Topics

31

Football / Is the WarriorNation a Political Organization?

« on: October 12, 2006, 08:17:40 AM »

I was thinking about this just last night.

The WarriorNation should not have taken ANY side in this standoff.  Why?  Because we do not have all of the facts, and are operating on piecemeal information.

In my opinion, the WarriorNation is NOT A POLITICAL ORGANIZATION and so, should not become embroiled in political isues such as the one that is currently taking place.  If you want to make a statement, just don't go to the games.  But to make public written statements taking one side or the other brands the organization as partisan now.

While we want to call a spade a spade, we have to remember that there are always three sides to a story: yours, mine, and the truth.  With that in mind, the WarriorNation should really refrain from taking sides in political matters such as these.

I am not a Jack Warner supporter, and the record can reflect that this is a truism.  So this post is not about supporting Jack.  It is more about supporting the WarriorNation, and ensuring that its reputation remains unsullied.

32

Football / It's a sad day in English football when...

« on: October 11, 2006, 12:58:54 PM »

they call the Sven Goran-Ericsson era the "good old days"!

hahahahahhahahahahaa

licks

33

Football / Imagine Makalele and Eto'o at Arsenal!!!!!

« on: October 04, 2006, 10:12:10 AM »

Gunners boosted by return of Clichy and Senderos

Source: www.soccernet.com

Arsenal duo Gael Clichy and Philippe Senderos made comebacks from injury in the reserve-team victory over West Ham at Upton Park.

 
Neither defender has played in the first team this season, and full-back Clichy came off at half-time as planned to protect his foot injury.


Switzerland centre-back Senderos, who suffered a shoulder injury in the World Cup game with South Korea, played the entire match.

Jeremie Aliadiere and Joe O'Cearuill scored in the 2-1 win, with Tony Stokes scoring for the hosts.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to officially mark Arsene Wenger's decade in charge ahead of the home game against Watford following the international break.

The 56-year-old Frenchman, though, shows few signs of contemplating his retirement just yet.

Wenger said: 'That [another 10 years] would look a bit pretentious, but I will try as hard as I can to be honest enough to know the day when I feel I am not good enough any more.

'You have to give everything and to feel as if it will be for your life, but also that it can stop any day.

'That is what I want to continue to do.'

Wenger reflected: 'Maybe my best performance [as Arsenal manager] was to play through the whole season unbeaten.

'It became pure happiness just to watch the team.

'There is not much room to do better.

'But you always want to be even closer to your best again.'

Wenger claims he has few regrets from his time at Arsenal - but not signing Claude Makelele and Samuel Eto'o when he had the chance just might be some of them.

The Gunners boss took part in a webchat on the club's official website yesterday afternoon, during which he revealed there had been opportunities to bring now Chelsea midfielder Makelele and Cameroon striker Eto'o to Highbury.

'Claude Makelele was close to signing for us, Samuel Eto'o too, and I missed a few,' said Wenger.

'I have been offered many players, like [Petr] Cech, who could have done well for us.

'Makelele was straight after (Patrick) Vieira came [August 1996], it was very early when he was still in Nantes, and Eto'o, just before he joined Barcelona [August 2004], it was between us and Barcelona.' 

Wenger is renowned for his intellectual approach to the modern game. The Frenchman has a degree in Economics from Strasbourg University.

'I was not too bad at maths,' Wenger quipped.

'It has helped in football because you understand you cannot spend money you do not have and that you have to balance your budget.'

As to how a career outside the game would have panned out, Wenger reflected: 'When I look back, sport and football was always the basic motivation in my life.

'Maybe I would have been in politics, or tried to work for the European Commission.

'I always wanted an international life, to travel and see what is happening outside my country.' Arsenal reserve-team boss Neil Banfield feels duo Gael Clichy and Philippe Senderos are 'well on the road to full recovery'.

Neither has played in the first team this season, but both featured for the reserves at Upton Park last night.

Switzerland centre-back Senderos, who suffered a shoulder injury in the World Cup game with South Korea, played the entire match, while full-back Clichy came off at half-time as planned to protect his foot injury.

Banfield said: 'They are well on the road to full recovery now, which is always good to see when someone gets a nasty injury.

'It was set down by the physiotherapist, the rehabilitation team and the manager that we could only give Gael 45 minutes. He wanted to play 60 - but unfortunately we had to say no.

'We said from the word go that Philippe would play 90 minutes and we were confident he would get through it, which he did.

'At the end he was breathing a little heavily, but that is to be expected.

'He needs games like that to get himself back in the first-team squad.'

Banfield added on the club's official website: 'Their attitude is first class and they have both done ever so well.

'I think they needed the game and there is another one coming up for them in a couple of weeks.'


 

34

Football / Crouch score a bicycle. Yes, Crouch.

« on: September 27, 2006, 02:50:45 PM »

I have to see this for myself on Sky Sports tonight.

35

Football / The Chat Room gone through or what?

« on: September 26, 2006, 12:14:51 PM »

What happen to it?

36

Football / Since when Barcelona had a shirt sponsor?

« on: September 12, 2006, 12:58:01 PM »

I see they have UNICEF on the front of their shirt.  That is not sponsorship is it?  Doesn't Barcelona pride itself on NOT having a shirt sponsor?

37

Football / All Transfers can be found here

« on: September 01, 2006, 09:22:18 AM »

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=252775&cc=5901

38

Football / Todays Topics/Rumours in Football

« on: July 26, 2006, 09:00:26 AM »

Todays Topics in Football

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TRANSFER RUMOURS

Arsenal have upped their asking price for Chelsea target Ashley Cole to £30m. (Daily Telegraph, Daily Mirror)

Or, £20m will be enough to take the England left-back to Stamford Bridge next week. (Daily Mail)

Arsenal will use £10m of the eventual fee for Cole to sign Yossi Benayoun from West Ham, but he is also a target for Liverpool. (Independent).

West Ham are hoping to sign Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips on a season-long loan. (The Sun)

Chelsea have offered a new five-year contract to William Gallas, who has one year left on his current deal. (Times)

Frank Lampard is staying at Stamford Bridge after Barcelona dropped their interest in signing him because of his poor World Cup (Times)

But Didier Drogba says he could still leave Chelsea. (The Sun)

Sol Campbell could sign for Italian side Fiorentina following their reinstatement to Serie A for next season. (Mirror)

Tottenham are resigned to seeing midfielder Michael Carrick join Manchester United after he rejected their latest contract offer. (Guardian)

Spurs will turn to veteran Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved as a replacement for Carrick. (Guardian)

United are to offer £12m for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe after being snubbed by Fernando Torres. (Star)

Manchester City keeper David James and Rennes shotstopper Andreas Isaksson are both targets for Portsmouth. (Various)

Bolton are set to make a surprise bid for veteran Manchester City striker Andy Cole. (Independent)

Wigan Athletic are confident of beating Charlton to the £1.75m signing of Crystal Palace defender Enmerson Boyce. (Various)

Another Palace player, winger Jobi McAnuff has handed in a transfer request and is in wanted by Watford and Sheffield United. (Times, Guardian)

Wolves want to sign Everton midfielder Lee Carsley. (The Sun)

Blackburn are close to completing a £3m deal for Porto's South African striker Benni McCarthy. (Daily Star)

Tottenham boss Martin Jol is considering a £6m bid for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. (The Sun)



OTHER GOSSIP

Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is close to agreeing a deal to club management and could combine his new job with coaching Jamaica. (Independent)

Ex-Chelsea forward Eidur Gudjohnsen says Blues players are scared of Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho. (Various)

Manchester United forward Alan Smith has returned to training five months after suffering a horrific broken leg. (The Sun)



FUNNIES

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says one of the reasons he has had his hair cut so short is that he wants the young players at Stamford Bridge to copy him and have a "proper haircut". (The Sun)

Wayne Rooney has called in emergency gardeners to tend to the ailing lawns at his mansion. The Manchester United striker recently spent £50,000 on new grass for 'Waynesor Castle' but the scorching heat has taken its toll. (Daily Mirror)

New Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has promised to sack himself from the manager's role if he doesn't deliver the goods. (Daily Mirror)

39

Football / Today's Football News/Gossip

« on: June 29, 2006, 07:56:40 AM »

GERMANY GOSSIP
The US want Jurgen Klinsmann to take over as their coach after the World Cup is over. (Daily Express)

England practised penalties in training on Wednesday and only David Beckham and Steve Gerrard scored all of their attempts. (Daily Mirror)

Sven-Goran Eriksson is talking to publishers about a tell-all biography that could earn him as much as £2m. (Daily Mirror, Daily Telegraph, The Sun)

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo is winning his race to be fit to play England on Saturday. (The Sun)

Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says his country should opt for a foreign coach again to replace Guus Hiddink. (The Sun)

Argentina play-maker Juan Roman Riquelme has had the most touches of the ball at the World Cup with 399, Italy's Andrea Pirlo is second with 365. (The Independent)




WORLD CUP FUNNIES
Wayne Rooney has revealed that England fans sent him weird "cures" to help his foot heal faster. (The Sun)

Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo, who will officiate England's quarter-final against Portugal, enjoys writing romantic poetry in his spare time. (The Sun)

Jurgen Klinsmann arranged for Germany's national archery coach to give his players some tips to help them concentrate - as well as archery, Klinsmann has tried go-karting and a watch-making course as alternative training methods. (Daily Mirror, The Sun)

Adidas are beating Nike in the battle of the brands as they supply shirts to three quarter-finalists and Nike only two. (Daily Mail)

Ronaldinho has been repeatedly playing as Manchester United in computer football game competitions within the Brazil camp. (Daily Mirror)

40

Football / Today's Football News/Gossip

« on: June 28, 2006, 09:10:49 AM »

GERMANY GOSSIP
David Beckham was pencilled in to play right-back against Ecuador - with Aaron Lennon on right wing - but talked Sven-Goran Eriksson out of it. (Daily Mail, The Guardian)

Portugal striker Pauleta believes goalkeeper Paul Robinson is a weak link in the England team. (The Sun)

Alessandro Nesta is doubtful for Friday's quarter-final against Portugal. (The Independent, The Times)

Holland coach Marco van Basten will be offered an extension to his contract despite his team's bad-tempered World Cup exit. (The Guardian, The Independent)

Torsten Frings, Germany's holding midfielder, says the hosts will not man-mark Argentina maestro Juan Riquelme. (Daily Express, The Sun)





WORLD CUP FUNNIES
German breweries are worried they cannot make beer fast enough to satisfy the huge thirsts of England's World Cup fans. (Daily Mirror, The Sun)

The 15 "fan fests" in Germany are selling half a litre of water for £2.40, 20 pence more than they charge for the same amount of beer. (The Guardian, The Sun)

Jamie Carragher's entourage of friends and family - the House of Scouse - has grown too large to be invited to official FA events, not that that has stopped them from having an independently good time. (Daily Mail)

German tabloid Bild took another shot at David Beckham on Tuesday, poking fun at the England midfielder for being sick during Sunday's match against Ecuador. (Daily Mirror, The Sun)

A Chinese football commentator has sparked controversy in the country with his hugely biased reaction to Italy's win over Australia - he defended his commentary by saying, "I don't like Australians." (The Times)

Supermarket chain Asda wants to sign up Portugal star Figo for an advertising campaign in a hope that its injury jinx will strike again - Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen have already fallen victim to the jinx. (Daily Mirror)

41

2006 World Cup - Germany / Anyone travelling on June 8th out of JFK?

« on: June 02, 2006, 08:58:57 AM »

just checking to see

42

Football / Which team beat the Sando Tech bomb squad with Latas, Faustin, Leonson etc?

« on: May 30, 2006, 02:20:52 PM »

I am having an argument with a partner and he is telling me that somebody beat them in Skinner's Park.  I cannot remember that atall

43

Football / Men eh go believe this one... FULL PAGE COLOUR PULLOUT OF THE SOCA WARRIORS

« on: May 17, 2006, 07:09:52 AM »

I am working in Nicaragua this week.  Would you believe that there is a FULL PAGE COLOUR PULLOUT OF THE SOCA WARRIORS in the country's main daily newspaper!!!!!

It is a picture of the team before the second Bahrain game, with a write up on each player:

Just a summary on what they have said:

Jack: A goal keeper blessed with great reflexes

Lawrence: Very technically sound player with great height advantage for headers

Avery John: An "acceptable"left back who is very physical

Gray: A wing back with a very offensive mentality

Andrews: Poweful and fast

Birchall: Only white player on the team.  Very good technical skills.  Organises the midfield.

Edwards: Very offensive-minded winger with great ball control

Whitley: Tremendous physical condition.  Plays with tenacity for the full 90 minutes.

Yorke: 34 years of age but has a goal scorers instinct.  One of the key players on the team

Jones: Very physical presence in the center midfield.  21 years old and plays with Southampton

Stern John:  The key goalscorer on the team.  Knows how to lose markers and can get a strike on goal in very little space.

They also have bigger pictures of Stern and Dwight.

On style of play they say that as a team of "modest ability" Trinidad compensates by playing a physical game and good physical condition.  Lacking top quality players we rely on a top quality coach, his schemes and organization of the team.  Our best quality in the World Cup is that we have no pressure as we have nothing to lose.

44

Football / Todays Topics in Football

« on: May 12, 2006, 07:49:44 AM »

Todays Topics in Football

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is set to delve into Roman Abramovich's deep pockets once more for £22m striker Carlos Tevez from Argentina. (The Sun)

But that's small change compared to the £26m they plan to spend on German midfielder Michael Ballack's wages alone. (Daily Express)

In a possible bid to meet any deficit from such signings, Chelsea have tried to off-load midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips back to Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

Man City, though, might face competition from Liverpool among other clubs. (The Times)

Staying in Manchester, Roy Keane blocked former manager Sir Alex Ferguson from allowing the Scot from giving an address to the crowd in his honour at his testimonial. (The Sun)

It might not match Chelsea's cash splashing but Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque is set to become the highest-paid player in the club's history after being offered him a £50,000-a-week contract to stay at Craven Cottage. (The Sun)

His countryman Djibril Cisse insists he is going nowhere at the end of the season having pledged his future to Liverpool ahead of the FA Cup final. (The Sun)

Staying put seems to be the French way with Newcastle defender Jean-Alain Boumsong pleading to be held onto by Newcastle despite failing to shine since his £8m move. (The Sun)

One Frenchman going places, however, is Robert Pires who has finally decided to quit Arsenal. But he won't be staying in the Premiership - he's off to Villareal. (Daily Mirror)

Wigan boss Paul Jewell is planning to bring eight fresh faces to the club next season. (The Sun)

One player he'll need to replace is Pascal Chimbonda, who is being sized up by Manchester United for £3m. (Daily Mirror)

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has been told by current employers Portsmouth he can leave in the summer. (Daily Star)

One Portsmouth player going nowhere, however, is midfielder Gary O'Neill, who plans to spurn Liverpool's advances in order to stay at Fratton Park. (Daily Star)

Craig Bellamy is being targeted by Tottenham boss Martin Jol as he bids to help his side recover from their Champions League heartbreak. (The Times)

On the management front, Neil Warnock is set to pen a new deal at Sheffield United, which will see him earn £700,000 a year at Bramall Lane. (Various)

Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie, meanwhile, is in the running to take over from Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough. (The Sun)

He might be in the running, but Boro owner Steve Gibson's top three are Alan Curbishley, Terry Venables and Martin O'Neill. (Daily Mirror)

And apparently Gibson's talked to all three of the above men about taking over on Teeside. (The Times)

After all that chatting, Venables is the favourite to take over. (The Guardian)

Lower down the league, Colchester boss Phil Parkinson is favourite to take over from sacked Ipswich boss Joe Royle. Parkinson has just taken the U's up from Division One. (Various)

West Brom manager Bryan Robson is eyeing a quick return to the Premiership with the aid of striker John Hartson. (The Sun)

And he could pair up with Nathan Ellington after Robson revealed he would turn down Wigan's attentions for the striker. (Daily Mail)

45

2006 World Cup - Germany / Anybody still waiting for tickets from FIFA?

« on: May 11, 2006, 09:13:22 AM »

I haven't received mine yet, and ah getting lil jumpy.  Based in the US.

46

Football / Todays Topics in Football

« on: May 10, 2006, 07:34:37 AM »

Todays Topics in Football
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Chelsea have rejected AC Milan's £4m bid for William Gallas. (The Sun)

Manchester United's hopes of landing Mahamadou Diarra have been boosted after Real Madrid pulled out of the race to sign the Lyon star. (The Sun)

Dutchman Edgar Davids is set to quit Tottenham and return to former club Ajax. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will offer Hernan Crespo in part exchange for £40m striker Andriy Shevchenko. (Daily Mirror)


Alan Shearer says Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen is "embarrassed" by his injury nightmare. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham boss Alan Pardew is ready to make Sunderland star Julio Arca his first buy. (The Sun)

Stockport have offered Jim Gannon a two-year contract to stay on as manager. (The Sun)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will not take up the option to buy Norway striker Azar Karadas from Benfica. (Daily Express)

Reading manager Steve Coppell is lining up a £1m move for Hearts midfielder Mirsad Beslija. (The Sun)

Liverpool and Tottenham are fighting for the signature of 16-year-old Gareth Bale of Southampton. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham's Kenny Cunningham has been told his contract will not be renewed. (Daily Star)

Dundee United are planning to move for Celtic keeper David Marshall and Rangers stopper Bob Malcolm. (Daily Record).

Unknown Englishman Rob McDonald is the surprise front-runner in the race to be Dundee manager. (Daily Record)

47

Football / WC: Goal-shy France enters as underdog (France fans, whey allyuh?)

« on: May 08, 2006, 11:13:34 PM »

WC: Goal-shy France enters as underdog

Associated Press
   
 
 
 
 PARIS (AP) - France coach Raymond Domenech believes playing with style is more important than winning matches at the World Cup.

That attitude does little to inspire public confidence after France flopped so dismally four years ago.

 
TEAMS 
 
G1 France  FRA 
G2 Switzerland SUI
G3 South Korea KOR
G4 Togo TOG
 
 
Following its exit from the 2004 European Championship quarterfinals, France barely scraped through qualifying for the World Cup, earning its place in the last match after Zinedine Zidane answered Domenech's call and came back for the last four games.

Unlike 2002, when France was favored to defend its title, the aging Zidane will lead a team of firm underdogs next month. Perhaps that suits France best.

In 1998, the team was not considered among the favorites, despite home advantage, and went on to win the title. But it may take an even bigger effort to win in Germany, where the team plays in Group G against Switzerland, South Korea and Togo.

Zidane and Lilian Thuram - French heroes in '98 - are at the end of their careers, and doubts persist whether Domenech has the total backing of the team as Aime Jacquet did eight years ago.

A former soldier in the French-Algerian war, Jacquet was a forthright leader of men. Domenech, a lover of astrology who dabbled in theater and film before becoming France coach, is a far more ambiguous character.

Heavily criticized after several 0-0 draws, he retorted that scoring goals was "not important" and said qualifying was more important than showing flair.

In a bizarre turnaround, he said the total opposite in a television interview on April 30.

"What I dream about is that at the end of each match, the fans leave the stadium with a smile," Domenech said. "Not necessarily because we're going to win, but because they have felt something.

"Sometimes you can go all the way, without giving any pleasure," he added. "You ask yourself, 'Is it not better to have one or two matches which last in the memory?"'

Since Domenech took charge in July 2004, France has lost only one of 18 matches - 2-1 against visiting Slovakia in March - but struggles to score goals and questions remain unanswered.

- Who is No. 1 goalkeeper?

- Which strikers supplement Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet in attack?

- Who plays in defense, and where?

- Is there a list of unfavored players?

Rare certainties appear to be that Zidane, Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele all play in midfield, and Domenech keeps faith in the Henry-Trezeguet partnership in attack.

Other areas of the field appear far more uncertain.

Domenech has yet to choose between Lyon's Gregory Coupet and Marseille's Fabien Barthez as first-choice 'keeper - much to the annoyance of both after he previously said he'd choose prior to the Slovakia match, then changed his mind.

"France is lucky enough to have two world class goalkeepers," Domenech said.

That debate is one of several unsettling problems within a squad that excludes players like Arsenal's Robert Pires and Johan Micoud of Werder Bremen - hinting at a Domenech black list.

Chelsea defender William Gallas wants to play at center-half, but Domenech prefers him at left back - where Eric Abidal has been so impressive for French champion Lyon.

Despite Jean-Alain Boumsong's poor season for Newcastle, he could play alongside Thuram at center-half, although Gallas appears the natural choice.

Gallas also faces a fight at left back from Abidal and Manchester United's Mickael Silvestre - recalled against Slovakia.

France's defensive quartet - Thuram, Marcel Desailly, Laurent Blanc and Bixente Lizarazu - formed the backbone of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs. Since then, France has struggled to find the same adhesion at the back.

Domenech, like Jacques Santini before him, appears no closer to an answer.

France boasts two strikers that would walk into most teams at the World Cup.

Trezeguet and Henry have scored 46 league goals between them this season: Henry notching 24 for Arsenal, Trezeguet 22 with Juventus (up to May 1).

Both have 31 goals for France and second-place on France's all-time scorers list behind Michel Platini (41).

But since November 2003, when Henry scored one and Trezeguet two in a stunning 3-0 win over Germany, the pair have rarely clicked - perhaps in part due to Trezeguet's injuries. He has played only six times since Euro 2004 after a shoulder operation and a leg injury.

In qualifying, France mustered only 14 goals in 10 games - 11 of those against the Faeroe Islands and Cyprus - with Liverpool's Djibril Cisse scoring four of them.

Domenech hinted that Cisse could be axed in favor of Manchester United's Louis Saha.

"Saha has shown the desire to overcome injury and has taken the place of Ruud Van Nistelrooy in the (Manchester United) team," Domenech said. "It is impressive."

Mocked for his affection for astrology and aversion to players born under the Scorpio star sign - such as Pires - Domenech overlooks Micoud but persists with Vikash Dhorasoo, even though he was dropped to Paris Saint-Germain's reserve team.

One of the brightest talents of the Bundesliga, Micoud is a regular scorer, while Dhorasoo has found the net only twice in the last two seasons.

Domenech, however, scored points by recalling Nicolas Anelka after a long exile. Anelka scored against Costa Rica and looked sharp against Germany and Slovakia.

France begins its World Cup challenge against Switzerland on June 13 against in Stuttgart.

France drew 0-0 and 1-1 with Switzerland in World Cup qualifying, and beat the Swiss 3-1 at Euro 2004 on two goals from Henry.

Following that, Group G games follow against South Korea on June 18 in Leipzig, and Togo on June 23 in Cologne.

 

48

Football / Todays Topics in Football

« on: May 08, 2006, 11:17:48 AM »

Todays Topics in Football
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Edgar Davids is ready to quit Spurs - even if they end the season in fourth place and win the final place in the Champions League. (News of the World)

Michael Owen is worried that his battle to be fully fit for the World Cup finals may end in heartbreak - just like Wayne Rooney's. (Sunday Mirror)

Middlesbrough defender Franck Quedrue wants to leave the Uefa Cup finalists and join Liverpool. (News of the World)

Chris Sutton will re-join former club Blackburn this summer. (Sunday Mirror)

Atletico Madrid have offered striker Fernando Torres to Manchester United - but want £14 million plus Ruud van Nistelrooy in exchange. (Daily Star)

United, Liverpool and Spurs are all interested in Wigan full-back Pascal Chimbonda and may get their man for around £4 million. (Daily Express)

Liverpool will sell winger Harry Kewell this summer - probably to Valencia, for a fee of £4 million. (Sunday People)

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes wants to sign Celtic's Stilian Petrov. (People)

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is just one good performance away from an England call-up. (Sunday Mirror)

Stuart Downing and Phil Neville are also in line for shock call-ups to the England squad. (Daily Star)

Premier League chairman are ready to use the TV deal windfall to cut ticket prices and subsidise fans' travel to away matches. (Sunday Express)

Sir Clive Woodward is ready to leave Southampton and take up a role with the England rugby team. (Sunday Telegraph)

49

Football / Ruud United career over after walk-out?

« on: May 07, 2006, 08:21:59 AM »

Ruud United career over after walk-out?
www.soccernet.com

Ruud van Nistelrooy's Manchester United future is in doubt after he drove away from Old Trafford three hours before this afternoon's clash with Charlton.


The precise reasons for Van Nistelrooy's disappearing act have not been made public by United but it is difficult to imagine why the 29-year-old would go to the stadium, then leave without having heard some bad news.

A statement from the club confirmed: 'We can confirm Ruud van Nistelrooy has gone home.

'The club will be making no further comment as we are concentrating on today's game.'

Van Nistelrooy's United career has been the subject of intense debate since Sir Alex Ferguson axed him from the United starting line-up for the Carling Cup final win over Wigan at the Millennium Stadium in February.

At the time, the Dutchman accepted the decision, acknowledging Ferguson's argument that Louis Saha, having played in most of the earlier rounds, deserved to play in Cardiff.

Van Nistelrooy did make it clear he expected to be back for the following week's Premiership game with the Latics.

However, once again, he was on the bench, as he was for the subsequent three games, all of which United won.

While Van Nistelrooy did return for the win over West Ham on March 29, he was promptly dropped for the following week's match with Bolton and was on the bench two weeks ago at Stamford Bridge when the Red Devils took on Chelsea in a match which ended their lingering title hopes.

If, as seems likely, Van Nistelrooy left the ground in a fit of temper, it is inconceivable he will not be sold in the summer.

Few, if any, players have crossed Ferguson and emerged to tell the tale.

Even though he is now in his 20th year at United, Ferguson's ruthless streak remains and his authorisation of Roy Keane's departure in November is proof of his willingness to take unpopular decisions if he believes it benefits the club.

Ironically, even on Friday Van Nistelrooy was talking about playing in Keane's testimonial against Celtic on Tuesday before heading off to join Holland's World Cup finals campaign.

However, even though this season he became only the eighth player in United history to score 150 goals for the club - and did so in just 214 games, it appears his appearance against Middlesbrough last Monday - when he missed the penalty which would have secured United's place in next season's Champions League group phase, could be his last. 

50

Football / More Rumours: Chelsea are absolutely frightening...

« on: May 05, 2006, 01:26:00 PM »

Chelsea are absolutely frightening...

www.foxsportsworld.com

ROMAN TO PERSONALLY LAUNCH CHELSEA'S BIGGEST-EVER SPENDING SPREE

Roman Abramovich is to take personal charge of Chelsea's latest attempt to sign Andriy Shevchenko this summer, according to The Times, and launch his biggest spending spree since his outlay on buying the club three years ago.


Rather than commit to the three in, three out formula advanced by Jose Mourinho recently, the paper reckons that Chelsea hope to sign five players. Chelsea have attempted to curtail their spending since splashing out £111 million on ten new players in the immediate aftermath of Abramovich's takeover in 2003, but such restraint has been abandoned as Mourinho seeks to build a squad capable of dominating the Barclays Premiership and the Champions League.


Michael Ballack is already London-bound, while Abramovich, who apparently counts Shevchenko 'as a personal friend', is 'increasingly confident' that he will lure the Ukranian away from AC Milan. It is understood that the Russian billionaire phoned Shevchenko last weekend to sound him out and will fly to Milan for a face-to-face meeting after the club's final Serie A match of the season on May 14, claims The Times.


Other points of interest in the frightening report include the contention that Jose has requested the signing of a deep-lying striker capable of playing in a 4-4-2 formation, Peter Kenyon wants to sign Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jose is apparently having 'second thoughts' about Ashley Cole but is still considering a bid for Tottenham's Ledley King despite the England man extending his contract earlier this week.

51

Football / U.S. team bus will not bear a flag for security reasons

« on: May 05, 2006, 11:27:26 AM »

U.S. team bus will not bear a flag for security reasons

Associated Press


FRANKFURT, Germany -- The official team bus to be used by the United States during the World Cup will not bear a flag for security reasons.

The 32 official buses were presented Thursday in Frankfurt, and the other 31 buses have large national flags of their teams painted on the rear sides.

German and U.S. security officials decided to leave the flag off the U.S. team bus, an official of the German organizing committee said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to discuss the topic.

The bus is predominantly blue in color.

National teams use their buses to go from their hotels to practices, games and airports. They will have police escorts, and the Americans' exhibition game at Dortmund on March 22 was used as a test of security plans.

At the 2002 World Cup, the United States was among the most heavily guarded teams. When the Americans arrived at Incheon International Airport, about 500 police formed a corridor the players walked through as they came out of customs, with SWAT team commandos mixed in.

When the team's charter flight landed at Daegu Airport before a game against South Korea, two tanks were on the runway. Metal detectors were placed at the entrance of the team hotel throughout the players' stay in Seoul.

Officers of the U.S. State Department routinely travel with the U.S. team when it plays outside the United States.

 

52

Football / Todays Rumours/Topics in Football

« on: May 05, 2006, 07:42:30 AM »

Todays Topics in Football

TUNE IN FROM 10AM-12PM PT/1PM-3PM ET ON SIRIUS SPORTS CHANNEL 125 EVERY MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY!

Newcastle have asked the Premier League for permission for Glenn Roeder to manage without the required Pro Licence. (Guardian)

Aston Villa flop Eric Djemba-Djemba is a target for Portuguese rivals Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. (Daily Star)

Blackburn have opened talks with Chelsea in a bid to sign striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. (Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate wants to succeed Steve McClaren if the Boro boss gets the England job. (Mail)

Chelsea have failed to land Andriy Shevchenko after the Ukraine striker confirmed he is happy to stay at AC Milan. (The Sun)

Stan Lazaridis will to return home with Adelaide after being the next clear-out victim at Birmingham. (Daily Star)

Newcastle midfielder Amdy Faye is linked with a summer return to Portsmouth. (The Times)

Relegated West Brom will to make a £400,000 bid for QPR defender Danny Shittu. (Daily Express)

Sheffield United are to make a £400,000 bid for Wolves' Mark Kennedy. (Star)

Juventus feel they are in pole position ahead of AC Milan to sign Chelsea defender William Gallas. (Daily Mirror)

Andres D'Alessandro wants Portsmouth to smash their transfer record to convert his loan from Wolfsburg into a permanent move. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn look set to miss out on teenage Belgian striker Tom Rae who looks set to join an Italian club from Roeselare. (Independent)

Hull boss Peter Taylor is the latest to be linked with the managerial vacancy at Charlton. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United will tempt Spurs with a £10m bid for Michael Carrick to anchor their midfield. (The Sun)

Reading feel they can fend off interest from Everton and Aston Villa for midfielder Steve Sidwell. (Independent)

Liverpool have rejected inquiries from two Spanish clubs for Mark Gonzalez who is on loan at Real Sociedad awaiting a work permit. (The Times)

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov claims midfielder Rudi Skacel is desperate to leave - just two days after joining from Marseille. (Daily Record)

Rangers goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus is to decide next week whether he will stay on at Ibrox. (Daily Record)

53

Football / German Visa is pressure for one fella.

« on: May 04, 2006, 01:04:12 PM »

I get through with my Schengen visa today, thank God.  But another fella get some serious salt, and I feel real bad for him.  The way the place set up the german Embassy officer behind a glass partition and talking through a microfone so the whole place hearing your business.  Check what happen:

The man gone by the window with all he documents and sit down.  Next thing the lady ask him: "Sir, how come your daughter's last name is different from yours?"

The man answer, "Well she is not my real daughter, but my wife's daughter. We have raised her from 2 months old until present and she is now 8."

The lady frown.  She say, "Did you adopt her legally?"  The man say no.  "Who has legal custody of the child?  The mother or the father?"

The man say, "Well m'am, my wife has had her since birth.  The father has never played any role in the child's life."

The lady ups and say, "Well come back tomorrow with the legal custody papers and you all will get the visas."

The man look shock.    "What custody papers, m'am?  There are no custody papers.  Our daughter has just always lived with my wife."

The lady say, "Well unless you can show me legal custody papers, or provide a consent form from the father for the child to travel I cannot authorize a visa."

The man head drop.  He face look like somebody just cuff him in he belly.  "But m'am, the father lives in Jamaica, and we have not seen or spoken to him in 8 years!!!"

"Sorry sir.  We can't help you then.  Next!"


Imagine that nah fellas.  The man plan World Cup trip for he and he family, buy tickets and everything already then get that story.  I understand that they are trying to protect the child from kidnapping etc, but come on man.

54

Football / Today's Rumours in Football

« on: May 03, 2006, 01:53:29 PM »

Todays Topics in Football

TUNE IN FROM 10AM-12PM PT/1PM-3PM ET ON SIRIUS SPORTS CHANNEL 125 EVERY MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY!

source: World Soccer Radio Network


Southampton boss George Burley has been targeted by Charlton as a replacement for Alan Curbishley. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal face a battle to hold on to Cesc Fabregas as Real Madrid try to tempt him back to Spain. (Daily Mirror)

The Gunners will have to fend off an armada of Spanish clubs, with Fabregas, Ashley Cole, Thierry Henry and Lauren all targets. (Daily Express)

Tottenham are showing an interest in Borussia Dortmund's Swiss defender Philipp Degen. (Daily Telegraph)

Everton will bid £4m for Wolves defender Joleon Lescott. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham are keen on 19-year-old Lyon striker Hatem Ben Arfa as a replacement for Jermain Defoe. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce will meet the Blues' board on Friday to discuss his future following the Blues' relegation. (Independent)

Aston Villa boss David O'Leary is set to offer Carlisle striker Michael Bridges the chance to revive his Premiership career. (Independent)

Manchester City are talking to Lazio midfielder Ousmane Dabo, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Telegraph)

Arsenal are also interested in the 29-year-old Frenchman. (Daily Mail)

Chelsea have been scared off midfielder Carlos Tevez by the £80m price tag slapped on him by Brazilian club Corinthians. (Independent)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is ready to make a £2m bid for Birmingham striker Emile Heskey. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough are keen on a job-swap with Sven-Goran Eriksson if Steve McClaren lands the England job. (Mail)

Manchester United will listen to offers for Ruud van Nistelrooy, with Barcelona eyeing him as an alternative target to Thierry Henry. (Daily Mail)

Niall Quinn's consortium will approach Martin O'Neill to spearhead a revolution at Sunderland. (The Sun)

Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao is surplus to requirements and is likely to return to France. (Independent)

Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer says he has no chance of being fit for the World Cup. (The Sun)

Chelsea star Joe Cole will open talks on his Stamford Bridge future on Wednesday as he has only one year left on his contract. (The Sun)

Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler fears he has played his last game at Anfield for the club. (Daily Mirror)

Hearts have signed controversial Czech midfielder Rudi Skacel from Marseille for £500,000 on a two-year deal. (Daily Record)

55

2006 World Cup - Germany / Another One Bites The Dust!!! Another England player out of the World Cup

« on: May 03, 2006, 08:37:40 AM »

Hernia op ends talk of Vassell England call

Source: www.soccernet.com

Stuart Pearce has confirmed Manchester City's intention to send Darius Vassell for an operation on his long-standing hernia problem next week.

With Wayne Rooney now almost certain to miss at least the start of the World Cup, speculation has been mounting about Sven-Goran Eriksson's possible replacement for the Manchester United star.

Vassell has been tipped in some quarters and, having impressed under Eriksson during the last tournament in the Far East four years ago, it seems plausible the England coach could select the City striker when he names his expanded 26-man squad on Monday.

However, Pearce has cast doubt on that theory, admitting there had been no word from the England camp on Vassell's potential availability.

And, for the benefit of City, Pearce thinks it is better for the 25-year-old to have the surgery as planned.

'Darius has had a good season for us but he is carrying a hernia problem that needs to be addressed,' said the Blues boss.

'He has not been in the England squad this season and, while who knows what might happen, as the plan stands at the moment, as soon as our season is finished he will go to hospital for treatment on the problem.

'The priority for Manchester City is to get him sorted out medically, so he is fit for next season.'

Meanwhile, Pearce has again cast doubt on the likelihood of him being brought into the England coaching team if, as expected, Steve McClaren is confirmed as Eriksson's successor this week.

In past months, the former England skipper has suggested it would be a good idea.

However, he acknowledges the heavy price his family pay for the time taken up by his current job and appears dubious about the possibility of being able to fit in extra commitments with England as well.

'I have not given a coaching role any thought,' he said. 'I have a full-time job here. It is a job I love and a job that takes a vast amount of my time. At the moment, I have my hands full here.'

Even without taking into account how City's fans would react to their manager taking on an England role at the end of a season, Pearce's regular commute up and down the M6 from his family home in Wiltshire would also be a major factor in whether he would be able to work with McClaren.

For, while he is happy enough with his work-life balance just now, Pearce admits there may come a time when he regrets the time spent away from his children and wife Liz, who takes the day-to-day responsibilities of running the farm and stables on the land Pearce calls home.

'Combining my work here with family life is easy,' he said. 'I put enough time in at Manchester City and the only people who suffer slightly are my wife and children, which is difficult for me.

'But I am very fortunate that I have a very supportive wife and two children who are probably too young at the moment to understand why their daddy is not there as often as he should be.

'Maybe sometime in the future I will regret spending too much time away from them. But at the moment, my wife is fantastic and has supported me throughout my career. I hope she carries on doing so.

'If England come calling, I would have to have a chat with her.' 

56

Football / EUROSPORT Trinidad Home jerseys

« on: May 01, 2006, 01:58:31 PM »

I just called them about my order and was told that the jerseys are on backorder UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF JUNE!!!

They must be mad.

I cancel one time. 

Fellas who based home, Francis Fashions have still or are they sold out?

Is there any other way to get the jersey in the US?

57

Football / The In Memory Of Thread

« on: April 21, 2006, 01:35:37 PM »

Brazil's former coach Santana dies at 74

SAO PAULO, Brazil, April 21 (Reuters) - Tele Santana, 74, one of Brazil's greatest soccer coaches, died on Friday in a Belo Horizonte hospital where he had been in intensive care for an intestinal infection since March 25, the hospital said.

 
Santana, who led Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, was forced to retire in 1996 following a stroke.


Three years ago, Santana had his left leg amputated below the knee after developing ischemia -- a decrease in blood supply caused by blockage of the blood vessels.

Santana believed in attacking football throughout his career and the 1982 World Cup team, featuring players such as Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Junior and Eder took the game to new heights.

Brazil were surprisingly knocked out in the second round group stage following a 3-2 defeat by Italy in one of the most memorable games in the sport's history.

Santana returned to lead Brazil again four years later in Mexico where they were beaten by France in a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals.

Santana went on to coach a memorable Sao Paulo team in the early 1990s, winning the South American Libertadores Cup in successive years and the World Club Cup on each occasion.

He was in charge of Atletico Mineiro when they won the inaugural Brazilian championship in 1971 -- the only time Belo Horizonte's most popular club have been Brazilian champions -- and also coached top clubs Fluminense, Flamengo, Palmeiras and Gremio.

58

Football / Is War... Arsenal men raise allyuh voice!

« on: April 21, 2006, 01:30:32 PM »

Skipper Henry predicts 'war' at Highbury

PARIS, April 21 (Reuters) - Arsenal captain Thierry Henry is expecting Saturday's north London derby with Tottenham Hotspur to be an explosive affair.

 
"It will be war at Highbury," the France striker was quoted as saying in the sports daily L'Equipe on Friday. "An Arsenal v Tottenham match is a London derby, it's traditionally one of the more important games of the season.


"This time, the match will be even more important. Fourth place and qualification for next season's Champions League are at stake. We must win."

Arsenal, in fifth position, are four points adrift of fourth-placed Spurs. The Gunners have four games left to play this season and their local rivals have three.

Spurs could finish fourth and still not be in the Champions League if Arsenal win Europe's elite club competition.

Arsenal will take a 1-0 lead into Tuesday's semi-final second leg at Spanish debutants Villarreal.


 

59

General Discussion / My 1,000th Post!!!

« on: April 20, 2006, 03:40:11 PM »

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is my 1,000th post.  In my acceptance speech I would like to start by saying thank you to the Father, to whom all praise and thanks is due.  Also, thank you to the Board administrators for giving us this wonderful forum to share ideas and form a community.  Thank you also to the many, many fellow posters who make the board what it is.

I may not have reached this milestone as quickly as other posters, but what I lost in terms of speed and quantity of posts I would like to think I more than made up in quality of posts.

Last of all, I would like to thank Hardest and Mrs. Hardest.  Without them (especially Mrs. Hardest), and the constant barrage of Hardest topics day after day after day which I took pleasure in shooting down, I am sure that I would not have been at this point today (at least not yet).

Bless up fellas.

Let's Go Soca Warriors!

60

Football / Another English Defender injured

« on: April 17, 2006, 08:50:53 AM »

Updated: April 17, 2006
King will be fit for World Cup, says Spurs coach

LONDON, April 17 (Reuters) - England defender Ledley King will be fit for the World Cup despite sustaining a stress fracture to his left foot, says Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol.

'He will take three or four weeks to recover so of course he will be fit for the World Cup,' Dutchman Jol told Sky Sports television before Tottenham's home game against Manchester United on Monday.


England begin their campaign against Group B opponents Paraguay in Frankfurt on June 10.

Spurs defender King is out for the rest of the Premier League season after suffering a stress fracture to the fourth metatarsal on his foot in Saturday's 1-0 win at Everton.

Jol said King's injury was a big blow for Spurs but he was confident he had the squad to cope with the loss of his captain.

King, who has also played in central midfield for England, has played a pivotal role in Tottenham's climb to fourth place in the league.

England manager Sev Goran-Eriksson already had injury problems in defence to contend with before King's untimely setback.

Real Madrid centre-back Jonathan Woodgate is currently sidelined, Sol Campbell has suffered a broken nose and Matthew Upson suffered a ruptured Achilles during the warm-up before Birmingham's derby clash with Aston Villa and is ruled out for the rest of the season.

Eriksson will now be keeping his fingers crossed that there are no injury problems between now and the World Cup for John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher and Wes Brown.