Talk Football Here... - Part 5

[andyman]

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7082/gtaeflc.jpg

[Johann]

A Danish footballer has been forced to have his leg amputated six weeks after being struck by lightning during a friendly.

Jonathan Richter, 24, was playing for his club FC Nordsjaelland at second-tier Hvidovre on July 20 when he was struck.

Medics restarted his heart, but he was placed in an induced coma and doctors decided, along with Richter, the damage to his leg was so severe they needed to amputate the lower portion of it.

A message on the club's website read: "Jonathan's progress means a lot to the Richter family, friends and all involved with FC Nordsjaelland, but the family now request that all continue to respect the peace that Jonathan needs in the future as he faces tough rehabilitation."

He was reportedly recovering well from the operation and was expected to be moved out of intensive care shortly.

[Johann]

SOCCER star Dimitar Berbatov has been threatened by a gangster for sending flirty texts to his lover, it was claimed last night.

The £30million Manchester United striker allegedly made a series of great passes to model Nikoleta Lozanova, who was Playmate of the Year in his Bulgarian homeland in 2006.

Her boyfriend, Georgi "The Head" Stoilov - a mobster with a reputation for extreme violence - was furious when told of suggestive messages.

The gangster replied to the texts warning Berbatov to keep clear for his own good, according to a Bulgarian magazine.

Stoilov became head of one of his country's most feared clans when his father Stoil Stoilov and his minders were wiped out by a bomb in a lift in 2004.

Berbatov, 28, has been dating Elena Shtilianov on and off for three months and there is talk of pregnancy and marriage.

Friends of Berbatov dismissed Nikoleta, 31 - a former lover of Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Nikolai Mihailov - as "a fantasist".

They claim she invented the texts to wind up Stoilov, and that Berbatov was "surprised" to receive threats from the mobster.

Berbatov was quoted as saying: "I've met her once, when she was with Nikolai, but nothing happened."

A book last year claimed Berbatov was kidnapped by a warlord trying to "persuade" him to switch teams when he was 18.

After Mihailov split from Nikoleta, he said she was like an old Eastern-bloc Trabant boneshaker car compared with his new "Ferrari" girlfriend.

The next day his £170,000 Ferrari was attacked with acid.

United and Berbatov's agent would not comment.

------

LOL

[Johann]

Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is eyeing a January move to the Premiership.

The Dutch ace - linked with Everton and Tottenham - will fight for his Real Madrid place despite originally being snubbed for a squad number.

Van der Vaart said: "If I don't play, I could move in January."

[Johann]

Chelsea winger Yuri Zhirkov is fed-up with his current injury problems.

Zhirkov is suffering from a compound knee injury that was aggravated against AC Milan on the pre-season tour of America.

Nevertheless, he was called up by Guus Hiddink and is desperate to shake off a frustrating injury that has proved difficult to diagnose and manage.

"In some ways it would be better if there had been a tear and I knew that I'd be out for a month, for example," said the £18million summer signing from CSKA Moscow.

"Even the doctors cannot say anything definite. It's incredibly difficult. I just want to wake up and know that the pain has completely gone.

"The pain has become far more tolerable. Two weeks ago it hurt to even stand on it and I couldn't train at all.

"It still aches a little. I trained on Saturday before coming to the national team but I collided with another player and it was quite painful.

"But on my first day back here I crawled on my knees, playing with my son for more than an hour, and I forgot about it."

To make matters worse, Zhirkov has also needed to see a dentist for toothache since returning

[Johann]

New Manchester City signing Sylvinho is reluctant to compare Robinho with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.

"I don't like to compare players, or clubs or coaches," he said.

"In the world there are five or six different players who are at a high level and Robinho is one of them.

"Messi is amazing and is enjoying the best time in his career at Barcelona. He had an amazing season and was one of the best players in the final in Rome.

"He is at a different moment in his life."

[Johann]

Darren Fletcher says Manchester United's players helped make Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo the footballer he is today.

Fletcher told BBC Sport: “Nothing’s changed because it’s all the same bunch of players apart from Cristiano and Carlos Tevez and that addition of Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia.

"We feel we are the same team. We won the league as a team, got to the Champions League final as a team, won the World Club Cup as a team and we feel as if we’ve lost a top-class player but I think just as much as Cristiano gave to us as a fantastic player, we gave to him as well.

"We sacrificed ourselves for him and we appreciate that but that’s what goes on in a team and maybe now we’ll become a lot more solid. We’ll be straight 4-4-2 I think, but obviously we’ve still got players to adapt to that, different personnel but I think you will see Manchester United as same old same old. They’ll go out to try and win games and please the fans and attack the opposition.”

[Johann]

Aston Villa winger James Milner has welcomed the arrivals of defensive signings James Collins and Richard Dunne.

“Yeah, obviously like you say we haven’t got too many defenders and he’s obviously a proven Premiership player. I was speaking to Matty Upson about him and he said he’s a good lad and a great player as well so he’s obviously a good signing and Richard Dunne hopefully as well," Milner told Sky Sports.

"I think the two experienced players and like I’ve just said we’ve got some good quality young players coming through, the likes of Ciaran Clark and Shane Lowry as defenders, to name two, and I think it’s important you have that experience alongside them and even Curtis (Davies) as well. Curtis has done fantastic.

"These very experienced Premiership players will help the younger players come on and improve and make us stronger as a unit."

[Novo]

Hull have confirmed the signing of Netherlands striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink on a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old international had been a free agent since 2 July after being released by Celtic.

Hull chairman Paul Duffen claimed the Tigers had beaten some big clubs to bring the striker to East Yorkshire.

"We've wanted an experienced, top-drawer striker who scores goals and Jan has scored prolifically in top leagues in Europe," Duffen said.

"It's what we need. We didn't score enough goals last season. Going forward we have a lot of new talent and Jan will play his part in using his experience to settle them down.

"We've been looking at Jan since July and are really pleased we've turned his head. He's been looking at other big clubs in Europe but the Premier League is where he wants to come and play with us."

[Novo]

Following is the list of the "FIFA 100" greatest living footballers as nominated by Pele. The list was compiled to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of FIFA and actually contains 125 names:

ARGENTINA
Diego Maradona
Daniel Passarella
Diego Maradona
Gabriel Batistuta
Hernan Crespo
Javier Saviola
Javier Zanetti
Juan Sebastian Veron
Mario Kempes
Omar Sivori

BELGIUM
Franky van der Elst
Jean-Marie Pfaff
Jan Cuelemans

BRAZIL
SocratesCafu
Carlos Alberto
Djalma Santos
Falcao
Nilton Santos
Junior
Pele
Rivaldo
Rivelino
Roberto Carlos
Romario
Ronaldinho
Ronaldo
Socrates
Zico

BULGARIA
Hristo Stoichkov

CAMEROON
Roger Milla

CHILE
Pablo Figueroa
Ivan Zamorano

COLOMBIA
Carlos Valderrama

CROATIA
Davor Suker

CZECH REPUBLIC
Josef Masopust
Pavel Nedved

DENMARK
Brian Laudrup
Michael Laudrup
Peter Schmeichel

ENGLAND
Alan Shearer
Bobby Charlton
David Beckham
Gary Lineker
Gordon Banks
Kevin Keegan
Michael Owen

FRANCE
David Trezeguet
Didier Deschamps
Eric Cantona
Jean-Pierre Papin
Zinedine Zidane
Lilian Thuram
Marcel Desailly
Marius Tresor
Michel Platini
Patrick Vieira
Raymond Kopa
Robert Pires
Thierry Henry
Zinedine Zidane

GERMANY
Franz Beckenbauer
Gerd Mueller
Jurgen Klinsmann
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Lothar Matthaeus
Michael Ballack
Oliver Kahn
Paul Breitner
Sepp Maier
Uwe Seeler

GHANA
Abedi Pele

HUNGARY
Ferenc Puskas

IRELAND
Roy Keane

ITALY
Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Nesta
Christian Vieri
Dino Zoff
Francesco Totti
Franco Baresi
Giampiero Boniperti
Giacinto Fachetti
Gianluca Buffon
Gianni Rivera
Giuseppe Bergomi
Paolo Rossi
Paolo Maldini
Roberto Baggio

JAPAN
Hidetoshi Nakata

LIBERIA
George Weah

MEXICO
Hugo Sanchez

NETHERLANDS
Clarence Seedorf
Dennis Bergkamp
Edgar Davids
Frank Rijkaard
Johan Neeskens
Johan Cruyff
Marco van Basten
Patrick Kluivert
Rene van de Kerkhof
Rob Rensenbrink
Ruud Gullit
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Willie van de Kerkhof

NIGERIA
Jay-Jay Okocha

NORTHERN IRELAND
George Best

PARAGUAY
Romerito

PERU
Teofilo Cubillas

POLAND
Zbigniew Boniek

PORTUGAL
Eusebio
Luis Figo
Rui Costa

ROMANIA
Gheorghe Hagi

RUSSIA
Rinat Disayev

SCOTLAND
Kenny Dalglish

SENEGAL
El Hadji Diouf

SOUTH KOREA
Hong Myung-Bo

SPAIN
Emilio Butragueno
Luis Enrique
Raul

TURKEY
Emre Belozoglu
Rustu Recber

UKRAINE
Andriy Shevchenko

URUGUAY
Enzo Francescoli

UNITED STATES (women)
Michelle Akers
Mia Hamm

[HeatherTWx]

Fifa have banned Chelsea from registering any new players in the next two transfer windows.

The world's governing body have handed down the punishment after French clubs Lens made an official complaint over Chelsea's signing of their young player Gael Kakuta in 2007.

Fifa's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) has now found in Lens' favour and ruled that Chelsea are 'jointly and severally liable'.

As such Chelsea have been banned from signing players over the next two transfer windows, which will mean they will not be able to bring a player into the club until 2011.

As well as the ban Chelsea have been fined £680,000 and will have to pay Lens £113,000 in compensation.

Kakuta, a regular in Chelsea's reserve side, has also been banned from playing for the next four months.

Statement
The full statement from Fifa reads: "On the occasion of its last meeting held on 27 August 2009, the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) was called to pass a decision in a contractual dispute opposing the French club Lens to the French player Gael Kakuta and the English club Chelsea.

"The French club had lodged a claim with Fifa seeking compensation for breach of contract from the player and requesting also sporting sanctions to be imposed on the player and the English club for breach of contract and inducement to breach of contract respectively.

"The DRC found that the player had indeed breached a contract signed with the French club. Equally, the DRC deemed it to be established that the English club induced the player to such a breach.

"As a result the player was condemned to pay compensation in the amount of €780,000, for which the club, Chelsea, are jointly and severally liable, and sporting sanctions were imposed on both the player and Chelsea in accordance with art. 17 par. 3 and 4 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

"A restriction of four months on his eligibility to play in official matches has been imposed on Kakuta. Chelsea are banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the two next entire and consecutive registration periods following the notification of the present decision. Furthermore, the club, Chelsea, have to pay Lens training compensation in the amount of €130,000."

source:Sky sports.

[Mark]

Fifa have banned Chelsea from registering any new players in the next two transfer windows.

The world's governing body have handed down the punishment after French clubs Lens made an official complaint over Chelsea's signing of their young player Gael Kakuta in 2007.

Fifa's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) has now found in Lens' favour and ruled that Chelsea are 'jointly and severally liable'.

As such Chelsea have been banned from signing players over the next two transfer windows, which will mean they will not be able to bring a player into the club until 2011.

As well as the ban Chelsea have been fined £680,000 and will have to pay Lens £113,000 in compensation.

Kakuta, a regular in Chelsea's reserve side, has also been banned from playing for the next four months.

Statement
The full statement from Fifa reads: "On the occasion of its last meeting held on 27 August 2009, the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) was called to pass a decision in a contractual dispute opposing the French club Lens to the French player Gael Kakuta and the English club Chelsea.

"The French club had lodged a claim with Fifa seeking compensation for breach of contract from the player and requesting also sporting sanctions to be imposed on the player and the English club for breach of contract and inducement to breach of contract respectively.

"The DRC found that the player had indeed breached a contract signed with the French club. Equally, the DRC deemed it to be established that the English club induced the player to such a breach.

"As a result the player was condemned to pay compensation in the amount of €780,000, for which the club, Chelsea, are jointly and severally liable, and sporting sanctions were imposed on both the player and Chelsea in accordance with art. 17 par. 3 and 4 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

"A restriction of four months on his eligibility to play in official matches has been imposed on Kakuta. Chelsea are banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the two next entire and consecutive registration periods following the notification of the present decision. Furthermore, the club, Chelsea, have to pay Lens training compensation in the amount of €130,000."

source:Sky sports.

Just heard this. If it's true it's the funniest thing I've heard in a while.

[andyman]

Sky News..

FIFA ban Chelsea from signing any new players until January 2011.

Yep it's true! Muhahahaha!

[Appearance_Of_A_Junky]

Its harsh what they have done, but they can't keep fining clubs that don't worry about money. Just glad I don't support Arsenal or Chelsea as they have both had bad luck recently, and spurs unbeaten (until man u soon) an interesting start to the season and gives us summat to talk about.

[King Gizzard]

Tis a witch hunt on english clubs. fkin uefa will probably ban us all from playing soon lol

[Johann]

LOL @ Chelsea. :pat:

[Johann]

Not going to affect them much this season mind, but being unable to freshen up the squad next summer will be a bit of a hitch. They may get the ban shortened in the end.

[Novo]

**** off FIFA

Anti english twats

[King Gizzard]

i agree, I should find this funny, but I just dont cause its FIFA/UEFA singling us out again

[30stone]

That a ridiculous ban!


and El Hadji Diouf Makes the top 125 wdf????

Van Persie
Wayne Rooney
Fernando Torres
Steven Gerrard
Frank Lampard
John Terry
Ibrahimovic
Messi
Ronaldo

dont make the list and ****ing El Hadji Diouf does??? what is that.

Ohh and Zidane is on the list twice.

[Novo]

That a ridiculous ban!


and El Hadji Diouf Makes the top 125 wdf????

Van Persie
Wayne Rooney
Fernando Torres
Steven Gerrard
Frank Lampard
John Terry
Ibrahimovic
Messi
Ronaldo

dont make the list and ****ing El Hadji Diouf does??? what is that.

Ohh and Zidane is on the list twice.

Pele choose the list a while ago

[30stone]

Either way... He shouldnt have made the list, could name 300+ players better.

[Novo]

Pele knows best :nono:

[King Gizzard]

Pele is footballs good

[30stone]

On this occasion obviously not.

When was it made the list?


I dont understand how hes made the list.. he done what, didnt score for 14 months in the premiership..

[King Gizzard]

it wa sbefore all those players you mentioned were at the top

and he had to realistically include players from all over the world

[Novo]

On this occasion obviously not.

When was it made the list?


I dont understand how hes made the list.. he done what, didnt score for 14 months in the premiership..

El Hadji Diouf captained senegal in the biggest world cup shock ever

[30stone]

Yeah and they didnt win.

Diouf shouldn't be on there.

Someone like Freddie Ljunberg(Sp) deserves it more.

[Johann]

Yeah how on earth did that dirty spitting rat get in that list? He was touted to be an absolute superstar back then but turned out to be utter s*** and a disgusting player. Can't stand the man.

[30stone]

- Steven Gerrard set to Captain England against slovenia.

- Bendtner says he is targetting a spot in the centre with Arsenal as an out - and - out striker.

- Man Utd could suffer the same blow as chelsea with a transfer ban.

- Arteta set to return next month.

- Arsenal may be delt a blow if this rule is passed "UEFA is keen to introduce a rule preventing the international transfer of players under the age of 18 after member associations, clubs, leagues and players agreed to the principle."

- Arsenal fans will be gobsmacked that Tomas Rosicky could play in the World Cup qualifier againat Slovakia on Saturday after not playing in a competitive match for Arsenal since January 2008.

- Dunne was sold to aston villa because city "needed the money"

- Trezeguet to leave Juventus at the end of the season.

- Babel is eyeing up a move back to Ajax from Liverpool.

- Nicklas Bendtner's father and agent claims the Arsenal and Denmark striker shunned interest from Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich to pen a new contract with the Gunners.

[King Gizzard]

wouldnt surprise me if they handed a transfer ban to us all just for the sake of it.

[Novo]

- Dunne was sold to aston villa because city "needed the money"

LOL!

As if

[King Gizzard]

they needed the 6m? yeah right

they gave him themselves 6m in compensation cause thats what he would of got from a testimonial

[30stone]

Aston villla need a striker.

Current options are meh..

[King Gizzard]

Indeed we do ben, but we ll never get one

[30stone]

MON.
Seems to be losing the plot.
Wonder is he will be sacked if he has a bad season..


Agbonlahor and Carew seem to play pretty well together..

Heskey .. well hes just poor.

[King Gizzard]

We cant get anyone better in then MON so we ll never sack him, if anything, he ll get offered a job at the Top4 or the england job.

[Johann]

Agbonlahor is a good player....when he can be bothered. I think Carew is one of the more underrated players in the league.

[30stone]

lol.

Ohh dear, if we ever get rid of wenger, for mon.. just noo please.. :bawling:

Saying that he obviously does some things right... as they were aiming for 4th place up until like february.

[King Gizzard]

Agbonlahor is a good player....when he can be bothered. I think Carew is one of the more underrated players in the league.

deffinetly


Agbonlahor has glimpses of brilliant but he just doesnt have a football brain


carew is amazing, and underrated, people just think hes a powerhouse and holds the ball up but his dribbling and finishing are superb



I think going out of europe is a blessing in disguise, most of the time we ll only have 1 game a week and our players wont get tired like last time when we ****ed it up and let you back in the champions league spot


Richard Dunne is going to prove to be a brilliant signing, hes also very underated and deceivingly quick despite people labelling him fat and slow

[30stone]

Yeah i always thought we would take 4th still there was enough time.

but going from 6 points above us to 8 - 10 below. I thought we would get 2 - 4 points above you.

where you think aston villa can finish this season?

Seems like its one of the hardest years for ages.

[30stone]

AND

Wayne Rooney " i would never dive "

LOL so you weren't falling to the floor in full superman before almuina touched you at the weekend?

[King Gizzard]

Im not just saying this but I did always think Villa would lose the 4th spot eventually. the people on the villa forum im on branded me a pessimist moaner but I made them eat humble pie didn't i


This season the best we can aim for is 5th or 6th

Man City will finish above us

Tottenham...will be there or thereabouts but modric is a massive loss, yet Kranjcar is an awesome replacement

Everton will stil be on our level but have to play europa league as well, so that might hinder them, they didnt have to play in europe last year (got knocked out in qualifying)

[30stone]

Yeah i think tottenham or city will take 5th.

Not sure who will get 5th.

[30stone]

Great that Arsenal are apealing over eduardos ban :hello:

[King Gizzard]

Liverpool will be the main strugglers of the top 4, who knows Man city might nab that spot, but Rafa would probably be sacked before it got to that

[30stone]

Some old england player thinks that anyone who dives should get a season long ban...

Right so about 80% + players will be out..

[30stone]

Liverpool will be the main strugglers of the top 4, who knows Man city might nab that spot, but Rafa would probably be sacked before it got to that

Thats whati i thought before the season started they dont have much depth..

especially without torres.


They miss alonso, but then we havent seen aquillani play yet..
He could be a great player for them.

[King Gizzard]

simple solution..1 match ban and fine the player when they are caught diving even if the ref doesnt call on it. its s*** that the fa doesnt do anything about an incident if the ref hasnt wrote it in his match report

[30stone]

They need camera's for me its that simple...
Defining moments like a world cup someone dives and gets a penalty...
Even with extra officials, its still on their judgement nothing like technology has..

Every international player has dived at some point or another though..


EDIT: The main problem uefa has brought up is that wenger could show 50 players diving.. and not being punished for it in europe and would they not have to be banned then to?.. lol
Scottish uefa people influenced all this, now its one big shitstorm.


And

Mark Viduka
Lauren and
Zenden

Are all there for managers to take for free.

[King Gizzard]

EVERYONE is in favour of cameras except blatter and uefa.

but i suppose if your going to do it in one league youve got to do it in all and that might be hard for clubs like torquay who lack funds lol

[30stone]

Yeah maybe.

Im sure it wouldnt cost too much and uefa/ fifa could help fund it...

[Johann]

Manchester United could potentially be in FIFA’s firing line in regards to their dealings with a young French player.

Following the governing body’s ruling to ban Chelsea from any signings for the entirety of 2010, the Red Devils may have the rule run over them for the way they signed Paul Pogba from Le Havre.

The French Ligue 2 club are believed to be upset by the way the reigning champions lured Pogba to Old Trafford and they are still looking into their options.

"We are still pursuing our case," Le Havre managing director Alain Belsoeur told The Times.

"It is a very serious case. We are confident that we'll win because it is in the best interests not just of our club but of sport.

"We spend 5million euros [about £4.3million] on our academy every year out of a turnover of 12million euros. It is a huge investment.

"We do that to give a chance to our players to develop for our first team, not to be an academy for others.

"What is the point of investing in an academy if the players leave at 16? This is clearly a message from Fifa to protect the education system."

[Johann]

Real Madrid marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed his reason for turning down a potential return to the English Premier League.

The former Manchester United striker says he was determined to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu to fight for his spot in the first team despite the big-name players coming in.

Tottenham were keen to sign the Dutchman during the transfer window but he wanted to remain a Madrid player to prove to himself he was still capable.

"The easiest thing for me to have done would have been to leave for a lesser team,” he said.

"But I'm not going to leave Madrid. I want to know what I'm capable of. There are still a lot of options when it comes to playing.”

The 33-year old is confident he can return to is best form despite suffering a serious knee injury last season.

"I know I can play at the highest level," he added. "Physically, I feel better than before the injury.

"I only need to find my rhythm and that will come with matches. The doctor who operated on me said I could play for three more years.

"And when I retire from football I won't have any problems. Before the injury I didn't feel good. I lost three years."

[Johann]

Manchester City’s squad is about to get stronger with the news that a trio of key players are on the verge of a return.

Summer signing Roque Santa Cruz, Belgian midfielder Vincent Kompany and England U21 international Michael Johnson are all on the mend from injuries and City boss Mark Hughes is optimistic about all three returning in the not-too-distant future.

“He is desperate to play but we are holding him back a bit," Hughes said of Santa Cruz.

"When Roque is ready he will be involved. We want to get him in a City shirt and out there playing because he is going to be a big asset to us.

"We are looking long term. If we introduced him too early we could still lose him on a longer basis.

"Roque understands our thinking over this. He is a bit frustrated but we will all benefit from it."

In regards to Johnson, who has been out for almost a year with an abdominal problem, Hughes was more cautious.

"We are positive," Hughes told City's official website.

"He has been out for a year. If we rush him back he could break down so we will get him involved with the reserves to give him a base level of fitness.

"If we get him and the other two up and running in the next month or so it would be like three new signings for us."

In Kompany’s case, he is reportedly 'pain-free and raring to go'

---------

As long as it's AFTER next Saturday.

[Johann]

Manchester United are appalled at crowd behaviour directed at Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during the 2-1 win to the Red Devils at Old Trafford last weekend.

Certain sections of the United crowd hurled abuse at the French tactician when he was sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle in anger.

Man United spokesman Phillip Townsend has come out and said the chants directed at Wenger were disgusting and confirmed the club does not condone such behaviour.

“We’ve gone on the record several times about this disgusting chant,” said Townsend.

“We don’t condone it and have appealed to fans in the past – through supporters’ groups, the matchday programme and MUTV, but to no avail.

“There are many chants that opposing fans find objectionable, and this is certainly one to which all decent supporters should object.”

It is understood that United chief executive David Gill was appalled by the treatment handed to Wenger, one of the most outstanding managers in the modern game.

-------

Yes....disgusting club. :yuk:

[Johann]

What a **** weekend. I ****in DESPISE internationals.

[30stone]

What chant was it?

As to me they seemed to be cheering him as he was sent off.

[Novo]

Matt le tissier betted on what minute the first throwing would be given he tried to kick it out off play but someone kept it in LOL

[30stone]

LOL ahaha thats a good idea you know.

[Novo]

International football tomorrow

[King Gizzard]

will go to a sports bar somewhere around leicster square

shame this one doesnt count for anything

[andyman]

BB10 is over, merge the football threads!

... Merge the football threads!

[Johann]

Manchester United hero Dwight Yorke has announced his retirement.

The former United, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Sunderland striker is hanging up his boots at 37 years of age.

Yorke, who captained Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup, said: "It's time to hang up my boots.

"While I'm still in great shape, I'm not getting any younger. I've had the time of my life. I hope people will say that I played the game in the right way with a smile on my face.

"I've been blessed really. I've played alongside some of the greatest players the Premier League has ever seen in Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Peter Schmeichel, and played for the greatest manager in Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I'll always count myself lucky. I was a boy on a beach from a little Caribbean island that got the chance to fulfil his dream of winning trophies at the highest level and captaining his country in their first ever World Cup finals."

Yorke played 480 club games and scored 147 goals, scoring 64 in 151 appearances for United having teamed up with Andy Cole spectacularly.

Yorke, who has accepted a position as assistant manager of the Trinidad and Tobago national team for the rest of the World Cup qualifiers, added: "I always planned to stay in football.

"My aim is to build up some experience and then use what I've learnt from my playing days to coach and one day manage a team in England."


-------

His striking partnership with Cole was one of the best I'd ever seen

[Novo]

Celtic's Stephen McManus will line up for Scotland in the World Cup qualifier with Macedonia despite not playing a game for his club yet this season.

McManus, who had summer knee surgery, will form the central defensive partnership with veteran David Weir.

[30stone]

Arsenal chase former star

Arsenal, 11:53, September 5, 2009

Arsene Wenger is set to make a loan move for former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg when the transfer window re-opens in January.
The former Sweden international is reportedly set to meet the Gunners boss this weekend to hold talks about a possible short-term move back to the Emirates Stadium.

The 32-year-old is currently playing for the Seattle Sounders and would join on a similar loan deal to the one David Beckham underwent when he joined AC Milan last year.

Ljungberg left the Gunners two years ago to join West Ham before heading to the America where he underwent hip surgery, leaving him injury free for the majority of his time in the States.

Wenger is believed to be interested in bringing Ljungberg back to north London as cover for Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue, who will both be unavailable for Arsenal for up to six weeks when they head to the African Cup of Nations in January.

Chelsea were also believed to be interested in Ljungberg but the transfer embargo placed upon them has seemingly ended their pursuit of the Swede.

[30stone]

New Russian in frame as Lady Bracewell-Smith prepares to sell Arsenal shares
05.09.09 | tribalfootball.com

Lady Bracewell-Smith is ready to sell her shares in Arsenal - and another Russian millionaire could be joining the Premiership ownership elite.

The Sun says Lady Bracewell-Smith is ready to sell her 15.9 per cent stake.

If she dealt with Alisher Usmanov, that would make him the Gunners' biggest shareholder with 41 per cent.

Arsenal's other major investors are Stan Kroenke (28.58) and Danny Fiszman (16.1).

Lady Bracewell-Smith has been considering her options since December when she was ousted from the board by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood and Fiszman. Her shares are key in the growing battle for control being fought by Fiszman, Usmanov and his company Red & White Holdings and American sports tycoon Kroenke.

Lady Bracewell-Smith is also thought to have received overtures from a second Russian businessman interested in investing in Premier League soccer.

But the main focus remains on Usmanov and Kroenke.



Hope Usmanov gets it hes the richest lol.

[30stone]

- The Sun says the England defender is a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid - and knows a move to Spain will boost his growing business career.
Ferdinand is under contract until 2013 but United could be tempted to cash in on a player who is 30 and who has suffered from recent injury problems.

[30stone]

Transfers Analysed.

INS

Glen Johnson
Already proven himself to be a very effective attacking force and offers more than the steady but unspectacular Alvaro Arbeloa. Seemed pricey when initially purchased but seems like a very good transfer even after such a short spell, hopefully will get better and better.

Alberto Aquilani
Very hard to judge this transfer as the Italian is of course injured and could be out for some time longer. Whilst its probably not the best idea to purchase a player with a long term injury I trust that Rafa knows what he is doing on this one. Not a direct replacement for Xabi, kind of a mixture of Alonso and Javier. Handily a large portion of the transfer is in installments.

Sotiros Kyrgiakos
A no nonsense defender who should have “does exactly what is says on the tin” scrawled across his shirt. We know what to expect from the Greek veteran, a very able back up option and perhaps most importantly, a very cheap one


OUTS

Sami Hyypia
Bowed out from the club with an emotional farewell against Spurs after ten years of dedicated service. 450+ appearances and umpteen medals. Great servant to the club moved to Bayer Leverkusen and has started all four of their opening Bundesliga games and the club remains unbeaten so clearly he still has the ability to be a rock in the centre of defence.

Jermaine Pennant
A player with talent who could have gone far with the club but was just far too much of a headache on and off the field. Long periods of poor form and an attitude problem that left Rafa with no choice but to use him very sparingly after his first season. Moved to newly promoted La Liga side Real Zaragoza but I would predict he will not be there for more than one year and probably far less.

Alvaro Arbeloa
Went away to the Confederations Cup after the season came to an end and then watched on as Rafa bought a replacement in the form of Glen Johnson. From then on it was a matter of when and not if, he would leave. He got the move he craved as his former side Real Madrid came calling. The Spaniard did a good job for the club and was generally a very reliable player.

Xabi Alonso
A big loss to the club. Xabi was of course very close to being offloaded last summer and apparently since that point was thinking of leaving the club. The long drawn out saga with Real Madrid was tasteless and irritating as the Spanish giants did there best to unsettle the player and attempted to get him on the cheap. In the end we did well to get a good fee for him. Will surely do well at the Bernabeu. Gave some fantastic performances in a Liverpool shirt with last season probably the best of the five he spent at the club.

[Jayson]

No PL footie today?

Damn :bawling:

[30stone]

In

Thomas Vermaelen
The former Ajax captain has fitted in just perfectly. A cultured customer the Belgian centre back is calm and assured and perhaps more importantly appears to have struck up a good partnership with William Gallas. When it became clear that Kolo Toure was definitely going to leave I was a little worried for our backline as the Ivorian had been so consistent (up until last season that is) and it seemed disastrous to see such a committed player leave but so far so good. Vermaelen is one of those players who gets on with his job and seems like he could well be a very good signing indeed.

Out

Emmanuel Adebayor

Well thank god he’s gone. Forget for one second the off field irritations associated with the striker and lets try to discuss his positive attributes on the field of play. Yes he can score at will, as long as he is provided with some very good ammunition. He can also on occasion create something out of nothing but in all honest we got one good, hell very good, season out of him. We got a fee from Man City which more than made up for his loss and whilst I am sure he will do quite well at Eastlands lets see what the bigger picture brings.
Now back to the off field stuff. This guy never once admitted in public that he was in anyway in the wrong over his actions last summer and since, hell I am fairly confident that even in private he has the kind of ego that can gleefully lie to itself and make out that he was the ‘wronged’ party. Thankfully any right minded person can see just what kind of mercenary footballer he really is. Could well in time become a player almost as hated as Ashley Cole, but maybe not!

Kolo Toure
The polar opposite of Emmanuel, I have the utmost respect and admiration for Kolo Toure. Possibly the best bit of business Arsene has ever done for the club when he brought him in for peanuts, I wish him well for the future and for every angry boo that Adebayor gets when we see him next in a Man City shirt (very soon), there will be a hearty cheer from all the Gunners faithful when Kolo’s name is called out.
It’s a shame he had to leave but I guess the fall out with Gallas and the subsequent knock on effects were just too much for him to ignore and although it’s a move I am very sad to have seen happen, I applaud him nonetheless.

[Jayson]

Ben, merge the 3 footie threads together :dance:

[andyman]

BB is over! The deal was split the threads for BB, then merge them after BB.

BB is over, but i see no merge.. :-/

[Jayson]

Come on Ben... :sad:

Please? :bawling:

[andyman]

Ben has gone to the darkside..

[30stone]

I am not sure if im allowed to..

As if i do without asking admin it would be nearly impossible to split after and then the whole thing could be closed and a new one started..

Am just being careful.

[Jayson]

Ask Sir Mark.

[Novo]

Jayson TNA is awful what are you doing with that banner

[Jayson]

Jayson TNA is awful what are you doing with that banner
Main Event Mafia make TNA watchable, and as they are holding all of the titles, I will show my support for them :dance:

As soon as Cody Rhodes is booted out of Legacy I will make my banner RKO :wavey:

[Novo]

Scotland v Macedonia Kicks off in 10 Minutes

[Jayson]

Isn't Lauren at that match?

[Novo]

Not sure

did she say she was going?

[Novo]

GOAL: Netherlands 3-0 Japan: Huntelaar (87)
GOAL: Netherlands 2-0 Japan: Sneijder (73)
GOAL: Netherlands 1-0 Japan: van Persie (69)

[Jayson]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure she is there.

Good to see Van Persie on the scoresheet :hello:

[Novo]

Macedonia with a great chance a minute ago

[30stone]

Yes, Van Persie opens his scoring book for the summer.

Next goal will be against man city.

Ohh and Arsenal should have gone in for Huntelaar..

[Jayson]

Yeah, Huntelaar would have been a great partner for RVP.

Are England playing today?

[30stone]

City of manchester stadium is sold out of all tickets with Arsenal coming to town, citys first real test.

[Jayson]

I'm guessing 2-1 to Arsenal next week against those money lovers.

[Novo]

Scotland side netting

[30stone]

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal's Fabregas Rejects Barcelona Switch - 'I'm More Relaxed In London'
Cesc rues Utd tactics, hails Arshavin & reveals internet habits...

Already one of the best players in the Premier League, conducting the Arsenal midfield like a virtuoso and finding the runs of Robin van Persie & Co with his unique style of passing, it's sometimes easy to forget that Cesc Fabregas is just 22 years old.

The Spaniard has played over 100 games for Arsenal, including a Champions League final. In 2006, he became Spain’s youngest international in 80 years and has been in great form for his national team.

So the prospect of him getting even better is frightening.

Fabregas, however, is eager to improve and cannot wait to lock horns once again with the likes of Manchester United. He believes the Gunners should have at least gained a draw in the clash against the Red Devils on Sunday and is looking for retribution.

“The Premier League is a very tough league to play in and you have to be at your best week in, week out because there are not many easy opponents,” he says, in his first ever Goal.com UK exclusive interview.

“The referee has admitted he made a mistake [in the Man United game] but we can’t do anything about it now. We can only look forward to the next game.

"Yes, it hurts to lose in that way, but we were denied many opportunities and it was a very physical game - maybe too physical - but we showed that we will not be bullied by anybody. And when they [United] play us at home, it will be very different.

“Clubs try not to let us play our style of football and some use questionable tactics, but we will not be intimidated by anyone.”

But if 'anti-football' was the problem at Old Trafford, Andriy Arshavin proved to be something of a solution, once again producing big-game magic for the Gunners.

Fabregas holds the Russian in the highest esteem: “Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are two of my favourite players, and John Terry and Ashley Cole are superb defenders. Theo Walcott is doing very well, too, and is already a fantastic player.

“Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele have all also been tough opponents. There are not many easy opponents in the Premiership.

"But Arshavin is a fantastic player who just loves the game. He is a pleasure to play with and has given us a new dimension and made us more compact.

“He is in the same league as some of the players I have mentioned and he can only improve."

While matters may be all well and good up front, the largest criticism still facing Arsene Wenger's side is the lack of physicality - perhaps a lack of 'anti-football' - in midfield.

Cesc, who thrived alongside one such player in Mathieu Flamini, defers all matters of tactics to the boss. “If the manager is looking to bring in players who are capable of making the kind of impact Arshavin has then he will be welcomed by the team," he says. "We have made a good start but signing players and formation is the manager's decision.”

[Novo]

Fabregas will be amazing next year

[Novo]

This scotland v Macedonia game has been great so far

Really open game

[30stone]

HE'S STAYING - and here's why

Arsenal fans in their droves may not share Cesc's outward patience in the transfer market, but they may at least remain confident that, despite the neverending speculation, their skipper is staying put.

“I know all about the speculation about Barcelona but you have to understand I am a professional and I am an Arsenal player," he repeats, for what seems like the thousandth time - but then it got interesting. "We have made a good start and we can go on to do good things this season. As a youngster I admired [Pep] Guardiola and Michael Laudrup at Barca. I learnt many things there, but it’s important to be yourself.

“You can never know what will happen in football, and it’s always an honour to be linked with a prestigious club like Barcelona, who I know all about. But let’s see how Arsenal does this season. I am sure we will win something soon."

Delving ever so slightly into his personal life, the midfielder further explains his decision, revealing that he feels under too much pressure whenever he goes back home.

"My girlfriend is a psychologist and I try not to tell her too much," he laughs. "People try to ask her about me and Barcelona but she also knows that when I go back to Barcelona, I am always getting told what to do, and here in London I can relax.

“I am comfortable here and Arsene Wenger has helped me a lot and for that I will always respect him.

“I would like to win a major trophy again, but we will see.”

While he's happy in England, clearly a part of Cesc still misses home, as he fondly recalls his friendships with many members of the national side, looking forward to the World Cup, and even revealing that he and new Real Madrid signing Xabi Alonso keep in contact daily on the internet.

“It is a great honour to play for Spain. I played in the World Cup aged only 19. Who wouldn’t be excited?" he asks.

“I get on with Andres Iniesta because I used to be at Barcelona. Sergio Ramos and I came through the Spanish ranks together and I also speak to Xabi Alonso on the internet every day. He is doing well at Real [Madrid].

“We all know that we still can get better and everyone is always very competitive because we cannot afford to be complacent - but we all get on and we are always laughing. You need that in a team, but we are a young squad and there’s so much talent we can win many trophies."

His Spanish side - whether or not he makes the starting XI - shape up as one of the clear favourites for the World Cup, and with Arsenal springing a few early season surprises, he and no doubt all his fans remain confident that not even the Old Trafford setback will stop the Gunners from making a fist of it in the season's battles for major silverware.




I think if we don't win anything this season he will leave, he has always expressed desire to win things with Arsenal.

[Jayson]

Fabregas will leave maybe next season.

This season he is staying with the Gunners.

[30stone]

We win a trophy and i think he will stay, barca still have at least 2 years with xavi on top form.

[Novo]

Scotland players are falling like fly's

Miller brown and weir all looked fcked

and Mcfadden has just recieved a yellow card he will be suspended against holland

[Novo]

GOAL: Ukraine 1-0 Andorra: Yarmolenko (18)

[Novo]

GOAL: Ukraine 2-0 Andorra: Milevskiy (45)

[Novo]

Scotland 1-0 Macedonia

Scott brown

[30stone]

Im surprised, scotland seem average.

[Jayson]

I'm reckoning on a 2-1 win for Scotland.

[Novo]

Scotland won't qualify for the world cup anyway

even if they win this still might have to beat holland in midweek

[30stone]

Scotlands chances of beating holland right now are minimal.

[Jayson]

I think it will be Holland 3-1 Scotland for that match.

[Novo]

Scotland 2-0 Up Now

[30stone]

Do scotland have to win against holland to make world cup ??

as i thought they had 3 matches left?

[Novo]

Do scotland have to win against holland to make world cup ??

as i thought they had 3 matches left?


Last game against holland on wed

Have to win to make the play off's

[30stone]

Well they are out.

Holland will be a dominant force.

I thought they would win euro but spain obviously got in their way lol.

[Jayson]

I thought that Holland would win Euro too.

[Novo]

1-0

Lampard pen

[arista]

England Scored 1

On ITV1HD and ITV1.

[Johann]

Soft penalty that lol

[Brad.]

Lampard penalty, 1-0 to england. good good.

[Brad.]

I thought Rooney tackled their man :conf:

[Gemmer-x]

haha no way was that a penalty, rooney diving more like

[Brad.]

Heskey's playing? WTF?

[Marc]

haha no way was that a penalty, rooney diving more like

I hate Rooney, I would never rate him... arrogant stroppy prick

[Novo]

Rooney is Quality!

[Johann]

Rooney is good but he's a lying twat.

[Harry!]

Who is playing on ITV? I have that channel up wating for the X Factor.

[Novo]

Who is playing on ITV? I have that channel up wating for the X Factor.

Portsmouth v Malta

[Gemmer-x]

Defoe! 2-0 :hugesmile: I wish he would start more often, he's pro.

[Harry!]

Who is playing on ITV? I have that channel up wating for the X Factor.

Portsmouth v Malta

Oh. I know its England but who is SLO? Slovania? Slovakia?

[Jayson]

Only just noticed that England are on ITV.

I expect 3-0.


Are Brazil playing?

[Jayson]

Oooh, just seen, Brazil vs. Argentina live on Sky Sports 1 at 1:30am!

I HAVE to watch it!

One of the biggest rival country matches in the world :dance:

[Brad.]

Missed the 2nd goal while i was eating :(

[Locke.]

is barry playinh?

[Jayson]

is barry playinh?Welcome to TiBB :wavey:

Shame that you support money grabbing City... but I will let that one go :blush:

[Johann]

**** off Adebayor you greedy cxnt....
















:tongue:

[Brad.]

No, i dont think so..

[Novo]

No Becks tonight :(

[Jayson]

Slovenia goal!

[Brad.]

fk you slovenia

[Locke.]

england are crap, this wouldnt have happened if barry was playin

[Jayson]

england are crap, this wouldnt have happened if barry was playinIf Barry was playing it would be 3-2 to Slovenia :laugh:

[Celeb_Rehab]

england are crap, this wouldnt have happened if barry was playin


Easy now!!

It's Wednesday that counts!!! :bigsmile:

[Brad.]

Is this a friendly?

[Locke.]

Going to try an get some tickets for the match against arsenal next saturday. think we'll have a good go against them at home

[Jayson]

Going to try an get some tickets for the match against arsenal next saturday. think we'll have a good go against them at homeWhat do you reckon the score will be?

[Locke.]

"What do you reckon the score will be?"

2-2, 2-1 to us if we're lucky :hugesmile:

[Jayson]

"What do you reckon the score will be?"

2-2, 2-1 to us if we're lucky :hugesmile:I can't see us letting in 2, I'd say your best bet is 1-1.

I'm hoping for a 2-1 win for the Arsenal :hello:

[Locke.]

it's our first game against one of the big 4 so hughes will definitely play our best sde and the players will be doing all they can to prove to us they can challenege for a champions league place, so i think we have a good chance to get something outta it. utd away the sunday after though so thats more important

[andyman]

England World Cup winning team of 2010.


..............Rooney....Defoe.....................

.........................Owen..................... ........
.....Gerrard......................Becks........... .
.....................Lampard...................... .....

Caragher....Terry....Cole....Johnson
...........................James.................. .........

[Jayson]

England World Cup winning team of 2010.


..............Rooney....Defoe.....................

.........................Owen..................... ........
.....Gerrard......................Becks........... .
.....................Lampard...................... .....

Caragher....Terry....Cole....Johnson
...........................James.................. .........I would say...

James

Johnson..... Ferdinand..... Terry..... A. Cole

Beckham/Walcott..... Gerrard..... Lampard/Carrick..... J. Cole/Lennon

Rooney..... Defoe/Owen

[Johann]

I honestly dont think Beckham should start.

[Locke.]

James
Johnson, Terry, Ferdinhand or Lescott, Cole
Wright Phillips or Walcott, Gerrard, Lampard, Cole
Rooney, Defoe

[Jayson]

9500th post! :dance:

[Iceman]

2-1 Ireland...:hello::hello:2 minutes left free kick to Cyprus......

[Iceman]

Final score 2-1 to Ireland! :dance::dance::elephant::elephant::hello::hello:

[Jayson]

Anyone gonna be watching the Argentina vs. Brazil match with me?

K/O is 1am :sad:

[Iceman]

Anyone gonna be watching the Argentina vs. Brazil match with me?

K/O is 1am :sad:

What channel is it on?????

[King Gizzard]

I ll watch it online

[atieah2009]

I didnt watch the ireland game did ireland deserve a draw?

[Iceman]

I didnt watch the ireland game did ireland deserve a draw?

Probably should have been a draw but good they won!!!!

Italy up next :sad::sad::sad::sad:

[Alf]

how poor are argentina at defending?

very, very, poor

[andyman]

C'mon Seles for Brazil!.. Sh*t! What year is this?

[30stone]

Belgium lost 5 - 0 to spain and Vermaelen was playing for belgium..

wondr what happened here.

[Novo]

Belgium lost 5 - 0 to spain and Vermaelen was playing for belgium..

wondr what happened here.

Villa and Torres were to much for him

[andyman]

Torres being amazing like always!


Pukka torres!

[andyman]

Man City v Arsenal will be intresting...

The Tottenham v Man Utd game should be open with plenty of goals, will be a great game..

For them two games i have put..
Man City 1 - 1 Arsenal
Tottenham 2 - 3 Man Utd

[andyman]

Man City v Arsenal will be intresting...

The Tottenham v Man Utd game should be open with plenty of goals, will be a great game..

For them two games i have put..
Man City 1 - 1 Arsenal
Tottenham 2 - 3 Man Utd

[Novo]

Torres being amazing like always!


Pukka torres!

He is nearly as good as saha

Nearly..

[Locke.]

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/AlMemento/Cut-Outs/Football/EmmanuelAdebayorCut.png

[andyman]

Don't know who that man is in the blue shirt..

Saha is a joke.. Trust me i'm always laughing at him and so are others.

[Locke.]

That man is the most prolific goalscorer in the world

[Johann]

Italy won 2-0 against Georgia and Kaladze scored two own goals LOLOLOLOL

[Johann]

Manchester City want Lionel Messi in a Barcelona swap deal for Robinho.

The Sunday Mirror says reports in Spain claim Barca boss Pep Guardiola has already made Robinho, 25, his No.1 New Year target after City boss Mark Hughes refused to consider the departure of the Brazilian before the transfer window closed last Tuesday.

A City insider said: “We are aware that Barcelona have an interest in Robinho but they have been told he is not for sale - the same answer we were given when Messi’s name was mentioned. The situation with Robinho at City is unlikely to change unless the manager says so - and we have been told it is the same with Messi.”

[Johann]

Barcelona are willing to offer Thierry Henry in January for Manchester City winger Robinho.

The Sunday Mirror says Barcelona still believe a deal can be resurrected for City’s £32.5million British record signing in January - if the Blues can line up a world-class name to replace him.

European champions Barca are willing to include Thierry Henry in part-exchange for Robinho.

But the 32-year-old French striker no longer represents the sort of player City’s Arab owners want to bring to the club as the next stage of their strategy to become a major footballing force.

[Johann]

Arsenal striker Eduardo is ready for any boos from England fans as he prepares to turn out for Croatia at Wembley this week.

Eduardo knows he will be barracked after being banned for diving by UEFA, but is determined to do his best for Croatia coach Slaven Bilic.

“Slaven Bilic is a key man for us,” said Eduardo. “He did it all for us. He changed the squad and our tactics.

“And he found some young talents like Modric, Corluka, Rakitic and Vukojevic.

“I am not afraid of the Wembley game. Why should I be? Let England fear us.”

----------

Good on you Eddy - hope you score to shut the boo boys up.

[Johann]

Slovenia players have accused Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney of diving in England's 2-1 friendly win last night.

Slovenia captain Robert Koren believes the Manchester United star made a meal of a tussle for possession with defender Bostjan Cesar and earned England a penalty with a dive.

Koren, who earns his keep with West Brom, said: “This week there has been a lot of talk about diving, about Arsenal’s Eduardo.

“Today I think Rooney went down a bit too easy and let’s see if someone will say something against him.

“My personal opinion is the referee was under a little bit of pressure because of the crowd and the England team. That penalty was a bit too easy.”

Cesar damaged his ankle in his clash with Rooney as the England talisman hit the deck.

The centre-back will now miss their vital World Cup qualifier against Poland on Wednesday.

Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic said: “It was no penalty. Both players were fighting for the ball.

“In the end Rooney literally fell into Cesar and I think it was a clear foul against our player.

“Maybe Rooney should have been yellow-carded.”

[Johann]

Manchester United and Everton are battling for Swindon whizkid Alex Henshall.

The Mirror says Chelsea’s transfer embargo will force them to miss out on Swindon wonder-kid Henshall, clearing the way for Premier League rivals Manchester United and Everton.

Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti had lined up a move for England youth winger Henshall, 15, after he impressed in the prestigious Milk Cup tournament in Ireland.

Everton and United are now locked in a two-way battle.

Swindon youth boss Dave Byrne said: “No official bid has come in for Alex.

“The last thing we want is to sell a player who has been here since the age of eight but if he decides to leave that is up to Alex and his parents.”

[Johann]

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is keen on a move to AC Milan.

Puyol's agent has confirmed this week that talks over a new deal have been suspended.

“Milan seem to be struggling, but they remain one of the most important clubs in the world,” added the agent.

“Carles appreciates and admires the Rossoneri.”

------

Why on earth would you want to leave possibly the best club in the world in Barcelona for a sinking ship like Milan? :conf:

[Jayson]

What was the score in the mighty Brazil game?

I fell asleep :(

[30stone]

Brazil won 3 - 1 from what i saw.


And Rooney didnt dive last night.. he went down like holding the other blokes shirt.
so he fouled the other person, and he hit the floor and had a bitch fit asking for a penalty.

He should have been booked, and no penalty given though.

[Jayson]

Yes!

3-1 to the mighty Brazil :dance:

Who scored?

[30stone]

Luisao - 24 minutes.
Fabiano - 30 minutes.
Datolo - 66 minutes ( Back in it..)
Fabiano - 68 minutes

lol, For sure that last goal must have killed argentina.

[Brad.]

Just seen barnet got another win yesterday

pld 6
pts 13
pos 4th

good times for the Bees!! :hello:

[30stone]

Whos top of the league?

[Novo]

Argentina might not Qualify yet

[30stone]

Should england start Defoe against Croatia after scoring 5 goals recently?

Yes, as heskey is horse ****.

[Novo]

A draw against croatia on wedensday will be enough for us to Qualify i think

[30stone]

Eduardo will score :wavey:

[Brad.]

Whos top of the league?

Rotherham I think

[Novo]

Cashley Cole will have eduardo in his pocket

England 2-0 Croatia

Defoe
Beckham

[Jayson]

I'm thinking...

England 2-1 Croatia

Rooney.........Eduardo
Defoe

[Brad.]

Im thinking England 3-1 Croatia

dunno about the scorers..

[30stone]

why would cole, Eduardo mainly plays in the centre?
Eduardo will take it past upson.

I reckon..

Lampard and Rooney will score.

[Novo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khkmTf1rWQ8&feature=related


The greatest Cup run ever

[Johann]

Too bad Zenit outclassed them when it really mattered

[30stone]

Zenit won 2 - 0 right?

[Novo]

It was bad losing in the final but the cup run was amazing

Winning away 2-0 against sporting lisbon
Beating lyon 3-0 Away
Novo scoring the winning penalty against fiorentina after being down to 10 men in extra time
Novo getting the away goal against Panathinaikos with 10 minutes to go
Beating wender bremen as well

:hello:

[Brad.]

The werder bremen keeper made 2 bad mistakes there :bored:

[Johann]

Zenit won 2 - 0 right?

Yeah 2-0. They couldn't handle Arshavin that game, he was immense (as always)

[andyman]

Wayne Rooney is the biggest cheat in world football! Vile beast..

He will dive in the pen box when against Liverpool..

[30stone]

Wayne Rooney is the biggest cheat in world football! Vile beast..

He will dive in the pen box when against Liverpool..

Well thats at least 3 we have seen.

Makes him look stupid since he said at the weekend he hates divers and wont ever.

[Lauren]

Back, I was at Scotland game yday.

Firstly, someone said that on Wednesday we have to beat Holland to get into play-offs... not strictly true. A draw will do, even if we lose we have a VERY minimal chance. But a draw should do lol, depending how the other groups do.

Game was amazing, good atmosphere, bad ref decisions, some bad Macedonia diving, some bad sportsmenship from Scott Brown lol. BUT! MOST IMPORTANTLY - I got into the News Of The World pmsl.

[Lauren]

Oh, and also - I am at Holland game on Wednesday too.

[Marc]

Ooh look who's reared their ugly head

[Marc]

Ooh look who's reared their ugly head

:shocked: so harsh LOL

[Lauren]

Ooh Marc, that's just naaaaaasty (said in Cleveland Family Guy's voice).

[Shaun]

Marc you leave my Lauren alone. :bawling:

[30stone]

Back, I was at Scotland game yday.

Firstly, someone said that on Wednesday we have to beat Holland to get into play-offs... not strictly true. A draw will do, even if we lose we have a VERY minimal chance. But a draw should do lol, depending how the other groups do.

Game was amazing, good atmosphere, bad ref decisions, some bad Macedonia diving, some bad sportsmenship from Scott Brown lol. BUT! MOST IMPORTANTLY - I got into the News Of The World pmsl.

You got into news of the world how?

And Glad you enjoyed it, and they won :thumbs:

[atieah2009]

Did any one watch the argentina game yesterday, what do you think, is it a bad performance by argentina or simply the brazillians out classed them?

[andyman]

Was going to watch the South Americans but meh..

Mexico 86 was the last World Cup to be held in South America! Shocking..

[andyman]

Lauren needs to be deported back to Scotslands? I hear that place have wild beasts that eat the heads of new born babies..

[Johann]

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has rapped Chelsea captain John Terry for declaring Arsenal's Eduardo had dived against Celtic.

Bilic told The Sun: "John Terry is not talking like that when Didier Drogba goes down for Chelsea.

"I am not saying Drogba is a diver. I adore him as a player but I'm saying when they get a penalty they're not accusing their own team-mates.

"You can't say English players don't dive.

"I've known Eduardo for years. If anyone knows him I know him. He is NO diver. He is a good guy, a sportsman, a professional and a role model of fair play. Sometimes he waits for a contact. Maybe it wasn't a penalty against Celtic but you can't say there was no contact.

"Don't forget he was very badly injured for a long time. And he's just come back.

"I don't care why John Terry did this but it's all part of the game.

"Look, if we're talking about 100 per cent fair play it's also not fair play from Terry to say something like that before the game if he wants to put pressure on the referee.

"That would not be fair play in the same sense as what he was saying about Eduardo, accusing a fellow professional of these things."

[Johann]

Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is interesting Manchester United.

The Sun says United are eyeing Russian goalkeeper Akinfeev as they prepare for life after Edwin van der Sar.

Manager Alex Ferguson has already started planning for the Dutchman's retirement - and CSKA Moscow's Akinfeev is one of his options.

The keeper, 23, has impressed for club and country since arriving on the scene five years ago.

He has been on the radar of a number of Europe's top teams and Fergie does not want United to miss out.

--------
He's soo good on FM.

[30stone]

They liked him at the start of the summer there was a couple of reports but nothing came of it.

[Novo]

Did any one watch the argentina game yesterday, what do you think, is it a bad performance by argentina or simply the brazillians out classed them?

Brazilian's outclassed them

[Johann]

Top 10 worst transfers of the summer.


10 - Barry Ferguson - Rangers to Birmingham for £1.25million
This signing was as inevitable as night following day, an England batting collapse and John Terry beating his chest and declaring that our honest England boys ain't cheats. However, although £1.25million is barely anything in today's terms, Ferguson failed in England five years ago, and since returning to Rangers his ability has diminished, his fitness become less reliable and as an added bonus he seems to have picked up an attitude problem, as can be seen by that whole drinking/swearing nonsense with Scotland. If Birmingham are to do anything this season, they would be well advised to build their midfield around someone else.



9 - Stewart Downing - Middlesbrough to Aston Villa for £12million
Before Downing hobbled his way into Villa Park, Aston Villa had one of the most promising left-wingers in Europe. So why spend £12million on another player in Ashley Young's position, perfectly decent though Downing is, when at least three other areas of the team required more urgent attention? Furthermore, why spend that money on a player who might not be available until Christmas? Were Villa just bored with the annual 'Downing to Spurs' talk and altruistically decided to end it all?



8 - Pascal Chimbonda - Spurs to Blackburn for £2million
However despicable a character you may think Chimbonda is (and opinions usually vary from 'very' to 'utter douchebag'), his worth as a decent, mid-level Premier League defender is not in much doubt. So therefore signing for a decent, mid-level Premier League club is about right, surely? Well, not when he was signed to replace a left-back in Stephen Warnock, as Sam Allardyce admitted was the case. Chimbonda can play anywhere along the back line, but surely a specialist lefty would have been a more sensible option.



7 - Joleon Lescott - Everton to Manchester City for £24million
Is it a meaningless statement to say City have overpaid for anyone? Do they, with their limitless supplies of cash, care? Perhaps not, but what they should care about is basing their defence on an overrated player. Lescott is a very good defender who had an exceptional first season in the Premier League, but is he really the sort of player in which an ambitious club - as City certainly are - should be placing such defensive faith? If City are serious about mounting a title challenge, one suspects Lescott is simply not good enough to be their first-choice centre-half.



6 - Alberto Aquilani - AS Roma to Liverpool for £20million
Aquilani's inclusion on this list has absolutely nothing to do with his ability, or Rafa Benitez's managerial or talent-spotting qualities. Aquilani may well replace Xabi Alonso convincingly, but the problem is he won't even have chance to convince anyone until October, thanks to his ankle issues, and even then he will require a good few weeks to get up to Premier League speed. It might be the New Year before he fully acclimatises, by which time Liverpool's title challenge could be gone. The importance of Alonso in Liverpool's current system has been commented upon many times on these pages, so without a creative force in the side for half a season, do they have a chance?



5 - Luis Antonio Valencia - Wigan to Manchester United for £17million
Valencia is a perfectly decent player. Had Cristiano stayed at Old Trafford this summer then Valencia would have been a fine addition to the United squad, able to fill in when required and learn from the World Player of the Year. However, no matter how much Alex Ferguson tries to dress it up, Valencia does have to replace Ronaldo. Nani is both too inconsistent and better on the left, Park is a worker and Ryan Giggs is no longer a winger. The comparisons will be inevitable, the pressure great, and the expectation probably too much.



4 - West Ham's lack of striking back-up
OK, not a signing - quite the opposite - but the inactivity on the striking front could be extremely damaging for West Ham. Amid rumours that Dean Ashton will never play again, and after the sale of Craig Bellamy in January, striking reinforcements were the order of the summer for Gianfranco Zola. However, by swapping Savio Naserenko for a defender and sending Freddie Sears out on loan, and replacing them with Frank Nouble and Alessandro Diamenti, the Hammers are back where they started. Luis Jimenez can fill in as a support striker, but they are now relying unbelievably heavily on Carlton Cole. While that is not as much of a risk as it would have been 18 months ago, a risk it still undoubtedly is.



3 - Kevin Prince Boateng - Spurs to Portsmouth for £4million
Some clubs don't disclose transfer fees for competitive reasons, some clubs don't disclose fees for financial reasons, some clubs just don't disclose fees because they're being obtuse. However, one suspects that Portsmouth did not officially disclose the £4million they apparently paid for Boateng because they were embarrassed at paying such a hilariously high amount. When one considers that a few days later Niko Kranjcar moved for half that sum (although that was admittedly because his contract had less than a year to run), the Boateng fee looks even worse.



2 - Roque Santa Cruz - Blackburn to Manchester City for £17million
Santa Cruz was feted as a bargain when he signed for Blackburn a couple of years ago, and one cannot argue with 24 goals for £3.8million in 2007/8. However, that was only the second time he reached double figures for a season in his career, and the first time was back home in Paraguay when he was 18. A decent player for sure, but worth £17million? Hughes had been after Santa Cruz for so long that it almost seems as if it was a pride thing - that he simply had to get his man to save face. Perhaps Hughes will be able to get the most out of him, as he did at Blackburn, but to pay that much for a man who will most likely be a back-up (behind Emmanuel Adebayor) is insane.



1 - Ross Turnbull - Middlesbrough to Chelsea for free
Yes, it was a free, and yes, he's only a reserve to Petr Cech, but he really is rubbish. This time last year Carlo Cudicini was Cech's understudy, but if the Czech breaks down next week Carlo Ancelotti is stuck with Turnbull between the sticks, possibly until January 2011. That is a terrifying thought for Chelsea fans, and a hilarious one for the strikers of the Premier League. That Turnbull was free is neither here nor there - Chelsea are trying to be financially independent, but surely they could have afforded a couple of million for someone better.

[Lauren]

Wheres that from Johann?


And Ben - I got into NOTW cos a photographer was walking around and I was 6 rows from front so he took my pic lol, I was all kitted out with facepaints etc.

[30stone]

Lol Stewart Downing, Santa Cruz, Valencia, Aquilani and lescott.


All over priced.

[Novo]

Poor Ross Turnbull

[King Gizzard]

he is **** though

downing would of been a steal if he didnt have a broken foot. lol

[30stone]

Like they said though right now you have Ashley young who plays in same position?

and hes average from what ive seen on him Youngs far better.

[King Gizzard]

Ashley young is far too cocky and arrogant now, and has been overall quite poor the second half of last season and the start of this, having downing will be a kick up the arse to ash

[30stone]

I suppose it will make him work harder to keep his place, and yeh hes annoyingly cocky, but hes young and hes talented i suppose its good, but at 12m i think overpriced.

[Novo]

12 Million is well overpriced

Arteta is valued at 12

[30stone]

Ahhh Arteta!

He narrowly misses out on my top 10 favourite players ever.

Rate him so highly, Everton seem to play so much better with him.

[Novo]

Arteta will be back soon

[30stone]

Arteta will turn Evertons luck around.

The first 4 games he plays, everton will win.

[King Gizzard]

this thread is underused atm

[King Gizzard]

when are all the threads being merged?

[30stone]

Not sure yet.


And yes its underused as the international break, im sure on wednesday everyone will be in here!

[Novo]

England 2-0 on wedensday

Holland 3-1 scotland

[30stone]

England 2 - 1 Croatia

Holland 3 - 1 Scotland.

:wavey:

[Johann]

Edwardo will get the Croatia goal, or at least I hope he does.

And Lauren it was from some newspaper site; I think Daily Mail.

[Novo]

Beckham will score i just know it

the football gods have told me

[Brad.]

Beckham the legend will score, along with Rooney and lampard, eduardo will get 1 for croatia as well. 3-1 FT

[King Gizzard]

milner will get his first goal for england when he is brought on when capello realises SWP is being inafective after 60mins, i can look into the future

[Novo]

milner will get his first goal for england when he is brought on when capello realises SWP is being inafective after 60mins, i can look into the future

Cap's was resting becks on saturday so he could give him 90 minutes on wed

[30stone]

Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton in for Beckham

Four Premier League clubs, believed to be Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton, have expressed an interest in taking David Beckham on loan at the end of the Major League Soccer season.

Beckham, world soccer's most commercially valuable player, is widely expected to rejoin AC Milan as he seeks to cement a place in England's World Cup squad.

"I will finish the MLS season. After that, everybody knows that I'll be coming back to play somewhere," said Beckham on Tuesday. "LA Galaxy know that. If it upsets a few people, I can't do anything about it. I keep saying how much I enjoy playing over there and how committed I am to the Galaxy, I think I will be back there after the World Cup. But there is a possibility that the contract might break in the autumn and I do have options.

"Milan have made me aware that they want me to go back there and I'm more than happy with that. But I have also had another three or four offers, so when the time is right, I will decide."

Beckham's wages are almost certain to be more than covered by merchandise sales surrounding his capture for whichever club he joins. His likely presence at the World Cup, meanwhile, could be even more lucrative given that two of his greatest commercial rivals, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, play for countries currently struggling to qualify.

[30stone]

Ljungberg linked with Arsenal return

Former Arsenal midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg could be set for a shock return to the North London club, according to reports.

The 32-year-old made more than 200 league appearances for the Gunners from 1998-2007, netting 46 goals to help the club win two Premier League titles, as well as three FA Cups.

The ex-Swedish international left Highbury for London rivals West Ham United before later joining newly-formed Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders.

And in a situation similar to David Beckham, Ljungberg - who won 75 caps for his country - is being linked with a return to Europe in January in order to maintain his fitness during the MLS off-season, with a return to Arsenal for the second half of the 2009/10 campaign reportedly on the cards.

The Emirates Stadium outfit have refused to comment on the speculation, with a club spokesman telling Fotbollskanalen:

"We don't comment on speculation.

"When and if a deal will happen is something we would confirm when it happens.

However, Ljungberg's agent Claes Elefalk has confirmed that the player is currently back in London.

[30stone]

Usmanov close to increasing stake in Arsenal
08.09.09 | tribalfootball.com

Speculation grows Alisher Usmanov is close to upping his stake in Arsenal's parent holding company with the purchase of Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith's 15.9% share.

Should the Uzbek oil magnate, whose Red & White Holdings own just over a quarter of the total shares, complete any such deal with the former director, who left the board in December 2008, it would pass the 30% threshold which, under the City's financial regulations, then automatically triggers a formal takeover bid.

Currently, American entrepreneur Stan Kroenke is Arsenal's biggest single shareholder, with 28.58%.


Looks like Arsenal are close to a billionaire owner :wavey:

[30stone]

Ohhh and Walcott will be back to face man city

Tevez wont be playing against Arsenal or man utd

[30stone]

Nicklas Bendtner
Denmark 1-1 Portugal, World Cup Qualifier, September 5
Nicklas Bendtner scored Denmark's goal in their home draw with Portugal. The Arsenal striker controlled a diagonal pass with his chest and then finished brilliantly with his left foot. The Danes are still top of their qualifying group and will be looking to extend their lead on Wednesday with victory over Sweden.

Cesc Fabregas
Spain 5-0 Belgium, World Cup Qualifier, September 5
Cesc Fabregas was a second-half substitute as Spain hit five past Belgium. The European champions are assured of at least an appearance in the Play-Offs. They are currently six points ahead of second-place Bosnia with three games to play in Group Five.

Robin van Persie
Netherlands 3-0 Japan, Friendly, September 5
Robin van Persie scored the Netherlands’ second as they defeated Japan 3-0 in a friendly match on Saturday.
The Netherlands are the only European nation to have already won their qualification group and are currently 14 points ahead of Macedonia and Scotland in Group Nine. They complete their qualification fixtures with a trip to Scotland on Wednesday.

Aaron Ramsey
Wales 2-1 Italy, Uefa Under-21 Championship Qualifier, September 4
Aaron Ramsey scored the winner as Wales beat Italy 2-1 to continue their good start to qualifying for the 2011 European Under-21 Championship. Ramsey took the corner from which Christian Ribeiro opened the scoring. Having seen Italy equalise, Ramsey fired home a volley midway through the second half.
Ramsey will now join up with the senior Wales squad for a World Cup qualifier against Russia next Wednesday. Wales' chances of qualifying are slim, and anything but a win would render it impossible for John Toshack's side to make it to South Africa.

Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs
Macedonia 1-2 England, Uefa Under-21 Championship Qualifier, September 4
Jack Wilshere won the penalty from which Lee Cattermole scored England's winner. Kieran Gibbs played the 90 minutes while Wilshere came on with 18 minutes to play.
England now travel to Greece for a game on Tuesday. The Greeks have already played two games, and won them both, so it will be a tough test for Gunners Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere.

[King Gizzard]

Man City are getting done and could face the same charge as Chelsea lol!!!Even I would love that

[30stone]

Wenger has compared Cesc Fabregas to Frank Lampard how he wants to be involved at the start and the end of an attack.
And thinks that the new attacking 4 - 3 - 3 formation will let his attacking potential shine.

[Lauren]

England 1 - 2 Croatia

Scotland 2 - 1 Holland

:blush::blush::blush::blush::blush:

[King Gizzard]

lauren i thought you were english!

disgraceful


England 3-1 Croatia

Holland 5-0 Scotland

[Lauren]

England 0 - 13 Croatia.

My final decision.

[Novo]

Holland are far to good for scotland

It will get nasty

[Brad.]

Holand will batter scotland 4-0

[Lauren]

God I'd hate to be an England fan right now... facing a 13-0 battering.


LOL.

[Novo]

England have better odds then italy to win the world cup

[King Gizzard]

are you scottish lauren

[30stone]

Im not surprised, as it has been shown, italy are an ageing team lol.

We are a great team right now very strong.


Only problem is we arent very good on fifa as our team isnt fast..lol.

[King Gizzard]

switched on to watch the ireland game and richard dunnes not playing! grr

[Novo]

Everton have been ordered to pay Leeds an initial compensation fee of £600,000 for 16-year-old defender Luke Garbutt.

Leeds chairman Ken Bates accused the Toffees of "nicking" the England youth international when the player joined the Premier League club in the summer.

Monday's tribunal set the fee, which could rise to over £1.5m because of various add-ons, including appearances, honours and international caps.

Everton academy boss Ray Hall described Garbutt as an "excellent prospect".

The Toffees are believed to have initially offered £200,000 for the former Leeds academy product but Bates was unhappy with the transfer and contacted the Football League and Premier League seeking "substantial compensation".

"Everton nicked him from us. We are dissatisfied," Bates said before the ruling.

"The days of nicking Leeds players and paying peanuts are over. We are determined to be adequately compensated for the work we are doing in our academy.

"I hope the ruling that has been handed down from [world governing body] Fifa on Chelsea will set the scene. It certainly sends a message to the Football League tribunal about compensation."

However, Everton chief executive Robert Elstone insisted the club had not acted improperly and stated: "We are very comfortable we have played by the rules and we are very comfortable the club elected to go to a tribunal to establish a fair value."