Official 2009/2010 Premiership Thread

[SeoulFire]

Originally Posted by Jagger

The FA Cup is never meaningless, not even these days. It's the oldest club competition in the world and means a whole bunch to people from England.

It ticked me no end when Benitez put out a weakened team a few seasons back and Liverpool got knocked out because of it. The outcry he received made him change his tune for the following season.

I understand where you're coming from but I don't agree with it. League Cup, yes. FA Cup, no.

Yeah...I know the history and have debated it in the past too. Like it or not it is kind of sad what it has become. If the squads are still involved in the CL and especially if also still in the hunt for the League, the FA is an afterthought.

It is, however, still pretty huge for those that are not in the hunt for "greater" glory.

With the injury problems and lack of depth showing this year, I am not sad. The down side is that I still think they are not strong enough to take any hardware this year despite not having to worry about the FA cup.

[rubecube]

What a mess at Pompey.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ngland&cc=5901

Wages were not released on Tuesday despite assurances the players would be paid on that date - the third time the players have not received their pay packets on time.

Those still waiting for their money, though, will be becoming increasingly concerned about late payments and the PFA is sure now to intervene.

The players, in theory, can issue a 14-day notice to their club and walk out as free agents, but the PFA is sure to advise that they give Pompey every opportunity to pay the December wages.

[NBC]

Originally Posted by rubecube

What a mess at Pompey.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ngland&cc=5901

They can thank Uncle Harry for looting their squad when he defected and ending all hopes for a competitive Premiership side. That was the beginning of this sad affair.

[Coys1882]

Originally Posted by NBC

They can thank Uncle Harry for looting their squad when he defected and ending all hopes for a competitive Premiership side. That was the beginning of this sad affair.

If he hadn't have bought those players someone else would have - they needed the money hence the reason they are trying to flog anyone on the first team.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

If he hadn't have bought those players someone else would have - they needed the money hence the reason they are trying to flog anyone on the first team.

No kidding. Harry did a lot of good while he was at Pompey.

[Coys1882]

Originally Posted by rubecube

No kidding. Harry did a lot of good while he was at Pompey.

He sure did - an FA Cup win, respectable place in the table. The wage structure and transfer monies are all set by the board - can't blame Harry for any of it.

[Jagger]

I hear that Alex Ferguson actually criticized referee Clatterburg today. Just a normal day at the office then. Surely referees in general must be getting fed up with the vitriol spewed forth from this man. He risks further calls against his team given his constant moaning.

[SeoulFire]

Originally Posted by Jagger

I hear that Alex Ferguson actually criticized referee Clatterburg today. Just a normal day at the office then. Surely referees in general must be getting fed up with the vitriol spewed forth from this man. He risks further calls against his team given his constant moaning.

/yawn

[Jagger]

Originally Posted by SeoulFire

/yawn

My sentiments exactly. Why does Ferguson do it?

[NBC]

Originally Posted by Jagger

My sentiments exactly. Why does Ferguson do it?

It has become such an integral part of his persona that it would be very strange if he didn't complain after matches. There was a point when the TV media used to discuss/debate what he would say but now they don't really pay it much attention. You will get a few reports online or in the print media, but not much else, which is interesting as they will report on other FA managers' comments when they are perceived to be highly critical, but not Fergie's anymore.

I think that here in the UK it is understood that Fergie is going to whinge or moan about something after most MUFC matches, win, loss or draw, such is his pathology.

[SeoulFire]

What NBC said. I am not claiming he (SAF) is right or wrong - just that it is so commonplace it does not really elicit any feelings from me. I started following United at the start of the Fergie reign so it is just...normal.

[Nuje]

It's still against the rules outlined by the respect campaign. The only reason anyone gets in trouble for any sort of related issue, is because Turd Ferguson is allowed to get away with it. If everyone were held to the same standard, everyone would know how far they're allowed to go.

Ferguson just got no discipline for implying that the referee made a mistake. I don't think that's any harsher than suggesting a new prescription for an official (which Rafa Benitez got disciplined for suggesting)

[NBC]

I sort of feel a little bit sorry for Fergie. I think that by doing what he does he is going to end up tarnishing his legacy when he eventually retires. While he should be solely remembered as the most successful Premiership manager ever, he'll also be remembered at the biggest whinging Premiership manager ever. Similar to how the late Brian Clough is viewed. He is remembered as much for his on-field successes as his conflicts with players, clubs and boardroom members. You can't separate out the two. If a movie about Fergie were to be made I believe that there would be significant emphasis on all the success and silverware, as well as all the hissy-fits, tantrums, boot-kicking episodes and his tumultuous relationship(s) with the media and FA officials.

I'm the first one to admit that I don't care for his antics, I think they take away from his on-field successes and it does nothing for the game in this country. But I don't think that much could be done. Suspensions, touch-line bans and fines (in the current structure) don't work. He'll keep on doing what he's doing until he decides to retire.

History has shown that highly successful managers can be decent people as well. One has to look no further than Alf Ramsey, Matt Busby and Bill Shankly. All were successful, all were widely respected on and off the pitch and all three have endeared themselves to legions of fans long after their retirements from football. Somehow, despite all the silverware, I don't think Fergie will ever be remembered in a similar vein. But at the end of the day he only has his self to blame for that.

[NBC]

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been charged with two counts of tax evasion.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8459969.stm

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by NBC

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been charged with two counts of tax evasion.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8459969.stm

[NBC]

This just in:

Ticket Mix-Up Leaves Liverpool FC Red-Faced

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-...r_Email_Bungle

All I have to say is,

[Jagger]

^^^ "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"

Major changes are desperately needed at the club. Management, ownership, players, ticket staff!

Ridiculous.

[Addick]

For anyone that saw Arsenal's first goal today, that is why we need to get Canadian kids playing futsal instead of indoor-soccer. It wasn't the most brilliant goal scored, although it sounded like Andy Gray jizzed in his pants, but it displayed so much technical skill, vision, and elegant ball control. If Canadian lads were taught and trained to play like that, Canada would own one of CONCACAF's spots in the WCF.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Top of the Table!!!!

[Pagal4321]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Top of the Table!!!!

^^^ What he said!
WOOO!!