Things To Do In Bristol When You're (OCD)ead: Football

Football Chants - Any you just can't bring yourself to sing?

Sat, 18 Nov 2006 10:43:11 GMT

Is it impossible to be an honest football fan in England outside of supporters of Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea?

I'll explain why. Has been a while since of been to the Memorial to watch my local team Bristol Rovers play now (kinda hard to justify spending £14 to watch them on Incapacity benefit, especially when they're more liable to make you feel worse) but, much as I loved the immortal 'Goodnight Irene' and 'Wings of a Sparrow', there's one chant I just could never bring myself to sing.

The one that includes the line "we're by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen".

Because let's face it, however much I love Rovers, that's so far from the truth that I feel as though I'd be struck down by lightning if the words even left my mouth. The 3 aforementioned teams may have a case (and, as a Liverpool fan too, at least I can sing it on some occasions w/o fear of divine retribution), but Rovers? No.

Don't get me wrong - that's probably the only one. I certainly agreed with everyone at Twerton and Eastville about Roger Malone for example. But are they any other songs out there that, o matter how hard you try, you just can't get the words to come out when stood on the terraces?

Auf Weidersein Dietmar H

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 08:16:33 GMT

Liverpool Legend 'The Kaiser' looks to be off to Man City later today (though, to be fair, he was off to Bolton yesterday so you can never be totally sure). A great servant to the club throughout the difficult Houllier era and the man who made the difference in Istanbul when he came on at half-time, I think all Liverpool fans would wish him all the best at his next club.

Football fans - anything you'd like for WC '06 on T2D?

Tue, 30 May 2006 13:15:18 GMT

Ok, with the World Cup starting on June 9 I want to do some decent coverage via the blog.

May well do some news updates on the blog for it, as well as a few articles and comment. If so, will make a seperate section on the frost page to keep the top-10 articles/stories in some kind of focus and not get subsumed by other OCD and random blog entries. When the tournament starts then will try and keep updated results and tables on-site with some match reviews as well...may also (for those of you working during games you'd like to see who have streaming net access) think about doing some live commentary over the 'net during live games as well....though I'd use normal radio unless you want a giggle at ineptitude!

Firstly - does that sound any good?

Secondly - any other WC ideas you think we could do as well?

Final Whistle - Domestic footie round-up and predictions reviewed

Sun, 28 May 2006 16:51:47 GMT

That's wight, wabbits. After what has seemed like the longest domestic season ever (roughly August 4 'til May 28), this afternoon's play-off final has seen the end of the domestic footie season 'til August. And seeing as all kinds of predictions were made on T2D 9 months ago, i thought it only fair to compare them to what REALLY happened. Oh dear...

THE PREM

Actual: CL - (1) Chelsea (2) Man Utd (3) Liverpool (4) Arsenal

UC - (5) Spurs

R - (18) Birmingham City (19) West Brom (20) Sunderland

Pred: CL - (1) Chelsea (2) Arsenal (3) Liverpool (4) Man Utd

UC - (5) Spurs

R - (18) Wigan (19) Portsmouth (20) Sunderland

In Brief - Not bad. The right top 5 in the wrong order - all credit to the Mancs for putting up a hell of a fight with such a depleted midfield. As for the bottom, nice to see that many of us pundits were so wrong about Wigan and equally nice to see the return of Harry saving Portsmouth. Sunderland, though, was inevitable.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Actual: Champs - Reading

R-Up - Sheffield Utd

Play-offs - Watford (W), Leeds Utd, Crystal Palace, Preston NE

Rel - Crewe, Brighton, Millwall

Pred: Champs - Norwich City

R-up - Leeds Utd

Play-offs - Wolves (W), Reading, Sheffield Utd, Crystal Palace

Rel - Millwall, Watford, Brighton

In Brief - Ouch! Alongside many others, made the huge mistake of writing off Watford as relegation fodder - they'll be gracing the Prem next season instead!! Nailed 4 of the top 6, but underrated Reading & Sheff Utd - in retrospect, it was finally their time. Wolves & Norwich nicked 7th and 8th so wasn't THAT far off, and Millwall + (sadly) Brighton will be in the lower leagues next year.

LEAGUE 1

Actual: Champs - Southend

R-Up - Colchester

Play-offs - Barnsley (W), Swansea City, Brentford, Huddersfield Town

Rel - MK Dons, Hartlepool, Walsall, Swindon Town

Pred: Champs - Bristol City

R-up - Oldham Ath

Play-offs - Tranmere (W), Nottingham Forest, Barnsley, Bradford City

Rel - Scunthorpe, Gillingham, Colchester, Chesterfield

In Brief - Disasterous predictions in L1 as I ended up sending promoted Colchester down and only hitting Barnsley as being top six as a success! Still, not sure anyone saw Southend and Colchester coming or the incredible crash of Hartlepool. Forest, City and oldham were all knocking on the play-off door at least - but that's cold comfort!

LEAGUE 2

Actual: Champs - Carlisle Utd

R-Up - Northampton & Leyton Orient

Play-offs - Cheltenham Town (W), Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Wycombe W

Rel - Oxford Utd, Rushden & Diamonds

Pred: Champs - Wycombe W

R-Up - Northampton, Boston Utd

Play-offs - Darlington (W), Torquay Utd, Macclesfield, Mansfield

Rel - Cheltenham Town, Rushden & Diamonds

In brief - Another near-disasterous set of predictions. Got Northampton and Rushden, but again sent the play-off winners down! 3 of my 4 play-off contenders were still in danger on the last day after the tighted L2 in years and anyone predicting Oxford to drop last August must be a descendant of Nostradamus. as ever, L2 remains completely unpredictable.

THE CUPS

Actual - CC Cup: Man Utd R-up: Wigan Ath

FA Cup: Liverpool *yay* R-up: West Ham

Pred - FA Cup: Chelsea R-up: Spurs

CC Cup: Spurs R-up: Liverpool

In brief: Like I care - Liverpool won the FA Cup!

West Ham Utd - I Salute You

Sun, 14 May 2006 18:48:58 GMT

With the blog not public at the mo, not sure if any well ever stumble across this entry - but West Ham fans, if you're reading, you can be proud of your team after yesterday's final.

Now that probably isn't going to make you feel much better, especially as it's coming from a Liverpool fan - but even Istanbul never put me through the emotional wringer like that did yesterday. For the first time ever as a football fan, I can truly say that I wouldn't have begrudged you victory after the way you performed yesterday against us - I'd have clapped you off and sang your praises.

Even though I was elated (well, bloody relieved in truth) when the game had finished I was STILL upset for your players left on the pitch and clearly shattered afterwards...no-one deserved to lose a game of that magnitude and drama, especially when we finally had a final where both teams wanted to win the thing and not just be cagey and defensive (and yes, we've been just as guilty of that in the past - 2001 in particular).

You made me thoroughly eat the words I uttered as the players stood in the tunnel to a fellow fan - "Well, I'm nervous but not nervous like I'd be if we were playing Chelsea, Man Utd or Arsenal" - and you're a credit to the Prem and to your history. Hope next season goes as well, if not better, for you then this one and that you enjoy Europe.

Oh, one more thing - how much for Benayoun?? I tipped that guy to be surprise success of the season last July/August and he's been that and then some!

The F.A. - From despair to nowhere

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 19:00:07 GMT

Congratulations to the Football Association who've managed to go from the sublime to the risiculous in the space of 24 hours, all over the Scolari affair.

And yes - reading between the lines, this is mostly their fault. Scolari's excuse (too much media pressure) was the polite brush-off of an honorable man, intent on staying loyal to Portugal until the end of the WC, as promised. He's managed in Brazil, whose press make ours look like infants.

Nope, the F.A. should hang their heads in shame. This whole process has been a fiasco which needn' have happened. There really was no reason, apart from improving their self-image, for naming the boss before the WC. Sven's argument ('to take pressure off of the team') doesn't hold up - it has nothing to do with Sven and the team whatsoever. indeed, the pressure would be far worse having both your current and future manager looking on from close-range during the tournament.

Nope, it should have been left until after. That way, the press frenzy wouldn't have reached it's pinnacle before the end of April and they would have been content with the appt of Scolari being an 'open' secret. Big Phil could have fulfilled his obligations with Portugal under minimal pressure from elsewhere and the question of a conflict of interest may never have arisen.

As it is, a combination of FA incompetence via Barwick himself flying to Lisbon (and so blowing the story totally) and a rumoured FA leak have resulted in the story breaking at the worst possible time - and Scolari taking the most obvious retaliatory action.

As for now...expect the knee-jerk appt of someone who'll forever be known as the compromise choice of the FA, and have the added pressure of being so. Given who is left, I'd probably go for O'Neill out of the likely 3-4 it's between. But we've missed the best choice already - and it's our own fault.

Oh, and before the McClaren lobby all start...

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 22:07:26 GMT

...great result for 'boro tonight.

Bear this in mind though - twice, against average European teams, Middlesboro have gone two goals down and had to adapt a risky strategy to pull it back. Exciting football for sure but, given the strength of Middlesboro compared to Basle and Steau, it shouldn't have happened to begin with.

Should you do that with an England team against decent, even medium opposition (anyone from the likes of Brazil or Argentina to Denmark or the Czechs), I guarantee that 99% of the time you won't pull it back - indeed, employ tactics like that and they'll run out winning by 4-5 goals. You just can't do that at the top level. hence my argument against McClaren remains.

Happiness is an overweight, sweaty Portugese bloke...

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 08:12:27 GMT

Of all the things to lift me out of a bad spell, I never thought it'd be an overweight Portugese fella with a personal hygiene problem.

Yep, the news late last night that 'Big Phil' Scolari has been offered the England manager job has put me in an excellent mood this morning. For weeks the fear has been growing ever larger that the position would be offered to O'Neill, Allardyce, Curbishley or McClaren after my personal choice of Gus Hiddink decided to take over managing Russia - last night should act as a huge weight being lufted from the minds of every English football fan with any sense at all.

Put simply, the idea at the present time of the job going to an Englishman is a joke. That's not saying it has no merit at all, BUT currently it'd be giving to an Englishman just for the sake of it. Look at the choices.

Curbishley may have done well keeping a small club like Charlton in the Prem, but they've stood still for quite a few years now and been consistent mid-table performers who've often suffered alarming losses in form. His eye for a player is mixed to say the least (another who has fallen into the Jeffers trap) and he's unproven at an international level.

Allardyce may be the people's choice (he does have a likeably blunt, straightforward approach) and has an eye for regenerating players thought to be past it - but again, he lacks experience at a 'big' club and has an extremely poor record in bringing through and developing young talent in the ranks. Also, he's an exponent of the long-ball game with Bolton, a team capable of playing good football, who have produced some dire games in the Prem over past seasons.

McClaren is simply too involved with Eriksson's reign to survive, a reign which has flattered to deceive with results used to cover-up the often poor style of play and tactical blunders at big moments. Not only that, Middlesbrough have consistently underachieved throughout his tenure there. He has the most supportive chairman in the league and a respectable bankroll, yet has never even looked like threatening the top 6 at any time. One UEFA cup run isn't enough.

As for Martin O'Neill, he falls into the Allardyce category - he's chieved much with smaller sides and has some European pedigree with Celtic BUT, again, it's back to the long ball game. Now if England had a desperate lack of talent there's a place for such a tactic. But we have our best crop of players (both current and emerging) for many decades coming through, most of which are intelligent and technically gifted. A long ball game would simply bypass that - there'd be no room for a Gerrard, Cole, Lampard, Lennon or Rooney in such a line-up. Plus, at international level, the best teams know how to defend against the long ball with their eyes closed.

Yes, I'd have picked Hiddink with Pearce and Taylor as coaches. But scolari makes an excellent second choice. Here's a guy who has won the World Cup with a transitional Brazil side, who took an ageing Portugal side to the Euro 2004 final and has taken them again to 2006, who has won the South American equiv of the CL twice. He has experience of both the South American and European game and a proven track record of success with good footballing sides playing good football. he's also not afraid to take a risk during games and reads play excellently. He is simply the best man for the job. People are too quick too criticise the Eriksson reign because the man is Swedish - when, in truth, the reason it has ultimately disappointed is because the man is the man he is, not because of where he has came from.

Let's just hope he accepts the job - otherwise I fear we'll end up wasting our best group of players for many years simply for the sake of saying our manager is English.

IDEA: T2D World Cup 06 Sweepstake. Opinions??

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 18:42:02 GMT

Ok, so it's only about 53 days 'til the World Cup - as a footy but I cannot wait. But there are those of you who can't stand it or don't understand it at all and, let's face it, there's no way you'll be able to avoid it throughout June and early July.

So.....why not get involved???

Seeing as I'm probably gonna go quite football-heavy on content throughout the WC, I'm thinking of having a sweepstake for T2D readers. It'd work something like this:

There are 32 teams in the competition. For £1 you could buy a team and follow it through the tournament. Could put a 2-team limit on it for all competitors (so no-one could have more then 2 teams). You'd pay the money into my PayPal a/c (lets face it - PPal is easy as hell to join really and there's enough of you on here that know me r-l so am not going to ru away with the profits!) and then that £32 would split as follows: £16 if you win it, £8 if you're runner-up and £4 to each of the losing semi-finalists. For extra drama we'd hold the draw nearer the date after everyone had bought a slot - so even the final person who buys a team has as much chance of pulling Brazil as the first.

Can keep everyone updated as to their team(s) progress throughout via the site.

So....who'd be interested and, if you are, for how many teams? If I can get enough interest to set it up then I'll do so, folks. Let me know below.

Matty

Well, it's only taken 14 years....

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 20:56:19 GMT

...but this evening's first half and the performance of Ronaldinho has shown why SkySports actually introduced the 'Playercam' feature.

A footballing god.

LFC - transfer prediction

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 12:36:04 GMT

Interesting story popped up in one of the red-tops yesterday, saying the Spurs are looking at making a bid for Djibril Cisse when the window opens in January.

Assuming there's some truth to that (which I think there may be), I can see the possibility of a deal being done that brings Jermaine Defoe the other way - Anfield is crying out for a decent box striker like Defoe and he needs a move to guarantee 1st team football before the World Cup...plus he's eligible to play in Europe.

If it happens then you heard it here first.

Today's Mood - Football-inspired tension

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 10:46:27 GMT

The first meeting between my boys and Chelsea since we knocked them out of Europe last season...and I haven't got Sky Sports 2 to watch it on. Arrrgh! Radio commentary will have to suffice...

Was just reminiscing about last season and how I felt a little sorry for Chelsea, 'til I rediscovered the below article courtesy of the Liverpoolfc.tv website. Not anymore...

Joe Cole claimed he couldn't bear to watch the Champions League final but it seems a few fans from Chelsea couldn't resist. This is a transcript of their conversation on an unofficial Chelsea website on the night of May 25 2005. The transcript is from the message boards of CFCnet, "the intelligent forum" for fans of the Champions, Chelsea FC" and hundreds of Liverpool supporters have emailed it in to liverpoolfc.tv asking us to publish it in all its glory.

Remember this is taken from an unofficial Chelsea supporters website and not the Official Chelsea Football Club website. The supporters nicknames are presented in bold with their comments below. Enjoy.

h3rby

Liverpool are 1-0 down already :S ..not Crespo though :(

hernancrespo

Crespo almost scored!

dannyblue

bot bothered about crespo, just want milan to in so dont have to face "champions league your havin a larf" from the scousers next season. come on milan!!!

Paul Mcgoochan

Stop laughing you lot, he says, wiping tears from his eyes.
LOL,LOL,LOL.

Scott Miller

Kewell looks set to come off with a thigh injury. What a waste of money he was.

davidleighfisher

Kewell - the new Darren Anderton???

HA HA HA

h3rby

Crespo!!!!!!!!!!..................2-0

hernancrespo

I've scored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Mcgoochan

CRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSPPPPPPPPOOOOOOOOOOOO
2-0

johnnysunshine

goal to Crespo! come on Chelsea!

Alex Kirke

2-0 2-0

IT'S CRESPO :D

davidleighfisher

Paying half his wages for a season, was well worth that one moment!

Well done Crespo - the boy done good!

BYE BYE Mickey Mousers - Losers in 2 finals, 5th in the league and 37 points behind the CHAMPIONS, they must be sooo proud!

h3rby

omg crespo again!!!!!>...........get in 3-0

dannyblue

hernan crespo hernan crespo oooh oohh hernan crespo hernan crespo. yyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeessssssssssss!!!!!!!

hernancrespo

Crespo 3-0!

Alex Kirke

I loved that!

'Chelsea's revenge'

Paul Mcgoochan

LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
Am I going to enjoy work tomorrow.

h3rby

woooohooo a 4-0 pummling would be nice srespo hatrick muhahahahaha

Scott Miller

Sorry lads, I've got a meeting in a couple minutes and I won't be able to approve any of the second half posts. This isn't the normal match day thread where the posts don't require approval. Hopefully another moderator will be around for the second half.

3-0 at half-time. Silly Silly Scousers! They can add that to their wonderful history!

Jackass1987

Kaka! Kaka! Kaka!

Kaka was amazing! Hes superb! Bid for him! 100m!!!

Anyway Crespo ....2 for Chelsea!

Khobar

Thanks Liverpool - FOR EMBARASSING THE PREMIER LEAGUE!!

LMAO :-) A few million on Crespos transfer fee methinks.

h3rby

my bin dipper pal is sayin omg were playin like chelsea ahahahahahahaha what a d**k

Jackass1987

Anyway, Rafa got it all wrong! His line-ups are crappy. Harry Kewell shouldnt be there....instead he should play Cisse. Cos he tought he can do a Chelsea against the mighty Milan....sorry mate!

I think 2nd half Milan will play it cool...and Pool will ...wait SHOULD attack like crazy.....

PaulT

So far just what I'd hoped for - resounding proof that (from England's point of view) the wromng team are in the final.

Gary Stone

Crespo's second goal was stunning, what a pass and finish.

Jackass1987

I keep imagine how is it going to be if Chelsea are playing...Terry taking on Cresp ...Carval on Sheva and so on...

Anyway Pool's defense is SHAKY tonight. Caraggher is nowhere at sight.......

h3rby

I miss him bring him back :((

vincent

HaHaHahah HahahahahaHahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH and then ROFL

Richard

Poetic justice. Pool were never good enough for the big stage. That's what happens when you get into the realms of fantasy. They were lucky to go through against us.

Alex Kirke

Maybe the fools who so desperately wanted to see the CL come back to England, but cheered on Liverpool against us, will wish so much that it was Chelsea out there now.

h3rby

ahahahahah gerrard almost in tears!!! priceless!!

h3rby

Crespo hatrick tellin ya........... then comes back 2 bridge in summer as a blues hero hahaha

h3rby

Gerrard with a header 3-1

dannyblue

And there goes 5 million on a transfer fee or swap deal.

h3rby

omg Smicer 3-2

Gary Stone

Can't believe Liverpool have pulled two back.

hernancrespo

Hang on............. 3-2!

Gary Stone

Liverpool have got a penalty now, what is going on?

h3rby

omg penalty 3-3 alonso

Gary Stone

Missed and then scored the follow up. Liverpool have been outclassed yet somehow are level.

Alex Kirke

I dont believe this....

hernancrespo

Shocking! 3-3!!!!!!!

h3rby

manic game !! great final unlike the bloody fa cup

dannyblue

Crespo hatrick anyone??

Paul Mcgoochan

If Liverpool win, I'm going to avoid every newspaper and tv for the next 3 months.

h3rby

omg lierpool saved pushed it out and hit off the line

Gary Stone

Liverpool clear off the line again.

Alex Kirke

You just know Liverpool will win now...

If they win it like this... we'll never here the end of it...

hernancrespo

Come on Milan! Crespo hat-trick will come!

Gary Stone

There goes Hernan's chance of a hat-trick.

h3rby

No hatrick Crespo off :((( boooooooo

hernancrespo

And he has been far better than Sheva! Come on Milan!!!

h3rby

is it gonna go pens if stays this at et or willl it be golden goal??

Paul Mcgoochan

Any-one for penalties. Shame Crespo is still not on. They might need him to take one.

blueerato

hey you blues, cant you have a little faith and keep the postscoming? Its not like Milan have lost now have they?????? They aregonna score a goal in extra time ............... bad thing Crespo is off

Khobar

C'mon Milan for Gods sake.

Alex Kirke

I don't know... Milan have really been shaken by those 3 goals.
I don't care if it goes to pens or not, as long as Milan win.

h3rby

milan will go through on pens i reckon

voodoo

Can't believe no one is commenting on Gerrard's dive for the penalty !

Rooney would have been proud of that one. Disgusting. But then again he's English, isn't he.

blue bliz

Is it just me or did Gerrard completely flop to get that penalty? I could have sworn that he was doing a Deco impersonation.

frad

Milan to win on penalties and Stevie OG to miss the decisive one. Would be nice to see that happen....

hernancrespo

Milan are beginning to do my head in. Come on Milan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Mcgoochan

voodoo and blue bliz, good shout. Thought the same thing. As do alot of people on this site.

h3rby

Milan are starting to go for the jugular now

h3rby

Smicer looks injured

dannyblue

PLEASE MILAN so that i dont have to pout up with whining scousers singing for the next decade, theyve just got over the eighties. Please

h3rby

omg off the line again!!!1

Paul Mcgoochan

Double save by Dudy. Can see Liverpool winning this on pens.

Gary Stone

Not by a Gerrard freekick, please.

Gary Stone

Phew, penalties.

h3rby

oh well pens it is

h3rby

omg milan 1 miss 1 saved

h3rby

2-0 on pens to the pool

hernancrespo

Gosh! Saved!

h3rby

ohhhhhhhhhhhh saved for milan 2-1

h3rby

2-2 now

h3rby

3-2 pool

BluSun

This is it .. we will never hear the end of how they won against Milan.. I am hoping for a miracle..

h3rby

omg Shevchenko had hissaved.

frad

NO!

Gary Stone

Liverpool European Champions, whats that all about?

hernancrespo

Goodnite guys! I'm beserk!!!

h3rby

they win it 2 keep fair play they pld excellent 2nd half well deserved gg:)

Khobar

Apalling - how far off the line was Dudek - how many dodgy decisions.
Gutted.

dannyblue

GUTTED. GOD anfield will be fun

Paul Mcgoochan

Oh well, no newspapers or tv for 3 months then.
DON'T BLOODY WELL BELIEVE IT.
NIGHTMARE COME TRUE.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

subimp555

I feel sick!!!!!!!

NB: Since publishing this article, we have been inundated with messages from Chelsea fans stressing that they were actually supporting Liverpool on the night.

This Weekend's Accumulator

Sat, 24 Sep 2005 14:01:50 GMT

Sooner or later...

Charlton to win at West Brom
Barnsley to beat Doncaster
Oldham to beat Bournemouth
Huddersfield to win at Colchester
Northampton to beat Cheltenham
Notts County to beat Rushden & Diamonds
Grays to beat Crawley away

50p on - if successful, £70 winnings.

Wayne Rooney - lay off him

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 10:37:03 GMT

And that's not advice to any amorous grandmothers...

What he did Wednesday night was stupid and petulant - but no more then that. It was the act of a young man, frustrated at picking up an unwarranted yellow card who forgets that he is who he is. No more, no less.

WR is 19 years old...he's still growing up, he's still learning the game, he's still learning about life. He's still adjusting to the fact that his every move both on and off the pitch will be the subject of intense scrutiny. That doesn't happen immediately - it takes time and, until he learns that, such ridiculous media overreactions must stop for the good of him and English football.

For God's sake - do you think other players don't do what he did? Do you think they don't use foul language and lose their temper? Of course they do and on a regular basis. The difference is that the cameras are never on most of them like they are on Rooney - they don't get caught doing it. I'm not vindicating the sarcastic hand-clapping. But it was no more then just a dumb, tactless gesture that got a yellow card for dissent as it warranted. Fellow pros haven't learnt NOT to do that - they've just learnt not to get caught doing it.

And as for the 'holier-than-thou' attitude of other sports...let's just look at that, shall we? Rooney doesn't revel in drunken behaviour, wearing intoxication like a badge of honour at a schoolboys convention like SOME other sporting figures recently, eh cricket fans? And as for Rugby fans talking about the lack of trouble or referee backchat in their game....this may be true. But let's just look at how feelings are vented there instead. Wasn't a player banned for a number of matches (and only that!) for headbutting one player then promptly stamping on another just this week? And incidents of phsycial violence, punch-ups, stamping, eye-gouging etc are commonplace (and no - it's not all part of a 'physical' game)? Yes, he was. At least when such incidents happen in our game the book is thrown at those involved.

So yes. Rooney's a hothead who needs to learn a little self-control - but all he really needs to learn is WHEN the time is right to vent such anger and frustration. Not to get rid of it altogether. It's not abnormal, he's not psychologically disturbed - but keep up this media treatment and he will be.

Strange sentiments from a Liverpool fan on the morning of a Liverpool/Man Utd game...

Liverpool vs Man Utd - a fan

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 10:14:16 GMT

Today is the biggest fixture in the calender for a Liverpool fan.

Perhaps if I came from Liverpool it may be different - the local rivalry and enmity would affect me in a far more personal way I guess, and the derby match with our Blue neighbours from across the park may mean more. Don't get me wrong - that competitive feeling towards Everton is still within me, but I could never experience it in the same way as a native of the city. It's there more as a duty I suppose.

Is different with United, though. There's not the same sense of glee or amusement between rival fans (though this is malicious glee, I admit) - there's a true raging rivalry, a hostility and animosity between the groups which is virtually unbridgeable. Hatred is a strong word and I guess, in it's true sense, the answer for 99% of fans would be a 'no'. Both clubs' managers have a history of close friendships (Shanks - Busby, Houllier - Ferguson, Paisley - Docherty), and there is a grudging respect for each others achievements...though we all hate to admit it.

Yet an intense dislike? Yes. Each group has suffered at the hands of the other over past years - we've suffered throughout the 90s as Man Utd dominated English football, they've suffered similar torment in the decades (yes, DECADES) preceding that. Even though I personally think we didn't tend to display an arrogance and a disregard for the game that they did during our pomp, I'm sure Utd would disagree and say a similar thing about us. Yet there's an honesty within that dislike that appeals. It's not a pettiness because one player slapped another, or there was a dodgy penalty a year or two back. It's almost like love - so deep it defines us and, without it, neither would be quite the same. Though I may dislike Gary Neville, I've never respected the guy more then on an interview a few years ago, declaring he had to beat Liverpool because he can't stand them. Pure, honest dislike and an understanding of the passion behind the game. Fair play.

So the game means everything to us. Even more so this season, as we all jostle around to be first in the queue to pick up the scraps from Chelsea's table and, after last season's 5th place, we feel that we have a point to prove. I'm already wearing my Liverpool shirt with pride, the stereo is playing 'YNWA' and the adrenalin is pumping - I may live far away from the ground but the passion is no less.

Go on the 'pool.

The Saturday Footie Accumulator

Sat, 17 Sep 2005 09:21:22 GMT

Is easy not to give up when you're only losing 50p a week *grin*.

Anyway, here's the weekly accumulator - if this one comes off (hey, you never know) then there'll be a £29.38 reward for yours truly...and all teams at home this week:

Reading to beat Crewe Alex

Bradford City to beat Yeovil Town

Port Vale to beat Colchester Utd

Walsall to beat Chesterfield

Darlington to beat Oxford Utd

Wycombe Wan to beat Barnet

Hereford Utd to beat Morecambe

Here's hoping...

Swansea City vs Bristol City - stop whining

Wed, 07 Sep 2005 08:52:11 GMT

Just listening to a phone-in where Bristol City fans are complaining about the Swansea police only allowing fans on official coaches to go to the forthcoming game at the Vetch. God, you'd think they were Millwall fans the way they think they've been victimised!

Bottom line - Bristol-Welsh fixtures have always produced trouble. They're games that have to be treated differently to most others, controlled differently and policed differently. Yes, it isn't fair to genuine fans BUT there's far, far more chance of it all kicking off between the thugs at a game of this type (and more of them will also be around). If you're a genuine fan, pay the extra money, get the coach, enjoy the game.

This doesn't happen every game - you're not the horrendously over-policed Millwall fans. If it does happen more to you then to other clubs and supporters then perhaps it is because your club's fans are known to be involved in more trouble then many others.

Stop the bitching - without the police, all games would be behind closed doors.

Happy Birthday Bill Shankly

Fri, 02 Sep 2005 18:25:18 GMT

...and I nearly forgot.

Today would have been Shankly's 90th birthday - and, although he didn't achieve the same success on paper as Bob Paisley who followed him, he still remains one of the greatest managers and characters the English game has ever seen.

Also a great friend of Sir Matt Busby, the fact the Shankly is known to have wept upon hearing of the Munich air disaster shows that football hasn't progressed for the better in all areas.

Why he remains without a posthumous knighthood is a mystery (both him and Paisley) - but he will never be forgotten.

Football Transfer Deadline Day

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 11:12:56 GMT

If i don't see a right-winger and central defender at Anfield by midnight, don't expect me to be happy on here tomorrow.

Have (apparently) been turned down with a bid for Mexes (who I rate) and it looks like Newcastle may get Solano ahead of us (who wouldn't be bad).

Hmmmm.

The Weekly Accumulator

Sat, 27 Aug 2005 12:21:24 GMT

Ok - a little less ambit0ius this week. Still 6 matches (prices are rubbish this week), but a bit more likely - return will be £17 from 50p if they come off....

Pretson to beat Brighton @ Deepdale
Rotherham to beat Blackpool @...whatever Rotherham's ground is. Not Field Mill, is it?
Bradford to beat Bournemouth @ Valley Parade
Hudersfield to beat Hartlepool @ Mcalpine
Peterboro to beat Torquay @...bugger.
Aldershot to beat Altrincham @....bugger again.

For those who believe all football fans to be 'brainless idiots'...

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 21:39:59 GMT

Very few could come up with the below song, a regular with Liverpool fans:

Fields of Anfield Road:

Outside the Shankly Gates
I heard a Kopite calling
Shankly they have taken you away
But you left a great eleven
Before you went to heaven
Now it's glory round the Fields of Anfield Road.

All round the Fields of Anfield Road
Where once we watched the King Kenny play (and he could play)
We had Heighway on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
Of the glory round the Fields of Anfield Road

Outside the Paisley Gates
I heard a Kopite calling
Paisley they have taken you away
You led the great 11
Back in Rome in 77
And the Redmen they are still playing the same way
All round the Fields of Anfield Road
Where once we watched the King Kenny play (and he could play)
We had Heighway on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
Of the glory round the Fields of Anfield Road

Am sure Man Utd have something similar for Sir Matt Busby (Ryan?). and, no doubt, Forest for Clough (ady?).

Liverpool 3 CSKA 1 (AET)

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 21:14:07 GMT

Five or take 2 mins - and Garcia has scored *falls down laughing*.

How on earth did they win the UEFA Cup? I know we won it by playing defensively a few years ago, but they're ridiculous - shows how far the standards have slipped. My god, even the bluenoses may have a chance!

Liverpool 1 CSKA 1 (ET being played)

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 20:51:29 GMT

How is it possible to play as badly as Luis Garcia and STILL be on the pitch?

Honestly, at half-time any Liverpool fan with a very fast plane and a replica kit could've flown over and got a game on the right or upfront.

Never gonna happen, bluenoses

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 19:41:54 GMT

Yes, I know - an English team in Europe and all that.

But I'm trying and simply can't bring myself to get behind Everton tonight. This is the side whose fans, almost to a man, didn't want us to have the chance to defend our trophy (well, title - we have the trophy for keeps now :-) )

Whose supporters dressed up in AC Milan tops and cheered them on in May...

Just can't get past that, I'm afraid.

A little worrying is seeing that Neville has been stretchered off for Man Utd - and I assume could be a doubt for England. This is not good as, quite simply, our riht-back problem is FAR worse then our left-side one. In fact, I did mention it after the Denmark game and say 'we'd be in trouble if we lost Neville'. Guess fate couldn't resist the temptation.

Concerns about my Mighty Red boys...

Sun, 21 Aug 2005 11:15:18 GMT

Ok, it's early days...but I'm a little concerned at Liverpool's performances so far this year. Ok, CL qualification looks a formality, a point at 'Boro is a tidy return and we seemed in control against Sunderland.

I just have this slight 'papering over the cracks' feeling though...Rafa says he's looking for a CB as backup for Hyypia and Carragher but, as good a servant as he's been, I think we need a replacement for Sammi. A few lapses were noticeable last year and, alongside Carra, that's a partnership really vulnerable to pace. Plus we still look a little ragged at set-pieces with the zonal marking system and, after a season, that should have been ironed out.

Not so concerned about the midfield - looks strong enough to me. But that right-side isn't working at all and, since the Gonzales permit was turned down, we seem to have settled for what we have. Cisse isn't a right-winger, Garcia always cuts in, and neither ever get back to help out Finnan.

But I'm also mystified about this 4-5-1 (or 4-2-3-1 as it seems). Sorry, but 1 upfront just doesn't work in the Prem. The solitary striker is too easily closed out of the game and most teams play with a defensive-minded midfielder now as well. Playing it away is fair enough, but at home against Sunderland? No disrespect to the Black Cats, but we should be winning that with some comfort. With Morientes and Crouch (when back) strong in the air, we should be looking to them to flick it onto a second pacey front man in Cisse (though Djibril's inability to tuck away the sitters occasionally resurrects the ghost of Diouf) or Pongolle when fit. Hmmm - I'm just starting to think we're lacking a 'poacher' of goals, a role a certain Mr Owen would fill...as long as he could promise the same level of committment that he gives at Madrid.

Early days yet, I guess - just a little concerned that Rafa is so keen to accomodate certain players that it may shoot us in the foot.

The Weekly Bet Is ON

Sat, 20 Aug 2005 13:51:43 GMT

After 2 calamitous weeks on the accumulator, lets see how this selection does:

The Chapions of Europe to beat Sunderland
West Brom to beat Portsmouth
Barnsley to beat Yeovil
Notts Forest to beat Scunthorpe
Oldham to beat Chesterfield
Boston to beat Cheltenham
Leyton O to beat Rochdale
Wycombe to beat Bury

50p on, £46 return. Only away team are Boston and am always edgy about betting on my own boys (Glenn's up at Anfield today - didn't have money for ticket, incredibly envious!).

Fingers crossed...

Denmark 4 England 1 - the positives

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 23:12:25 GMT

Of course, this is based on there being anyone still reading! It's been the quietest day in the blogs history - stop making me paranoid, folks...

Anyway, onto the football - the shambolic second half display against the Danes. It's hard to believe but perhaps there really are some good thing that may come out of it (I figure there's no point focusing on the bad as I'd like to get to bed before dawn...).

Finally...irrevocably...the lesson has to have been well and truly learnt about David James and we've surely just witnessed his final ever performance. A terrible error of judgement (again) for the 1st goal, a complete lack of organisation and communicatione for the 2nd - both unmissable for Sven. Also, his admission of not being prepared at the end of the match is pretty much unforgiveable. If he wasn't mentally 'right', he should have told the manager. There is no way back and we may finally see talent like Kirkland get their opportunity.
At last, the weakness at right-back is now obvious. Much as I dislike G.Neville (and despite some dodgy positional play), he is steady. But his ever-presence has covered up the fact that we have no cover for him. Johnson's inept display in the 2nd half should help us correct what could have become a dangerous achilles heel for us as Germany 2006 approached. Maybe he'll incorporate Carragher there - if not, Hibbert at Everton looks a tidy prospect.
Related to 2, the problems out wide may now be addressed. Cole and Neville/Johnson were left exposed to width time and again tonight, with no help from their midfielders at all. Joe Cole had an anonymous game. More importantly, Beckham can't keep making the same mistakes repeatedly in his position. However involved he gets, he also has a responsibility as a right-side mid and that includes helping out his full-back. Too many times this has been glossed over - now it can't be.
Owen Hargreaves has no answers at this level. Best we find that out now.
It's now obvious that you can't just pick Gerrard and Lampard in the middle and tell them to go out and play their normal games - as their normal games are too similar. neither are very comfortable with dropping back as cover and playing the holding role, so neither do. Tonight that was exposed - Sven must either change his choices or be strong enough to say 'YOU hold, YOU stay, End Of'.
Rooney is inspirational playing a little deeper and running on. We saw that agin tonight. Lets stop the occasional experimentation with him being furthest forward and Owen being deep - it doesn't work.
Defoe is talented but lacks composure at the mo - Owen is good but found out sometimes. To help Rooney and give another option - something we lacked tonight - we must start bringing in a target man upfront, to give an option to hold up the ball and provide flick-ons for Rooney and the midfield to run onto. It's another option we need - people may be unsure of Crouch but, be fair, he did well in the summer - and he's the only one there at the mo, bar recalling Heskey.
Tonight may show Sven that he needs a recognised 'plan B' if plan A doesn't work. he toyed with the 4-3-3 then quickly abandoned it - fair enough. But tonight shows the players need a 2nd formation - 4-3-2-1/3-5-2 - to fall back on.

Not much hope - but maybe, just maybe, tonight's humiliation will be enough to correct this. better it happen now then in May next year.

And you thought things were bad at your club?

Sat, 13 Aug 2005 07:54:09 GMT

If you thought things were bad at your club, you should see Gravesend...

Would love to see the Safety Officer's previous job references!

This week's accumulator

Sat, 13 Aug 2005 07:52:01 GMT

Ok, so last weeks may have been a minor disaster - but it was a warm-up after a 3 month break, after all. Today's 50p will potentially make back £51.56, should they all come off. Only 5 bets this time...

Birmingham 2/1 to beat Fulham @ Craven Cottage (A)

Spurs 6/4 to beat Portsmouth @ Fratton Park (A)

Barnsley 13/8 to beat Colchester @ Layer Road (A)

Boston 5/6 to beat Stockport @ York Street (H)

Exeter 6/4 to beat Gravesend @ Stonebridge Road (A)

Nice.

Matty

The Saturday Accumulator

Sat, 06 Aug 2005 08:55:23 GMT

This season, you get to share in my weekly attempt to make as much cash as possible from 50p as every week I put an accumulator bet on the afternoon's football games. I could say it sometimes comes off but I'd be lying - it has about 3 times. But it's been within one or two results most of the other times.

Anyway, here's today's accumulator:

Crystal Palace 8/15 to beat Luton @ Palace

Derby 8/13 to beat Brighton @ Derby

Reading 8/11 to beat Plymouth @ Reading

Blackpool 5/6 to beat Chesterfield @ Blackpool

Rotherham Evens to beat Walsall @ Rotherham

Darlington 11/8 to beat Rushden @ Rushden

Torquay 4/5 to beat Notts County @ Torquay

Wycombe 4/6 to beat Carlisle @ Wycombe

50p stake = £56 return

League 2

Sat, 06 Aug 2005 00:20:50 GMT

League 2 (Old money - Division 4)

There's a distinctly mediocre look to League 2 this year - don't be surprised to see the top clubs break away from the pack early on.

The Top 7

After a summer of spending following an unsuccessful dalliance with a big name manager, John Gorman's Wycombe look like the team to beat in League 2 this year. Tommy Mooney and Nathan Tyson will cause manay a sleepless night amongst defenders at this level and Gorman will have his team well-drilled in their defensive duties. Could very well stroll it.

Prediction - Champions

One of the bottom division's big spenders, Northampton Town may well go up by default this season considering the teams around them. The signings of Jess, Crowe, Dyche and Dudfield should supply enough experience to the team to guarantee their place in League 1 next year.

Prediction - Runners-up

He may not have hung around for wrong, but the Gazza experience must have done something right for Boston Utd last year judging by the summer they've had. In have came the likes of Ben Futcher, Julian Joachim, Stewart Talbot and Noel Whelan and what was a reasonably good team last year now look like a great one. Quite capable of winning the whole thing, the Pilgrims will certainly be there or thereabouts.

Prediction - Promotion from 3rd

Play-Offs

Darlington - Big stadium, big money. Now the results beckon. The loss of Bobby Petta should be kore then compensated for by the purchase of Leeds' Simon Johnson, and Sodje is always a handful.

Torquay Utd - After last year's relegation heartbreak, Torquay are more then capable of an immediate return. Losing Russell and Akinfenwas will prove a blow - no question - but enough talent remains and has been added to to keep them looking a competetive outfit.

Macclesfield - A surprise package last year, Horton's boys should challenge again this time round. The loss of Tipton was a surprise, but Martin Bullock will love playing in this division.

Mansfield - The Stags may prove just the right club for carlton palmer to prove managerial success with this season. After underachieving last year, the likes of Tipton, Birchall, Uhlenbeek and Hjelde have been added for the campaign this year, and their presence should see a play-off place come their way.

Play-off Winners - Hey big spenders. It's Darlington's time.

At the bottom...

Last year it nearly happened - this year it will. Rushden & Diamonds appear doomed.

Prediction - 24th

Notts County may do their best to thwart them, but Cheltenham Town have been virtually silent in the market after an indifferent 2004/2005. Not clever...

Prediction - 23rd

League 1

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 23:39:30 GMT

League 1 (Old money - Division 3)

From European Cup to Auto Windscreens trophy...it's been a long way down for Nottingham Forest and they may not find League 1 as easy as the pundits suggest.

Tranmere, Brentford and Hartlepool will want to go one stage further this year, Gillingham and Rotherham will be looking for a quick return o the Championship and the likes of Barnsley, Huddersfield and Bristol City have all had busy summers. Things are also stirring at the likes of Doncaster and Yeovil.

At the bottom, Danny Wilson's Dons will be hoping to avoid last year's late escape.

The Top 6

So many times the bridesmaid - this looks like the time for Bristol City to become the brides. Manager Brian Tinnion may have moved on a number of players - most notably England U21 striker Leroy Lita and Lee Miller - but the capture of both Marcus Stewart and Michael Bridges may well prove inspired. Injuries withstanding, it's hard to see how League One defences will cope with either player. Don't underrate the signings of Matt Heywood or Alex Russell either. It's a big financial gamble that has to come off for the Robins - expect it to.

Prediction - Champions

Oh how Rotherham may weep come the end of the forthcoming season, as former manager Ronnie Moore looks like weaving his magic at Oldham Athletic. A surprise prediction? Not when you take his track record into account, add in his feat of keeping the Latics up last season and then throw in 12 new signings that include Luke Beckett, Andy Liddell, Rob Scott, Richie Wellens and Terrell Forbes. Last years cup run showed that oldham still have the bottle - now it seems they also have the manager and the players for the job, too. A surprise package.

Prediction - Runners-up

Play-Offs

Nottingham Forest - it happened to Man City. This season expect it to happen to Forest. Despite all the predictions to the contrary, one look at the Forest side should be enough to realise that League 1 will not be a cakewalk for them. The comings do not outweigh the goings - Louis-Jean, Eoin Jess, Marlon King, Gregor Robertson - all have joined the Forest exodus of the past few years. They should still have enough to make the play-offs ut only if they find their feet quickly in this division and realise they'll need to work for it. If not, this could prove more then a one-year break from the top two tiers at the City Ground.

Bradford City - While other teams lost their heads when the bubble burst, Bradford took a more realistic, consolodatory approach - and 2005/06 may well see it pay dividends. Colin Todd is an excellent manager and has bolstered a stable squad by adding some decent creativity in Bobby Petta and Danny Cadamateri, and the loan addition of Middlesboro's Andy Taylor. With Dean Windass on fire at this level, many may underestimate the Bantams to their cost this year.

Tranmere Rovers - A regular fixture in the play-off race, it may well be 'same again' for Horton's boys. Sam Aiston and Chris Greenacre are gambles which, if they pay off, could provide goals aplenty and Mcateer is always dependable. But some may feel that Rovers have stood still a little compared to other clubs, rather then building on their achievements.

Barnsley - The appointment of Andy Ritchie as manager may just prove the spark that Tykes supporters have been waiting for at Oakwell. Always solid but underperforming, Ritchie should get the best out of them - and the capture of Nardiello from Man Utd is inspired. It'll be close, but they may just sneak into the picture late on.

Play-off Winners - Sorry Forest fans, but I think Tranmere will make it this time around.

At the bottom...

They've punched above their weight in previous seasons - but this year Chesterfield look in terrible trouble. With their captain and central defender sold to QPR and some ageing signings taken on in return, this may well be the season the Spireites wave goodbye to League 1.

Prediction - 24th

Colchester are another team that have stood still in the transfer market this summer having not heeded the warning of their plunge down the table during the second half of last season. With no real notable additions to the squad, Phil Parkinson may be in for a real struggle this season.

Prediction - 23rd

Successive relegations are a team's wost nightmare - so Gillingham fans should be prepared for a very bad dream. New manager Neale Cooper has lost more then half his entire first team to Championship sides and, without the money to replace them, will have to rely on loan signings to stay out of trouble. With none forthcoming so far, it's hard to see how the Gills will do anything else but struggle again this year.

Prediction - 22nd

What comes up must go down - and that may be the fate that awaits Scunthorpe this year. Peter beagrie has been a great servant but, at 39, he needs far more help to keep the team up. Tommy Johnson is a good acquisition from Sheffield United, but losing Paul Hayes to Barnsley is a real body blow to their scoring chances.

Prediction - 21st

The Championship

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 22:41:00 GMT

The Championship (Old money - Division 2)

It's 1:25am and I've typed this once and lost it already - this is all you're getting 'til tomorrow!

The Top 6

Norwich City

Prediction - Champions

Leeds United

Prediction - Runners-up

Play-Offs

Wolves

Crystal Palace

Reading

Sheffield United

Play-off Winners - Wolves.

At the bottom...

Brighton

Prediction - 24th

Watford

Prediction - 23rd

Millwall

Prediction - 22nd