a fantastic run!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on June 14, 2022, 10:32:48 PM
Bad night for Southgate. First time a team visiting England have scored 4 or more goals against them since Hungary famously won 6-3 in 1953.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on June 14, 2022, 11:03:02 PM
I hope the virtue-signalling tool's days are numbered now.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on June 14, 2022, 11:21:11 PM
Quote from: Slim on June 14, 2022, 11:03:02 PMI hope the virtue-signalling tool's days are numbered now.
Yes, needs to concentrate more on football than telling the rest of us what to think..perhaps?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on July 07, 2022, 06:20:41 AM
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10983497/amp/Sierra-Leone-FA-launch-probe-two-division-matches-finish-95-0-91-1.html

😂How did they think they'd get away with it?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on July 07, 2022, 08:03:48 AM
lol that's brilliant
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on July 31, 2022, 07:40:25 PM
England ladies have deservedly won the Euro '22 final against a bunch of proper sheizenhauses.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on July 31, 2022, 08:32:15 PM
Quote from: Matt2112 on July 31, 2022, 07:40:25 PMEngland ladies have deservedly won the Euro '22 final against a bunch of proper sheizenhauses.
Thoroughly deserved. The quality of play and fitness levels were outstanding. That goal by Toone was incredible, such composure. Well done Lionesses!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on July 31, 2022, 08:35:04 PM
Bum. >:(

I wanted the Krauts to win to prevent all the endless gushing equating this to the second coming.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on July 31, 2022, 08:50:43 PM
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 31, 2022, 08:35:04 PMBum. >:(

I wanted the Krauts to win to prevent all the endless gushing equating this to the second coming.


I know what you mean, it will be a progressive gush-fest. A milestone on the inevitable journey towards ladies becoming more like blokes! They've already started swearing at the referee and we nearly had fisticuffs towards the end.
I think they could beat the England men's side
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on July 31, 2022, 10:01:52 PM
I'm glad they won and deservedly so. But it's true, all this endless gushing is horrible to endure. A bit like The Commonwealth Games. I mean, who really gives a toss about that?

When the winning goal scorer took her shirt off, did she get booked for that, I didn't see?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on July 31, 2022, 10:41:37 PM
Quote from: pxr5 on July 31, 2022, 10:01:52 PMWhen the winning goal scorer took her shirt off, did she get booked for that, I didn't see?

Yes, she got a yellow card; the actual brandishing was off-screen but confirmed by a graphic.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on July 31, 2022, 10:54:56 PM
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 31, 2022, 08:35:04 PMBum. >:(

I wanted the Krauts to win to prevent all the endless gushing equating this to the second coming.

Got to admit I was disappointed when I heard they'd won. I'd been avoiding the game while I was out on my bike by listening to LBC, but when I heard they'd won I switched to 5 Live.

I could not believe the overwrought, melodramatic guff coming out of the woman who commentates on the women's footy for the BBC. Historic, monumental, etc etc

My view is that we're being gaslit by the left-leaning media and especially the BBC into believing that women's football is of a comparable standard to the men's and currently it isn't, not by a long way. I'm not just talking physical stamina and strength. Tactics, decision making, passing the ball, controlling it, game management and all the rest of it. Coalville Town are better than the women's England side.

What really annoys me is when the pundits talk about putting an end to the proverbial 56 years of hurt, as if it's the same sport. Nope, 56 years and still counting. Fair play to them for winning something but this women's Euros bollocks is an irrelevance to proper international football.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on July 31, 2022, 11:08:10 PM
I agree they shouldn't be conflated like they often are.

I'd not really followed the tournament at all until England made the final - and it was quite watchable and engaging, though even top level women's football matches often are not.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 01, 2022, 12:36:05 AM
F Off you fing p***k.

The women are on a par when it comes to cursing!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on August 01, 2022, 08:21:32 AM
Turn on the telly this morning - 'rainbows' everywhere  >:(
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on August 01, 2022, 08:28:35 AM
Everyone is happy about this victory it seems apart from Alex Scott - she seems angry, sullen and bitter about something and was at it again on BBC Breakfast this morning.

Why not just enjoy it like Wrighty and every other fan? 🤷🏻�♂️
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on August 01, 2022, 09:56:36 AM
Quote from: David L on August 01, 2022, 08:21:32 AMTurn on the telly this morning - 'rainbows' everywhere  >:(

Time for a new one.

 ;)  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 01, 2022, 11:15:21 AM
Quote from: Matt2112 on August 01, 2022, 08:28:35 AMEveryone is happy about this victory it seems apart from Alex Scott - she seems angry, sullen and bitter about something and was at it again on BBC Breakfast this morning.

Why not just enjoy it like Wrighty and every other fan? 🤷🏻�♂️

What was she angry about?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Blastzone on August 01, 2022, 01:42:54 PM
Surprisingly up here in Scotland , the English lassies got quite a bit of respect , and many people were wishing them well.Even my good lady who has no interest in football generally,  watched every game , cheering them on . My own theory is, most people up here reckon they would beat our men's national side 😊
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on August 01, 2022, 05:13:00 PM
Quote from: dom on August 01, 2022, 11:15:21 AM
Quote from: Matt2112 on August 01, 2022, 08:28:35 AMEveryone is happy about this victory it seems apart from Alex Scott - she seems angry, sullen and bitter about something and was at it again on BBC Breakfast this morning.

Why not just enjoy it like Wrighty and every other fan? 🤷🏻�♂️

What was she angry about?

From what I can gather the lack of corporate interest and investment when the women's game didn't have such a high profile - i.e when she was playing.

Quite an unfair and bitter take, it strikes me.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 01, 2022, 06:40:53 PM
https://twitter.com/QEMrsWright/status/1553818325691555841?t=RenM080LcP4g3WYSgtJymQ&s=19

Men:
Football's coming home!! It's coming home!! IT's coming!!

Women, 60yrs later: ... FFS I'll get it myself.

⚽️💪🏃🏻�♀️
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on August 04, 2022, 11:56:02 AM
The "taking the knee" gesture is to be dropped for all but the most high profile games in the Premier League this season.

What a relief.

This was apparently agreed by a consensus of team captains, perhaps realising that the (literal) stance of players like Wilfried Zaha carried far more weight than superfluous performative rituals that were preaching only to the converted (the overwhelming majority of people) and wouldn't change any minds already poisoned with racism.

Also, this surely will only benefit the profile and great work by the Kick It Out initiative, which, lest "progressives" forget, has been in place for at least couple of decades in one form or another.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on August 04, 2022, 12:13:22 PM
It did absolutely nothing in the fight against racism except to make it worse.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on August 04, 2022, 01:39:50 PM
Let's hope this doesn't get ignored by Southgate and his masters at the FA
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 04, 2022, 01:58:05 PM
For me it was a positive.  An expression against years and years of bigotry at fooball grounds.  The players were making a clear and obvious rejection of this.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 04, 2022, 08:36:49 PM
Looking forward to the big game of the weekend in London. The West Yorkshire titans taking on the sleeping giants of North West London. Wonder how Barnet v Halifax will play out. Halifax were strong last season whereas Barnet seem to have found a home in the lower reaches of the national league.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on August 04, 2022, 11:02:27 PM
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 04, 2022, 11:06:49 PM
Quote from: Slim on August 04, 2022, 11:02:27 PM


Love that clip! Brilliant! "Titans v giants making them both seem normal sized"😂
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on August 05, 2022, 12:12:14 AM
Quote from: dom on August 04, 2022, 08:36:49 PMLooking forward to the big game of the weekend in London. The West Yorkshire titans taking on the sleeping giants of North West London. Wonder how Barnet v Halifax will play out. Halifax were strong last season whereas Barnet seem to have found a home in the lower reaches of the national league.

As soon as the fixture list was released I booked a return rail trip to King's Cross (and it's an easy tube journey from there to Canons Park), fully intending to travel.

However, long story short, I subsequently had to schedule a holiday which clashed, so I rebooked my tickets for Maidenhead on 2nd Sept (a few southern-based TNMSers / BTWers are meeting up for this game also - everyone welcome 😊).

So I'll be listening to the match commentary under a parasol by a swimming pool, probably. 😎
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 05, 2022, 06:51:39 AM
Enjoy the sun! Hope the commentary doesn't spoil things too much !

  :D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 06, 2022, 05:11:05 PM
Hope the Greek setting was a big enough distraction during away the commentary Matt!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on August 07, 2022, 12:13:24 PM
Quote from: dom on August 06, 2022, 05:11:05 PMHope the Greek setting was a big enough distraction during away the commentary Matt!

Yes, it needed to be!

Sounds very much like a real horror show of a display from us and Barnet strolled to a comfortable and deserved win.

The only silver lining is that we have good competition for every position in the team, so I expect there'll be a major overhaul for our first home game next Saturday (I'll be arriving home in the wee small hours of that morning).
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 14, 2022, 07:45:21 AM
What is going on at United?? Such a poor result yesterday.

Martinez looks completely ill equipped to be a centre back in the premier league snd you have to question who made the decision to spend all that money on him.

Ronaldo is toxic and I think United may regret not getting rid when they had the chance.

Will more transfers be sanctioned before the transfer window shuts or will the board be worried about throwing more money after bad?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on August 14, 2022, 10:06:43 AM
Was going to start a United thread. I'll do that in a bit. Horrific situation.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on September 07, 2022, 02:35:54 PM
Tuchel sacked by Chelsea. Who do they have lined up? Seems insane on the face of it.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on September 07, 2022, 03:10:14 PM
Talking to Potter, the Brighton manager.  Seems they plan to work in the same way as they did under Abramovic
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on September 09, 2022, 10:33:58 AM
Chelsea appoint Graham Potter as new manager on a rolling 45-minute contract (https://newsthump.com/2022/09/08/chelsea-appoint-graham-potter-as-new-manager-on-a-rolling-45-minute-contract/)

Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on September 12, 2022, 10:09:40 AM
Thankfully the inane decision to cancel the football and racing (but not cricket, golf, Rugby League etc etc) has lasted only one game day.  Back to normal this week - albeit where the respective sports belatedly get their opportunity to pay their due respects; I won't be excluding myself from that. 
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on September 12, 2022, 10:33:03 AM
Quote from: Matt2112 on September 12, 2022, 10:09:40 AMThankfully the inane decision to cancel the football and racing (but not cricket, golf, Rugby League etc etc) has lasted only one game day. 
Well, the last three days of the Tour of Britain cycle race called off its last three stages, but I read that was because the Police motorbike riders who shepherd the event were called to duty in London - and were bored off their tits because they had nowt to do...
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on September 27, 2022, 06:25:48 PM
A spirited performance by England last night in some respects but that's six games without a win now.

Mark my words: if Southgate is still in charge when the first game kicks off in Qatar, we will not win the World Cup.

You read it here first.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on September 27, 2022, 07:39:50 PM
I don't think it can be won with Maguire in the first 11, regardless of manager. But perhaps it's only Southgate who would pick him anyway
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on September 27, 2022, 10:49:11 PM
Quote from: Slim on September 27, 2022, 06:25:48 PMA spirited performance by England last night in some respects but that's six games without a win now.

Mark my words: if Southgate is still in charge when the first game kicks off in Qatar, we will not win the World Cup.

You read it here first.
Is he still 'forcing' them to take the knee?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on September 27, 2022, 10:59:34 PM
Southgate needs to grow a spine and keep Maguire and Sterling well away from the squad; the former is a liability with a turning circle of the Titanic and the latter is actually atrocious.

Others such as Walker, James, Rice and the "golden boy" Foden offer very little also; they look great for their clubs, don't they, but only because they're surrounded by far superior foreign players.

A stirring 20 minutes or so in a dead rubber against Germany should be seen in the context of several hundred preceding minutes of Southgate's now trademark snoozeball, which may be enough to defeat the Irans of world football, but clearly is unlikely to seriously trouble those most fancied to win the World Cup.

It's a disgrace it's taking place in Qatar regardless, but that's separate discussion.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on October 21, 2022, 07:08:55 AM
Steven Gerrard gone then. I wonder what top job he will be sliding into next? I imagine he's scanning the situations vacant:

'Wanted -useless football manager. Previous performance irrelevant'  ;D

Funny old game
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on October 21, 2022, 03:49:46 PM
Quote from: David L on October 21, 2022, 07:08:55 AMSteven Gerrard gone then. I wonder what top job he will be sliding into next? I imagine he's scanning the situations vacant:

'Wanted -useless football manager. Previous performance irrelevant'  ;D

Funny old game
Should have stayed at Rangers.. too greedy fuck him...
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on November 05, 2022, 03:06:32 PM
My local team Coalville Town (I've never actually been to see them even though the ground is less than a mile away) have just kicked off against Charlton at The Valley. They've already beaten Notts Country on the road to Wembley!

Fantastic if they could get a draw.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on January 07, 2023, 07:26:17 PM
Watching Football Focus earlier. I've always liked the FA cup, but accept it's not quite as it used to be. But it was really nice today watching the discussions then showing the goals and incidents from the games as they happened. It's a shame that they can't do the same with the league games.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on January 09, 2023, 08:51:15 PM
Watching Oxford v Arsenal. 0-0 at half-time. Oxford are giving them a game!
COYY!  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on January 09, 2023, 09:37:30 PM
Quote from: David L on January 09, 2023, 08:51:15 PMWatching Oxford v Arsenal. 0-0 at half-time. Oxford are giving them a game!

Well, for 45 minutes anyway!
;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on January 09, 2023, 11:51:08 PM
Fair play to Oxford, well organised and didn't look like a team currently 15th in League 1
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on January 15, 2023, 09:40:09 AM
Nine wins in a row (all competitions)
Quote from: Slim on September 27, 2022, 06:25:48 PMA spirited performance by England last night in some respects but that's six games without a win now.

Mark my words: if Southgate is still in charge when the first game kicks off in Qatar, we will not win the World Cup.

You read it here first.

I told you.


Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on January 23, 2023, 12:00:50 PM
Kane is apparently open to a new deal with Spurs.  A bit Le Tissier like, showing a lack of ambition and a real desire to test himself at the top level and have the opportunity to actually win something.  Move on Harry - City, United, Real Madrid - go for it, don't stick with Spurs!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on January 23, 2023, 12:16:47 PM
Got to agree with that. I'd love to see Kane at United in the summer transfer window but I don't think it'll happen.

Waste of a world-class striker / provider and talisman.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on January 26, 2023, 01:33:08 PM
I did think Duncan Ferguson might get a stint as caretaker at Everton again, but he's just been given a job as permanent manager at Forest Green.

Wasn't surprised at all when Frank got the tin tack. I did think before the game with West Ham that he'd need to avoid losing it to keep his job.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on January 26, 2023, 02:01:44 PM
Quote from: Slim link=msg=10295 date=Wasn't surprised at all when Frank got the tin tack. I did think before the game with West Ham that he'd need to avoid losing it to keep his job.

He'll be back earning hundreds of thousands within weeks
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on January 26, 2023, 08:37:37 PM
Wigan have sacked their manager, Kolo Toure, after only 9 games. ffs what a farce.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on January 28, 2023, 09:10:29 PM
Speaking of Sean Dyche, as Dom was in the Arsenal thread just now - given they were after Bielsa, that's a strange choice for Everton isn't it? Either they don't really have a firm idea of the approach and style they want, or Dyche is a stopgap until they can get someone more in keeping with their longer term plan.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on January 29, 2023, 12:01:09 AM
Quote from: David L on January 26, 2023, 02:01:44 PM
Quote from: Slim link=msg=10295 date=Wasn't surprised at all when Frank got the tin tack. I did think before the game with West Ham that he'd need to avoid losing it to keep his job.

He'll be back earning hundreds of thousands within weeks

It's just a revolving door of failure..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on January 29, 2023, 12:36:48 AM
Quote from: Slim on January 28, 2023, 09:10:29 PMSpeaking of Sean Dyche, as Dom was in the Arsenal thread just now - given they were after Bielsa, that's a strange choice for Everton isn't it? Either they don't really have a firm idea of the approach and style they want, or Dyche is a stopgap until they can get someone more in keeping with their longer term plan.

I suppose Bielsa is more of a long term thing and his methods take time to settle in and yield results. I imagine they think that Dyche will get in there and bring some structure and organisation to the team pretty quickly. Let's see if that works out.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 01, 2023, 10:39:44 AM
The financial might of the EPL has never been more apparent during this transfer window.

I think I saw a figure that 750 million was spent this January.  In contrast the German, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese leagues spent 250 million between them.  That is astonishing.  Chelsea by themselves spent 323 million.  Boehly seems to be backing his team even more than Abramovic.  Really hope they fail miserably!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 06, 2023, 02:53:08 PM
Jesse Marsch has been fired .. no surprises I guess but a shame, he did very well there for a time.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 06, 2023, 09:52:04 PM
Pity, when Arsenal played at Elland Road, Leeds were excellent and deserved at least a point. I thought he looked an excellent appointment, not quite sure why it didn't work out.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on February 06, 2023, 10:21:01 PM
I think it didn't work out for Marsch for the same reason it didn't work out for Bielsa - the team simply still isn't of a sufficient standard to get enough good results over the course of a season at Premier League level.

Gnonto looks a great signing but often looks like it's left to him to win games on his own.  Too many of the rest are duds.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 06, 2023, 11:52:07 PM
Wonder what will happen to Manchester City and the Premier League's case against them with regards to Financial Fair Play. 

I bet Chelsea are shuffling uncomfortably and even Newcastle might be wondering how it will affect their future spending plans
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on February 07, 2023, 07:05:49 AM
Quote from: dom on February 06, 2023, 11:52:07 PMWonder what will happen to Manchester City and the Premier League's case against them with regards to Financial Fair Play. 

I bet Chelsea are shuffling uncomfortably and even Newcastle might be wondering how it will affect their future spending plans
Aaah, I remember when it used to be about who scored the most goals. Great times
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 07, 2023, 07:17:34 AM
Quote from: David L on July 13, 1970, 11:52:15 PMAaah, I remember when it used to be about who scored the most goals. Great times

Indeed, those were the days!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 15, 2023, 10:00:56 PM
Well, no doubt who scored the most goals tonight - I think this last run of games has taken the wind out of Arsenal's sails.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 16, 2023, 11:47:32 AM
City must be favourites now, based on their experience in dealing with title run ins. 
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 21, 2023, 08:34:24 PM
Nightmarish mistake by Courtois there, gifting Salah the ball right in front of the goal.

But you know what Mo should have done there? He should have put his foot on the ball, tapped it back to Courtois with a wry smile, and backed off a few paces, to let him clear it.

Because that would have been one of the great all-time moments of footballing sportsmanship. There would have been a standing ovation, right round the ground. And that's bigger than going 2-0 up against Real Madrid.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on February 21, 2023, 09:30:18 PM
A really nice thought Slim, but something like that is never going to happen at this level sadly. Anyway, the fates have stepped in and as I type this it's 2-4 2-5.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 06, 2023, 07:12:21 AM
Anyone predict yesterday's score at Anfield?

I didn't see the game but who decided that the United defence should go back to its early season form?

Interesting to see whether its just a blip to both sides or whether its a shift that will continue til the rnd of the season.

My inkling is that Liverpool will regain their form from last season and it will just prove to be a blip for United. The Old Trafford side could even use it to galvanise themselves between now and the end of the season.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 10, 2023, 06:44:16 PM
Lineker has been dropped from MOTD and Ian Wright has pulled out in solidarity. Wonder who'll end up presenting it. Matt Le Tissier and Peter Shilton?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 10, 2023, 06:54:33 PM
Shearer won't appear either. The BBC has got itself in a right mess
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on March 10, 2023, 07:30:24 PM
Let's hope it saves them some money and we get a reduction in the TV tax
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on March 10, 2023, 09:10:26 PM
Quote from: David L on March 10, 2023, 07:30:24 PMLet's hope it saves them some money and we get a reduction in the TV tax
Word.

Let's hope the overpaid gobshites disappear for good and take their loathsome soccerball with them.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 10, 2023, 10:07:15 PM
Regardless of what MOTD viewers think of opinions that have been posted on Twatter by MOTD presenters, I suspect Saturday's broadcast might ram home just how superfluous and super-expensive for license fee payers the MOTD presenters actually are.

Remember when it was just Jimmy Hill introducing the matches, just giving each one a bit of background context with a genuine enthusiasm?

Now it's three divas mostly engaging in lame, conceited, sub-Top Gear matey banter, punctuated by Lineker's abysmal primary school puns.  It's gotten very, very tedious.

Hopefully they'll stick with a presenter-less format from now on.

Or maybe get, say, Peter Crouch in to do it; I think he'd be quite good and a lot more naturalistic and appealing than the usual incumbents.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 10, 2023, 11:53:49 PM
Some of the commentators have announced that they won't be commentating either. Real solidarity shown. Marvellous! 
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on March 10, 2023, 11:55:36 PM
Quote from: dom on March 10, 2023, 11:53:49 PMSome of the commentators have announced that they won't be commentating either. Real solidarity shown. Marvellous! 
Indeed. The wage bill is tumbling
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 11, 2023, 08:46:35 AM
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 10, 2023, 10:07:15 PMRegardless of what MOTD viewers think of opinions that have been posted on Twatter by MOTD presenters, I suspect Saturday's broadcast might ram home just how superfluous and super-expensive for license fee payers the MOTD presenters actually are.

Remember when it was just Jimmy Hill introducing the matches, just giving each one a bit of background context with a genuine enthusiasm?

Now it's three divas mostly engaging in lame, conceited, sub-Top Gear matey banter, punctuated by Lineker's abysmal primary school puns.  It's gotten very, very tedious.

Hopefully they'll stick with a presenter-less format from now on.

Or maybe get, say, Peter Crouch in to do it; I think he'd be quite good and a lot more naturalistic and appealing than the usual incumbents.

I don't agree with this. If I watch Arsenal play earlier in the day, I'll watch again in the evening (providing Arsenal have won) on MOTD just to see the punditry. I'll often disagree with their opinions, but I'm interested in seeing what they say anyway.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AM
Quote from: dom on March 11, 2023, 08:46:35 AMI'll often disagree with their opinions, but I'm interested in seeing what they say anyway.
You like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
I watch TV to escape people like Mrs S and the boy.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on March 11, 2023, 11:14:33 AM
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AM
Quote from: dom on March 11, 2023, 08:46:35 AMI'll often disagree with their opinions, but I'm interested in seeing what they say anyway.
You like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
I watch TV to escape people like Mrs S and the boy.

What about people who can't escape and get a life? TV is company for a lot of folk who don't have much human contact and lead a lonely existence. You know the sort I mean. The old guy holding up the checkout queue chatting to the staff.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 11, 2023, 11:57:58 AM
Even better for David, Radio 5 live won't have any commentaries on today's football. What an unholy mess.

36 Tory mps are demanding an apology from Lineker. That's not going to happen. And if you can only get 36 prepared to put their name to this perhaps you shouldn't bother 😂
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on March 11, 2023, 12:04:46 PM
Fuckin' sheep can all sod off for me. Just sack all the overpaid gits and get someone else in if needed. Maybe if the BBC got rid of football our licence fees might drop - considerably. Then we can all watch much superior sports like Rugby and Cricket.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on March 11, 2023, 12:05:01 PM
No Football Focus.😢
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 02:48:11 PM
Quote from: pxr5 on March 11, 2023, 12:04:46 PMFuckin' sheep can all sod off for me. Just sack all the overpaid gits and get someone else in if needed. Maybe if the BBC got rid of football our licence fees might drop - considerably. Then we can all watch much superior sports like Rugby and Cricket.
Trouble is, too many people see Soccer as being the only sport. That's why the BBC throw money at imbeciles to comment on the bits of soccer scraps they are thrown. The only other sport the BBC like is Tennis, because that's what all the hoorays who run it play.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 11, 2023, 07:40:58 PM
Did the English rugby team decide not to play today in solidarity with Lineker?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 09:34:32 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on March 11, 2023, 11:14:33 AM
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AM
Quote from: dom on March 11, 2023, 08:46:35 AMI'll often disagree with their opinions, but I'm interested in seeing what they say anyway.
You like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
I watch TV to escape people like Mrs S and the boy.

What about people who can't escape and get a life? TV is company for a lot of folk who don't have much human contact and lead a lonely existence. You know the sort I mean. The old guy holding up the checkout queue chatting to the staff.
The old bloke needs a good kicking! Check out staff are there to process your goods, not chat. I always start with a hearty "FUCK OFF" when I get to the checkout.

I've no problems with people watching the telly, but not to actively seek out morons spouting guff.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pdw1 on March 11, 2023, 11:13:37 PM
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AMYou like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
well, he does hang around here
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on March 12, 2023, 11:12:30 AM
Quote from: pdw1 on March 11, 2023, 11:13:37 PM
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on March 11, 2023, 10:51:04 AMYou like listening to barely educated people talking shit? Get a life!
well, he does hang around here
And there was I thinking we were reasonably educated people without lives talking shit. More fool me.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on March 12, 2023, 11:32:06 AM
This piece from the Telegraph is spot on:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/other/good-riddance-to-virtue-signalling-football-pundits/ar-AA18uWTI?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=e1750c49466a4ab0be402a0da8b2c87b&ei=37

Although the reference to virtue signalling isn't necessary. The heart of the matter is:

QuoteThe BBC's obsession with punditry rather than actual sport has long been a blight on its coverage.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 12, 2023, 12:16:17 PM
FA Trophy quarter finals yesterday  saw wins for both Barnet and Matt's Halifax. Wonder if we get to meet in the semis or wait for Wembley. Draw is tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on March 12, 2023, 12:46:58 PM
I caught that 'Match of the Day' replacement thing this morning showing the PL highlights without commentary. At first it seemed awful, but as the games went on I really did get used to the lack of commentary. It wouldn't bother me watching football without commentators in the future.

In fact I'm going to write to Points of View suggesting this becomes the norm. Along with binning pundits I could save the beeb a fortune and I'll demand my licence fee is reduced by, say, 50%. Get in. 8) :D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 12, 2023, 01:58:11 PM
Apparently, the viewing figures for last night's MOTD were 500,000 up on the week before. 🤔

I did think it suffered from the lack of match commentary though; it does inform and provide some vicarious excitement.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 12, 2023, 02:38:02 PM
Quote from: dom on March 12, 2023, 12:16:17 PMFA Trophy quarter finals yesterday  saw wins for both Barnet and Matt's Halifax. Wonder if we get to meet in the semis or wait for Wembley. Draw is tomorrow afternoon.

We were atrocious at home to Barnet the other week, and they didn't even have to work that hard for their win, and that wasn't even the nadir of our recent patch of shocking performances.

However, since key players have returned from injury we're now unbeaten in four games, with no goals conceded in our last three games.  Hopefully a corner turned.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 12, 2023, 04:27:40 PM
Quote from: dom on March 11, 2023, 11:57:58 AMEven better for David, Radio 5 live won't have any commentaries on today's football. What an unholy mess.

36 Tory mps are demanding an apology from Lineker. That's not going to happen.

You're right there, Lineker doesn't have the faintest hint of the integrity or honesty necessary for that.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 12, 2023, 06:08:04 PM
MOTD2 will be 14 minutes long tonight. :-\
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 17, 2023, 11:36:15 AM
Patrick Vieira has been sacked at Palace. He started off so well with them but with no wins since before the World Cup, the writing was on the wall. Seems their strikers have forgotten how to score.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on March 18, 2023, 07:46:08 PM
MOTD will be 1 hour 20 minutes long tonight. :)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on March 18, 2023, 09:03:07 PM
Quote from: Matt2112 on March 18, 2023, 07:46:08 PMMOTD will be 1 hour 20 minutes long tonight. :)
With a whole 14 minutes of football  ;)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 18, 2023, 09:22:33 PM
My confidence in Man City's likelihood to win the league has diminished a bit now, with only 11 games remaining and a 5 point gap to Arsenal. If pushed I still make them slight favourites, though.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 19, 2023, 07:05:03 AM
I think City are favorites and this is only reinforced with the news that 2 key Arsenal defenders are likely to be out for a number of weeks following the Sporting Lisbon game.

Saliba has been a sensational player for Arsenal. So quick, so skilful. Holding, his likely replacement, is just solid and safe. Has nowhere near the same level of quality.

City have the easier run in. They have to play Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool all at home. Arsenal play the same teams but all away.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 19, 2023, 07:03:55 PM
I wonder if Arteta was a bit naive risking such a strong side in the Europa League? He may never have a better chance to win the Premier League.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 19, 2023, 11:19:13 PM
Quote from: Slim on March 19, 2023, 07:03:55 PMI wonder if Arteta was a bit naive risking such a strong side in the Europa League? He may never have a better chance to win the Premier League.

Perhaps, 6 changes were made for the game which I thought reasonable.  I was worried that the injuries, the psychological and mental impact of playing 120 minutes plus penalties would have adversely affected the team. The result today suggests not.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on March 28, 2023, 10:13:07 PM
Holy shit we won .. Scotland beat Spain 'kin hell
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 05, 2023, 10:32:29 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/vBfvcVB/league-table-230405.png)

Very tight in the lower regions of the Premier League table at the moment .. Palace 12th but only 3 points clear of the trapdoor.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 06, 2023, 10:05:28 AM
Do not understand the decision to dismiss Potter and replace him with Lampard. Why not give the ex Brighton manager til the end of the season to see if this experiment can yield results rather than going back to a previous tried and failed one?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on April 06, 2023, 10:10:33 AM
Quote from: dom on April 06, 2023, 10:05:28 AMDo not understand the decision to dismiss Potter and replace him with Lampard. Why not give the ex Brighton manager til the end of the season to see if this experiment can yield results rather than going back to a previous tried and failed one?

Revolving door of failure it seems with football managers these days
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on April 06, 2023, 10:46:36 PM
Halifax Town meet high-flying, Hollywood star-owned Wrexham at the "San Shayro" tomorrow. 

About 5,000 away fans are expected to attend, so we'll probably be outnumbered 2 to 1.

We might be trounced, we might sneak a win, and neither outcome would surprise me.

Fair play to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney though: they have donated a much appreciated sum of money in memory of a 19-year-old Halifax Town fan who recently tragically died of cancer (there will be applause in tribute in the 19th minute).  They have form for this kind of philanthropy toward other clubs, which flies under the media circus radar that seems to follow them everywhere they go. So, yes, fair play to them.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 08, 2023, 12:57:39 PM
Brilliant result Matt! BT Sport are loving it too as that result put Notts County top on 100 points, matching Wrexham's total
and they meet, live on tv on Monday. Should be some game!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on April 08, 2023, 02:41:19 PM
On the evidence I've seen, Notts County are much the better side.

But I hope they both go up; great sets of fans to mingle with pre-match.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 08, 2023, 03:05:48 PM
Surely you'd want one set to mingle with again next season  ;D

Hoping Barnet will find some form again and go up with Wrexham or Notts. Unlikely I know but we can dream.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Blastzone on April 10, 2023, 04:34:25 PM
At the Hearts game against St Mirren on Saturday ...by god our standards have dropped through the floor in recent weeks.  We were awful , manager had no plan B in any of our recent games , however he has now been moved on . Probably get someone from the managerial musical chairs of the league . P
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on April 10, 2023, 06:05:12 PM
Quote from: Blastzone on April 10, 2023, 04:34:25 PMAt the Hearts game against St Mirren on Saturday ...by god our standards have dropped through the floor in recent weeks.  We were awful , manager had no plan B in any of our recent games , however he has now been moved on . Probably get someone from the managerial musical chairs of the league . P

Frank Lampard may be available quite soon..🙄
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 13, 2023, 10:15:44 PM
No further action against Constantine Hatzidakis over the "elbow" on Robertson.

"It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I've apologised." And the FA have accepted that.

Pleased to see that. I often agree with Chris Sutton but I thought his assessment that a several match ban was in order was ridiculous.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on April 17, 2023, 04:25:11 PM
Quote from: Slim on April 13, 2023, 10:15:44 PMNo further action against Constantine Hatzidakis over the "elbow" on Robertson.

"It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I've apologised." And the FA have accepted that.

Pleased to see that. I often agree with Chris Sutton but I thought his assessment that a several match ban was in order was ridiculous.

Yes, common sense prevailed there.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 18, 2023, 09:40:54 PM
Quote from: Fishy on April 10, 2023, 06:05:12 PM
Quote from: Blastzone on April 10, 2023, 04:34:25 PMAt the Hearts game against St Mirren on Saturday ...by god our standards have dropped through the floor in recent weeks.  We were awful , manager had no plan B in any of our recent games , however he has now been moved on . Probably get someone from the managerial musical chairs of the league . P

Frank Lampard may be available quite soon..🙄

I believe Frank has now lost his last 8 games as a manager, all of them competitive fixtures.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on April 18, 2023, 10:22:23 PM
Premiership management is farcical
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 27, 2023, 09:27:45 AM
Quote from: Slim on April 18, 2023, 09:40:54 PM
Quote from: Fishy on April 10, 2023, 06:05:12 PM
Quote from: Blastzone on April 10, 2023, 04:34:25 PMAt the Hearts game against St Mirren on Saturday ...by god our standards have dropped through the floor in recent weeks.  We were awful , manager had no plan B in any of our recent games , however he has now been moved on . Probably get someone from the managerial musical chairs of the league . P

Frank Lampard may be available quite soon..🙄

I believe Frank has now lost his last 8 games as a manager, all of them competitive fixtures.


And Chelsea's defeat to Brentford makes it nine in a row.

I think the writing's on the wall for Frank's managerial career now. The media / pundit route is probably his best bet.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 30, 2023, 05:06:12 PM
Spurs fans "mock Liverpool for not being further ahead" according to the BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/64734532


Brutal.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 02, 2023, 09:33:30 PM
Quote from: Slim on April 27, 2023, 09:27:45 AM
Quote from: Slim on April 18, 2023, 09:40:54 PMI believe Frank has now lost his last 8 games as a manager, all of them competitive fixtures.

And Chelsea's defeat to Brentford makes it nine in a row.


Make that ten.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 07, 2023, 10:43:56 PM
🍾🥂
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 07, 2023, 11:46:30 PM
Liverpool vs United for 4th. Could be an interesting side show as the season draws to a close.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 08, 2023, 12:43:04 PM
My team is 2 points away from wining the league for the first time in 6 years. Next game is home against a sure win, which probably means it'll take another game :-)

Go Feyenoord!

Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 08, 2023, 01:03:26 PM
Brilliant!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 08, 2023, 02:15:53 PM
Quote from: Thenop on May 08, 2023, 12:43:04 PMMy team is 2 points away from wining the league for the first time in 6 years. Next game is home against a sure win, which probably means it'll take another game :-)

Go Feyenoord!



That Ove Kindvall goal still hurts though.😢
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 14, 2023, 03:26:11 PM
20 mins for kick off....
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 14, 2023, 03:32:10 PM
I've always liked the Feyenoord home kit with its red & white mirror image split shirt.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 14, 2023, 04:02:05 PM
1-0 14 minutes in ;D
Edit 2- 0 17 minutes
This is going to be a great afternoon
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 14, 2023, 05:37:21 PM
3 - 0 game. Champions!
Feyenoord!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 14, 2023, 07:49:04 PM
My old football programmes always referred to your team as
Feijenoord. I didn't realise the club officially changed to Feyenoord in 1974 as a kindness to us thick neighbours who didn't understand the ij pronunciation. Every day a school day.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 14, 2023, 08:34:06 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on May 14, 2023, 07:49:04 PMMy old football programmes always referred to your team as
Feijenoord. I didn't realise the club officially changed to Feyenoord in 1974 as a kindness to us thick neighbours who didn't understand the ij pronunciation. Every day a school day.

Haha, well we pronounce it the same so no difference here. There is a part of town though that is called Feijenoord, adjacent to where the stadium is.

It was a a fun watch, with a banner made by the fans that measured 11000 square meters. That's right, 11000. It spanned across 80% of the stands. Length was 550 meters if I am not mistaken. Impressive.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 14, 2023, 09:16:57 PM
City now need two draws from their last three games to clinch the PL title - disregarding the very slender possibility that Arsenal will make up the goal difference. If Arsenal fail to win either of their last two games City would still win if they lose all three of theirs.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 18, 2023, 10:45:07 PM
Extraordinary League One playoff tonight - Sheffield Wednesday overcame a 4-0 deficit from the first leg to get to 4-4 on aggregate. Then Peterborough scored one. Then Wednesday bagged another one.

Now it's penalties.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on May 22, 2023, 01:31:21 AM
Nice to see a West Yorkshire team actually winning something. 8)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 22, 2023, 06:56:55 PM
Newcastle are not yet quite guaranteed a top four finish, so I think they'll be on their game against Leicester tonight.

Actually Liverpool can only hope to draw level on points, and their goal difference is 7 worse than Newcastle's. So even if Newcastle were to lose 2-0 tonight, Liverpool would still need a hatful against Southampton on the last day.

Nonetheless I think Newcastle will be keen to make it a copper-bottomed certainty tonight.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 28, 2023, 06:10:48 PM
A bit conflicted today because my other half and family are all Foxes fans, but I literally hate Gary Lineker. At the moment they're going down despite having their noses in front for a while this afternoon.

Leeds definitely down, would need to score three goals without reply in the next fifteen minutes or so as well as Leicester conceding one. But Everton's survival at Leicester's expense is on a knife-edge .. just one Bournemouth goal would capsize it.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on May 28, 2023, 06:42:36 PM
Leeds absolutely abject to the last - they deserve to go down.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 28, 2023, 06:50:47 PM
Quote from: Matt2112 on May 28, 2023, 06:42:36 PMLeeds absolutely abject to the last - they deserve to go down.

They looked so nervous today.  Sam's impact appears minimal or even negative
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pdw1 on June 07, 2023, 11:20:56 PM
Congrats to The Hammers tonight. That's the way to win a European final.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on June 10, 2023, 09:45:54 PM
Not sure City are winning a European final in the right way at the moment - they've looked surprisingly ramshackle and disjointed, but as I type they're quite likely to bring the trophy home to Blighty.

Foden will rue fluffing his line if Inter get a goal.

Five minutes of normal time remain.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on June 10, 2023, 09:48:41 PM
Christ! Tense

(https://i.ibb.co/3zmxvmZ/pep.jpg)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on June 11, 2023, 08:19:42 PM
Quote from: Slim on June 10, 2023, 09:45:54 PMNot sure City are winning a European final in the right way at the moment - they've looked surprisingly ramshackle and disjointed, but as I type they're quite likely to bring the trophy home to Blighty.

Foden will rue fluffing his line if Inter get a goal.

Five minutes of normal time remain.

Not quite sure that it has been brought back to Blighty. In general over the last 25 years the EPL has become more and more international, less and less English. Foreign owners managers and players all outnumber their English counterparts. Fans attending matches are  still probably mostly English but they are dwarfed in numbers by international supporters watching from home.

And specifically in the case of Man City, it has become a sports laundering device for Abu Dhabi. It really is Abu Dhabi FC. Looks like Newcastle are heading down the same path and Man Utd may well follow suit.

All owned/to be owned by repressive countries, using the EPL for a bit of good pr.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Nickslikk2112 on June 11, 2023, 09:42:14 PM
Quote from: dom on June 11, 2023, 08:19:42 PM
Quote from: Slim on June 10, 2023, 09:45:54 PMNot sure City are winning a European final in the right way at the moment - they've looked surprisingly ramshackle and disjointed, but as I type they're quite likely to bring the trophy home to Blighty.

Foden will rue fluffing his line if Inter get a goal.

Five minutes of normal time remain.

Not quite sure that it has been brought back to Blighty. In general over the last 25 years the EPL has become more and more international, less and less English. Foreign owners managers and players all outnumber their English counterparts. Fans attending matches are  still probably mostly English but they are dwarfed in numbers by international supporters watching from home.

And specifically in the case of Man City, it has become a sports laundering device for Abu Dhabi. It really is Abu Dhabi FC. Looks like Newcastle are heading down the same path and Man Utd may well follow suit.

All owned/to be owned by repressive countries, using the EPL for a bit of good pr.
Well I think soccerball is shit, it' bad PR to me :)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on June 12, 2023, 09:54:01 PM
Well it looks like the prize chattel of another club used for sports washing will be on the move this Summer.

Mbappe has said he's not going to renew with PSG. Fascinating to see where he ends up. I'm guessing Real Madrid or Chelsea. If Man U become another oil run club they will be among the favourites to land him too.

Outside bet - Newcastle decide to show off their financial, oil fueled muscle and land one of the biggest talents in football.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on June 12, 2023, 10:09:25 PM
I don't buy this notion of "sportswashing", I think it's mainly liberal media folklore. Think about it - has anything made Saudi human rights abuses more prominent in the public consciousness this last couple of years than LIV golf or Newcastle United?

Even the last World Cup was largely treated by the BBC as an invitation to bang on ad nauseam about the plight of migrant workers in Qatar.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on June 12, 2023, 10:36:46 PM
You could be right but what reason do you give for the oil states to invest so much into football. They have zero chance of making any money out of the venture?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on July 08, 2023, 07:07:37 PM
England winning the Euro U21 final against Spain 1-0 with a penalty save by the England goalkeeper Trafford in added time. Great stuff.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on July 24, 2023, 03:41:05 PM
Trevor Francis has died. The first £1M player. Only 69.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on July 24, 2023, 05:40:53 PM
The ridiculousness of the Arabs oferring a total of 1 billion euros for 1 year of Mbappe.
No one is worth that, and the notion you can buy anything and anyone is quite disturbing.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on July 27, 2023, 10:40:04 PM
Jordan Henderson - 'dump' woke = rich bloke
;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on August 16, 2023, 10:06:06 AM
Starting to wonder if Saudi might turn out to be the downfall of European football. With the ridiculous money they're offering, we'll see more players going there. Certainly they've signed players who are a bit past their peak but they seem to be getting players who still have a lot to offer, more so than the past-it performers who typically go to end their careers in the US.

Apparently they want Mo Salah now.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on August 16, 2023, 02:09:06 PM
When I was working in Saudi I used to get chatting to some of the local guys there about football. Even then (6-7 years ago) they were complaining about the amount of foreign players in the club sides basically giving the locals less chances and weakening the national side. Sort of what happened in the PL.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 16, 2023, 11:14:36 PM
Something similar happened in China around a decade ago. That all fell apart pretty quickly. Hopefully something similar will happen to Saudi. Concerning though that  players in their prime are heading over not just those reaching the end of their careers.

Its different to China in that there's a double pronged attack going on. Not only are they pinching fantastic players to play in thrir league they're also appropriating clubs in Europe. Wonder how long it will continue?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on September 24, 2023, 09:39:39 PM
Well that's a red letter day .. eight different players score a goal for the same side in a single game.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/12965774/sheff-utd-0-8-newcastle-magpies-secure-club-record-premier-league-away-win-to-heap-misery-on-rock-bottom-blades
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on September 25, 2023, 07:58:51 PM
Cheltenham Town have scored zero goals in their first nine league games - a new football league record.

The previous holders of this unwanted title, with P8 F0, was...Halifax Town.  ::)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on October 25, 2023, 11:06:19 PM
Just heard breaking news that the PL has recommended a 12 point deduction for Everton. Brutal.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on October 26, 2023, 03:19:09 PM
Hopefully similar penalties will be handed out to Man City and (crossing all fingers) Chelsea
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on October 28, 2023, 07:33:22 PM
The Spurs fans must be feeling a bit like the Arsenal fans felt a year ago at this stage of the season .. "we couldn't .. could we?"
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on October 28, 2023, 09:23:35 PM
Quote from: Slim on October 28, 2023, 07:33:22 PMThe Spurs fans must be feeling a bit like the Arsenal fans felt a year ago at this stage of the season .. "we couldn't .. could we?"

Just got to love Ange. Something about this man. When he arrived in Glasgow he was derided to a large extent by supporters from both sides of the Clyde, and also the mainstream media. I don't think there's a shred of doubt in his mentality when he takes on a task. He's as capable as any manager in the game. Even though being honest I had slight doubts about his appointment after the Eddie Howe saga, I did like the look and sound of him when I did a bit of digging about the web. Good luck to him. Great guy.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on October 29, 2023, 01:44:46 AM
VAR just sums up what's wrong with football and society.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on October 31, 2023, 03:07:08 PM
How do Saudi Arabia get handed a World Cup?.. unbelievable
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on October 31, 2023, 03:27:04 PM
Quote from: Fishy on October 31, 2023, 03:07:08 PMHow do Saudi Arabia get handed a World Cup?.. unbelievable
$$$$$$$$$$
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on November 01, 2023, 06:15:37 PM
Strange goings on at Ajax? I've just read this https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67285617 and from that article Ajax I discovered that they are currently bottom of the Dutch Eredivisie https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/dutch-eredivisie/table - odd times indeed.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on November 04, 2023, 12:43:31 PM
United a goal up at Fulham a few minutes into the game and it's just as well. Must-win game for United. You've got to think Erik's job's on the line if they lose.

That said, it must be obvious by now that the manager isn't the problem.

Oh hang on .. it's gone to VAR ... was Maguire interfering with play in an offside position? Apparently he was, goal disallowed.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on November 06, 2023, 10:22:33 PM
Bizarre and hugely entertaining game between Spurs and Chelsea tonight.

Amongst other barely-believable stats, from one point Tottenham had only three outfield players on the pitch who started the match.

Great stuff for the neutral.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on November 07, 2023, 10:44:55 AM
Can't imagine it was as much fun in the ground! Unless you were a Chelsea fan, perhaps! All those VAR delays!

About time Spurs came a cropper. Hopefully they pick up a bit of negative momentum from this result and go on a long losing run😊
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on November 14, 2023, 02:16:00 PM
Harry Kane has already scored 20 goals for Bayern in all competitions, he's something like the Bundesliga Haaland. Which makes me wonder how many he'd have scored if he'd gone to Man City.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on November 17, 2023, 12:35:01 PM
Quote from: Slim on October 25, 2023, 11:06:19 PMJust heard breaking news that the PL has recommended a 12 point deduction for Everton. Brutal.
10 points in the end - wow. An appeal has gone in of course.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on November 17, 2023, 02:06:57 PM
I think they should just suck that up, makes no meaningful difference to their season. They won't go down and they weren't going to get a Europa League place. Last season, it would have sent them down so they've got off lightly.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on December 21, 2023, 09:02:30 PM
Cup football is the best. We won yesterday, but Ajax lost just now to a third division amateur team.

Not sure which of the 2 games I enjoyed more...
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on January 04, 2024, 11:10:23 AM
How is this 19 years ago?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/67868505

(https://i.ibb.co/3McBC8Y/carrollnongoal.jpg)

.. and it's very interesting to hear Peter Schmeichel and Alan Hansen discussing the potential disadvantages of video technology back in 2005 (video in the link). Prescient comments from both.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on January 04, 2024, 07:25:49 PM
VAR currently causing mayhem north of the border. Rangers in meltdown and demanding that a certain official is never again appointed to referee any of their matches. This, despite the fact they have only just conceded their first domestic penalty in two years. You couldn't make it up.😂😂😂

Edit: I nearly forgot. Their right back is also currently their leading goal scorer. He takes their penalties. Move along now. Nothing to see here.😉
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 24, 2024, 09:06:16 PM
And again cup football: we beat PSV just now, on to the quarter final.
Let's go Feyenoord!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 09, 2024, 07:21:08 AM
More cup football, we beat AZ (again, last Sunday for the league) with 2-0 to go through to the semis.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 09, 2024, 10:53:07 AM
Talk of a "blue card" for tactical fouls and dissent, where a player would get sin-binned for 10 minutes. Footy's getting to be like Formula 1, different rules every season.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 09, 2024, 10:57:59 AM
Just seems like another unnecessary complication. It will inevitably come down to interpretation and will just cause more confusion and discontent. And how will it fit into the current system - Will 2 blues equal a red, and/or will a blue and yellow equal a red for example?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on February 09, 2024, 11:08:29 AM
Quote from: dom on February 09, 2024, 10:57:59 AMJust seems like another unnecessary complication. It will inevitably come down to interpretation and will just cause more confusion and discontent. And how will it fit into the current system - Will 2 blues equal a red, and/or will a blue and yellow equal a red for example?
Yes, that's the proposal, I believe
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 09, 2024, 11:33:43 AM
Being categorically denied by FIFA already, a least for higher professional leagues. Just testing the water I guess.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on February 09, 2024, 11:41:41 AM
If there's one rule that should definitely be introduced, it's one that penalises goalkeepers when they collect the ball in a stable, standing position and flop to the ground. 

I find it annoying even when my own team's 'keeper does it (which recently hasn't been often given our shocking run of form  :-[  ).
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on March 03, 2024, 04:37:19 PM
Well, the season has 10 games left but with PSV 10 points ahead of us, and the draw today it's probably decided. Fortunately the 2nd place gets us in de CL next year again.

And we at the cup final after last Tuesdays' win in the semis.

Still enough to keep the rest of the season interesting!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on April 01, 2024, 09:16:08 PM
Germany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68708981

Oh dear....
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 01, 2024, 09:27:34 PM
Quote from: Fishy on April 01, 2024, 09:16:08 PMGermany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68708981

Oh dear....

That's why the German version of Destroyer looks like this:

(https://i.ibb.co/ccD9CcQ/germanydestroyer.webp)

instead of this:

(https://i.ibb.co/wNHkMrG/normdestroyer.jpg)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 07, 2024, 04:33:44 PM
Quote from: Slim on April 01, 2024, 09:27:34 PM
Quote from: Fishy on April 01, 2024, 09:16:08 PMGermany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68708981

Oh dear....

That's why the German version of Destroyer looks like this:

(https://i.ibb.co/ccD9CcQ/germanydestroyer.webp)

instead of this:

(https://i.ibb.co/wNHkMrG/normdestroyer.jpg)

Brrrr. An abomination.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 07, 2024, 04:35:31 PM
Should be posting this in what's made my day.
Feyenoord beat Ajax 6-0, what a lovely day.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 03:34:16 PM
90 minutes till kick off:
Cup final Feyenoord vs NEC.

Let's go Feyenoord!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on April 21, 2024, 06:13:35 PM
Penalties at the Cov v Man U game..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on April 21, 2024, 06:26:55 PM
Bad luck Coventry...
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 07:25:55 PM
Quote from: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 03:34:16 PM90 minutes till kick off:
Cup final Feyenoord vs NEC.

Let's go Feyenoord!

It wasn't pretty, it was a real game, but we won! 1-0, not much but just enough.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on April 21, 2024, 07:28:59 PM
Quote from: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 07:25:55 PM
Quote from: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 03:34:16 PM90 minutes till kick off:
Cup final Feyenoord vs NEC.

Let's go Feyenoord!

It wasn't pretty, it was a real game, but we won! 1-0, not much but just enough.

Well done! 🍾👍
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 21, 2024, 09:48:46 PM
Strong stuff from Forest. I applaud them for speaking out.

(https://i.ibb.co/7KDvzNX/forestvar.png)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on April 22, 2024, 01:54:05 PM
Quote from: Slim on April 21, 2024, 09:48:46 PMStrong stuff from Forest. I applaud them for speaking out.

(https://i.ibb.co/7KDvzNX/forestvar.png)

Good for Forest for calling this insidious back room operation out. VAR is ruining football. Fans can't even celebrate a goal being scored properly until some faceless expert runs a rule over things. Some of the Scottish stats on decisions are beyond belief. The whole set up stinks.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 22, 2024, 04:07:54 PM
VAR is supposed to reduce human error.  In fact it has put additional humans into the chain thereby increasing human error!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 25, 2024, 06:06:12 PM
Our manager at Feyenoord is now being rumoured to be the next Liverpool manager. Not happy, obviously, but it is well deserved if he went. Let's see how he gets on then.
Mind you, nothing has been decided or signed.

Not a fan of the rumour mill at all, but this sounded credible considering the source here in the Netherlands.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on April 25, 2024, 06:14:06 PM
Quote from: Thenop on April 25, 2024, 06:06:12 PMOur manager at Feyenoord is now being rumoured to be the next Liverpool manager. Not happy, obviously, but it is well deserved if he went. Let's see how he gets on then.
Mind you, nothing has been decided or signed.

Not a fan of the rumour mill at all, but this sounded credible considering the source here in the Netherlands.
The BBC are reporting on it too:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cnl4ql0p4pqo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c72plnjy4qeo
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 25, 2024, 06:48:49 PM
What he should not do is make the same mistake that all Dutch coaches make: bring over too much players he has been working with. Having said that I would not be surprised if Geertruida would follow him, and he would poach Kokcu from Benfica, both of which were team captains for him.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on April 25, 2024, 09:57:49 PM
Quote from: Thenop on April 25, 2024, 06:48:49 PMWhat he should not do is make the same mistake that all Dutch coaches make: bring over too much players he has been working with. Having said that I would not be surprised if Geertruida would follow him, and he would poach Kokcu from Benfica, both of which were team captains for him.

Totally understand this argument, Nop, but Wim Jensen arriving in Glasgow and then stealing Henrik Larsson for £650,000 resulted in such a happy period of football memory for me. Not just the achievements in terms of trophies, but the display of unbridled talent was something precious to many Glaswegians. He stayed seven years. Unimaginable in today's money driven game, but I'm so glad he reached the ultimate prize in the European game. I think Alex Ferguson heaped huge praise on him recently. The ultimate professional. A former colleague's son worked for a time at the famous Gleneagles Hotel. Henrik and his family came for lunch. They chatted briefly about football and his waiter declared his love for Rangers. Henrik left him a £50 tip. Classy guy and footballer of sublime talent. Wim Jensen RIP and thank you. And thank you Feijenoord, but not for 1970.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 26, 2024, 06:00:15 AM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on April 25, 2024, 09:57:49 PM
Quote from: Thenop on April 25, 2024, 06:48:49 PMWhat he should not do is make the same mistake that all Dutch coaches make: bring over too much players he has been working with. Having said that I would not be surprised if Geertruida would follow him, and he would poach Kokcu from Benfica, both of which were team captains for him.

Totally understand this argument, Nop, but Wim Jensen arriving in Glasgow and then stealing Henrik Larsson for £650,000 resulted in such a happy period of football memory for me. Not just the achievements in terms of trophies, but the display of unbridled talent was something precious to many Glaswegians. He stayed seven years. Unimaginable in today's money driven game, but I'm so glad he reached the ultimate prize in the European game. I think Alex Ferguson heaped huge praise on him recently. The ultimate professional. A former colleague's son worked for a time at the famous Gleneagles Hotel. Henrik and his family came for lunch. They chatted briefly about football and his waiter declared his love for Rangers. Henrik left him a £50 tip. Classy guy and footballer of sublime talent. Wim Jensen RIP and thank you. And thank you Feijenoord, but not for 1970.


Wim Jansen was a great player and a great coach. Cruyff learned a lot from him believe it or not.
And of course I remember Larsson quite well, he was well talented and brought us some success too.

And of course we in Rotterdam are happy to oblige, especially with the 1970 Cup that has prominent place in the stadium  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 26, 2024, 08:59:22 PM
That was fast... Our coach is leaving and joining Liverpool to succeed Klopp.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 04, 2024, 06:11:59 PM
The Premier League bottom 4. All have played 36 games now. I was looking for Forest to do better than Luton this weekend, and they've delivered.

There's also the tantalising prospect of getting a point back from the appeal against the four point deduction.


(https://i.ibb.co/Fn1hTRV/prem-bottom4-240504.png)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 05, 2024, 09:02:23 PM
Watched a fantastic game on TV tonight. Full stadium, as always, Sunday night, lovely weather and a 5-0 won.
Crowd were in their best of moods, singing and cheering on. Even though we have 2 matched to go it felt like a goodbye to our coach who was visibly moved by it all.

Football can be so beautiful like this. Or, as one of our sports commentators from days past always said: "football is the most important side issue in life".
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 10, 2024, 11:04:53 PM
I was always puzzled by the former Celtic player, Jan Vennegoor Of Hesselink's name. Looked it up last night and discovered that of is Dutch for or. Seems there was a marriage between two well to do families, the Vennegoors and the Hesselinks and they decided to keep both names. I'd mistakenly assumed that Hesselink was a place until now.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 11, 2024, 06:13:50 AM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on May 10, 2024, 11:04:53 PMI was always puzzled by the former Celtic player, Jan Vennegoor Of Hesselink's name. Looked it up last night and discovered that of is Dutch for or. Seems there was a marriage between two well to do families, the Vennegoors and the Hesselinks and they decided to keep both names. I'd mistakenly assumed that Hesselink was a place until now.

Very old Dutch though, the 'of' (or) is not in use when referring to names anymore. Instead, marriage nowadays gives many options to choose from: You either keep your own last name, or you combine the 2 surnames with a hyphen. And that goes either way.
So: my name is de Jong, and say my wife's is Jansen (it's not but for argument's sake), I can keep my name: de Jong, I can add my wife's name (de Jong-Jansen or Jansen-de Jong) or I can take on my wife's family name.
Same goes for my wife.

Back to football then.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 11, 2024, 10:52:27 AM
I think I might add a hyphenated Jansen to my name in honour of the late great, Wim.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 13, 2024, 10:00:12 AM
If they get beaten on the last day, Forest will stay up with 29 points.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 24, 2024, 12:55:26 PM
Wayne Rooney. He's not ageing particularly well, is he? Imagine what he'd look like without the hair transplant. He's only 38.

Younger than Cristiano Ronaldo, who's still playing and (presumably) will captain Portugal at the Euros.

(https://i.ibb.co/TmzjmG7/waynerooney.webp)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on May 24, 2024, 01:08:12 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 24, 2024, 12:55:26 PMWayne Rooney. He's not ageing particularly well, is he? Imagine what he'd look like without the hair transplant. He's only 38.

Younger than Cristiano Ronaldo, who's still playing and (presumably) will captain Portugal at the Euros.

(https://i.ibb.co/TmzjmG7/waynerooney.webp)
Was always a gifted footballer in a fat bloke's body.......with the brains of a garden slug. Made a bit of money though, bless him
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 25, 2024, 03:54:42 PM
United 2-0 up at half time in the cup final, but I still make City narrow favourites.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on May 25, 2024, 05:27:53 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 24, 2024, 12:55:26 PMWayne Rooney. He's not ageing particularly well, is he? Imagine what he'd look like without the hair transplant. He's only 38.

Younger than Cristiano Ronaldo, who's still playing and (presumably) will captain Portugal at the Euros.

(https://i.ibb.co/TmzjmG7/waynerooney.webp)

And a shit manager
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on May 27, 2024, 02:53:23 AM
Quote from: David L on May 24, 2024, 01:08:12 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 24, 2024, 12:55:26 PMWayne Rooney. He's not ageing particularly well, is he? Imagine what he'd look like without the hair transplant. He's only 38.

Younger than Cristiano Ronaldo, who's still playing and (presumably) will captain Portugal at the Euros.

(https://i.ibb.co/TmzjmG7/waynerooney.webp)
Was always a gifted footballer in a fat bloke's body.......with the brains of a garden slug. Made a bit of money though, bless him

Gazza caned it far more than he did and was still a vastly superior footballer.

England have had nobody approaching Gascoigne's ability since - and at least he showed what he can do amongst the best in the world, whereas the likes of Rooney disappeared when up against cannier opposition.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on June 06, 2024, 06:56:53 PM
Disappointed that Grealish and Maddison aren't going to the Euros.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on June 11, 2024, 05:54:46 AM
2 friendly games, 2 quite different teams. Same result, 4-0 win against Canada and Iceland with enjoyable football to watch.

Looking forward to the Euros!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on June 11, 2024, 12:37:56 PM
Yes NL looking in good shape, considering how France struggled against Canada and England likewise against Iceland.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on June 11, 2024, 01:40:17 PM
Quote from: dom on June 11, 2024, 12:37:56 PMYes NL looking in good shape, considering how France struggled against Canada and England likewise against Iceland.

Unfortunately more injuries, Frenkie de Jong (Barca) and Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta) are injured and won't play. Ian Maatsen (Borussia Dortmund) has been called in.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on July 17, 2024, 10:33:14 AM
The Chelsea Training ground will be an interesting place when all the players are back from their various international sorties!  Wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall there!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 04, 2024, 07:16:57 PM
Alright, the Dutch community shield - the Johan Cruijff Schaal - won by Feyenoord after penalties. Regular time 4-4,first prize for the new manager  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on August 04, 2024, 08:26:26 PM
Quote from: Thenop on August 04, 2024, 07:16:57 PMAlright, the Dutch community shield - the Johan Cruijff Schaal - won by Feyenoord after penalties. Regular time 4-4,first prize for the new manager  ;D

Interesting that Cruyff is Cruijff and Feyenoord isn't Feijenoord. Is that because they officially changed their name and would it never be Cruyff in his homeland?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 04, 2024, 08:36:17 PM
Cruijff is a family name, it's not changed because of that.

Feyenoord changed it's name officially in 1971 (from Feijenoord) for the reason you assume: it's more international.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on August 05, 2024, 12:21:58 AM
I have become increasingly fascinated by languages recently. At school it was Latin, French and Ancient Greek so anything which stemmed from another source was a mystery. I didn't have the luxury of an inquisitive mind in my teens as I had a lot to deal with domestically and that's probably enough about that. But the wonderful complex method of verbal human communication which exists just across the North Sea is a treasure I have missed out on. I need to buy some books.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 10, 2024, 06:49:17 PM
First match of the season: draw against Willem II, they just promoted. Goal against: keeper's mistake.
Oh well, new coach, new system, things will get better and if they don't: I'll keep supporting.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on August 10, 2024, 11:14:05 PM
See the What's Made Your Day thread...  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on September 17, 2024, 08:49:28 AM
Decent start to the season for Forest. Staying up again.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on September 17, 2024, 10:31:54 AM
Quote from: Slim on September 17, 2024, 08:49:28 AMDecent start to the season for Forest. Staying up again.
Great win at the weekend!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on September 19, 2024, 06:42:53 PM
Painful watch, Leverkusen is an XXL team, we are just about a medium. 4 - 0 behind at half time..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 07, 2024, 03:18:54 PM
RIP Johan Neeskens, aka Johan Segundo, renowned midfielder, feared as a player as well. Finished a game once after he got kicked in the shin, afterwards the Xrays showed it was broken.

He was one of the great midfielders in the Cruyff era.

73 years, gone too soon. He still worked at the Knvb (Dutch FA) in coaching and training young(er) people.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on October 07, 2024, 06:31:22 PM
Oh I hadn't heard, sad to hear that.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on October 07, 2024, 08:30:01 PM
Quote from: Thenop on October 07, 2024, 03:18:54 PMRIP Johan Neeskens, aka Johan Segundo, renowned midfielder, feared as a player as well. Finished a game once after he got kicked in the shin, afterwards the Xrays showed it was broken.

He was one of the great midfielders in the Cruyff era.

73 years, gone too soon. He still worked at the Knvb (Dutch FA) in coaching and training young(er) people.

Great player. Hard but fair. He spoke out in support of smaller nations and clubs who don't have the financial power of the giants and I really admire that. I saw his name written as Johan Segon in a Scottish newspaper interview. I didn't understand that and I notice it's different again from the aka reference you mentioned, Nop. Total football. They need to bring that back. A joy to watch. RIP Johan.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 07, 2024, 08:46:35 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 07, 2024, 08:30:01 PM
Quote from: Thenop on October 07, 2024, 03:18:54 PMRIP Johan Neeskens, aka Johan Segundo, renowned midfielder, feared as a player as well. Finished a game once after he got kicked in the shin, afterwards the Xrays showed it was broken.

He was one of the great midfielders in the Cruyff era.

73 years, gone too soon. He still worked at the Knvb (Dutch FA) in coaching and training young(er) people.

Great player. Hard but fair. He spoke out in support of smaller nations and clubs who don't have the financial power of the giants and I really admire that. I saw his name written as Johan Segon in a Scottish newspaper interview. I didn't understand that and I notice it's different again from the aka reference you mentioned, Nop. Total football. They need to bring that back. A joy to watch. RIP Johan.

Johan Segundo, being Johan nr. 2 at Barcelona.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on October 07, 2024, 10:34:45 PM
Quote from: Thenop on October 07, 2024, 08:46:35 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 07, 2024, 08:30:01 PM
Quote from: Thenop on October 07, 2024, 03:18:54 PMRIP Johan Neeskens, aka Johan Segundo, renowned midfielder, feared as a player as well. Finished a game once after he got kicked in the shin, afterwards the Xrays showed it was broken.

He was one of the great midfielders in the Cruyff era.

73 years, gone too soon. He still worked at the Knvb (Dutch FA) in coaching and training young(er) people.

Great player. Hard but fair. He spoke out in support of smaller nations and clubs who don't have the financial power of the giants and I really admire that. I saw his name written as Johan Segon in a Scottish newspaper interview. I didn't understand that and I notice it's different again from the aka reference you mentioned, Nop. Total football. They need to bring that back. A joy to watch. RIP Johan.

Johan Segundo, being Johan nr. 2 at Barcelona.

Oh, seems kind of obvious now that I know the reason, but I'd never have figured it out on my own. Thank you.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on October 08, 2024, 11:06:13 AM
Picnic Wasp - you say that they need to bring Total Football back but I think its here to stay.

Attackers are generally asked to track back and support the defence when the team is out of possession. Many teams press the opposition and that means attackers have to be able to harry, tackle and close down the opposition just like any defender but at the other end of the pitch.

Full backs have long been required to bomb forward and provide additional width for teams in attack but now they are also increasingly expected to leave their traditional side of the pitch and head into midfield areas and support the team there.

Being able to head, tackle and hoof the ball is no longer enough for centre backs. Now they are recruited for their ball playing skills and ability to start attacks.

Even for goalkeepers it is not enough to be good at shot stopping. They  also have a crucial role to play in in passing it around at the back and they need to be good at playing the ball at their feet as well as their hands. This forces opponents to come out of their traditional shape to get the ball and creates space to forge attacks
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 23, 2024, 09:05:10 PM
So far so good. 0-2 at half time away at Benfica..  ;D
Let's see if we can manage to win this one.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 24, 2024, 04:36:38 AM
Quote from: Thenop on October 23, 2024, 09:05:10 PMSo far so good. 0-2 at half time away at Benfica..  ;D
Let's see if we can manage to win this one.

This aged well, 1-3 away at Benfica and it was a joy to watch!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on October 24, 2024, 11:25:40 AM
Quote from: dom on October 08, 2024, 11:06:13 AMPicnic Wasp - you say that they need to bring Total Football back but I think its here to stay.

Attackers are generally asked to track back and support the defence when the team is out of possession. Many teams press the opposition and that means attackers have to be able to harry, tackle and close down the opposition just like any defender but at the other end of the pitch.

Full backs have long been required to bomb forward and provide additional width for teams in attack but now they are also increasingly expected to leave their traditional side of the pitch and head into midfield areas and support the team there.

Being able to head, tackle and hoof the ball is no longer enough for centre backs. Now they are recruited for their ball playing skills and ability to start attacks.

Even for goalkeepers it is not enough to be good at shot stopping. They  also have a crucial role to play in in passing it around at the back and they need to be good at playing the ball at their feet as well as their hands. This forces opponents to come out of their traditional shape to get the ball and creates space to forge attacks

I'm sorry Dom, I hadn't noticed your post until now. Yes, I agree, those tactics and formations have been employed and developed in many leagues across the globe. I guess I was just expressing my disappointment with the football I have to endure closer to home.

My team of choice are usually pretty well set up to play quite creatively but are constantly met by stifling layers of defence against teams only willing to use hoof or chaosball methods to counter any press. That coupled with a regular diet of "confusing" referee and VAR decisions makes for a depressing watch. Maybe I do need to finally pay for some kind of subscription viewing package.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 27, 2024, 03:27:43 PM
Feyenoord is on a roll. 2 away wins in the Champions league, 2 away wins in the league, coming Wednesday we get to play Ajax away, and all of that while we still have at least 3 players injured that are normally A team players and internationals.
Bring it one.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on October 27, 2024, 08:59:01 PM
Quote from: Thenop on October 27, 2024, 03:27:43 PMFeyenoord is on a roll. 2 away wins in the Champions league, 2 away wins in the league, coming Wednesday we get to play Ajax away, and all of that while we still have at least 3 players injured that are normally A team players and internationals.
Bring it one.

I used to collect football programmes. Somewhere in my loft is a Charlton Athletic programme with a colour photo of Feyenoord inside. I don't know why it was included. The picture is probably late 70s and it made me fall in love with the Feyenoord kit. I've liked its striking look ever since. With the exception of one evening in 1970 of course. If Celtic had been twice winners of the European Cup it would have been something truly special. Oh well. Not to be. Wow! Just Googled Ove Kindvall who is now 81. Fair play to you, sir!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 28, 2024, 12:23:48 PM
I see Man U have finally come to their senses
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on October 28, 2024, 12:56:59 PM
Quote from: Thenop on October 28, 2024, 12:23:48 PMI see Man U have finally come to their senses

Well, I don't think he's been great. He's spent more than any of the other post-Fergie managers and he hasn't had much to show for it, but at the same time, I don't think he's the real problem. There's something deeper-rooted in the way the club is being run.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on October 28, 2024, 02:56:16 PM
Ratcliffe really needs to prove his worth here. I agree with James, there's something fundamentally wrong with United.  Manager after manager with the best credentials has failed there despite having had hundreds of millions to spend on transfers.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 30, 2024, 03:58:03 PM
One hour to go for the classic Feyenoord - Ajax over here. Bring It On!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on October 30, 2024, 06:04:47 PM
Quote from: Thenop on October 30, 2024, 03:58:03 PMOne hour to go for the classic Feyenoord - Ajax over here. Bring It On!
I've just seen the half-time score. Oops, 2-0 to Ajax. I'm sure it will all change second half  :)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 30, 2024, 06:48:26 PM
Not very good today, it happens. Still a young team and the number of games these days is ridiculous.

No harm done, we need to survive in the Champions League.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 06, 2024, 07:47:17 PM
15 minutes til kickoff, we play Red Bull Salzburg at home.

Come on Feyenoord!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 07, 2024, 04:42:37 AM
Very disappointing last night.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on November 07, 2024, 01:01:23 PM
 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdxyl4e7wk6o
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 07, 2024, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: Fishy on November 07, 2024, 01:01:23 PMhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdxyl4e7wk6o

I tend to agree, his head was completely elsewhere.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on November 07, 2024, 03:54:16 PM
Quote from: Thenop on November 07, 2024, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: Fishy on November 07, 2024, 01:01:23 PMhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdxyl4e7wk6o

I tend to agree, his head was completely elsewhere.

I feel sorry for the guy. It's all he'll ever be associated with now wherever he goes. He should bite the bullet and find a TV commercial which could exploit it for his financial advantage. Like Gazza with the tears shooting out his eyes for the Walkers crisp ad.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on November 07, 2024, 05:18:26 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on November 07, 2024, 03:54:16 PM
Quote from: Thenop on November 07, 2024, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: Fishy on November 07, 2024, 01:01:23 PMhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdxyl4e7wk6o

I tend to agree, his head was completely elsewhere.

I feel sorry for the guy. It's all he'll ever be associated with now wherever he goes. He should bite the bullet and find a TV commercial which could exploit it for his financial advantage. Like Gazza with the tears shooting out his eyes for the Walkers crisp ad.

Or Gareth Southgate and the pizza ad..

Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on November 07, 2024, 06:20:40 PM
Gareth got that bag from Alex  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on November 23, 2024, 09:06:51 PM
I'm actually a bit sad to see City lose their fifth league game in a row. Still second in the table though. I hope there won't be an overreaction. Given that Pep has just extended his contract you have to assume the City board will back him, but will he start to lose the fans?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 24, 2024, 06:41:36 AM
Quote from: Slim on November 23, 2024, 09:06:51 PMI'm actually a bit sad to see City lose their fifth league game in a row. Still second in the table though. I hope there won't be an overreaction. Given that Pep has just extended his contract you have to assume the City board will back him, but will he start to lose the fans?

We play City on the CL coming Tuesday, let's make that six then  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 27, 2024, 04:54:14 AM
It's not a win, but it feels like a win!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on November 27, 2024, 09:37:05 AM
I didn't see it as I was watching Arsenal's  but that was a great comeback and the fact that it poured even more misery on petro-dollar doped City - Wonderful!

Beginning to feel a little sorry for Pep though - It's unlikely that he's experienced such a poor run of results ever! As a player or manager
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on December 31, 2024, 12:23:25 PM
 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0mvy4w3nnlo

Did Rooney go to the frank lampard school of football management
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on December 31, 2024, 12:32:05 PM
Frustrating. Unfortunately it looks like he's just not cut out for the job of managing a football side. I can't see him being a particularly fluent pundit either, so I have to wonder what he's going to do with the rest of his days. He's still only 39!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on December 31, 2024, 12:39:28 PM
He should have looked after himself a bit better and extended his playing career. When Ryan Giggs was a little bit older than Wayne is now, he was still playing in the United side that won the league in 2013.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on December 31, 2024, 02:27:26 PM
Quote from: Slim on October 28, 2024, 12:56:59 PM
Quote from: Thenop on October 28, 2024, 12:23:48 PMI see Man U have finally come to their senses

Well, I don't think he's been great. He's spent more than any of the other post-Fergie managers and he hasn't had much to show for it, but at the same time, I don't think he's the real problem. There's something deeper-rooted in the way the club is being run.


Well, I am sure he wasn't the problem.. It really does run deep, feels like maybe they need a relegation before someone comes to their senses.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on January 01, 2025, 10:07:18 AM
Expensively assembled squad. Managers installed with big reputations and high salaries. An owner with a track record of achievement in sport and beyond.

Team failing miserably! Just what is going on with United?

Early days for Ratcliffe of course and the negative impact of the Glazers still hangs around. I'm sure he will turn it around eventually but how long will it take?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 22, 2025, 06:56:31 PM
We went from good to, well..not so good. We play Bayern Munich tonight but nearly the entire midfield is out injured, and so are the backs. Manager is about to be sacked and our striker will leave for AC Milan.

On the upside: 1 more point and we are probably safe from elimination in the CL. Either tonight, or the next game against Lille.

Well, another day in the life of a Feyenoord supporter it is.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 22, 2025, 09:00:13 PM
So far, so good. 2-0 at half time  :o
I'd settle for a draw even.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on January 22, 2025, 10:06:41 PM
Quote from: Thenop on January 22, 2025, 09:00:13 PMSo far, so good. 2-0 at half time  :o
I'd settle for a draw even.
3-0 wow well done. 

Man City lose again and may not even get to the last 16.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 23, 2025, 05:21:46 AM
Quote from: pxr5 on January 22, 2025, 10:06:41 PM
Quote from: Thenop on January 22, 2025, 09:00:13 PMSo far, so good. 2-0 at half time  :o
I'd settle for a draw even.
3-0 wow well done.

Man City lose again and may not even get to the last 16.

Spectacular win, great job. We are actually one win away from skipping the qualification round next!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on January 23, 2025, 10:54:39 AM
Quote from: Thenop on January 23, 2025, 05:21:46 AM
Quote from: pxr5 on January 22, 2025, 10:06:41 PM
Quote from: Thenop on January 22, 2025, 09:00:13 PMSo far, so good. 2-0 at half time  :o
I'd settle for a draw even.
3-0 wow well done.

Man City lose again and may not even get to the last 16.

Spectacular win, great job. We are actually one win away from skipping the qualification round next!

Next Wednesday evening will be fun, lots of clubs battling to qualify - think I like this new system
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 23, 2025, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: dom on January 23, 2025, 10:54:39 AMNext Wednesday evening will be fun, lots of clubs battling to qualify - think I like this new system

It is a lot less predictable and brutally honest. No more calculating how may draws will get me through, I like it!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on January 25, 2025, 02:16:40 PM
Usual ramshackle Football Focus description of Celtic's Champions' League run this season. Err, umm and if you can't remember who they played just guess an opponent's name. The BBC are an absolute disgrace. "Where's the bloke, love"?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on January 27, 2025, 03:34:00 PM
Pleased to see this https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0m1lemv8w7o

"Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has suggested he'd rather give a place on the bench to his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach instead of Marcus Rashford because of a perceived lack of effort."

There's a fine line I know, but I just appreciate the honesty. It was speculated by some that Ruben is too much of a nice guy to do well at United, and although he does seem like one, I get the impression he's not going to be messed around.

Also, he's only 39. Didn't know that. Ryan Giggs was still playing for United at that age.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 31, 2025, 11:40:21 AM
So... draw for the CL round who will make to the last 16:

We play AC Milan. most likely we'll lose our topscorer, Santiago Gimenez, to them this weekend and then need to play him in 2 weeks.

What a world.

Most onaticeable other game:
Man City - Real madrid, elminating one of them, not oppose the system this way.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on January 31, 2025, 01:39:11 PM
Quote from: Thenop on January 31, 2025, 11:40:21 AMSo... draw for the CL round who will make to the last 16:

We play AC Milan. most likely we'll lose our topscorer, Santiago Gimenez, to them this weekend and then need to play him in 2 weeks.

What a world.

Most onaticeable other game:
Man City - Real madrid, elminating one of them, not oppose the system this way.

Wouldn't he be cup-tied, Nop? Or does that change as it's the next phase? Celtic play Bayern having just sold top striker Kyogo, Arsenal hanging onto Tierney until summer, Maeda suspended and carrying injuries across the back line. The Dortmund hammering might look quite mild by comparison.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 31, 2025, 01:51:40 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on January 31, 2025, 01:39:11 PM
Quote from: Thenop on January 31, 2025, 11:40:21 AMSo... draw for the CL round who will make to the last 16:

We play AC Milan. most likely we'll lose our topscorer, Santiago Gimenez, to them this weekend and then need to play him in 2 weeks.

What a world.

Most onaticeable other game:
Man City - Real madrid, elminating one of them, not oppose the system this way.

Wouldn't he be cup-tied, Nop? Or does that change as it's the next phase? Celtic play Bayern having just sold top striker Kyogo, Arsenal hanging onto Tierney until summer, Maeda suspended and carrying injuries across the back line. The Dortmund hammering might look quite mild by comparison.

Nope, after the transfer window closes, clubs can enter up to 3 new players to the selection for the CL.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 10, 2025, 08:25:18 PM
Manager has been sacked. Some disappointing results and poof! you're out.

And then we play AC Milan in 2 days. If you ever needed proof football is not exact science..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 12, 2025, 09:06:18 PM
Leading 1-0 at HT against AC Milan was something I did not expect. Nothing yet, still a half to go but it's looking good so far..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 13, 2025, 04:42:33 AM
Quote from: Thenop on February 12, 2025, 09:06:18 PMLeading 1-0 at HT against AC Milan was something I did not expect. Nothing yet, still a half to go but it's looking good so far..

For once, this aged well  ;D
Bring on the return game!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 18, 2025, 04:03:55 PM
T minus 100 minutes. Let's goooo!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on February 18, 2025, 06:43:04 PM
1-2 against Bayern. I hope the late goal didn't anger them.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 18, 2025, 07:42:59 PM
We did it, a draw and we are into the last 16  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 18, 2025, 08:39:20 PM
Understand we either play Arsenal or Inter Milan. Interesting times for Feyenoord.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on February 18, 2025, 09:36:27 PM
Celtic currently 1-0 up against Bayern Munich - blimey.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 18, 2025, 10:55:10 PM
Unlucky Celtic, congrats to Feyenoord.

Good night for Barnet too who beat one of their rivals for the Conference title, York City 3 - 1.

Barnet top by 7 points but York have 2 games in hand.  Forest Green in the mix too so will be an interesting end to the season.  Come On You Bees!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 21, 2025, 06:24:25 AM
Feyenoord is about to sign the new manager:
Robin van Persie.

Most, if not all of you, know him of course. And while I think he probably will make a great manager at some point, he is still very young and inexperienced.
It has a lot to do with the inner workings of the club. They needed a candidate that everyone could get behind.

Anyway, curious to see what he can do for us!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 21, 2025, 10:57:43 AM
Quote from: Thenop on February 21, 2025, 06:24:25 AMFeyenoord is about to sign the new manager:
Robin van Persie.

It's interesting to think about how well people who played for Sir Alex Ferguson, obviously a fantastically successful manager, have performed themselves in that role.

Wayne Rooney - not very well unfortunately. Ruud van Nistelrooy has lost most of his games at Leicester. Solskjaer had a degree of success in Norway. Bryan Robson held down the head coach job at Boro for many years and managed in the PL for a while. Michael Carrick and Steve Bruce have done alright. Gary Neville was a disaster when he tried his hand.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 21, 2025, 11:23:06 AM
Quote from: Slim on February 21, 2025, 10:57:43 AM
Quote from: Thenop on February 21, 2025, 06:24:25 AMFeyenoord is about to sign the new manager:
Robin van Persie.

It's interesting to think about how well people who played for Sir Alex Ferguson, obviously a fantastically successful manager, have performed themselves in that role.

Wayne Rooney - not very well unfortunately. Ruud van Nistelrooy has lost most of his games at Leicester. Solskjaer had a degree of success in Norway. Bryan Robson held down the head coach job at Boro for many years and managed in the PL for a while. Michael Carrick and Steve Bruce have done alright. Gary Neville was a disaster when he tried his hand.


RVP's current dayjob is manager at Heerenveen, another Eredivisie (Dutch name for Premier League) club. His biggest issue? His vision, not his lack thereof, but the selection he has simply does not possess the quality he needs to pull it off. Which is why Feyenoord (for whuch he was manager of under 21 for a year, or maybe 2 already and he also coach the strikers for the 1st team), may be a good fit. It is a bigger club, with a bigger budget and - seeing where we are in Europe at the moment - quite some quality players.

Van Nistelrooij did not do bad in the Netherlands either, but Dutch national league os no Premiet League of course.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 21, 2025, 01:07:14 PM
The Champions League draw:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c981y04zlj7o

Liverpool vs PSG is an enticing prospect.  Villa won't fancy Brugge, they've lost to them already this season. Arsenal should beat PSV I think but whichever of the Madrid clubs they subsequently meet will probably put them out.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 21, 2025, 01:24:48 PM
And we need to travel to Milan again to write the eulogy of whatever's left of the Italian footbal glory.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 26, 2025, 10:21:41 PM
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2025/2/26/7c8a6e34-7b86-4669-ae41-6661381f228c.png.webp)

I'd say Arsenal had to win this evening to keep their chances of winning the league on life support. They didn't so it's surely Liverpool's year. Good point for Forest but I think they'll struggle to cling on to top four much longer.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 27, 2025, 11:29:13 AM
I think relegation teams are also known, Wolves shouldn't be handing out 5 points anymore. Shame really, I recall they promoted some 4/5 years ago and were a revelation.

How many fixed CL spots you have again, 3? Would be something, Forest in the CL.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on February 27, 2025, 08:54:13 PM
Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton all promoted from the Championship last season - and will all likely be relegated from the Premiership this time.

22/23 season - promoted from the Championship: Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United and all relegated 23/24 season. 

Is this to become the norm? With the 3 teams promoted immediately get relegated the next season.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 27, 2025, 11:00:30 PM
Quote from: Thenop on February 27, 2025, 11:29:13 AMI think relegation teams are also known, Wolves shouldn't be handing out 5 points anymore. Shame really, I recall they promoted some 4/5 years ago and were a revelation.

How many fixed CL spots you have again, 3? Would be something, Forest in the CL.

Looking like 5 this season with the European coefficient
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 28, 2025, 02:44:34 PM
Quote from: pxr5 on February 27, 2025, 08:54:13 PMLeicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton all promoted from the Championship last season - and will all likely be relegated from the Premiership this time.

22/23 season - promoted from the Championship: Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United and all relegated 23/24 season.

Is this to become the norm? With the 3 teams promoted immediately get relegated the next season.

Fair to describe it as a norm I guess, but at the same time it's to be expected that some promoted teams will make it stick. Forest did well to cling on after their first season back up, but they're flying now.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 04, 2025, 09:58:46 PM
A 5 0 win for Barnet tonight coupled with losses for York and Forest Green (thanks Halifax) puts Barnet 9 points ahead with 10 games to go. Superior goal difference makes it 10 but I'm not counting any chickens just yet! ;)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on March 05, 2025, 04:39:28 PM
 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cge1q41np7go

Ffs just leave it alone.. fkn entertainment..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on March 05, 2025, 04:46:22 PM
We're playing Inter Milan in an hour. Fingers crossed..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on March 05, 2025, 08:51:05 PM
Lost 0-2.. Inter is a fantastic team so no shame there.
But, away games are our thing so bring on the return!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on March 11, 2025, 10:52:24 AM
 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvgprplz94yo

Hang on what happened to 'we'll run out of money by Christmas'
Title: Re: Football
Post by: pxr5 on March 11, 2025, 12:57:17 PM
Quote from: Fishy on March 11, 2025, 10:52:24 AMhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvgprplz94yo

Hang on what happened to 'well run out i
of money by Christmas'
They sacked the canteen lady  ???
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 11, 2025, 01:14:55 PM
Sad to think of all the old football grounds that have gone. Ayresome Park, Maine Road, Roker Park, Highbury, The Baseball Ground, White Hart Lane and the rest. Didn't think Old Trafford would be joining them. I think United ought to establish themselves as a title-contending club again first.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on March 11, 2025, 07:49:06 PM
2 - 0 behind at the start, our main striker (left winger Paixao) injured since yesterday, replaced by a player from the under 19 squad in his first game with the selection, in an away game at Inter Milan.

Let's go!!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 10, 2025, 06:26:37 AM
Cracking game between PSG and Villa last night. This PSG team are fantastic to watch, far better in my view than when they had all the Galacticos in their midst.  Villa defended brilliantly all night and even went ahead despite the onslaught they faced.  It took 3 excellent wonder goals to put PSG in charge of the tie. The second, in particular, took my breath away (from the unpronounceable Georgian).

The Villa goal does mean that the tie is not over though and Villa Park will be a special place next Tuesday. I think PSG will do it though.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on April 10, 2025, 07:02:27 PM
One of the most remarkable managers in Dutch football (and Spain, Mexico and more than a handful of other countries) has died.
"Don" Leo Beenhakker - I remember him well. As Dutch as you can find them, never lost for words. Salt of the earth, 100% self-made man.

RIP Don Leo, thanks for getting Feyenoord the league title in '98, the team you were destined to lead being born a few km from the stadium in the South of Rotterdam.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 11, 2025, 04:16:16 AM
Beginning to think Ratcliffe should have sacked Onana and kept the tea lady! Perhaps put the tea lady in goal!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 20, 2025, 08:04:51 PM
BBC site claiming that "Despite another defeat, Manchester United are safe".

That is not strictly true. Yes, it's hard to imagine Ipswich winning most of their remaining games, or indeed the other circumstances that would result in United being relegated. Nonetheless, five games remaining and still not mathematically assured of staying up. Astonishing.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c70584ql70rt
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 21, 2025, 07:49:45 PM
Just one point from their last 2 games will see Barnet playing league football again.

Dean Brennan is proving to be an excellent manager at this level. I can see him and the team transitioning to league football pretty well especially if Tony Kleanthous continues to invest in the team.

With planning permission being sought for a return to the town, things are really looking up for the Bees!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on April 21, 2025, 07:57:18 PM
Quote from: dom on April 21, 2025, 07:49:45 PMJust one point from their last 2 games will see Barnet playing league football again.

Dean Brennan is proving to be an excellent manager at this level. I can see him and the team transitioning to league football pretty well especially if Tony Kleanthous continues to invest in the team.

With planning permission being sought for a return to the town, things are really looking up for the Bees!

Thanks for the four points. ;)

Seriously though, hope Barnet gain automatic promotion and not Y*rk.  And Ryan Glover has been one of the outstanding players in the NL this season; undoubtedly EFL standard.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 01, 2025, 03:32:53 PM
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-eni-aluko-quits-presenting-35143912

(https://i.ibb.co/M52mkXxz/aluko.png)

Thank god one of them isn't white, we'd never hear the bloody end of it.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 17, 2025, 06:24:31 PM
About five minutes to go in the FA Cup final .. I can just feel that heartbreaking last minute goal coming.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 17, 2025, 06:31:53 PM
But it didn't!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on May 17, 2025, 10:17:00 PM
Enjoyed that match.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 21, 2025, 11:43:48 PM
Losing the 16th vs 17th Premier League play-off tonight has put the copper lid on a shocking season for United. Even so it looks probable that Postecoglou will go. I wonder if Amorim will go as well? Must be likely, the United board will feel that they made a mistake keeping Ten Hag on after last season and won't want to repeat the mistake.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 22, 2025, 12:03:32 AM
Amorin didn't want to take the reins mid-season he wanted to take over when he had a full pre-season to work with and buy his sort of player.

Losing tonight makes finding the right player a lot more difficult. United look less attractive with no Champions League on offer and with no European football, revenues will be much lower. Revenue seems to be a key factor for Ratcliffe so tough times ahead but Amorin will surely be granted his wish.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on June 27, 2025, 11:49:18 AM
Leicester have parted company with Ruud:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3w4860ez9wo

No surprises there, but there it is.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on July 27, 2025, 07:49:47 PM
Well done Lionesses!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 06, 2025, 07:53:51 PM
Here we go, Feyenoord in the series running up to the CL. First hurdle: Fenerbahçe, tonight in 10 minutes.

Let's gooooo!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 07, 2025, 04:43:17 AM
2-1! We played with 3 central defenders that have been at the club since 1 week, and .. 1 day! Lots of new faces, so quite pleased with that. Let's see if we can progress next week by doing a good away result.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 12, 2025, 02:42:04 PM
Return day! Away innTurkey, always a friendly atmosphere. Mopey Mourinho thinks the crowd will favour him, but he forgets: our manager RvP played there for 3 years and people adore him still.

Let's goooo! 7PM my time, which means I can get to bed at a normal hour..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 12, 2025, 08:07:14 PM
Quote from: Thenop on August 12, 2025, 02:42:04 PMReturn day! Away innTurkey, always a friendly atmosphere. Mopey Mourinho thinks the crowd will favour him, but he forgets: our manager RvP played there for 3 years and people adore him still.

Let's goooo! 7PM my time, which means I can get to bed at a normal hour..

We shall not of this again. Anyone interested in a right back defender? No need to pay, just get him of here...
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 17, 2025, 09:02:56 PM
Not saying we started great having seen the games. But we did win the first 2 League games. Not fantastic to look at yet, and we definitely need a new striker, but the 6 points are in the bag.

Go Feyenoord!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on August 27, 2025, 08:51:02 PM
Already it's an awful start to the season for United. The next PL game is Burnley so that's simply a must win.

That said I suppose they have the second half to get out of jail here but they've been dire so far.

(https://i.ibb.co/d0n8Dwt8/onanaagain.png)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on August 27, 2025, 10:15:34 PM
Extraordinary quality penalty shootout.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on August 28, 2025, 09:03:46 AM
Maybe Man U can hire Russell Martin who I think will be seeing the boot at Ibrox..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on August 28, 2025, 11:56:31 AM
Quote from: Slim on August 27, 2025, 10:15:34 PMExtraordinary quality penalty shootout.



If Onana didn't have such weak wrists it could have been over a lot sooner
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on August 28, 2025, 12:25:44 PM
Quote from: dom on August 28, 2025, 11:56:31 AM
Quote from: Slim on August 27, 2025, 10:15:34 PMExtraordinary quality penalty shootout.



If Onana didn't have such weak wrists it could have been over a lot sooner

Sounds like he went through his wife's medicine cabinet again..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on September 20, 2025, 03:17:18 PM
Chelsea could, with an emphatic victory, bring an end to Ruben Amorim's time at United. I just think a big enough defeat at home will tip the balance.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on September 20, 2025, 05:36:08 PM
OK well since Chelsea are down to ten min four minutes in, that's looking a bit unlikely.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on September 20, 2025, 05:47:26 PM
Barnet have just hammered Grimsby, humblers of Man Utd, 3 - 0.

Worried that Dean Brennan might be snapped up by United if they do lose today!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on September 20, 2025, 06:21:51 PM
Aw no, ten men each! Madness. I wouldn't put it past United to let that two goal lead evaporate.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on September 24, 2025, 06:56:04 PM
One hour before kick off, we play Braga in Portugal. C'mon on Feyenoord!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on September 26, 2025, 03:04:44 PM
Yul Brynner was a lifelong Liverpool fan.  Also famously, he never wore aftershave

Yes, that's right - Yul never wore Cologne
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on October 19, 2025, 06:18:28 PM
Just a few more minutes, and Harry Maguire is the first United player to score a winning goal at Anfield since Wayne Rooney. Is it too much to ask for?

Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 19, 2025, 08:36:18 PM
Feyenoord still going strong in the league, after a 0-7 (!) away game today firmly leading with 25 points out of 9 games with 25 goals scored and only 6 against. 1 draw, that's the only 2 points we lost.

Our topscorer, Japanese national team striker Ayase Ueda, has now 11 goals scored in 9 games.

So far this season is looking good.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on October 27, 2025, 01:28:01 PM
Quote from: Slim on February 28, 2025, 02:44:34 PM
Quote from: pxr5 on February 27, 2025, 08:54:13 PMLeicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton all promoted from the Championship last season - and will all likely be relegated from the Premiership this time.

22/23 season - promoted from the Championship: Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United and all relegated 23/24 season.

Is this to become the norm? With the 3 teams promoted immediately get relegated the next season.

Fair to describe it as a norm I guess, but at the same time it's to be expected that some promoted teams will make it stick. Forest did well to cling on after their first season back up, but they're flying now.

Forest certainly aren't flying now, but looking at the league table one of this season's promoted sides (Sunderland) is fourth after nine games .. highly likely they'll stay up. Neither Burnley nor Leeds is in the bottom three at the moment but they're hovering just above it.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on October 27, 2025, 01:48:32 PM
Oh this is interesting, from the BBC site just now:

(https://i.ibb.co/LDqH1Tzq/bbc-releg.png)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on October 27, 2025, 03:08:47 PM
Quote from: Slim on October 27, 2025, 01:48:32 PMOh this is interesting, from the BBC site just now:

(https://i.ibb.co/LDqH1Tzq/bbc-releg.png)

Considering the enormous investment Sunderland have done, they better stay up.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on November 18, 2025, 11:12:25 PM
Maybe I could manage a Scotland World Cup game and a Rush concert.😁
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on November 19, 2025, 10:50:32 AM
That was a very entertaining evening!  3 spectacular goals and plenty of jepoardy.

It was the main news item on Radio 4 at 7am and was covered extensively in the sports news at half seven.

I don't want to sound curmedgeonly or anything but not one commentator or expert (including Pat Nevin and a whole host of others) mentioned the sending off, which did have quite a significant impact on the game!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on November 19, 2025, 11:18:50 AM
He was tasked with targeting Scotland's best player and stopping him at any cost. He paid that price and was lucky not to walk at the first booking where John McGinn was basically right through and he absolutely knew that and cynically took his legs from under him.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on November 19, 2025, 11:34:00 AM
His second "tackle" was never a foul so Denmark were cheated a bit.. anyway fuck all that.. reminds of '74😀 well done Scotland
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 19, 2025, 01:03:59 PM
How about Curacao making it, with a selection on non native born (mostly Dutch) players and a full Dutch staff. And then there's Surinam in the play offs. imagine they make it, and we have a poule with The Netherlands, Surinam, Curacao and maybe Morocco. It'll be like our national league 
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on November 25, 2025, 03:00:07 PM
I was indignant when I heard Moyes defending the blue on blue violence last night - there's no excuse for hitting one of your colleagues in the workplace, which is what I'd been led to believe happened. But having actually watched it back - pretty innocuous, no? I think to describe it as "violence", as one or two commentators have - including Harriet Harman no less - is stretching a point.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on November 25, 2025, 04:56:21 PM
Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play for Portugal in their opening game at next summer's World Cup finals despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
Ronaldo, 40, was sent off for an elbow to Dara O'Shea's back during Portugal's 2-0 qualifying defeat earlier this month.
Violent conduct normally carries a three-match ban but Ronaldo has had the second and third matches suspended for a year.


Eh so one rule for him and another rule for everyone else.. FIFA are spineless really..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on November 26, 2025, 12:30:02 PM
It's so poor. Bet the Portugal manager is pissed too.  Hell have to play a past-it prima Donna and he has better players for that position. Bet he's hoping he picks up an injury. Thing is he never seems to get injured?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 26, 2025, 01:43:52 PM
Quote from: dom on November 26, 2025, 12:30:02 PMIt's so poor. Bet the Portugal manager is pissed too.  Hell have to play a past-it prima Donna and he has better players for that position. Bet he's hoping he picks up an injury. Thing is he never seems to get injured?

He went off crying like a baby in the Euros final of 2016. Portugal went on to win that, without him. So they finally won something and he wasn't playing.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 26, 2025, 01:48:53 PM
When I think of Portugal as a team I always think of that game in 2006. 16 yellow and 4 red cards, Netherlands vs Portugal known as the battle of Nuremberg.

Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on November 27, 2025, 12:42:37 PM
Feyenoord vs Celtic this evening and I fear the worst as Celtic are not in a good place just now. A club in turmoil, with fan dissatisfaction with the board, no permanent manager and a raft of long term injuries to key players.

However, Feyenoord have been my Dutch team ever since I forgave them for the 1970 European Cup final. It was the first football match I can remember being interested in. I was 10 years old and burst into tears at the final whistle. I clearly remember my grandad giving me a stern lecture about life and that if I was ever in great need, Celtic would do nothing for me. I've never forgotten that lesson and it kept me from becoming a paid-up member of that west of Scotland tribal madness.

I love the Feyenoord kit. I have a colour photo of the full squad which featured in a Charlton Athletic match programme of all places. Feyenoord also provided a man called Wim Jansen (RIP) who will never be forgotten in this part of the world for preventing the 10-in-a-row which would have been difficult to take.

Well, we'll see how things unfold quite soon as it's an early kick off. I just hope Nop doesn't have too big a grin tonight.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 27, 2025, 01:44:04 PM
Not to worry my friend, we aren't in a great place either. I just hope they show up tonight.
We started the season out alright, winning everything, but then the injuries kicked in. We have 6 fantastic midfielders, and now we are struggling to find 3 as starters.

There was a special kit last year, and it was based on the tunnel that the players walk out of when entering the pitch. Fun fact, the tunnels' painter (he started it about 20 years ago and it is still ongoing) lives just down the street from us and is a friend.

As an aside: I believe Shaqueel van Persie is on the bench tonight, yes the son of. A striker, of course. 

Oh and don't forget: it is the EARLY game, so it's 6.45 for me, so 5.45 for you. Don't want to miss that.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 27, 2025, 07:50:07 PM
That was terrible.

End of message
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on November 28, 2025, 02:54:02 PM
Quote from: Thenop on November 27, 2025, 07:50:07 PMThat was terrible.

End of message

Never mind, Nop. You're doing a lot better than Ajax at the moment.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on November 28, 2025, 04:02:45 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on November 28, 2025, 02:54:02 PM
Quote from: Thenop on November 27, 2025, 07:50:07 PMThat was terrible.

End of message

Never mind, Nop. You're doing a lot better than Ajax at the moment.

That is true, and it almost gives me the same satisfaction watching them play. I saw them sink a few days ago, and during the weekend. What a lovely sight to see to those arrogant pr*cks fall from their pedestal.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on December 05, 2025, 04:44:18 PM
Think I'll just check the World Cup draw once the fiasco of it is all over...
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on December 05, 2025, 05:59:37 PM
The orange baboon was just awarded a Peace Price that FIFA just introduced a month ago. What a circus, a room full of clowns there.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on December 05, 2025, 06:45:03 PM
Quote from: Thenop on December 05, 2025, 05:59:37 PMThe orange baboon was just awarded a Peace Price that FIFA just introduced a month ago. What a circus, a room full of clowns there.
The whole draw programme is just so toe curlingly awful..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on December 05, 2025, 11:16:48 PM
That doesnt bode well for the actual World Cup.. far too many teams.. will be Americanised to hell..it'll just be a fkn awful charade to watch.. and Trump getting an inaugural peace prize..fkn hell.. that FIFA bloke is obviously right in Trumps front of pants.. he needs booted out pronto..


Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on December 06, 2025, 05:38:23 AM
So we are in with Japan, which is a very strong team, Tunesia, which should be a walk over and the winner of the playoffs between Sweden/Poland/Ukraine/Albania.

In theory we should be able to get through to round 2.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on December 06, 2025, 08:29:18 AM
From all accounts even third place teams can get to the second round.. it's a joke
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on December 11, 2025, 04:40:55 PM
Supporters hoping to attend next year's World Cup final face paying vast prices, with tickets in the 'supporter value tier' starting at £3,119 ($4,185).
Fans' group Football Supporters Europe has said it is "astonished" by Fifa's "extortionate" pricing strategy.
The high prices for group games and the final have been leaking out on Thursday as Fifa informs national associations of their allocations.
It means the price of the cheapest ticket for Fifa's showpiece event has increased almost sevenfold compared with the 2022 World Cup. The lowest-priced tickets on open sale in Qatar were £450.
BBC Sport understands tickets for the 'supporters standard tier' are £4,162 ($5,560), compared with £747 in 2022.

World Cup is fucked .. Trump doesn't want you in his country anyway even if you could afford it.. would be good if everyone boycotted it..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on December 11, 2025, 05:44:09 PM
We're playing FCSB (Steaua Bukarest) tonight. Let's see...
C'mon Feyenoord!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on December 11, 2025, 05:49:35 PM
I see Nottingham Forest is playing Utrecht, that curly midfielder - Zechiel - is a loaner from Feyenoord. Good player.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on December 11, 2025, 07:44:04 PM
Quote from: Fishy on December 11, 2025, 04:40:55 PMSupporters hoping to attend next year's World Cup final face paying vast prices, with tickets in the 'supporter value tier' starting at £3,119 ($4,185).
Fans' group Football Supporters Europe has said it is "astonished" by Fifa's "extortionate" pricing strategy.o
The high prices for group games and the final have been leaking out on Thursday as Fifa informs national associations of their allocations.
It means the price of the cheapest ticket for Fifa's showpiece event has increased almost sevenfold compared with the 2022 World Cup. The lowest-priced tickets on open sale in Qatar were £450.
BBC Sport understands tickets for the 'supporters standard tier' are £4,162 ($5,560), compared with £747 in 2022.

World Cup is fucked .. Trump doesn't want you in his country anyway even if you could afford it.. would be good if everyone boycotted it..
Dynamic pricing. Same strategy as Rush 2026 tour, nothing to do with Trump.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on December 12, 2025, 06:25:36 PM
Dan Roan's report about this tonight annoyed me. It should be in the grumpy thread. He stated, "It's said, football without fans is nothing". Why not just state that it's a Jock Stein quote. The inscription is on his statue outside Celtic Park. Mind you, if you don't get a knighthood for being the first British manager for bringing home the European Cup then being ignored goes with the turf. 

Also, this is the men's World Cup but the BBC go straight to a woman for comment on ticket prices. I wonder what the percentage male/female crowd breakdown is for a typical men's game. I wish the BBC could go a couple of days without annoying me about something. Their investigative report on Matthew Perry's drug use this week was dreadful Channel 5 standards of presentation. Sorry, way off topic.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on January 05, 2026, 12:27:53 PM
Amorim sacked. That unravelled more quickly than I expected - except in the bigger picture, where it unravelled more slowly than I expected.

Didn't think a draw with Leeds would be the trigger.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 05, 2026, 12:56:12 PM
Quote from: Slim on January 05, 2026, 12:27:53 PMDidn't think a draw with Leeds would be the trigger.

It wasn't, I think him speaking out against the management was.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 22, 2026, 05:45:03 PM
After a disappointing display laat Sunday in the league, tonight we play Austrians' Sturm Graz.

Come on Feyenoord!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on January 29, 2026, 06:53:22 PM
Feyenoord tonight, away against Betis Sevilla. We have so many injuries that we have a midfielder as central defender, a striker as a midfielder and 3 youth league players.

C'mon Feyenoord?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 01, 2026, 06:02:51 PM
Spurs come from 2-0 down to level with Man City .. oh dear, City need to win this one really or the title starts to look out of reach. But the game's not over yet.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 08, 2026, 05:49:03 PM
City drawing with Liverpool a week later. If it stays like this, Arsenal's late-season collapse may not be sufficient to close the gap.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 13, 2026, 01:37:54 PM
Believe it or not, Feyenoord managed to sign Raheem Sterling. 
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 13, 2026, 01:40:53 PM
Was a great player in his youth - fallen off a very sharp cliff since.  31 now but could be a great signing if he manages to find his form and hasn't lost too much of his pace
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 13, 2026, 03:54:45 PM
Quote from: dom on February 13, 2026, 01:40:53 PMWas a great player in his youth - fallen off a very sharp cliff since.  31 now but could be a great signing if he manages to find his form and hasn't lost too much of his pace

Lots of naive defending over here, that ll be a big help.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on February 13, 2026, 04:05:59 PM
Quote from: Thenop on February 13, 2026, 01:37:54 PMBelieve it or not, Feyenoord managed to sign Raheem Sterling. 

The new Regi Blinker. Regi would occasionally be on fire when he played with Celtic, but mostly just quite ordinary.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on February 13, 2026, 04:27:05 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on February 13, 2026, 04:05:59 PM
Quote from: Thenop on February 13, 2026, 01:37:54 PMBelieve it or not, Feyenoord managed to sign Raheem Sterling. 

The new Regi Blinker. Regi would occasionally be on fire when he played with Celtic, but mostly just quite ordinary.

We had Blinker and Taument as wingers in those days, what a fantastic time.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on February 22, 2026, 07:21:45 PM
Emphatic win for Arsenal today in the North London derby, but - the title is still in City's hands. They win their remaining games, they're champions.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on February 22, 2026, 08:27:38 PM
You can say the same for Arsenal!

The game at the Etihad is really beginning to feel like it maybe a title decider
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 11, 2026, 10:15:57 AM
Just put on the highlights of Spurs / Atletico on YouTube .. what am I watching?  ???
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 26, 2026, 07:49:08 PM
Come on, Bosnia.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on March 26, 2026, 08:42:56 PM
Cheering on the Boys in Green here. Additional interest as Jack Taylor used to play for Barnet, joined as a 14 year old and stayed 7 years with the club
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on March 26, 2026, 10:25:57 PM
Penalties!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on March 26, 2026, 10:35:22 PM
Quote from: Slim on March 26, 2026, 10:25:57 PMPenalties!
Why was the winning penalty-taker wearing a bra?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on March 31, 2026, 08:40:47 PM
Friendly game against Ecuador. 23 mins in it's 1-1 with one own goal and one penalty.
1 yellow for Ecuador and one red (!) for us.

So much for friendly  :o
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 12, 2026, 04:32:59 PM
The bottom five in the Premier League have all played 32 games, and Tottenham are in the bottom three. It's a stretch to think they'll be there at the end of the season though, isn't it?

Would be nice for the Lincoln City away fans to have a stadium like that to visit in their first season back in the second tier since 1961, though.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on April 22, 2026, 11:09:42 PM
Blimey

(https://i.ibb.co/pgM3sMZ/toptable.png)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on April 23, 2026, 01:03:01 PM
There's one game day left in the National League, which has one automatic promotion place, and 2nd placed Rochdale are at home to leaders York City; Rochdale must win the game to be crowned champions.

There was an interesting counter-intuitive scenario with two game days left: York could have gained two points and won the league, or could have gained three and finished second.

Now they need only one for a return to the football league.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 23, 2026, 08:35:00 PM
Astonishing that both clubs have managed over 100 points. If York lose they will be heading to the playoffs with 107 points, tough on the club I know you're not particularly fond of Matt.

Rochdale must be kicking themselves that they lost 4 2 to relegated Morecambe at the beginning of the Month
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 28, 2026, 08:55:40 PM
Anyone watching PSG Bayern?

Football on s different level to anything I've seen this season. A real joy.

This really should be the final!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 28, 2026, 09:03:04 PM
Quote from: dom on April 23, 2026, 08:35:00 PMAstonishing that both clubs have managed over 100 points. If York lose they will be heading to the playoffs with 107 points, tough on the club I know you're not particularly fond of Matt.

Rochdale must be kicking themselves that they lost 4 2 to relegated Morecambe at the beginning of the Month

What a match this turned out to be. York got the draw they needed with a 102nd minute equaliser after Rochdale thought they'd secured the win and promotion after scoring in the 94th minute.

After York finished 2nd - 13 points clear of Forest Green last season, it would have been really tough on them to miss out again. Hopefully Rochdale can stir themselves and get promotion through the play offs
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 28, 2026, 09:08:22 PM
Headed over to London on Saturday to watch Barnet's last home game of the season. What a treat! Barnet won 6 2 after being 3 1 ahead on 15 minutes and 5 - 1 at half time.

Callum Stead amazingly scored 5, the first player in English professional football to do so since Aguero in 2015.

He was subbed towards the end of the game and received a massive standing ovation from the 3,500 present including a large contingent of otherwise very pissed off Gillingham fans.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Matt2112 on April 29, 2026, 06:34:24 PM
Adam Senior, who Barnet acquired off us (and probably doubled his wages in doing so), has done very well for them - I believe he was Young Player Of The Year this season.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on April 29, 2026, 06:39:53 PM
Yes a regular at centre back who frequently finds himself in more advanced positions than you'd expect. Good eye for goal too.

Interesting about the wages. I don't think that the bees wage bill is particularly high in league 2 standards. Not sure how much they increased following promotion
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on May 10, 2026, 06:30:40 PM
It was a terrible season overall, but with one more game to go Feyenoord has secured the 2nd spot in the league which means Champions League next year  :)
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on May 16, 2026, 03:07:19 PM
Oh dear poor Hearts. 1986 all over again.. they must be dumped..
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 16, 2026, 04:37:04 PM
I was listening n the garage while fitting a tyre.. tragic.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on May 16, 2026, 07:59:21 PM
Why was that not offside? Do you have to have clear space now?
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Fishy on May 17, 2026, 04:59:04 PM
Even more depressing the mess left and general bad behaviour by the idiot fans celebrating around the Trongate

Two police officers 'seriously injured' and 14 arrests during Celtic disorder https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0e2xxz5rl9o
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 12:37:56 PM
Quote from: Thenop on May 10, 2026, 06:30:40 PMIt was a terrible season overall, but with one more game to go Feyenoord has secured the 2nd spot in the league which means Champions League next year  :)

This came up on FB video shorts. Not the lengthiest piece I've seen but I thought of you,

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1780607339768059/?fs=e&fs=e

Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 01:59:39 PM
Quote from: Fishy on May 16, 2026, 03:07:19 PMOh dear poor Hearts. 1986 all over again.. they must be dumped..

I think when the dust finally settles, Derek McInnes' behaviour during the week prior to this game should be examined.

Celtic fans appeared resigned to the fact that Hearts were going to win the title. They had even accepted that this was going to happen at Celtic Park, not an easy watch for any supporter, but the feeling was, well, at least it's not Rangers.

However, the Hearts manager went full tonto about a penalty decision in a match his team was not involved in. He called the decision "disgusting" calling into question the integrity of Scottish officials.

This lit an unnecessary fuse. Videos appeared online of McInnes singing a sectarian song whilst a Rangers player. An uneasy tension started to build and by the Saturday a full-on venomous atmosphere was in place.

I believe that atmosphere contributed to Hearts' downfall. It's now just history.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 02:03:02 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 16, 2026, 04:37:04 PMI was listening n the garage while fitting a tyre.. tragic.

Well it rhymes with tragic but begins with the letter m.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 02:03:55 PM
Quote from: David L on May 16, 2026, 07:59:21 PMWhy was that not offside? Do you have to have clear space now?

No, Osmand was onside when he received the ball.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 02:11:50 PM
Quote from: Fishy on May 17, 2026, 04:59:04 PMEven more depressing the mess left and general bad behaviour by the idiot fans celebrating around the Trongate

Two police officers 'seriously injured' and 14 arrests during Celtic disorder https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0e2xxz5rl9o

A lengthy article, but unlike most of the pieces on the BBC news site this doesn't carry a journalist's name. I don't understand that.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: David L on May 18, 2026, 02:18:48 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 02:03:55 PM
Quote from: David L on May 16, 2026, 07:59:21 PMWhy was that not offside? Do you have to have clear space now?

No, Osmand was onside when he received the ball.
Got it. Maeda was in an offside position but irrelevant as the ball was not passed to him. Onside when he received the ball. I thought offside was also about 'interfering with play' (when the ball is passed forward) - no?
They've messed around with offside so much and I've not really been paying attention.

Just a thought - What if Osmand had 'dummied' and the ball ended up at Maeda's feet and he scored. Offside, even if the intended pass was for Osmand? I guess, because it's about receiving the ball rather than the intention of the passer, the goal would've been disallowed.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 02:39:20 PM
Quote from: David L on May 18, 2026, 02:18:48 PM
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 02:03:55 PM
Quote from: David L on May 16, 2026, 07:59:21 PMWhy was that not offside? Do you have to have clear space now?

No, Osmand was onside when he received the ball.
Got it. Maeda was in an offside position but irrelevant as the ball was not passed to him. Onside when he received the ball. I thought offside was also about 'interfering with play' (when the ball is passed forward) - no?
They've messed around with offside so much and I've not really been paying attention.

Just a thought - What if Osmand had 'dummied' and the ball ended up at Maeda's feet and he scored. Offside, even if the intended pass was for Osmand? I guess because it's about receiving the ball rather than the intention of the passer, the goal would've been disallowed.


I'm sure the greatest minds in the Vatican conspiracy theory will have forensically examined this possibility.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 18, 2026, 03:30:24 PM
Anyway it looks like Spurs will survive, now. For them to go down West Ham would have to win their last game against Leeds, and Spurs would have to be beaten by Chelsea tomorrow, then Everton on Sunday.

I suppose it's possible.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 18, 2026, 03:38:46 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 18, 2026, 03:30:24 PMAnyway it looks like Spurs will survive, now. For them to go down West Ham would have to win their last game against Leeds, and Spurs would have to be beaten by Chelsea tomorrow, then Everton on Sunday.

I suppose it's possible.
Fingers crossed!  Although Arsenal will miss the 6 points and the beneficial goal difference  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 03:46:06 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 18, 2026, 03:30:24 PMAnyway it looks like Spurs will survive, now. For them to go down West Ham would have to win their last game against Leeds, and Spurs would have to be beaten by Chelsea tomorrow, then Everton on Sunday.

I suppose it's possible.

I always laugh when a sentence begins with anyway. I'm immediately transported to Burnistoun.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 04:02:09 PM
Quote from: dom on May 18, 2026, 03:38:46 PM
Quote from: Slim on May 18, 2026, 03:30:24 PMAnyway it looks like Spurs will survive, now. For them to go down West Ham would have to win their last game against Leeds, and Spurs would have to be beaten by Chelsea tomorrow, then Everton on Sunday.

I suppose it's possible.
Fingers crossed!  Although Arsenal will miss the 6 points and the beneficial goal difference  ;D

I've never commented on Arsenal on here for fear of the jinx element. Arsenal were my boyhood English team. My local street team played in the Arsenal colours and we did quite well.

I really admired Peter Marinello although he never really delivered on his potential in London. Same applied to Charlie Nicholas. One of the most talented players ever to grace a football pitch but again, didn't hit the heights he should have.

Strange recollection, but the day of the 1971 FA Cup final I was playing football at our local pitch. Our team were wearing our Arsenal strips. A guy appeared from nowhere cutting across the field as a shortcut. Our best player John, a couple of years older than the rest asked the trespasser who he wanted to win the final. Bold as brass he calmly stated Liverpool.

John challenged him to a fight based on his response. John was tough and wiry but the guy was up for it. It seemed to go on forever until they both seemed to settle on a draw. It was quite scary for younger guys like me being only 11.

My forever memory was the Liverpool guy being in a headlock with John and being given the rapids. Small, fast punches to the head. The days when fighting was civilised and nobody got their head kicked in.

That's another story. That was a very bad evening.
Title: Re: Football
Post by: dom on May 18, 2026, 04:23:09 PM
Nice story! I'll blame you though if Arsenal end up losing the League and/or the Champions League!  No fighting though  ;D
Title: Re: Football
Post by: The Picnic Wasp on May 18, 2026, 04:59:16 PM
Quote from: dom on May 18, 2026, 04:23:09 PMNice story! I'll blame you though if Arsenal end up losing the League and/or the Champions League!  No fighting though  ;D

C'mon the Gunners!
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Slim on May 20, 2026, 10:33:29 PM
Very pleased that Southampton have lost their appeal against being expelled from the Championship play-off. They argued that the severity of the penalty was disproportionate, because they stood to lose a potential £200 million and a place in the Premier League

But they sought to deny Boro of exactly the same opportunity by gaining a dishonest disadvantage, so it's actually entirely proportionate.

C'mon me bonny Boro
Title: Re: Football
Post by: Thenop on June 17, 2026, 03:41:06 PM
So after a somewhat disappointing season van Persie was sacked as manager of Feyenoord. 
Today they presented the new manager officially, we all know him and love him:
Giovanni van Bronckhorst returns. I think even the Rangers fans will remember him fondly.