English Premier League (EPL) Thread

[Observer]

On another EPL note. I am very impressed with the work of Roberto DiMatteo. Wes Brom playing some composed and effective football. Not only are the players encouraged to play with confidence, but some genuine talent is emerging. For me Di Matteo is showing great quality here, simply because this is no cheque book team and he is patiently building for success. 

[Mose]

Very unfair indeed. Hughton stabilized the club after much turmoil. Newcastle is a prime example of a club that keeps changing coaches and simply cannot make any progresss. What the club needs is to get stable and then build, but nah! Another successful business man who brains turns to shit, once he enters the football world.

Agreed. Ah cyah support dat side anymore after dis.

[giggsy11]

On another EPL note. I am very impressed with the work of Roberto DiMatteo. Wes Brom playing some composed and effective football. Not only are the players encouraged to play with confidence, but some genuine talent is emerging. For me Di Matteo is showing great quality here, simply because this is no cheque book team and he is patiently building for success. 

Dey actully knock the ball with positive effect!

[Andre]

Newcastle United have parted company with manager Chris Hughton following a recent dip in the team's fortunes.

The Magpies were beaten 3-1 at West Brom on Saturday, a week after holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw, although that result followed a 5-1 defeat at Bolton.

Hughton guided Newcastle back into the Premier League in May after their relegation in the 2009-10 campaign.

Newcastle are currently 11th in the top flight, with five wins from 16 games - only two of those coming at home.

Rumours that the ex-Spurs defender was set to leave the club began circulating several weeks ago.

A statement on the club website said: "the board would like to place on record their thanks to Chris for his considerable efforts during the club's transition from Championship to Premier League club.

"Chris has shown exceptional character and commitment since being appointed manager in October 2009. The club wishes him well in the future.

"Regrettably the board now feels that an individual with more managerial experience is needed to take the club forward.

"The task of appointing a new manager now begins. An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional arrangements pending the appointment of a successor."

More to follow.


WOWZERS... This seems a bit unfair... Mike Ashley is going to burn in hell

ABSOLUTE BULLSH*IT!

The Toon fans up in arms today for good reason.

he'll probably bring in somebody like relegation specialist ian dowie.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A78022208

[Tenorsaw]

Yes boy...I was shocked to see the headlines.  Been in the rumor mill for weeks,. but if you ask me, Newcastle has done well this season for a newly-promoted side.  Problem with this club is that they think they are a "big club".  Drawing 50,000 fans for each home game does not automatically mnake you a big team.  The trophy does not support that self perception.  The board and owner have got this one wrong.  Lets see them slide down the table now.  You could tell that the players enjoyed playing for Houghton.  They were quick to take responsibility for underperformance, as if to protect the coach.  At least he has proven himself capable of managing in the EPL.  There were seriouis doubts about whether he had the pedigree to be a manager.  When he was caretaker at Spurs, he had a torrid time, and that left people questioning whether he was just a first team coach, as against a manager.

[1-868]

Boss Chris Hughton sacked by Newcastle United

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/9261212.stm



Newcastle United have sacked Chris Hughton from his position as manager.

The announcement came a day after Newcastle lost 3-1 at West Brom, a result which left them 11th in the Premier League table.

Hughton, 51, guided Newcastle back into the top flight last season after their relegation in the 2008-09 campaign.

However, the club said on their official website they are seeking "an individual with more managerial experience" to take them forward.

"The board would like to place on record their thanks to Chris for his considerable efforts during the club's transition from Championship to Premier League club," said Newcastle in a statement.
   

"Chris has shown exceptional character and commitment since being appointed manager in October 2009. The club wishes him well in the future.

"The task of appointing a new manager now begins. An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional arrangements pending the appointment of a successor."

Speculation has been growing for weeks regarding Hughton's future, although the club stated in October they would be looking to extend his contract in the new year.

The defeat at the Hawthorns, after which Hughton kept his players in the dressing room for an hour, was the Magpies' seventh of a season in a campaign in which they have won only two games at home.

However, these were a 5-1 victory over local rivals Sunderland in October and a 6-0 triumph against Aston Villa back in August.

They have registered wins at Everton and Arsenal this season under Hughton, but have picked up only two points from a possible 15 since the victory at the Emirates on 7 November.

Those results have led to Hughton becoming the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season.

Hughton, who has been working without an assistant manager since Colin Calderwood joined Hibernian in October, is followed out of St James' Park by goalkeeping coach Paul Barron.
Chris Hughton


Former Tottenham player and assistant manager Hughton arrived at Newcastle from White Hart Lane in February 2008 as coach to then Magpies boss Kevin Keegan.

He served as caretaker manager when Keegan left in September 2008, before reverting to assistant boss when Joe Kinnear was appointed manager on a temporary basis.

When Kinnear fell ill the following February, Hughton again stepped in, before assisting Iain Dowie and Alan Shearer as Newcastle were relegated.

Hughton was once again placed in caretaker charge in the summer of 2009, as owner Mike Ashley sought to sell the club, but the team started the Championship season so well he was given the role on a permanent basis in October 2009.

He went on to guide Newcastle to the Championship title with two games to spare.

[palos]

It was only a matter of time.  He was never really in the running to manage Newcastle over the long term no matter what how the team performed.

[Trinimassive]

He's been doing a good job. He took them from Championship to currently 11th position presently.

It seems premature. Well that is unless they have a very experienced manager in mind.

[Bally]

I will say its because he's black that's who vex could vex

[giggsy11]

I bet Shearer will be appointed or I wouldn't be surprised if he were to be appointed!

[DeSoWa]

Newcastle United have parted company with manager Chris Hughton following a recent dip in the team's fortunes.

The Magpies were beaten 3-1 at West Brom on Saturday, a week after holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw, although that result followed a 5-1 defeat at Bolton.

Hughton guided Newcastle back into the Premier League in May after their relegation in the 2009-10 campaign.

Newcastle are currently 11th in the top flight, with five wins from 16 games - only two of those coming at home.

Rumours that the ex-Spurs defender was set to leave the club began circulating several weeks ago.

A statement on the club website said: "the board would like to place on record their thanks to Chris for his considerable efforts during the club's transition from Championship to Premier League club.

"Chris has shown exceptional character and commitment since being appointed manager in October 2009. The club wishes him well in the future.

"Regrettably the board now feels that an individual with more managerial experience is needed to take the club forward.

"The task of appointing a new manager now begins. An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional arrangements pending the appointment of a successor."

More to follow.


WOWZERS... This seems a bit unfair... Mike Ashley is going to burn in hell

This is ah real dotish move...steupss. This is one team I silently support from way back, and I think they were doing well up to a couple weeks ago. Real real bad move dey! 

Big Up!

[Andre]

I will say its because he's black that's who vex could vex

is not coz he black
is because mike ashley is a twat

[Bakes]

Very unfair indeed. Hughton stabilized the club after much turmoil. Newcastle is a prime example of a club that keeps changing coaches and simply cannot make any progresss. What the club needs is to get stable and then build, but nah! Another successful business man who brains turns to shit, once he enters the football world.

Hughton good enough to stabilize the club, good enough to be the number two man at Spurs for years, good enough to get them back into the Prem and get quality results against the top-flite clubs on the road... good enough to get them to 11th in the table their first year back... but not good enough to lead them forward.  Nonsense... especially since the rumored "more experienced" manager they have in mind is Alan Pardew.

The Guardian is similarly unimpressed and unconvinced.

[MEP]

I will say its because he's black that's who vex could vex

Black and Irish double whammy

[Bakes]

I will say its because he's black that's who vex could vex

is not coz he black
is because mike ashley is a twat

Thank you... they didn't have to give him the job.  If his race was an issue they they wouldn't have hired him in the first place.  Is like Tenorsaw (ah think it was) say in the EPL thread, they fancy theyself to be a 'big club' so they letting their deluded assessment of their worth affect their sound judgment.

[CK1]

I will say its because he's black that's who vex could vex

is not coz he black
is because mike ashley is a twat

Thank you... they didn't have to give him the job.  If his race was an issue they they wouldn't have hired him in the first place.  Is like Tenorsaw (ah think it was) say in the EPL thread, they fancy theyself to be a 'big club' so they letting their deluded assessment of their worth affect their sound judgment.

Please don't take that sentiment for granted. We only good enough to do the bull**** work, then they will replace us and bring some old recycled trash. What the hell they mean by looking for a more experienced manager If he could get the axe for this reason then Latas could get axe too

[giggsy11]

I will say its because he's black that's who vex could vex

is not coz he black
is because mike ashley is a twat

Thank you... they didn't have to give him the job.  If his race was an issue they they wouldn't have hired him in the first place.  Is like Tenorsaw (ah think it was) say in the EPL thread, they fancy theyself to be a 'big club' so they letting their deluded assessment of their worth affect their sound judgment.

Please don't take that sentiment for granted. We only good enough to do the bull**** work, then they will replace us and bring some old recycled trash. What the hell they mean by looking for a more experienced manager If he could get the axe for this reason then Latas could get axe too

It appears the trend when giving minorities a chance to manage or be in charge is when the team or situation is lower than low.  Even with the USA's president elect after Bush left a mess! I also think it is an easy way to say hey we gave them a chance but the question is would you give them the same chance and trust them with the opportunity if the team was at the top and in a position to go from strength to strength?

[kicker]

Liked Hughton's demeanor....sad news

Don't know much about his managerial skills but I get the sense that Newcastle fans loved him...

He has a decent resume- I'm sure he will bounce back well. 

[Observer]

Very unfair indeed. Hughton stabilized the club after much turmoil. Newcastle is a prime example of a club that keeps changing coaches and simply cannot make any progresss. What the club needs is to get stable and then build, but nah! Another successful business man who brains turns to shit, once he enters the football world.

Hughton good enough to stabilize the club, good enough to be the number two man at Spurs for years, good enough to get them back into the Prem and get quality results against the top-flite clubs on the road... good enough to get them to 11th in the table their first year back... but not good enough to lead them forward.  Nonsense... especially since the rumored "more experienced" manager they have in mind is Alan Pardew.

The Guardian is similarly unimpressed and unconvinced.

Pardew!!??? The same man who say Tevez and Macherano can't play in the EPL 

[kicker]

Black and Irish double whammy

He represented Ireland as a player but he's English.  Listen to his accent. 

[Observer]

I will say its because he's black that's who vex could vex

is not coz he black
is because mike ashley is a twat

Thank you... they didn't have to give him the job.  If his race was an issue they they wouldn't have hired him in the first place.  Is like Tenorsaw (ah think it was) say in the EPL thread, they fancy theyself to be a 'big club' so they letting their deluded assessment of their worth affect their sound judgment.

Please don't take that sentiment for granted. We only good enough to do the bull**** work, then they will replace us and bring some old recycled trash. What the hell they mean by looking for a more experienced manager If he could get the axe for this reason then Latas could get axe too

It appears the trend when giving minorities a chance to manage or be in charge is when the team or situation is lower than low.  Even with the USA's president elect after Bush left a mess! I also think it is an easy way to say hey we gave them a chance but the question is would you give them the same chance and trust them with the opportunity if the team was at the top and in a position to go from strength to strength?

We will disagree on this one. Newcastle is a club with a history of fack ups when it comes to managers. From 2000 to present they have had Robson, Souness, Roeder, Allardyce, keegan, Kinnear, Shearer, Hughton
Shearer, was not confident to take charge in  the Championship. Houghton stepped up and proved his worth. My bet is Newcastle will take some abuse by the media for this move.

[Bakes]

We will disagree on this one. Newcastle is a club with a history of fack ups when it comes to managers. From 2000 to present they have had Robson, Souness, Roeder, Allardyce, keegan, Kinnear, Shearer, Hughton
Shearer, was not confident to take charge in  the Championship. Houghton stepped up and proved his worth. My bet is Newcastle will take some abuse by the media for this move.

They done getting pounded by fans and press alike.

EDIT: Ian Darke providing commentary on ESPN's broadcast of the Liverpool v. Villa match:

" 'Staggering' is how you'd describe the sacking of Chris Hughton... I don't think anyone can comprehend how a man who has done so well could be fired by Mike Ashley".

[giggsy11]

I will say its because he's black that's who vex could vex

is not coz he black
is because mike ashley is a twat

Thank you... they didn't have to give him the job.  If his race was an issue they they wouldn't have hired him in the first place.  Is like Tenorsaw (ah think it was) say in the EPL thread, they fancy theyself to be a 'big club' so they letting their deluded assessment of their worth affect their sound judgment.

Please don't take that sentiment for granted. We only good enough to do the bull**** work, then they will replace us and bring some old recycled trash. What the hell they mean by looking for a more experienced manager If he could get the axe for this reason then Latas could get axe too

It appears the trend when giving minorities a chance to manage or be in charge is when the team or situation is lower than low.  Even with the USA's president elect after Bush left a mess! I also think it is an easy way to say hey we gave them a chance but the question is would you give them the same chance and trust them with the opportunity if the team was at the top and in a position to go from strength to strength?

We will disagree on this one. Newcastle is a club with a history of fack ups when it comes to managers. From 2000 to present they have had Robson, Souness, Roeder, Allardyce, keegan, Kinnear, Shearer, Hughton
Shearer, was not confident to take charge in  the Championship. Houghton stepped up and proved his worth. My bet is Newcastle will take some abuse by the media for this move.

Observer my stated opinon were geared toward him being hired for the position in the first place and how it appears that minorities get their chances when situations are lower than low or by default.

[Bitter]

Babel was francoment offside!

[Bakes]

Monday December 6


  Liverpool v.   Aston Villa - 2:55 pm ESPN2/ESPN3.com

Great positive start by Liverpool... 2-0 18'

Skrtel with the header off the corner, back into the penalty area where David N'gog put it away with a flying close-range header 15'.  Two minutes later Ryan Babel took a chipped pass over the Villa backline from Lucas... looked to be a step offside but the flag stayed down and Brad Friedel was beaten for the second time to start the game.

No Sidwell, no Reo-Coker, no Carew for Villa... but Liverpool are also playing without Gerard, Torres (birth of his child) and Carragher.

[trinikev]

Looking like Martin Jol might be next in line. He just resigned from Ajax...

[fish]

Jol will be a good manager, however, Newcastle have a knack for flickin changin managers too quick.

[injunchile]

Jack get the man quick and if he say no - Jol from Ajax

[Trini Madness]

Monday December 6


  Liverpool v.   Aston Villa - 2:55 pm ESPN2/ESPN3.com

Great positive start by Liverpool... 2-0 18'

Skrtel with the header off the corner, back into the penalty area where David N'gog put it away with a flying close-range header 15'.  Two minutes later Ryan Babel took a chipped pass over the Villa backline from Lucas... looked to be a step offside but the flag stayed down and Brad Friedel was beaten for the second time to start the game.

No Sidwell, no Reo-Coker, no Carew for Villa... but Liverpool are also playing without Gerard, Torres (birth of his child) and Carragher.

3-0 nice shot by maxi! seems to be a cakewalk for liverpool today. xaibi alonso has been spotted in the stands.

[KND2]

they should have keep him.

He was doing a great job with a mostly shit squad.

They fire him because he black and they do not want to risk a black man doing well as a manager in england.

look for them to get back into a relegation battle.

Because the players they have were over performing which is most likely due to coach motivation.

Now that he gone they will be disappointed and performances will drop.