2015/2016 Barclays Premier League Thread

[St. Pats]

Nice win for MU but even better news is it didn't save LVG.

[cam_wmh]

Perhaps Jose doesn't want Carrick... Mata should be packing his things too

[devo22]

Fellaini should be gone too, I highly doubt he's in Joses plans. Expect Schneiderlin to become a beast again next season ... Mourinho LOVES that type of midfielder.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

Arsenal signed Xhaka, not released by the club yet, nor is next seasons kit

so someone's in trouble

Rumour has it that the pictures were taken by his brother. Family ruins everything eh? I'd be absolutely livid with my brother, first freakin' week at my new job.

[White Out 403]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Anthony Martial, total goals scored 15/16
17 Less FA Cup Final this weekend, where it's unlikely he scores 13 lol
http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/First-Team/ANTHONY-MARTIAL.aspx


Sergio Aguero, total goals scored 15/16
29
http://www.transfermarkt.com/sergio-aguero/leistungsdaten/spieler/26399

P.M, me your email address and I'll EMT you $20 as part of the bet terms.

PM sent, thanks for honoring the bet!

[d_phaneuf]

https://www.theguardian.com/football...P=share_btn_tw

One example comes in the form of Van Gaal’s “evaluation sessions” the day after every match when the Dutchman could be so outspoken in his criticisms – “he would crucify players in front of each other”, according to one source – the two most senior players, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, went to see him to air their concerns that it was damaging for morale and, in effect, a self-defeating exercise.

he started sending the players individual emails detailing their faults and submitting video clips to highlight his dissatisfaction. Except by that stage a lot of the players were so disillusioned many ignored the emails or redirected them straight to their trash. Van Gaal suspected as much and had a tracker fitted so he could check if the emails were opened and for how long. It became a game of cat and mouse. Some players opened the emails on their mobiles, then left their phones on the side and wandered off for 20 minutes.

[devo22]

yeah with the English media vultures, there was no way he'd be able to walk out of the job with any dignity, so I wondered when the first mudslinging article would surface ... but wow, they didn't even wait until the club statement is out. I really disliked van Gaal at United, but I'm not a fan of those articles which simply aim to kick a man who's already down.

[Johnny199r]

Originally Posted by Kipper is King

I'm optimistic for West Ham next season, but they need another good striker and some help on defense to taking things to the next level.

Big new stadium = rolling in cash like the big clubs next year.

[devo22]

no word about Giggs and Bout yet. Rest of the coaching staff gone.

Mark Ogden ‏@MarkOgden_
LVG gone. Hoek, Stuivenberg and Reckers also out

James Ducker ‏@TelegraphDucker
Paul Gilroy QC finalising Van Gaal's severence package now. £5m pay off. He got £400k for winning FA Cup. Expect an annoucement lunchtime

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

Big new stadium = rolling in cash like the big clubs next year.

The more I read about that stadium the more I think its a bad move. For the short term its probably great, but over the longer term its questionable.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Slava

The more I read about that stadium the more I think its a bad move. For the short term its probably great, but over the longer term its questionable.

Why?

The revenue splits over concessions etc, are pennies vs the massive capital costs saved.

[Senator Clay Davis]

I know the fans wanted Van Gaal gone and he probably should be, but it's gotta be really annoying that the fans didn't get more than a few hours to actually enjoy the Cup win before all the media focus is on Mourinho. They won with a really terrific goal, but two days later you'd barely know it. Just shows its all about business now which also must be annoying to the fans.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Why?

The revenue splits over concessions etc, are pennies vs the massive capital costs saved.

Well from a pure atmosphere perspective it's apparently terrible because it's an athletics facility so fans are far from the pitch. The fans in the upper deck are going to be far away for sure. I haven't been there, so I can't say for sure, but that's a significant departure from the Boleyn Ground, and has to nullify some home field advantage.

On a pure dollars and cents angle though, they are getting rid of an asset they own for a lease. I know that can make sense to some extent, but that seems crazy. So while that might look good to an accountant it's not necessarily good for overall finances (if that makes sense?)

So I guess I wonder if down the road the push is to do something different, but then you don't own the property so it makes that more difficult?

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Slava

Well from a pure atmosphere perspective it's apparently terrible because it's an athletics facility so fans are far from the pitch.

Ever heard of the term Soulless Bowl? A lack of atmosphere is a problem at almost every new ground.

Originally Posted by Slava

So I guess I wonder if down the road the push is to do something different, but then you don't own the property so it makes that more difficult?

Spurs owned a fair bit of their property and even they had to use a Compulsory Purchase Order. With the cost of land in London and potential obstacles, leasing avoids numerous headaches.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Addick

Ever heard of the term Soulless Bowl?

yes. In England they call it "Etihad Stadium".

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Addick

Ever heard of the term Soulless Bowl? A lack of atmosphere is a problem at almost every new ground.




Spurs owned a fair bit of their property and even they had to use a Compulsory Purchase Order. With the cost of land in London and potential obstacles, leasing avoids numerous headaches.

Yeah and I understand that a new stadium that suddenly has double the number of people and a bunch of tourists isn't the same experience. But looking specifically at that stadium there are some unique challenges compared to the clubs that have built their own. Like the structure isn't specifically built for this, so people are a million miles away from the action. Part of that is size, and part of that is a track between the fans and the pitch. It's less than ideal.

As far as the lease v. own, there is a challenge to be sure. I know that the issue with WHL took a while and at one point they were looking at the Olympic Stadium as well. Frankly I think they dodged a bullet there for a few reasons. One being it's not in Tottenham. I can see the point of view that it's a lot of hassle and red tape to be able to build. That said just because the lease option is easier doesn't mean it's the best solution. Maybe the plan is to throw money at the team and try to qualify for Europe and then sell though, in which case this is a good business case.

[GirlySports]

maybe the fans will have to be louder. Rome's Olympic Stadium is still used today and for decades it's known to be pretty loud despite having a track. Munich's was too until Bayern moved to Allienz Arena.

[Delthefunky]

Reading in the Swedish papers that Ibrahimovic is on his way to United.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportblade...cle22872282.ab

[devo22]

yeah there haven bee rumours in France for a while too now that he'll join United if they appoint Mourinho. Seems bound to happen at this point.

[devo22]

finally official.

(NYSE: MANU) Louis van Gaal is to leave Manchester United, with immediate effect.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: "I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club (and securing him a title in four different countries). He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here. He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future."

A decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...er-united.aspx

happy retirement, crazy old man. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie.