[Teedub]

(05-05-2013 05:09 PM)Athlone McGinnis Wrote:  

(05-05-2013 04:00 PM)Teedub Wrote:  

Gary Neville has become the best football pundit I've ever read. Yet another exquisite article from him, this time about how English footie can learn from the German model. Athlone, you'll be interested as I know you admire the German model.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footbal...^headlines

Excellent read. Frankly I think Jamaica could stand to learn a thing or two from the Germans as well. If we ever do start to look for a new technical director and coaching staff in the future (hopefully we do well enough this cycle not to need to do this too soon), I'm hoping that we start in Germany.

Where are you from Athlone? I'm sure I read somewhere you're British somehow, perhaps I'm confusing you for another member?

[Excelsior]

(05-05-2013 05:25 PM)Teedub Wrote:  

(05-05-2013 05:09 PM)Athlone McGinnis Wrote:  

(05-05-2013 04:00 PM)Teedub Wrote:  

Gary Neville has become the best football pundit I've ever read. Yet another exquisite article from him, this time about how English footie can learn from the German model. Athlone, you'll be interested as I know you admire the German model.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footbal...^headlines

Excellent read. Frankly I think Jamaica could stand to learn a thing or two from the Germans as well. If we ever do start to look for a new technical director and coaching staff in the future (hopefully we do well enough this cycle not to need to do this too soon), I'm hoping that we start in Germany.

Where are you from Athlone? I'm sure I read somewhere you're British somehow, perhaps I'm confusing you for another member?

You're not. My grandparents were part of the Windrush Generation of commonwealth migrants to the UK.

[Teedub]

You should look out for British players as well as Jamaican players then! If you're ever in the UK, let me know, would be awesome to have a chat with you, and go gaming with you, Bojangles and Matt!

[Chunnel]

I've grown to appreciate soccer (football) much more in the past five years.

My only quip with the National Leagues is the discrepancy in revenue sharing. My beloved Pescara makes Serie A for the first time since the 90s and gets relegated immediately after 1 season with a budget that Juventus probably had in 1975....

I don't know how it would be done, but I'd love to see soccer (specifically Serie A, cause I know PL has a slightly better system) adopt a revenue sharing system similar to that of the NFL and MLB where cash is more fairly split.

I'd love to see the Siena, Catania, etc. duking it out with Juventus and Inter in May... one can only dream I guess...

[Frontenac]

I'm an EPL fan, but I've thought about watching more Serie A because my coach is Italian and a big Inter fan. Why has Inter been shitting the bed the last few years? Seems I only hear about them in the Europa league playing Rubin Kazan or something. What gives?

[Balkanite]

Serie A has been fairly mediocre the past few years (excluding Inter w Mourinho). Although I believe they are coming back hopefully with Juve and Milan. They are not getting the rockstar talent like they used to. They are behind EPL, Spain, Bundesliga and now even Ligue 1 because of the cash now at PSG. I think it's only a matter of time before some middle eastern group snatches up an Italian team and infuses a ton of cash. But who knows. World soccer is better with great Italian teams, a shame they can't get it together.

[cardguy]

Alot of people will name great players as their favourites of all time. But - which players are your cult favourites? They may not be the best players in the world - but they had something about them which was unique.

For me it would be Teddy Sheringham. His vision and ability to do the simple pass was wonderful. At his best he could play the game like he was watching the players on a computer game. Interestingly - Alan Shearer said he was the most intelligent striker he ever played with. And this was back at a time when England has never had so many great strikers competing for places.

Sheringham single handedly won the European Cup for Man Utd in 1999. He came on as substitue with 10 minutes to go. And he scored the equaliser - and then set up the winner. With both goals taking place in injury time.

Also - Sheringham was responsible for England's qualification for World Cup 2002 when England beat Greece. Again - he came on as a substitute. Scored the equaliser. And then won the free kick which David Beckham then converted with the best free kick I have ever seen him take:

Still - for me. The best thing about his game was his ability to draw defenders on to him - before releasing his strike partner with a simple throughball which would put them through on goal.

Just common sense really - yet so many players overcomplicate things or panic when they get near the opposition's goal. For me - this is the pass that sticks out in mind. It isn't the best pass of his career. But it is a good example of the simplicity of his thinking - and is from a game where Sheirngham and Shearer both scored twice to beat Holland 4-1.

[cardguy]

Another thing.

Anyone here think Newcastle will get relegated? The Sunderland game on Monday - and the Wigan game on Tuesday are the biggest of the season for Newcastle. Even though they are not playing in them. Since if Sunderland just draw and if Wigan win - then Newcastle will be in the relegation zone with just two games of the seaon left. I love Newcastle - they are just so funny.

[Excelsior]

(05-05-2013 09:49 PM)Chunnel Wrote:  

I've grown to appreciate soccer (football) much more in the past five years.

My only quip with the National Leagues is the discrepancy in revenue sharing. My beloved Pescara makes Serie A for the first time since the 90s and gets relegated immediately after 1 season with a budget that Juventus probably had in 1975....

I don't know how it would be done, but I'd love to see soccer (specifically Serie A, cause I know PL has a slightly better system) adopt a revenue sharing system similar to that of the NFL and MLB where cash is more fairly split.

I agree, this is also one of my major complaints with the game across the globe. I understand that there should be some inequality (bigger teams draw more and probably should get more in fairness), but some of the inequalities in the game are ridiculous. It is becoming too difficult for non-powerhouse clubs to gain promotion to top leagues without becoming total financial basketcases, and that is a problem when leagues are running promotion/relegation systems. That, and the leagues are getting entirely too predictable.

La Liga is the perfect example of the worst problems with this inequality. Madrid and Barca take home nearly all the money thanks to the individualized TV rights system, and most of the other clubs in the league are bankrupt or close to it. The La Liga champions are almost a foregone conclusion every season.

The other big leagues are, for the most part, only somewhat better off. Most of the EPL clubs are comically unprofitable. Hopefully some reforms can change all of this soon.

[La Familia]

(05-05-2013 10:57 PM)cardguy Wrote:  

Another thing.

Anyone here think Newcastle will get relegated? The Sunderland game on Monday - and the Wigan game on Tuesday are the biggest of the season for Newcastle. Even though they are not playing in them. Since if Sunderland just draw and if Wigan win - then Newcastle will be in the relegation zone with just two games of the seaon left. I love Newcastle - they are just so funny.

No, no no. I pray to god they don't. Huge Newcastle fan here and this season is one to forget...it sucks how we are depending on poor performances from an in form Wigan, a revived Sunderland, and a "hot or not" Norwich City.

I'm thinking they rally to beat QPR next week, and then play for a draw at home against Arsenal. They know the fans don't want to experience what happened with Liverpool next week. If we stay up, then I foresee a switch in management, and the exodus of core players. It's going to be rough for us.

[La Familia]

(05-06-2013 12:04 AM)Athlone McGinnis Wrote:  

(05-05-2013 09:49 PM)Chunnel Wrote:  

I've grown to appreciate soccer (football) much more in the past five years.

My only quip with the National Leagues is the discrepancy in revenue sharing. My beloved Pescara makes Serie A for the first time since the 90s and gets relegated immediately after 1 season with a budget that Juventus probably had in 1975....

I don't know how it would be done, but I'd love to see soccer (specifically Serie A, cause I know PL has a slightly better system) adopt a revenue sharing system similar to that of the NFL and MLB where cash is more fairly split.

I agree, this is also one of my major complaints with the game across the globe. I understand that there should be some inequality (bigger teams draw more and probably should get more in fairness), but some of the inequalities in the game are ridiculous. It is becoming too difficult for non-powerhouse clubs to gain promotion to top leagues without becoming total financial basketcases, and that is a problem when leagues are running promotion/relegation systems. That, and the leagues are getting entirely too predictable.

La Liga is the perfect example of the worst problems with this inequality. Madrid and Barca take home nearly all the money thanks to the individualized TV rights system, and most of the other clubs in the league are bankrupt or close to it. The La Liga champions are almost a foregone conclusion every season.

The other big leagues are, for the most part, only somewhat better off. Most of the EPL clubs are comically unprofitable. Hopefully some reforms can change all of this soon.

It was worse with the SPL before the Rangers were relegated. I'm hoping the Bundesliga doesn't become a two horse race, but it'll be hard to overcome Dortmund-Bayern dominance now that Pep is taking over next season and the amount of cash they have to spend.


On another note, Wenger has some cash to spend to boost his Arsenal squad. I'm looking forward to see what he'll do in the summer.

[Excelsior]

(05-06-2013 12:37 AM)La Familia Wrote:  

No, no no. I pray to god they don't. Huge Newcastle fan here and this season is one to forget...it sucks how we are depending on poor performances from an in form Wigan, a revived Sunderland, and a "hot or not" Norwich City.

I'm thinking they rally to beat QPR next week, and then play for a draw at home against Arsenal. They know the fans don't want to experience what happened with Liverpool next week. If we stay up, then I foresee a switch in management, and the exodus of core players. It's going to be rough for us.

I paid Newcastle some mind this year because of Danny Simpson, who is of Jamaican heritage and was rumored to have been approached to play for us. Early on in the year people were still talking about him as a fringe England player, but it looks like that's completely died out now.

Any thoughts on him and his impending departure? It seems like he's fallen off so much at Newcastle that now I hear more news stories about him and his tv-star girlfriend than I do about his football career. Kind of sad for such a promising player.

[Excelsior]

Luiz:



Gomez:

[La Familia]

(05-06-2013 01:04 AM)Athlone McGinnis Wrote:  

(05-06-2013 12:37 AM)La Familia Wrote:  

No, no no. I pray to god they don't. Huge Newcastle fan here and this season is one to forget...it sucks how we are depending on poor performances from an in form Wigan, a revived Sunderland, and a "hot or not" Norwich City.

I'm thinking they rally to beat QPR next week, and then play for a draw at home against Arsenal. They know the fans don't want to experience what happened with Liverpool next week. If we stay up, then I foresee a switch in management, and the exodus of core players. It's going to be rough for us.

I paid Newcastle some mind this year because of Danny Simpson, who is of Jamaican heritage and was rumored to have been approached to play for us. Early on in the year people were still talking about him as a fringe England player, but it looks like that's completely died out now.

Any thoughts on him and his impending departure? It seems like he's fallen off so much at Newcastle that now I hear more news stories about him and his tv-star girlfriend than I do about his football career. Kind of sad for such a promising player.

Overall, Simpson was inconsistent. He's no Evra or Zabaleta, but he contained players well and was healthy throughout the entire last season. The man has the speed to beat players on the wing and drop a cross, but Pardew never never utilized him in that way because Ben Arfa does it better and we play more through Cabaye in the middle. He wanted to double his wages in the beginning of the season, but his inconsistency and Mike Ashley (the owner) stinginess got him a spot on the bench.

I feel bad for the guy because so much was expected from him being a Man U youth product. The lack of first team playing time saw him loaned out to a string of teams, and that takes a toll on developing players too. There are many promising stars who start young at Man U just to fall beneath club expectations and are either shipped out, dropped to reserves, or sold without another chance of playing a full game.

[Nudge]

"On another note, Wenger has some cash to spend to boost his Arsenal squad. I'm looking forward to see what he'll do in the summer."

Ha heard that before, we wont be buying any real big guns thats for sure. We simply cant afford the wages that the Man Citys etc can dish out. A lot also depends on champs league qualification. Although it will be nice to go through a summer without losing our best player, hopefully.

[pirate player]

disappointing that Jamie carragher is going to retire at the end of this season, hopefully he continues but if not he was a great servant to Liverpool fc.And replacing him will be a very difficult task.
It will also be interesting to see what happens to some of the QPR players like Remy and Taarabt will they go to division 1 with them or jump ship.

[funkyzeit]

Holly shit that was bad. When I hear "Arsenal" I think of a club with multiple PL titles. But these scenes showed some junior league playstyle.

[The Fantasist]

Was over the moon with the Chelsea result yesterday, went bonkers when the goal went in and scared the shit out of my house guests. Arsenal fans must be crying over the fact that they had the opportunity to buy Juan Mata a month before we did and for less money but Arsene thought his price was too much. Now if we beat Tottenham on Wednesday we are guaranteed a top four finish. Get that and win the Europa Cup and I'll be one happy Chelsea boy.

Has to be said however: how fucking good has Bale been this season?? If he would only stop diving in the box I'd like him a lot more. Where do people think he will play next year: Spurs or somewhere else?

[The Fantasist]

(05-05-2013 05:43 PM)Athlone McGinnis Wrote:  

Tl;DR: If I were a competent footballer, I'd qualify by FIFA rules to represent Jamaica, England, the USA and St. Vincent.

Out of interest Athlone, which country would you choose to represent all things being equal? I know you have massive love for the Jamaican sprinters, you tight with the country in general?

[Teedub]

(05-06-2013 06:31 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

Has to be said however: how fucking good has Bale been this season?? If he would only stop diving in the box I'd like him a lot more. Where do people think he will play next year: Spurs or somewhere else?

I think Spurs will get another year out of him. Barring a ridiculous 100m offer or something. He's been really good, but the comparisons to Messi and Ron are way too premature. He needs to carry on like he's been doing for at least another 3 seasons before he can even be mentioned in the same breath. I noticed Ronaldo has hit 200 goals for Madrid in 196 games. Amazing.

Are you a Chelsea fan? Bet you're excited about Mourinho if it's true. I'm a United fan and I'm hyped about it!

[pirate player]

question to you vorkuta do you see Benitez as your coach next season if he wins the Europa plus you finish in the top four?. If Mourinho decides to leave Real then he might come back to Chelsea with Benitez going the other way!

[rudebwoy]

Gooner fan here and hoping we don't make the top 4, that way Wenger will either have to go or make some drastic changes. Our team is not good enough, our players are weak and I am tired of him signing players from the French league.

As for Bale, it must be hard for him to say no to Real Madrid if they come calling. I could see Chelsea making a grab for him or even United, after all Spurs is the "farm" team for United. lol

[Matt3B]

You mean "football".

(05-06-2013 03:47 AM)pirate player Wrote:  

disappointing that Jamie carragher is going to retire at the end of this season, hopefully he continues but if not he was a great servant to Liverpool fc.And replacing him will be a very difficult task.
It will also be interesting to see what happens to some of the QPR players like Remy and Taarabt will they go to division 1 with them or jump ship.

I can't wait for Carragher to retire, he should've done it years ago or moved elsewhere, he's held us back and was instrumental in getting Benitez the sack but that's a story for another day.

I don't see Bale going anywhere next season seeing as though Spurs are in a good position. If Spurs where Liverpool are at for example, then maybe he'd be tempted but he'll be at Tottenham next season. Still annoyed that he got the player of the year awards - just goes to show that you can go missing for 90% of the match week in and week out and then score a couple of worldies to get the award.

Vorkuta, regarding Mata, we had more of an opportunity to buy him than Arsenal. We didn't want to pay his wages even though he was set to come here, and instead opted for "Premier League proven" Stewart Downing.

[Nudge]

(05-06-2013 10:26 AM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

Gooner fan here and hoping we don't make the top 4, that way Wenger will either have to go or make some drastic changes. Our team is not good enough, our players are weak and I am tired of him signing players from the French league.

As for Bale, it must be hard for him to say no to Real Madrid if they come calling. I could see Chelsea making a grab for him or even United, after all Spurs is the "farm" team for United. lol

I agree I think we actually need to miss out on the top 4 so there will be a real shake up. As long as we keep scraping into to the champs league nothing will ever change. If I'm honest we dont even deserve to make the top 4 this season, apart from a few random demolitions of teams here and there we have been bloody awful. The Man U and Spurs away games in particular - absolutely no fight, it was embarrassing.

[cardguy]

How is Walcott doing as a centre forward? From the first time I saw him play I thought he would be better in the centre than on the wing (since he cannot cross a ball). I also correctly called him out on the day he scored a hat trick against Croatia. I said he wouldn't be going to the world cup because his role in the team was as a winger (at which he was rubbish) and not as a goalscorer. As such his hat-trick was just a blip which would be irrelevent for his selection. As eventually proved the case a few months later.

Anyway - since Henry had a similar transition from winger to striker, I thought it could work out for Walcott as well.

Am still wondering why he doesn't get used down the centre for England?