Topics

31

Football / PL 'consider' play-offs

« on: February 16, 2010, 12:42:30 PM »

PL 'consider' play-offs
Final UEFA Champions League berth could be up for grabs

The Premier League could be ready to introduce a play-off for the fourth UEFA Champions League berth.

At present, the leading four clubs in England's elite division are handed a place at Europe's top table, either in the main draw of through the qualifying stages.

A proposal is believed to have been raised at a meeting of the 20 Premier League clubs which would see the top three progressing, with the teams finishing fourth to seventh then meeting to determine who would take the fourth spot.

Such a move could inject more competition into the league as the same quartet - Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea - have filled the top four positions in five of the past six seasons.

Only Everton, in 2005, have broken their stranglehold, although the race for fourth this term is currently a tight affair with Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa all in contention.

The Premier League have not commented directly on the matter, and any rule change would not come into effect until next season at the earliest.

Ideas
A spokesman said: "We look at all sorts of ideas and rarely make comment until we have decided something definitely."

If the proposal was to be voted on at any stage in the future, a 14-6 majority could be enough to see it implemented.

The idea may not be favoured by the established 'big four', who would obviously have the most to lose, but the idea is thought to have been enthusiastically greeted by some clubs.

There are other factors which would have to be considered, however, such as how the play-offs might lengthen the season and how they could be fitted into the calendar. Determining Europa League qualification is an added complication.

A satisfactory format would also have to be devised. Some might argue a Football League-style home and away play-off might not be appropriate to settle what is basically fourth place.

One spin-off effect could be that the matches fill the void left by the failure of the 'Game 39' proposal, and they would certainly generate television interest.

But again, it would have to be decided if that was the best route to take.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5950993,00.html

This wiill be some BS in my opinion...teams would be playing for 4th to 7th position instead of really trying to win the league. I am not talking about the big 4 teams, they earned their positions, they did not beg for it. I think if you wanna play in the CL, you need to be the best. I don't wanna see Birmingham vs Real Madrid because they won the 4th spot. Stueps.

32

Football / Man. United vs AC Milan CL 1st leg 16 Feb 10 and CL 2nd leg10 Mar 10

« on: February 13, 2010, 12:36:15 PM »

Fergie - No regrets over Becks
United manager not paying attention to media hype

 Sir Alex Ferguson says David Beckham's departure from Manchester United has long since been consigned to history.

The midfielder had enjoyed great success at Old Trafford when the decision was taken to sell him to Real Madrid in 2003.

He did not return to play at Old Trafford during his time with Real but, now with AC Milan, Beckham will take on his former club over two legs in the UEFA Champions League.

The San Siro clash will take place on 16th February with the return leg on 10th March and Ferguson knows what to expect when Beckham comes back to town.

He is anticipating a lot of media attention but insists there will be no loss of concentration from his players.

Asked about the Beckham's £25million move from Old Trafford, Ferguson told the club's official magazine Inside United: "No regrets. We move on.

"The only difference with David's return to Manchester United compared with other players is that there will be a big media circus surrounding him when Milan arrive.

"He's such a high-profile celebrity - not just a high-profile footballer - and we haven't really seen anybody else return to the club in that situation.

"Our job is to concentrate on the football match and let the David Beckham media circus carry on - we know we're not going to stop it anyway."

World Cup
Ferguson patched up his well-publicised differences with Beckham long ago and is happy to see the 34-year-old doing well in Italy.

Beckham has joined Milan for a second loan spell from parent club Los Angeles Galaxy to stay sharp ahead of the World Cup.

"I think I told him myself last year when I saw him before our game against Inter that he should be thinking about getting back to Europe if he wanted to go to the World Cup," said Ferguson.

"And it looks like he might just get his wish now. He had a good spell with Milan last time, so it made sense to me to see him back there again."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_5912974,00.html


Rooney - Seedorf is a threat
United ace fears Dutch striker the most

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says Clarence Seedorf poses the biggest threat to the club's UEFA Champions League quest.

Rooney knows only too well the Dutchman's ability in front of goal having witnessed it first hand when AC Milan knocked United out of the competition in the 2004-05 and 2006-07 campaigns.

Seedorf featured on both occasions and will look to have a similar impact when the two sides meet for the first of two legs at the San Siro on 16th February.

Given his record, Rooney believes that, with such capable firepower, Milan pose the biggest threat to the 2008 champions' quest for European glory.

The best
"Seedorf (is the Milan player I fear most)," Rooney told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He's probably the best player I've ever played against.

"Rarely have I seen a player do what he does on the field. You can't leave him out."

Rooney admitted to looking forward to coming up against former Red Devil David Beckham in the two-legged affair.

"David is a champion and he represents United's history," he said.

"I hope he gets a great welcome. It'll be exciting to play against him."


Fear
Looking ahead to the 2010 World Cup, Rooney spoke favourably of England coach Fabio Capello's stern approach.

He admitted that the Italian's all-or-nothing attitude has had a huge impact on the squad.

"He scares us, he's like a strict father," said Rooney.

"He's made us more of a team. He's worked above all on the tactics.

"Now we change them for every match."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_5886825,00.html

33

Football / Latest Warrior to join National team

« on: January 22, 2010, 06:10:08 AM »

Nothing signed yet, but with God's blessing, we will have a new addition to the Soca Warriors team in about the next hour or so.... stay tuned!!! I will update as soon as I get a chance.

34

Football / January Tranfers/Rumours 2009-2010 season

« on: December 29, 2009, 04:44:55 PM »

Paper Talk
Skysports.com looks at today's newspapers

Tuesday 29th December
Potters plot Parker bid - Various
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is ready to offer in the region of £8million for West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker. Would Parker consider a move to the Britannia Stadium?


Reds chase Turkey winger - The Sun
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will offload fringe players to free up funds for a £9million bid for Arda Turan. Could Turan ignite the Reds' season?


Rovers go for Ben Arfa - Daily Mirror
Blackburn Rovers are the latest club to show an interest in unsettled Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa. Will Ben Arfa move to the Premier League?


Spurs target Pompey keeper - Various
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, fresh from being linked with David James, is now after another Portsmouth goalkeeper in Asmir Begovic. Who would be the better choice for Spurs?


Nani explores options - Various
Manchester United winger Nani's representatives are sounding out clubs in Italy and Spain ahead of a possible January move. Is Nani's time at Old Trafford up?

Blues fancy Posh striker - The Sun
Birmingham City are planning a bid for Peterborough United forward Aaron Mclean in January. Could Mclean be a hit in the Premier League?
http://www.skysports.com/football/papertalk/0,21673,12709,00.html

Rumour has it that ruud van nisterooy is coming on loan to Liverpool.

35

Football / Chase on for US star

« on: December 23, 2009, 08:10:17 PM »

Chase on for US star
Premier clubs eye international midfielder

A host of Premier League clubs are ready to battle it out to sign United States international Ricardo Clarke, skysports.com understands.

The 26-year-old midfielder has more than 20 caps for the US and is an integral part of their side.

Now he is ready to make the move to Europe and a switch to England looks the most likely prospect.

Clarke is out-of-contract with MLS side Houston Dynamo and is set to leave on a free transfer in January.

Defensive midfielder Clarke would have no issues in landing a work-permit needed to play in England as he is a regular in the US side, which has qualified for the World Cup finals.

Clarke is odds-on to start in Bob Bradley's midfield when it comes up against England in the World Cup clash in Rustenburg on 12th June.

Clarke looks set to be one of two Houston players making their way across the Atlantic this January, with team-mate Stuart Holden also tipped to make the move to England
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5795659,00.html

36

Football / City axe falls on Hughes

« on: December 19, 2009, 01:26:33 PM »

City axe falls on Hughes
Mancini takes over at Eastlands

Manchester City have confirmed the sacking of Mark Hughes and have appointed Roberto Mancini as the new manager of the Premier League club.

Hughes had been in charge at Eastlands for the past 18 months, but has been unable to meet the demands of the club's owners the Abu Dhabi United Group.

Though City have only lost twice in the Premier League this season, a run of two wins in 11 matches has proved to be his downfall.

The thrilling 4-3 home win over Sunderland on Saturday, which was watched by Mancini, was Hughes' last game at the helm.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak outlined his reasons for the decision and admitted it was a 'particularly difficult announcement' to make.

No evidence
"Prior to the current season beginning, with significant investment in players and infrastructure in place, the consensus between the board and coaching staff was that appropriate agreed targets should be set for the 2009/2010 season," said Al Mubarak on the club's official website.

"The targets were agreed as a result of the player acquisition strategy of the club being radically accelerated in the summer as a result of very favourable conditions for any buying club.

"It was also based on the fact that the infrastructure of the club had been overhauled completely at great cost in order to create the best possible environment for the team.

"A return of two wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed and set. Sheikh Mansour and the board felt that there was no evidence that the situation would fundamentally change.

"This is a particularly difficult announcement given the personal investment over the past 15 months on all sides and we would like to put on record our respect for and thanks to Mark Hughes and we wish him the best in his future career."


Proven track record
Former Inter Milan coach Mancini has taken on the job on a three-and-a-half year contract, with Al Mubarak confident the Italian has the pedigree to deliver success for the club.

Commenting on the appointment of Mancini, Al Mubarak said: "Roberto is a hugely experienced manager with a proven track record of winning trophies and championships.

"His experience and track record speak for themselves.

"What is absolutely clear is that Roberto believes in Manchester City's potential to achieve at the highest level and importantly in his own ability to make this happen.

"My hope is that our incredible fans will join us in welcoming Roberto to the football club."

Brian Kidd has been named as Mancini's assistant, while Hughes' backroom staff of Mark Bowen, Eddie Niedzwiecki, Kevin Hitchcock and Glyn Hodges have also left the club.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5785566,00.html

37

Football / Toffees 'to land Donovan'

« on: December 09, 2009, 11:58:03 AM »

Toffees 'to land Donovan'
Three-month loan deal in pipeline for American international
Everton are reportedly set to land USA international Landon Donovan on loan in January to alleviate their injury-ravaged squad.

The Los Angeles Galaxy star is believed to be in advanced discussions with the Premier League side about a three-month loan switch as he bids to maintain his fitness before the World Cup in June.

Donovan has plied his trade in Europe before, however previous spells for Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Bayern Leverkusen proved unfruitful for the midfielder.

But the USA's all-time leading goalscorer, who would be eligible to play in the next stage of the Europa League for the Toffees, has been arguably Galaxy's best player this season as they marginally lost out in the final of the MLS Cup.

The 27-year-old's pending move to Merseyside will come as a massive boost for Everton boss David Moyes, who has suffered a plethora of casualties to his first-choice team.

Moyes has been unable to call on the services of Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Victor Anichebe or James Vaughan at all this season while Steven Pienaar, Yakubu and the still absent Phil Neville have spent major spells on the sidelines this term.

Donovan will follow in the footsteps of Galaxy team-mate David Beckham - a potential Group C opponent in South Africa - who has joined AC Milan in a similar type deal.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5761436,00.html

38

General Discussion / Dubai mega-tower

« on: December 03, 2009, 03:09:09 AM »

Dubai mega-tower `last hurrah' to age of excess
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – When work began in 2004 to build the world's tallest tower, Dubai's confidence also was sky high with a host of mega-projects on the drawing board or rising from the sands.

That swagger seems positively old school these days. It's been tripped up by a debt crunch that has humbled Dubai's leaders and exposed the shaky foundations of the city-state's boom years — leaving the planned Jan. 4 opening of the iconic Burj Dubai with a double significance of hello and goodbye.

It will be both a debutante bash for a new architectural landmark and a farewell toast to Dubai's age of excess.

The Burj Dubai — a steel-and-glass needle rising more than a half-mile (800 meters) — may be the last completed work from Dubai's time of the giants. Most other of the unfinished super-projects announced in recent years, such as a second palm-shaped island or a tower to surpass the Burj Dubai, are either recession roadkill or being considered on a far smaller scale.

If they are still considered at all.

Dubai last week dropped what amounted to a financial bombshell — announcing its main government-backed development group, Dubai World, needed at least a six-month breather from creditors owed nearly $60 billion.

World markets had known a day of fiscal reckoning was creeping up on what was once the world's fastest-growing city, swelling from about 700,000 in 1995 to more than 1.3 million today. But the depths of Dubai's red ink seemed to surprise everyone, rattling stock exchanges from Hong Kong to New York and adding exclamation points to obits-in-progress on the death of Dubai's golden years.

The Burj Dubai gala is now a welcome diversion. And one without a direct political sting: the building was developed by Emaar Properties, a state-backed firm not linked to the current debt meltdown.

"This tower was conceived as a monument to Dubai's place on the international stage," said Christopher Davidson, a professor at the University of Durham in Britain who has written extensively about the United Arab Emirates. "It's now like a last hurrah to the boom years."

It's not the first time a skyscraper has gone up as the economy swooned.

New York's 102-story Empire State Building was designed as the world's tallest building just before the 1929 stock market crash and opened in 1931 as the Great Depression was taking hold. In 1999, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, officially opened to claim the world-tallest crown — two years after the financial meltdown of the once-soaring Southeast Asian economies.

But the Burj Dubai, or Dubai Tower, occupies a special niche. Few cities have grown so far so fast — pushed along by runaway property speculation and the boundless ambitions of Dubai's ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The recession barged in last year and quickly dried up the cash flow.

The brakes also were slammed on hundreds of Dubai projects — from residential towers that stand half-finished to a desert Xanadu that included a Universal Studios theme park and a "city of wonders" with full-size replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal and other famous sites.

Sheik Mohammed even has grown a bit testy over Dubai's dimming star power. In a meeting with international investors in November, he switched from Arabic to English to tell naysayers in the media to "shut up."

Dubai's boosters hope the opening of the Burj Dubai — which include offices, residences and a hotel _will give them at least some respite from the bad news. The Dubai PR machine is working overtime.

A barrage of statistics — vital and trivial — are pouring out as the $4.1 billion building gets its finishing touches: more than 160 stories topped by a spire that reaches a reported 2,684 feet (818 meters), well above the runner-up skyscraper, Taipei 101 in Taiwan, at 1,671 feet (508 meters). The Burj has even pushed past other giant structures taller than Taipei 101 such as the CN Tower in Toronto and the KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota.

The Burj — designed by the Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill — is billed to have the world's fastest elevator at up to 40 mph (64 kph) and can be seen as far as 57 miles (95 kilometers) away. It takes three months just to clean all the windows.

But there's some facts that are still closely guarded, including how much of the office and residential space is leased and whether the financial meltdown will make the Burj another tower of debt.

The current price for purchase or rent, too, is also unclear. It's certain, though, that it's gone down along with property prices across Dubai in the past year. A report in October by the Investment Boutique, a real estate advisory firm in Dubai, said asking prices in the Burj Dubai area had slumped by 77 percent since the peak a year earlier.

"Buildings like the Burj Dubai are born from the optimism of the moment," said Carol Willis, director of The Skyscraper Museum in New York. "That may not necessarily be the mood when the project is finished."

The Burj Dubai also faces some location drawbacks that didn't burden Dubai's other signature structures, such as the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel and the Palm Jumeirah island that fans out into the Gulf. The Burj Dubai rises above a new annex of the city that was originally designed as a cluster of towers — which is now put on hold because of the economic crunch.

That leaves the Burj soaring above what amounts to high-priced empty lots.

But — for a moment at least — it will shift the spotlight back on Dubai from its oil-rich cousin, Abu Dhabi, the new boomtown of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi has already bailed out its debt-ridden neighbor once this year and is now watching from the wings as Dubai pleads for time with its global creditors. Dubai — without any oil resources — bankrolled its growth as a financial hub and a Mideast version of Las Vegas.

The rulers in more conservative Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, moved in other directions in their campaign to put the city on the world map in a generation.

In the past few months, Abu Dhabi hosted its inaugural Formula One race, won a global competition to host the headquarters of the new International Renewal Energy Agency and announced a $1 trillion plan to upgrade the city's roads, transportation and public venues. Also in the works are plans for branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums and a New York University campus.

Suddenly, Dubai is playing the unfamiliar role of second city.

Dubai opened its elevated metro line in September, but with only about a third of the stations opened. Last January, the state-owned builder Nakheel — which is part of the current debt crisis — said the fiscal crunch forced it to suspend plans for a Dubai skyscraper designed to top the Burj Dubai.

As Dubai's leaders try to calm markets and investors, Abu Dhabi planned a party.

A fireworks show on Wednesday for the UAE's national day was billed as the world's largest display, with 100,000 devices exploding over Abu Dhabi's biggest hotel.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091202/ap_on_bi_ge/ml_dubai_tallest_tower

I saw this Mega Tower being built last year when I made a port visit there, it is really magnificent to see. I also skied YES!! SKIED in a mall that had a built in ski area with slopes and all lol. It was snowing in the desert, atleast in the mall. These people are filthy rich, imagine they built an island shaped like a palm tree.

39

Football / What would you like to see in the future of Football?

« on: December 02, 2009, 12:38:54 PM »

Fifa rules out extra officials
But additional assistants or use of technology considered for future

Fifa has ruled out using extra match officials during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa next summer.

World football's governing body met to consider bringing in two additional assistants in the wake of France's controversial play-off victory over Republic of Ireland.

It has decided against bringing in a total of six officials for match days - a system that has been trialled in the Europa League - but will hold an inquiry to consider the scheme.

Fifa's forthcoming investigation will also look into the possibility of using technology as an alternative to the additional assistants.

France booked their place in the finals with a 2-1 aggregate success over Ireland, but their progress was tainted by Thierry Henry's blatant handball in the build-up to their crucial goal.

Crossing
Fifa president Sepp Blatter called an extraordinary general meeting of the executive committee to discuss the matter, where it was decided to stick with the status quo.

"We have decided that for World Cup 2010, there will be no change in refereeing. We will still have one referee and two assistants," Blatter said.

"We are at a crossing in the road with what direction to go with the referees in the future because the game is so tense that it is impossible for one referee to see everything.

"Shall it be better to have more referees or assistants like in the Europa League experiment we have this year, or to have more technology?

"We have decided to set up a committee to look in to all this - not just by the referees' committee but also the football committee, the medical committee, technical committee to get deeply into this matter."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12098_5740792,00.html

40

Football / Henry admits handball

« on: November 19, 2009, 01:48:32 AM »

Henry admits handball
French skipper pleased to be through despite controversy
Thierry Henry has admitted that he did handle the ball as he set-up the goal which saw France beat Republic of Ireland in their World Cup play-off.

The French captain caused huge controversy as he handled Florent Malouda's long ball into the box, before crossing for William Gallas to head the ball home.

The goal came in the first-half of extra-time, after Ireland had beaten France over 90 minutes thanks to Robbie Keane's first-half goal.

With the first-leg ending 1-0 to France the game went into added time, and the home side grabbed victory in the most controversial of fashions.

"Yes, there is a handball but I am not the referee," Henry admitted.

"I'm in the box, there are two defenders in front of me. The ball bounced off my hand, the referee did not see it and I played on.

"It doesn't change anything to the fact that I'm happy we have qualified."

Pleased
French coach Raymond Domenech was pleased to go through, although he admits he did not see the handball.

"I did not see a hand. It's you people who are speaking about this," he said.

"Sometimes we feel unlucky like we were against Serbia, sometimes we feel lucky.

"I just want to congratulate the Irish team. I am disappointed for the public and the fans. In a way, I regret that they did not qualify.

"I very happy for the players and the staff and the people here. The only word we need to say tonight is that we are very happy at the qualification."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5703602,00.html
Republic Of Ireland was the better team and should have won, I have always admired Henry, but that incident just made me upset... Just my opinion on the matter.

41

Football / Foster frustrated at United

« on: November 16, 2009, 01:10:14 PM »

Foster frustrated at United
England goalkeeper exasperated by life at Old Trafford
Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster admits he is becoming increasingly disheartened with life at Old Trafford.

Foster was handed his chance between the posts for United at the start of the season as Edwin van der Sar's finger injury afforded him a prolonged run in Sir Alex Ferguson's first XI.

However, he failed to ever really convince and since the Dutchman's return he has failed to even make the bench, with Tomasz Kuszczak preferred as back-up.

While he has been out of favour domestically, on the international arena, Fabio Capello has started him in each of England's last two games.

He appears well placed to earn a place in Capello's squad for next summer's World Cup; a situation Foster admits has left him scratching his head.

Weird one
"It's a weird one," he said. "I am third choice for Manchester United at the moment yet I am playing for my country.

"It is very disheartening not even be on the bench at United.

"Edwin is one of the best keepers in the world. I can't really go knocking on the manager's door and say he is not doing his job because he is."

Foster has previously stated his desire to remain at Old Trafford so he can find out for certain whether he has what it takes to be a first-choice goalkeeper at one of Europe's leading clubs.


Fergie faith
During United's pre-season tour of the Far East, Ferguson stated his belief that Foster would go to South Africa as England's number one and reaffirmed an intention to give him as much match practice as possible.

Unfortunately, Foster's mistakes have been costly and not gone unnoticed.

"I thought I started off well but then there was a period of two or three games where I made a few mistakes," he said.
"But they were the only ones I made really and I was disappointed to find myself out of the team."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5696769,00.html

He made more than a few mistakes. Tomasz Kuszczak is a better goal keeper and should have gotton the start when VDS was out. I say sell Foster and use the money on another Keeper.

42

General Discussion / Alien in Panama

« on: September 22, 2009, 11:00:59 AM »

 Four teenagers in Panama claim they encountered a creature that was photographed, dead on a rock.

It appears to have an animal-like head, but a strange body with skinny, human like arms. Some say it's an alien while others say it's an animal that's never been seen before.

The teens said, the creature was alive when they found it and it started coming after them, so they threw rocks and sticks at it, killing it.

Zoologists in Panama said they're not sure what it is, but it appears to be a dead fetus of some kind.


UPDATE: Darren Naish of ScienceBlogs.com says the creature is "very obviously" a sloth, though he has a difficult time explaining its hairless torso and head.


 Veiw video on link below   That sh*t looks like some kinda pokemon Some say it's a sloth WTF is a Slut sloth?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/19/unidentified-creature-pan_n_292515.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqtahSe5kw0 video footage on youtube



 



 
 

43

Football / Manchester Derby

« on: September 14, 2009, 09:21:45 PM »

Mark Hughes could be missing £100m worth of strikers for Manchester derby
• Adebayor likely to be suspended after Arsenal game
• Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz injured; Tevez battling to be fit
Emmanuel Adebayor's probable suspension could hardly come at a worse time for Manchester City, with Mark Hughes facing the prospect of going into Sunday's derby against Manchester United with Craig Bellamy his only available striker. Hughes could be without £100m worth of strikers, although the City manager expressed hopes last night that Carlos Tevez, all but ruled out last week, may yet be able to face his old club.

Tevez was described by Hughes as "desperate" not to miss the match and, specifically, the chance to demonstrate to Sir Alex Ferguson that he should have been given more time on the pitch when he was playing in red rather than blue. The Argentinian's departure from Old Trafford was so acrimonious Hughes believes Tevez will be just as determined to ram home his point as Adebayor was against Arsenal in Saturday's 4-2 win. "We just hope, fingers crossed, that he has the opportunity to do the same," Hughes said.

Otherwise, Hughes will have drastically limited options going into one of the more eagerly awaited Manchester derbies of recent years. Robinho will be out for up to a month because of a stress fracture to his ankle, a knee problem means Roque Santa Cruz has not played this season, Benjani Mwaruwari is also out and Hughes sold or loaned five other strikers in the summer.

Tevez returned from international duty with Argentina last week with a knee injury and is undergoing intensive treatment to see if he can take over from Adebayor if, as seems virtually certain, the Togo international striker is suspended for three matches for the incident in Saturday's game that left Robin van Persie with a gashed face and complaining of a "mindless and malicious" stamp.

"I don't have many options in terms of firepower so it is a bit of a concern," Hughes said. "The only ones we had fit for the Arsenal game were Adebayor and Bellamy but we're trying to get Tevez back now and we all know how desperate he is to play. The Argentinian medical guys were saying he would need two to three weeks but we'd like to think, and hope, that it could be less than that."

Failing that, Hughes will have little choice but to move Craig Bellamy into a more central position, the Wales international having recently been deployed in a left-sided attacking role. Hughes thought Bellamy was "outstanding" against Arsenal and, referring to the player's pace, added that "in a counter-attacking sense he is one of the best out there". Nonetheless, the manager is aware of the potential pitfalls of having four of his five front players unavailable.

The FA will announce the first part of its disciplinary measures against Adebayor tomorrow, a violent conduct charge that would entail a three-match suspension, with the possibility of more to come depending on how seriously the governing body regard his provocative goal celebration.

As well as the first Manchester derby of the season, the former Arsenal player will miss City's Carling Cup tie against Fulham and a league match against West Ham United, but it is Sunday's visit to Old Trafford in which his absence is most likely to affect a side that has won every match so far this season. The £25m summer signing has scored in all of City's first four Premier League games and has been described by his manager as having the qualities to be recognised as "the best in the world".

Hughes's problems also include Stephen Ireland, the club's player of the year, being withdrawn against Arsenal with an ankle injury, although the midfielder has said that he expects to be fit.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/14/mark-hughes-emmanuel-adebayor1

I sorry, but I had to start this thread early, I actually want Tevez to play. I want Man.United to take this team off their high horse and I want Tevez to be involved when that happen. I liked him when he was with us, but he turned out to be a sissy man who have a Turbanca for Man.U

44

Football / Home-grown rule introduced

« on: September 14, 2009, 07:31:19 PM »

Home-grown rule introduced
Premier League clubs must limit squad sizes to 25
The Premier League have introduced a home-grown player rule which will come into effect from next season, alongside a limit on squad sizes.

From the 2010/11 campaign, the 20 Premier League clubs have voted to introduce measures which will see all teams required to have eight home-grown players out of a squad of 25.

Chief executive Richard Scudamore confirmed the changes, with clubs only able to make alterations to their squads during the two transfer windows.

"As of next season clubs will be required to have a squad named of up to 25 players, of which no more than 17 can be over the age of 21 and not home grown," Scudamore said.

"The definition of home grown is trained for three years under the age of 21 by somebody in the English and Welsh professional system.

"Clubs will have to declare their 25 at the end of August when the window shuts and then again at the end of January."

Players who are aged under 21 are eligible over and above the limit of 25 players per squad.

Incentive
Scudamore does not believe the move will encourage clubs to hoard young foreign players and claims the England team will ultimately reap the reward.

"It's not in the club's interests to stockpile players. It will make buying home-grown talent more attractive," he said.

"We're not going down the route of a nationality test but what this will mean is that you just can't buy a team from abroad.

"We think it will give clubs an extra incentive to invest in youth. We think that one of the benefits will be that it will help the England team."

All 20 Premier League members also agreed to adhere to a set of financial reporting rules designed to protect the viability and sustainability of the clubs.


Finances
"They will all have to annually submit accounts and future financial information," said Scudamore.

"At all times the board of the Premier League will be applying a test which basically says this: can the club fulfil its fixtures, pay off its creditors when they are due and also to meet obligations to the Premier League's contracts and partners?

"If the board believe a club is at risk of not meeting those obligations, it has to then step in and agree a budget for the running of that club. Any transfers can be embargoed.

"It's absolutely crucial that these clubs are run as ongoing viable concerns. These financial rules apply immediately.

"This is tied in, and we passed the rule during the summer, to a 'fit and proper person test'. At our club meeting last week, the clubs absolutely endorsed our position of not linking expenditure to income."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5560131,00.html


Good ideas being introduced by the Premiership but just wondering how Chelsea will be able to get these home grown players in place seen as if this ban on tranfers stands, they will not be able to sign anyone in August. Will Chelsea get an advantage by physically not being able to bring in youth players and stick with their Expensive Stars?

45

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / 'Dirty Dancing' star Patrick Swayze dies at 57

« on: September 14, 2009, 07:26:54 PM »

'Dirty Dancing' star Patrick Swayze dies at 57
LOS ANGELES – Patrick Swayze, the hunky actor who danced his way into viewers' hearts with "Dirty Dancing" and then broke them with "Ghost," died Monday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

"Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months," said a statement released Monday evening by his publicist, Annett Wolf. No other details were given.

Fans of the actor were saddened to learn in March 2008 that Swayze was suffering from a particularly deadly form of cancer.

He had kept working despite the diagnosis, putting together a memoir with his wife and shooting "The Beast," an A&E drama series for which he had already made the pilot. It drew a respectable 1.3 million viewers when the 13 episodes ran in 2009, but A&E said it had reluctantly decided not to renew it for a second season.

Swayze said he opted not to use painkilling drugs while making "The Beast" because they would have taken the edge off his performance. He acknowledged that time might be running out given the grim nature of the disease.

When he first went public with the illness, some reports gave him only weeks to live, but his doctor said his situation was "considerably more optimistic" than that.

"I'd say five years is pretty wishful thinking," Swayze told ABC's Barbara Walters in early 2009. "Two years seems likely if you're going to believe statistics. I want to last until they find a cure, which means I'd better get a fire under it."

A three-time Golden Globe nominee, Swayze became a star with his performance as the misunderstood bad-boy Johnny Castle in "Dirty Dancing." As the son of a choreographer who began his career in musical theater, he seemed a natural to play the role.

A coming-of-age romance starring Jennifer Grey as an idealistic young woman on vacation with her family and Swayze as the Catskills resort's sexy (and much older) dance instructor, the film made great use of both his grace on his feet and his muscular physique.

It became an international phenomenon in the summer of 1987, spawning albums, an Oscar-winning hit song in "(I've Had) the Time of My Life," stage productions and a sequel, 2004's "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights," in which he made a cameo.

Swayze performed and co-wrote a song on the soundtrack, the ballad "She's Like the Wind," inspired by his wife, Lisa Niemi. The film also gave him the chance to utter the now-classic line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."

And it allowed him to poke fun at himself on a "Saturday Night Live" episode, in which he played a wannabe Chippendales dancer alongside the corpulent — and frighteningly shirtless — Chris Farley.

A major crowdpleaser, the film drew only mixed reviews from critics, though Vincent Canby wrote in The New York Times, "Given the limitations of his role, that of a poor but handsome sex-object abused by the rich women at Kellerman's Mountain House, Mr. Swayze is also good. ... He's at his best — as is the movie — when he's dancing."

Swayze followed that up with the 1989 action flick "Road House," in which he played a bouncer at a rowdy bar. But it was his performance in 1990's "Ghost" that showed his vulnerable, sensitive side. He starred as a murdered man trying to communicate with his fiancee (Demi Moore) — with great frustration and longing — through a psychic played by Whoopi Goldberg.

Swayze said at the time that he fought for the role of Sam Wheat (director Jerry Zucker wanted Kevin Kline) but once he went in for an audition and read six scenes, he got it.

Why did he want the part so badly? "It made me cry four or five times," he said of Bruce Joel Rubin's Oscar-winning script in an AP interview.

"Ghost" provided yet another indelible musical moment: Swayze and Moore sensually molding pottery together to the strains of the Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody." It also earned a best-picture nomination and a supporting-actress Oscar for Goldberg, who said she wouldn't have won if it weren't for Swayze.

"When I won my Academy Award, the only person I really thanked was Patrick," Goldberg said in March 2008 on the ABC daytime talk show "The View."

Swayze himself earned three Golden Globe nominations, for "Dirty Dancing," "Ghost" and 1995's "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar," which further allowed him to toy with his masculine image. The role called for him to play a drag queen on a cross-country road trip alongside Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo.

His heartthrob status almost kept him from being considered for the role of Vida Boheme.

"I couldn't get seen on it because everyone viewed me as terminally heterosexually masculine-macho," he told the AP then. But he transformed himself so completely that when his screen test was sent to Steven Spielberg, whose Amblin pictures produced "To Wong Foo," Spielberg didn't recognize him.

Among his earlier films, Swayze was part of the star-studded lineup of up-and-comers in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 adaptation of S.E. Hinton's novel "The Outsiders," alongside Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Emilio Estevez and Diane Lane. Swayze played Darrel "Dary" Curtis, the oldest of three wayward brothers — and essentially the father figure — in a poor family in small-town Oklahoma.

Other '80s films included "Red Dawn," "Grandview U.S.A." (for which he also provided choreography) and "Youngblood," once more with Lowe, as Canadian hockey teammates.

In the '90s, he made such eclectic films as "Point Break" (1991), in which he played the leader of a band of bank-robbing surfers, and the family Western "Tall Tale" (1995), in which he starred as Pecos Bill. He appeared on the cover of People magazine as its "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1991, but his career tapered off toward the end of the 1990s, when he also had stay in rehab for alcohol abuse. In 2001, he appeared in the cult favorite "Donnie Darko," and in 2003 he returned to the New York stage with "Chicago"; 2006 found him in the musical "Guys and Dolls" in London.

Swayze was born in 1952 in Houston, the son of Jesse Swayze and choreographer Patsy Swayze, whose films include "Urban Cowboy."

He played football but also was drawn to dance and theater, performing with the Feld, Joffrey and Harkness Ballets and appearing on Broadway as Danny Zuko in "Grease." But he turned to acting in 1978 after a series of injuries.

Within a couple years of moving to Los Angeles, he made his debut in the roller-disco movie "Skatetown, U.S.A." The eclectic cast included Scott Baio, Flip Wilson, Maureen McCormack and Billy Barty.

Swayze had a couple of movies in the works when his diagnosis was announced, including the drama "Powder Blue," starring Jessica Biel, Forest Whitaker and his younger brother, Don, which was scheduled for release this year.

Off-screen, he was an avid conservationist who was moved by his time in Africa to shine a light on "man's greed and absolute unwillingness to operate according to Mother Nature's laws," he told the AP in 2004.

Swayze was married since 1975 to Niemi, a fellow dancer who took lessons with his mother; they met when he was 19 and she was 15. A licensed pilot, Niemi would fly her husband from Los Angeles to Northern California for treatment at Stanford University Medical Center, People magazine reported in a cover story.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obit_swayze

46

Football / Which sport in T&T has the most support?

« on: September 10, 2009, 04:50:48 PM »

After seeing the lack of support given in the US vs TnT game, I was thinking if this was cricket, would the fans turn up...  now I say cricket because we are mostly recognised in sport through cricket and football.

What is the most popular/played sport in T&T right now? I remember when I was small, even now, How thirsty I was for a football sweat when I come home from school or work 4:00pm till yuh can't see the ball anymore, cause there was no lights on the field where I grew up. The basketball court had lights though, so we would set up a small goal when the basketball players finish sweat.   

Where is the support people?

47

Football / Name Something after Russel Latapy

« on: September 10, 2009, 04:38:24 PM »

Du Maurier is changing their name to "Magic" named after Trinidad and Tobago's football player Russel Latapy with the slogan "In Every Puff There Is Magic" 

Seroiusly though, I was wondering, how the hell they could name the promenade and a Stadium after Brian Lara, when we have nothing named after one of our most celebrated players, in Russel Latapy. Do you have to win some kinda championship or get a medal for something to be named after you?

48

Football / El Salvador vs Costa Rica

« on: September 09, 2009, 02:14:58 PM »

Possible link
http://www.atdhe.net/

49

Football / Mexico vs Honduras

« on: September 09, 2009, 02:13:23 PM »

possible link
http://www.atdhe.net/

50

Football / TnT We Want Ah Coach!!!!!

« on: September 05, 2009, 09:22:40 PM »

Yes, we need a good Coach, we have the players in the under 20 team, through out T&T and Europe, USA included. Why can't we get a proper Coach to train our players how to be winners? Latas and Yorke was our best players and much respect to them for that, but like I said they were players, NOT coaches. They don't have that kind of experience to coach our team, The selection of players is just pure Garbage and I believe some of them are being picked because of their name and friend/friend thing. I know Jack ain't going no where soon, the least he can do is get us a good coach from now for the next campaign and include some of those under 20 youths.

51

Football / Mexico vs Costa Rica

« on: September 05, 2009, 06:25:56 PM »

http://www.atdhe.net/9047/watch-costa-rica-vs-mexico enjoy!!!

52

Football / USA VS El Salvador

« on: September 05, 2009, 06:24:30 PM »

http://www.atdhe.net/9054/watch-usa-vs-el-salvador enjoy!!!

53

Football / Man.United vs Arsenal 2009-2010

« on: August 28, 2009, 05:16:39 PM »

Man Utd v Arsenal preview
Arsenal fans will discover if their team can truly put up a realistic title challenge when they visit Old Trafford to take on champions Manchester United on Saturday.

The Gunners were thought by many to be the team most susceptible to succumb to the challenge of mega rich Manchester City, with their top four place supposedly in jeopardy this season.

Such a prediction now seems well wide of the mark with Arsene Wenger's men winning all four of their opening games this term, scoring 15 goals in the process.

But Arsenal know the real work begins this weekend when two of the 'big four' meet for the first time this season.

The Red Devils have history for bringing their London rivals back down to earth. Goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney put an end to Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten run in 2004 while United's thumping 4-1 semi-final aggregate win over the Gunners last season ended any hopes Wenger had of lifting the UEFA Champions League.

However the Frenchman will take comfort from the fact that the sting that accompanied many of the two sides' previous encounters down the years has disappeared.

Easy on the eye
Gone are the ferocious personalities such as Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, instead replaced by the composed and easy on the eye talents of Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Carrick, Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin.

However the Gunners' influential skipper has been ruled out due to the hamstring injury he picked up in the 4-1 win over Portsmouth last weekend.

Tomas Rosicky has now fully recovered from his long-term hamstring injury but he is expected to miss out at the Theatre of Dreams.

Aaron Ramsey, who could be an option to replace Fabregas, has had a scan on his knee after suffering in the Celtic clash in midweek. Although initial signs are positive the Welshman could still be ruled out.

Theo Walcott will also be assessed ahead of the clash following the back injury that has kept him out of the side so far this season.

Wenger will definitely be without the injured Samir Nasri (broken leg), Johan Djourou (knee) and Lukasz Fabianski (knee).

Meanwhile United will still be without the services of Rio Ferdinand (thigh), Edwin Van der Sar (finger) and Rafael (shoulder).

It should mean that Jonny Evans will continue to partner fit again Nemanja Vidic in defence after the Serbia international came through his first appearance of the season against Wigan unscathed.


Firepower
Van der Sar's injury means that Ben Foster should keep his place given he kept his second clean sheet of the season in a 5-0 win at the DW Stadium last weekend.

The debate rages on whether manager Sir Alex Ferguson has enough firepower at his disposal to cope with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez but Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen were all on target against the Latics.

United have already used the most players this season, 18, and Ferguson is likely to rotate his squad again on Saturday, in particular his midfield.

Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher both started at Wigan but Ryan Giggs and Carrick, who missed out completely against Roberto Martinez's men, will be vying for a start as will Anderson, who will be looking to put his reported spat with Ferguson firmly behind him.

Possible starting XIs:

Man Utd: Foster, O'Shea, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Valencia, Berbatov, Rooney.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy, Song, Diaby, Denilson, Arshavin, Van Persie, Eduardo.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3149367,00.html

possible links:http:
 
http://www.atdhe.net/
http://www.justin.tv/directory/sports
FSC LIVE at 6:00am EST 9:00am Pacific time

54

Football / Samuel set to start against Reds

« on: August 28, 2009, 04:57:50 PM »

If anyone is interested in watching him play, here is your chance.

Samuel set to start against Reds
Samuel set to start against Reds
Jlloyd Samuel could be in line to make his first Premier League start of the season for Bolton as Gary Megson's men host Liverpool on Saturday.
Samuel was preferred to new signing Paul Robinson for Tuesday's Carling Cup win at Tranmere and could be set to keep his place in the side. Andy O'Brien is also in contention after recovering from a groin strain.

Joey O'Brien and Ricardo Gardner are still nursing long-term problems, but Ricardo Vaz Te is back in training with the squad and hoping to be given a run-out.

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Ricketts, Cahill, A O'Brien, Knight, Robinson, Samuel, Taylor, Davis, Muamba, McCann, Lee, Elmander, Basham, K Davies, Al Habsi, Hunt, Ward, Cohen, M Davies, Vaz Te

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1770_5520425,00.html

55

Football / DC United vs Toluca

« on: August 26, 2009, 11:14:47 AM »

Avery and James should be starting this game.
8:00 PM ET


http://www.atdhe.net/8819/watch-dc-united-vs-toluca

56

Football / Fox Football Fone In

« on: August 24, 2009, 11:59:40 AM »

I think that's how they spell phone on the show, so don't jump on my head about my spelling anyway, can someone tell me why they took Steven off the show? Rumour on another forum was that his life was threatend by liverpool fans

57

Football / Zamora scores again!!!

« on: August 20, 2009, 04:21:51 PM »

Fulham too strong for Amkar
Johnson, Dempsey and Zamora on target in 3-1 win over Russians
Fulham took control of their Europa League play-off tie against Amkar Perm with a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage.

Andy Johnson fired Fulham in front after just four minutes and Clint Dempsey made it 2-0 early in the second half.

Bobby Zamora added a third in the 75th minute but Vitali Grishin netted an away goal for Amkar to give them hope ahead of next week's return leg in Russia.Johnson also gave Fulham an injury scare when he was sent sprawling by an outrageous body-check and had to be replaced, while Damien Duff came on to make his debut.

Early goal
Only four minutes were on the clock when Fulham took the lead through Johnson, though an inspired pass from Zamora was the highlight of the move.

Dempsey put Zamora into space down the left where he delivered a perfect curling ball to the onrushing Johnson who pounced on the simple tap-in.
Amkar captain Martin Kushev missed a solid chance amid some encouraging play from the Russian visitors, who were content to keep possession for long spells.

Harried at every turn, Fulham had little space to operate in and were being pinned back for long spells.

In a carbon copy of the opening goal, Zamora threaded a long, accurate pass to Johnson but this time defender Dmitry Belorukov reacted in time and was able to intercept.

Only last-gasp intervention from Zakhary Sirakov prevented the Cottagers from extending their lead as he athletically headed a goalbound Dempsey effort over the crossbar.


Second period
Kushev took advantage of confusion in Fulham's defence to produce a sharp save from Mark Schwarzer shortly after the interval.

It was a rare dangerous moment from the Russians, who slipped further behind in the 51st minute following a magnificent strike from Dempsey.

The American was given too much room on the edge of the area and he was able to pick his spot and curl a shot into the top left corner.

The goal failed to dampen Amkar's spirits as they peppered Fulham's penalty area with balls and then forced the departure of Johnson.

Duff was brought on and had an immediate impact, crossing to substitute Erik Nevland to instigate Fulham's third.

The Norway striker back headed into the path of Zamora who buried the ball with a blistering shot that gave Narubin no chance.
But Grishin then drove home a hard left foot shot to pull one back for Amkar to claim a crucial away goal.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3181017,00.html

58

Fantasy League / WN/SW.net EUROPA Cup

« on: August 14, 2009, 08:08:25 PM »

http://fantasy.premierleague.com/
Code to join this league: 217490-143766

This league starts in game week 2, so you still have time to join, these are the teams so far.

 Manager
Airman Squadron Jason. M. AKA Triniairman
Freakazoid Xpress ajay george
Real Marabella Feliz Tobas
DeSounder WarriorsFC Dexter Butts-Peters
AC Gunners FC Alon Cooper
La Romain Spurs Flex Mohammed
Real Madness V M
generals Dustin Cameron
Shotters_365 neal siewdass
Real Poison Mr Berris
BESBRAHN FC Rene Ribeiro
Gideon Boots Tall Man
Blue FC Elan Vital
S.W.A.T Jason Guness
Killzord FC Shaka La Pierre
Velodrome Riders R G
AFC SAMBA Nkosi "Trinimitch" Ifill
FC White Oak Denzil Tobas
St Ann's FC Balewa Sample
FC Bowcat F F
Samora FC Spidey Buff
Fc Juma The Merovingian
Royalian Denzil Streete
Killaz Inc Sigmund "Mad Scorpion" Williams
FC Palance Night Mare
fc amarillo dylan babb-ampson

59

Football / Footballer's brother dies in holiday tragedy (Luke Young's brother)

« on: August 14, 2009, 03:15:04 PM »

Footballer's brother dies in holiday tragedy
The brother of Aston Villa and England footballer Luke Young has been found dead after a night out on the island of Crete.
Andre Young, 17, from Saffron Waldon in Essex, is reported to have died after a drinking session on the final night of a holiday.
The Foreign Office said the teenager had been missing since Monday, and had been suffered serious head injuries.
Police are not treating the death as suspicious.
Footballer Luke Young, 30, is said to be devastated by the news.
'He was a tremendous and talented person and a diligent student and this is such a waste of a promising life,' the Aston Villa defender said.
The footballer has also appealed for anyone with information that could solve the mystery of his brother's death to come forward.
'We would be extremely grateful if anybody with any information of his whereabouts during that fateful evening could come forward to assist with investigations,' said Young.
Meanwhile, over two hundred friends have joined a Facebook group set up in tribute to Andre Young
http://news.aol.co.uk/footballers-brother-dies-in-holiday-tragedy/article/20090813125809990002?icid=main|main|dl1|link2|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.co.uk%2Ffootballers-brother-dies-in-holiday-tragedy%2Farticle%2F20090813125809990002

60

Football / Costa Rica vs Honduras

« on: August 12, 2009, 07:35:38 PM »

Keep an eye on this game people.. C'mon Costa Rica!!!

http://www.atdhe.net/8423/watch-honduras-vs-costa-rica