[aLbErTo]

hm...good(& sad) commercial for EPL 08/09

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAt1PjWPR8M...16/0861006.html

This post has been edited by aLbErTo: May 17 2008, 10:24 AM

[kurtsimonw]

Congrats to Portsmouth on winning the FA Cup today. They beat Cardiff 1-0 with a goal from Kanu towards the end of the first half. Harry Redknapp has become the first English manager since Joe Royle in 1995, with Everton, to win the Cup.

Poor Cardiff. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[whoarethepatriot...]

Congrats to Portsmouth on winning the FA Cup today. They beat Cardiff 1-0 with a goal from Kanu towards the end of the first half. Harry Redknapp has become the first English manager since Joe Royle in 1995, with Everton, to win the Cup.

Poor Cardiff. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Should this not technically be in 07/08 thread, considering FA cup ends a season not starts it?

[kurtsimonw]

Should this not technically be in 07/08 thread, considering FA cup ends a season not starts it?

Oh, my bad, I didn't even realise there was an 08/09 thread. The season doesn't start for another 3 months! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Nothing official, but I think it could be genuine as that is widely rumoured to be our sponsor for next season

Not sure on the away kit yet and the home shirt just doesn't look.. "Villa". Looks like a design Scunthorpe would wear.

(IMG:http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/67/astonvillanewoj5.jpg)

[Portman]

(IMG:http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/images5/philipp-degen-190508-05.jpg)

Liverpool Football Club today confirmed that Swiss international defender Philipp Degen will sign a contract with the club on July 1.

The right sided full-back - who will represent his country at this summer's European Championships - is out of contract with Borussia Dortmund this summer and has opted to begin a new career on Merseyside from next season.

Degen, 25, spent four seasons in his homeland with FC Basel before his move to the Bundeslga and will provide competition for Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the right-back role at Anfield.

So, official. Degen signs for Liverpool, another freebie.

But again - this is not the type of players who're going to take Liverpool to the other level.

[LaPalma]

So, official. Degen signs for Liverpool, another freebie.

But again - this is not the type of players who're going to take Liverpool to the other level.

In other words: He's absolutely useless. Even for Dortmund.

[kurtsimonw]

Scousers are funny people, they really don't have a clue. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

10 Reasons why Liverpool will win the league next season.


1. We are not that far off.

If you were a betting man and a statistics enthusiasts you’d excited after studying Liverpools last few league campaigns. Ask any statistician and they will tell you that trends are everything in their line of work. In 2004/2005, Benitez’s first season Liverpool finished 37 points behind the winners. Since then we’ve closed the gap and in the season just gone we finished just 11 points behind. Not that far off considering if we beat Man United home and away, which would have happened if it weren’t for incompetent refereeing we would have won the league. We are not that far off. - No, really, you are that far off. In the last 5 years you have won 6, drew 6 and lost 18 against the other 3 from the big 4. This is exactly why you aren't competing for the title, they're alot better than you, they don't need the refs help to beat you!


2. The manager.

Rafa’s done it; he knows how to win the league now. This season we’ve seen a dramatic change in tactics seeing us beat teams by six or more goals. We were also in the league right up until April, when United managed to jammy a win over us. Rafa has also got the balance right in his rotation policy. Problems off the field caused us to lose concentration at a critical time. - You were in the league up until April? Whoa, wait a minute! At the end of March you were 17 points off the pace, at the end of January you were 14 points off, even at the half way point you were 10 points off. So no, you were never in it. Rafa's won the league in Spain, since when has that translated into winning the league in England? Hmm.



3. The prospect of getting some DIC.

There’s no doubt that if we went with DIC over the yank words removed we would be chasing a treble right about now. Once we become par with United and Chelsea in terms of spending god help the rest of the league and the rest of Europe. A sleeping giant is about to rise. With a bit of DIC, that will happen next season. - The current owners spent alot of money on players, over £50m and that didn't get you any closer to the title. DIC wouldn't make a difference in terms of investment, you really think they'd give you the £100m you want? HA.



4. El Nino.

For those of you that aren’t aware, Torres has scored the most goals by a foreigner in his first season. Yep, you heard right. More than Van Nistelrooy, Henry and Ronaldo. Considering it usually take foreigners 12-14 months to adapt, the prospect of what Torres will become is simply mouth watering. For me he’s far and away TBPITW. He has more to his game than Ronaldo, who is so vastly overrated it’s not funny. You would expect Torres to get somewhere in the range of 40-50 goals next season. Premiership defenders just aren’t accomplished enough to deal with him. - A great striker he is. Unfortunately for Liverpool, great away form is just as important as great home form. How many goals did Torres score on his travells this season? 3 to be exact, not good enough to win the league.


5. Our Midfield.

Everyone’s heard the song and a few other teams imitate it, but there’s no doubt who actually has the best midfield is the world. With Alonso and Macherano opposition teams just have simply no chance of playing through us. With Lucas, we probably have the most exciting young midfield prospect in the world. With Gerrard driving power in front, we simply have the midfield that is the envy of all Europe. - Gerrard is World class. But Alonso? Who? Does he still play for you? The fact that he starts in your midfield shows why you won't win the league. Mascherano is a good player, but you wouldn't expect anything less for someone you paid £17m for.. yet the other 3 in the big 4 have better players in the middle of the park. Lucas, hottest prospect in the World? Clearly you don't wath any teams other than Liverpool then. Okay midfield, for a 4th placed team, I suppose.



6. Skrtel and Agger.

With these two leading from that back next season expect us to concede few goals, especially in the league, where I’d be surprised if we conceded more than 12. Not only are they accomplished defenders but they can also use the ball as good as any midfielder. With Carragher possibly going to right back we will have the most penetrable wall since Berlin fell. Even the Chinese would be proud of such a wall. - Both good defenders, but again. Skrtel & Agger or Ferdinand & Vidic and Terry & Carvalho. Again, not good enough to compete.


7. The new signings.

All in all we have a great spine. If we went to see a chiropractor, he’d have quick feel and take some photos for his textbook so he could show clients what the perfect posture and spine looks like. Therefore, we just need a couple of players to play ancillary roles along with one or two major signings. We can only speculate at the moment. But you know there’s going to be big names. I would expect someone to partner Torres and I imagine Rafa pulling of the coup of the season for this position. Imagine the damage that Kaka from Milan or Benzemia from Lyon could inflict on the premiership. If I were a manc or a bitter, I’d be shitting myself right now with the though that we could possible sign those type of players. - Kaka'? Are you serious! It's always all talk from Liverpool, how many years do we hear about these World class signings? What strikers have you bought in in recent years. Torres being the classy exception, but Crouch, Voronin, Fowler, Kuyt? If only your talk matched your actions, but it doesn't.



8. The opposition.

On paper the mancs look favourite for next season, but consider this: Only very rarely to teams win three league titles in a row. Have a look through the history books if you like. I’ve done the maths and the mancs only have about a 1 in 15 chance of winning it next season. Arsenal and Chelsea will be going though rebuilding phases. Half the Arsenal team are already off and Chelsea have already lost Drogba and Ambrovich has promised a cleanse. Now is the perfect time for us to take advantage of this and win ourselves a league title the same way Chelsea took advantage of Arsenal and United rebuilding to win there first Premier League crown. - Chelsea may lose Drogba, but you do realise he didn't even net double figures in the league for them this season? I'm sure Chelsea will find it almost impossible to replace his 8 goal haul this season. On paper, and on the pitch, United and Chelsea are miles ahead of you, so far ahead that I'm surprised you can see them - which you clearly can't based on your assesment. I think you have to worry about who's catching you rather than who you'll be catching.


9. The supporters.

Do I need say more? We get ourselves in position to win the league come late April or May next season and the supporters will do the rest. Could you imagine the Kop with us closing in on the league title? Best supporters in Europe. - Liverpools fans really are amazing.. in a Champions League semi-final at Anfield. Where are you in other games? It's easy for fans to be heard in big games, but what about when it's a horrible rainy Saturday against Wigan, where are you then? The 2007 noise recordings had Liverpool placed as the 16th loudest fans in the league, which seems very accurate. Often outsung by the away fans at Anfield, you're only heard in big games. A joke.

10. The status-quo

I see a lot of supporters worrying about United overtaking our league title haul. You can only laugh at these fools. Liverpool have been the top dog in England for pretty much ever and it’s not about to change anytime soon. It’s squeaky bum time, as Fergie calls it, for the mancs right now. They know we are on the verge of getting our act together and they know that as soon as we get that first one the floodgates will open. They know they will never have a better chance to go level with us and you’ll see the nervousness creep in. “Knock us off our perch” yeaaaahh right. Check back in a few years and it will be 25 - 17. - Do you know the history of football, at all? "Liverpool have been the top dog in England forever". Incorrect. You were the top dog from the late 70s until the late 80s, a whole 15 years of dominance - which United have had for the last 15 years - but before the late 70s it was all Arsenal, Villa, Sunderland and Everton. Where were Liverpool? It's easy to pick out the facts that suit yourself, isn't it.

[dst]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) So utterly stupid! For ****s sake somebody give this scouser an award for his stupidity, he tops it all off! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Especially the Skrtel and Agger part!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

On the other hand it's annoying to hear them boast all the time... the best this and the best that... and they can't even rememver how it is to win the league...

I really like Alonso. I think he is their best player behind Torres. He's had a bad season yeah but... who hasn't?

[Jack Sparrow]

@Kurt: Whoa...with the vitriol!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

I get the feeling someone's really pushed u off the edge! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

But mostly true yep. I find the DIC excuse the most pathetic. That and the we're not far off and the status quo excuse. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

The rest, you can put down to subjective decisions.

[Portman]

Drogba: Grant not behind Chelsea success
Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Drogba has claimed that Grant, who took over from Jose Mourinho last year, has played virtually no part in the team's success this season and achievement in reaching their first Champions League final.

Drogba told France Football: 'What do you want me to say about him?
'Apart from the fact he brought his own vision of football, he is less charismatic and less argumentative than Mourinho. That creates a gap.

'In any case, Grant did not have a lot to say. He just had to wait for the results to come along or not.

'Like a son after the loss of his father? In our case, we found ourselves with a stepfather we had not chosen.'

Drogba also revealed he is still paying the price for admitting back in 2005 to diving.

He added: 'Since I had the misfortune to say that I occasionally dive because people pushed me and not through simulation, I had the feeling people take me for a cheat.

'The referees in both the Premier League and Champions League come to see me before games to tell me no diving today. I believe they don't listen to me.'

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/arti...3&in_page_id=43

FACT. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

I agree. I think the majority of the credit has to go to Jose.

[dst]

This Chelsea is Jose's creation...

[Locke Lamora]

WTF Drogba, in less than 24 hours your team will be playing the Champions League final and you prepare by blasting your manager?

[kurtsimonw]

It does seem very silly. It seems to happy whenever an English team's involved in a Final though. Gerrard rumours before Istanbul, Henry rumours before Paris. Now this and the Lampard rumours. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Habitant]

Nothing official, but I think it could be genuine as that is widely rumoured to be our sponsor for next season

Not sure on the away kit yet and the home shirt just doesn't look.. "Villa". Looks like a design Scunthorpe would wear.

(IMG:http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/67/astonvillanewoj5.jpg)

the away is very nice, home is ok... just the sponsor isnt great...

i got a couple of pairs of villa shorts btw the 3rd from 06/07 season and the white from 07/08. I'm officially adopting vill as my premiership team!

[kurtsimonw]

the away is very nice, home is ok... just the sponsor isnt great...

i got a couple of pairs of villa shorts btw the 3rd from 06/07 season and the white from 07/08. I'm officially adopting vill as my premiership team!

I'm not a fan of the way the sponsor looks, but it's a charity so I'm all for having it.

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Tennie]

Wow, and a children's hospice too. Man, Kurt. Randy Lerner is going to give greedy American club owners....a good name.

(Well done to Villa + its clueful owner, Randy Lerner)

[dst]

So like with Juventus at Turin, there are not United fans at Manchester... is this happening with any other team? What about Everton and Liverpool?

[LaPalma]

Munich. The real bavarians support 1860 München. Not Bayern.

[Zed.D]

I was just wondering... what will happen to post-Ferguson Manchester United? who will replace him? who dares to? will the new coach succeed? [of course not!!!]... etc... etc...

I think Man U will go through a very dark period when SAF finally retires!

[morgoth]

I think R.Keane maybe the one.

[kurtsimonw]

So like with Juventus at Turin, there are not United fans at Manchester... is this happening with any other team? What about Everton and Liverpool?

Well tha area they are both in is Greater Manchester. Man City are actually in Manchester itself while I think United are from Trafford, so Man City's fans are in the City of Manchester, while most of Uniteds are from Trafford and Salford.. at least that's how I've always seen it. But technically United fans have as many fans from Manchester as City do.

Both Everton and Liverpool are from the same area, the stadiums are a few hundred feet from each other and I think it's just a mix all over. Alot of families are split by who they support.

I was just wondering... what will happen to post-Ferguson Manchester United? who will replace him? who dares to? will the new coach succeed? [of course not!!!]... etc... etc...

Alot of people think Martin O'Neill, he's done well wherever he has gone. But I'd think Mark Hughes may be the guy they'll get. Proven manager, often took Blackburn into Europe and he's done well considering it's a poor club. Roy Keane, Bryan Robson ((IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ) and Steve Bruce would be other options if they wanted a former player.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: May 22 2008, 05:53 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Rafa Benitez has increased his £10m offer for Gareth Barry to £12m. MON rejected it immediately. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

If Tottenham got that whats-his-name for 18 mill to play him on the bench...Villa ought to ask for 25 mill to sell Gareth.

[morgoth]

A.Ferguson : There is no doubt, I think Carlos will be here for a long time.

Source

Will Carlos Queiroz be the next Man U coach?

[kurtsimonw]

If Tottenham got that whats-his-name for 18 mill to play him on the bench...Villa ought to ask for 25 mill to sell Gareth.

I'm hoping for around £25m to be honest. He 'only' 27, but pace is not a part of him game at all, so he could easily go on for another 7 years or so. And similar players to him in recent years - Hargreaves & Carrick - both went for about £18m, and Barry is keeping them out of the England team, so..

A.Ferguson : There is no doubt, I think Carlos will be here for a long time.

Source

Will Carlos Queiroz be the next Man U coach?

That's a possiblity, he has been there for a while now. And the last two seasons he's defintly become more involved, he does the majority of post match interviews and apparently does most of the coaching. So he could very well be the next manager.

[dst]

I don't think Queiroz can be United's next manager... the coaches are usually closer to the players and are seen as the nice guys and that's the first thing a manager does not want to be seen as...

[Bluesummers]

I don't think Queiroz can be United's next manager... the coaches are usually closer to the players and are seen as the nice guys and that's the first thing a manager does not want to be seen as...

+1

So many of carlo's problems are said in this line.

[kurtsimonw]

Odds for next season.

CODE

Man United    6/5  Everton        150/1  Bolton     2000/1
Chelsea       9/4  Man City       250/1  Wigan      2000/1
Arsenal       7/2  Portsmouth     500/1  Fulham     2000/1
Liverpool    13/2  Blackburn      500/1  West Brom  2500/1
Tottenham    66/1  West Ham      1000/1  Stoke City 5000/1
Newcastle   150/1  Middlesbrough 1000/1  Hull City  5000/1
Aston Villa 150/1  Sunderland    1000/1

It makes me laugh how Newcastle and Spurs are rated that highly, yet Everton are always under-rated. Newcastle are as predictable as life - build themself up and fail, just like birth and death!

[Milan Are Brilli...]

250/1 on Man City...?

Might be worth a flutter, new manager, big budget you never know (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

250/1 on Man City...?

Might be worth a flutter, new manager, big budget you never know  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I'm still trying to work out which manager is brain dead enough to actually go to Man City. McClown maybe?

Boro's new home kit.. is it just me, or does this look really, really gay? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)
(IMG:http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/javaImages/98/d8/0,,1~3659928,00.jpg)

[Tennie]

So....will Joey Barton play next year? He's got what? Six months of jail time now?

[kurtsimonw]

I'm not sure any team is stupid enough to want him anymore, then again, he does play for Newcastle. Up there he's probably seen as the new Maradona.

[arivanjj]

Bristol City - Hull -- match report

wat a story!... really happy for them, and hope they make something of the opportunity.

[kurtsimonw]

I'm not sure if it's Hull or Stoke that said they won't spend much, as they don't want to be in any financial trouble if they were to get relegated straight away - talk about optimism! They obviously haven't learned from Derby, that's exactly what they did, and they became a joke because of it.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Bristol City - Hull -- match report

wat a story!... really happy for them, and hope they make something of the opportunity.

Having been living in Bristol I've heard nothing but this for weeks!

To be honest neither really should be in the EPL they don't have the quality to do anything. Yes they have £50mil but I think there's more chance of me playing for Milan than them staying up next season.

In a few seasons Nottingham Forest, QPR and Leeds will be up there, teams that have a chance of staying up. The only other team I would have seen having a chance to stay up in the play-off's was Watford. Even they were useless towards the end of the season.

[kurtsimonw]

Reckon West Brom will stay up, easily the best team in the Championship, and went out to a dodgey goal in the FA Cup (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Hopefuly they fall apart and break Derbys worst points record though, that'd be nice.

Chelsea will offer up to £50million in an audacious bid to sign Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich is ready to smash the world transfer record to land the 24-year-old Spaniard.

Abramovich was prepared to pay that much for Thierry Henry when he first took over at Chelsea and he has given chief executive Peter Kenyon permission to offer the same amount for a brilliant marksman who scored 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield.

In sacrificing Avram Grant, Roman finds himself back at the Colosseum
Grant's chance to spill the beans on Chelsea exit as Abramovich begins search for successor

Avram Grant was sacked as Chelsea's manager on Saturday and the search now begins for his successor, with Guus Hiddink and Frank Rijkaard among the favourites to take over.

But it is understood the club will continue to pursue those players Grant identified prior to his dismissal - and Torres was top of his wish list, with the Barclays Premier League and Champions League runners-up happy to take advantage of the chaos at Liverpool.

Chelsea believe they have a chance of pulling off one of the most extraordinary transfer coups in football history which could beat the world record fee of £46m Real Madrid paid Juventus for France midfielder Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

"There is a desire among certain people at Liverpool to sell at the right price," said an insider last night. "It's just a case of whether they have the nerve to incur the wrath of the Liverpool fans."

Disruption reigns at Anfield, with the ownership of the club as well as the future of manager Rafa Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry uncertain.

Tom Hicks says he is desperate to raise funds to take sole control and the sale of Torres only a year after he arrived from Atletico Madrid for £23m could be good business.

Benitez: will raise strong objections if owner Tom Hicks decides to cash in on Torres

Benitez will not think so and agreeing to sell could add more tension. The Liverpool manager claims a lack of resources means his side will again be fighting against the tide for the title next term.

He said: "It's more difficult because after two years of Chelsea winning the league and spending big money, United needed to do the same. They started spending big money, and Arsenal were also spending big money on young players.

"We're trying to do the same but it's more difficult to catch up. We'll do our best. The key is to not talk about the title."

But his objections regarding the sale of Torres may not hold sway and it would represent good business for Chelsea as well as Hicks because striker Didier Drogba is up for sale.

As well as Jose Bosingwa - who has agreed to join Chelsea for £16m - Grant identified AC Milan's Kaka and Real Madrid's Robinho.

Like Torres, Kaka is an ambitious target and someone Milan have said they are not prepared to sell. But Chelsea will attempt to lure the World Player of the Year by offering Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho and possibly even money in return.

Chelsea do not envisage the next manager objecting but they want to make an appointment quickly.

Rijkaard has long been considered the favourite and the football he produced at Barcelona to win the Champions League in 2006 impressed Abramovich.

But there are concerns about the strength of his leadership and Chelsea could turn to someone like the experienced Hiddink.

The return of Jose Mourinho has been dismissed but among other possible targets are Luiz Felipe Scolari, Marcello Lippi, Mark Hughes and Sven Goran Eriksson.

Daily Mail

Haven't got a link. Found it on Liverpools' Red and White Kop forum.

The worrying thing for Liverpool fans is that Hicks seems to see them as a business, not a football team, especially as he's "looking to raise cash". And he'd be making £27m on Torres, which would be good business. It'd be wonderful if they sold him, just wonderful.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

The worrying thing for Liverpool fans is that Hicks seems to see them as a business, not a football team, especially as he's "looking to raise cash". And he'd be making £27m on Torres, which would be good business. It'd be wonderful if they sold him, just wonderful.

They're Scousers, if Torres got sold for that reason, there would be well you know what they're like...

[Tennie]

The English tabloids are awfully entertaining. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I liked the 'Drogba + Carvalho + money for Kaka' bit.

EDIT: Waitasec.....Kurt, what were you doing on a Scouser forum? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

dst will want to have you decontaminated now! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

They're Scousers, if Torres got sold for that reason, there would be well you know what they're like...

I'd expect something like this:
Scouser 1: "Wha' tha f*ck is goin' on, like!? You can't do tha, Hicks! Ya b*stard!"
Scouser 2: "Eh boss, calm down, calm down. We can jus' go back an' steal him, like."
Scouser 1: "Oh yeah, sound."

EDIT: I was on their forum mainly to see what they think on the Barry thing, plus they're a team with alot going on at the moment, so it's a good read. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: May 26 2008, 02:59 AM

[Milan Are Brilli...]

I'd expect something like this:
Scouser 1: "Wha' tha f*ck is goin' on, like!? You can't do tha, Hicks! Ya b*stard!"
Scouser 2: "Eh boss, calm down, calm down. We can jus' go back an' steal him, like."
Scouser 1: "Oh yeah, sound."

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Oh so true.

[kurtsimonw]

Av dad: It's anti-Jewish

AVRAM GRANT’S father claims Chelsea sacked his son because Roman Abramovich caved in to anti-Jewish critics.

Meir Granat, whose family were victims of the Holocaust, believes Abramovich bowed to anti-Semitic feelings against Grant — despite the Blues’ owner being a Russian Jew himself.

Outraged Granat, 80, said: “I have never met Roman Abramovich and I don’t know him. But I was sure that, as a Jew, he would support Avram.

“Yet Abramovich was probably influenced by the anti-Semites and could not stand the pressure of the negativity against Avram and the publicity against him.”

It was an astonishing attack, though not the first time anti-Semitic claims have been raised.

Grant’s agent Pini Zahavi recently argued anti-Semitism was having an influence on his client’s chances of staying at the club.

And Grant has also received death threats linked to his background.

Grant pleaded for his job at a 2½-hour meeting at Abramovich’s London mansion on Saturday.

A pal said: “He is very hurt and disappointed by what has happened. He knows certain members of the board always wanted to get rid of him.”

The Sun

Yawn. Really pathetic, you're just being petty when you pull the religion card. But I agree, it must clearly be anti-Jewish stuff as to why he's been sacked, that's why no Jewish players like Ben Haim play for Chelsea. Oh, wait.. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Yawn. Really pathetic, you're just being petty when you pull the religion card. But I agree, it must clearly be anti-Jewish stuff as to why he's been sacked, that's why no Jewish players like Ben Haim play for Chelsea. Oh, wait.. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) This makes me laugh.

It sounds like what a kid would say in a school class.

[Habitant]

Robinho, Ramos, Diarrà & €50m For Ronaldo - Marca

apparently thats what man u want for CR

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

....

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

...

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)


Is real madrid dumb enough to do that?

tune in the next few weeks to find out.

[kurtsimonw]

That's just silly. Anyways, Cristiano said that he's sick of repeating himself about his future - he is focusing on Euro 2008 and Portugal - so he doesn't want to talk about staying/moving until after the competition. SO I'm guessing this will be going on for quite some time.

[dst]

wow!! That can't be true!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Don't think so... Ramos + Robinho + Diarra + 5 mill would I think be fair. Certainly not 50 mill.

[dst]

That's close to E80m... still a lot of money!!!

[Jack Sparrow]

About fair...We'd want that much for Kaka...and cumulative performance over the past two seasons has been better for Cristiano than Kaka.

[dst]

About fair...We'd want that much for Kaka...and cumulative performance over the past two seasons has been better for Cristiano than Kaka.

What is it that you don't get!?? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) It is a lot of money!!

[kurtsimonw]

(IMG:http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44692000/gif/_44692259_english_premiership_466.gif)

This was on BBC, not the biggest picture, I know. West Ham and Villa averaged over 6 English players per game(Maybe foreigners hate claret and blue? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ) and Arsenal less than half a player!

What Arsenal do really isn't acceptable, something needs to be done quickly. It'd also stop them stealing players from other theams as they'd have no use for them!

I have to say I'm very proud of my team though! Not only are we one of two teams who play alot of English players, but we had 5 regular English starters that were 23 or under, and we had a great season. Maybe England future isn't so bleak!

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: May 28 2008, 02:20 AM

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Whats up with all points, 0.34 for Arsenal? Oh, they're talking about Walcott's ability now I get it...

[kurtsimonw]

Amount of English players starting, per team, per game. If you get what I mean! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Amount of English players starting, per team, per game. If you get what I mean! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Haha, I know, it's just if Walcott was starting its half a player anyway... ah nevermind it's late and I should stop trying to be harsh on 'Arsene'al (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Haha, I know, it's just if Walcott was starting its half a player anyway... ah nevermind it's late and I should stop trying to be harsh on 'Arsene'al  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Ooohhh, you were taking the p!ss? That one went way past me! Think I should stop staying up this late! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Ooohhh, you were taking the p!ss? That one went way past me! Think I should stop staying up this late! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Shouldn't we all but I'm still on Student Time!

[Tennie]

The fish doll dutifully offers Ash a keg of beer. Such is a staple of student life! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

^^

You might want to adjust his caffeine I.V as well 10ster. Me for one is all for Blatter's 6+5 rule. I mean they're called English clubs and French clubs and Italian clubs for a reason.

But then again, I can't say, because as a Milan fan, I have little to lose if that rule is brought in.

[Jack Sparrow]

The Daily Miror has reported that Avram Grant rejected a lucrative offer from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to go back to being the club's director of football.

Grant was in charge of the team at Stamford Bridge for eight months following the departure of Jose Mourinho last September, but lost his job on Saturday after a three-hour meeting with Abramovich, reports the Mirror.

The newspaper says Grant did not like what Abramovich was saying, because he felt he had earned the right to build his own team instead of having to work with the players inherited from Mourinho.

But it claims the meeting ended amicably with a drink and a joke, Grant believing he be remembered as the man who built the platform for what Chelsea can go on to achieve.

The Israeli coach would have received a huge pay rise if he had taken the opportunity to return to his former job as director of football on £4million per year.

But he preferred to walk out with his head held high and a pay-off nearer £1million.

Pride mattered more to Grant than the cash. He was proud of his achievements at Chelsea and proud that his reign ended in a Champions League final in front of some 20,000 Chelsea fans who never previously experienced such an occasion.

They were, after all, just a kick away from winning the biggest prize in European club football.

Grant, who received a lot of farewell texts from his players over the weekend, has returned to Israel before going to the United States on holiday.

But the Mirror quoted 'close friends' of his as saying: "It is ridiculous to say that Avram was angry. It's just not right. Roman rang him and asked him to come to his house for a meeting. When he got there, he was asked to go back to being director of football, for a huge pay rise.

"The conversation was pleasant. It was not a negative atmosphere at all. Roman tried to persuade Avram to stay at the club, reminding him how much he loved Chelsea, and that he hadn't come to the club to be manager in the first place.

"But Avram has always believed that you have to be true and honest to yourself, that you have to keep your integrity. If you lose that, you cannot stay anywhere. For Avram, he had to leave."

The newspaper added that Grant feels the decision that finally terminated his tenure as Chelsea manager was not sending on Andriy Shevchenko during extra-time in the Champions League final, especially when the substitute he did nominate, Nicolas Anelka, missed the decisive penalty

I kinda thought it was wierd too. Sheva was definitely playing better than Anelka then. But kudos to Grant. It was a good move on his part.

[aLbErTo]

good (or even great) news for those who like arsenal or those good-natured
milanfan members...Eduardo da Silva has started training after his hard injury, it's just easy running though, but it's a great improvment !!

This post has been edited by aLbErTo: May 28 2008, 02:15 PM

[Tennie]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/96.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/96.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/96.gif) That's very good news indeed, Alberto!

[Locke Lamora]

good (or even great) news for those who like arsenal or those good-natured
milanfan members...Eduardo da Silva has started training after his hard injury, it's just easy running though, but it's a great improvment !!

Kurt's not going to like this...another scary foreigner will be back in about 8 months...

[kurtsimonw]

I want him back. I want no excuses for Croatia in the WC qualifying!

[Milan Are Brilli...]

good (or even great) news for those who like arsenal or those good-natured
milanfan members...Eduardo da Silva has started training after his hard injury, it's just easy running though, but it's a great improvment !!

Can't say I particularly rate him as a player but good on him nevertheless.

[Jack Sparrow]

Me neither...I didn't think he was so crucial to Arsenal, that his injury cost them all three competitions.

[Jack Sparrow]

A great read from goal.com

Following the dismissals of Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Roberto Mancini this season, Graham Lister considers the imperatives and tensions at Stamford Bridge and the San Siro, and wonders what defines success for a big club these days…


A Tale Of Three Managers

The experiences of Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Roberto Mancini during the last eight months - and in particular the last eight days - provide an illuminating if somewhat chilling commentary on what constitutes success in modern top-level football.

All three men were sacked despite delivering results that most other managers would die for - or at least be delighted to have achieved. Yet they were deemed to be not good enough by their respective employers, Chelsea and Internazionale.

In the surreal world of football club management, one of the men Chelsea discarded - Mourinho - is set to be installed as the new messiah at San Siro, while Inter's sacked coach Mancini is being linked with the Chelsea job, though it remains far from certain that it will be offered to him. As for Grant, he has headed off on holiday to the United States to reflect on the nature of loyalty and integrity in the beautiful game.

What has been highlighted in West London and Milan, yet again, is how thin the dividing line is between success and failure. Discounting national FA and League Cup competitions (as the biggest clubs increasingly do), there are only two genuinely 'major' prizes that any club can win each season: their national domestic league championship; and the Champions League. Manchester United won both those jewels this season; Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich won their respective domestic titles. Does that mean that every other club in England, Italy, Spain and Germany endured a campaign of failure? Certainly by the criteria that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich applies, they did. Daft and unrealistic though it is, that is how rarefied the atmosphere is becoming.

It's Roman's Empire

Mourinho was fired after bringing Chelsea their first domestic title in 50 years, then repeating the feat, adding domestic cups along the way and reaching two Champions League semi-finals. But by not conquering Europe as he had done with Porto, by giving priority to winning rather than winning prettily, and by resisting interference from above in matters of team selection, he fell foul of the Russian billionaire who regards Chelsea as his personal plaything.

So in this particular Toy Story, Mourinho's Woody was displaced by Avram Grant's Buzz Lightyear. He guided the Blues from sixth to second in the Premier League with a 22-8-2  W-D-L record and nearly overtook Manchester United in the final furlong. He also led Chelsea to two cup finals - including, for the first time in their history, the Champions League final which they lost by the width of a post in a dramatic shoot-out. But Grant was still told to buzz off.

Peter Kenyon, the Machiavellian chief executive at Stamford Bridge, explained that Grant's record - bettered only by Manchester United - was "not acceptable" for "a club like Chelsea."

But then what exactly is a club like Chelsea? Their recent trophy haul is impressive; but the emphasis here is on recent. They do not have a heritage of  harvesting silverware on an annual basis; their traditions are more modest. Vaulting ambition can be commendable, but it needs to be tempered by perspective or it tips over into arrogant pretension. Isn't football less about instant fixes than solid development that bears fruit over time? Chelsea have the big-club swagger; but by the words and actions of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy they sometimes betray a small-club mentality. Kenyon implies that Chelsea now see themselves in a unique category where anything less than the Premier League title and/or European Cup on the sideboard in any one season constitutes failure - requiring the removal and replacement of the manager.

Good Enough For Most?

Chelsea's record over the last five seasons has been phenomenal by most measures, but especially by their own standards during the preceding 97 years. In 2003-04, Claudio Ranieri took them to their highest league finish for 49 years and might well have won the title but for Arsenal's remarkable unbeaten campaign. He also took them further in the Champions League than they'd ever been before. Mourinho bettered that with a bang, winning back-to-back titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and also making it to the Champions League semi-finals twice. And while Grant was in charge, his record in Premier League matches was actually better than that of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez. The Blues also lined up in their first ever Champions League final.

Yet few were surprised that Grant was sacked. Like Ranieri and Mourinho before him, he was unable to spare Abramovich the "embarrassment" of not winning the Champions League, so he had to go.

However, it is likely that even if John Terry's spot-kick had hit the net rather than the post and United had been the heartbroken ones in Moscow, Grant would still have been fired.

In the terms of that awful modern-day cliché, he just didn't tick all the boxes. He was persistently sniped at for his tactics and substitutions, and accused of lacking the big-match temperament. Notwithstanding Terry's slip on the Luzhniki turf, he surely nailed those criticisms during the last few weeks of the campaign. 

A Need To Be Loved

Yet it seems that the internal politics at Stamford Bridge were always undermining him. He had an 'image problem' from the start, which shouldn't be an issue but is. In that respect he was the complete antithesis of the dashing, media-savvy and manipulative Mourinho, so adored by the Chelsea fans who have grown accustomed to charismatic managers over the last decade (Ruud Gullit, Gianluca Vialli, Ranieri and Mourinho). But what Grant shared with the Special One was an inability to make Chelsea liked if not loved beyond Stamford Bridge.

And it seems that Abramovich craves this, as well as the glittering prizes, for his King's Road project. It has been revealed this week that Chelsea's next manager will be expected to change the public perception of the club and make them more popular among the public at large.

To change the club's image, Chelsea must first understand why current perceptions of the club are as they are. For any club, the normal state of affairs is that they are worshipped (though not uncritically) by their own loyal fan-base, hated by their traditional rivals and mostly tolerated by everyone else as an object of curiosity, amusement or indifference. In Chelsea's case, the tolerance is lower and the hatred, or at least negativity, higher than the vanity of the club's hierarchy can stand. Unlike Millwall, whose fans famously and defiantly made a virtue of their unpopularity by singing, "No-one likes us, we don't care," Chelsea clearly DO care. So why the negativity towards them?

Reasons To Be Unpopular

Firstly, they are the epitome of the nouveau-riche. And it is a fact of life that while lottery winners and others who come into big money without a history of handling wealth have no problem attracting hangers-on, the typical reaction towards them is envy, turning quickly to jealousy and resentment - especially if they indulge in conspicuous consumption. And Chelsea's spending has certainly been conspicuous. They are perceived by many to have bought their trophies in recent years. It is a trite criticism, because it takes a lot more than a collection of galacticos to make a successful team. But perception can be a powerful thing.

Secondly, some of the Chelsea players are perceived to be too big for their handsomely endorsed boots. Player-power, whether real or imagined, is rarely seen as attractive these days. The tendency of Terry and Frank Lampard to question every decision against their team, or indeed to want to referee the match as well as play in it, irks many people. Haranguing officials like indignant shop-stewards, encouraging others like Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba to follow suit, is not endearing. As for Drogba, leaving aside the notorious theatricals, he undermined team unity all season with indiscreet utterances to the media about leaving, then staying, then leaving again. He certainly did nothing to bolster Grant's position.

Thirdly, Chelsea's style of play is criticised by many (fuelled by the media) for being dull and boring. They are certainly a more pragmatic proposition than say Arsenal; but the card that they are not entertaining has been heavily over-played. Chelsea are capable of excellent football; and they are very hard to beat. But again, the perception is that they lack the 'wow' factor. Tellingly, that seems to be what Abramovich thinks, too.

Fourthly, the Russian oligarch’s club and its main mouthpiece, Kenyon, are accused of acting disrespectfully and lacking 'class'. There is an element of snobbery in the accusation but their treatment of their own managers (and of assistant first-team coach Henk ten Cate, sacked on Thursday after being told on Saturday his position was safe) hardly strengthens the case for the defence. 

Under Mourinho, the goading of rival managers, the histrionic railing against Anders Fisk and Frank Rijkaard, and the tapping-up of Ashley Cole, earned him kudos among his own fans, but elsewhere? Not really.  
  
So the task of polishing Chelsea's image will not be an easy one. It will be an additional challenge for whoever becomes the new manager. It is being said that those on the short-list will be sceptical about accepting the job in view of what has happened to the last three incumbents. But this is the real world and the managers in the frame are in a win-win situation. If they deliver trophies to Abramovich they will enhance both their bank balances and reputations. If they fail, they will be compensated with a lavish pay-off, and find their job prospects in no way diminished, because football manager is one profession where getting sacked is not so much a career set-back as an invitation to another club to take you on.  That's why Inter are lining up Mourinho; and why Mancini and Rijkaard and Deschamps are thought to be possibilities for Chelsea.

Inter Active

The case of Mancini, of course, underlines the earlier point about the narrow margins between success and failure. A hat-trick of Scudettos should be enough to keep anyone in a job, but not Mancio at Inter. Why?

Firstly, he has been denied much of the credit for the first two of those titles by calciopoli and its subsequent fall-out. The 2005-06 championship was stripped from Juventus and given to runners-up Inter. The 2006-07 title was won with Juve in Serie B and AC Milan hobbled by a points deduction, so although Inter's results were outstanding, the team were given a clear run, said the critics. Mancini's latest title was certainly achieved in a fully competitive Serie A, although since March the Nerazzurri were decidedly less convincing.

That March turning point was precipitated by the second black mark against Mancini: another failure in the Champions League, where his overly defensive tactics against Liverpool were perceived as handing the initiative to the Reds.

Thirdly, Mancini's emotional response to elimination by Liverpool - to resign, then reverse his decision 24 hours later - raised question-marks about his temperament and also fatally damaged his standing with club owner Massimo Moratti. 

But fourthly and most damningly, Mancini's management style seems to have alienated too many key players in the Inter squad. It appears their opposition to the boss sounded the fatal death-knell to his reign. Player-power again, albeit in a rather more blatant and brutal fashion than Grant experienced.

The issue of compensation is delaying the announcement of Mourinho as Mancini's successor, while Mancini's agent is making a point of stressing his client's availability to Chelsea.

Whatever Next?

Whoever is managing at Stamford Bridge and San Siro next season, they will know what to expect. The bar has been set high and if they fall short they will be out with little ceremony.  Is that the best way to guarantee success? And how exactly is 'success' to be defined these days?

Interestingly, Mourinho used to taunt Arsene Wenger that the Arsenal boss didn't need to win trophies to keep his job. The Gunners have just completed a third successive season without silverware, but there was never a hint from the hierarchy at the Emirates that Wenger would be sacked. Has that made the man who has won seven trophies for Arsenal complacent, or is it the sort of support that helps build sustained long-term success? 60,000-plus sell-out crowds for every Arsenal home game suggest that the fans enjoy what they're seeing, though of course they'd prefer that elusive silver lining. Alex Ferguson famously needed nearly four fraught years to bring the first of his 22 trophies to Old Trafford. And in 1994-95, 1997-98, 2001-02 and 2004-05, Manchester United won nothing, but never threatened to pull the plug on Fergie. Chelsea and Inter have a less patient approach to management.

But which model is the best?

It's a very great debate. Mourinho shouldn't have been fired. But then for that matter...neither should have Grant or Mancini. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

EDIT: And in what sounds like a rumour but a plausible one...

I got this from a guy who knows a guy whose cousin works at Stamford bridge. (there might be another guy in between...not sure)

Roman's keen on getting Scolari...and Scolari's all but agreed to a new 3 year contract.

Scolari's terms:

1.Minimal interference from the bosses. Keep your eyes on the trophy cabinets and the playing style. Leave the rest to me i.e. handling the players etc.

2. Will sign in two players from the youth squads. And not a lot of big name players.

3. After his contract ends, and it has gone well...he shall take over Grant's old position of director.

This post has been edited by Jack Sparrow: May 30 2008, 08:56 AM

[morgoth]

Cheslea's assistant manager Ten Cate has been fired ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Well, he certainly made an impact on the club! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[aLbErTo]

Me neither...I didn't think he was so crucial to Arsenal, that his injury cost them all three competitions.

it was actually his first season...remember kranjcar's last season, he was pretty average, while this season he was a big role in portsmouth side...and in my belief, eduardo was to many times played in wrong position, he's not a great winger, he played it decent, but when he was played as a striker he showed his special abilities...he scores two goals from one good chance...if you think of what he might bring to arsenal if he was there, adebayor wasn't enough, van persie & rosicky wasn't prepared whole season, so appearntly, eduardo's injury was just too much...

[kurtsimonw]

Kranjcar was better last season than this one! He was the star of their midfield, this season only Muntari and Diop ever showed up.

[Locke Lamora]

it was actually his first season...remember kranjcar's last season, he was pretty average, while this season he was a big role in portsmouth side...and in my belief, eduardo was to many times played in wrong position, he's not a great winger, he played it decent, but when he was played as a striker he showed his special abilities...he scores two goals from one good chance...if you think of what he might bring to arsenal if he was there, adebayor wasn't enough, van persie & rosicky wasn't prepared whole season, so appearntly, eduardo's injury was just too much...

I totally agree with you.
When Eduardo and Van Persie got injured we were left with just Adebayor, Bendtner and Walcott.

[aLbErTo]

Kranjcar was better last season than this one! He was the star of their midfield, this season only Muntari and Diop ever showed up.

you are very mistaken...he probably has the most caps in his club this season,lot of them playing pretty well...last season he had 10 caps whole season, how can that be better...c'mon

Eduardo Targets July Return

The Brazilian-born Croatia striker suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle during the February game against Birmingham, and had been expected to be out of commission until the end of the calendar year at the earliest.

Now, based on his highly encouraging progress while in rehab in Rio de Janeiro, the 25-year-old has issued a far more optimistic prognosis.

"I am returning to Europe from Brazil at the beginning of August, perhaps even the end of July," said Eduardo.

"Doctors tell me by then I will be fully recovered and able to play football again. I hope so too.

"I'm feeling well and my rehabilitation is going better than I would ever have hoped."

Eduardo has been reduced to cheerleading role for Euro 2008, but is backing Croatia to make waves in the tournament.

"I think the boys will play very well without me," he added.

"They'll get through the group and, after that, we'll have to wait and see."

Croatia are fancied to go through along with Germany in Group B, which also contains Poland and co-hosts Austria.

goal.com

This post has been edited by aLbErTo: May 31 2008, 10:41 AM

[Portman]

So kurt, hows the Barry-Liverpool thing?

Everybody seems to understand that Alonso is heading Juventus and the English international going to Anfield.

[kurtsimonw]

Nobody knows yet, not even his wife apparently. He said he hasn't made the decision, and rumour is he's not actually going to. Villa want around £20m for him, if Liverpool pay it, they can have him, if not, then they can't. Though we may refuse to sell to them after the way they've gone about it - like United did with Heinze.

[Portman]

Nobody knows yet, not even his wife apparently. He said he hasn't made the decision, and rumour is he's not actually going to. Villa want around £20m for him, if Liverpool pay it, they can have him, if not, then they can't. Though we may refuse to sell to them after the way they've gone about it - like United did with Heinze.

Geez bud.

That's what? 25-27 M/euros? You guys are nuts.

[whoarethepatriot...]

Wow thats crazy, if Liverpool cave into their demands is Liverpools loss. Pretty good deal for Villa if it goes through

English players do tend to be overpriced though (Man Utd especially love to pay too much - Rooney, Rio, Carrick etc)

[dst]

I think the amount of money Villa are asking for is normal. I mean... Liverpool got €13 million for Sissoko for ****s sake! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) The clubs in the Premier League have lots of money and they don't think twice about spending it (and why should they?) so it's only logical that the prices are so high...

[kurtsimonw]

Geez bud.

That's what? 25-27 M/euros? You guys are nuts.

You have to take into account many things.
-We do NOT want to sell.
-He has 2 years left on his contract
-Carrick and Hargreaves were both sold for around £18m.. Barry is keeping both of these out of the England team.

He's always been under-rated. Mascherano was bought for £17m, and all he is, is a DM. Barry is also a top DM, but he also finished 4th for assists in the EPL last season and scored 9 goals (I think Mascherano, Hargreaves and Carrick combined made less assists and scored less goal) . If we only got £20m for him, I personally would be very disappointed, he's a much more complete player than the likes of Hargreaves, Carrick and Mascherano, so I don't see why his value should be the same as theirs. I wouldn't sell him for any less than £25m and I also wold not sell to Liverpool.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 2 2008, 07:43 PM

[Bluesummers]

Geez bud.

That's what? 25-27 M/euros? You guys are nuts.

barry is class and very underrated. His price tage undoubtedly is 25 million euro+

This post has been edited by Bluesummers: Jun 2 2008, 09:31 PM

[kurtsimonw]

barry is class and very underrated.  His price tage undoubtedly is 25 million euro+

But he doesn't play for a top European club and doesn't have a name like Barrizinho, so he'll probably end up going for £15m. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[Milan Are Brilli...]

But he doesn't play for a top European club and doesn't have a name like Barrizinho, so he'll probably end up going for £15m. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Only player to play every England game this season, enough said.

[Bluesummers]

WTF Drogba, in less than 24 hours your team will be playing the Champions League final and you prepare by blasting your manager?

lmfao

[whoarethepatriot...]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

I just heard about this

Aston Villa to promote charity in place of shirt sponsor

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Its a noble thing to do

(extract from article)

Aston Villa will carry the name of a children's charity on their shirts next season after announcing a partnership with the West Midlands-based Acorns Children's Hospice. The charity's logo will feature on the club's shirt for free in the 2008-09 season after their lucrative sponsorship deal with internet gambling website 32RED.com came to an end.

[kurtsimonw]

I think it goes to show that all these foreign owners aren't ONLY in it for the money. So far he's built us a £13m training facility, completely re-built the Holte Pub, done up the surrounding area with claret and blue everywhere, donated £5m to an art gallery - and has a floor of the gallery named after him - now using this sponsor. Randy lerner may not be English, but I think it'd be tough to find a classier chariman in the league.. Oh, and most importantly, he does not interfere with transfers!

[whoarethepatriot...]

Randy Lerner is the exception to the rule. He is the only one that is actually developing the club instead of exploiting it and seeking quick cash

If only all premier league owners were like that...

[kurtsimonw]

Yep, there are very few nowadays who seem to want the best for the club. Boro's owner seems a decent guy, he gives alot of money to the club - which is unfortunately wasted by its managers.

Anyways, it looks like Mark Hughes is set to leave Blackburn to join Man City. Mistake in my opinion, he was doing great at Rovers, but now he has to work under a terrible owner. Sam Allerdyce is favourite to take over at Blackburn.

[Jack Sparrow]

Big big mistake. But Mark must have thought, this is the only chance he'll have to buy big, and break into the big league. I think he wants to coach Man Utd, and he has two years to stake his claim before Fergie retires.

[Jack Sparrow]

Mark Hughes to Manchester City.

Man City confirm Hughes as new manager

Manchester City have confirmed that Mark Hughes has been appointed as the club's new manager.

City parted company with Sven-Goran Eriksson on Monday and were immediately given permission to talk to Blackburn manager Hughes, 44, with a compensation package agreed yesterday.


Hughes was also believed to be interesting Chelsea after a successful four years at Rovers but has opted to move to Eastlands on a three-year deal.

City's new chief executive, Garry Cook, told the club's: 'I am delighted to welcome Mark on board. In our view he is the brightest young manager in the game and he was our number one target for the manager's job.'

Hughes, who will be presented to the media at a press conference tomorrow morning, agreed to the move after meeting Cook yesterday evening.

Cook himself has only just had his appointment confirmed by owner Thaksin Shinawatra and flew in from the USA to seal the deal.

Cook continued: 'He made it clear to us from the moment we met that he shared our vision and ambition to make Manchester City one of the top sides in the country.

'It's a privilege to join Dr Thaksin here at Manchester City. There is no better opportunity in world football.

'The club intends to invest in new players as well as securing the long-term services of key members of the current first-team squad.

'Mark has already identified some of the players and backroom staff that he wants to see here at City, and we will begin the process of recruiting them immediately.'

Hughes will take up his new position with immediate effect.

Hughes is expected to be followed to the City of Manchester Stadium by his assistants Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki with compensation believed to be in the region of £5million.

Hughes began his managerial career with the Wales national team following his international retirement in 1999.

Wales were at a low ebb when Hughes took over but the former striker turned things round and, after beating Italy, they narrowly failed to reach Euro 2004 when they were beaten in a play-off by Russia.

Hughes left his Wales post in September 2004 to take over at Blackburn, who were struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League.

In his four years at Ewood Park, Hughes - a former Blackburn player - transformed the side into a top-six outfit, twice qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

Rovers also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup twice and the last four of the Carling Cup, while Hughes has proved himself a canny operator in the transfer market, bringing in strikers Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz in cut-price deals.

Blackburn just missed out on European football for next season and, with City having qualified through the Fair Play League, that may have influenced Hughes' decision.

City owner Thaksin hailed the qualities of his new manager, telling the Daily Mail today: 'He's an outstanding manager who has achieved many things with Blackburn.'

Hughes was a legend at Manchester United during his playing days and has been tipped for the top job at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson retires.

I'm convinced he wants the job after SAF leaves. And Man City gives him the opportunity (and the big money) to do that. But still you'd think joining the cross town rivals of the club which made you a legend and which you want to coach for, would be a little strange?!

[whoarethepatriot...]

Spalletti is faveourite for the Chelsea job according to the English press

[morgoth]

Spalletti is faveourite for the Chelsea job according to the English press

According to that same press Ancelotti agreed terms with Chelsea ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Portman]

(IMG:http://www.sjpf.pt/upload/images/ronaldo%20imagem.jpg)

So, when does Cristiano join Real? This Summer or the next one? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

He's clearly playing around with Man Utd.

Real are reportedly willing to double his current wages, are the greatest club in the world and his dream club.
If United don't offer the best wages to the arguably the best player in the world... he'll be off.

[kurtsimonw]

Wherever he ends up, the money he'll be on is going to be stupid. He's so young, stop spoiling him!

[dst]

Is it sure he'll be going to Real? Some time ago he said he prefers Barcelona...

It works for me; one more reason and not to like them and they'll be playing better football... his tricks and flicks are perfect for the Madritista applauders! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) But somebody should warn him... he's going to have to face many unsporting tackles in Spain; it's either the man or the ball that goes through you in latin football: never both!

This post has been edited by dst: Jun 4 2008, 09:58 PM

[morgoth]

According to some reports he already told his close friends that he chose madrid, but it could also be a Spanish press ...

Oh, and I think he never said he likes Barcelona, it was always about the merengues.

[kurtsimonw]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Actually, QPR's Lakshmi Mittal is by FAR the richest football president in the world. It's La Coruna's Amancio Ortega Gaona in second place and Abramovich "only" comes third! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I wonder how the situation in the EPL will be like if Mittal starts spending his money like Abramovich has been doing. Actually, where do QPR stand now? (Please answer in the EPL thread)

I knew about Mittal.. but never even heard of this Genoa guy! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

They were just above relegation when he took over, but finished between mid-table and the play-offs. They made quite a few signings in January, bought in a few decent signings for a Championship team, and they'll be in the EPL in a few years - maybe next? - but their location will play against them in my opinion. They'll be the 5th/6th best club in London, and trying to beat out the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs.. even West Ham, for signings will take long, long time.

So far they've not made any big money, signings, but bought in a few decent players for a Championship team. Radek Cerny is a good keeper, they bought in Newcastle youngster Peter Ramage and then made themself the 'Chelsea of the Championsip' by just buying the top players from other teams. Agyemang from PNE, Vine from Blues, Mahon from Watford, Fitz Hall from Wigan, amongst others.. They seem to have too many strikers though! They recently signed an Italian too - Matteo Alberti - from Chievo, dunno if he's any good though!

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 4 2008, 11:20 PM

[dst]

Do you know the exact number of London professional clubs? It's ridiculous!

I think if he starts splashing out the money... QPR will soon be the new Chelsea.

Someone should buy Leeds though, I really liked them when they reached the semis some years ago!

[kurtsimonw]

Someone should buy Leeds though, I really liked them when they reached the semis some years ago!

Yeah, I've never understood why guys like Carson Yeung and Mittal/Ecclestone are interested in buying teams with small fanbases/no history like Birmingham and QPR, especially when that area is already dominated by other teams.. but Leeds makes perfect sense, decent history, great support, and I don't think there's even a Yorkshire club in the EPL, so they'd make perfect sense to buy. I can't think of one reason why nobody is interested to be honest. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

And London currently has 13 teams in league football! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 4 2008, 11:37 PM

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Someone should buy Leeds though, I really liked them when they reached the semis some years ago!

Same, although they have their finances pretty much back on track now and their team's not exactly useless they will be back in the top division about 3 seasons I'm sure.

Nottingham Forest got promoted to the Championship this season too so who knows they could be making a return as well.

[Portman]

Is it sure he'll be going to Real? Some time ago he said he prefers Barcelona...

It works for me; one more reason and not to like them and they'll be playing better football... his tricks and flicks are perfect for the Madritista applauders! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) But somebody should warn him... he's going to have to face many unsporting tackles in Spain; it's either the man or the ball that goes through you in latin football: never both!

Cristiano will never join Barcelona.

If someday he leaves Man Utd (he will, dunno if now, in 1 year or 2) it will be for R.Madrid. He and his entire family consider them the biggest club in the world and his/their dream.

PS: Only a fool would reject Man Utd for Barcelona.