2011/2012 English Premier League thread

[Locke]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

I really like Rodgers, and I'll write up a post about why if he gets the job.

He doesnt seem to want it and I dont think he has permission to even talk to Liverpool so I dont know why his name keeps being mentioned.

I'd prefer Rogers over Martinez though, I think Martinez would be a huge mistake.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Locke

He doesnt seem to want it and I dont think he has permission to even talk to Liverpool so I dont know why his name keeps being mentioned.

I'd prefer Rogers over Martinez though, I think Martinez would be a huge mistake.

I am not a twitter guy whatsoever, but the posters on the RAWK Liverpool forum are saying that there have been some pretty legitimate journalists on twitter saying that Rodgers to Liverpool is a done deal. That doesn't mean its going to happen obviously, but right now it seems the most likely outcome.

The story is that Rodgers didn't want to be a part of a group of 10 or 12 guys to be interviewed by FSG, but if it was down to 2 or 3 he would be interested. The reasoning for that was that he didn't want to burn his Swansea bridges if he didn't think he had a shot at the job. Now that it seems to be him or Martinez, he has a much better chance and would be willing to talk, which supposedly they have.

Also, Louis van Gaal has been rumored to be a target of FSG for the DoF job, and he may already be in place. It would make sense that van Gaal would want Rodgers because they have a connection through Mourinho, and I think van Gaal worked with Rodgers at some point. Rodgers is also close with Clarke from their Chelsea days.

It all makes sense, but it is also still largely fueled by rumors.

[kdogg]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I like Rodgers, I am hoping he sticks at Swansea for a few more years and then moves on to Spurs, him or AVB would have been my choices

AVB has a lot to learn before he tries the Premier league again IMO. He made a lot of mistakes at Chelsea and didn't seem to work with the players very well as many players voiced their dislike for him after he left.

It would be a major gamble for a top team to take a chance on him.

[Locke]

Well, it looks like Bayern Munich have bought Edin Dzeko.

[Jimmy Stang]

Oh ####. This is bad.

The statement on the club’s official website said: “We have fought hard to keep Paul at Norwich City and have not accepted his resignation whilst discussions with another club are taking place.

http://www.pinkun.com/home/paul_lamb...ager_1_1394998

I had feared that a bigger club would swoop in for Lambert. I can't properly describe how much a folk hero he is in Norwich. He brought the club back from their darkest era and won consecutive promotions, which will ensure that he will always be well respected in Norwich. But this news is a bit hard to swallow.

[Barnet Flame]

Sorry to hear that, but understandable that he would want to move to a bigger club while his stock is so high.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

Sorry to hear that, but understandable that he would want to move to a bigger club while his stock is so high.

True. I'm a little surprised that it is rumoured to be Villa though, but money talks. As of right now, the club hasn't accepted the resignation, but the writing is on the wall.

Obviously I view it through a Norwich supporter's eyes, and although I can understand why he's doing it and I still appreciate all that he has done, I had hoped that he would be around for a little while longer to help solidify the club's place in the Premier League. They've got good support, a good, modern (although a tad small) stadium, and claim to be financially stable. But obviously, being stable does not mean that there is a lot of money kicking around for acquisitions, although the club has stated that they're ready to improve the team for next season.

But a serious reality check for this Norwich supporter, for sure, as things have just been too good for the past three seasons. After hitting rock bottom, the team has made an unprecedented climb under Lambert. If you had asked me a couple of years ago whether I thought I'd be watching Norwich play in the Premier League every weekend, I never would have dreamt it possible. Previously, I'd only get to see a handful of games each season on Setanta, and before that, I'd have to settle for articles on the internet. It may sound corny and a tad dramatic, but it has been immensely enjoyable for myself and my family as it has provided a good excuse for my folks to come around for nearly every match, have breakfast and coffee, and spend some time with their grandson (who was born two weeks into the season).

Wow - didn't think I'd spill my guts like that. But I'll post it anyway. Life must go on, with or without Lambert. Such is the reality of a small club. Regardless of what happens, I'll be looking forward to next season positively and be thankful that the club isn't slugging it away in League One. Onward!

[d_phaneuf]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...rto?CMP=twt_gu

Chelsea have agreed to buy Hulk from Porto, just need to work out personal terms

38m

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...rto?CMP=twt_gu

Chelsea have agreed to buy Hulk from Porto, just need to work out personal terms

38m

Another insane spending spree for Chelsea. They are clearly not afraid of the financial fair play rules.

Marin, Hulk, and Hazard and the window hasn't even opened up yet. Where are they all going to play?

[d_phaneuf]

gotta think Marin is a sub

Mata/Hazard/Hulk all behind Torres

Ramries/Lampard/Romeu/Obi Mikel/Meireles etc. in front of the back 4

[Locke]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

gotta think Marin is a sub

Mata/Hazard/Hulk all behind Torres

Ramries/Lampard/Romeu/Obi Mikel/Meireles etc. in front of the back 4

I'd be playing Hulk before Torres. That guy is a beast. If anyone should be worried it should be Torres.

They shipped out Drogba but essentially replaced him in kind except younger with Hulk. Thats going to be a good bit of business for them.

Hazard and Marin will likely play as wingers with Mata pulling the strings.

This is the Chelsea youth rebuild.

[d_phaneuf]

Hulk plays best as a right winger

[d_phaneuf]

Vertonghen says he is joining Spurs

ESPN Soccernet ‏@ESPNSoccernet
BREAKING: Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen says he will join Tottenham in the next few days

Sky Sports Mobile ‏@SkySportsMobile
Ajax and Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen says he will be joining Spurs in the next few days. #tottenham

or not

Jan Vertonghen ‏@Jan_Vertonghen
Don't believe everything the press writes. Nothing is confirmed. Still player of #Ajax

[devo22]

pretty sure that Marin already regrets his move. He will never play.

----------Meireles----------Ramires----------

Hulk---------------Hazard---------------Mata

-------------------Torres--------------------

That is, to put it mildly, scary as hell.

[d_phaneuf]

wouldn't be surprised if Sturridge wanted out

[d_phaneuf]

so this is where espn and sky got their quote

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/7791046/

Asked if he knew what club he wanted to join, he said: "I probably know which team I will be going to, yes. I know where I want to go and I think it is clear to everybody."

When probed as to whether that club is Tottenham, he nodded and said: "Yes."

Vertonghen seemed taken aback by the amount of interest in his future, especially when news of his impending move broke on televisions in the press conference room.

The defender, though, continued to answer questions in flawless English and insisted that the fact White Hart Lane will not play host to UEFA Champions League football next season is not a major issue.

"It is not that big a problem," Vertonghen said. "It would be nice but I chose for the club not just one season.

"For me it is important the connection with the club. They give me a very good feeling about everything.

"They invited me over and they also really want to close a deal, which is what gave me a good feeling.

"They showed me everything about where they want to be in the next few years and that is what I like most."

[Locke]

Norwich City have been given permission to talk to the Birmingham City manager, Chris Hughton, as they step up the search for a successor to Paul Lambert.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ughton?cc=5901

I think that would be a great move for Norwich, I'm a big fan of Hughton, he just seems to know how to get it done.

[Jimmy Stang]

^ I agree. He's the kind of manager that Norwich wants and needs. Relatively young (for a manager), past successes in the Championship, can probably work on a limited budget, and he seems to have the respect of his players wherever he goes.

It is still disappointing to lose Lambert, especially to Villa, but this would be a good way to keep the ship on course.

[Jimmy Stang]

Now just let Holt decide whether to stay or go, get it done accordingly, and start thinking about the new campaign.

[Jimmy Stang]

Well it's official : Norwich sign Hughton as manager. I'm sure that Birmingham fans aren't impressed, even though they haven't had long with him. A very good choice.

So the first Norwich vs. Villa match at Carrow Road should be interesting...