[Portman]

Onighted wins easily against Reading (4-0... and all the hype around them is back). Chelsea... 3-0, Arsenal it depends if they have Henry or not (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ... Villa-Liverpool is the big match of the first round. No predictions for this one.

From the big I think Liverpool have the worst calendar but... I thought that about United last season. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Now, let's enjoy the market. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[misha]

Blues bag Ben Haim

Chelsea have completed the capture of Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim on a free transfer.

Ben Haim has put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with Jose Mourinho's men after passing a medical at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

The Israel international saw out his contract with The Trotters and has now finally completed a long-awaited move to The Blues.

Chelsea were keen to land the former Maccabi Tel Aviv man during the January transfer window but the switch collapsed.

Sammy Lee had hoped to hold onto Ben Haim for his first full season in charge of Bolton but the versatile stopper has opted for pastures new.

Former manager Sam Allardyce also wanted the 25-year-old but admitted defeat after learning he was in West London for talks.

Ben Haim has now wrapped up his transfer to Chelsea and has committed to the club on a contract until June 2011.

He will link up with the rest of Mourinho's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States next month.

Ben Haim becomes Chelsea's third summer signing after striker Claudio Pizarro, who joins from Bayern Munich, and Reading midfielder Steven Sidwell.

He's very good defender and will add depth to them.

[Portman]

World's fifth richest man eyes Birmingham

Indian-born billionaire Lakshmi Mittal - the fifth richest man in the world - has emerged as a contender to buy Premiership club Birmingham.

Click here
The steel magnate, who is worth £19.25 billion, has made an inquiry about the possibility of taking over the midlands club from David Sullivan and David and Ralph Gold.

Mittal, who is based in the UK, has not so far followed up his initial interest in Blues who have become a more attractive commodity following their return to the Premiership.

City are already the subject of interest from a mystery Far East businessman who is planning to make a formal bid later in the week if auditors are satisfied after going through the club's books.

But 56-year-old Mittal, who last year bought Arcelor, the world's second biggest steel-maker for £17.8 billion, is maintaining a watching brief.

Mittal has twice the personal fortune of Chelsea owner Roman Abramowich and Blues could be transformed into a major power if he took control.

Sullivan and the Golds, who would relinquish control for around £50 million, would be happier with a quick sale of City rather than a long drawn-out affair if their time at the club is to end after 14 years.

In the meantime Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is pressing ahead with his plans to try to strengthen his squad for next season.

But he suffered a setback with West Brom rejecting a joint £5 million bid for Diomansy Kamara and Jason Koumas.

http://www.redcafe.net/showthread.php?t=159615

(IMG:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fb/Bcfclogo.png/100px-Bcfclogo.png) (IMG:http://www.nndb.com/people/222/000094937/mittal-crop.jpg)

Holy sh!t. Glory hunter cvnts will change the club now. Chelsea » Birmingham. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

(I think kurt and Mr.Lerner don't like this (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) )

[HasanHasanly]

Abramovich is a small kid compared to Mittal.

[misha]

Holy sh!t. Glory hunter cvnts will change the club now. Chelsea » Birmingham.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

(I think kurt and Mr.Lerner don't like this (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) )

I have read a strory about Birmingham. In 1906 they decided to move to another stadium. A gipsy tribe lived in the same place where the new stadium was supposed to be cursed the club to '100 years without significant wins'.

Well since 1906 they won only a league cup. Now the curse is over, they came back to the EPL this year and with that new owner (if he will come) they can be a very good team (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Go India!!!!

Ooh kurt's gonna hate me now....(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Portman]

I have read a strory about Birmingham. In 1906 they decided to move to another stadium. A gipsy tribe lived in the same place where the new stadium was supposed to be cursed the club to '100 years without significant wins'. 

Well since 1906 they won only a league cup. Now the curse is over, they came back to the EPL this year and with that new owner (if he will come) they can be a very good team (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.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/ohmy.gif) Didn't know.

Jackie, if the thing is confirmed, WILL OFFICIALLY BE a bluenose. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

2007/08 Premier League Kits
Obviously a few of those are going to be fakes, but some will be real.

United have really took their kit to a new low. First off they get a sh!tty sponsor, but an all red kit? What're they trying to be, Liverpool?

I can't say I like that 'Inter Milan-esque' Arsenal shirt AT ALL.

I'm hoping that is Villa's new kit, I'm so happy we got Nike. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

the villa jersey is pretty nice as usual (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[misha]

(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)   Didn't know.

There is one about Benfica too. Gutman (spelling) was Benfica's coach during their two CL wins (1961,1962). After the second win the coach wanted bonus for the two wins but the president of the club refused. Gutman decided to quit and cursed the club 'it will be another 100 years until Benfica would win the CL again'.

Since then Benfica lost 5 CL finals (more than any team.T wice of them were to Milan). Some of them were close like in 1988 to PSV in penalties... Well, they only have to wait until 2062 (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Portman]

There is one about Benfica too. Gutman (spelling) was Benfica's coach during their two CL wins (1961,1962). After the second win the coach wanted bonus for the two wins but the president of the club refused. Gutman decided to quit and cursed the club 'it will be another 100 years until Benfica would win the CL again'.

Since then Benfica lost 5 CL finals (more than any team.T wice of them were to Milan). Some of them were close like in 1988 to PSV in penalties... Well, they only have to wait until 2062 (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

That I knew. But I thought it was "Benfica will never win a CL again".

[misha]

That I knew. But I thought it was "Benfica will never win a CL again".

No. There is still hope for them (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Blues having a new owner won't make a difference. There current board Sullivan/Gold/Brady are worth just below what Randy Lerner is, they already have the money, they just can't attract the players. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

In 1956 Birmingham City became the first English club side to compete in Europe when they took part in the 1955-58 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup via invitation. The rule at the time specified one team per city invited. Some cities, including London, chose to enter teams comprising players from more than one club; Aston Villa decided not to supply players to a combined team, leaving the Blues as the city of Birmingham's representative.

How can rival teams work together? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

I was pleased to read that, we shall never be associated with a club that lacks such class, ambition and well, success. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 14 2007, 08:38 PM

[Tennie]

Someone's been naughty.

Article from BBC:


Five clubs named in Stevens probe
Seventeen transfers and five Premier League clubs have been named in Lord Stevens' final report into alleged transfer irregularities.

Deals involving Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Portsmouth and Newcastle have been highlighted in the report.

They may face a further FA probe but there is no evidence of irregular payments to club officials or players.

Bosses Sam Allardyce and Graeme Souness have been mentioned in the report along with 15 agents, including Pini Zahavi.

There was a perceived conflict of interest with Newcastle boss Allardyce and his former agent son Craig and Bolton Wanderers.

Stevens also reported "inconsistencies in evidence" provided by the former Newcastle manager Souness and Kenneth Shepherd, son of Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd.

The 17 transfers in question:


Bolton
Ali Al-Habsi, Tal Ben Haim, Blessing Kaku, Julio Correia.
Chelsea
Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Michael Essien.
Middlesbrough
Fabio Rochemback, Yakubu.
Newcastle
Jean Alain Boumsong, Emre Belozoglu, Amady Faye, Albert Luque.
Portsmouth
Collins Mbesuma, Benjani Mwaruwari, Aliou Cisse.
One other transfer has not yet been disclosed.

Lord Stevens said in a statement: "Many lessons have been learned and strict adherence to and enforcement of the recommendations should ensure that the game and the transfer market can proceed in an untainted and transparent manner."

The Premier League will now send the findings to the FA and Fifa.

An FA spokesman said: "Following the final report of the Premier League's Quest Inquiry, the FA will give full consideration to its contents and the documentation that is due to be passed on by the Premier League and Quest.

"The FA has provided full co-operation and support to the Premier League and Quest and will now go through their information as part of our governance and regulation process. This will determine what action is required."

link

[dst]

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

[Portman]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle1940566.ece

Nice article about Gillett, Liverpool owner. Randy Lerner, Glazer and Tom Hicks names are on this interview too.

Anyway... I guess Liverpool fans are waiting for Malouda, Torres, Villa, Eto'o, Bent, whatever. Not more interviews. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

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There are some rumours around Alexandre Pato and Chelsea but I doubt as Pato always stated his dream is Italy.

This post has been edited by Porty: Jun 16 2007, 12:16 AM