BS: Football 2011

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: gnu
Date: 19 Nov 11 - 02:41 PM

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?

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: gnu
Date: 12 Nov 11 - 02:14 PM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 02:27 PM

No need to tell me that, Jon. I expect few would think otherwise.

WV... link no go.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 01:58 PM

REREGULATE back to how it was - mostly locals in meaningful competition.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 11:50 AM

gnu, In case there is any confusion, I'm English and I don't see why we needed to do this.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 11:42 AM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 09:36 AM

Thanks, gnu.

As indicated before, I'm not surprised at that.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 07:28 AM

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!"

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 11:01 PM

Going by this, the NZ RU board were happy with it but I'm not surprised to learn that there have been objections. It does strike me as something that could be sensitive...

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: gnu
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 10:25 PM

I can't find the article (I saw it on Yahoo News)... but it was not taken well in NZ.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Jom
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 10:07 PM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: gnu
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 07:10 PM

England is going to wear ALL BLACK against the All Blacks??? WTF is THAT?

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jul 11 - 03:43 PM

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!

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 05 Jun 11 - 11:10 AM

I think he made a mistake by not having Young, Downing and Bent on at the beginning.

Poor game though.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MikeL2
Date: 05 Jun 11 - 06:59 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 03 Jun 11 - 03:36 AM

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~

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 03 Jun 11 - 02:41 AM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MikeL2
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 11:52 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 11:23 AM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MikeL2
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 09:25 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 06:41 AM

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).

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 06:03 AM

The Villa hotseat claims another scalp!

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MikeL2
Date: 31 May 11 - 02:39 PM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Musket
Date: 31 May 11 - 01:09 PM

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 (!)

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 31 May 11 - 11:32 AM

Hi Jon

Many thanks - he will have to work hard but he knows the score.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 31 May 11 - 11:07 AM

Good luck to him Mike!

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MikeL2
Date: 31 May 11 - 10:48 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MikeL2
Date: 31 May 11 - 10:40 AM

Hi Michael

Many thanks for your kind comments.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 31 May 11 - 10:39 AM

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?'.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 31 May 11 - 09:50 AM

Wish your grandson all success, MikeL. A fine achievement indeed!

~Michael~

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MikeL2
Date: 31 May 11 - 06:39 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 31 May 11 - 04:54 AM

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~

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 31 May 11 - 04:16 AM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 31 May 11 - 04:10 AM

Last day on BBC 606. It's gone, like all the folk programs on BBC Radio.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: autolycus
Date: 31 May 11 - 04:00 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Bugsy
Date: 31 May 11 - 03:15 AM

"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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 31 May 11 - 12:47 AM

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~

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 30 May 11 - 01:32 PM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: autolycus
Date: 30 May 11 - 09:49 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 30 May 11 - 09:06 AM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 30 May 11 - 07:33 AM

... &, 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~

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 30 May 11 - 06:22 AM

Well, Peterboro have achieved a straight-up-again, Championship-wise...

~M~

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:23 AM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: autolycus
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:11 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: GUEST,jon
Date: 30 May 11 - 02:23 AM

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).

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 30 May 11 - 02:00 AM

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.

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 30 May 11 - 12:43 AM

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~

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 29 May 11 - 08:46 AM

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~

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: autolycus
Date: 29 May 11 - 08:36 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Football 2011
From: alanabit
Date: 29 May 11 - 07:56 AM

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.