BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 02:10 PM

I am surprised that people invariably blame the manager, ultimately he is not on the pitch.

There are 11 plus, highly skilled (and highly paid) footballers who are there to play a game.

If THEY are not up to it, it should be THEY that carry the can.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 03:30 PM

Yebbut he bought 'em, he picked 'em, he trained 'em, he tacticked 'em, he judged whether they were a good fit - and he's been there for twenty-odd years! He's a professional second-best!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: peteglasgow
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 03:49 PM

i can't understand the constant criticism that arsene wenger gets. arsenal, top 4/5 for ever, a few cups and he's produced 3/4 top sides that (when on form) has played the best football in england. he should go when he wants to.
many of us don't support the top english clubs (partick thistle, west ham) (football is a weird sort of sweet suffering with these 2) and are more than happy with much more modest and occasional success. i'm much happier going to see the jags fighting relegation (for £15) again than going to a bigger club where winning is just routine and expected. you glory hunters are just greedy and missing out on many of the small pleasures the game provides.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 07:41 PM

Well I know what you mean, Pete, but I can't agree that Arsenal have been playing great football, not for quite some time now. The problem with them is that they used to, and we all fondly remember it, but these days they are just too gutless and abject. Dammit, there's too much money in it, etc., but the best players get on that pitch and forget that they're getting a hundred thousand and they play with that brilliant schoolboy competitive spirit. I don't think the standard has ever been higher. At its best it's great to watch, and my totally, utterly unbiased view is that Liverpool are the epitome of that perfect combination of on-show skill and entertainment. As ever, Man U fans will deludedly beg to differ...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Feb 18 - 07:52 PM

I should add that I was brought up in the sixties watching Bury at Gigg Lane, only occasionally being treated to a big match at Old Trafford, Ewood Park or Turf Moor. I'm right with you on hairy-arse footie. It can be the best of the lot. Best match I ever saw was Bury vs Rotherham. It cost me a tanner to get in and I saw Alf Barlow and Len Fairclough out of Coronation Street there.

Mind you, google Burnley vs Sheffield Wed, FA Cup, on March 7 1961. I was there. It changed my life...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 05:30 AM

Hi Steve

Obviously I see United v Chelsea game differently to you. For this game I thought United played the right game to see off a strong Chelsea side. Yes we had a bit of luck - but that is part of the game.
They started slowly when Chelsea could and should have won it.

They ccored first whi woke United up and they gradually improved and they completelt blocked out Chelsea's midfield. Lucaku had his best game for United and the underrated Lingard finished Chelsea off.

Not a classic by any means but United got what they wanted.
Unfortunately I was unable to have a few as I have just had surgery and have been told no alcohol until the stitches come out on Thursday.

Sorry I can't help you with the Streaming thingy. My son got it in Holland where he is working these days. He has a dongle thing ( note my grasp of things technical ). My grandson has it at the moment and came and did the necessary.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 06:05 AM

MikeL, download the App Mobdro onto your tablet or android if you own such a thing. Once installed you can watch dozens of channels, sport, news, films etc FOC. We have a dongle on the TV which picks up the wireless signal so we can watch on the TV screen.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 02:13 PM

Hi Raggy

Thanks for the heads up.

I don't have an Android device. I have three laptops, none of which I don't think are Android. My grandson connects his dongle direct to my TV.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 26 Feb 18 - 05:00 PM

An Android can be picked up for about £100, a lot less than signing up for Sky for a year!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 27 Feb 18 - 06:37 AM

An explosion last week killed a wild-living navy boiler man and he found himself in hell. Being used to stoking fires and extremely hot temperatures, he found hell actually quite comfortable.

When Satan went to check out the new arrival, he found him sitting in his room smiling.

“You like this?” Satan asked.

“Yes, sir,” said the sailor, “this feels like a spring day to me.”

Not wanting the new guy to be too comfortable, Satan turned up the heat a bit. When he went back the next day to see how his new arrival was doing, the sailor was still happy; he hadn’t even broken a sweat.

“I like this kind of weather,” he told Satan.

For the next few days, Satan turned up the heat more and more, but each day the Sailor looked as comfortable as ever. By Sunday, Satan decided to try something different. Rather than turn up the heat even more, he turned it off and turned on the air conditioning. Icicles formed in the sailor’s room! When he checked on the guy, the room was icy and he was shivering, but he had a grin from ear to ear, bigger than ever.

Satan was exasperated! “Why are YOU so happy?” he demanded from the sailor. “It’s FREEZING in here!”

“Well, I’m from Liverpool,” said the sailor, “and evidently they have just won the Premiership!"

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Feb 18 - 07:07 AM

That joke might go down better at the end of NEXT season...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Feb 18 - 02:29 PM

Hi Raggy

I already have BT Sport on my TV and my son has installed Sky- Go for free.

Inreality I don't need anything else.

Thanks for your advice, I have filed it away in case I need it.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 04 Mar 18 - 06:48 AM

Hi Steve

Watched Liverpool v Newcastle.
Not exactly a thriller.

Liverpool compared to their recent form were poor. They started very well but Newcastle created a grip on them that they found difficult to pierce, They did score two goals but there was an element of luck in both of them.

They were never in danger of losing but were pleased to win.



But as I have been saying three points is what you are playing for and sometimes you have the win by playing ugly.

I hope we do the same on Monday when we play Crystal Palace.

I like this time of the season when all games are important for teams at the top and teams at the bottom trying to avoid relegation.

Going to be a tough fight for the top four with with Man City having taken top place. On current performance Spurs and Liverpool will take two places, leaving Man United to compete with Chelsea for the fourth place.

I could'nt help but laugh at Clopp's reaction right at the end to the " penalty" that was turned down. I thought for a minute I was watching Swan Lake.
Cheers
Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 04 Mar 18 - 07:24 AM

Well it was a cast-iron free kick right at the edge of the box. Newcastle parked at least two buses all afternoon, even when they were losing, no doubt hoping for a chance to counter that they repeatedly showed they were too weak to execute. They managed to force Liverpool to play across the park for much of the time, making for a tedious watch as you say, but it speaks volumes for Liverpool's firepower that they broke through a number of times and got two goals. In the past they've often been frustrated by that tactic, most famously by Mourinho in his Chelsea days, but no team will be able to rely on that approach with Liverpool in future. A couple of long balls up to Salah is enough to get any defence panicking and going out of shape, and we have some damn good long passers. You're being a bit of an ould curmudgeon about the second goal, which was a world-class team goal. Great to see Hendo back on form, and Virgil is a commanding presence who has settled the defence no end.

It's a complete arse thst family matters are going to prevent me from watching the match next Saturday. I blame the Beast From The East for forcing us to put back our plans by a week. Grr.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 04 Mar 18 - 08:41 AM

Hi Steve

You are right about Sallah he is something special. Yesterday vaery early in the game he hit a volley on the turn when running at full pace. It hit the side netting but was worth a goal in itself.

Sorry to hear you won't be able to watch. I am hoping No 1 son will have ticket for me. He takes me whenever he can. His company have three season tickets but they are often taken by his friends ( one is a City fan ) No one will want to miss this one so it looks as if I will be watching at home.

Should be a great game. We would like to see United tale Liverpool on at their own gain. but I suspect his defensive attitude will not allow it,

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 04 Mar 18 - 10:35 AM

Hi
Sorry

that last sentence should have said We would like to see United take Liverpool on at their own game. but I suspect his defensive attitude will not allow it.

Cheers

Mike

PS Just watched Brighton beat Arsenal 2-1. I think this will be the end of Wenger. Sad really - he's been a great manager.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Mar 18 - 01:56 PM

I always supported Hamilton Accademicals. Just so I could do the chant

2 4 6 8 Who do we appreciated

H-A-M-I....

Oh, sod it.

:D tG

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 04 Mar 18 - 03:29 PM

It was the same for the cheerleader of Borussia Munchengladbach, the most unpopular bloke in the stadium:

"Give me a B...!"

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Mar 18 - 03:33 PM

Or give me an I

give me a n

give me a v

give me a e

give me a r

oh f*** it!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 05 Mar 18 - 06:49 AM

Hi

I watched the farce of a so called football match between Man City and Chelsea.

What a joke as Chelsea parked the bus and sat in it for the whole game.

City treated the ploy by playing keep ball for almost the whole game. I don't blame City. It was up to Chelsea to try to attack. What a shambles to see the likes of Hazard and Willian etc to be stranded inside their own penalty area.

We play tonight and expect Roy Hodgson to try to do the same.....but he really ne3eds the points

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 05 Mar 18 - 08:08 AM

For the sake of Liverpool I hope he gets 'em! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 06 Mar 18 - 06:50 AM

Hi Steve United managed to pull off a late victory. Shades of Fergie ??

It was quite a good game to watch . Crystal Palace dominated in the first half and blotted United out while they created chances on the breakaways. They scored a good goal and minutes into the second half doubled their lead. From this United got the kick up the a..e they needed. Some clever substitutions by Mourinho seemed to wake them up. Removing defensive players for attackers. Rashford and Mata created havoc in the CP defence. Goals just had to come and they did. Matic's wonderful strike from 25 yards in injury time saw United home.
Everyone took a huge sigh of relief.

That's one good thing about United. They have power on the bench to bring on if necessary. Sancez and Pogba were almost invisible - not what you'd expect from such expensive players. They have'nt yet to find a way ti fit Sanchez in and clearly Pogba is not enjoying where
where he has to play.

Still, at the end of the day we are still in 2nd place.

Now we will see what Sa turday brings. If we play like we did last night Liverpool will be out of sight by half time !!

Cheers
Mike

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 10 Mar 18 - 09:50 AM

Hi Steve

YES YES YES !!

In a feisty physical game. United just about held on for a deserved victory.

The Liverpool defence showed it's soft centre as United took a 2-nil lead early on. Liverpool pressed hard but did not really manage to pierce the United defence. Their goal came from a freak own goal.

I think Liverpool expected United to park the bus, but were surprised as they threatened to score a precious third goal which would have decided the game. As it was, the score was 2-1

Rashfords's two goal were excellent but The Pool should have stopped at least one if not both.

Nothing was seen from Salah who has been so prolific such was the performance of the United defence.

It was a good game to watch with lots of excitement from both teams.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 10 Mar 18 - 10:17 AM

Clear water between the teams ............ and I dread to consider what may have been said had Liverpool prevailed !

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 10 Mar 18 - 11:02 AM

Hi Raggy

Yes I know what you mean. !!

Just seen Clop interviewed; I think he must have been at a different game.

Cheers
Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Mar 18 - 08:20 AM

I've almost completely missed out on this one. I was in the Coffee Sack on Scholes Lane in Prestwich during most of the match and caught the last frantic three minutes only, sitting in me car outside Prestwich M&S Food. Then I missed MOTD because I was driving home in the late evening. Sounds like Liverpool missed me!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 06:28 AM

Hi Steve

Sounds like you had an interesting afternoon ?

The last three minutes were hectic for United but they just held out.


United played much better without Pogba. Sanchez was much improved. I think Pogba is headed for the door. He has been told if he doesn't
like it he can go. He is not a happy bunny. Still he can spend his spare time counting his money !!

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 07:37 AM

Man U have a habit of appointing managers who can't help falling out with the best players, then failing to get the best out of them or driving them away. Keane, Cantona, Nistelrooy, Beckham, Di Maria, Valdez, Veron, Pogba...

Sure, no player is bigger than the club. But the club doesn't apply that to their managers. You could say it started with Busby. It's one of the big reasons why Man U attracts so much derision from non-fans. That and a long-time insistence that actually playing exciting football that fans pay good money to see takes a poor second place in the priority stakes to winning ugly.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 10:12 AM

Hi Steve

Yes United have had some run-ins with top players. Kean for instance was a fine player, some say the best United have ever had. But Kean didn't just have problems with United. He had problems with his International Managers, and had personal problems with himself. Beckham was ( and still is ) a great clubman but his wife Posh Spice wanted him to get away to further her career. et al
not his !!! Most of the others left because they found it difficult to get in the team. Because of United's squad of players they can't all play.

It is true that they have a win mentality and this does annoy some people. They are ( have been the top crowd pullers for more years than I can remember so the must be happy. I think that many people are jealous of United's success and don't like them beating their teams.

Not only are United the best liked team in Britain but are best known and followed in the World. !!

Cheers

Mike

I do concede that since Fergie went the standard of attractive football has fallen. But Mourinho is charged with the job of building them up to their former status.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 10:42 AM

Best-liked AND most-hated!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 01:42 PM

Richard Osman just said it it wasn't for l's Liverpool would be iverpoo

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 03:24 PM

HI Steve

" Best-liked AND most-hated! "

Only by you Steve. lol

I have traveled to many countries and have found even in outlandish places The name Manchester United is valued very highly. United clubs appear in many towns and cities. We are always made welcome when we say that we are United supporters.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 03:36 PM

Hi

I see that Jamie Carragher - ex Liverpool Player and football pundit -is in trouble for spitting at a woman when travelling home after the United v Liverpool game.

I understand he has been suspended by Sky and has apologised to the person concerned.

I have always liked Jamie for his commitment to Liverpool and to Liverpool Football Club. One of the best Defenders in the World who IMHO did not get the recognition he deserved nor as many caps he should have.

I hope this is soon cleared up. Football needs people like Jamie.

Cheers

Mike

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: peteglasgow
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 06:59 PM

best liked (as opposed to biggest support) - partick thistle. i think the most hated changes in england - (dirty)leeds, (boring) arsenal, (fans in surrey, arrogant)manchester united, (too rich, john terry)chelsea etc ... but in scotland it is and always will be - rangers for many reasons.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 09:08 PM

Billy Connolly once said that as a boy he'd always thought that the team's full name was "Partick Nil."

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 12 Mar 18 - 09:16 PM

Apart from the Munich disaster, the only time I ever felt sympathy for United was when Nat Lofthouse barged not just the ball but also the United goalie, Harry Gregg, over the line for Bolton's second "goal" in the '58 FA Cup Final. Bet you still haven't forgiven Nat for that one, Mike!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Mar 18 - 11:19 AM

Hi Steve

It was very bad decision, It was a typical Nat Lofthouse charge on the goalie. I liked Nat and the way he played, he wouldn't get away with those tackles today. The keepers get much more protection these days.
Yes I was unhappy for a while, but Football is is full of incidents like that. We have to accept them. We don't have to like them but hey, if you can't change them there's no point in moaning.

Got my system tuned up for tonight's game with Sevilla. My son is taking one of my grandsons to the game.

Que Sera Sera.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 13 Mar 18 - 12:05 PM

Beware of the 1-1 draw!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 13 Mar 18 - 05:39 PM

Bugger !!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 13 Mar 18 - 05:59 PM

That was a bloody disgrace. Awful tactics, scared stiff of the away goal, sloppy play giving the ball away all the time, giving Sevilla so much room at the back, totally static in the extremely boring first half, Pogba and Sanchez bloody shocking. Typical negative United, for once getting what they deserve. And who in his right mind would EVER pick Fellaini! Jayz!

Watched it on BT Sport mobile which is usually very good. But I must have had at least fifty interruptions tonight and I even missed the Man U goal. Tsk. Mrs Steve isn't keen on my swear words...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 13 Mar 18 - 06:01 PM

Mind you, we Liverpool chaps would take Rashford off your hands. Ten million OK...?

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Mar 18 - 06:49 AM

Hi Steve you got it about right. This was about the worst game I have ever seen with United.

They appeared to have no plan they were hesitant and looked tired. Hardly any competing for the ball, no tackles etc etc They just left the field open For Seville to do as they wished.

Why they changed the side from Saturday is a mystery. Yes Sanchez, Pogba and Fellainie were appalling. The rest not much better.

They played two full games against ordinary opposition and manage only 4 shots. Not good enough. In one way I am pleased that they lost - imagine this shite playing against Europe's best !!

Sad though for my grandson who went to watch United for the first time.

No we will keep Rashford and you can have the rest for Ten Million.

Still that's football it happens to most teams.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Mar 18 - 11:47 AM

I rest my case regarding Pogba ........... spoilt brat comes to mind.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Mar 18 - 03:39 PM

Hi Raggy

There is a rumour that United are trying to swap pogba for an Italian midfielder.

He doesn't appear the be trying , he lumbers around like a water Buffalo, occasionally spraying out a great cross-field pass.

Not good enough. I think he is a bad influence on some of the players.

Cheers

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 14 Mar 18 - 06:12 PM

Chelsea played well but were ambushed by that man Messi, the greatest. So that leaves Liverpool and City. There are no restrictions in the last-eight draw. Anyone could play anyone else. I don't think Liverpool need fear anyone, though it'd be good to get either Sevilla or Roma. City v. Barca would conveniently get one of the Pep chaps, current or erstwhile, out of the way!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Mar 18 - 10:13 AM

Hi Steve

I watched the game too. Messi is out there on his own. His skill and application is fantastic. He has not just but about four changes of pace which makes him difficult to stop.

Watching this made me realise that United have a long way to go to do well in Europe.

I agree that Liverpool should fear no-one. Their style of play will make it interesting to watch but Clop will need to get his defence organised better.

I will be watching.

Cheers

Mike

ps On a football thread.....the other day on North West TV they showed a guy who had played keep up at Mount Everest. He took 8 days to make from the bottom of the mountain to the Base Camp. Keeping thr ball up as he went.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: peteglasgow
Date: 15 Mar 18 - 10:49 AM

i love to watch messi - particularly when he picks the ball up about 40 metres from goal. he can do anything from that point and without advancing a step he has already terrified every defender in front of him.

it seems almost every other player we watch is programmed to play a 15 metre pass across the pitch or behind to the full back who is cautiously taking 5 steps forward and another 5 back. this tactic can go on for a couple of minutes til clumsiness takes over or the ball is played forward towards a winger and usually goes out of play. at this point the opposition take their turn to do more or less the same.

this 'tiki-taki' style should only be employed by barcelona or spain when there is evidently a sometimes thrilling purpose.

any other team is just farting about and boring us.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 15 Mar 18 - 11:43 AM

It can be legit to play across like that if you're trying to settle yourselves down after an onslaught by just keeping possession for a minute or two, or to try to tire your opponents by making them run as you switch sides, but it can turn into a tedious and negative tactic, I agree. Good footballers (and managers such as Mourinho) need to remember that it's a spectator sport and those spectators, whether in the stadium or at home watching telly, are the people who make the game very rich. And they deserve entertainment, not half-hour stretches of negativity or bus-parking. I'd like to see a tightening-up of what happens at throw-ins and of how long a goalkeeper can keep the ball, two areas in which time-wasting is rampant. And I hate it when we get several substitutions in the dying minutes of the game. Interrupting the flow of the game in that way is completely against its spirit.   

And what's happened to Hazard? He doesn't turn up very often these days.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Mar 18 - 02:37 PM

Hi Steve

I am with you on time wasting. Another thing that should be stamped on is the players - and there are many who fall to the ground when their side is being attacked. They roll and writhe on the ground and the ref stops the game. The game is restarted by a dropped ball kickback to their goalie, so that the attacking team lose any advantage. The offending player then speeds around the pitch.

IMHO there should be a sin bin. Other sports use them effectively

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 15 Mar 18 - 06:21 PM

Agreed!