Topics

61

Football / 'New signing' Carlos

« on: May 19, 2008, 08:11:55 AM »

www.sunderlandecho.com

Carlos Edwards goes into the close season break hoping he can come back as one of Roy Keane's 'new signings'.

The Sunderland manager is looking to spend anywhere up to £50m in the transfer market this summer in a bid to turn the club into an established top-flight force.

But the right-winger is keeping his fingers crossed that next season is the moment where he really bursts on to the Premier League stage.

Keane expected the Trinidad & Tobago international to be a key figure in Sunderland's campaign last season – the pacy winger having been voted as one of the Championship's players of the year as the Black Cats won promotion.

He was also the division's leading midfield player in the Actim Index contributing crosses and goals to both Luton Town and then Sunderland.

But his pre-season was ruined by a groin strain and his first Premiership campaign wrecked by a serious hamstring tear in the first week of the campaign followed by a broken leg.

The 29-year-old said: "It is great that the club has stayed up but it was not, for me, the season I would have liked.

"I was very excited about the Premier League and I wanted to go up and really make my mark but I spent a lot of time injured and it was very hard to regain my best form.

"Now I am targeting next season and I would love to show what I can do with a proper pre-season behind me and a good run of games in the side. I am confident I can do well in the Premier League and hopefully next season will be my best."

Sunderland struggled to replace Edwards – the club's only out-and-out right winger. He made only 13 appearances all season and was a shadow of the player who terrorised Championship defences.

Edwards is hoping that the T&T trio of himself, Kenwyne Jones and Dwight Yorke can make a significant contribution nexct season – although he admits that he has no idea whether Yorke will be back at the club next season.

He is keeping his fingers crossed that Yorke comes out of international retirement to play in his country's friendly against England on June 1 and then enjoys a final season in the top flight on Wearside.

He said: "I haven't spoken to him about the England games – he is pretty secretive about these things! But it would be fantastic if Dwight plays against England. It would be a fitting way to end his international career.

"He retired from international football the other year but it would be great if he comes out of retirement to play in this game against one of the best countries in the world – and against the country in which he has played so much of his football.

"He is a great player who has done well for Sunderland this season and is still good enough to play in the Premiership next year."

62

Football / Gordon hails Goal King Ken

« on: April 10, 2008, 05:50:35 AM »

www.sunderlandecho.com

Craig Gordon is backing striker Kenwyne Jones to stay among the goals and finish Sunderland's season with a flourish.
Having established defensive stability in recent weeks, the Black Cats have turned their attention towards becoming more threatening in attack.

And keeper Gordon believes Jones will catch the eye again as the Black Cats' rejuvenated midfield begins carving out more chances for him.

The Scottish international stopper said: "Kenwyne is a big player for us in every sense of the word.

"There's been quite a few games this season where he has been the one who has really made it work for us.

"He can do a little bit of everything – he can hold it up well, he can pick a pass and he can score goals with his head and he's good with his feet for a big lad. So he really is quite a complete player and I think he was a great signing for us."

The Trinidad and Tobago international (right) made a fine start to his Sunderland career with four goals in six games.

And although the goals were to dry up for a while, two goals in his last two games will have done his confidence a world of good.

Gordon said: "I'm sure he'll have a big say for us in terms of how we do in the immediate future.

"It's true that you can see the similarities between him and Didier Drogba but he is still very young and has time on his side.

"I don't think there's any reason why he can't develop into a top, top player and a regular goalscorer at this level."

Meanwhile, Gordon believes that he and Jones and his team-mates could secure Sunderland's Premier League future for another season if they beat Manchester City at the Stadium of Light this weekend.

"We're close but we're not safe yet, I'll feel a lot better if we win on Saturday," he said.

"We're on a great run and we have a winnable game next so we're focused on getting the three points against City.

"There will be another big crowd and the fans certainly won't let us slacken off. "We've a decent home record and with the backing we get we can make it four in a row."

Sunderland are heading for another crowd of 45,000 and Gordon admits one of the highlights of his season has been witnessing the passion of their support.

"It shows the size of this club," he said. "We are getting 45,000 when we are in the bottom half. If we progress, it will only get better."

63

Football / Most underated and underestimated TT player

« on: April 01, 2008, 06:51:16 AM »

For me it is Darryl Roberts, people only talking about Kenwyne and Carlos and even Scotland but we aint even mentioning a guy who playing in the Eredivesie. 

I heard some people talking about he aint all that and that he have to play for a Trinidad first team to prove himself and i want to know what shit is that!!

From what i see in this player, he is a gem and he will be key to us qualifying for the world cup in 2010.

ah love it!!

64

Football / Warrior Nation flag in political advertisement

« on: September 28, 2007, 02:12:27 PM »

I dont know if this was topic before but there is a political party that has a full page colour ad in the newspaper that has the Warrior Nation national flag in the back ground!!

It was a pic taken at one of the football games where the flag was rolled out!!

interesting

65

Football / Keene hits out!!(women, read with an open mind)

« on: August 15, 2007, 08:23:23 AM »

In my opinion, i ent see nothing wrong with a man getting his wife's input before he changes cities.  But hmmm, where does the line draw?

David Beckham??        ..............these photo shoots......lol

www.skysports.com

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on modern-day footballers claiming they are 'weak' and are dictated by their wives and girlfriends.

The no-nonsense Irishman claims he has missed out on some players this summer because their partners did not want to move to Wearside.

Keane is dismayed at the attitude of players in the modern era and he believes they have not got their priorities right.

"Priorities have changed in footballers and they're being dictated to by their wives and girlfriends - there's no getting away from that," blasted Keane.

"This idea of the women running the show concerns me and worries me but it shouldn't because the players we're talking about are soft.

"I could name three or four big players now and clearly their wives are running their lives. They're stood there doing these photo shoots and they might say 'I'm not comfortable doing it'. Well, don't do it then.

"They're getting dragged into it because of their partners. These so-called big stars, the ones people are supposed to be looking up to, they're weak, they're soft.

"We had a player this summer who didn't even ring us back because his wife wanted to move to London; he didn't even have the courtesy to pick the phone up to us and shopping was mentioned.

"I can understand the attraction of London if you go to Arsenal, Chelsea, maybe Spurs, but there are players just going there because it's London and to me that's wrong, clubs with half the crowds and less attention. It's not a football move, it's a lifestyle move, and they're the type you don't want at your club anyway. It tells me the player is weak and his wife runs his life."

The Manchester United legend admitted he came close to joining Juventus towards the end of his career and even then those people trying to persuade him to move tried to use the glamour of Italy to convince him.

Keane said: "You have to sign for a club for football reasons. A couple of years ago I nearly went to Juventus and people spoke to me about Turin saying it's this and it's that and that Milan would be nicer, and I said I'm not going for the bloody shops, I'm going because it's Juventus.

"Football must be your priority. You don't need to live in London or Manchester to be happy; you don't need to be surrounded by expensive shops or fancy cafes. What's your priority - your wife and her shopping or your football? Or money?

"If a player doesn't want to come to Sunderland because his wife wants to go shopping in London it's a sad state of affairs."

66

Football / Tony Warner Thread

« on: August 12, 2007, 11:05:41 AM »

Tony Warner looked really good today

Ah wonder if them in the TTFF would consider playing him, or i wonder if he will ever consider play for us again!!

Interesting......

important lesson........dont burn yuh bridges!

ah love it!!

67

Football / This French coach ent easy!!

« on: July 17, 2007, 12:18:38 PM »

I just find this story to be really amazing!  Talk about being boldface.  So is he saying that West Ham are so poor that he will not play for France again?  This is similar to what the Argentine coach said, but it was not so badly put.

ah love it!!

www.soccer365.com

France coach Raymond Domenech says Julian Faubert is "unspeakably stupid" for joining West Ham.

The winger, capped once by France, joined the Hammers from Bordeaux for £6 million earlier this month.

But in doing so, the 23-year-old looks to have put a serious stumbling block in the way of his international career.

"I can't understand Faubert's decision to join West Ham," said the France manager.

"I struggle to understand why he has done it. It is a great pity when you are on the brink of the French national team."

Faubert originally wanted to move to Rangers, and had refused to train at Bordeaux when he was denied a move to the Glasgow side.

"They were no longer interested in talking with Rangers and after everything that went on with Julien last week there really wasn't a way back for him at Bordeaux," Faubert's agent said at the time of his move to Upton Park.

"He was given an ultimatum by Bordeaux: West Ham or nowhere,"

It seems that has not been enough to convince Domenech, who believes the move was made purely for financial reasons.

"It is OK if they are joining one of the top four in England, Germany, Italy or Spain," he said.

"But it is unspeakably stupid to join a club outside of those few, apart from the financial point of view."

ah love it!!

ah wonder how dem West Ham fans feeling

68

Fantasy League / 2007-08 Andre Samuel league is here, sign up early!! ah love it!!

« on: July 09, 2007, 10:07:37 AM »

Hi,

Andre Samuel has invited you to play in their Fantasy Premier League called Andre Samuel league.

If you aren't already playing the game then you can register at http://fantasy.premierleague.com

Once you have logged in and entered your team, click on the 'Leagues'
link you can find on the the right of the page. Now enter the code 89480-21758 to join the private league.

Enjoy the game.

It has begun fellas, no excuses this time!!

ah love it!!

ah sure everybody going and pick carlos.........lol

69

Football / Roy Keene eyes Striker and Keeper

« on: June 25, 2007, 08:27:34 AM »

Sunderland are reportedly set to make another plunge into the summer transfer market with a double swoop for Leroy Lita and Scott Carson.

Black Cats chief Roy Keane has already bolstered his squad with the signing of defender Greg Halford and has now apparently identified a new goalkeeper and a striker as top of his target list.

Reading hitman Lita has improved his stock considerably with his performances for England's Under-21s in Holland were he netted three times for Stuart Pearce's charges.

The Royals are desperate to hold on to the former Bristol City hitman, who would command a fee of around £5million, but Keane could face competition from Portsmouth.

Keane is also aware of his need to add a senior keeper to his squad with only Darren Ward and Marton Fulop on the books.

And Liverpool's Carson, 21, another member of England's Under-21 side, is seen as the ideal man to build a successful side around.

The former Leeds keeper has been told he is in Rafael Benitez's plans, but with Jose Reina the undisputed number one at Anfield he may move on.

www.soccer365.com

70

Football / Peter Golstein's Gold cup analysis....groups stage wrap up!

« on: June 21, 2007, 07:00:09 AM »

www.planetworldcup.com

That gigantic sigh of relief you heard around 11 PM Central Daylight Time on Wednesday was that of the CONCACAF board of directors when Carlos Batres blew his whistle to end Mexico-Panama, the final game of the Gold Cup group stage. It meant that Mexico had finished second in Group C, and would be playing Costa Rica in the quarterfinals.

    So what? Well, you see, the Gold Cup isn't like other tournaments. We believe in, shall we say, organzing things as carefully as possible. Which means we don't draw the teams into groups: we place them exactly where we want them, to insure maximum attendance and the best possible matchups in the knockout rounds. In some circles this is called "the fix"; we just call it good business. Anyway, this time around the schedule was set up so that the USA and Mexico couldn't possibly meet before the Final. The only way it could happen was the unthinkable--either team would have to finish third in their group.

    No problem there. But the committee also saw fit to put both Panama and Honduras in with Mexico, which meant, unlike the USA, the Tri couldn't just coast. And when Hugo Sánchez turned up with a team well off form, they found themselves nosediving right into that cursed third-place spot. Even a draw with Panama would have dropped our two flagship teams together in--horrors!--the quarterfinals.

    But luck was with us, and I do mean luck. Mexico looked terrible, and were thoroughly outplayed. But Osvaldo Sánchez pulled a blinder, the canaleros somehow missed several easy chances, and the Tri squeaked out a 1:0 win on a set piece. So the confederation is safe for autocracy, at least until the next near-fiasco.

    But although I love to bash the Gold Cup, this year's edition has been pretty good, in fact the best in recent memory. Group B was a washout, but Groups A and C produced any number of exciting games. Best of all (and hardest to believe), the refereeing has been, with a few comical exceptions, fairly solid. I'm not sure what we did to deserve this--maybe it was that human sacrifice at the full moon to Chuck Blatter's weight loss consultant? Anyway, just cross your fingers for the quarterfinals, as follows:

Canada-Guatemala
USA-Panama
Costa Rica-Mexico
Honduras-Guadeloupe

and hope the teams don't as usual die of exhaustion before the tournament ends. Here's the group stage wrapup:

Group B Wrapup

The USA opened their game with El Salvador in something like a 2-8-0 formation, with three DM's, the fullbacks pushed up in attack, and the sort-of-strikers dropping in and out of the midfield. Unfortunately, when your two best midfielders (Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey) play the farthest forward, you're not going to create a lot of chances. And so it proved, as the Yanks creaked their way through the first half hour. But there's always the set piece. In the 34th minute a corner was semi-cleared and DaMarcus Beasley stabbed a right-footed half-volley that somehow threaded its way through four defenders and into the net. In first-half stoppage time Alfredo Pacheco handled in the area, and Donovan stepped up to make it 2:0. Miguel Angel Montes actually saved the PK, but Donovan himself got the rebound and put it past. And...

    Well, scratch that. In fact the goal was called back, and for a few moments no one seemed to know why. Turns out Montes had moved off the line early in making the save, so the kick had to be retaken. Retaken? Even after it was scored? Ever seen that before? I didn't think so. I suspect the ref did it so we could see Donovan's pre-PK "I Love My Hands, They Are So Beautiful" bit a second time. After which he scored again.

    That finished the game as a contest, although Taylor Twellman and Beasley both got nice second-half counterattack goals to make the final score 4:0. El Salvador just aren't up to playing with the top teams, and are now 0-2-10 against the USA over the last 15 years. It was the Yanks' best overall effort so far, with Beasley and Dempsey co-men of the match. Still, the side looks far from championship quality. There are a lot of inexperienced players (Jonathan Spector, Jonathan Bornstein, Benny Feilhaber, Michael Bradley), no bellwether striker (Brian Ching, Eddie Johnson, and Twellman are no more than adequate), and doubts as to exactly where Dempsey and Donovan should play. Of course, in 2005 the team looked dreary almost every game and won the title, so don't be surprised if they do it again. But don't be surprised if they lose to Panama either.

    The final game of a largely forgettable group was Guatemala-T&T, with the Soca Warriors amazingly still eligible for the quarterfinals. All they had to do was win by two goals, and maybe if they'd had Stern John, Aurtis Whitley, Dennis Lawrence, Chris Birchall, Carlos Edwards, etc. etc. they could have done it. But with the subs it was too much to ask, especially after defender Dwayne Jack was red-carded in only the 29th minute for throwing an elbow at José Contreras. (By the way, Leonel Noriega threw a similar elbow for Guatemala a few minutes later and didn't even get carded.)

    But lo and behold, the Warriors played like Warriors, holding Guatemala dead even the rest of the way. In a lively final half-hour both sides missed chances, Carlos Ruiz finally got on the scoreboard in the 84th, and two minutes later sub Errol McFarlane got the equalizer (and just missed the winner in injury time). It was a nice reward for T&T and rather a humiliating result for the chapines. Even against the weakest side in the tournament they played only one striker, so I wouldn't expect two against Canada. I also wouldn't expect them to win.

71

Football / Peter Golstein's TT gold cup analysis........game one

« on: June 21, 2007, 06:54:07 AM »

Not sure if it was posted.........SEON POWER get mention....lol

www.planetworldcup.com

The second game started out like something memorable, with Eliseo Quintanilla of El Salvador stinging Jan Michael Williams' hands with an early shot, and then Silvio Spann of T&T scoring on a wondrous 40-meter free kick (and throwing in a rapturous celebration to boot). But before long you realized that one team was fielding a B-minus side and the other had nearly been eliminated by Bermuda in the last WCQ, and the game settled into mediocrity. Give both sides credit, though: they played spirited and largely clean, and although hardly a feast for the eyes it was much more watchable than USA-Guatemala.

    Well, watchable unless you were a T&T fan. Because after the Spann free kick T&T got nothing, and El Salvador got two goals for the 2:1 win. Man of the match was Quintanilla, who tired a bit in the second half but was overall the guts of the attack. He made his biggest impact in the 38th minute, first drawing a free kick, then in the aftermath lofting a fine cross to the far post, where Alfredo Pacheco rather spectacularly stuck out his right leg and turned the ball back for Ramón Sánchez' neat finish. In the second half T&T had a bit more of the possession, but neither Gary Glasgow nor André Toussaint could convert chances up front, and El Salvador got the winner with nine minutes to go. Centerback Keyeno Thomas had been the best of the Warriors to that point, but his soft crossfield pass was intercepted by substitute José Orlando "Chepe" Martínez, who homed in on the other centerback, Anthony Noreiga. Noreiga stopped him at the top of the area, but the loose ball was picked up by none other than veteran striker Ronald Cerritos, famous for his fights with the federation but having a vigorous and uncontroversial second half. He sent it in for Martínez close to goal, Thomas missed the tackle, the shot was blocked on the line by Romauld Aguilera, and Dennis Alas, last seen getting ejected from a WCQ game for wearing a necklace, drove the rebound into the open net.

    You look at El Salvador's Gold Cup record and you see they haven't done all that badly. This is their third straight appearance with a win in the group stage. Unfortunately, that's usually their limit, and nothing they showed here suggested it'll be any different this time. Central defense was erratic, and keeper Juan José Gómez uncharacteristically shaky in the first half. A more experienced side would probably have taken advantage. But let's give them a shout for the comeback, and a positive note for Leonel Guevara, who looked good at right back.

    You want to say that T&T have nowhere to go but up, but more likely they'll be going further down, since El Salvador was their easiest opponent. They had a few moments: sub Kerry Baptiste with a couple of good crosses from the right, some tidy play by defensive midfielder Aguilera, a flash or two (but also some disasters) from left back Seon Power. Best for the Warriors just to keep their heads down and keep plugging, and watch the TV highlights for Spann's wonder strike.

ah love it!!

72

Football / Chelsea's new approach?

« on: June 15, 2007, 11:12:20 AM »

Have u noticed that all of chelsea's three signings this season have been made on a free transfer?

Sidwell - Reading
Pizzaro - Bayern Munich
Ben Haim - Bolton

This a far cry from the transfers of Wright Phillips, Ballack, Sheva etc from the past two seasons!

Signs of a change in approach for the quadruple title season ahead!!

ah love it!!

73

Football / FA wants Manutd to win league?

« on: April 20, 2007, 06:32:05 AM »

Manutd playing before Chelsea again!!

I getting real upset now!
              

How many times do Manutd have to play before Chelsea this season? Geez and ages. 

It is getting painfully obvious now!

The one time that Chelsea played before manutd, manutd ended up losing.

I know that some people will come up here and state that you still have to go out there and win games, but anyone who was involved in sports at any level should know a thing or two about the PRESSURE of expectation!!

For example, the second penalty in sudden death penalty kicks is always harder than the first if the first kicker scores.  That is what chelsea has to deal with whole season and quite frankly i think it is unfair!!

ah cyar love dat!!

74

Football / Dwight's success vs Soca Warrior success??

« on: March 22, 2007, 09:06:03 AM »

This story is dated December 9, 1999.  While reading it, it just came to mind that we cant really say that some of our players never got the chance to show their worth at some top clubs.  It also made me think about the impact of the WC as opposed to dwight's success.

In my opinion, we had more people on trial due to Yorke's success rather than the soca warrior's trip to germany.

wha allyuh think?

ah love it!!

www.skysports.com

DWIGHT YORKE has blazed something of a trail when it comes to Trinidad and Tobago stars looking to leave their sunny climes for a crack at a career in football in England.

Manchester United`s £12.6 million man has already been joined by the likes of Shaka Hislop, Tony Rougier and Stern John in coming to Britain and several more of his compatriots are moving out of The Carribbean in a bid to secure professional contracts.

Derek King, a defender, is trying to impress Southampton boss Dave Jones while forward Gary Glasgow is hoping for a trial period at Newcastle after previous spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City.

Even Chester City are getting in on the act by taking a first-hand look at Michael McCormie and Angus Eve. McCormie is a goalkeeper hoping to follow in Hislop`s footsteps and Eve usually plays in midfield

75

Football / Cole to help in Birmingham Promo push!

« on: March 21, 2007, 02:22:23 PM »

I really cant see how he can help this side, but then again, i am no manager!!

www.skysports.com

Birmingham have clinched the loan signing of Portsmouth striker Andy Cole.

Cole arrives on loan at St Andrews until the end of the season.

The former England international has failed to hold down a place in Pompey's starting XI and he was keen to secure a move away for regular first-team action.

Blues boss Steve Bruce was delighted to land his former Manchester United team-mate and believes his goals can aid their promotion bid.

"We are absolutely delighted to bring Andy in for our Championship run in because he is an exceptional player with a phenomenal goalscoring record," Bruce told the club's official website.

"We feel that his experience will prove to be very beneficial to the team, particularly as we have so many young players.

"Despite his age he has always looked after himself, which is why he is still playing at the highest level of the game.

"We hope that with his extra quality up front he can help us to secure the promotion that we are so desperate for."

76

Football / The 60 million pound Premiership race

« on: March 11, 2007, 12:18:40 PM »

This is an excellent read!! Stern John get big up!!

ah love it!!

www.skysports.com

This season’s Championship promotion race is gearing up for a dramatic finale, but it will also be the most lucrative in history according to financial experts.

Only 10 points separate the top eight clubs at present, and the three lucky sides who win promotion will be rewarded with a bumper £60million pay-day thanks to increased revenue from foreign television.

As such, May’s play-off final will be a one-off encounter of epic proportions, and Deloitte’s Dan Jones believes the occasion will easily dwarf the UEFA Champions League final in terms of financial reward.

"It is going to be a very dramatic finish and as you say the most financially rewarding, richest race in football really," Jones told Sky Sports News.

"It's £60million a head, we think, to the three winners who are going to make that step up into the Premiership.

"It is very, very close, and of course the big game will be the play-off final in May.

"When that final comes around, that will be a £60million game right there in that 90 minutes.

"That is incredible, it is so more than even the Champions League final being the winner or the loser."

The majority of clubs have just ten games remaining this season, and with the promotion race too close to call, Sky Sports expert Chris Kamara has cast his eye over the runners and riders...

DERBY COUNTY - Position: 1st
Form: 7pts from the last 18

CHRIS SAYS: They have had a bit of a bad patch but Billy Davies probably hopes they are through that now they are clear at the top of the table. The key for me is Giles Barnes. He is only 18 and has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, but if he keeps performing like we know he can then they have one hell of a chance.


BIRMINGHAM CITY - Position: 2nd
Form: 13pts from the last 18

CHRIS SAYS: They probably have the hardest fixtures left of all the clubs in the Championship if you look at the teams they have to play. Preston last game of the season, could it all hinge on that? The one hazard they have got is their pitch. As far as they are concerned, Nicklas Bendtner for me at the start of the season was fantastic, if he can end the season really well then he is the player that can push them all the way.


WEST BROMWICH ALBION - Position: 3rd
Form: 11pts from the last 18

CHRIS SAYS: Losing the game at home to Sunderland last weekend would have been a massive blow. They do have the player voted the best outside the Premiership — Jason Koumas — but Diomansy Kamara is the key. If he keeps on scoring then Tony Mowbray’s side will find themselves in the play-offs.


SUNDERLAND - Position: 4th
Form: 16pts from the last 18

CHRIS SAYS: Playing catch-up since the start of the season but now they are on a roll they seem unstoppable. The key games for them are Cardiff away, Southampton away and Wolves at home at the Stadium of Light. Stern John has been a wonderful signing for Roy Keane, I think Dwight Yorke recommended him, and he could help score the goals that gets them to the Premiership.


PRESTON NORTH END - Position: 5th
Form: 9pts from the last 18

CHRIS SAYS: A great win on Monday night against Southampton. David Nugent scored a brilliant goal and he is the key for them. If he continues to score then there is no doubt that they will probably be in the play-offs. If you look at their run-in, there is only one team around them they have to play and that is Birmingham City on the final day of the season.


WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS - Position: 6th
Form: 16pts from the last 18

CHRIS SAYS: They have some difficult fixtures to come but it is in their hands. They have three home games against teams around them — West Brom at home, Southampton at home and Birmingham City at home. The game they have away, would you believe, is Sunderland - Mick McCarthy's old club and of course Roy Keane is manager there. A wonderful chance, it is in their hands.


SOUTHAMPTON - Position: 7th
Form: 7pts from the last 18

CHRIS SAYS: They've had a bit of a blip for George Burley but George can revitalise his team. We know what he is like, he has been in this situation before. Key games for them are Cardiff City at home and Wolverhampton Wanderers away.


CARDIFF - Position: 8th
Form: 10pts from the last 18

CHRIS SAYS: The key is their home form. If they win their home games they give themselves a chance of making the play-offs, I think David (Jones) knows that. Michael Chopra, if he continues to score the way he has for most of the season, will be key

77

Football / Sydney FC target Sheringham

« on: March 05, 2007, 10:39:05 AM »

I really see him in ah suit during the game against Tottenham and i thought he was injured.  He is still an influencial player but i think he wont be as effective as Dwight Yorke.  Backward step for Sydney FC!!

www.skysports.com

West Ham's Teddy Sheringham is a target for Sydney FC.

The Australian A-League side claim they have "opened discussions" with the veteran striker over a $1.2m (£483,000) deal.

The former Manchester United and England forward, who is 41 next month, is out of favour with Alan Curbishley and out of contract at Upton Park in the summer.

"He's still playing at the top level and is, by any standards, an excellent player," club chief executive George Perry told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

"He obviously has a wealth of experience and his presence would put bums on seats. He comes highly recommended and I think he would create a buzz around the club.

"We don't think he's too old. He's stayed fit and has a presence about him. He'd be a great ambassador for the club."

Sydney are yet to appoint a full-time replacement for former England skipper Terry Butcher, who was sacked as coach last month.

78

Football / The Bellamy-Riise Explanation

« on: March 02, 2007, 07:57:34 AM »

They finally get time to think up a story!! Ifind it strange that he got fined 80,000 pounds for only that....lol

ah love it!!

www.skysports.com

Craig Bellamy has lifted the lid on his bust-up with John Arne Riise, admitting he 'lost control' when confronting his Liverpool team-mate.

During a training camp in Portugal last month, Bellamy was alleged to have brandished a golf club at Riise following a team night out.

The fracas cast a shadow over Liverpool's preparations for their UEFA Champions League tie in Barcelona, only for both players to score in the 2-1 success in Camp Nou.

Any rift between the pair has been quickly healed, with Bellamy explaining what prompted him to confront Riise in an aggressive fashion.

"It started when we were all doing a bit of karaoke," Bellamy told the Daily Mirror. "I only sang one song and that was Red, Red Wine by UB40. That was because Jerzy Dudek was drinking it. That's how silly it all was.

"A lot of the lads wanted Riise to get up there next because he hadn't turned up at the dinner earlier and I tried to get him up too.

"I wasn't that bothered whether he wanted to sing or not, so I sat back down, but he wasn't too happy about me trying to get him to sing, so he let me know about it.

"The situation was calmed down then, but when I was walking back to the hotel with Steve Finnan, who I was rooming with, I lost control for a few seconds.

"I went and confronted 'Ginger' and I said to him 'Don't be doing that in front of the players again'.

"And that was really about it. I didn't want to cause a scene in front of everybody else. I just wanted to talk to him about it alone.

"John has been great about it. Straight away the next morning we were training together. There's no problem now."

79

Football / Wenger: I'm sticking with my young players for Carling Final

« on: February 01, 2007, 06:12:57 AM »

I wonder if this attitude bears some similarity to the attitude that some people want us to adopt for our young team with respect to who goes to the Gold Cup?

ah love it!!

www.skysports.com

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has vowed to stick with his kids for the Carling Cup final with Chelsea.

The Gunners booked their place in next month's final with a 3-1 win extra-time win over North Londoners rivals Tottenham Hotspur to progress 5-2 on aggregate.

Wenger was proud of his young players' performance and has hailed them as the best set of youngsters he has worked with.

"From the back to the forwards you have class, everywhere you have good players," said Wenger.

"It's a sensational feeling to work with them and go through with them.

"They have a heart and as a manager, that is fantastic.

"They say life is too easy for young footballers, but it is a question of motivation and how much you want it.

"They've shown they are highly motivated, ready to fight.

"I'm very proud of them in the whole competition and they deserve to be involved in the final.

"We played against Liverpool, Everton, West Brom and Tottenham - why should we get a complex because the colour of the shirt is different?"

80

Football / match report: TT - 1 - Haiti - 2

« on: January 23, 2007, 11:59:04 PM »

For the first time since Ash Wednesday 2005, the Soca Warriors lost a football game at home.

But was it a loss? Only one player who went to Germany featured in this team and we had to come up against teams that had to play at least 6-8 games in qualifying for this tournament.

Wim did an excellent job and given what he had to work with, he exceeded all expectations.

The crowd outside the stadium was nice, no rush, no hastle, with plenty people streaming in easy!

Ah reach in the stadium around 6-ish and found out that the Cubans were battling with Guadeloupe for the third place prize! There was where i bounce up Touches, Cowen, Patriot, Girl Warrior, Weary1969, Jefferz, Dombasil, Johpants, Swima, Kandi_tt and a few others.

The crowd was building nice and everybody was waiting for de final tuh start!!

Our warriors came out of the tunnel a confident bunch and captain Densil "Yorke" Theobald looked ever so calm as he stepped onto the pitch.

After listening to one of the worst renditions of our anthem for some time, the teams kicked off the game.

Team Trinidad started with the customary 4-4-2.

Williams in goal,

Telesford, Power, Daniel, and Hislop at the back

Fitzpatrick, Jemmot, Theobald, and Baptiste in the middle

Roberts and Glasgow in front

Things was looking good at the start.  We were stroking the ball around confidently at the back, with Theobald and Jemmot linking nicely.  We were not creating anything in front, but neither were the Haitians.  We dominated possesion and for the first time in a long time, a local side settled quickly.

It was this settled state, that allowed the Haitians to capitalize on our acquired over-confidence!!

Jemmot (the topic of a continuing debate between myself and touches during the game) took the ball from the half line, dislocated.........then pop back in the knee cap of one defender, and laid the ball on for Gary "flicks and tricks" Glasgow who lost the ball while trying to repeat the feat.

The ensuing counter attack was so swift, so fast, that if you took the time out to bawl "OOOH GOOOOOOOOD" for the Jemmot fake and turn, you would have missed it.

Four passes and they were in the box, ah shot came in, Jan Williams parried, then BOOM, the rebound was scored.

The Warriors tried to regroup after that, but with their new found confidence now shattered, they had no chance against the Haitians. 

Only some last gap defending help prevented the scoreline from widening.  Baptiste was working tirelessly on the right and Theobald fought tooth and nail in the middle, but everyone was praying for half time to come.

HALF TIME: TT - 0   :  HAITI - 1

The same teams came on after the restart and Theobald decided to step it up.  He was everywhere, jumping for headers like ah jumping jack and sliding into tackles like his big brother Yorke.  The warriors were running hard, but they just could match the speed of the Haitians.

Speed was once again the order of the day for Haiti's second goal.  Some slick passing on our right side had our players looking like training cones and the ball was played into the box.  Carbon copy to first goal since Jan Williams again parried and BOOM AGAIN........2-0 in the 55th minute.

Shoulders started to drop, de flags stop waving, people start tuh call fuh stag, and maximus chant needed ah red bull.

Wim then decided to make a change, he took off Hislop and brought on Joel Bailey (ah south man like me........yay!!) and the formation was 3-4-3.

Within minutes we could see the difference, Bailey added some strength, speed and width to our attack and was a major threat in the air.

It was one of Bailey's runs that allowed some space for Roberts who then tried to cross the ball in but it was handled just outside the area.

Free kick time!!  Jemmot, Theobald, and Daniel behind the ball......Theobald walks away and then everyone assumed that jemmot was going to take it. 

Up steps Daniel to dummy the ball.............but it ends up in the net.  What a brilliant dummy (ah mean free kick) it was.  Bend it like Daniel was the cry.  Beckham would have had no complaints about that goal.

2-1 was the score with 25 minutes to go.

The warriors then started to take over with Theobald leading from the front.  With 15,000 people willing them on, our so-called third choice team began to demonstrate why they were the favorites coming into this match. 

Cross after cross after cross after cross (to de beat of iwer george "fete after fete")........headed away by the Haitian defenders

Shot after shot after shot after shot.............saved by the impressive Haitian keeper.

foul after foul after foul after foul..............by the Haitians (on jemmot particularly) who began to get desperate.

Baptiste had a brilliant chance in the 88th minute when he skipped past 3 tackles, made some room for himself on top the box, and unleashed a powerful right foot shot, only for it to be saved by the keeper.

At that moment i looked at Touches and Cowen and told them that we lorse, and the game petered out into some boom kick football with us kicking it forward and Haiti heading it back.

The final whistle came without much fanfare and a disappointed, but proud Trinidad and Tobago crowd left the stadium ignoring the pleas of the announcers to stay and watch Destra wine in the closing ceremony.

PLAYER RATINGS

JAN WILLIAMS - 8 - was not really busy in this game, but showed competence when called upon.  The two goal conceded were as a result of rebounds from brilliant saves.

POWER - 6 - still out of his depth at this level, but made some crucial interventions

TELESFORD - 6 - has too much skills for my liking. Needs to stick to the basics a little more.  Very promising player.

HISLOP - 6 - he was a little more solid than telesford, but still prone to the odd mistake and mental lapse.  Not too bad a game.

DANIEL - 8 - was the most solid of our defenders, second time i have seen him score a goal like that.

FITZPATRICK - 7 - showed alot of grit and determination, but is just a little too slow for the wing.  He got passed his man a few times but was too slow in crossing in the ball.

BAPTISTE - 7 - Not a bad back up for Carlos, he sent in some good and bad crosses today.

JEMMOT - 6.5 - drifted in and out of this game too much and was not calling for the ball as he should. still the best passer on the team, but he didn't look fit today.  He was also fouled alot.

THEOBALD - 9 - everyone knows that i am not a Theobald fan, but he getting ah big Bligh from me today.  Yorke clone looking more and more like him with each game he plays.

ROBERTS - 7 - in my opinion, he is the find of the tournament.  A tireless runner who has good feet.  He has a very Bright futrue ahead. Worked hard for the team today.

GLASGOW - 6 - passed his best (if there ever was a best)

BAILEY - 7 - showed nice energy on the pitch.  his strength troubled the Haitians.

This young team did well under the circumstances, and i for one am proud of their acheivement!!..........congrats to haiti on being the new Caribbean Champions and we wish you luck at the Gold Cup.

ah love it!!

81

Football / John Carew to Villa, Baros to a Lyon

« on: January 22, 2007, 12:45:38 PM »

I think Carew is one of the most overrated players in Europe!

www.skysports.com

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Norway striker John Carew from Lyon.

The 27-year-old has arrived as part of the deal which took Milan Baros to France.

Carew has penned a three-and-half year deal at Villa Park.

England will be the fifth county of Carew's career - having already plied his trade in Norway, Spain, Italy and France.

82

Football / Magpies Linked With Real Strikers

« on: January 15, 2007, 09:37:25 AM »

Ronaldo in the premier league? that would be interesting.  I think capello doing rubbish at Real Madrid.

www.soccer365.com

Newcastle have been linked with a shock double move for Ronaldo and Antonio Cassano.

The Real Madrid duo have both fallen out with Italian boss Fabio Capello, who has made it clear he's keen to offload the strikers during the transfer window and the Magpies could be ready to swoop.

Ronaldo is reportedly available for £5million this month and it now appears the Brazilian star could have played his last game for the club.

However if Glenn Roeder is able to convince Ronaldo to move to St James Park then they will have to pay out wages of at least £90,000 a week while Casano won't come cheap either.

The Spanish club's president Ramón Calderón has said: "It seems that Ronaldo is no longer in the coach's plans and that is the way it is.

"There is the possibility of something happening before January 31 and if that happens then we shall see.

In regards to Cassano, Capello confirmed he's no longer in his thinking and is soon to be through the exit door of the Bernabeu .

Capello said on Saturday: "Cassano does not enter into my plans."

83

Football / Sheffield Utd close in on Luton Shelton

« on: January 15, 2007, 09:28:33 AM »

Let's see what this Jamaican guy is made of because much is being said of him. 

www.skysports.com

Helsingborgs have agreed to sell striker Luton Shelton to Sheffield United.

The Jamaica international has been a long-time target for Neil Warnock, who has been determined to add to his attack in the January transfer window.

He baulked at Preston North End's £6million asking price for David Nugent and, instead, has lined up a cheaper deal for Shelton.

The forward's Swedish club Helsingborgs, who recently loaned Henrik Larsson to Manchester United, have confirmed a deal is in place.

"It's a good deal for all parties," Helsingborgs director Bo Nilsson told the club's official website.

"We will replace Luton with a player of the same quality."

If The Blades push through the transfer of Shelton, it will end the player's wait for a chance to shine in England.

Burnley had previously arranged a deal for the pacey front man, only to be denied a work permit.

Shelton, who played against England in a friendly prior to the World Cup, will now discuss personal terms over a switch to Bramall Lane.

84

Football / Hammers seal Boa Morte deal

« on: January 05, 2007, 08:00:32 AM »

He really must have been unhappy at Fulham!!

www.skysports.com

West Ham have completed the signing of Fulham winger Luis Boa Morte.

Boa Morte arrives at Upton Park for an undisclosed fee and has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the club.

The Portuguese international successfully passed a medical and agreed personal terms at West Ham on Thursday.

The former Arsenal man is Alan Curbishley's first signing at Upton Park as he looks to rebuild the side.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman admitted he was disappointed to lose his skipper Boa Morte.

"I am of course disappointed that Luis has decided his future is not with Fulham FC," Coleman told the club's official website.

"He has been a great servant to the club and we all wish him well.

"However, I have always said that if a player is not happy playing for this club and expresses a desire to go, then I would be prepared to let him leave; and this was the case with Luis.

"Having discussed this with the chairman and the managing director, we believe it is in the best interest of the club to invest in players who are prepared to commit their future to us.

"We will continue to add strength and depth this window and, if necessary, the next to ensure that we have a strong enough squad of players for the future to enable us to push on as a club, which remains our ambition."

85

Football / Crouch in Juventus link

« on: January 04, 2007, 08:07:14 AM »

crouch mad if he goes there!!

www.skysports.com

Juventus are thought to be targeting a move for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, according to reports in Italy.

Reports suggest Juventus have lined up Crouch as a possible replacement for David Trezeguet.

Trezeguet's long-term future at Juve is shrouded in doubt, with the player thought to be considering his options.

Juventus are now believed to be drawing up a list of targets to replace Trezeguet, should the Frenchman leave Turin.

Crouch is thought to come under the gaze of Juve officials, as doubts continue to grow over his Liverpool future.

It has even been suggested that Liverpool and Juventus might do a straight swap between Crouch and Trezeguet.

The England international has struggled to hold down a regular place in Rafa Benitez's side this season, with Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy keeping him out of the side.

Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in the player, but Crouch insists he has no plans to quit Anfield.

Juventus are also thought to have targeted Ajax ace Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Werder Bremen star Miroslav Klose as possible striking reinforcements.

86

Football / Queen's Park Rangers sign Finn

« on: January 03, 2007, 09:10:17 AM »

Isnt this the same player that was supposed to be signed with Avery John!??

www.skysports.com

Queens Park Rangers have signed Finland international Sampsa Timoska on a free transfer.

The utility man put pen-to-paper on an 18-month contract with the West Londoners, having arrived from Finnish club MyPa-47.

The 27-year-old comes to Loftus Road after a previous trial spell with Championship rivals Colchester United back in November.

Timoska has experience of playing in both the UEFA Champions League and the Uefa Cup with MyPa, and is sure to add another option for John Gregory's side.

"He's a neat and tidy footballer, who is very versatile and can play across the back four, or in midfield," Gregory told QPR's official website.

"He will enhance our squad and gives us a bit of improvement in those areas. He's a good athlete as well.

87

Football / Jose: United have missed chance

« on: January 03, 2007, 09:02:23 AM »

This is why he is de best manager in the whole world.........ah love it!!

we still going and win de league by 8 pts!!

www.skysports.com

Jose Mourinho feels Manchester United have missed an opportunity to open up a decisive lead over Chelsea.

With Petr Cech, Arjen Robben and John Terry among those on the Chelsea injury list, Mourinho's side have dropped points against Reading, Fulham and Aston Villa over the festive period.

Chelsea are now six points adrift at the top going into the second half of the season, but Mourinho is confident his side can come back and believes United should have done better.

United lost to West Ham before Christmas and were held to a surprise 2-2 draw against Newcastle on New Year's day, and Mourinho is thankful that they have not opened up a gap of more than ten points.

He explained: "Considering the problems Chelsea have had, Manchester United should be 10, 12, 14 points clear of us.

"I am happy to be six points behind. Six points is nothing.

"In previous seasons, we have gone 11, 12 points clear and killed things off by Christmas. In my opinion, Manchester United did not take advantage of our bad moments. They could have done better.

"They didn't take their opportunity on Monday when they drew at Newcastle. Manchester United have dropped five points at West Ham and Newcastle recently and the gap could have been bigger.

"Now we look forward to the second half of the season when we should have some people back pretty quickly.

"John Terry should be available for the next Premiership game with Wigan and Petr Cech and Arjen Robben for the game after that (at Liverpool)         

88

Football / Jose considers Drogba for defensive switch

« on: December 28, 2006, 01:49:29 PM »

www.soccer365.com

Jose Mourinho has admitted that only a shortage of strikers has stopped him switching Didier Drogba to central defence.

The Ivory Coast man has been Chelsea's player of the season and has become the Premiership's leading scorer.

But Mourinho has considered using his talents in other areas after injury to John Terry and the poor form of Khalid Boulahrouz.

It's a pity I have also problems in attack because if in this moment I have other strikers playing at a great level I would play Didier as central defender," Mourinho said in the Daily Mirror.

"He is one of the best players in the team at the moment. He is playing fantastic.

"He scores goals and he also fights for the team. He was also good in defensive areas. He is playing absolutely brilliant.

"But I cannot do it because in attack I have also a lot of problems.

"I have no Joe Cole, I have no Robben...and I have Andrei Shevchenko playing very, very far from his level.

"In this moment I have just Didier as the only attacking player and I cannot play him as a central defender."

Chelsea are now inevitably being linked with other defenders, with Micah Richards and Matthew Upson the first names mentioned.

89

Football / KAHN: Germany would have won WC with me in goal

« on: December 22, 2006, 09:24:37 AM »

Talk about some superstitious shit!! I believe dat Kahn mad!! Some men does say anything to play.......lol.

www.skysports.com

Oliver Kahn has insisted that Germany would have won the World Cup if he had been in goal.

Arsenal's Jens Lehmann was preferred to Kahn between the posts this summer and helped the host nation to the semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual winners Italy.

But Kahn believes that logically he should have been first choice keeper.

"I'm not criticising what Jens Lehmann did, but with me Germany would have been world champions," he told weekly magazine Stern.

"I'm convinced of it because the way my career has evolved points in that direction.

"In 1994 with Karlsruhe I reached the semi-finals of the Uefa Cup - two years later I won this trophy with Bayern Munich.

"In 1999 I lost the UEFA Champions League final in the harshest circumstances before winning this competition two years later.

"Finally I lost the 2002 World Cup final. This logic, and I really believe in the law of series, should have continued at the 2006 World Cup."

Kahn, who retired from international football after the World Cup, said he had tried to explain his theory to World Cup coach Jurgen Klinsmann before the competition but 'he didn't understand or didn't want to understand'.

"I told him 'I don't understand why you won't admit that I'm right'," Kahn added

90

Football / Leeds trial ends for John.

« on: December 21, 2006, 01:37:59 PM »

Leeds trial ends for John.
By: newengland.com.[/size]

Avery John’s trial at Leeds United has ended with the English Championship side deciding not to pursue the possible signing of the Trinidad and Tobago international any further, according to his agent, Patrick McCabe.
John’s trial began on 29 November and saw him feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Middlesbrough. The 31-year-old was granted permission by the Revolution to try out for Leeds, though he remains under contract with MLS.
John was a member of the Trinidad and Tobago squad that played in its first-ever World Cup Finals in Germany last summer. Following his return from a tournament in which he started two of his country’s three games, the left-sided defender made a spot in the Revolution backline his own with a string of consistent displays alongside Jay Heaps and Michael Parkhurst.