Football

[YorkshireBear]

Depressing night for sheffield wednesday :/ lost 3-2 carlisle and league 1 top scorer gary madine 'the goal machine' sent off... dam it.

Could be worse, could of lost 6-1 at home to our closest rivals
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Oldham Athletic again confound the expectations of their supporters with a 3-3 draw, away at Preston North End tonight.

Inconsistency sometimes throws up surprises Paul At least Oldham are keeping the supporters on their toes.

 

[Chew Chew]

Jury is out on Whyte in my opinion. He obviously wants to do things his way and bring his own people in, but the departures of recent executives seem to be in response to their opposition to his buying of the club in the first place. I don't believe the rumours of struggling to pay the wages, but that is perhaps due to me not wanting to believe it, rather than any cogent thought on the matter! Rangers are a massive institution to me and many, many others and cracks appearing in the financial base of the club are an unpleasant thought!

I hear what you what are saying there.

Takeovers happen all the time where the new owner comes in and puts his people on the board and the previous board leave but doing it at a football club, especially when a board member is the player the fans voted the greatest ever Ger, isn't going to be that easy. The way board members have been suspended or resigned without apparently telling the chairman is a bit bizarre though.

For a club the size of Rangers to, if the rumours are true, find themselves in the position where the wages can't be paid is something that up until not long ago would have sounded absolutely ridiculous when you are getting almost 50k at every home match.

There is never not going to be a Rangers in one form or another in Scotland, that much is plainly obvious but it is certainly interesting times ahead.

 

[CarterUSM]

I hear what you what are saying there.

Takeovers happen all the time where the new owner comes in and puts his people on the board and the previous board leave but doing it at a football club, especially when a board member is the player the fans voted the greatest ever Ger, isn't going to be that easy. The way board members have been suspended or resigned without apparently telling the chairman is a bit bizarre though.

For a club the size of Rangers to, if the rumours are true, find themselves in the position where the wages can't be paid is something that up until not long ago would have sounded absolutely ridiculous when you are getting almost 50k at every home match.

There is never not going to be a Rangers in one form or another in Scotland, that much is plainly obvious but it is certainly interesting times ahead.

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree there. The bubble burst in Scottish football a few years back though, so it is not as if we didn't see this coming in one form or another. It's hard though, i've seen Rangers go from being probably being one of the best sides, if not the best, in Britain during the late 80's/ early 90's, to a pretty ordinary one in just under 20 years, much of the current side wouldn't have got a reserve game back then, though I cannot fault their effort.

 

[ACE1888]

People down in England generally haven't got a clue about the SPL's (lack of) Finances, all you ever get is 'The Old Firm' wouldn't compete in the Premier League, well given the EPL's 'Sky Riches', of course they would, but thats not going to happen, ever. Best Hope is some form of European 'Super League', however remote that may be....
Rangers current 'financial' problems seem rather complicated to say the least though, our's (Celtic) were more 'simple' in the early 1990's...we were just skint through Board 'mismanagement'.....
But compared to the 'Premier Leagues' 'Gravy Train' of debt, it's a drop in the ocean....

 

[CarterUSM]

People down in England generally haven't got a clue about the SPL's (lack of) Finances, all you ever get is 'The Old Firm' wouldn't compete in the Premier League,

I remember the English press blethering on about the difference in "class" during our champions league tie with Leeds in 92, even after a convincing win at Ibrox. They still maintained Leeds would romp it at Elland Road. Of course, we won at a canter. I think we'd struggle to do Leeds now though!

 

[SS4]

I remember the English press blethering on about the difference in "class" during our champions league tie with Leeds in 92, even after a convincing win at Ibrox. They still maintained Leeds would romp it at Elland Road. Of course, we won at a canter. I think we'd struggle to do Leeds now though!

The English media arrogant regarding English football? That's never happened before

 

[Chew Chew]

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree there. The bubble burst in Scottish football a few years back though, so it is not as if we didn't see this coming in one form or another.

Didn't help when the chairmen of most of the clubs voted to stick with Setanta even though Aberdeen, Celtic and Rangers said it would be best to go with Sky.

Whilst still loose change compared to the EPL deal that cost the SPL about £18m a season and has drastically reduced the value of the SPL TV rights.

I laugh whenever I hear SPL TV mentioned, it would never get enough subscribers to be viable.

It's hard though, i've seen Rangers go from being probably being one of the best sides, if not the best, in Britain during the late 80's/ early 90's, to a pretty ordinary one in just under 20 years, much of the current side wouldn't have got a reserve game back then, though I cannot fault their effort.

I think that goes for the majority of clubs in the SPL. 15 years ago Aberdeen were spending £1m on players and now it bargain bin.

People down in England generally haven't got a clue about the SPL's (lack of) Finances, all you ever get is 'The Old Firm' wouldn't compete in the Premier League, well given the EPL's 'Sky Riches', of course they would, but thats not going to happen, ever. Best Hope is some form of European 'Super League', however remote that may be....

Spot on.

IIRC Rangers got £2.6m in tv money for winning the SPL, West Ham got £40m tv money despite finishing bottom of the EPL.

If Celtic or Rangers were ever, and it won't happen so this is completely hypothetical, to get into the EPL then if you took their current turnover, added ~£37m to it for tv money, add on the extra they'd make through sponsorship and the extra they'd make by selling out at a higher ticket price then within a couple seasons they'd certainly have the budgets to be up there fighting for the top places, especially once the FFP comes in.

 

[Robinson]

If I may ask, what's your opinions on Whyte and do you think the rumour you are struggling to pay this months wages are true?

I guess we'll know more once the tax cases are finished. In the meantime, the best I can do is to keep supporting the club, and hope the boys can do the business on the park (although I follow from afar these days being at uni in Southampton...)

Not heard anything about players not getting paid at Rangers; pretty sure that was Hearts.

 

[valenta]

Deleted.

 

[ACE1888]

Hibs 1-4 Celtic, through to the Semi Finals of the Scottish Communities League Cup, got home to watch the 2nd half, actually played quite well, with a bit of a 'swagger' too...'Bout 'Kin Time though!
No real surprises in the Carling Cup tonight though, all the 'Big Guns' (and Liverpool) through

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Deleted.

I can well imagine your disappointment with the result at Blackburn Rovers tonight as you scored two very good goals to take the match to extra time at 2-2, fought back to make it 3-3 only to lose to a last minute goal.

It is infuriating to score three goals away from home and still lose.

 

[YorkshireBear]

I can well imagine your disappointment with the result at Blackburn Rovers tonight as you scored two very good goals to take the match to extra time at 2-2, fought back to make it 3-3 only to lose to a last minute goal.

It is infuriating to score three goals away from home and still lose.

it certainly is. my house mate is a blackburn fan but some of my family support newcastle so i was torn on that one. great game.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Manchester City are beginning to look ominously like a very good side now, with eleven goals scored in their last two matches, following their 5-2 away win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carling Cup. Edin Dzeko is now coming to terms with the demands of both Premiership and Cup football.

 

[HST Power]

Newcastle lost to Blackburn last night, lets hope this doesn't mark the start of their return to old ways...

(and I hope in eight months time this post doesn't come back to haunt me!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I see that the attempt by Chelsea to buy back the freehold of the pitch at Stamford Bridge from their supporters organisation which holds this, was defeated at the meeting, as the required 75% percentage of the vote requirements were not met, which was needed to pass the resolution placed before this meeting.

 

[ole man]

Newcastle lost to Blackburn last night, lets hope this doesn't mark the start of their return to old ways...

(and I hope in eight months time this post doesn't come back to haunt me!

Come on Newcastle are punching well above there weight, they was always going to slip back to mid table life, possibly fighting relegation, there squad is not big enough and good enough

 

[valenta]

Come on Newcastle are punching well above there weight, they was always going to slip back to mid table life, possibly fighting relegation, there squad is not big enough and good enough

Well surprise surprise, I disagree!
The squad we have got is very good at the moment. Though lacking in numbers within defence the partnership of Taylor and Collocini is very strong, I think it was only a few weeks ago that we had conceded the fewest goals in all of the leagues in England. Ryan Taylor has also been good.
The midfield is also excellent, with players such as Cabaye, Tiote and Ben Afra, I think we have one of the strongest midfields in the league.
In attack we have a proven goalscorer in Demba Ba, and despite earlier doubts from me! he is now finding the net frequently. We should have another attacker, and I'm hopeful that this will be sorted in the January transfer window.
Tim Krul in goal has been outstanding aswell.

Maybe we are a bit higher than we should be in the league. But we are nearly halfway to 40 points, securing our stay in the Premier league and I don't think that we will be dragged into the relegation dogfight.

Blackburn had a strong team out last night and played well. I believe that we also played well and let's face it, the unbeaten streak had to come to an end sometime!

 

[ole man]

Well surprise, surprise i disagree with you!!.
Every year a low team makes a good start and sinks back down where they belong.
Though i agree with you on your midfield it is a strong midfield, your defence is to weak,and you have no strength in depth.
How much money has the fat man given Pardew to spend in Jan?

 

[valenta]

How much money has the fat man given Pardew to spend in Jan?

Well you can never tell with Ashley. Technically we still have the 35 million to spend from the sale of Andy Caroll, but I think most of that has ended up in fat man's back pocket. I'm hopeful he will let us "splash out" on a new striker, but that was clearly too much to achieve in three months through the summer!
But, I certainly don't think that we belong at the bottom of the table, had some very silly decisions not been made by the current owner and the previous owner *cough* sacking Bobby Robson *cough* I think we would still be in Europe every season. I think that a club that frequently draws 50,000 to their matches deserves to be near the top of the table.
I still disagree with you on the defensive side, Steven Taylor, Collocini and Krul have been excellent throughout the start of the season.
I don't think that our success the start of this season has been a fluke, I think our peformances have been of a very high standard and this is a reflection of the effort that has been put into each match by all the players.
Surely you would rather have a team like Newcastle do well through the amount of effort put in by the players, than "money bags" Man City who have just started challenging for titles overnight?
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I can well imagine your disappointment with the result at Blackburn Rovers tonight as you scored two very good goals to take the match to extra time at 2-2, fought back to make it 3-3 only to lose to a last minute goal.

It is infuriating to score three goals away from home and still lose.

Why I actually deleted my previous post was because I had turned off the radio as we were losing 2 - 0 deep into stoppage time. I had written a rant on the forum, only to look at the score and realise we were in extra time!
It was very disappointing the referee was poor throughout the match and I think we deserved a win or at least to take it to penalties.

 

[SS4]

As a Villain I'd be more than happy to take Newcastle's form

 

[Phil6219]

Manchester City are beginning to look ominously like a very good side now, with eleven goals scored in their last two matches, following their 5-2 away win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carling Cup. Edin Dzeko is now coming to terms with the demands of both Premiership and Cup football.

Especially when you consider the side which went out and played last night, aside from the likes of Dzeko and Nasri and "fringe players" Adam Johnson (who is hugely underrated) Zabaleta (again, underrated) Mancini opted for mainly the youngsters, granted Kolo Toure played as did Kolarov and Milner came off the bench very late on but it was an excellent performance, especially from Scapuzzi and Suarez (two to definitely keep an eye on) Hopefully we stuff Wolves again this weekend 7-1

Nothing against Wolves BTW, They are one of the few premiership teams I actually like.

Phil

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Manchester City are being talked of now far more than in the days of "desolation". It will be interesting to see the final group placings in their group of the Champions League, as they still have three interesting matches to play.

On an internal note, I see that the efforts of the PFA have led to a halving of the club financial punishment upon Carlos Tevez.

 

[Robinson]

Manchester City are being talked of now far more than in the days of "desolation". It will be interesting to see the final group placings in their group of the Champions League, as they still have three interesting matches to play.

On an internal note, I see that the efforts of the PFA have led to a halving of the club financial punishment upon Carlos Tevez.

They need to get rid of Tevez quickly. If he's allowed anywhere near their 1st team again I reckon there'll be a drop in team spirit and togetherness.
Still, nice to see them doing well. I've known far too many Man U fans of the arrogant variety to have any sympathy for their club.

 

[Barton Keyes]

Especially when you consider the side which went out and played last night, aside from the likes of Dzeko and Nasri and "fringe players" Adam Johnson (who is hugely underrated) Zabaleta (again, underrated) Mancini opted for mainly the youngsters, granted Kolo Toure played as did Kolarov and Milner came off the bench very late on but it was an excellent performance, especially from Scapuzzi and Suarez (two to definitely keep an eye on) Hopefully we stuff Wolves again this weekend 7-1

Nothing against Wolves BTW, They are one of the few premiership teams I actually like.

Phil

Wolves are a proper team - one of the few not run at a loss. Man City and their like may get results but why should their fans feel proud when this only happens because the league has been corrupted by money and their players are temperamental mercenaries.

Think I must be getting old...

 

[33011]

I'm a Southampton fan and we are doing better than expected top of the Championship at the mo after being promoted from league one last season. Will it last ? I don't know but i tend to enjoy it while it lasts.
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He will bemoaning the fact that the referee wouldnt allow him to bring on Howard Webb as a substitute. Hopefully he knows what its like to be on the end of a stuffing for a change.

I think he knows what it is like to be on the end of a stuffing. Anyone remember in 1996 When Man U lost 5 nil to Newcastle United only to lose the next game 6-3 against Southampton. I bet Peter Schmichel nearly had a back injury picking the ball out of the net 11 times in 2 games and that was with the likes of Cantona Giggs Beckham and keane playing.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Tevez must paly in at least 10% of City's games or he can release himself from his contract.

 

[blackettstreet]

Newcastle lost to Blackburn last night, lets hope this doesn't mark the start of their return to old ways...

(and I hope in eight months time this post doesn't come back to haunt me!

typical newcastle.......couldn't lose the easy way
good game, that
i blame the defeat on bad defending to allow a header for the last goal. probably perch :roll:
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Well surprise surprise, I disagree!
The squad we have got is very good at the moment. Though lacking in numbers within defence the partnership of Taylor and Collocini is very strong, I think it was only a few weeks ago that we had conceded the fewest goals in all of the leagues in England. Ryan Taylor has also been good.
The midfield is also excellent, with players such as Cabaye, Tiote and Ben Afra, I think we have one of the strongest midfields in the league.
In attack we have a proven goalscorer in Demba Ba, and despite earlier doubts from me! he is now finding the net frequently. We should have another attacker, and I'm hopeful that this will be sorted in the January transfer window.
Tim Krul in goal has been outstanding aswell.

Maybe we are a bit higher than we should be in the league. But we are nearly halfway to 40 points, securing our stay in the Premier league and I don't think that we will be dragged into the relegation dogfight.

we have an excellent squad....all we need is another centre-back, and probably a striker, but ba has surprised me as well.
we're hardly champions league material, but we're well above a relegation struggle. a top-10 finish is perfectly possible, considering we nearly did it last season with a worse squad than now.
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I can well imagine your disappointment with the result at Blackburn Rovers tonight as you scored two very good goals to take the match to extra time at 2-2, fought back to make it 3-3 only to lose to a last minute goal.

It is infuriating to score three goals away from home and still lose.

having watched the game on iplayer, wasn't the last goal offside? krul was convinced it was........
i was disappointed with the ref's decisions. i think ba should have got a penalty, at least.

 

[Donny Dave]

having watched the game on iplayer, wasn't the last goal offside? krul was convinced it was........
i was disappointed with the ref's decisions. i think ba should have got a penalty, at least.

Yeah, I saw that in the highlights as well. 99% of the time those penalties are given, but for Blackburn to go straight down the other end and get a penalty of their own just rubs salt into the wounds! Oh, and I think Krul was lucky to stay on the pitch for that challenge. I've seen red cards given when players are in worse positions ....

PS. Want to buy someone who can teach Scunthorpe United players on how to take penalties. We had 2 given against Huddersfield and missed both! We really should have ended their mammoth unbeaten streak the other night ....

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Tevez must play in at least 10% of City's games or he can release himself from his contract.

I wonder exactly how much he earns under his contract, even whilst not playing. He is not on a pay-as-you-play contract. It might well suit him to just sit back and let the money flow into his bank account, until Manchester City manage to obtain a reasonable transfer fee for him. The club must now regret not off-loading to Corinthians for the "supposed" £40 million earlier in the season, especially with the Tevez problems in the Champions League game, which would not have occurred if he had gone to Corinthians.

 

[Chew Chew]

I wonder exactly how much he earns under his contract, even whilst not playing. He is not on a pay-as-you-play contract. It might well suit him to just sit back and let the money flow into his bank account, until Manchester City manage to obtain a reasonable transfer fee for him. The club must now regret not off-loading to Corinthians for the "supposed" £40 million earlier in the season, especially with the Tevez problems in the Champions League game, which would not have occurred if he had gone to Corinthians.

Did Corinthians not want to pay off the transfer over a stupidly long period of time though?

Can't see another English club being interested in him and I don't think that Barcelona and Real Madrid won't go near him so I'm wondering if nouveau riche clubs like PSG or Malaga would be interested?