Soccer Thread 2012-13

[sovereignstar v2]

AVB to Tottenham and RVP leaving Arsenal.

Another tough challenge for AVB. The expectations won't be quite as high and he'll get more time, but the resources will obviously be more limited. I think he has to sell Modric this summer.

[Grover]

AVB is a wonderful hire for Spurs. I hope Levy and crew give him time, unlike Chelsea. He can be a stud and he's got defenders with pace there. The high line won't be a problem for BAE, Kaboul and Walker.

[law90026]

And the Arsenal debacle continues. Not sure how the club is going to go from here to be honest.

[Grover]

And the Arsenal debacle continues. Not sure how the club is going to go from here to be honest.

Sell RVP for the biggest fee possible. Move some of the other rubbish out (Bendtner, Diaby, Chamakh, Park Chu Young), maybe get one more forward in and a defender, maybe spunk £15M on Lloris.

I don't think it's that big of a deal if van Persie goes. I think the writing has been on the wall for a long time.

Of course, the onus is now on Podolski and Giroud to adapt quickly.

[law90026]

Sell RVP for the biggest fee possible. Move some of the other rubbish out (Bendtner, Diaby, Chamakh, Park Chu Young), maybe get one more forward in and a defender, maybe spunk £15M on Lloris.

I don't think it's that big of a deal if van Persie goes. I think the writing has been on the wall for a long time.

Of course, the onus is now on Podolski and Giroud to adapt quickly.

I think the issue is that the fee is going to be substantially smaller now because of what RvP has done and the club now has very little negotiating power.

I'm also not confident that Podolski and/or Giroud will adapt that quickly which could again mean a slow start to the season. It's a big enough deal I suspect that 4th place might again be a real challenge, especially since we didn't earn 3rd place last year (more like Spurs and Newcastle gave it away at the end).

Ah well, same ol' Arsenal!

[TroyF]

It is shocking because of how depressed I have been about Arsenal for the last couple if years, but this just does not bother me the way it does others.

First, I have expected thus for over a year. Secondly, everyone forgets the guy usually gets hurt for long periods. He has started 20 or more EPL games twice in the last six years. Arsenal, even if they open the books further, do not have the resources to have their highest paid player always out. Essentially, Robin finally stayed healthy in is contract year, what a shock. Third, this is going to force the club into action for once. The could make excuses for Fabergas. They could say Henry and Viera were not top flight players when they left.

Now that Van Persie has decided to go and Tottenham have opened the hcl book, I believe Arsenal will spend more. No, it will no be City type spending, but I would expect all of Robins transfer fee to be invested back.

The Lloris thing I do not get. Arsenal do not have a keeper problem. They need another for the back line, another forward and a DMC. The last thing they need to do is spend money on Lloris.

I know people are going to act like the sky is falling, but I think this has the potential to be a very good thing for this club hoing forward. Maybe I am just an idiot, but I think if Van Persie reups, the Gunners do ot sign more tgan one other player and the sky would be falling next year when he would be back on the shelf for half he seosn.

[sovereignstar v2]

https://p.twimg.com/AxCwjo3CQAAtxA1.jpg

[Icy]

Barcelona signs 23 years old new Euro Champion left wingback Jordi Alba from Valencia for 14Million Euros. Huge signing for really cheap as the deal was done before the Eurocup.

Wow with him at the left and Alves at the right, Barcelona wings are going to be really dangerous.

Funny how he was cut from Barcelona youth team a few years ago because he was not good enough as offensive wing. He joined then Valencia's youth team and past season due to team mate injuries he was forced to learn to play wingback and now he has developed into a top one.

[sovereignstar v2]

Yeah, Alba looks a great signing. Think he only had another year left on his contract with Valencia, so that would've affected the price as well.

[whomario]

yeah, Alba impressed the heck out of me as well.

Funny is that Dortmund had similar storylines in recent years, one is Pisczek who basically was garbage as a winger, then changed to the back and was still not good but then came to Dortmund on a free and then developed into the best wing back in the Bundesliga.

And Marco Reus was "let go" at youth level because he wasn´t supposed to be physichal enough and now comes back to his hometown team.


Spain nominated their olympic team or rather 21 for 18 spots (No22 was Thiago from Barca who now suffered an injury)
De Gea is in it as well as Mata, Jordi Alba, Javi Martinez and iker Muniain.

[Big Fo]

Piers Morgan committing suicide would not bother me at all.

[Grover]

West Ham have brought in Guti on trial.

Oh boy, this could be fun. Not really sure he fits in with Big Sam's anti-football tactics, though.

[gstelmack]

David Beckham Fight: Galaxy Star Kicks Ball At Sam Cronin, Argues With Earthquakes Mascot (VIDEO) (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/02/david-beckham-brawl-san-jose-mascot-watch_n_1642617.html)

So my favorite part of this is that the "injured" guy is on the ground, acting all "my head, my head!", but as soon as the ball comes in he sits up, raises his arms, stands up, and charges off. Maybe Beckham had a point?

[rowech]

David Beckham Fight: Galaxy Star Kicks Ball At Sam Cronin, Argues With Earthquakes Mascot (VIDEO) (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/02/david-beckham-brawl-san-jose-mascot-watch_n_1642617.html)

So my favorite part of this is that the "injured" guy is on the ground, acting all "my head, my head!", but as soon as the ball comes in he sits up, raises his arms, stands up, and charges off. Maybe Beckham had a point?

My favorite part is the accuracy of the kick. It's fantastic. An American would have tried it and missed by 10 yards.

[Big Fo]

The International FA Board has approved goalline technology, we will first see it in action at this December's FIFA Club World Cup. If it works according to plan, we will also see it at the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup.

This is a good move. I wonder if somewhere down the road teams will be able to appeal offside calls, penalties, players being sent off, etc.

[Grover]

This is a good move. I wonder if somewhere down the road teams will be able to appeal offside calls, penalties, players being sent off, etc.

I hope not. Leave it for goals only.

I don't want to see situations where they're playing 10+ minutes of stoppage time every day because coaches are challenging decisions.

[Ryan S]

This is a good move. I wonder if somewhere down the road teams will be able to appeal offside calls, penalties, players being sent off, etc.

I think that replays should be used for incidents within the box, though I don't want to see teams being able to appeal. The review should be automatic and more or less instant, with the referee being instantly notified by the video refs. I don't think it will add any extra time to the game, as at the moment the players have a long argument with the referee anyway.

[DaddyTorgo]

The ONLY way it should work in futbol/soccer is with replay-officials up in a booth who can instantly signal the refs on the field if there's a call. Seems obvious, but otherwise it'd be a fucking nightmare. Replay-official in the booth has the final call, none of this NFL-style "go under the hood" bullshit.

And even then - only for incidents like Ryan said, that are within the box. Maybe for offsides if they can figure that out somehow?

[Ryan S]

And even then - only for incidents like Ryan said, that are within the box. Maybe for offsides if they can figure that out somehow?

We also need to figure out what to do about players pulling on each other in the box, otherwise we will never see a goal from a corner or indirect free kick again :)

[Ryan S]

Maybe for offsides if they can figure that out somehow?

Offside would be easy to implement, as all the video ref would need to do would be to look at one replay after the goal and give a yes/no response. It would add no time at all to the game as the play has already stopped for the "goal".

[Easy Mac]

My favorite part is the accuracy of the kick. It's fantastic. An American would have tried it and missed by 10 yards.

he missed by ten yards on his first try

[DaddyTorgo]

Offside would be easy to implement, as all the video ref would need to do would be to look at one replay after the goal and give a yes/no response. It would add no time at all to the game as the play has already stopped for the "goal".

What if it doesn't lead directly to a goal though? I mean what if it's a long ball over the top down a channel that a guy runs onto (from an offside position) and then crosses into the box after 20 seconds of dribbling in the corner, and then the goal happens?

[Grover]

Brazil is going for gold at the Olympics...

Here's the squad:
Rafael Cabral (Santos), Neto (Fiorentina); Alex Sandro (Porto), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Rafael (Manchester United), Danilo (Porto), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Bruno Uvini (Sao Paulo), Juan (Inter Milan); Sandro (Tottenham), Romulo (Spartak Moscow), Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos), Oscar (Internacional), Lucas Moura (Sao Paulo); Neymar (Santos), Leandro Damiao (International), Alexandre Pato, Hulk (Porto)

[oykib]

Brazil is going for gold at the Olympics...

Here's the squad:
Rafael Cabral (Santos), Neto (Fiorentina); Alex Sandro (Porto), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Rafael (Manchester United), Danilo (Porto), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Bruno Uvini (Sao Paulo), Juan (Inter Milan); Sandro (Tottenham), Romulo (Spartak Moscow), Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos), Oscar (Internacional), Lucas Moura (Sao Paulo); Neymar (Santos), Leandro Damiao (International), Alexandre Pato, Hulk (Porto)

It's the only tournament Brazil is eligible for that they've never won.

[AlexB]

https://p.twimg.com/AxCwjo3CQAAtxA1.jpg

Surely that's a win-win for RVP?

FWIW if I was Arsenal, I'd keep him for the year. They're not going to get enough money to adequately replace him, so why not, assuming he's as professional as he appears to be, let him play out the year, and if they manage to win something they have half a chance of keeping him.

Even if not, chances are they'll still be in the top 4, and will have taken the pressure off Podolski and Giroud for a year

[whomario]

yeah, i don´t see crazy offers coming in for Van Persie. Maybe if the Euro went differently there would have been a more agressive push at some clubs to get him (transfers of the truly big time players are as much about image as scouting, imo), now i don´t think there will be really big offers.

as for the Brazil team : The good news is that there U23 team is that good/promising, the bad is that there aren´t all that many better options that´d be available for the senior team in 2014.

The tournament is actually really valuable for them. I think it´s regarded relatively high in brazil (as are the regular youth tournaments) and that way it might get them some good experience how to get through a tournament. They´ll also be the one team that´ll take the confed cup super serious next year.

[Critch]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ncatPNmw1qk20bco1_1280.jpg

The new Dortmund kit. The slogan says something like "As always for Schalke, they can look but they cant touch"

[Big Fo]

The tournament is actually really valuable for them. I think it´s regarded relatively high in brazil (as are the regular youth tournaments) and that way it might get them some good experience how to get through a tournament. They´ll also be the one team that´ll take the confed cup super serious next year.

According to some Brazilian friends, as a country the fans want to win the Olympics much more than the Copa America and if they don't win it this summer Mano Menezes will probably be fired.

[sovereignstar v2]

Surely that's a win-win for RVP?

FWIW if I was Arsenal, I'd keep him for the year. They're not going to get enough money to adequately replace him, so why not, assuming he's as professional as he appears to be, let him play out the year, and if they manage to win something they have half a chance of keeping him.

Even if not, chances are they'll still be in the top 4, and will have taken the pressure off Podolski and Giroud for a year

I can see City paying more than they should for him. Mancini has had the hots for him for quite awhile and assuming they outbid any other teams by a fair margin Arsenal will be forced to sell. There is no way their board will let him run down his contract.

City fans are split on him joining. Personally, I'd love to take the risk as I think he'd be perfect for our system. I just hope it'd be at Tevez' expense and not Dzeko's. Probably not the case though.

[Grover]

Looks like QPR are set to sign Park Ji-Sung for £5M.

Sure he's aging, but this is a pretty excellent signing for a club that barely beat out relegation. Be interesting to see how he does playing a full season as a starter.

[TroyF]

Surely that's a win-win for RVP?

FWIW if I was Arsenal, I'd keep him for the year. They're not going to get enough money to adequately replace him, so why not, assuming he's as professional as he appears to be, let him play out the year, and if they manage to win something they have half a chance of keeping him.

Even if not, chances are they'll still be in the top 4, and will have taken the pressure off Podolski and Giroud for a year

That is just it, this was Van Persie forcing his way out early. e could have been like Cesc and been non commital and let things play out behind the scenes. Instead, he timed his shot and took shots at people who really didn't deserve it. His comment about the chairman being on vacation was a cheap shot. (and also untrue) He wants out and that is fine. The only thing that drives me crazy about Arsenal is getting money from these guys and not reinvesting said money. I like that we are actually turning a profit and aren't runing up large, unsustainable debts that will eventually come to roost. Just take the money you get from these sales and put it back into the club.

I don't care what happens to him at this point. Let him go to City. He'll break a hang nail and miss half the season. Note; I love Robin. He's a great player and what he did this year is something I will never forget. That said, he's only stayed healthy one year and the injuries will likely catch up to him.

FWIW, I don't want him as the captain this year if he does stay. I don't want my captain saying we can't win. (I don't even care if it's true, I wouldn't want the captain of any of the teams I cheer for to publically say they cannot win.

[Grover]

According to Sky Sports, Michael Bradley has just about tied up a deal with Roma.

[Barkeep49]

As I've become increasingly into International Soccer (watched nearly every Euro 2012 game) I've decided it's long past due for me to pick a soccer team to root for. As I'd long to be able to watch the team I choose I think that means I'm limited to the EPL. While Man City has been fun to play in FM, I think that choosing either of the Manchester teams is a bit too heavy of jumping on the bandwagon. Of course, I'm not so into choosing a bottom dweller either. Suggestions? This has gone on longer than it ought to have simply because the last time I choose a sports team (as opposed to inheriting it) I was 7 or 8 and choose the 49ers who'd just wont he Super Bowl and so I don't really have a good sense for how to do it.

[Grover]

As I've become increasingly into International Soccer (watched nearly every Euro 2012 game) I've decided it's long past due for me to pick a soccer team to root for. As I'd long to be able to watch the team I choose I think that means I'm limited to the EPL. While Man City has been fun to play in FM, I think that choosing either of the Manchester teams is a bit too heavy of jumping on the bandwagon. Of course, I'm not so into choosing a bottom dweller either. Suggestions? This has gone on longer than it ought to have simply because the last time I choose a sports team (as opposed to inheriting it) I was 7 or 8 and choose the 49ers who'd just wont he Super Bowl and so I don't really have a good sense for how to do it.

Pick a team that you enjoy watching. I picked West Ham when I started to get really into it in 2005-06. Have stuck with them through last year's relegation. Have been to Upton Park in London, fantastic atmosphere.

I had the same thought as you when I got into it, I wanted to steer clear of the big teams and pick a mid-table side i could root for. I quickly eliminated United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea at the time.

[sovereignstar v2]

Keep in mind that if you do the "honorable" thing and pick a team like Wigan you will be lucky to watch a 1/4 of their games on TV and you will be reading team news off of a cookie-cutter website.

I'd consider myself a hardcore EPL fan and City is the team I most follow out of all sports. I'm lucky in that City seemingly has the most televised games over here (thank you FSC) and they have the best website.

[Critch]

My suggestion would be Spurs, Aston Villa or Everton.

Spurs
Pros - New manager who'll rebuild them into a team that plays attractive pressing football, or get fired trying. Nice shirts.
Cons - Their campaigns seem to regularly end in disappointment. Borderline bandwagon. They're the team Bill Symons picked when he made the same choice.

Aston Villa
Pros - New manager again. Things can only get better? American owned. Cool name?
Cons - If you ever got to the point of wanting to go to a game, Birmingham sucks.

Everton
Pros - Underdogs and gallant underachievers on comparatively low budgets. Best team in Liverpool. Steady manager. Chance Landon Donovan will be there for xmas.
Cons - Their football isnt glamorous. Best players will probably move on.

[rowech]

As I've become increasingly into International Soccer (watched nearly every Euro 2012 game) I've decided it's long past due for me to pick a soccer team to root for. As I'd long to be able to watch the team I choose I think that means I'm limited to the EPL. While Man City has been fun to play in FM, I think that choosing either of the Manchester teams is a bit too heavy of jumping on the bandwagon. Of course, I'm not so into choosing a bottom dweller either. Suggestions? This has gone on longer than it ought to have simply because the last time I choose a sports team (as opposed to inheriting it) I was 7 or 8 and choose the 49ers who'd just wont he Super Bowl and so I don't really have a good sense for how to do it.

It's an old article but still good...

ESPN.com: Page 2 : Choosing my EPL team (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060719)

[Big Fo]

Just keep watching games until you find yourself becoming more interested in a particular team and let it grow naturally.

[miami_fan]

I think that replays should be used for incidents within the box, though I don't want to see teams being able to appeal. The review should be automatic and more or less instant, with the referee being instantly notified by the video refs. I don't think it will add any extra time to the game, as at the moment the players have a long argument with the referee anyway.

Can the refs PLEASE start flashing yellow cards for foolishness like this? The Euros just proved this does not HAVE to happen. The captain and only the captain should be having any conversations with the refs.

[Grover]

http://p.twimg.com/AxdJ347CMAE7iuz.jpg:large

City's captain and their number one supporter.

Spoiler'd due to size.

[sovereignstar v2]

Liam has to be standing on a box lol. And I don't know how that neon blue pic started getting passed around.

http://i48.tinypic.com/2a94rqt.jpg

[Grover]

That's Noel and he posted it on twitter.

And yes, he's probably standing on a box.

[sovereignstar v2]

Wow. Can't believe I said Liam. :redface:

[Grover]

Michael Cox - Wayne Rooney's struggles for England might be of his own making - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/8145945/michael-cox-wayne-rooney-struggles-england-his-own-making)

Great article from Zonal Marking's Michael Cox.

[The Jackal]

Time for me to chime in on this thread. I've been an Arsenal fan since I was a little kid, starting in the early 90s.

This RVP situation is very disappointing. It really seemed like he would commit to the team, and the kitty is starting to open up. That being said, it was as little as a year and a half ago that I questioned whether RVP would ever play a full season. He has been terrific of late, one of the top strikers in Europe. But if he wants to go, let him go. Get it done sooner rather than later.

I strongly agree with what Grover said above. Get as much as you can for RVP, hopefully move the other deadweight, and re-invest in a couple of players. I think M'Vila would be a great fit.

If Wilshere comes back healthy this team will be much better in attack. Steadily losing faith in Ramsey, though he is still plenty young.

[The Jackal]

As I've become increasingly into International Soccer (watched nearly every Euro 2012 game) I've decided it's long past due for me to pick a soccer team to root for. As I'd long to be able to watch the team I choose I think that means I'm limited to the EPL. While Man City has been fun to play in FM, I think that choosing either of the Manchester teams is a bit too heavy of jumping on the bandwagon. Of course, I'm not so into choosing a bottom dweller either. Suggestions? This has gone on longer than it ought to have simply because the last time I choose a sports team (as opposed to inheriting it) I was 7 or 8 and choose the 49ers who'd just wont he Super Bowl and so I don't really have a good sense for how to do it.

My suggestion is a combination of reading about the history of teams and watching the EPL season. Let it come naturally.

[The Jackal]

Or you can pretend you are still 7 or 8 and pick Arsenal because Gunners is a cool name and they have a cannon as a logo. Oh wait, that was me. (FYI I also stuck with Arsenal because Bergkamp was my favorite international player and when he went to Arse it sealed it)

[Easy Mac]

This goal isn't that impressive, until you see it in slow motion and know the kid he jumps is 6'1"

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Link in case embed doesn't work (http://p.mlssoccer.com/SAu5a/video/1063906/mls_2012-07-11-210306.640hq.mp4)

[Grover]

Fulham have agreed to terms with Hugo Rodallega. Excellent signing.

[Big Fo]

Yeah, it was crazy that Mattocks got to that cross.

Milan are selling Ibra and Thiago Silva to PSG. It will be interesting to see how they'll do in the Champions League next season. I was looking at odds the other day, it seemed that bookies had seven teams with a somewhat realistic chance of winning it (Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Barca, Real, Bayern, Juve), perhaps PSG would make it eight with those guys and maybe more joining.

"Yes, I have sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to PSG. We'll save 150 million euros in two years," he (Silvio Berlusconi) was quoted as saying, according to the website of Gazzetta dello Sport.

[Big Fo]

By the way, PSG are paying £51m for Ibra and Thiago Silva.

Last year Liverpool spent £55m on Andy Carroll and Stuart Downing.

[DaddyTorgo]

Milan in money-saving mode...good times.

[sovereignstar v2]

PSG are in Pot 4. They are fucked. But this move should kick-start the window. Rest assured that Milan will re-invest that money.

Edit: I guess there is a chance they can get into Pot 3.

[sovereignstar v2]

Haha, this is actually a possible UCL Group. Champions of the Big 4 leagues:

Real Madrid, City, Juventus, Dortmund

[whomario]

yeah, Dortmund screwed up by not making it out of the group stage of the Europa League 2 years ago to collect some points (they literally don´t have any, they weren´t qualified for europe for a long time before rising up in germany). Heck, even last year in the CL they had a kind draw for a Pot4 team, no way they get another one as easy this year ...

[Big Fo]

I dislike that seeding system, it should just be based on the league coefficients imo.

Like Pot A would be England 1-2, Spain 1-2, Italy 1, Germany 1, Portugal 1, France 1 or something.

Maybe only the first two groups could be like this due to all the various playoffs needed to finalize the groups, but it's dumb having a team like Dortmund in Pot 4.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sporting KC gets their shot at their first US Open Cup in 8 years. Should be a great environment at Livestrong Park for that game. May have to grab some tickets.

[Easy Mac]

Rangers are dropped down to the Third (4th) Division of Scotland. Can't imagine many players are going to be sticking around for this if they can help it.

BBC Sport - Rangers latest (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/18798033)

[bhlloy]

Sounds like the SPL are going to use to this as their advantage and try to create an SPL2 around Rangers which would essentially kill off the other divisions and make the rest of the SFL semi-pro or amateur.

So much greed in soccer, its getting really hard to follow. Rangers have the support and the backers to get promoted back to SPL in 3 years no matter where they start, but they'd rather blow the whole system up and the SPL will roll over and let them do it. What a great advert for financial responsibility and living within your means. Think FIFA will step into this one, like fuck they will...

[Katon]

I dislike that seeding system, it should just be based on the league coefficients imo.

Like Pot A would be England 1-2, Spain 1-2, Italy 1, Germany 1, Portugal 1, France 1 or something.

Maybe only the first two groups could be like this due to all the various playoffs needed to finalize the groups, but it's dumb having a team like Dortmund in Pot 4.

I think the best approach would be a hybrid - teams get some points for their individual results, some (probably based on league position) from their country's coefficient.

European experience does seem to help, after all; neither of the CL finalists was particularly close to being the best team in their respective leagues, especially Chelsea, but their domestic betters couldn't even make it out of the group stages.

[MIJB#19]

PSG are in Pot 4. They are fucked. But this move should kick-start the window. Rest assured that Milan will re-invest that money.

Edit: I guess there is a chance they can get into Pot 3.Odds on Pot 3 are pretty high for PSG. There are 7 teams in qualifying with a higher UEFA ranking and only one of them has to be KO'ed for PSG to move up. Of course, given the seeding, all 7 might make it into the group stage, but I wouldn't be surprised if Fenerbahce, Udinese or Lille would pull the upset vs Braga, Spartak Moscow, Dinamo Kiev, Panathinaikos or Kobenhavn. Heck, on of those last three might even choke on Club Brugge or Feyenoord one round earlier.

[Ryan S]

Sounds like the SPL are going to use to this as their advantage and try to create an SPL2 around Rangers which would essentially kill off the other divisions and make the rest of the SFL semi-pro or amateur.

So much greed in soccer, its getting really hard to follow. Rangers have the support and the backers to get promoted back to SPL in 3 years no matter where they start, but they'd rather blow the whole system up and the SPL will roll over and let them do it. What a great advert for financial responsibility and living within your means. Think FIFA will step into this one, like fuck they will...

Honestly, it would not surprise me in Rangers end up back in the SPL this coming season. I think it is much more likely that they end up playing in the SPL than Division 3.

The current Rangers ownership is saying the right things ("We will play where they tell us to play") but the SFA and the SPL are desperate not to miss out on the money Rangers can bring into the game.

Most of the SFL chairmen interviewed on TV this evening are sceptical that Rangers will ever play a game in Division 3. Something needs to happen quickly, as the lower league season starts in just a few weeks.

[bhlloy]

I'd rather that than a concept of an SPL2 that would finally kill off the SFL, although barely. I've always preferred Rangers to Celtic but if they got themselves in this mess, they should start where anyone else would start and get themselves out of it

[MIJB#19]

It just really isn't fair that Rangers FC falls over, yet (for example) clubs in the primera division with lesser history, whom are years behind on paying the bills and transfer fees and are held alive by local authorities continue to play in the UEFA competitions year after year. Platini, where is your fair play plan that you promised on your election?

[Grover]

It just really isn't fair that Rangers FC falls over, yet (for example) clubs in the primera division with lesser history, whom are years behind on paying the bills and transfer fees and are held alive by local authorities continue to play in the UEFA competitions year after year. Platini, where is your fair play plan that you promised on your election?

Valencia, Villarreal?

[Grover]

Sky Sports understands Watford are eyeing a move for Udinese midfielder Almen Abdi. Watford owner Giampaolo Pozzo has helped set up the deal as he is also the owner of Udinese.

Anyone else think that this should be illegal?

[whomario]

Luxembourgian Club F91 Dudelange just beat Red Bull Salzburg in the CL 2nd qualifying round, first leg 1:0 at home then a 3:4 on the road.

One of the biggest shockers i can recall. Sure, it´s just the 2nd qualifying round and no one cares but still :) Only 2 rounds to go until we´ll cheer for a luxembourgian team in the Champions League !

[DaddyTorgo]

Sky Sports understands Watford are eyeing a move for Udinese midfielder Almen Abdi. Watford owner Giampaolo Pozzo has helped set up the deal as he is also the owner of Udinese.

Anyone else think that this should be illegal?

Yes

[Grover]

Yes

Pozzo also owns Granada.

[bigdawg2003]

Some friends and I are looking to play fantasy EPL this season. Is there anywhere that does it like fantasy NFL where you draft players exclusively to one team? All the major sites do it salary cap-style where you get 100 million euros to build a team.

[MIJB#19]

Some friends and I are looking to play fantasy EPL this season. Is there anywhere that does it like fantasy NFL where you draft players exclusively to one team? All the major sites do it salary cap-style where you get 100 million euros to build a team.Never heard of any, despite that I'd like that concept for a change. I'm afraid you'd have to set it up yourself(selves), the soccer (fans) world doesn't have that same traditions as the more sophisticated USA sports fans, the soccer world's fantasy sports is rather new and jumped right into the internet and it's world-wide (nationwide) aspect, forcing things into the budget/one-player-per-team concepts.

[Ryan S]

Some friends and I are looking to play fantasy EPL this season. Is there anywhere that does it like fantasy NFL where you draft players exclusively to one team? All the major sites do it salary cap-style where you get 100 million euros to build a team.

http://www.fantasyleague.com/pro/

This is a pretty expensive site, minimum of about $40 per team and more if you go for one of the more expensive packages.

[Ryan S]

While I remember (and I will probably create a thread in a few days), the Fantasy Premier League site is active again and I have created a new FOFC league.

Fantasy Premier League - The official fantasy football game of the Barclays Premier League (http://fantasy.premierleague.com/)
Invite code - 173850-50573

[sovereignstar v2]

Paging Mr. Platini, paging Mr. Platini. PSG are ruining football.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sporting KC picked up the Cup last night! Amazing finish with how the PK's went down. KC coach was on the radio today talking about how the PK scouting work they did in advance with the KC goalie paid off. The KC goalkeeper actually told one of the PK takers before his kick 'I know where you're going' with a smile. Totally psyched out the player and he kicked it right over the bar.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/255310_10151086114117042_245931185_n.jpg

[Grover]

£15m is way too much for Joe Allen, Liverpool.

[bigdawg2003]

While I remember (and I will probably create a thread in a few days), the Fantasy Premier League site is active again and I have created a new FOFC league.

Fantasy Premier League - The official fantasy football game of the Barclays Premier League (http://fantasy.premierleague.com/)
Invite code - 173850-50573

Just joined. How'd I do for my first time playing Fantasy EPL?

GKs - Howard
DFs - A. Williams/Coloccini/Vertonghen/K. Walker
MFs - Cabaye/Bale/Dempsey/Hazard
STs - Naismith/Jelavic
BENCH - Al-Habsi/Shawcross/Park/Pogrebnyak

[chesapeake]

While I remember (and I will probably create a thread in a few days), the Fantasy Premier League site is active again and I have created a new FOFC league.

Fantasy Premier League - The official fantasy football game of the Barclays Premier League (http://fantasy.premierleague.com/)
Invite code - 173850-50573

Since I watch the games a lot with my daughters on weekend mornings as we eat breakfast, I figured I may as well give it a shot and have something extra to root for.

[sovereignstar v2]

£15m is way too much for Joe Allen, Liverpool.

Pretty sure Rodgers agreed not to sign anyone from Swansea for 12 months. Classy guy.

[bhlloy]

Technically he agreed not to make the first approach. Also pretty sure the Jacks are happy with 15m for Allen. Laudrup has a whole host of bargains he wants to bring in

[SirFozzie]

So, Juventus coach is out till next season for involvement in match fixing..

[Chief Rum]

So, Juventus coach is out till next season for involvement in match fixing..

Just one season? Nice.

[miami_fan]

Am I the only one who is shocked that the Community Shield is today? Man, just kinda snuck up on me.

[whomario]

Am I the only one who is shocked that the Community Shield is today? Man, just kinda snuck up on me.

yeah, definitely. German Supercup between Dortmund and Bayern is also today.

[bigdawg2003]

Anytime you can pay Everton 20 mil for a midfielder who missed most of last season with an injury, you gotta do it.

Was hoping to make it through the transfer period without any big sales, but Rodwell isn't worth 20 mil.

[AlexB]

Am I the only one who is shocked that the Community Shield is today? Man, just kinda snuck up on me.

No - I didn't realise at all until i just read this!

[bulletsponge]

Anytime you can pay Everton 20 mil for a midfielder who missed most of last season with an injury, you gotta do it.

Was hoping to make it through the transfer period without any big sales, but Rodwell isn't worth 20 mil.

hes english, that automatically doubles his value

[Grover]

Am I the only one who is shocked that the Community Shield is today? Man, just kinda snuck up on me.

I was disappointed to have woken up and saw that it was already over.

[MIJB#19]

Valencia, Villarreal?It's been reported that Malaga is selling players left and right, because they can't pay salaries. That's great advertisement to have that club in the Champions League playoffs.

[Grover]

It's been reported that Malaga is selling players left and right, because they can't pay salaries. That's great advertisement to have that club in the Champions League playoffs.

And Cazorla is now gone ;)

[Grover]

South Korean Soccer Player Did Not Receive His Medal Because Of Politics (http://deadspin.com/5933991?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow)

[Critch]

Good to have proper games pretty much back, the long bleak summer of no-soccer since the Euros finished is over.

Thought Man City looked good, they'll either win the league or whoever finishes above them will. Chelsea didnt look great, I'm going for di Matteo out before the end of the season and Chelsea lucky to scrape 4th.

And ESPN3 football is worth watching, Jozy Altidore has just scored 2 great goals in 2 minutes for AZ against Ajax.

[sovereignstar v2]

Oh Hazard.

http://i.minus.com/ibe4NgztLvsesd.gif

[sovereignstar v2]

Anytime you can pay Everton 20 mil for a midfielder who missed most of last season with an injury, you gotta do it.

Was hoping to make it through the transfer period without any big sales, but Rodwell isn't worth 20 mil.

Good deal. Trying to help out Everton when we can (see Joleon Lescott) so they can push for that Europa spot.

[sovereignstar v2]

Most sources are reporting that Rodwell was sold for 12m (up to 15 million) by the way. So 8 million less than what Liverpool payed Villa for Stewart Downing.

[bigdawg2003]

Most sources are reporting that Rodwell was sold for 12m (up to 15 million) by the way. So 8 million less than what Liverpool payed Villa for Stewart Downing.

Yeah the transfer fee kept going down throughout the day, from 20 to 15 to 12 w/ addons. Will be curious to see if Moyes gets to spend any of that money on transfers

[Barkeep49]

Oh Hazard.

http://i.minus.com/ibe4NgztLvsesd.gif
I want him to be a good player since he was at Man City when I joined it in my FM dynasty and he was THE MAN for years, still starting 5-10 games a year plus subbing in another 5-10 at 36 when he hung it up. But yeah stuff like that...

[cschex]

While I remember (and I will probably create a thread in a few days), the Fantasy Premier League site is active again and I have created a new FOFC league.

Fantasy Premier League - The official fantasy football game of the Barclays Premier League (http://fantasy.premierleague.com/)
Invite code - 173850-50573

Also joined this. My instincts are to build a "complete" team and I have to realize that holding midfielders probably don't have much value here.

[Big Fo]

I'm kind of dreading tonight's Mexico - USA friendly at the Azteca.

[MrBug708]

Oh my RVP

[bhlloy]

RVP to Manure. Less than Andy Carroll as well. At least Arsene can buy 24 new French 19 year olds that nobody has heard of for a million each now, will make him happy

[chesapeake]

Boo.

[MIJB#19]

Van Persie could have done a lot worse, like going to the bench of Real Madrid or Barcelona... Although going from Arsenal to Man Utd feels weird, I have no idea what other club in the world would have made more sense for him to join at this point in his career. It had to be one of the big clubs, the Spanish are career wasters, Chelsea would be wrong with the London rivalry, AC Milan or Internazionale the wrong kind of league, making Bayern München the only other sensible option.

[Big Fo]

It amazes me that some adults actually use "Manure" for Manchester United. It's so embarrassing.

Obviously van Persie is one of the best players in the league, and last year I think he was the best player. So I'm happy with the signing. But he has been injury-prone and Man Utd already had a lot of depth at that position while there are problems in other positions which seem as if they will remain unresolved. The other thing is that I wonder how Rooney, RVP, and the other big new signing Kagawa will fit into the same team. One of them (Kagawa or Rooney most likely) will have to play out of position unless we are facing one of the weaker EPL teams at home.

Piers Morgan is having a nice meltdown on Twitter (https://twitter.com/piersmorgan) if anyone is into that kind of thing. What a moron. And I don't know how all Arsenal fans think but no Manchester United fan considers Arsenal to be their club's "No1 rival." I'm pretty sure the vast majority of Arsenal fans hate Spurs more anyway.

[Big Fo]

Van Persie could have done a lot worse, like going to the bench of Real Madrid or Barcelona... Although going from Arsenal to Man Utd feels weird, I have no idea what other club in the world would have made more sense for him to join at this point in his career. It had to be one of the big clubs, the Spanish are career wasters, Chelsea would be wrong with the London rivalry, AC Milan or Internazionale the wrong kind of league, making Bayern München the only other sensible option.

I think he'd play a bunch for any club out there. At Real I think he's better than either Higuain or Benzema. He wouldn't move Messi out of the middle for Barcelona obviously, but with RVP being a pretty versatile kind of attacker he could compete with Villa (coming off a broken leg), Sanchez, and Pedro for one of the other attacking spots. Maybe he wouldn't start every game for Barca but I really don't think he would be a benchwarmer.

[Grover]

Just read the Piers twitter page. Outstanding stuff. What a petulant little child.

24m for a player with 12 months to run on his contract (to a rival or not) is fantastic business. Wenger knows they weren't going to compete with United or City for first. I still think they've got the driver's seat for third without van Persie.

[cschex]

I think RvP will be fantastic for ManU until the 2nd international break where inevitably he'll break or tear something for the Dutch. It's amazing how many of his injuries over the years seemed to come from those games.

As for Arsenal, I do hope Arsene considers another striker for depth, considering right now its Giroud, Podolski (who's really going to be playing on the left) and 3 players on their way out in Chamakh/Bendtner/Park. Swiping Victor Moses from under Chelsea's nose wouldn't be a bad move.

Oh, and buy a f***ing fulback

[OldGiants]

Van Persie will never have another season like last year, so selling him at peak value is a Wenger-like move that I thought should have happened earlier--like soon after he bought the two Forwards who will provide as much as Van Persie did last year.

So I suspect he has players in mind and needed ready cash to pull off the deals. We'll see.

[Katon]

Just read the Piers twitter page. Outstanding stuff. What a petulant little child.

24m for a player with 12 months to run on his contract (to a rival or not) is fantastic business. Wenger knows they weren't going to compete with United or City for first. I still think they've got the driver's seat for third without van Persie.

24m for a player with 12 months to run on his contract, a consistent track record of missing about a third of each season through injury, and at an age where he's not likely to improve on last year (though when he's fit, he should still be very good).

Wenger's gambling that Giroud or Podolski can score goals in the Premiership, but just looking at the fee it's a good deal. Especially as Spurs are rumored to be selling Modric - who's two years younger, better at staying fit, on a longer contract, and similarly brilliant on the pitch - for a similar amount.

[Grover]

I still think Arsenal should go after Yann M'Vila. I don't get why Wenger backed off, unless it was a cash thing.

[Critch]

If I was an Arsenal fan (which I'm not) I'd be more than happy with a summer that saw a want-away van Persie out with Podolski, Carzola and Giroud in. The three ins more than make up for the one out.

I havent been this sure a player was going to be a huge success in EPL as I am for Carzola since Man City signed Edin Dzeko.

And if I was a Man Utd fan (which I'm not) I'd be seriously happy about RVP too. Welbeck's 9 goals in 30 games as a striker is one of the main reasons they lost out in the league. Overrated cos he's young and English, RVP is a different level.

So in summary, everybody should be happy.

[sovereignstar v2]

phew!

He can't play midfield, right? ;)

[Marc Vaughan]

It amazes me that some adults actually use "Manure" for Manchester United. It's so embarrassing.
What like Mn Utd fans calling City - Man Shitty ;)

(its traditional - nothing at all wrong with it imho, bit like having a go at 'cashley cole' ... nothing particularly nasty in it usually ... just friendly banter and ribbing)

Obviously van Persie is one of the best players in the league, and last year I think he was the best player. So I'm happy with the signing. But he has been injury-prone and Man Utd already had a lot of depth at that position while there are problems in other positions which seem as if they will remain unresolved. The other thing is that I wonder how Rooney, RVP, and the other big new signing Kagawa will fit into the same team. One of them (Kagawa or Rooney most likely) will have to play out of position unless we are facing one of the weaker EPL teams at home.
I'm expecting Rooney to flex into other positions when everyone is fit and its 'required' (central midfield mainly - he's done well in that role before), I like van Persie enough that as soon as the signing came through I transferred him into my Fantasy Football side ;)

Piers Morgan .....
I can't stand Piers Morgan, for me the worst part of moving to Florida is the fact that for reasons unknown he's allowed to 'commentate' on matches here sporadically as if he has any understanding of the game at all .....

[Marc Vaughan]

And if I was a Man Utd fan (which I'm not) I'd be seriously happy about RVP too. Welbeck's 9 goals in 30 games as a striker is one of the main reasons they lost out in the league. Overrated cos he's young and English, RVP is a different level.
RVP is indeed a different class absolutely - that being said don't underestimate Welbeck he's a young kid and has great instincts and movement ... in a few years time he's going to be immense if he keeps gaining experience.

(fantastic signing for Man Utd imho - the interesting thing for me will be whether RVP can stay fit the entire season or not)

[Big Fo]

What like Mn Utd fans calling City - Man Shitty ;)

(its traditional - nothing at all wrong with it imho, bit like having a go at 'cashley cole' ... nothing particularly nasty in it usually ... just friendly banter and ribbing)

That's just as bad. Same with "Liverpoo" or when I see fans starring out certain letters in their rival club's name as if it is some kind of curse word that must be censored.

After 25 minutes with Maurice Edu playing centerback in the Azteca, the USA has not conceded.

[bulletsponge]

holy shit! US 1-0 79th min

[MrBug708]

This is pretty bad for Mexico

[bulletsponge]

this is the type of game that gets mexican coaches fired

[cschex]

Tim Howard...oh my!

[Grover]

This is pretty bad for Mexico

+10000

[MrBug708]

How does THIS team win in Azteca?

[cschex]

How does THIS team win in Azteca?

Not only that, but how does MOF of all people score the winner?

[SirFozzie]

Stay Classy, Mexico! (US section at the Azteca has to be evacuated due to Mexico fans throwing projectiles)

[Big Fo]

This is brilliant. Days after the whole country of Mexico is on a high after winning a glorified youth tournament, a USA team lacking a handful of their best players goes into the Azteca and ends that dreadful unbeaten run Mexico had against them there.

Tim Howard and Geoff Cameron were great.

[GrantDawg]

My mind is still reeling. Had to fire up some FM2012 national management fun.

[law90026]

RvP to Man Utd makes me sick tbh.

Selling to Man City or Chelsea? You could justify that as oligarch money. Selling to Real or Barcelona (or one of the foreign big clubs)? Justify that as getting him out of the country.

Selling him to one of our former rivals? A real lack of pride imo.

Does the deal make commercial sense? Sure. But it just sends such a terrible message, that the club is a selling club to its rivals (see Man City last year).

This sale only makes sense if the money is ploughed back into more reinforcements.

[cartman]

Love this headline from over at Fark:

US beats Mexico, in Mexico. For you non-soccer fans, the degree of difficulty here is comparable to forcing your wife to admit that she's wrong about something, at your mother-in-law's dinner table

[whomario]

Was´t it also "THAT team" for Mexico ? (there had to be half a dozen or so guys that were at the olympics)

Still a great win obviously, just saying ;)

Germany meanwhile looses to Argentina, 1:3 at home.

Bad result and for some reason the media is on the war path, but personally i was encouraged more than discouraged actually. Germany was the better team for 30 minutes, then the keeper saw the red card after fouling for a penalty (stupid rule imo and even more ridiculous to enforce it in a friendly game with 60+ minutes to go)
The new keeper Ter Stegen than came in and actually saved Messi´s penalty, but then directly before the half Khedira scored an own goal.

Then Germany had a couple great chances, Messi scored a beauty and Di Maria a freak goal and it was over.

multiple starters were missing and that resulted in the fun fact that in the 2nd half the oldest player was 24 years old.

[Grover]

The new keeper Ter Stegen than came in and actually saved Messi´s penalty, but then directly before the half Khedira scored an own goal.



Marc-André ter Stegen, FM2012 God!

[DaddyTorgo]

Marc-André ter Stegen, FM2012 God!

Very true. I need to go back in this coming offseason and try to pry him away now that I'll have the cash for it.

[Marc Vaughan]

RvP to Man Utd makes me sick tbh.
Selling to Man City or Chelsea? You could justify that as oligarch money. Selling to Real or Barcelona (or one of the foreign big clubs)? Justify that as getting him out of the country.
I personally (as a neutral) prefer it to him going to Chelsea or Man City - it keeps competition alive and the title potentially more open.

Selling him to one of our former rivals? A real lack of pride imo.
Does the deal make commercial sense? Sure. But it just sends such a terrible message, that the club is a selling club to its rivals (see Man City last year).
Commerical sense is vital for Arsenal - they simply don't have the ability to ignore financial realities in the way which Chelsea and Man City do.

(long term do bear in mind that things will get 'interesting' at some point in the future when Man City/Chelsea's chairmen get new playthings .... football has a cyclic nature with regards to rich chairmen, they don't last forever - look at Blackburn for instance, I expect a few of you can't even remember when they were a monied club but its barely a two decades ago they broke the British transfer record signing Alan Shearer)

This sale only makes sense if the money is ploughed back into more reinforcements.
The reinforcements have already been bought, Wenger has already made some very decent signings in the off-season.

It was a 'done deal' that RVP was going tbh - most people knew it was happening, the real reason for the delay imho was to allow Wenger to make signings over the summer at economical prices.

If you sell a player for substantial funds and are known to 'need' a replacement then clubs will inflate prices accordingly, by signing replacements in advance Wenger got good deals at decent prices.

(just my take on it)

Arsenal will likely be bouncing around the Champions League spots again, on their season (ie. if they stay injury free and other title hopefuls done) they could still lift the title.

[markprior22]

This is brilliant. Days after the whole country of Mexico is on a high after winning a glorified youth tournament, a USA team lacking a handful of their best players goes into the Azteca and ends that dreadful unbeaten run Mexico had against them there.

Tim Howard and Geoff Cameron were great.

I've given a shot at understanding the workings of soccer but still don't have a real handle on "friendlies." I thought they were basically matches to keep players in shape. I think of it as Washington-Dallas playing a preseason NFL game or unofficial summer game. But judging by the reaction to the result of this friendly match, I must be wrong. I mean, first of all, I wouldn't want to risk injury in an unofficial contest and secondly, as a fan I wouldn't be all that excited if my team won this unofficial NFL game.

So would someone explain in further detail what friendly matches are for and why there is so much excitement over the outcome of these matches?

[Big Fo]

I've given a shot at understanding the workings of soccer but still don't have a real handle on "friendlies." I thought they were basically matches to keep players in shape. I think of it as Washington-Dallas playing a preseason NFL game or unofficial summer game. But judging by the reaction to the result of this friendly match, I must be wrong. I mean, first of all, I wouldn't want to risk injury in an unofficial contest and secondly, as a fan I wouldn't be all that excited if my team won this unofficial NFL game.

So would someone explain in further detail what friendly matches are for and why there is so much excitement over the outcome of these matches?

Most friendlies at club level are pointless, just to get guys in shape in preseason and/or to tour another part of the world trying to make money.

For the national teams, they are a little more important because the national teams only play around a dozen times per year so there aren't many chances to try out new players or combinations of players to see how they fit. Not that every friendly is this important by any means, a lot of them aren't a big deal at all. And next year I think FIFA is getting rid of this international date since it's just a few days before some of the European leagues play their first round of games and the clubs complain about it.

But it's always big when Mexico and USA play, it's the regions biggest rivalry by far. Additionally, USA didn't bring around half of their normal starters, had never beaten Mexico in Mexico (in part because our teams were generally pretty bad until the 1990s and we only play there every few years for various reasons), Mexico has been on a good run against the USA over the past few years, and there are fears about the future with them doing so well at youth tournaments recently compared to us. So all of that made last night's win pretty sweet. The biggest thing is that we never have to hear about never winning in Mexico again.

[markprior22]

Ok...that helps put it in perspective. Thanks for the info.

[MIJB#19]

I think RvP will be fantastic for ManU until the 2nd international break where inevitably he'll break or tear something for the Dutch. It's amazing how many of his injuries over the years seemed to come from those games.AH, the memories. Van Persie once picked up a nasty injury because some silly Italian defender (It turns out it was Chiellini and he's certainly not made his fame by making beautiful goals ;)) felt he had to prove himself in a game with nothing on the line and come in from behind to keep Van Persie from trying to shoot on goal. Thankfully Van Persie was out for 'only' 5 months with that 'broken' ankle...

[sovereignstar v2]

(long term do bear in mind that things will get 'interesting' at some point in the future when Man City/Chelsea's chairmen get new playthings

*sigh*

[Marc Vaughan]

*sigh*

Hey I'm a Brighton fan I have to keep reminding myself of this a long time ago we were a glamour club (think Chelsea on a smaller scale) .... we fell a long long way down before starting our recent scramble up again.

The clubs which tend to be the most consistent long term performances are those who don't rely on short-term revenue or individual stars - but have committed managers to long periods and decent youth policies (the most obvious today are Man Utd and Arsenal).

[law90026]

The reinforcements have already been bought, Wenger has already made some very decent signings in the off-season.

It was a 'done deal' that RVP was going tbh - most people knew it was happening, the real reason for the delay imho was to allow Wenger to make signings over the summer at economical prices.

If you sell a player for substantial funds and are known to 'need' a replacement then clubs will inflate prices accordingly, by signing replacements in advance Wenger got good deals at decent prices.

(just my take on it)

Arsenal will likely be bouncing around the Champions League spots again, on their season (ie. if they stay injury free and other title hopefuls done) they could still lift the title.

I think that the message sent if they take the money and sit on it is that the club is, yet again, balancing the books and that's the most important thing. Not sure how much comfort that gives the next crop of players like Ox.

Bear in mind, I'm not saying the club should overstretch like Rangers or Portsmouth but surely there's some room at a club like Arsenal to spend something? There are still areas which can be reinforced (like DM, esp if Song is leaving, and FB) and this money should be channelled towards that.

[Big Fo]

I downloaded one of those user created transfer updates for FM12 and the Rooney/RVP combo isn't doing particularly well.

[cschex]

I downloaded one of those user created transfer updates for FM12 and the Rooney/RVP combo isn't doing particularly well.

I'd actually done the same thing (as an arsenal fan) and Cazorla is awesome and Podolski is scoring at will. Obviously this is exactly what will happen.

[Critch]

In my game England won the European Championships and the World Cup. So it's maybe not great as a predictor tool :)

[miami_fan]

Clint Dempsey is holding out for a move from Fulham. I am not sure why Fulham did not sell him earlier.

[GrantDawg]

Clint Dempsey is holding out for a move from Fulham. I am not sure why Fulham did not sell him earlier.


Money. No one is going to pay a premium price for a player while he is demanding a move.

[whomario]

Bayern is about to pay 40 mio Euros for Javi Martinez :eek: I realize he´s a young player with conderable ability allready and the Bayern bosses singled out the CM position as the biggest team need, but that´s some serious money for a player like that.
Of course you naturally have to include the "buying a player from Bilbao who can´t replace him due to their special rules" tax, but still that´s a ton.

Beside, i´m not sure (and many experts as well) if that´s really their biggest need. Imo they are lacking a clasical attacking midfielder most of all, maybe a type of player like Kagawa (or for the deeper role a guy like Modric), not a box-to-box midfielder.

But they have the money (contrary to most big clubs, they really actually have it on the bank with no minusses in sight) and if he´s the guy they want, good for them.

But as a Dortmund Fan i´m not loosing sleep over it.

[bhlloy]

First championship game Cardiff vs Huddersfield starts in an hour or so. Bring on another soul crushing season

Has anyone else seen the new channel BeIN Sport that has replaced GolTV on Direct TV? Got a text about it this morning, looking at the website seems like they are planning on showing a bunch of French, Spanish and Italian games this season

[miami_fan]

Money. No one is going to pay a premium price for a player while he is demanding a move.

I understand that. Just interesting to see a club like Fulham playing this game of chicken.

[Big Fo]

Has anyone else seen the new channel BeIN Sport that has replaced GolTV on Direct TV? Got a text about it this morning, looking at the website seems like they are planning on showing a bunch of French, Spanish and Italian games this season

Hopefully Time Warner adds this channel soon.

In addition to La Liga + Copa del Ray, Lique 1, and Serie A they will also have the English League Cup, English Championship, South American World Cup qualifiers, and various friendlies.

Now GolTV only has the Bundesliga and some Latin American leagues. GolTV also lost the Europa League to Fox Soccer.

Basically I need channels from five different companies (ESPN, Fox, NBC, beIN Sport, GolTV) to get all the games now. It's kind of a mess.

[whomario]

I understand that. Just interesting to see a club like Fulham playing this game of chicken.

without knowing much of the details, but while Al Fayed certainly doesn´t seem to have ambition to spent like crazy i doubt he´ll pressure the management to sell him at just any price either.

[Marc Vaughan]

I downloaded one of those user created transfer updates for FM12 and the Rooney/RVP combo isn't doing particularly well.

Rooney won't play up front in his usual role imho - I expect him to be played either very deep as a supporting player (with RVP scoring) or in midfield (when required) ... in that manner I think the team will excel .....

The big question for me isn't RVP fitting it, its staying fit which is the big question.

[Big Fo]

Rooney won't play up front in his usual role imho - I expect him to be played either very deep as a supporting player (with RVP scoring) or in midfield (when required) ... in that manner I think the team will excel .....

The big question for me isn't RVP fitting it, its staying fit which is the big question.

Part of the problem is that I'm also trying to fit Kagawa in and he doesn't fit a traditional 4-4-2 so well. Plus I always seem to go back to 4-4-2 or 4-4-2 with advanced wingers and I'm trying to get away from that. And Valencia always does great for me on FM so it wouldn't do to play a more narrow kind of formation.

Half the time I've played Rooney on the left of a 4-2-3-1. I also tried a 4-4-2 diamond (DMC playmaker, wide mids, Kagawa in the AMC role) but that will only work at home or against significantly less talented teams since it leaves so much space when I don't have the ball.

I've always kind of wondered how Rooney retrained as a midfielder might do on the game, his positioning and tackling aren't too bad. And he definitely has great stamina and a lot of the mental stats you'd like in a midfielder. Maybe I'll mess around with that a bit.

[Marc Vaughan]

Part of the problem is that I'm also trying to fit Kagawa in

I don't think Kagawa will be present in all matches this season by any stretch - he'll probably play around 15-20 matches imho, my guess is that he's not intended to be a mainstay initially but to give strength in depth to the squad and a potent attacking option off the bench when required.

(don't get me wrong I think he's a great player and still has potential to improve as he's fairly young - but it'll take time for him to become fully accustomed to English football, until he does so I doubt Fergie will give him a mainstay role in the team - I think he'll potentially shine most for Man Utd during the European matches .. time will tell, part of what I love about football is trying to predict this sort of thing and seeing it all unfold :D)

[whomario]

I think Kagawa will surprise a lot of people. He aclimated crazy fast in Germany despite having a mere 11 games even at the highest level in Japan, i just think he´s the type of player who´ll fit in anywhere and fast. (heck, he was scheduled to start the season with the reserve/U23 team and ended up starting on the first match of the season and being a difference maker immediately)
I also don´t think he´s going to have problems with the physichality, he has sneaky physichal tools and great balance.

Not saying it would be a shock (or even a slight towards him) if guys like Rooney and RVP are reasons he doesn´t start, just saying that the reasons imo won´t be on him.

Also, i can very well see him fitting on the wings the way that ManU usually employs them.

Maybe Ferguson should think about playing Kagawa and Rooney behing Van Persie with a 3 man midfield behind, although admittedly i don´t know the roster well enough to claim that would really work.

[Big Fo]

To go along with whomario's post, I gotta say that from what I've seen of Kagawa at Dortmund and even during Man Utd's preseason, he seems too good to just be a backup/squad player.

If he can play out on the left some I think Ashley Young might not get nearly as many starts this season. And maybe Rooney will be out of the left every now and then, like during the 2007-9 period when Cristiano was still around.

[Marc Vaughan]

To go along with whomario's post, I gotta say that from what I've seen of Kagawa at Dortmund and even during Man Utd's preseason, he seems too good to just be a backup/squad player.

If he proves himself quickly that might well end up being the case.

Do bear in mind 15-20 league matches isn't a backup at all - its a solid rotation player - very few Premiership players playing in 'all' matches these days with even the strongest outfield players normally missing at least 4-5 matches during the season as they're rested for Cup/European matches if he plays 15-20 league and another 10 or so in Cup/European matches in his first season at Utd (in total that's a very solid turn out for him in a first season at Man Utd imho .. thats 25-30 matches in total).

Compare with the early careers of other talented players at Man Utd - Chris Smalling, Darren Fletcher, Anderson and even the likes of Paul Scholes all started initially playing 15-20 league games in a season while they bedded in and learnt the Man Utd 'way'.

Some of that is I think a mentality thing - Fergie generally wants every player to realise that they aren't bigger than the club and need to fit into the system required as he requires it ... part of that is ensuring that they know they aren't automatic picks and that when they do play they need to play their heart out to ensure they're in the team the week after, if the player performs well and isn't big headed then they can break into the team line up consistently far faster than if they display an ego ... if they display too big an ego then eventually they're moved onward, no matter how good they are.

[SirFozzie]

Things we're learning so far in Day 1 of the EPL season:

QPR and Norwich: If this is not a horrible abberation, this is going to be a LOOOOOONG season for them. (QPR losing 5-0 to Swansea, Norwich getting smacked around 4-0 by a Clint Dempsey less Fulham).

Speaking of long seasons, Liverpool are also stinky (aided by a PK/sending off that was.. gentle, and another PK that was even gentler), losing 3-0 to West Brom.

[TroyF]

Things we're learning so far in Day 1 of the EPL season:

QPR and Norwich: If this is not a horrible abberation, this is going to be a LOOOOOONG season for them. (QPR losing 5-0 to Swansea, Norwich getting smacked around 4-0 by a Clint Dempsey less Fulham).

Speaking of long seasons, Liverpool are also stinky (aided by a PK/sending off that was.. gentle, and another PK that was even gentler), losing 3-0 to West Brom.

Arsenal with a poor performance. Not shocking at all to me. Very few preseason games to gel. Some horrific misses.

Everyone will jump on the "RVP left, they can't score goals" bandwagon, but Arsenal scored 1 goal in their first three games last year with RVP. In the long run, I feel ManU will regret the signing and Arsenal will look at it as a blessing. It's a lot of money for a guy who had one healthy season in six. If this were American sports, we'd call that a contract year. We all know what happens to guys who perform above their heads and suddenly stay healthy in a contract year, right?

I disagree on the "gentle" sending off. An elbow to the back of a guy who was clean through? I find it tough to call stuff like that soft. Even if you just are just putting it there for balance, what good can come of it? Sorry, that was pure stupidity and the RED was well deserved.

[Grover]

Come on you Irons!

[miami_fan]

Celtics pulls out a draw at Ross County.

[DaddyTorgo]

fuck these beIN sports idiots for not getting deals in place before the season. And fuck the cable companies too.

I can't get satellite in my apartment, so I'm fucking stuck until they get a cable company.

GRRRRRRRR

//DADDYTORGO VERY ANGRY. BREAK THINGS

[cschex]

Arsenal with a poor performance. Not shocking at all to me. Very few preseason games to gel. Some horrific misses.

Everyone will jump on the "RVP left, they can't score goals" bandwagon, but Arsenal scored 1 goal in their first three games last year with RVP. In the long run, I feel ManU will regret the signing and Arsenal will look at it as a blessing. It's a lot of money for a guy who had one healthy season in six. If this were American sports, we'd call that a contract year. We all know what happens to guys who perform above their heads and suddenly stay healthy in a contract year, right?

I disagree on the "gentle" sending off. An elbow to the back of a guy who was clean through? I find it tough to call stuff like that soft. Even if you just are just putting it there for balance, what good can come of it? Sorry, that was pure stupidity and the RED was well deserved.

Disappointing finishing (what a miss by Giroud) but was encouraged by a few things. Gervinho looked better than almost any time last year and Cazorla's going to be a legend. Still feel Arsenal's one good finishing striker short. Can't wait til Jack's fit again...

[GrantDawg]

fuck these beIN sports idiots for not getting deals in place before the season. And fuck the cable companies too.

I can't get satellite in my apartment, so I'm fucking stuck until they get a cable company.

GRRRRRRRR

//DADDYTORGO VERY ANGRY. BREAK THINGS


You aren't alone in anger. Seems the teams themselves are pretty angry for the lack of coverage. Al-Jazeera just threw a bunch of money at getting the rights over Fox, without having a large distribution set-up. They are just going to lose lots of money until they can get some cable operators on board. Seems crazy, but then they are very rich.

[Marc Vaughan]

Disappointing finishing (what a miss by Giroud) but was encouraged by a few things. Gervinho looked better than almost any time last year and Cazorla's going to be a legend. Still feel Arsenal's one good finishing striker short. Can't wait til Jack's fit again...

I agree Arsenal will be fine imho - no they probably won't win the league ... but they'll be knocking around the Champions League spots which is their ultimate aim presently.

[sovereignstar v2]

Hey I'm a Brighton fan I have to keep reminding myself of this a long time ago we were a glamour club (think Chelsea on a smaller scale) .... we fell a long long way down before starting our recent scramble up again.

The clubs which tend to be the most consistent long term performances are those who don't rely on short-term revenue or individual stars - but have committed managers to long periods and decent youth policies (the most obvious today are Man Utd and Arsenal).

Good thing City got the final approval to build this the other week then.

http://www.manchestercityfootballacademy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/MCFA-day-view.jpg

In other news, City named former Barca CEO Ferran Soriano their new CEO. It's a huge appointment. Just might be able to outdo Blackburn here.

And Alex Song is officially the next to leave Arsenal.

[sovereignstar v2]

fuck these beIN sports idiots for not getting deals in place before the season. And fuck the cable companies too.

I can't get satellite in my apartment, so I'm fucking stuck until they get a cable company.

GRRRRRRRR

//DADDYTORGO VERY ANGRY. BREAK THINGS

Was very happy to find out that Dish has this channel. They did not carry GolTV at all.

[DaddyTorgo]

You aren't alone in anger. Seems the teams themselves are pretty angry for the lack of coverage. Al-Jazeera just threw a bunch of money at getting the rights over Fox, without having a large distribution set-up. They are just going to lose lots of money until they can get some cable operators on board. Seems crazy, but then they are very rich.

Fuck them. I think we should invade Dubai and force them to make deals with the cable operators.

Assholes.

So my Juve goes undefeated in the league last year and wins for the first time in years and now I'm missing the opening of this season because the stupid fucking Al-Jazeera fuckwads (I just backspaced about 15 ethnic slurs FYI...I'm that angry) didn't get a fucking distribution deal in place? FUCK THEM11!!! :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant:

[sovereignstar v2]

Speaking of long seasons, Liverpool are also stinky (aided by a PK/sending off that was.. gentle, and another PK that was even gentler), losing 3-0 to West Brom.

Rodgers was able to keep Swansea in the league, so fans should hold out some hope that they won't be playing in the Championship next season.

[Critch]

I can't get satellite in my apartment, so I'm fucking stuck until they get a cable company.

Seems like it'll be fairly far down Fios's list of priorities too, they're pretty much at capacity for HD networks. I'd bet they'll be one of the last of the major carriers to pick it up unless there's major whining from Spanish speakers about the lack of Real Madrid/Barcelona.

Guess it'll have to be streaming for a while.

[DaddyTorgo]

Seems like it'll be fairly far down Fios's list of priorities too, they're pretty much at capacity for HD networks. I'd bet they'll be one of the last of the major carriers to pick it up unless there's major whining from Spanish speakers about the lack of Real Madrid/Barcelona.

Guess it'll have to be streaming for a while.

Yeah :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Marc Vaughan]

In other news, City named former Barca CEO Ferran Soriano their new CEO. It's a huge appointment. Just might be able to outdo Blackburn here.

LOL - City/Chelsea are a long way ahead of Blackburn, for them the big issue if their chairmen lose interest isn't having a decent physical setup (or youth setup) ... its the inflated wages of their first team which will be the 'drag' in such a circumstance.

(not saying its going to happen but neither club has a sustainable situation outside of vast continual cash injections at present)

[TroyF]

Disappointing finishing (what a miss by Giroud) but was encouraged by a few things. Gervinho looked better than almost any time last year and Cazorla's going to be a legend. Still feel Arsenal's one good finishing striker short. Can't wait til Jack's fit again...

I agree with you on essentially everything. Giroud with a monster miss, but Gervinho was lively, Cazorla was terrific and I really don't think attacking is going to be a monster problem this year. I agree we could use another finisher, I think we also need another mid. Sure, defense is always important, but I don't think Arsenal are going to win this league with defense and I think we are far better in that area with Bould organizing the D anyway.

It's funny, I was CRUSHED with the loss of Fabregas, even though I knew it was coming from a mile away. I was saddened by the loss of Clichy, but he wasn't making the difference in a title run. The losses of Nasri (ridiculous attitude), Song (Van Persie made most of those assists last year and to get them he forgot his defensive duties), Van Persie (magical year that will never happen again even if he stays healthy, which he won't). . . they really don't bother me.

The disaster last year at the start was caused by no replacements. The team fielded in the ManU disaster wouldn't have beat most championship sides. This year, we did grab players early. Now that the RVP and Song sales are finalized, we should be able to bring in 2 to 4 more players.

If Jack gets back, Ox develops, and one of the strikers steps up, and we add some more depth next year, I think we can start looking at more than a top five finish for once. And unlike most of our competition, we aren't in debt, we aren't reliant upon russian mob or oil money to compete, I think we'll be ok. If not, life will go on.

The only thing that would kill me and I mean truly kill me is if Jack jumps ship in a few years. He's gotta be the guy who is different. He just has to be.

[Coffee Warlord]

Curious to see what the FA does with Alan Pardew shoving a ref.

[cougarfreak]

Fuck them. I think we should invade Dubai and force them to make deals with the cable operators.

Assholes.

So my Juve goes undefeated in the league last year and wins for the first time in years and now I'm missing the opening of this season because the stupid fucking Al-Jazeera fuckwads (I just backspaced about 15 ethnic slurs FYI...I'm that angry) didn't get a fucking distribution deal in place? FUCK THEM11!!! :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant:

Do they carry the EPL at all? From what I saw on their website, no. I wish I could buy a damn package on Direct where I could get all the EPL games.

[DaddyTorgo]

Do they carry the EPL at all? From what I saw on their website, no. I wish I could buy a damn package on Direct where I could get all the EPL games.

DirecTV? or beIN Sports?

beIN doesnt have EPL yet, but the speculation is that they're going to throw a ridiculous amount of money at the EPL when the broadcast rights come up again in (I forget what year)

[Grover]

Really hope Wenger is going in for Yann M'Vila after selling Alex Song for only 15m

[cschex]

I'd like Sahin and M'Vila, honestly, but that would mean dumping Diaby and that will never happen as long as Wenger is the manager.

[cougarfreak]

Do they carry the EPL at all? From what I saw on their website, no. I wish I could buy a damn package on Direct where I could get all the EPL games.<br />
<br />
DirecTV? or beIN Sports? <br />
<br />
beIN doesnt have EPL yet, but the speculation is that they're going to throw a ridiculous amount of money at the EPL when the broadcast rights come up again in (I forget what year)

I meant beIN. I guess the coverage is still pretty spread out.

[SirFozzie]

Fox Soccer/Fox Soccer Plus have the EPL rights for this season (with some games sublicensed to ESPN), In september, the rights for the 2013-2016 will be up for bid. BeIN sports si reported to be a bidder, but we won't know who has that package until roughly early october

[whomario]

Celtics pulls out a draw at Ross County.

stumbled across a replay of that game just now and gotta say : What a beautiful little arena there :) In general, those small stadiums that go right to the edge of the pitch in the UK are pretty cool (in germany most smaller clubs play in track and field stadiums)

[sovereignstar v2]

Rodwell in the first 11 right out of the gate. Niiiiice.

[miami_fan]

Hello James Ward-Prowse

17 years old making your league debut against the EPL champs.

I hope this ends well for the kid.

[Easy Mac]

Looks like Aguero's ACL is gone.

[sovereignstar v2]

Looks like Aguero's ACL is gone.

Ugh. At least none of Tevez, Dzeko, or Balotelli were sent packing over the summer. And there is 2 weeks of the window still left.

[TroyF]

Ugh. At least none of Tevez, Dzeko, or Balotelli were sent packing over the summer. And there is 2 weeks of the window still left.

Sigh. . . Must be nice to have a billion dollar payroll. :)

Seriously, just kidding. As an Arsenal fan, it's not like I have a right to complain a heck of a lot.

If I were a City fan, however, the thing that would scare me about City is the strike force.

Dzeko hasn't seemed to adjust to the EPL that well. Tevez and Balloteli are clinically insane. If motivated, they'll be dominant, but does anyone really believe they'll be good soldiers the entire season? Yeah, me neither.

Aguero is the consistent one. The guy you can count on to give a 100% professional outing game in, game out. If he's gone long term, I don't think he can be replaced.

Managing City is like managing in FM though. Just pick the guys you want and buy them out. I seriously hope that bloated payroll eventually comes back to bite them in the ass someday. On the other hand, I'll cheer for them over Chelsea and ManU anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

[miami_fan]

Wow....

[kingfc22]

Heh.

City just can't seem to connect in the box. I still feel this ends in a 2-2 tie. Just too much pressure for them to withstand.

[Critch]

Rodwell with a killer pass to set up a breakaway goal.

Rumors that Kaka is going to sign for Man Utd in the next day or two on loan for the season, that'll be interesting if it happens. Scholes, Kaka and a time machine and they'll have a midfield.

[Grover]

Fantastic.

[miami_fan]

Heh.

City just can't seem to connect in the box. I still feel this ends in a 2-2 tie. Just too much pressure for them to withstand.

Good call

[kingfc22]

This game is WIDE open. :popcorn: :D

[miami_fan]

That counter was great except the finish.

[sovereignstar v2]

Wooooooooooooooo

[miami_fan]

City has awoken.

[kingfc22]

If anything, this should give Southampton some confidence going forward for the first part of the season.

[sovereignstar v2]

Well that was fun. Bob is going to be pissed though. Hopefully De Rossi is playing next week. :)

[Big Fo]

Rodwell with a killer pass to set up a breakaway goal.

Rumors that Kaka is going to sign for Man Utd in the next day or two on loan for the season, that'll be interesting if it happens. Scholes, Kaka and a time machine and they'll have a midfield.

I saw that Kaka rumor and was just baffled.

There's something in a Dutch paper that said Man Utd is signing Alexander Büttner, a 23 year old left back from Vitesse in the Dutch league. He's due in Manchester for a medical tomorrow apparently. He was on the provisional list for the Dutch Euro 2012 squad so hopefully that means he's at least decent, I've never seen him play.

[sovereignstar v2]

Rumors that Kaka is going to sign for Man Utd in the next day or two on loan for the season, that'll be interesting if it happens. Scholes, Kaka and a time machine and they'll have a midfield.

Twitter at its best.

[MIJB#19]

I saw that Kaka rumor and was just baffled.

There's something in a Dutch paper that said Man Utd is signing Alexander Büttner, a 23 year old left back from Vitesse in the Dutch league. He's due in Manchester for a medical tomorrow apparently. He was on the provisional list for the Dutch Euro 2012 squad so hopefully that means he's at least decent, I've never seen him play.Being our 3rd best option at left back isn't any proof of him being any good. You have seen our defense at Euro2012, right? ;)

More seriously, Büttner is considered a talented left back/winger, some say the best Dutchman at that position. He has been linked with many clubs recently, as recently as yesterday with Ajax. The transfer to ManUtd sounds over the top to me, making a giant leap from Vitesse to ManUtd, it's a recipe for disaster, although I hope he does well...

[miami_fan]

Real Madrid should have at least eight on the board right now against Valencia.

[miami_fan]

15 minutes into the new season, Messi has two goals.

[Big Fo]

Being our 3rd best option at left back isn't any proof of him being any good. You have seen our defense at Euro2012, right? ;)

More seriously, Büttner is considered a talented left back/winger, some say the best Dutchman at that position. He has been linked with many clubs recently, as recently as yesterday with Ajax. The transfer to ManUtd sounds over the top to me, making a giant leap from Vitesse to ManUtd, it's a recipe for disaster, although I hope he does well...

I'm seeing it considered a done deal by a few different sites now, £3.9m transfer fee. He will start off as Evra's backup so maybe that will help ease the transition.

In other Dutch league news, and this might interest the Americans on here in particular, Jozy Altidore scored twice for the second consecutive game to open the season. He scored 19 in all competitions last season with AZ, it's good to see him starting off in fine form again and hopefully he'll get the USA some goals in World Cup qualifying as well.

[MIJB#19]

Altidore had been regulary scoring last season and with the season of experience in the bag, it's time to become the 25-goal scorer he's got the potential for. And by 25 I mean just in league matches, the knockout competitions are a crapshoot in terms of predicting # of goals.

[miami_fan]

De Gea is looking much more comfortable out there tonight.

[Grover]

Marouane Fellaini has been one of my favorite Premier League players since he joined Everton. He was a boss tonight, but so was Phil Jagielka.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Everton!!

[cschex]

Wouldn't be hearing about this trophy drought if Arsene had stumped up cash for Jags anytime in the past 3 years.

Fellaini was in beast mode. I love the "target midfielder" role he plays.

[TroyF]

Well, after round one, Arsenal are ahead of Tottenham and ManU. As bad as the draw was, I feel some happiness this weekend.

On the positive side for ManU, Robin did not have a hang nail in the loss.

[Logan]

Heads up in case any of you were among the 120 who purchased tickets.

BBC Sport - Kenya's friendly match against Jamaica cancelled (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19331441)

[miami_fan]

Something tells me they could have held this match on campus at NYU and would have sold more tickets.

[miami_fan]

Falkirk suspend PA announcer over 'franchise' jibe at Rangers | Football | guardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/20/falkirk-suspend-announcer-rangers?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487)



Falkirk have suspended their PA announcer for making "inappropriate" comments about Rangers at the weekend.

The stadium announcer reportedly referred to Rangers as "Sevco Franchise" when reading out half-time scores during the interval at Falkirk's game against Raith Rovers on Saturday. The Scottish First Division side have also apologised to Rangers and launched an investigation.

The remarks make reference to Sevco Scotland, the name of the company who purchased the business and assets of Rangers in the summer, after the club was consigned to liquidation. Shareholders voted in favour of the owner Sevco Scotland Limited changing its name to The Rangers Football Club Limited at an extraordinary general meeting in July.

A statement from Falkirk's chairman Martin Ritchie on their official website read: "We have already apologised to Rangers FC and would now like to apologise to the many Rangers supporters who have been in contact with the club. Falkirk FC are treating this incident very seriously and the individual concerned has been suspended from his duties, pending a full investigation by the club."

The two clubs are to face each other in the second round of the Ramsdens Cup on Tuesday at the Falkirk Stadium, before meeting again in the Scottish Communities League Cup at Ibrox next week.

When asked about the comments, Rangers' manager Ally McCoist said: "I couldn't give a monkey's, to be honest with you. If he wants to have a wee dig, he can have a wee dig. I don't have a problem with it at all. It's probably not the right thing to do, I'd have to say, but I've got far bigger things to worry about than that."

© 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.

[sovereignstar v2]

Adebayor permanently off to Spurs.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AeTgx_pj6m8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[miami_fan]

One howler and a gift from the assistant have given Chelsea the lead

[sovereignstar v2]

Sounds like Kun Aguero could be back within a month. Great news.

[Big Fo]

beIN Sport now has most (all of them except for the probable game at Mexico in the final round) USA's away games in World Cup qualifying. Previously many of these games were PPV only.

beIN SPORT purchases rights for USA World Cup away qualifiers (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/bein-sport-purchases-rights-usa-213800760--sow.html)

Hopefully Time Warner adds this channel at some point, then I wouldn't have to bother with streams anymore.

[Grover]

Matt Jarvis finally headed to West Ham for 7.5m rising to over 10m with clauses.

[whomario]

Arsenal getting Sahin on loan with an option to buy (17 mio euros is what i´ve seen)

Hope he gets back on track after a crap season with Real (not entirely his fault, injuries simply intervened too untimely), wonderfull player.

[whomario]

German league has started, Dortmund wins a close one over Werder Bremen yesterday with Reus scoring on his debut and then Götze with the game winner. First time in a while i went and it was fucking awesome, amazing atmosphere throughout even though Dortmund struggled a bit.

In terms of PL action, Rooney had half his leg sliced open it looked like :eek: (do not youtube it if you´ve just eaten)

ManU wins 3:2 against Fulham (who were pretty good), both Van persie and Kagawa with their first goals.
United did a piss poor job getting Kagawa involved, but every time he did touch the ball he was extremely explosive and dangerous towards goal.

Swansea with another clear win, wow.

Chelseas up 2-0 over Newcastle, the 2-0 was an amazing goal by Torres in combination with Hazard.

[miami_fan]

Arsenal getting Sahin on loan with an option to buy (17 mio euros is what i´ve seen)

Hope he gets back on track after a crap season with Real (not entirely his fault, injuries simply intervened too untimely), wonderfull player.

Sahin will be playing PL football for Liverpool instead of Arsenal.

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm now officially missing games that count.

FUCK YOU BEINSPORTS AND FUCK YOU VERIZON!!!

[whomario]

Sahin will be playing PL football for Liverpool instead of Arsenal.

yeah, that was a fast development. Guess Mourinho is happy about that, Sahin gets playing time and he gets to screw with Wenger ;)

[Big Fo]

In terms of PL action, Rooney had half his leg sliced open it looked like :eek: (do not youtube it if you´ve just eaten)

ManU wins 3:2 against Fulham (who were pretty good), both Van persie and Kagawa with their first goals.
United did a piss poor job getting Kagawa involved, but every time he did touch the ball he was extremely explosive and dangerous towards goal.


United should be a bit more patient and try to work through the middle a bit more instead of just passing it to Valencia out on the right so often. At times it's like if they can't create an opening with a few passes they just give him the ball by default, expecting him to beat the opposing fullback, get to the byline, and cross it. It's not always a great plan, especially against Everton last week where Rooney was just surrounded by much taller players.

Kagawa has looked good in both games, he should have scored a second today but hit the post from close range. The van Persie goal was a beauty.

The defense should look better once Ferdinand or Evans gets back in there to partner Vidic and Carrick can go back to midfield. None of Anderson, Scholes, or Cleverley are particularly great at defending and in both games so far the back four hasn't gotten much protection from the midfield.

Apparently Rooney will be out four weeks but with an international break in the middle of that he might only miss two games. That gash was wide open too, like an inch wide strip of bloody flesh, nasty stuff.

[miami_fan]

Martin Skrtel........FAIL.

[Big Fo]

That header he scored in the first half was amazing though, the ball came off his head like it was shot out of a rocket.

[Marc Vaughan]

Liverpool look like they're adapting to their new style far faster than I expected; was quite impressed with them today, especially Sterling who seems to be really growing into the Premiership quickly - despite them basically throwing the win away ....

[sovereignstar v2]

Sounds like Theo Walcott might be the next Arsenal player out the door.

[Alan T]

I missed most of it when it was live, but catching up on the replay of the Udinese vs Braga game, and this has been alot of fun to watch. Pretty exciting, attacking soccer on both sides for most of the game.

[Big Fo]

It probably doesn't feel great to be Maicosuel (Udinese attacking midfielder) tonight.

He came off the bench late in regular time to make his home debut, in the penalty shootout he tried a Panenka but the goalkeeper just stood still and caught it while everyone else on his team scored. Udinese lost the shootout 5-4.

The players were booed of the field at the end of it and Udinese probably lost at least $30m when they lost the shootout, there being such a difference in TV money between the Champions League and the Europa League. That's a tough debut. No wonder it looked like he was crying as he walked off.



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WCHr8eu2Wew" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Grover]

Cracker of a first half in Madrid. Real lead 2-1 after dominating the half, Barca got one on a tremendous 35 yard free kick from Messi.

Di Maria missed a good chance right before the whistle blew.

4-4 on aggregate.

[Grover]

http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/MESSI-MESSI-MESSI.gif

[Alan T]

Champions League live draw going on currently

Manchester City and Real Madrid so far in a group together. I'm rooting for a killer 3rd team too for fun. Someone like Juventus or PSG in there would make that group alot of fun to watch!

[Chief Rum]

Champions League live draw going on currently

Manchester City and Real Madrid so far in a group together. I'm rooting for a killer 3rd team too for fun. Someone like Juventus or PSG in there would make that group alot of fun to watch!

Awesome, can't wait to see the groupings.

[cschex]

Ajax and Dortmund are going to make that an awesome group.

[Alan T]

Ajax and Dortmund are going to make that an awesome group.


Yes, I am looking forward to seeing that group out of all of them.

[MIJB#19]

<table><tr><td>A<td>B<td>C<td>D<td>E<td>F<td>G<td>H
<tr><td>Porto<td>Arsenal<td>Milan<td>Real Madrid<td>Chelsea<td>Bayern<td>Barcelona<td>Man Utd
<tr><td>Dinamo Kyiv<td>Schalke 04<td>Zenit<td>Man City<td>Shakhtar<td>Valencia<td>Benfica<td>Sp Braga
<tr><td>Paris SG<td>Olympiakos<td>Anderlecht<td>Ajax<td>Juventus<td>Lille<td>Spartak Moskva<td>Galatasary
<tr><td>Dinamo Zagreb<td>Montpellier<td>Malaga<td>Borussia Dortmund<td>Nordsjaelland<td>BATE<td>Celtic<td>CFR Cluj
</table>

Classic how they spoke about financial fair play and at the same time, you know, there are some clubs in there that are light years away from that.

[Big Fo]

Not a good day for Ajax fans.

A pretty easy draw for Man Utd, hopefully this year SAF doesn't mess around and play too many backups in these games. That's what fucked us last year, it should never have come down to needing a result in the last game.

[Ryan S]

A pretty easy draw for Man Utd, hopefully this year SAF doesn't mess around and play too many backups in these games. That's what fucked us last year, it should never have come down to needing a result in the last game.

I can't imagine that Man United will make the same mistake twice. Their group last year was probably the weakest in the tournament and I still can not believe they made such a mess of it.

[DaddyTorgo]

Nice draw for Juve. Should make it through in 2nd or potentially even first place.

[MIJB#19]

Not a good day for Ajax fans. Au contrair, ManCity and Borussia Dortmund are much less likely to rig their games.

[sovereignstar v2]

Wish it was more possible for me to see City play at the Bernabéu.

[Grover]

ANDY FUCKIN' CARROLL!

YESSSSSSS!

[Critch]

Nigel de Jong to AC Milan for 3.5mil Euros seems like a steal.

[Grover]

Nigel de Jong to AC Milan for 3.5mil Euros seems like a steal.

I bet they don't see much Karate in Milan, they're in for a treat.

[sovereignstar v2]

Nigel de Jong to AC Milan for 3.5mil Euros seems like a steal.

Goes along with City's buy high-sell low mentality. Can only hope the appointment of Soriano fixes that when he takes the position in September. The selling of de Jong doesn't bother me so much - word is he's looking for around 100,000 pounds per week and that is a helluva lot of money for an enforcer with limited technical skills. I believe he's already the highest paid at what he does. I just hope they seal the deal with someone similar or better tomorrow. They've been looking at Benefica's Javi Garcia I guess, who I don't know a ton about. I'm still keen on the Rodwell signing, but I see him more of a long-term Barry replacement and not someone who can be plugged into an away watch against Real Madrid this season.

Looks like they're brining Maicon aboard. Even though he's 31 and not quite the same player he was, I'm kind of excited about it. He could do a job as a wing back in City's 3-4-1-2.

[kingfc22]

ANDY FUCKIN' CARROLL!

YESSSSSSS!

So does this lead to Dempsey finally heading to Liverpool?

[sovereignstar v2]

Probably. Too bad Arsenal never made a push for him as he'll never get to play Champions League football in his career now.

[Grover]

So does this lead to Dempsey finally heading to Liverpool?

Aston Villa had a bid for Dempsey this morning, but he allegedly told them he only wants to go to Pool.

[Grover]

Bastos to Fulham
Llorente is even money for Spurs, Moutinho in at Spurs for £22m, a club record.
Gio to Mallorca
Afellay to Schalke on loan
Mbia and Granero to QPR, huge signings for them

Crazy day so far.

[Grover]

Charlie Adam to Stoke for £4m
Scott Sinclair to City for £6.2m, what do you think of this, sovereign?

[Grover]

Inter's right back Maicon is also in at City.

[Grover]

van der vaart to Hamburg, I missed that one earlier.

Spurs have also agreed terms with Hugo Lloris, trying to work out a fee with Lyon.

[Grover]

Reports in Portugal claim Manchester City and Benfica have now come to agreement over Javi Garca - around £24million.