Topics

121

Football / Beenie after USA match last year

« on: January 25, 2006, 12:13:40 PM »

Old speech, but the message remains the same.

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Please know to yourselves now that if we are to realize this ambition and write history, to go there next year will be a hell of a job but it is still in our own hands. But what we have done up to now is not enough. You cannot be successful in international football if you play for only 45 minutes. I don’t know if you agree with me.

But I will tell you once more, these guys (Americans) run like hell and they run with blood in their shoes and that is why they play these games like this and that’s the difference. And it’s the same difference as when you play Mexico and they play with a lot of temperament and even Panama and Costa Rica. They are prepared to die for a good result. Why do we always need twenty or thirty minutes to get into a game?

It was a game of the same. They were no different in the second half compared to the first half. But we were better in the second half but it was too late. It was an open game with even ten guys. Just play it more with the effort and the passion. So please take this with you in your luggage and think it over and realize that we still have it in our hands. It’s not only the coach's responsibility, yes it is my responsibility, but to realize it you also have to take up part of the responsibility and be very well prepared in physical and mental way. Play with your heart and play with your soul. Play for your country and play for your country and your family.

The only thing you have to give to yourself, and to the team, your teammates is be prepared for these next two matches like never before. Our responsibility (as coaches) will be in a technical way, looking for the best team to do it. The substitutes did well for us because it’s not easy to enter into such a game. But that’s what you have to bring in your luggage. And if you are not sufficiently interested in playing your football life, playing the entire game with blood in your shoes then please just tell me and stay away. Don’t only play only for 45 minutes or 60 minutes. Hopefully this is the big lesson we learn in this game. With all my respect, these guys were only better because they played with everything they had.

I will accept the errors and whatever else but we need you to bring back with you a prepared and opened mind and a good physical body. You must play every game from now on like it’s a final match, every game must be 95 minutes for us. You have to play them with everything you have. You have some doubt that you can bring that to your team, your federation, your country, then please be honest with us

122

Football / John jumps at chance to progress

« on: January 25, 2006, 10:00:05 AM »

Last Updated: Wednesday, 25 January 2006, 12:07 GMT 

John jumps at chance to progress 

Coventry City striker Stern John is looking forward to facing Premiership opposition again in this Saturday's FA Cup clash with Middlesborough.

The Trinidad and Tobago international is full of confidence after scoring twice in Saturday's 6-1 win over Derby.

"I've played in the Premiership before and I've played international football as well," he told the club's website.

"Hopefully myself and the lads can give a good performance and get ourselves into the hat for the next round."

E-mail this to a friend   Printable version 
bbc.co.uk
 

123

Other Sports / I hadda start watchin tennis ras...

« on: January 20, 2006, 08:48:29 AM »

Daniela Hantuchova



is playing against

Maria Sharapova

124

Football / Favourite moment of the WCQ campaign

« on: January 10, 2006, 11:18:20 AM »

Real race on the forum these days man... election time soon perhaps     I not implying elections have anything to do with race in Trinidad eh

I agree. So back on some positive vibes:

What is everybody's favourite moment of the recently concluded WCQ campaign?

Mine is after the final whistle in Bahrain, "Me mum" hopping on one leg on to the field to celebrate and huggin up Shaka. There is a real sense of togetherness with this squad...

125

Football / Getty Images Photos

« on: January 05, 2006, 01:25:00 PM »

Action
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/FrameSet.aspx?s=EventImagesSearchState|1|0|28|0|0|0|1|0|0|0|56312211|0|0|0|0|0||0|0|0|0|0&p=2

Portraits
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/FrameSet.aspx?s=EventImagesSearchState|1|0|28|0|0|0|1|0|0|0|56327603|0|0|0|0|0||0|0|0|0|0&p=2

126

Football / Contenders Plan Friendly Route to World Cup Finals

« on: December 14, 2005, 06:40:32 AM »

Contenders Plan Friendly Route to World Cup Finals
Soccer - 14 December 2005

Brazil have arranged to play Russia in Moscow on March 1 in a warm-up game ahead of next year’s soccer World Cup in Germany.

The match, which will be played at the Lokomotiv stadium, is the reigning champions' only planned game before the tournament.

Meanwhile, other tournament favourites are in the process of organising pre-World Cup friendlies.

Sven-Goran Eriksson, England’s head coach, says agreement is close to play three countries, one each from from South America, the Caribbean and Europe, reflecting the regions of their Group B opponents – Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.

The first match will take place at Anfield, the home of Liverpool in March and the Football Association, English soccer’s governing body, hopes the remaining fixtures can be held either at the redeveloped Wembley stadium in London or at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground.

Eriksson said: ‘We are very close to finalising arrangements with all the teams we want to play friendlies against and hope to sign the contracts later this week.

‘We want to face teams from the same part of the world as those we will meet in Germany.’

France are in negotiations with eight countries - Jamaica, Mexico, Denmark, Paraguay, Finland, Canada, China and Japan - as they seek to secure opponents for three friendlies.

The first will take place on May 21 at the Stade de France in Paris and the other two in different parts of the country.

The French are also considering an invitation from Belgium to compete in a  four-team tournament in Brussels on June 2-4.

France will face Switzerland, South Korea and Togo in their first round group at the World Cup.

Sportcal.com

127

General Discussion / Heidi Klum

« on: December 08, 2005, 10:06:44 AM »

Mmmm...She could hold MY trophy anyday...

128

Football / Lawrence ready for ghetto blast

« on: December 04, 2005, 01:48:25 PM »

Lawrence ready for ghetto blast
By Peter Shuttleworth (Wales on Sunday)

DENNIS LAWRENCE has enjoyed the ultimate rags to riches story. But the popular Wrexham defender would not have had it any other way.

It wasn't that long ago that money was tight for the likeable Lawrence. So much so that he had to make his boots 'last' in games of footy with mates in the Morvant community near Trinidad's capital, Port of Spain.

Now, though, it's a different story; Boots are the least costly item he has been offered for free. Lawrence has been inundated with gifts from companies just in exchange for endorsing their brand, from clothes to cars.

It's astonishing what becoming a World Cup hero can do for your profile!

The 31-year-old centre-back's amazing Roy-of-the-Rovers journey will be completed next summer when the 6ft 7in giant graces the World Cup finals in Germany and lines up before the galacticos of planet football.

Trinidad and Tobago's first ever World Cup finals appearance is due in no small part to his contribution.

Lawrence's headed winning goal in a tense World Cup play-off against Bahrain hasn't just made him a present-day national hero, it has immortalised his colossus stature in Soca Warriors history.

Rubbing shoulders with the world's elite is a far cry from Lawrence's soccer schooling on the streets of the Morvant ghetto.

"I used to play five-a-side in the afternoon on the streets of the Morvant," recalled Lawrence.

"I never went to any coaching clinics with the professionals because it cost too much. My parents had enough to ensure that the family was well kept, but as far as football was concerned money was a little tight.

"My dad, Alston, who was a plumber, bought me some boots, but I had to make them last. I couldn't play competitively because the cost was an obstacle when it came to travelling to games, so I slogged it out on the streets and learned the hard way.

"It was a struggle for me to convince my parents that I could achieve things in football as they wanted me to have a proper job.

"In hindsight I can now see what they were saying, but at the time I was focused on becoming a footballer so I had to fight to get them to believe in my ability.

"I did think about becoming a fireman, but that was a very distant second to football."

Eventually Lawrence signed up for the Trinidad and Tobago army as a 'secure job that guaranteed pay at the end of every month'. He became a Private and played for the Forces' representative side, Defence Force, that was successful in their domestic league.

Lanky Lawrence was spotted playing for Defence Force by British agent Mike Berry following a recommendation from fellow Trinidad and Tobago international Clayton Ince after Ince's move from the Caribbean to Crewe.

Dennis LawrenceHe enjoyed a week-long trial alongside Alan Shearer and co at Newcastle United before another try-out at fellow Premiership giants Bolton Wanderers.

Trotters chief Sam Allardyce offered him a short-term deal, but Lawrence wanted to follow countrymen Carlos Edwards and Hector to Wrexham because he felt 'more comfortable' at the industrial north Wales town.

Lawrence has become a Racecourse regular, experiencing a right roller-coaster with Wrexham - but no promotion high can compare with qualifying for a World Cup.

But therein lies a heartache.

"Probably the saddest thing in qualifying for the World Cup is that my dad wasn't there to share the joy with me," he said.

"My mum Gail and him were my biggest fans. They supported me immensely, but unfortunately my dad passed away in 2000 just before I joined Wrexham. That was a really sad time for me.

"But knowing my dad as I do, his spirit would have been with me as I celebrated qualifying for the World Cup."

Lawrence couldn't stop remembering his father's influence as he celebrated with 'his' community of Morvant in the aftermath of his World Cup heroics against Bahrain.

"I couldn't believe the reception when I returned home for a couple of hours," he said. "People I grew up with lined the streets waiting to get a glimpse of me and wanting to shake my hand.

"I was honestly expecting a quiet few hours at home with my mum and brother; I never imagined such scenes. It brought a little tear to my eye.

"It was so special and I won't forget that reception for the rest of my life. It meant as much to me as scoring. But I'm from such a close-knit community I suppose I should have expected a party!"

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning declared a public holiday in the wake of their World Cup adventure as their county became the smallest in terms of population (1.262m) to qualify for the World Cup. Now Lawrence is waiting Friday's World Cup finals group draw in Leipzig with bated breath.

He just can't wait to find out which of his football idols he'll be rubbing shoulders with - and marking - next summer.

"I'll be so nervous," he said. "I hope gaffer Denis Smith allows me five minutes off training to watch it! I don't mind who we draw. I'll take anyone. I'm just glad to be at a World Cup."

Laid back Lawrence's life has changed beyond recognition since that goal three weeks ago; from just another League two defender to a World Cup superstar.

"I've been on Sky, BBC and just about every TV station there is," he said. "And last week the cameras from Football Mundial followed me around for a day. I'm actually a shy person, but with real achievement comes great responsibility and I must learn to deal with it.

"There's a big hype, especially back home, because Dennis Lawrence scored the goal that earned Trinidad and Tobago a place in Germany 2006. That might be true but we've done it as a team.

"I'm glad to accept praise but I've done it for the team and my country."

129

Football / Edwards: I'll never forget the look on Yorke's face.

« on: December 04, 2005, 09:32:23 AM »

Edwards: 'I'll never forget the look on Dwight Yorke's face'
By Jason Burt  (The Independent)

Trinidad and Tobago fly the flag for the minnows - and quality of the English Leagues.
Carlos Edwards chuckles at his abiding memory from Trinidad and Tobago's astonishing achievement in reaching next year's World Cup. It was Dwight Yorke's face. "Just looking at him," Edwards recalls, "he had this wonderful expression which said, 'Yes. I've done it. I've qualified for a major tournament'. He doesn't have to play any more football for the rest of his life because of that expression. And this was from a guy who has done so much."
The broad smile of Yorke, now 34 and the twin-islands captain, was indeed as bright as it ever was for Manchester United or Aston Villa that evening last month in the Bahrain National Stadium when the so-called "Soca Warriors" earned the victory that took them to Germany 2006.
Among the unsung players of Gillingham, Dundee, Port Vale and Wrexham, as well as the homespun clubs such as San Juan Jabloteh and Caledonia Air Fire, Edwards also appeared, a 27-year-old midfielder or wing-back who is forging his career in the Championship with Luton Town. "Eventually it has sunk in," he says of qualification. "But, yes, it did take a while. About a week and a half, I think."
The memory of returning from the Middle East and stepping out of the team's aeroplane at Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain is equally vivid. "Unbelievable," says Edwards, chuckling again. "I was just not expecting anything like that. It was like 4 July, Independence Day, in America. The whole place was there. On a normal day it takes 30 minutes maximum to get to any destination from the airport. It took us six hours to get to the hotel - that's how many people were on the streets. It showed that the whole country was proud." The street parties continued for days.
That pride grew during the exhausting 20-match campaign in which, after three games, the Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker - whose former clubs include Real Madrid and Ajax - took over and transformed the fortunes of the Caribbean islanders. "It's a big honour to have him," says Edwards. "He actually made us qualify." Yorke, too, has been an inspiration. "He's funny and motivates you in each and every way he can," Edwards says of the unlikely captain.
Above all, Beenhakker instilled belief. "There's no fear whatsoever," explains Edwards. "Before, when we went to places like Mexico and Costa Rica, we would get thrashed four- or five-nil. Now we were unlucky to lose 2-0 to Mexico. And that's a place where even the Brazilians struggle."
Trinidad and Tobago, of course, then beat the Mexicans at home to reach the play-offs. The match took place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. "And for the first time since I've been playing, since 1999, it has been full to capacity recently," says Edwards. "It's a big achievement for the players to represent the 1.5 million people of Trinidad and Tobago, the red, white and black, but you can see it is also for the fans."
And for all the islands' sportsmen, such as cricketer Brian Lara, who provides another inspiring image for Edwards. "He's a great friend of Dwight's and he came into the dressing room and gave us a bit of motivation," he says. "It was against Costa Rica and we were a bit down, and he gave us a plaque and said, 'No one in the cricket world was expecting the West Indies to win the ICC tournament and we did'."
It shows, Edwards claims, that there is no rivalry. "We are united," he says proudly. "Cricket and football go hand and hand. We are all sportsmen and help each other. It's just a small nation and we all have a laugh, and what is good for one sport is good for the other."
Indeed, not only will Trinidad and Tobago be the smallest country at next year's tournament, they are only the fourth - after Cuba (1938), Haiti (1974) and Jamaica (1998) - to qualify from the Caribbean.
Not that they regard qualification as fulfilment. The draw for the tournament is on Friday and Edwards - who will take a keen interest - insists that "we are going with one thing in mind and that's to compete with the biggest and best teams in the world". He adds: "I can't say we are going to go through to the second round but I hope we will. This campaign is far from over."
Edwards' confidence comes from a belief not only in his team-mates but also from evidence that the "smaller nations are getting stronger and stronger. Just look at who is qualifying - us, Iran. You would not expect that".
He never expected to pursue his career in England, either. "Joey Jones arranged a three-week trial," Edwards says of how he arrived at Wrexham five years ago after being spotted by the former Wales defender playing for the Trinidadian Defence Force team while doing two-and- a-half years' national service.
It took six months to get a work permit because, then, he didn't have enough international caps. Now he has 40 - even if the travelling, and the change of time zones, means that sometimes he is "returning home the day before the game I've just played in has been played, if you know what I mean".
For now, however, he is putting the World Cup to "the back of my mind" as he concentrates on the fortunes of Luton, whom he joined in the summer. The aim is the Premiership. "That would be some double," says Edwards. Indeed it would.

130

Football / Chaotic Start as Soccer Team Turns up at Wrong Stadium

« on: December 02, 2005, 09:03:39 AM »

The West Asian Games in Doha, Qatar got off to a chaotic start yesterday when the bus driver for the Syrian soccer team took the team to the wrong stadium for its match against Oman.

The match was hastily rescheduled for later yesterday evening, but the teams refused to play and a meeting today was set to rearrange the match.

The games were declared open during a simple ceremony featuring fireworks and a march-past by the participating teams.  The games are scheduled to run until December 10.

Sportcal.com

131

Football / Dog on Sky Sports News

« on: November 22, 2005, 07:22:03 AM »

SSN just interviewed Marvin Andrews ahead of the Champions League match tonight. He spoke well - mentioned that Rangers has a chance to be the first Scottish team to make it to the knockout phase, and then he said that after helping T&T to the WC next year, this will be great also. What a fellah - BIG UP DOG!!

132

Football / Dog v Adriano

« on: September 26, 2005, 07:57:10 AM »

Dog will be coming up against Adriano in the Champions League on Wednesday night...Can Big Marv shut him down?

133

Football / Hislop heads Eagles list

« on: July 22, 2005, 05:04:55 AM »

Shaka Hislop heads Eagles list.
By James Gill In Miesbach.

Nicola Amoruso and Shaka Hislop were looking to secure permanent moves to Selhurst Park by impressing on Crystal Palace's tour of Germany this week.
Amoruso only joined up with the squad on Wednesday morning and subsequently missed Palace's friendly defeat to FK Teplice in Miesbach later that day.
The former Juventus, Napoli and Perugia forward is expected to make an appearance in Palace's match with Eintracht Frankfurt tomorrow (Saturday).
Italy's Amoruso, 30, won the Serie A title with Juventus, as well as the European Super Cup. He also captured the Italian Cup with Sampdoria.
He scored five goals in 22 appearances for Messina last season. His best campaign came with Padova when he netted 14 goals in 33 games in the 1995-96 season which led to his move to Juventus in 1996.
Meanwhile, Hislop figured in the 2-1 defeat last Wednesday, playing the entire second half.
And the former Trinidad & Tobago international is optimistic of sealing a move to Selhurst Park. "I have my fingers crossed," he admitted after the game. Hislop is currently a free agent, having been released by Portsmouth last May.
"Hopefully he has felt welcome by all of the lads," enthused full-back Emmerson Boyce. "Everyone is making sure all the new boys settle in well to be a part of the team."
Should Hislop make his move to Palace permanent it would cast the future of first-choice goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly into further doubt.
There is no denying the Hungary international's obvious class, but it is understood that Palace are prepared to listen to offers for the former Hertha Berlin keeper, who is one of the higher earners on SE25.
Kiraly did not figure in the defeat against Teplice, with Julian Speroni and Hislop playing a half each. Palace are clearly looking to sign a new keeper, having given Ian Walker a trial a fortnight ago. Walker subsequently signed for Bolton Wanderers.
Both Hislop and Amoruso will continue to train with Palace prior to the Eintracht Frankfurt clash, when Amoruso should make his first appearance for the club. "Hopefully we can get him into a couple of training sessions and possibly get him involved in some shape or form," said Neil McDonald, Palace's assistant manager. "He obviously has a very good pedigree. He is here to have a look."
Should the talented forward, 30, complete a move to Selhurst Park, Palace will have Gonzalo Sorondo to thank. Sorondo dealt the south London a bitter blow when he decided to join local rivals Charlton Athletic upon the completion of his loan spell from Inter Milan over the summer. But it was Sorondo who recommended Palace to Amoruso. "He has had good words to say about Crystal Palace and that is why the lad wanted to come across," explained McDonald. "Reputations are improving all of the time."
Whether Amoruso and Hislop are successful in securing moves remains to be seen. Either way, Palace are looking to make further signings this summer. "You would like to think so," added McDonald. "It has been fantastic bringing three in but I am sure Iain Dowie wants to bring a couple more in if he possibly can. Who they are going to be, we will just wait and see."
Steve Lomas, a former West Ham team-mate of the Palace manager, had been strongly linked with a move to Selhurst Park, although he has not joined the rest of the squad on tour as yet. John Halls continues to be linked with the Eagles, while Arsenal youngster David Bentley's name has also cropped up regarding a season-long loan.
As for those currently in Germany, Palace have several players still on the treatment table: Danny Granville, Gary Borrowdale, Aki Riihilahti and Fitz Hall. McDonald is confident most of that group will figure against Eintracht Frankfurt. "Hopefully they are going to start to train Thursday," said McDonald. "We have to make sure they are spot on. They might feature on Saturday."
Riihilahti is unlikely to make an appearance. The Finland international is still nursing a calf injury.
The only Palace player truly noticeable by his absence last Wednesday was Danny Butterfield. This had set tongues wagging among Palace supporters, although it emerged that his girlfriend gave birth to a baby daughter last Tuesday. "It is a fantastic experience," said McDonald. "Butterfield had flown to Germany with the Palace squad last Monday, only to return to England the following day."

134

Football / Sydney FC training photos

« on: July 20, 2005, 05:35:53 AM »

135

Football / Yorke arrives at Sydney FC

« on: June 30, 2005, 04:07:58 AM »

Dwight Yorke arrives in Sydney ahead of Hyundai A-League
sydneyfc.com

Sydney FC’s marquee signing Dwight Yorke arrived in Sydney this morning refreshed and eager to start the next chapter in his glittering career.

The former Manchester United striker landed in Sydney after the long flight from Dubai and was greeted by a media scrum and several well wishers and flashed his trademark smile before heading off to complete his medical examination.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing for Sydney FC in the new league in Australia,” Yorke said. “It is an exciting challenge and I just can’t wait to get to training on Monday meet the lads and start training for the first game of the season.”

The 31-year-old will attend a press conference later today and starts training on Monday morning.

136

Football / Man Utd set to complete Park deal

« on: June 22, 2005, 03:10:33 AM »

A good signing for the enemy...

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Manchester United have confirmed the signing of PSV Eindhoven midfielder Park Ji-Sung, subject to him passing a medical and getting a work permit.

The South Korean, 24, is reported to be flying to England on Wednesday for a medical before signing a four-year deal with the Old Trafford outfit.

The undisclosed fee is reported to be in the region of £4m, according to the player's agency FS Corporation.

Park joined PSV in December 2002 from Japanese club Kyoto Purple Sanga.

Park had said he was unsure whether he wanted to leave the Dutch champions, citing his close relationship with coach Guus Hiddink, who led South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals.

But his representative Kim Jung-Il said: "Park has made up his mind to join Manchester United and the president of our company informed PSV."

Park, who has 38 caps, recently helped South Korea book their place in their sixth consecutive World Cup by scoring in the 4-0 thrashing of Kuwait.

He impressed during PSV's superb run in the Champions League last season, scoring in the second leg of the semi-final against AC Milan.

If he does move he will become United's second signing of the summer after 34-year-old Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

He would also be the third player in recent years - after Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy - to swap PSV for Old Trafford.

137

Football / Football coach working wonders (Guardian letter)

« on: June 22, 2005, 02:24:51 AM »

I would like to add my congratulations to the T&T football team for a very courageous performance against Mexico.

The Warriors played with commitment, were very organised defending and occasionally strung a number of passes together when going forward. I was very impressed with the way the team played.

Coach Beenhakker is evidently deserving of his reputation as a top-class coach for, in a very short space of time, he has worked wonders with the team.

The talent has always been available, but it requires someone with great quality to bring it together as an effective unit.

Based on the performances against Panama and Mexico I feel we now have a decent chance to get to the World Cup in 2006.

I hope Beenhakker does not leave soon, for whatever reason, and I hope the players continue to keep focused and work with him to achieve the fantastic goal of a World Cup place.

I really felt proud looking at the guys play against Mexico and I am positive the other teams now have a new respect for the capabilities of the T&T squad, which may help in our quest for qualification.

So good luck, guys, and believe in your chances to qualify under the astute leadership of this coach.

Christian Rodriguez

Petit Valley

Via e-mail

138

Football / Liverpool allowed to defend Champions League title

« on: June 10, 2005, 04:29:53 AM »

Not a surprise, and in a completely selfish way, I'm happy that Liverpool will be on the field again in about a month 

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Liverpool have been given the chance to defend their Champions League crown after Uefa handed them a place in the first qualifying round for next season.

The Reds beat AC Milan in last season's final but, because they finished out of the Premiership's top four, were not guaranteed entry in 2005-2006.

Uefa's executive commitee changed its rules on Friday to allow Liverpool in.

But the Anfield club will get a smaller slice of television revenue than the other four Premiership teams involved.

Liverpool will also get no "country protection" which means if they progress through the qualifying stages they could face Everton or Manchester United - who enter at the third qualifying round.

If the Reds make it through to the group stages, they could be drawn to face Chelsea, who they beat in the semi-finals last season, or Arsenal.

But first Rafael Benitez's men must face a first qualifying round tie, with the first leg being played on 12 or 13 July and the second on 19 or 20 July.

That means they will now probably have to cancel scheduled friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Cologne.

And if successful in the first qualifying round, they will probably also have to cancel a pre-season tour of Japan, where they are due to play Shimizu S-Pulse and Kashima Antlers.

But while there is joy for Liverpool, there has been disappointment for Manchester City.

The Uefa Cup spot which Liverpool had earned for finishing fifth in the Premiership will not transfer to another English club so City, who would have been next in line, will not be in Europe.

Uefa insists the saga which has dogged it since Liverpool finished fifth domestically and then won the Champions League will never be repeated.

"The Uefa executive committee decided to amend the regulations for the future editions of the Champions League, so that the holders will have the right to defend their title and therefore qualify automatically," said a statement on the organisation's website.

139

Football / SPALK

« on: June 05, 2005, 05:42:42 PM »

Watching Spalk online right now....

Anil in a shirt and tie...wha de ass is dis?

He done big up T&T, the fans, and TSTT for giving out noise makers...This should be good...

Now he biggin up HESELF! He predicted: a) Liverpool winning the Champions League b) Lara scoring a century c) W Connection winning the Pro Bowl  (he was wrong) d) T&T beating Bermuda  e) Nadal will beat Federer in the semi-final of the French Open f) T&T wil beat Panama 2-0....he even get the score right!!!

Guests in Studio: Roger Boynes, Minister of Sport and Ken Butcher, Former Paliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport...Boynes already use the word "wholistic"...

140

Football / Glazer acquires 70% of Man Utd, and growing...

« on: May 12, 2005, 03:32:54 PM »

United fans, what you think about this?

U.S. tycoon Glazer seizes control of Man Utd
Fri May 13, 2005 2:16 AM GMT+05:30

By David Jones and Siobhan Kennedy

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. tycoon Malcolm Glazer finally seized control of Manchester United after a drawn-out and bitter battle, buying out its biggest investor and amassing a 70 percent stake in the world's richest soccer club in a deal valuing it at 790 million pounds ($1.5 billion).

Red Football Ltd, acting on behalf of the U.S. tycoon, agreed to buy the 28.7 percent stake in United from Cubic Expression, the investment vehicle of Irish race horse magnates John Magnier and J.P. McManus, for 300 pence a share.

The deal with the Irish duo marks the end of a two-year battle for Glazer, who has twice had his plans to win control of the 15 times English soccer champions rebuffed, but it sparked any angry reaction from United fans who promised to fight on.

Glazer's advisers quickly moved to buy up the remaining shares on Thursday. Sources close to the deal said Glazer had raised his United stake to around 70 percent, while they were confident of reaching a key 75 percent level within days.

Glazer, who already held 28.1 percent, took his stake to 56.9 percent with the purchase from Magnier and McManus and, in line with UK rules, launched a cash bid for the rest.

The Irishmen net a 70-million-pound profit.

United's third-biggest shareholder, Scottish mining millionaire Harry Dobson, later sold his 6.45 percent stake to the Glazer camp, according to sources close to the deal.

With a 50-percent plus majority, Glazer has effective control of the club, but with over 75 percent he can run the club unfettered and delist United's shares. At over 90 percent he can force out any remaining minority shareholders.

United said it was awaiting the terms of the offer before making any further announcement.

Shares in the 127-year-old northern English football club jumped 12.9 percent to close at 299-1/4p.

"Glazer is in the driving seat, although he's had to go a bit hostile without the board's approval," said Richard Bullas, a fund manager at Rensburg Investment Management. Rensburg holds some Manchester United shares in its small-cap fund.

ANGRY FANS

Fans' groups called a demonstration at United's Old Trafford ground, saying Glazer had no knowledge of the football side of the club and was only interested in its brand and revenue.

They fear his offer will saddle United with heavy debts, force up ticket prices and divert funds which could be used to buy players for the team, which will finish a disappointing third this season in England's top soccer league.

"He's got himself an extremely tainted asset -- this is by no means over," said Oliver Houston at supporters' pressure group Shareholders United. "Even if Mr Glazer succeeds in getting all-out control, the campaign by fans to show that no customers equals no profit will continue."

Last month, United said the Glazer approach was fair and reasonable but it did not believe the offer was in the best interests of the club because of the high level of debt in the bid and therefore could not recommend it to shareholders.

Glazer, the owner of American football team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his sons Avi and Joel plan to heap up to 300 million pounds of debt on to the club's balance sheet, and raise the remainder of the cash with the help of banks.

United, home to star players Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy, is debt free and has argued that it needs this flexibility because failure to qualify for the European Champions League would wipe out its annual pretax profits.

Debt has crippled other less successful but high-profile English clubs and raised fears among fans.

Glazer's son Joel is expected to take charge of the day-to-day running of the club. Chief Executive David Gill and other executives are expected to stay on with the club, while the non-executive directors and Chairman Roy Gardner will resign.

"He'll probably come over here, or at least do it between the U.S. and Manchester," one source close to the deal said, adding that Joel had already spoken to Gill on the telephone to inform him of the change of control.

Another source said the deal was struck over the telephone with the Irish investors late on Wednesday night with a deadline to transfer the money to their investment vehicle Cubic Expression by 1300 GMT on Thursday.

"They saw it as an investment. They got a very good deal," a spokesman for the publicity-shy Irish investors said.

(Additional reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Mark Potter, Mike Elliott and Kenneth Ferris in London and Jodie Ginsberg in Dublin)

141

Football / Watch the Wrexham v Swansea match live now!

« on: May 11, 2005, 11:37:47 AM »

If you have the Real Player, click on the link on this page:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/matchofthedaywales/features/interviews/prem_cup.shtml

Match kicks off in about 10 minutes..

142

Football / Carlos Edwards talks

« on: May 02, 2005, 06:13:40 AM »

Carlos Feels Happier With Form

AFTER the midweek victory at Port Vale, manager Denis Smith challenged wingback Carlos Edwards to come up with a big goal for the club and he did that on Saturday, by scoring to wrap up victory at Stockport.

"I'm delighted with my goal," said a very happy Carlos. "It's my first of the season and it's nice to get off the mark.

"It's just one step towards getting us safe though, and I'll do everything I can to get the club out of trouble.

Looking like his old self again, Carlos is happy to be playing once more:

"It took me a while to get back into my form. I don't want to make excuses, but it has taken a while for me to get back to doing the things which I've been doing for the last couple of seasons.

"It's come to a stage now where I've found my form, and though it's quite late in the season I just hope it can continue."

While we are still in contention to stay up, how does the winger view our chances?

Carlos on the ball"There has always been a belief that we can do it. It's always eleven against eleven so we know that anything can happen.

"The fact is that we've gone away, got four goals and three points, and that has to be a big boost going into the last week of the season.

"Hopefully, we can keep playing well together and get the six points we need.

"They're big matches coming up but players want to be involved in big games like that! It's one of those things where players dream of playing in games where they can achieve something special for their club.

"We just want there to be a club here next season, and do our best to make sure it's still in the same division!

"We've always had belief in ourselves. If we didn't there'd be no point in going out there to represent the club.

"We come in to training and to play the matches determined to give a hundred per cent, despite the situation at the club."

Mark Griffiths

143

Football / Big Den Displays True Grit

« on: May 01, 2005, 10:32:16 AM »

DENNIS Lawrence, despite two stitches inserted in an ankle wound after the game at Edgeley Park, is a player who never gives up and he demands that same level of commitment from his team mates.

"I'm very proud," said the defender as he boarded the team bus home from Stockport County.

"Today just shows that we never give up, we'll never chuck in the towel. We've been fighting all along to take it into the last week of the season.

"We've always shown terrific spirit, and today we've given ourselves a chance."

A late win for Chesterfield against Oldham, their first in eight games, keeps alive our survival hopes.

"Now we just have to win on Tuesday to take it to the last game of the season and hope other teams trip up," said Dennis.

"Like any team we've had our bad games, but we've always kept going. That's the way we are!

Guatemala goalie Ricardo Foster catches the ball under pressure from Trinidad and Tobago's Dennis Lawrence."We've always been determined to keep going all the way until the end of the season and put everything into the hands of God and see what happens.

"We're at the stage of the season now where we need to try to be defensively strong, but the bottom line is we just want to win games. If we keep going, and winning our games, then we'll have done our job."

Turning to his Trinidadian colleague Carlos Edwards, the big man was delighted to see him finally getting over his pre-season knee operation.

"It has been brilliant to see Carlos playing so well this week. It's sad for him that the season is ending now, because he could probably do with another ten games!" reflected Dennis.

"We can still see Carlos at his best next season though, so let's cross our fingers and see what happens!"

Mark Griffiths

144

Football / For Wrexham to avoid relegation...

« on: April 30, 2005, 01:21:22 PM »

they need to

"win both our last two games, against Brentford on Tuesday and then Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

AND

We should also mention the small matter of MK Dons failing to be beat Tranmere Rovers next Saturday"

It lookin slim, but not impossible...BIG UP the Trini trio!