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24 Feb 11 - 03:01 PM (#3102081) Subject: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu We need a common thread for football. I was searching for an appropriate place to post an observation about the Premier League's web page but none exist which simply say "football". Soooooooo... any comments on the Premiership or any others? I shall begin trying to watch some games as soon as the Canuck women's curling championship is over on Sunday and reading insightful commentary is interesting for me as we get so few games televised here in New Brunswick, Canada. Regarding my observation... not a good way to start a thread. |
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24 Feb 11 - 03:04 PM (#3102083) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Man City v Aston Villa FA Cup live next Wednesday on ITV. Well I never. It isn't Man U for once. Up the Villa :-) |
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24 Feb 11 - 03:07 PM (#3102085) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu We will likely see that one on TV here... a good start to my football season. |
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25 Feb 11 - 11:23 AM (#3102642) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle Well that suggestion went down well. The thing is, its a bit like talking about the 1941-45 war. here in Europe the football season has been going on since August. Try again next August. |
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25 Feb 11 - 11:34 AM (#3102650) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Oh? Football is done for this year? No more Premiership? No FIFA? No... ? I did not know that. |
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25 Feb 11 - 01:12 PM (#3102696) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Den The Premier league for the season 2010-2011 will end in May Gnu. It started in August 2010. The FA cup final will also be in May, followed closely by the Champion's league final. |
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25 Feb 11 - 01:15 PM (#3102699) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: WalkaboutsVerse Our club football should be REGULATED back to how it was - mostly locals in MEANINGFUL competition; or in verse - http://walkaboutsverse.webs.com/#98 |
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25 Feb 11 - 01:53 PM (#3102713) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus I always use this link to see what is coming up on TV http://www.livesportontv.com/football/ And this may get you some internet football :-) http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/index.html |
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25 Feb 11 - 01:56 PM (#3102715) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Den... can you let Al know? I am sure he will be pleased he doesn't have to wait until August. |
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25 Feb 11 - 01:57 PM (#3102716) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Thanks Arthur. |
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25 Feb 11 - 01:59 PM (#3102718) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle I know this sounds conceited and egocentric - but actually we don't take international football very seriously. Its better than watchng golf or crown green bowling, but its not the real stuff to English people. Its a harmless frippery. A chance for a booze up and fight for those in desperate need - but the thing is the league and FA cup. And really the knock out rounds are always better than the final. Anyway, best of luck looking for a few decent matches. Theres bound to be some, but most of the decent players are knackered and being rested, or have been on the sick list by now. i remember being asked by some Germans once why the English season was so intense and had so many games. I think I'd say to you what i said to them Imagine you're a top class footballer. You have all the money you could possibly need. The pretiest girls. the biggest car. Now what do you want to do? Obviously you want to play football - against top class oppostion, a couple of times a week - the english league lets you do this. try to catch it from the start. |
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25 Feb 11 - 02:16 PM (#3102725) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Thanks Al... as far as watching is from August on, I haven't the time. My true love is Yankee football (the reasons for which I have posted many times). Then there is Canuck curling and the Championship events are riveting to those who know the game. Throw in a few fav hockey rivalries and there just isn't enough time in the day. Soooo, I watch the late season games of real football. Rugby... well, we get such limited coverage here that it's not worth the effort. Cricket even less. And ONE, ONE, ONE game of footy, the final, per YEAR. It sucks big time. |
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25 Feb 11 - 03:10 PM (#3102755) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus David Beckham Gnu :-) |
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25 Feb 11 - 03:32 PM (#3102770) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Huh? |
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25 Feb 11 - 08:13 PM (#3102898) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: maple_leaf_boy I follow SPL football more than the EPL. Rugby is a fun sport, too. Every year in Central N.S., there's a big indoor sevens tournament in the winter that features over 70 teams. It attracts a lot of fans. The teams come mainly from Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces. I think they even had reps from the U.S. there before. It's a big boom to businesses in the area. |
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25 Feb 11 - 08:29 PM (#3102905) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Gee, mlb, I must see if they have that here. I have a great nephew who is rather good at football... he can run like the wind and his name is Owens. Looks a bit like that other Owens. >;-) The day he was born, I bought a rather expensive "official" ball (back then, they were expensive) and delivered it to the hospital rather than the regular card or cuddly toys. I said to my nephew, "I expect you to get him to the World Cup." But, he didn't make the national team... some shit about becoming a lawyer or some such has been getting in the way. Wasted a good football I guess. |
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26 Feb 11 - 12:54 PM (#3103108) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Good win by the Villa today 4 - 1. Moves them a little bit more out of the danger Zone. |
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27 Feb 11 - 11:35 AM (#3103603) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle Wenger almost licking himself with pleasure at the thought of meeting Blues in Wembley today. |
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27 Feb 11 - 02:00 PM (#3103727) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus What a pratt is Wenger, letting the Small Heath win. Must be their first piece of Silverware. Us Villa supporters have to now put up with that lot going on about it. Could betting be involved... ooh err diud I just say that. Check the Arsenla goalkeepr out. |
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27 Feb 11 - 06:58 PM (#3103894) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle well they didn't take the possibility of Birmingham winning too seriously. and really you can't blame Wenger for that - given how the two teams have been playing this season. great result for the bookies. I wouldn't have bet on the Blues. |
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28 Feb 11 - 03:54 AM (#3104046) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: FaldingworthDave What were the odds on Blues winning? I am not a betting man. |
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28 Feb 11 - 05:47 AM (#3104098) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle 7/1 |
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28 Feb 11 - 03:04 PM (#3104463) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus I wonder how many Blues supporters put a bet on? |
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28 Feb 11 - 03:32 PM (#3104485) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 hi guys I watched yesterday's game between West Ham V Liverpool this morning having recorded it. I am not absolutely sure but I thought I heard the strains of the Fields of Athenry being sung ( with different words) by the fans of one of the teams. ??? Think it was Liverpool's. Anyone else hear it??? Cheers MikeL2 |
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02 Mar 11 - 02:24 PM (#3105725) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: alanabit It's Manchester City vs Aston Villa tonight and after our insipid display against Fulham on Sunday, I fear for Man City. If we draw, which is not unlikely, I fear there will be a rather tame surrender in the replay at Villa Park - as there was against Stoke City at the Victoria Ground in last year's FA Cup. City have plenty of big names, but no real playmaker in the middle of the park. Silva is out for a few weeks and Adam Johnson's season is over. We also do not function properly when Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong are out. I guess we will try to bludgeon it out - but it is unlikely to be pretty! |
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02 Mar 11 - 02:39 PM (#3105741) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus alanabit, I wouldn't be too worried. As a staunch villa supporter, I would have given us a chance with a full fit team, which is what we need against Man City. On paper, Villa's team looks very bitty. Aston Villa make eight changes from the team that beat Blackburn. Fabian Delph deputises for the left-back for Nathan Baker who is out with concussion. Ciaran Clark is at centre-back with James Collins and Carlos Cuellar missing. Man City: Hart, Richards, Boateng, Lescott, Zabaleta, Barry, Vieira, Toure Yaya, Kolarov, Silva, Balotelli. Subs: Taylor, Michael Johnson, Dzeko, Jo, Tevez, Boyata, Wabara. Aston Villa: Friedel, Herd, Clark, Dunne, Delph, Agbonlahor, Petrov, Bradley, Bannan, Heskey, Delfouneso. Subs: Marshall, Downing, Ashley Young, Pires, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Walker. Up the Villa. Time to go and watch it on ITV. |
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02 Mar 11 - 03:40 PM (#3105784) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Villa were never in it in the first half. Man City deserve their 2 - 0 lead. I have to ask GH, why he has changed the side from Saturday and left the key players on the bench. It just doesn't make snese to me, other than not wanting to continue in the FA Cup. The Villa youngsters haven't done badly, but they are too inexperienced to handle MC Ah well Villa need to make sure they do not get relegated from the PL so probably just as well. Where has the pride gone in wanting to win the FA cup? |
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02 Mar 11 - 03:44 PM (#3105787) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle Yes where DID Martin O'Neill bugger off to? |
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02 Mar 11 - 04:37 PM (#3105809) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus The selection of the Villa team from GH said it all. They never went to even try and win. I would be very unhappy if I had made the effort to go up to Manchester, spend my hard earned money to see that. I think the Villa owe those supporters an apology and should pay their costs back. Good luck Man city but you had won before the kick off. |
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02 Mar 11 - 05:11 PM (#3105830) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: alanabit Of course I am pleased, but we beat Villa's reserves and nothing more. I actually agree with your comments Arthur. We were very lucky to have David Silva back tonight and Ya Ya Touré had a good game. I am sure a full strength Villa would have tested us more - particularly in the gaps behind Kolarov and the absence of an established pair of centre backs without Nigel de Jong in front them. I wonder why Houiller values the FA Cup so little? |
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02 Mar 11 - 05:16 PM (#3105835) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus He is French :-) |
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02 Mar 11 - 06:32 PM (#3105878) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle Yes it was a distressing sight. Villa looked like an endangered species hunted down ruthlessly whenever they had the ball. Man City was everywhere. Still theres always another Saturday. |
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03 Mar 11 - 08:45 AM (#3106168) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Den MikeL2, yes a version of "The Fields of Athenry" is regularly sung by Liverpool supporters. That and "You'll never Walk Alone" are often heard at Liverpool home games. |
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03 Mar 11 - 03:03 PM (#3106420) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 Hi Den Many thanks.....I thought it sounded familiar but I couldn't make out the words that the "Scousers" were singing. WE play them on Sunday and I am going so I maybe will get a better chance to hear it - not that I want to other than out of interest. Thanks Mikel2 |
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03 Mar 11 - 04:01 PM (#3106453) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: jonah77 the mighty potters (stoke city) play west ham on saturday and in the next round of the cup.semi finals would be nice but i think i would prefer 3 points. |
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03 Mar 11 - 06:31 PM (#3106525) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Folkiedave Being a season ticket holder at Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane - I have to get my pleasure watching footie on TV. Not possessing TV I go to the neighbour house where just about any game in the world is available via his computer: http://www.myp2p.eu/ |
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03 Mar 11 - 06:33 PM (#3106527) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus I didn't know that you knew that as well Dave. |
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28 May 11 - 01:22 PM (#3161795) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Barcelona or Manchester United? |
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28 May 11 - 01:44 PM (#3161802) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Tonight and only tonight, I will be rooting for Man U. |
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28 May 11 - 01:51 PM (#3161810) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Ten minutes to kickoff... or whatever it's called... game on? |
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28 May 11 - 02:16 PM (#3161821) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Well... it's all hype at the moment... dunno when it's gonna start. |
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28 May 11 - 03:38 PM (#3161842) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus 1 - 1 at half time |
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28 May 11 - 04:39 PM (#3161857) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Barcelona were outstanding. Well deserved to win. |
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28 May 11 - 04:58 PM (#3161863) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Dave the Gnome Must agree there. I am no big fan of football but I must say it was a pleasure to watch Barcelona. How come all big clubs don't take a leaf out of their book? If you can be so accurate in passing and shooting you must be unstoppable. At times they made United look like a Sunday league team! DtG |
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28 May 11 - 05:04 PM (#3161867) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Indeed, the technical ablity in set up and execution was superb after the initial mistakes which were fast and furious and quite shocking in the first several minutes...to the point that I thought Man U might win. Well done. |
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28 May 11 - 05:07 PM (#3161869) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: autolycus I sometimes think teams and coaches don't think they need to learn anything. Everyone is paid enough that i'd have thought they'd be spending most of their time seeking to improve. I don't think it was just the pinpoint passing and shooting. Barca players always seemed to be in the right place; they were brilliant off the ball, which is crucial to success; there always seemed to be plenty of them everywhere; and they know how vital it is to have and keep possession. "Shows" how much even football is half-won in the head. Congratulations to the deserved winners from a Spurs fan. Ivor |
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28 May 11 - 05:07 PM (#3161870) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu And might I add... that ref did an amazing job by not calling fouls which did not matter to the flow of the game. I was aghast at some of the no-calls early on but soon appreciated his "take" on the play and flow. He is to be commended for making it an enjoyable game to watch. |
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28 May 11 - 05:28 PM (#3161882) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion Barça in every sense the epitome of cool: never flustered; just a fine flowing style of play, with an uncanny knack, it appears, of knowing just where & when to pass, confident that a team-mate will be there to receive it. Uncanny, almost, the perfection of their play. ~Michael~ |
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28 May 11 - 06:29 PM (#3161907) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu autolycus... as for there being plenty of them everywhere... that struck me from the first touch. No matter what was on the go they were voraciously attacking. They "stayed as close to the ball as possible" even if it was just one man alone forcing England to play quickly, even charging the goal when there was no chance of doing anything but "hurrying up" the keeper. I saw that in Rooney who was out of position many times trying to force play and turnovers but not so much from ALL of the others. Odd to me. But I am a Canuck so I don't know much about football. |
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29 May 11 - 04:15 AM (#3161994) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: alanabit Barca are probably the only team in the world who could do that to Manchester United. It was a superb performance. There is no disgrace in losing to a team of that quality. |
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29 May 11 - 06:06 AM (#3162022) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 Hi As a Manchester United supporter naturally I was disappointed to have to watch them lose. It was no surprise though because Barcelona are the best team in the World at this time and many say the best ever. United played well but they were just not good enough to beat an outstanding team....I emphasise the word team. Much has been said about their brilliant passing and fluid movement but for me the thing that they did so well last night was to be able to smother almost every United attack even before it started. As soon as any attack broke down Barcelona had several players immediately pressing United into mistakes. As Auotlycus says above, this running and movement off the ball when not in possession was fantastic. That United were not overwhelmed completely by this display is much to their credit. They were overun in midfield where Giggs, Carrick Valencia and the non-stop Park were mesmerised by the to likes of Iniesta and Xavi and Busquets. Messi was absolutely outstanding and his ability to run twinkletoed through the defence with the ball appearing to be tied to his boot was a pleasure to watch. Gnu talks above about Rooney being out of position, but he has a wandering role and his enthusiasm and movement shone, and his goal was as good as anything that Barcelona could offer. Rooney was the outstanding United player, but he was playing almost a lone role as the rest of the team were pressed in trying to stop Barcelona. Van de Saar made some outstanding saves and Vidic and Ferdinand played well enough but Barcelona found a way of going around these strong defenders. Although beaten United made it a good contest and contributed to a flowing game of attacking football.So I applaud Barcelona and hope that we can have learned something from this great display. Cheers Mikel2 |
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29 May 11 - 06:07 AM (#3162023) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arnie Did anyone actually count the Barca players? I have a feeling that they had thirteen men on the pitch. Whatever happened to Rooney's so-called strike partner Hernandez? Did he get a touch of the ball last night? Man Utd only got one shot on target and that was Rooney's goal. An absolutely unbelievable display by Barca who made Man U look mediocre. |
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29 May 11 - 07:24 AM (#3162046) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: autolycus gnu, despite being a Canuck [and I'm glad there are], your analysis seems fine to me. I'd say that rather than'voraciously attacking', barca were voraciously present. They did, after all, lots of moving the ball around and backwards because possession is so important. It was such a pleasure to see Messi. He's the sort of player to make me smile with his tremendous instinctive control, cheek and intelligence. He responds to developing play instantly and effectively. Great as well that a Man U. supporter is very generous in defeat. Would th't that was common in footballing life. Ivor |
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29 May 11 - 07:56 AM (#3162055) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: alanabit As a fan of Manchester City, it did not hurt me quite as much as it would have for the United fans. That said, I felt United fared no worse than anyone else would have against that brilliant Barca side. They had to defend two or three deep against the opposing midfield, which left their flanks exposed. There is no other football team on the planet, who could have swept United away as imperiously - and Ferguson graciously said as much after the match, which is unusual for him. |
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29 May 11 - 08:36 AM (#3162071) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: autolycus Unfortunately for him, the officials didn't pt a foot wrong. Was it me, or were M.U. less included to charge as they do in the Premiership, with the danger of arguments with the ref? Ivor |
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29 May 11 - 08:46 AM (#3162076) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion On another football theme ~~ Has anyone been watching the Carling Nations Cup league competition from the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, this week, between Rep of Ireland, N Ireland, Scotland, Wales, on Sky Sports? [whether England declined to take part or were not invited I don't know]. Something of a frost, with gates of under 1000, too laid-back a 'friendly-match' style approach, 6 substitutes allowed... The 'inaugural' competition, they said. Can't see it being repeated ~~ I suspect someone must have lost quite a bit over it. ~Michael~ |
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30 May 11 - 12:43 AM (#3162413) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion There was no real conviction in the play either. Nobody seemed to take it with much seriousness. Emma commented of that boring last game yesterday where Ireland beat Scotland 1-0 {or was it 2-0? forgotten already!} that some of the home-international under-16 games they have had on Sky over the last few months have been more interesting, more exciting & better played! ~M~ |
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30 May 11 - 02:00 AM (#3162426) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Was it all necessary? Surely a break from football, would have been the best idea. Although not football, surely the cricket test match must have made a big loss. Why play the first test match in Wales, with poor attendances. If that match had been played at one of the top grounds in England, then I am sure we would have seen bigger attendances. Admitted the weather hasn't helped. |
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30 May 11 - 02:23 AM (#3162430) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,jon I'd go along with the break from football... (although for personal interest really it ended with Norwich getting promoted - I rarely follow much more). |
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30 May 11 - 05:11 AM (#3162491) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: autolycus First loads of posters have lived in greencroft Gardens, W.Hampstead. Now it turns out there are a few of us in Norfolk. So I too am very please that my local team, Norwich City, have got back into the Premiership. Staying up's not easy these days. Ivor |
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30 May 11 - 05:23 AM (#3162498) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Jon Well I lived in North Wales when I first remember supporting Norwich (but maybe I did in Shropshire before that - I was 7 when we moved to Wales) but I do live in Norfolk (near Cromer) these days. I agree about staying up being hard. Of course my first hope is that we stay up but I also hope that if we should get relegated we hold things together and are challenging again the next season. The slide last time round was really disappointing. |
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30 May 11 - 06:22 AM (#3162514) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion Well, Peterboro have achieved a straight-up-again, Championship-wise... ~M~ |
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30 May 11 - 07:33 AM (#3162551) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion ... &, Ivor, tho I started like you in neighbourhood of Greencroft Gdns as recalled on that other thread, like you I now live in E Anglia ~~ tho Cambs [which is why pleased re Peterboro], rather than Norwich. Still; we can't go on meeting like this, you know!... ~M~ |
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30 May 11 - 09:06 AM (#3162591) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus My fear is that the 3 clubs coming up are no better than the ones going down, in fact they are probably not as good. The premiership standard overall has improved dramatically and the gap is now eneormous. I was sorry to see Blackpool go down as they were entertaining. Bham and West Ham I thought played reasobale football. They will all pay a big penalty for going down and it will dis-intergrate the teams. They will struggle to get back as most of their better players will have moved on. |
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30 May 11 - 09:49 AM (#3162609) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: autolycus That's one of the horrors of current football; players leaving relegated teams. It makes football in the lower reaches of each division so full of desperation. Do players care enough if they know they can move on? No wonder people turn back to supporting local teams, a wonderful, heartening tendency. M We could :-) Ivor |
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30 May 11 - 01:32 PM (#3162693) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Well I wish Swansea well, but I can't help thinking that they are on a hiding to nothing in the premiership. Their best bet is not to spend any money and go down with a lot of dosh in the bank. |
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31 May 11 - 12:47 AM (#3162919) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion Ivor ~~ I wonder if people really have 'turned back to supporting local teams'? Would certainly be a ♥ening tendency, if true. Have never forgotten how depressing I found it, long ago in my teaching days which are ¼C+ ago now, on being told by a pupil that he supported Leeds Utd [they were Div I then ~ remember?!], & it turning out in subsequent conversation that he thought they were a London team & had no idea where Leeds was!; & asked why he didn't support Camb Utd, then a league team, he just looked a bit pitying at such a silly question. But does this pitiful situation no longer indeed apply? I should certainly like to think so... ~M~ |
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31 May 11 - 03:15 AM (#3162940) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Bugsy "COME ON STEVENAGE!" Newly promoted into the league this season, Won the playoffs for promotion to the 1st division last Saturday! Watch our Man U! We're on our way! CHeers Bugsy |
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31 May 11 - 04:00 AM (#3162956) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: autolycus M I have no idea how big the tendency is. I do know that there are people who have done it. We could find out more by starting relevant threads on soccer and general talkboards. Ivor |
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31 May 11 - 04:10 AM (#3162963) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Last day on BBC 606. It's gone, like all the folk programs on BBC Radio. |
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31 May 11 - 04:16 AM (#3162967) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Jon When I was a pupil in school in N Wales, many would change allegiance depending on who won the FA cup or Division 1. I was an odd one sticking to one club and even odder supporting Norwich in N Wales (my father's fom Norwich btw so that's how it came about). I think older (than school age) people probably were more consistent and arguably localish? with Liverpool, Everton, Man U and Man C common. Chester and Wrexham were closer though and I can't think off hand of anyone I knew supporting them. That said, living in the Llandudno area, I can't off hand think of any reason (outside in the case of Wrexham wanting to support a Welsh club) why one would be feeling any (very loosely) "moral obligation" to support these clubs. |
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31 May 11 - 04:54 AM (#3162983) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion I divide allegiance. Have always primarily supported Arsenal ~~ family tradition, & I am a N Londoner by birth & first 30 years of my life ~~ apart from WWii when I lived in Northampton; so always glad to see Northampton Town ["The Cobblers"] do well; likewise Cambridge United, as have lived in or near Cambridge for last 48 years ~ just wish they could regain a league foothold. Also currently happy when Peterboro do well, as nearest league club to my present Fenland home. But a Gooner first & foremost ~~ esp as Gunners now playing a few more British players: oh for the enactment of that oft-mooted but never established '6&5 rule'! ~M~ |
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31 May 11 - 06:39 AM (#3163016) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 Hi Yes there are many people who decide for whatever reason to suppoort clubs that are not geographically close to them. "Celebrities" appear to do this - maybe just for publicity reasons. Some years ago my son's employers owned two boxes at Old Trafford and we went as guests very often. The number of " celebrities" there proudly wearing Manchester United favours was surprising as many of them were not English and knew next to nothing about football. Of course many here will recall Roy Kean referring to these as "the Prawn Sandwich Brigade". Of course outside the boxes things were different and yes there were supporters who travelled great distances each week to watch United; but they by and large were football fans and quite knowledgeable about the game. My family from great-grandfather down have all supported Manchester United. I was born there and although my playing days included playing football until I joined the Air Force when I took up Rugby Union which I played until I was of an age that I should have known better when to stop...lol On finishing at that time I found football (United) much more exciting than rugby to watch so I returned to the family line and became a follower. I still watch a lot of rugby of both codes and will confess that at times both are now as exciting to watch as football. Like Michael I look forward to the day when the authorities finally decide to act on the installation of rules that limit the numbers of overseas players and also of the making clubs more wary of falling into debt. As a final line can I just crow about my youngest grandson aged 7 who has been selected to attend the Manchester United Academy in September. Cheers MikeL2 |
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31 May 11 - 09:50 AM (#3163075) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion Wish your grandson all success, MikeL. A fine achievement indeed! ~Michael~ |
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31 May 11 - 10:39 AM (#3163100) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Patsy Congratulations to your young grandson MikeL you must be very proud. When I was in my teens during the 70s at school my preference was to support Premier teams like Chelsea or Tottenham rather than the local Bristol teams. It was possibly because Bristol at that time wasn't that much of a focal point on the map, well as far as we were concerned anyway. If ever I happened to mention any of the teams either Bristol City or Rovers to any of my Cockney pals on holiday they would laugh and say, who? Although I admire the loyalty of the local Bristol Rover supporter families who turn out come rain or shine in a sea of blue I prefer my comfortable seat in front of the TV watching a 'better team?'. |
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31 May 11 - 10:40 AM (#3163103) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 Hi Michael Many thanks for your kind comments. Regards Mike |
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31 May 11 - 10:48 AM (#3163107) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 hi Patsy Many thanks for the kind comments about my grandson. Regarding the choice of teams people support and watch, there are many who have no real link or conviction to their choice. It is often just a trendy thing or some people have to support the best. I know that for instance if man United were to struggle in the Premier league their support would reduce dramatically. But the "true" supporters I would expect to remain faithful. Given the choice of either standing in the rain and watching Bristol Rovers or sitting watching Chelsea on TV, I think I would watch Chelsea too....lol That's sacrilidge for a Man United supporter. Regards MikeL2 |
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31 May 11 - 11:07 AM (#3163118) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Jon Good luck to him Mike! |
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31 May 11 - 11:32 AM (#3163129) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,MikeL2 Hi Jon Many thanks - he will have to work hard but he knows the score. Regards Mike |
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31 May 11 - 01:09 PM (#3163160) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Musket Hi MikeL2. You must be proud! I note another of Man Utd's academy of years past has just hung up his boots, there is a slot available for an attacking mid fielder... Despite the advent of big business, Man Utd have shown the way in nurturing home grown talent as well as supplementing it with the transfer market, as any big team must do to survive. You know, despite being aware of all the issues surrounding football in the commercial sense and the disgraceful shenanigans going on at FIFA, as they always have done, I am still fiercely faithful to my team, having been a season ticket holder at Hillsborough since I was 9 years old. I guess this is what religious people feel when logic goes out of the window yet they still hold onto their faith. Well my faith's Archbishop appears to be Gary Megson (!) |
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31 May 11 - 02:39 PM (#3163219) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 Hi Ian Thanks for the nice comments. Yes I am proud of my grandson. At least he is getting a chance and whatever the final outcome for him, it will have been a great life experience. I agree with your comments about the state of football today. I have spent some time at Hillsborough many years ago. My Uncle & Aunt used to live on the other side of Hillsborough Park and my uncle - an "owls fan" used to take me to see them. Of course then times were better and we saw some great games. Albert Quixall stands out for me as one of their best players. My Grandfather and grandmother used to live in Elsecar and we spent some time there too. Can remember going to Oakwell to watch Barnsley play Sheffield United. Dour games these !!! Nostalgia's not what it used to be...lol Cheers MikeL2 |
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02 Jun 11 - 06:03 AM (#3164094) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle The Villa hotseat claims another scalp! |
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02 Jun 11 - 06:41 AM (#3164110) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus It do indeed Al, but for health reasons this time. I wouldn't mind Ancellotti, but it seems that Boring Sparky Hughes is going to get the job (please not). |
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02 Jun 11 - 09:25 AM (#3164170) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 hi Arthur You have to pay to get the best these days and that doesn't come cheap !! It is reputed that Ancellotti get £6 million when his contract was ended !!! The managers make more money out of being unsuccessful than they do for doing a good job. Exit clauses and severance pay are important parts of the equation. I'd do it for you as long as Villa would cancel my contract before the season starts and that would only cost them £1 million. I think you are a little harsh on Hughes. He can't produce miracles - he has really had nothing to work with except when he was at Man City and there he was in the process of building a team. Cheers Mikel2 |
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02 Jun 11 - 11:23 AM (#3164210) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus Yes mike, but he strikes me as similar to MON and I don't think MON, Moyes, Hughes or the brolly man are going to get us higher than 6th. Althogh Gh came in for some stick, I think he manged to sort a few things out and I was expecting an exciting season next year, especially as he was likely to get rid of the crud and buy better quality players in replacement. We do need to keep Downing and Bent. I think Young is already on his way to Man U or Liverpool. |
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02 Jun 11 - 11:52 AM (#3164223) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 hi Arthur Remember when Hughes was sacked City were 4th in the league !!! But I do agree that he maybe lacks vision as a Manager. McLeish maybe available soon ....!!! As for "The Wally with the Brolly". Pooooo !!!!! not for me. Don't think he is able to manage top quality players. Did quite well in Holland but didn't have any high profile players to control. Big Sam's just gone to West Ham so not much left in the way of British managers. Don't thing Guardino will be available !!! lol Maybe Old Trafford will lure him if he fancies coming to England ?? Cheers Mike |
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03 Jun 11 - 02:41 AM (#3164570) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Alan Whittle talking of West Ham. Did you see that film on telly about West Ham's hooligans - they make friends with and admit to their ranks an American - called Green Street? It was written by one of Derek Brimstone's sons. |
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03 Jun 11 - 03:36 AM (#3164581) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MGM·Lion Am I the only one who loves to watch the game but finds all the politicking about transfers and [esp] managers ballsachingly boring? And don't say, "Well, don't open the thread then". I open it hoping it's not about bloody managers again, but about football; but sure enough it is and it isn't. Chiz. Likewise poo. ~M~ |
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05 Jun 11 - 06:59 AM (#3165409) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: MikeL2 Hi I watched the England v Switzerland match last night on TV. England were dreadful in the first half. Switzerland were more inventive, more committed and played as a team. England were disjointed with few players putting in anything like a performance. It is the same old thing .....the foreign sides play better possession football while the English game seems to foster a belief that just speculative punting the ball forward down the middle will create chances. Ashley Young did bring some life into England and on attack they did look a little more dangerous in the second half. Bent missed a sitter and another couple of chances. Will need to improve drastically if they are to progress further. Cheers MikeL2 |
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05 Jun 11 - 11:10 AM (#3165475) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: Arthur_itus I think he made a mistake by not having Young, Downing and Bent on at the beginning. Poor game though. |
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10 Jul 11 - 03:43 PM (#3184999) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu I missed the USA vs BRA game today. SOB!!! Apparently it was a barn burner! USA on shootout. Watched Japan beat Germany yesterday... the Germans got sloppy twice in quick succession and I just knew they would pay dearly. Some great football on the TV! |
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29 Jul 11 - 07:10 PM (#3198203) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu England is going to wear ALL BLACK against the All Blacks??? WTF is THAT? |
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29 Jul 11 - 10:07 PM (#3198262) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Jom England is going to wear ALL BLACK against the All Blacks??? WTF is THAT? I think that's the rugby (union) world cup although they are in different pools so England aren't guaranteed to play the All Blacks (New Zealand) and I can't see why England wouldn't use wearing their white kit to play them if they do meet. I believe England will be wearing the black kit for thier opening game against Argentina though. |
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29 Jul 11 - 10:25 PM (#3198271) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu I can't find the article (I saw it on Yahoo News)... but it was not taken well in NZ. |
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29 Jul 11 - 11:01 PM (#3198293) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Jon Going by |
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31 Jul 11 - 07:28 AM (#3199004) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu England's plan to wear all black at the home of the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup was branded "snide", "tacky" and "crazy" as New Zealanders voiced their outrage. Prime Minister John Key on Saturday called England "a bunch of wannabes" for attempting to mimic the iconic New Zealand outfit, while former All Blacks flanker Michael Jones labelled England's kit switch "psychological warfare". As websites swelled with reaction, and a Facebook group called "Get Our Gear Off" was launched, one commenter calling himself Wynkan said: "Sad thing is, England can wear a superman outfit, but they still won't win." England traditionally play in white but are switching to a black away kit in time for their first World Cup match in New Zealand against Argentina on September 10. An English Rugby Football Union (RFU) spokesman said the shirt complied with World Cup and International Rugby Board regulations. England was "fully aware of the significance of a black shirt to New Zealand's players and population as a whole -- we have fully consulted with the NZRU, who confirmed they had no issues," the spokesman said. However, New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said England told them of the change "as a courtesy". All Blacks captain Richie McCaw took a diplomatic approach, saying he was not bothered by England copying the All Blacks jersey, which has a 127-year history. "If it comes down to what colour you wear determines how you play then we've got trouble," he said. However, former All Black captain Taine Randell called the cheeky marketing ploy "tacky" and asked: "Are they just not proud of the colours they wear? Their history that they've had over the last hundred-odd years?" Earle Kirton, a former All Blacks player and coach, told Fairfax Media there was "an underlying snideness" about the England move, while veteran rugby commentator Keith Quinn said the move diminished England's red and white history. "It's crazy," said Quinn. "Of all the colours in the rainbow, why would they choose the colour of the host nation? They are thumbing their noses at a New Zealand tradition." On the Facebook page, Massey Tuhaki described England's switch to black as "ignorant and offensive" while Gerard Murphy said: "If the Poms promise to wear white, we promise to give them their dumb flag back!" |
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31 Jul 11 - 09:36 AM (#3199057) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Jon Thanks, gnu. As indicated before, I'm not surprised at that. |
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31 Jul 11 - 11:42 AM (#3199120) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu If you went to war wearing the enemy's uniform you might get shot by your own troops. It just makes no sense. To me, it's childish and a blot on the English. |
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31 Jul 11 - 11:50 AM (#3199125) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: GUEST,Jon gnu, In case there is any confusion, I'm English and I don't see why we needed to do this. |
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31 Jul 11 - 01:58 PM (#3199201) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: WalkaboutsVerse REREGULATE back to how it was - mostly locals in meaningful competition. |
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31 Jul 11 - 02:27 PM (#3199223) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu No need to tell me that, Jon. I expect few would think otherwise. WV... link no go. |
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12 Nov 11 - 02:14 PM (#3255704) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Enjoyed that friendly against Spain. The Spaniards are simply AMAZING with their precision passing but the English defense was better. Got a question. The first yellow of the second half... when the Spaniard put his arm across the ref and angrily hollered in his face as the ref was walking toward the offender and taking out the yellow. Why was HE not given a yellow as well? In sports here, if you do that you get a "yellow" and if you don't back off you get sent off. Now, I heard the commentator say the ref was under scrutiny for getting a call wrong in a previous game, but messin with the ref is, IMO, the second worst foul one can commit. |
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19 Nov 11 - 02:41 PM (#3260078) Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011 From: gnu Just watched Man U at Swansea... drums? I don't recall hearing the beating of drums in EP'p football before... ? Did i just not notice? Is it common? Has it been common? Is it only in certain areas? cities? |