English Football Thread! 2007-2008 Season

[Psychotic]

The best defence is offence.The best defence is eleven men behind the ball. Remember Reading on the opening day of the season? :p

[Loony BoB]

To be fair to them, I think that was 10 men...

[charliepanayi]

Blimey, what a cracker between Chelsea and Aston Villa. And Cashley Cole sent off. So whatever happens to Arsenal today at least something good came out of it.

[Jess]

Let's never mention yesterday ever again.

[charliepanayi]

Chelsea v Villa a few days ago, now it's Tottenham v Reading that's providing all the insanity. I just hope Arsenal don't lose now (we've lost the last two seasons at Goodison Park, argh) or I won't be watching MOTD tonight to see the highlights of the Spurs game XD

[blim]

with half hour left you should have lots to look forward to, esp with Man U having lost.


EDIT: Also, sympathies to the family and friends of Phil O'Donnell (Motherwell Captain) who collapsed and died towards the end of their 5-3 win today.

[charliepanayi]

Yes, it's very sad to see another footballer die, it's so odd that we've had a few in the last few months :(

But on the Arsenal front, top going into 2008 (though we are playing New Year's Day, so it may not be for long into 2008 XD). We still look to have problems, especially playing away, but considering what the outlook was back in July or August (who was it here who said we'd be overtaken by the likes of Newcastle now?), I am happy with how it's going at the halfway point.

[Psychotic]

Yes, it's very sad to see another footballer die, it's so odd that we've had a few in the last few months :(Indeed. Perhaps someone should look into the training practices of modern footballers.

Also, I will say it. I was wrong with what I said about Arsenal at the start of the season. Still think they're a bunch of fancy dans who deserve a good old fashioned kicking, though. ;)

[charliepanayi]

And I will say again I do believe there's still a lot to play for for Liverpool and Chelsea in the league, it only takes a few games to change things.

Even with Chelsea's offside winner today!

[Old Manus]

Poasting to acknowledge the Swans' giant win over Leeds with 10 men today

[Heath]

Let's never mention yesterday ever again.

Actually, can we never mention today again?

[Loony BoB]

West Ham deserved to win. Having said that, Everton did too. I can't believe so many of the decisions that went Arsenal's way today. But eh, I guess we all get those games.

Gutted to lose the lead but I'm sure by the end of January we'll be back up there, unless something pretty bad happens.

[charliepanayi]

Everton deserved to win?! Come off it, a team whose defence in the second-half made Santa Claus look stingy (as one paper put it) didn't deserve anything out of that game. They had us on the ropes at half-time and it was very bad defensive mistakes on their part rather than any dodgy decisions that scuppered Everton. I know the scoreline was flattering but still...a 4-1 win can be flattering, indeed. But I don't think I've ever heard of a 4-1 win where the losing team deserved to win!

Sorry for the cliche but we showed character yesterday in the second-half to come back.

[Heath]

What I can take out of that game as it is is a wry grin about the supposed 'long ball' tactics of Everton that we actually out-played Arsenal's midfield yesterday and forced them to adopt long ball tactics in the second half.

But for a handball goal (I didn't see anything wrong with it initially but when I saw replays it was clearer) and an uncharacteristic blunder by Yobo, I think Everton could have won that game. At 3-1 I think Arsenal took the wind out of our sails and clearly one side was more confident than the other after that. I think the 4-1 scoreline flatters Arsenal in all honesty.

Everton's results against the supposed 'big four' are, in my opinion, what prevents us from breaking into the top four again. We've managed one point of fifteen against them (from a 1-1 draw with Chelsea). However when I remember that we deserved something out of the derby, we were only narrowly beaten by Man Utd both times and that we more than matched Arsenal in the first half of yesterdays game, I can't really complain.

[Psychotic]

I think it's winning games that they really shouldn't that set the truly top sides apart from their competitors.

Also, Liverpool "held" by Man City? Well I'm more than satisfied with a draw so whatever, Orange UK Home Page and BBC Ceefax!

[DK]

I told you we would scrounge a draw.

Although, that gullible hag Pooja had one of her friends tell her we beat you 4-0 and just IM'd me all excited and got my hopes up for nothing, the daft bint. Never mind, I had a dream we lost 1-0 so it's still all good.

[Psychotic]

I love that I am single-handedly responsible for her hating Liverpool. :laugh:

[Heath]

It's alright. The time Everton beat Liverpool 3-0 at least one friend of mine mislead me into thinking we'd lost 3-1. I can't remember if Paul was party to that, but I'm sure he wouldn't have minded taking part.

[Psychotic]

LOL NAYSMITH if memory serves.

[Jess]

We were robbed! :(

[Loony BoB]

I love that I am single-handedly responsible for her hating Liverpool. :laugh:
You're half the reason for me not liking them anymore! The other half being Rafa Benitez. He's so annoying. He emulates all the bad parts of Jose Mourinho without any of the good stuff.

[Psychotic]

If it wasn't for Fernando Torres, the world would be a horrible place.

[DK]

It was so nice for us to get a confidence boosting away win, we were lucky to get such an easy team to beat and get ourselves back into the groove :) I wish we could play Newcastle every week! :kiss:

[charliepanayi]

My 2008 football predictions:

Man Utd to win the Premiership (as much as it pains me to say it)

Real Madrid to win the European Cup (and Baptista to score in the final to annoy all us Arsenal fans)

The FA Cup final to be hideously boring

France to win Euro 2008 (yes, I do remember what group they're in)

[Cleansation]

As you can see in my signature i'm a big football fan, Fc København (Copenhagen) is who i'm supporting - I'm a big fan and goes to all their games.:)

In the english league i have always been a chelsea supporter but i hate the new manager.

[Heath]

Let's never mention yesterday ever again.

Actually, can we never mention today again?

Actually, can we never mention today again?

Why the hell we even have Gravesen back I don't know. I know a lot of Evertonians saw Gravesen as a panic-loan after the Fernandes deal didn't come off and it certainly seems that way. I never really rated Gravesen and it was only during his last season with us that he started to play well really. Each time I've seen him this season (against AZ Alkmaar and listening to the commentary today) all he seems to do is either argue with Lee Carsley or bugger things up; neither of which I think are that constructive.

I can understand why Moyes played the team he did today and I think I probably wouldn't done the same thing with us playing Chelsea on Tuesday. I don't see why on earth that squad couldn't have easily beaten an Oldham side with a fair few injuries that are mid-table in League One. However, I don't see why Moyes rested Howard when there wasn't much need to, really. I think Moyes underestimated Oldham but really, it was a disappointing performance by the team. Well done to Oldham and good luck to them, but Everton better get a decent result at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday or else today'll hurt even more. Oh, and against Man City next Saturday but I'm sure that my presence at that game will make all the difference.

I wasn't too bothered with our previous two defeats because it was Arsenal and Manchester United, but Oldham isn't really a team you associate as being of a similar quality.

[Hazzard]

Yeah, my fellow Gunner has a point. It might very well be Man Utd who nick the title this season, as horrid as it is to admit. They look too strong at the moment.

[Serapy]

I'm a Man Utd fan! I'm so rooting for em to jack this season title :D

[Jess]

Arsenal vs Stoke or Newcastle in the next round of the FA cup. Fucking typical.

[Rocket Edge]

Ginger Sam, hold your line on Anelka please!

[charliepanayi]

Arsenal vs Stoke or Newcastle in the next round of the FA cup. smurfing typical.

And if you do win the replay we have you again in the league at home a few days later!

[Psychotic]

Ginger Sam, hold your line on Anelka please!Ginger Sam got fired a while ago, sir!

Ah, Newcastle vs Arsenal. Whoever wins, I get to taunt me some EoFFers in this here thread. :excited:

[Heath]

Arsenal vs Stoke or Newcastle in the next round of the FA cup. smurfing typical.

I know, that's a really tough draw. I don't envy Stoke having to play Arsenal in the next round.

[Jess]

Ah, Newcastle vs Arsenal. Whoever wins, I get to taunt me some EoFFers in this here thread. :excited:
If Newcastle keep performing like they are it'll be Arsenal vs Stoke. :(

[Rocket Edge]

Ginger Sam, hold your line on Anelka please!Ginger Sam got fired a while ago, sir!
Frig, oh yes!

[Jess]

Absolute bastards.

[Psychotic]

Hey Jess I'm applying for the Newcastle job. I'm wondering if you'll be my assistant manager if I get it. Just let me know. Also, I need a first team coach, a reserve coach and a goalkeeping coach, so if any of you guys are interested in that then I'd be happy to take you on.

I'm thinking all I need to do is buy a couple of obscure and crap foreign centre backs for £12m a pop and finish 14th for a nice £5m termination bonus.

[Jess]

I'd rather you than Shearer, Paul. I don't want them to destroy his managerial career so early on. :kaobeg:

[Psychotic]

I kinda just want one of those raincoats with my initials on it.

[Jess]

I'll make you one. :heart:

[Psychotic]

Awesome! I think Blue Peter had an episode telling you how to this one time. Anyway, if you had such a coat you could lend it to Joe Cole OR Jamie Carragher and nobody would know it wasn't theirs!

[charliepanayi]

Isn't that now the 9th manager in the Premiership to go this season? Almost half the original number! I'm no fan of Allardyce but Newcastle are mad and this whole booting managers out business is getting ridiculous.

EDIT: Oh no, Spurs almost beat us! Oh wait it was in the League Cup...

Well so long as Chelsea or Everton beat them in the final I'm not too bothered if they go through now XD

[Jess]

I'm no fan of Allardyce but Newcastle are mad and this whole booting managers out business is getting ridiculous.
Tell me about it. Fair enough, the current owners didn't employ him themselves but he is a good manager. Yeah, he hasn't done very well so far but he wasn't doing an awful job. Sacking him half way through the season is now going to see us struggle for a fair bit whilst a new manager is employed and so on. If we end up with fucking Steve McClaren as our manager.... :nonono:

[Heath]

Well so long as Chelsea or Everton beat them in the final I'm not too bothered if they go through now XD

I really hope we beat Chelsea. Not just so we can win the cup, but I was rather disgusted by the actions of some of their players yesterday and moreso by a really arrogant post made on their website which, among other things, alleged that Everton played like a League One side yesterday. Tossers. But yeah, support Everton against London, everyone!

Also Allardyce getting sacked? Lovely. :D

[DK]

If we end up with smurfing Steve McClaren as our manager.... :nonono:

Oh my god, I didn't even consider that. That would only be slightly less beautiful than Graeme Souness coming back to ruin everything again.

[Rocket Edge]

If we end up with smurfing Steve McClaren as our manager.... :nonono:

Oh my god, I didn't even consider that. That would only be slightly less beautiful than Graeme Souness coming back to ruin everything again.
Graeme Souness. What an outstanding candidate for joke of the decade.

[Serapy]

Can someone predict whether Rafael Benitez gets the sack or not? :confused:

[Loony BoB]

Well so long as Chelsea or Everton beat them in the final I'm not too bothered if they go through now XD

I really hope we beat Chelsea. Not just so we can win the cup, but I was rather disgusted by the actions of some of their players yesterday and moreso by a really arrogant post made on their website which, among other things, alleged that Everton played like a League One side yesterday. Tossers. But yeah, support Everton against London, everyone!

Also Allardyce getting sacked? Lovely. :D
You read posts/articles on other teams' websites?

[Rocket Edge]

If we end up with smurfing Steve McClaren as our manager.... :nonono:

Oh my god, I didn't even consider that. That would only be slightly less beautiful than Graeme Souness coming back to ruin everything again.
There is nothing left to ruin. :confused:
I think the position is more-so cursed than anything else. Just like your national team's post.

[Psychotic]

Can someone predict whether Rafael Benitez gets the sack or not? :confused:I predict that if he gets the sack I will sob. I think if it does happen, it'll be at the end of the season, not January.
You read posts/articles on other teams' websites?The Chelsea website is fantastic reading. It's like reading press releases from North Korea or Iran. Glorious Chelsea defies the decadent west, and our magnicifent armies will march across the Premiership to slaughter the infidels. Chelsea may have been robbed, 1-0, but rest assured this was because the referee was corrupt, and disallowed seven legitimate and beautiful Chelsea goals! In Chelsea's official records the result of this game shall be stated as 10-0, as this would have been the true score had the FA not conspired against us because they fear us. HAIL COMRADE ABRAMOVICH! HAIL!

[Heath]

Well so long as Chelsea or Everton beat them in the final I'm not too bothered if they go through now XD

I really hope we beat Chelsea. Not just so we can win the cup, but I was rather disgusted by the actions of some of their players yesterday and moreso by a really arrogant post made on their website which, among other things, alleged that Everton played like a League One side yesterday. Tossers. But yeah, support Everton against London, everyone!

Also Allardyce getting sacked? Lovely. :D
You read posts/articles on other teams' websites?

Someone linked to it on an Everton website I read. But yeah, as Paul said, it is a really brilliant website to read if you aren't annoyed about a football result like I was.

[charliepanayi]

Congratulations Arsenal, ekeing out a hard-fought draw today against...er...Birmingham at home. Except when I say 'congratulations', I mean 'you useless gits!', and by 'hard-fought draw' I mean 'two points dropped'

I hope the 2005-2007 version of Arsenal isn't back all of a sudden :(

Chelsea four points behind now...maybe my predicting them for the title is still not too foolish. Hmm who would I least hate winning it, Chelsea or Man Utd *thinks*

[Jess]

There is nothing left to ruin.
Basically. :weep:

[cloud21zidane16]

There is nothing left to ruin.
Basically. :weep:

Mark Hughes is the favorite now, a new beginning?

[charliepanayi]

Keegan's back at Newcastle!

Blimey...

[Heath]

I'd have preferred Graeme Souness, personally, but beggars can't be choosers. Still, hopefully he's the man to take them to the Championship (yes, I mean that Championship).

[Jess]

Kevin Keegans black and white army!

I didn't think he'd take the job. It must have been that 6-0 thrashing.

[DK]

Now for God's sake, GIVE THE MAN TIME. Going to take at least a full season or two for him to shape his team how he wants it.

[Jess]

2-0 to Newcastle and we're now down to ten men. Owen scored a goal, which is a shock~

4-1 full time. :cool:

[charliepanayi]

Havant & Waterlooville in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup and playing at Anfield. Good stuff all round, H&W will get a day out and a load of cash, and for Rafa Benitez that's a bye into the Fifth Round, so everyone's happy!

[Psychotic]

Rafa will play our reserve team + Torres and Gerrard.

...and nobody will notice.

[charliepanayi]

Don't worry Psychotic, if Arsenal don't beat Fulham on the weekend the papers will no doubt take time out from their recent incessant kicking of Liverpool to start giving Arsenal the same treatment. Since of course nowadays two league games in a row without a win = CRISIS for the likes of Man Utd (back in August), Chelsea (when Mourinho left), Liverpool (the last few weeks) and Arsenal (possibly now) in the newspapers' eyes.

[Psychotic]

Oh you're just saying that you big softy. :aimkiss:

I just don't get how a team that can, on their day, play better than Arsenal and United (I said it!) and get crazy high-scoring wins like 8-0 can look like they've never played together in their life when they come up against the likes of Brum. It's baffling.

[charliepanayi]

We just failed to beat Birmingham too you know!

As for Liverpool, I've given up trying to figure them out. I reckon they will beat Inter though.

[Old Manus]

I...I...don't believe it. :(

[charliepanayi]

I...I...don't believe it. :(

Oh blimey I forgot we had a Swansea fan on here :eek:

I remember when we lost to Wrexham in the Third Round in 1992, it's a horrible feeling I know :p

[Heath]

I've seen Everton lose to Oldham and Shrewsbury in recent years. I'm clearly the most hurt here.

[Loony BoB]

Decided I'd look into this after Keegan went on about how he knew the club etc. He knows the club. Exactly how well does he know the players? Current Newcastle United players that Keegan has managed at club level...

1. Joey Barton, while he was at Manchester City.
2. Steve Harper, 32 year old second choice goalkeeper. Keegan loaned him out consistently throughout his last management stint at Newcastle.
3. Peter Ramage, who for a season or two was in the youth system / reserves while Keegan was last in charge at Newcastle.

Joey Barton for captain! xD I would laugh so hard.

In all seriousness, though, it'll be interesting to see how this goes. I'm really looking forward to keeping an eye on things out that way as I've heard so much about Keegan's Newcastle days after I started to follow football.

[Jess]

Owen...captain? :confused:

[Hazzard]

Owen wouldn't be able to deal with such a job. Just give the captain's armband to Nicky Butt, or Shay Given.

Arsenal need to make up for their previous slip up against Birmingham, by comfortably winning this game. Hopefully Man U will miss out on points today...

[charliepanayi]

We did get a comfortable win in the end, needed that to help steady the ship. Man Utd and Chelsea won but then Reading took points off the former earlier in the year so was always asking a lot to expect them to do it again. It's still nicely poised and no-one looks unbeatable.

[Hazzard]

Impressive. Chelsea really is keeping the old blood flowing, ehh?
I'm gonna check out all the highlights today from Match of the Day.

[Jess]

It doesn't look like the Keegan effect has kicked in yet. However, we kept a clean sheet! :surprised

[charliepanayi]

It doesn't look like the Keegan effect has kicked in yet. However, we kept a clean sheet! :surprised

If it kicks in when you play us, I shall not be happy ;)

Africa Nations Cup starts today, should be interesting viewing.

[Heath]

What a dreadful performance by Everton today. Moments of goodness, but in the end it was rather disappointing football. Odd moments of goodness, but mainly pretty dire. I suppose Moyes probably had his eye on Wednesday night (as he did against Oldham). We better beat Chelsea on Wednesday.

[Psychotic]

Who cares if you were :skull::skull::skull::skull:? You won away!

[Jess]

It doesn't look like the Keegan effect has kicked in yet. However, we kept a clean sheet! :surprised

If it kicks in when you play us, I shall not be happy ;)
I will, seeing as we have to play you twice in one week. :jess:

[charliepanayi]

I don't mind so much the FA Cup between us, it's the league game I want us to win first and foremost.

[charliepanayi]

Oh well, Spurs are going to beat us, woe is me!!!

[Jess]

Oh my hahahahahhah. 4-0?!

[charliepanayi]

Oh my hahahahahhah. 4-0?!

Two more goals and I'll start to know how you felt at Old Trafford =O

[Jess]

Uh, that never happened. :shifty:

[DK]

Ahahaha, that's beautiful. :love:

[Psychotic]

Oh my hahahahahhah. 4-0?!

Two more goals and I'll start to know how you felt at Old Trafford =OHahahaha, nice comeback. :lol:

It's always fun to see a good team take a beating so yeah, go Spurs. :mog: :mog: :mog:

[Heath]

I'd certainly take Everton 4 - 1 Chelsea tomorrow!

[Loony BoB]

Oh my hahahahahhah. 4-0?!

Two more goals and I'll start to know how you felt at Old Trafford =O
Big difference between United beating an out of form Newcastle and Tottenham hammering Arsenal, who they haven't beaten for how long?

[charliepanayi]

Seven years or so. At this rate they might manage a league win against us sometime before 2010.

Of course it's annoying to lose by that margin, but Man Utd lost in the League Cup to Coventry at home, and that was pretty unexpected too. We've got bigger fish to fry...well at the moment anyway. Whether we do by the end of February/March/April etc is another matter. But drawing to Birmingham at home is a worse result than tonight's was in terms of importance.

[Heath]

In all honesty, I'd rather be out of the Carling Cup than out of the FA Cup. Let's be honest though, the Carling Cup represents Tottenham's best chance of getting into the UEFA Cup next season. It was simply a more important game to Spurs than it was for Arsenal. If Everton lose tomorrow, I'll support Chelsea in the final because I want Everton in Europe next season and the league is looking so tight I'm still unsure whether we'll manage a UEFA Cup place this season. Of course I want Everton to win some silverware, but if that's not possible, I'd at least like the UEFA Cup spot that comes with it. Even if I do harbour ridiculous hopes of a 4th place finish!

So let's all support Everton tomorrow because no one likes Chelsea!

[Psychotic]

I don't like Everton either.

[Heath]

Must be a tough decision for you. Which is the lesser of the two evils? Me or Demondude? He supports Chelsea, right?

[Loony BoB]

Man Utd lost in the League Cup to Coventry at home, and that was pretty unexpected too.
Actually, I pretty much expected it. Our record against non-Premiership sides it terrible.

2005/06 - Burton Albion 0 - 0 Man Utd (FA Cup)
2006/07 - Southend 1 - 0 Man Utd (Carling Cup)
2007/08 - Man Utd 0 - 2 Coventry (Carling Cup)

...and I can't find the previous results but I know there are more recent crap results. We did get to the FA Cup final last year - we faced Premiership opposition every round to get there, though!

[charliepanayi]

There was your draw to Exeter in the FA Cup too a few years back :)

But yeah, at least you had a harder run to the FA Cup final than Millwall did back in 2004 - no Premiership teams at all!

[Loony BoB]

"People are worried that I might take money away from the Texas Rangers [Hicks' baseball franchise] to go to Liverpool," Hicks said.

"But it is just the reverse. Liverpool is going to throw off lots of extra money which, if I choose to, I can use for the Rangers or the Dallas Stars ice hockey team."
Ahaha, after all the crap Liverpool fans gave United fans about how their American owners care about the club, and how their American owners know about football... this is just funny. Meanwhile, we're cruising along with effectively a silent partner who finances anything SAF wants.

But despite all that, I do hope that Liverpool can get out of the craphole they're in. A manager who has loads of top class players but can't win a home game and is asking for "more, more, more" and a couple of owners who seem to want to bring money over to America rather than reinvesting in the team.

[Garnie]

.......i was'nt going to show my face but....DA-DA!
ok we may be the worst team in history but im still supporting Derby...Even though we are crap!

[Heath]

"People are worried that I might take money away from the Texas Rangers [Hicks' baseball franchise] to go to Liverpool," Hicks said.

"But it is just the reverse. Liverpool is going to throw off lots of extra money which, if I choose to, I can use for the Rangers or the Dallas Stars ice hockey team."
Ahaha, after all the crap Liverpool fans gave United fans about how their American owners care about the club, and how their American owners know about football... this is just funny. Meanwhile, we're cruising along with effectively a silent partner who finances anything SAF wants.

But despite all that, I do hope that Liverpool can get out of the craphole they're in. A manager who has loads of top class players but can't win a home game and is asking for "more, more, more" and a couple of owners who seem to want to bring money over to America rather than reinvesting in the team.

I don't rate Benitez myself and I'm unsure why others do. He's good in cup competitions when squad rotation works but a game-after-game basis in a league he just doesn't seem to do that well. Obviously as an Evertonian I like Liverpool being below us in the league, but I do think if Liverpool want to progress in the league they should replace Benitez. As for the money, I don't really have anything new to say.

[Cz]

Does last night's result mean we can start taking Spurs seriously as local rivals again? As much as I enjoy seeing them fail, some of the glory of beating them inevitably wears off when you've gone undefeated in a decade. Yesterday's scoreline was a shock, but it'll make our next victory against them all the sweeter.

Do your job tonight, Everton. I don't want to have to cheer for the other blue team in the final.

[Cleansation]

I really laughed my ass off yesterday when i saw bendther score in his own goal and later getting into a fight... I'm ashamed of being danish with that idiot running around.

[Serapy]

Man Utd lost in the League Cup to Coventry at home, and that was pretty unexpected too.
Actually, I pretty much expected it. Our record against non-Premiership sides it terrible.

2005/06 - Burton Albion 0 - 0 Man Utd (FA Cup)
2006/07 - Southend 1 - 0 Man Utd (Carling Cup)
2007/08 - Man Utd 0 - 2 Coventry (Carling Cup)

...and I can't find the previous results but I know there are more recent crap results. We did get to the FA Cup final last year - we faced Premiership opposi<b></b>tion every round to get there, though!

It's very ironic, isn't it? Because I live in Coventry (it's the truth!) and I'm a fan of Man Utd. Then this result popped up... Coventry won again Man Utd! A bad ass sort of Karma must have came arcoss me @!

[Psychotic]

I don't rate Benitez myself and I'm unsure why others do. He's good in cup competitions when squad rotation works but a game-after-game basis in a league he just doesn't seem to do that well. The man broke the Barcelona-Madrid league domination when he won it with Valencia, and he won the European Cup with Djimi Traore in the team. That's why people rate him.

Name me a manager in Everton's history who has accomplished something greater than the Traore thing. :cool:

He's like Fernando Morientes. He's great, and anyone disputing that is a lunatic. He just doesn't quite understand how the Premiership works.

[Cz]

Worst cup final ever. Can we please have a game at the new Wembley with a team worth rooting for?

[Serapy]

Ars 1-5 Spurs, huh, that was a crazy match. Two team mates fighting each other? I think that has to be the first encounter I've ever seen before. Spurs deserved the win though.

[charliepanayi]

I generally find it's an odd 5-1 win where the winning team didn't deserve to win XD

As for two team-mates fighting each other, I remember David Batty and Graeme Le Saux for Blackburn in a European Cup match back in 95/96.

And yes Wembley is horribly jinxed so far for us: first Man Utd v Chelsea, now Chelsea v Spurs!

[Psychotic]

And let's not forget the extremely amusing Dyer vs Bowyer affair.

[Garnie]

ZOMG WE ACTULLY WON A GAME I JUST FOUND OUT!!
but it was against Sheff-Wednesday so its nothing to cheer about!

[charliepanayi]

ZOMG WE ACTULLY WON A GAME I JUST FOUND OUT!!
but it was against Sheff-Wednesday so its nothing to cheer about!

And it was on penalties I think ;)

[Garnie]

.....i know.....:(

[charliepanayi]

Apologies, I really shouldn't be cruel to a poor Derby fan this season, it's like kicking a puppy really.

[Heath]

I don't rate Benitez myself and I'm unsure why others do. He's good in cup competitions when squad rotation works but a game-after-game basis in a league he just doesn't seem to do that well. The man broke the Barcelona-Madrid league domination when he won it with Valencia, and he won the European Cup with Djimi Traore in the team. That's why people rate him.

Name me a manager in Everton's history who has accomplished something greater than the Traore thing. :cool:

He's like Fernando Morientes. He's great, and anyone disputing that is a lunatic. He just doesn't quite understand how the Premiership works.

I was referring to his tenure at Liverpool, in all honesty. He's certainly an accomplished manager, but he doesn't seem to be winning you titles like every Liverpool fan assures me you'll do this season because this is THE season.

Apologies for Chelsea beating us. Proud of the team because they deserved to win and put in a great performance. Damn Petr Cech!

[Psychotic]

I'm a Liverpool fan and I've never assured you of that! So not every Liverpool fan! :)

[Serapy]

Ooh blues won.

I put my bet on Spurs to get that cup. What's your bet?

[Heath]

Ooh blues won.

I put my bet on Spurs to get that cup. What's your bet?

It would have been a bit hard for the Blues (one of two of them) not to win yesterday.

[Cuchulainn]

I'm not sure how seriously Ferguson takes the CC. I'm sure he'd love to win it but playing your reserve side every time kinda shows you what he makes of it. I HAVENT POSTED IN A WHILE HOPE EVERYONE IS STILL NOT DEAD.

[Jess]

My brother is going to the Newcastle vs Arsenal match without me tomorrow. I hate my lack of monies. :(

I'm hoping for the Keegan effect to come into place. :jess:

[charliepanayi]

I'm hoping by 'Keegan effect' you mean, complete lack of defence in Newcastle. I can but hope XD - but I would rather win on Tuesday than today, if we can only win one game.

[DK]

Regardless of the eventual result, Havant and Warterlooville are my new favourite team (after City). What a bunch of legends. :laugh: The Fans "Can we play you every week", beautiful.

[Jess]

"Champions League, are you having a laugh?!" :lol:

[Heath]

Havant & Waterlooville are the best team ever. I really hope they win.

Go Havant!

[Cz]

Thanks for drawing everyone's attention away from our crappy first-half display, Liverpool. Maybe we'll lend you a couple of our Under 18's so you can handle lower league sides in the future. :greenie:

[Jess]

Bad times. :(

[Psychotic]

You're all Havant fans? Excellent. Haha 5-2 gtfo nublets. :cool:

[Garnie]

....4-1 preston winz..........
Try again in
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
DERBY...FAIL
;____;

[charliepanayi]

That Liverpool game was fairly amusing for 45 minutes. In fairness, those sort of games are impossible for a top-flight team. You can't really 'win' as such, whatever you do. Still, well done to Havant & Waterlooville though the chorus of 'magic of the cup' that the media drone out as a result does get a bit much eventually.

And same again on Tuesday please Arsenal!

[Garnie]

You're all Havant fans? Excellent. Haha 5-2 gtfo nublets. :cool:

ROFL NUBBLET

[Heath]

You're all Havant fans? Excellent. Haha 5-2 gtfo nublets. :cool:

If you'd gotten beaten I was going to request a name change to Havant. :( Ah well, well done for doing so well, Havant. Better luck next time. Since Everton got knocked out, I've been supporting Havant & Waterlooville.

[Psychotic]

Glory supporter.

[Cz]

Yeah, we should all support a glory-less team like Paul does.

[charliepanayi]

Who's Paul? I still only know people on this thread by forum names :D

Derby...dear oh dear...

[DK]

Paul = Psychotic

If we could get to make a Derby vs Derby match, I bet the odds for most likely result would be both teams losing. :monster:

[charliepanayi]

If only both teams could lose when the game is Man Utd v Spurs...

And Cz, don't fall into that trap again like last season of slagging off another team shortly before we lose in three competitions in the space of a week!

[Cz]

If only both teams could lose when the game is Man Utd v Spurs...

And Cz, don't fall into that trap again like last season of slagging off another team shortly before we lose in three competitions in the space of a week!You're still blaming that on me, huh? xD

Don't worry, I've learned my lesson. We may be having a better season than Liverpool, but that doesn't mean we'll win anything, or that they won't. There are still plenty of ways we can slip up in the FA Cup yet, and of course the Premiership and Champions League are always going to be tough. But what's the point in being a football fan if you can't slag off your rivals every once in a while? ;)

[charliepanayi]

Only six Premiership teams left in the FA Cup, and only two outside of the 'Big Four' XD - interesting to see anyway.

[Psychotic]

Yeah, we should all support a glory-less team like Paul does.Come back when you've won more European Cups than Aston Villa. :)

[charliepanayi]

I'd rather be in our position than Aston Villa's right now ;)

Besides, at least mention league titles rather than European Cups as the true barometer of glory. Otherwise Nottingham Forest are on a par with Juventus and Barcelona! And it's not like Liverpool are short of titles...well they have been for 18 years but that's another story...

[Hazzard]

After seeing Adebayor's performance last match, who reckons he'll ever be on the level even better than Thierry Henry. Anyone think that's possible?

Also, those Havant lads make me laugh, especially Alfie Potter, he done surprisingly well along with his teammates consisting of binmen, builders, wannabe taxi drivers and school caretakers. A nice collection of characters, ehh?

I think Liverpool played really poorly, this match was a sign of weakness in the side, they just don't possess anything useful to lift them back up at the moment. Something definitely needs tinkering within the club as a whole.

[Old Manus]

Well done Havant, you did us proud.

[charliepanayi]

I'm just happy with Adebayor being Adebayor at the moment. I don't think he'll be as good as Henry, but then not many are.

I still think it's harsh to have a go for Liverpool for this weekend's game, even Man Utd had a few problems with the likes of Exeter and Burton Albion in recent years. And on another day that could have been Arsenal or Chelsea looking silly for a while against a non-league side.

The game with Villa was more Liverpool in a nutshell, seemingly in control, than all of a sudden behind. They've lost less games than Man Utd, it's endless draws that have crippled them.

[charliepanayi]

FA Cup 5th round

Bristol Rovers v Southampton

Cardiff City v Wolves

Sheffield United v Middlesbrough

Liverpool v Barnsley

Manchester United v Arsenal

Preston v Portsmouth

Coventry City v West Brom

Chelsea v Huddersfield Town

Argh! Argh! Argh!

So, just the two trophies to go for now... XD

[Cz]

Argh, the worst draw imaginable. Luckily the ACN will be over by then, but I still don't fancy our chances away from home. Of course, we got the win at Old Trafford last season while playing far worse than we are now, so the situation isn't exactly hopeless.

[Jess]

You got the worst draw ever? We managed to draw, and get knocked out by you in both the FA and Carling Cup. ;D

[Heath]

Chelsea at home against lower league opposition? Been a while since that's happened.

[Psychotic]

I would rather get Man United than Barnsley. At least then I don't have to face the cruel mockery of the football thread when we lose.

[charliepanayi]

Chelsea's FA Cup runs in the last year or two have been a bad joke :(

Will be interesting to se how Man Utd and Arsenal approach their game as they'll be playing their European Cup games a few days later.

[Hazzard]

I'm scared to death about facing Man Utd again, I hope we're gonna come away with the win this time.

[charliepanayi]

I'm scared to death about facing Man Utd again, I hope we're gonna come away with the win this time.

Well we have beaten them in two out of the last three league games, and in two of the last three FA Cup meetings, so not sure what you mean about 'come away with the win this time' (OK one of those FA Cup wins was on penalties after being battered for 120 minutes, but what the hell :p ).
We can do it, it'll just be very, very hard against a team of their calibre and at Old Trafford.

And Psychotic, you should be pleased! For the fourth season in a row Liverpool have the chance to have a cup run obscure the fact they've failed to make a title challenge for the umpteenth season in a row! I wish we had that luxury in recent years.

[Psychotic]

Pleased? I'll only be pleased if we beat Arsenal 5-0 in the final, courtesy of 5 Fabregas own goals! :greenie:

[Hazzard]

I meant that I hope Arsenal win this match against Man Utd, because we failed to beat them at Emirates last year in the Premiership. Also, the game wasn't entirely satisfying for us, we hardly had possession and I'm expecting a totally different attitude to this Fa Cup match-up.

[charliepanayi]

I presume you mean our 2-2 draw with them in November (since we beat them at home last year). I don't know, last minute equalisers against Man Utd can be satisfying sometimes XD

[Cz]

Not as satisfying as last minute winners, though. ;)

[Loony BoB]

I agree with Paul - I'd prefer to play Arsenal than a lower league side. Of course, unlike Liverpool, that's because we're actually cursed to lose against such sides rather than just be humiliated by them.

[Jess]

I'm wishing for some pay back tonight. :jess:

[Serapy]

Aye, go go Man Utd! :D

Cristiano Ronaldo has been amazing, he's soon to be suprassing his 30 goals! Alex betted that he will reach 30 goals before the end, but looking at how things went, I'm sure he can do more than 30 goals!

[Loony BoB]

To beat George Best's record would be a massive thing to do, I have to say. I think he'll do it, too. I wonder if the European club players will concede FIFA World Player of the Year (and that Ball on door thing) to him after all that?

[Jess]

It's half time and I am sad. :(

[Cz]

It's 3-0 and I am happy. :)

Poor Kevin Keegan. I can't think of many managers who've had a tougher set of games at the start of their term. Newcastle seemed pretty good at points in the first half, which has to be encouraging, but he's still got a lot of work to do with that defence. Best of luck to him.

Screw Dennis Wise, though.

[charliepanayi]

In just under a month poor Newcastle have to play Man Utd again too!

Good performance anyway, Man City away on Saturday we have to try and end their unbeaten home record now. Got to keep the pressure up on Man Utd.

[Jess]

3-0 again!

The defence isn't the only area of our team with a major problem. I think it's 5 premiership games now without scoring? It's a fucking joke. :(

[charliepanayi]

So it's as you were at the top of the league.

Liverpool don't even look like they're trying anymore!

And shock as Derby don't lose a game!

[Psychotic]

The plan is to do what should have happened in 2005. Let Everton come fourth, win the Champions League and then laugh in their faces.

[charliepanayi]

You mean what did happen in 2005.

[Heath]

The plan is to do what should have happened in 2005. Let Everton come fourth, win the Champions League and then laugh in their faces.

Coming 4th is fine for me. Rafa Beneathus innit. Let's not get TOO unrealistic with the rest of that post though :p

[Psychotic]

You mean what did happen in 2005.Well, I meant Everton should've been sent to the UEFA Cup straight away instead of messing up England's seeding coefficient by jobbing to Villarreal, but y'know.

And yeah, writing Liverpool off in Europe isn't fashionable anymore, Heath m'boy, seeing as how we're the only English team to win trophies in Europe this century. (Four, to be precise! And don't say the Super Cup doesn't count, 'cause you'd all love to win it. ;)) Get with the times.

[charliepanayi]

Winning the Premiership is more important than winning the European Cup

And you know it's true! I would like us to eventually bloody win a European Cup and all but I'd still rather the title if I had to choose.

Liverpool will beat Inter, I'm just not sure about beyond that.

[Serapy]

2-0! Ronaldo's second goal was quite impressive and now reached 27th goals :D Anderson almost scored! That was unbelievable, it was like 0.0000000001 inch away from the post >_> They've had so many chances wasted, but a 3 pts is still enough :P

West Ham won? That's pretty unexpected xD

[Psychotic]

Agreed, Mr. Panayi. But we're out of the title race. We're not going to win it this year. So yeah, I would rather we focus all resources on Europe (and the FA Cup) now.

[charliepanayi]

Yeah that's understandable enough. Don't go out of both in the space of a week like us ;)

[demondude]

We need to get rid of Avram Grant, he has absolutely no personality and isn't even a brilliant manager.

[charliepanayi]

We need to get rid of Avram Grant, he has absolutely no personality and isn't even a brilliant manager.

Well he's not doing too badly at the moment! Why not wait to see what happens this season before judging him, he could yet win Chelsea the title.

I agree about the 'no personality' bit though :D

[Psychotic]

Meanwhile, contrary to reports elsewhere, the deal to complete Javier Mascherano's permanent move to Liverpool has yet to be finalised.Shoot me. Just fucking shoot me. :(

Glad to see Jari Litmanen back in the Premiership though!

[Hazzard]

We need to get rid of Avram Grant, he has absolutely no personality and isn't even a brilliant manager.

Well he's not doing too badly at the moment! Why not wait to see what happens this season before judging him, he could yet win Chelsea the title.

I agree about the 'no personality' bit though :D

I totally disagree with that. Avram Grant's doing wonderfully at the moment, won nine games in a row and keeping Chelsea close behind the top two.

He does have a personality, he seems quite light hearted and jovial if yo ask me. I like him, he's a kind man...on the surface :shifty:

[Serapy]

Yay, matches tomorrow :D What are your expections on your fav team?

Man Utd vs Spurs. Another same match again!? They are both good teams, I'm wondering whether spurs are so determined to get thier revenge done. I can't predict on that one :(

How do you watch those matches? On your TV? I don't have those channels on my TV but at least I use TVUPlayer on PC just to watch them, although the quality is pretty bad.

[Heath]

Should be an interesting game tomorrow between Blackburn and Everton. In my biased way, I think Everton'll edge it, but it'll be a close game. We need Yakubu and Yobo back. At full strength with our midfield consisting of the likes of Pienaar, Arteta, Cahill, Carsley and Fernandes, we'll be at our best yet this season.

[charliepanayi]

Good win for us today, Adebayor keeps up his great form. Solid performance overall (aside from Clichy's error) so I have to be happy.

EDIT: I rarely ever say this, but thank you Spurs :) - despite the last minute equaliser! And thank you to Portsmouth!

[Heath]

How unbelievably gay. I mean for God's sake how late was that flag? Everton should've won 1-0 and I'm ridiculously pissed off by that draw. At least 4th is safe for another week unless Villa win by 6 goals tomorrow. Bah. Bet we finish 5th by 2 points. Bet you.

[Loony BoB]

That game was pretty horrific. The ref had no real control over it. Disappointed to draw, but eh, if we win all our remaining games I believe we still win, so it's not a bad position.

[Cz]

I was going to complain about United being jammy bastards, but then I realised that it means United, Chelsea and Spurs had disappointing weekends, and that rather makes up for it. :greenie:

Very pleased with our result. City haven't been their best recently, but they're usually a formiddable force at home, and getting three points up there is a big boost. Hopefully the momentum will carry into what promises to be a very tough February.

[Old Manus]

It's not football, but...


YOU ENGLISH JUST GOT FUCKING TOLD!

By a bunch of sheep-shagging Ospreys, too.

[Serapy]

How unbelievably gay. I mean for God's sake how late was that flag? Everton should've won 1-0 and I'm ridiculously pissed off by that draw. At least 4th is safe for another week unless Villa win by 6 goals tomorrow. Bah. Bet we finish 5th by 2 points. Bet you.

Don't worry, I'm on the same side as you. We have had a draw as well.

Too many bookings, that was rather unnecessary. That ref needs to get fired! Why can't all the refs be perfect?

[Psychotic]

Rugby is for failures.

Pleased we finally won a league game!

[demondude]

My Avram Grant point proven! A draw against Portsmouth just isn't good enough.
And Old Manus I believe we were the ones who got to the final in the rugby world cup. :choc2:

[charliepanayi]

Arsenal and Man Utd also drew at Portsmouth too, there's no shame in it. But it's not what Chelsea need right now agreed.

And I think the rugby world cup final is already long forgotten after England's implosion today!

[demondude]

Our glorious achievements will never be forgotten!

[Heath]

My Avram Grant point proven! A draw against Portsmouth just isn't good enough.

Oh yeah, Portsmouth. They're practically in a relegation battle, aren't they? A draw against Portsmouth is hardly a bad result.

Oh and I love how Mark Hughes was moaning about a penalty that wasn't given. Yeah, not like Everton had a more obvious penalty turned down today. Or against Spurs on Wednesday.

[Jess]

Ah, what a joke. We didn't play brilliantly (as usual), but some awful refereeing in todays match.

[Heath]

Ah, what a joke. We didn't play brilliantly (as usual), but some awful refereeing in todays match.

Didn't see the match (I'll have a look at MotD though) but was it any worse than the refereeing of Blackburn-Everton? Or rather the assistant refereeing anyway.

[Psychotic]

The refereering in Blackburn-Everton was spot on. I didn't even see the game, but Moyes little whine that went along the lines of "I won't criticise the referee because it's such a hard job. Nope. Won't say anything bad about him at all. Not one bit!" was worth it. At least have the balls to come out and criticise him instead of trying to be all subtle to avoid an FA charge, you big whinger.

[Heath]

The refereering in Blackburn-Everton was spot on. I didn't even see the game, but Moyes little whine that went along the lines of "I won't criticise the referee because it's such a hard job. Nope. Won't say anything bad about him at all. Not one bit!" was worth it. At least have the balls to come out and criticise him instead of trying to be all subtle to avoid an FA charge, you big whinger.

Well the legitimate problems I had:

* No booking for Dunn's deliberate handball. Dunn later cleared a ball off the line when he arguably shouldn't have been on the pitch (he was already booked at this point).

* The Johnson penalty claim seemed reasonable enough, though I didn't expect it to be given at the time. Certainly more reasonable than the McCarthy one that Hughes moaned about.

* The disallowed goal. Johnson was initially in an offside position but came back onside by the time Vaughan had the ball and made the pass. In the ten seconds or so that followed Johnson initially being offside, the flag stayed down and it was only after the ball was in the net that the offside was given.

Keep in mind that last time Moyes criticised the referee (after the derby), he was charged with improper conduct. Admittedly these charges were dropped last week.

[Jess]

The fourth minute goal that was disallowed was ridiculous, and the Boro' goal wasn't legit. We were robbed! :jess:

[Psychotic]

You forgot Arteta (you know, that Spanish bloke who's way better than Torres!) only receiving a yellow card for grabbing Mortem Gamst Pedersen around his throat.

[Heath]

You forgot Arteta (you know, that Spanish bloke who's way better than Torres!) only receiving a yellow card for grabbing Mortem Gamst Pedersen around his throat.

Don't remember that, but if it happened then Arteta should have duly sent off. And Everton should've duly won at least 1-0.

[Psychotic]

The Daily Mail is outraged by it. Their entire match report of Blackburn v Everton was dominated by it, accompanied by a photo. I love the Daily Mail. :love:

[Heath]

And I have more reason to hate it. The Independent was largely sympathetic to Everton. I think they said as much that McCarthy went down too easily, Everton should've won 21-0 and that we were largely the better team, though the decision could cost us. And the only reason I'm buying that newspaper is for those little great philosophers booklets (though in a push, I suppose it's my newspaper of choice - that or The Grauniad, though I rarely buy newspapers).

[charliepanayi]

Liverpool should just be concentrating on trying to get points off Chelsea on Sunday ;)

[demondude]

I'm not saying Portsmouth are a bad team but we need those points. :Whimper:

[Psychotic]

Liverpool should just be concentrating on signing Javier Mascherano on a permanent basis!

[DK]

And then getting rid of those fucking idiot Americans.

[Psychotic]

I think with the second one comes the first one.

[Heath]

I think with the second one comes the first one.

Why is it that the Liverpool fans want them out again? Because they want to remove Champion's League-winning, warlock-bearded Benitez?

[Psychotic]

I'm against them because they won't sign my precious Masch! If they do that then they can stay as far as I'm concerned.

And ah, tonight should prove beyond all reasonable doubt who the England captain should be. Fucking loved it when Stevie was announced as MotM. :love: And that I was dead right when I said in this here thread that Wes Brown should never play for England again.

[DK]

Haha yeah, Wes Brown is such a dire player. Me and Jess were laughing at him and it was funny.

Not as funny as Jermaine Jenas scoring though.

[Jess]

There were still many sloppy moments, but I'm liking Capello. I'm wishing for Stevie G to be announced as captain. I'm deeply in love with that man. :heart: Not John Terry, please.

Peter Crouch's rubber legs make me lol. I wish he still did roboCrouch. I also wish they would show Ian Wright's celebration in the studio whenever Shaun scores. :(

[Psychotic]

I don't think John Terry should make it into the England starting line up, to be frank. He's the best centre back in the Premiership, but that's just it. International football isn't the Premiership. The likes of Switzerland and Russia aren't going to throw long balls at him, plonking it right down onto his head like the Boltons and Fulhams of the Premiership do. He's just out of his depth and I'd prefer a classier centre back to partner Ferdinand.

[Serapy]

What a good start.
Had so many good chances to score more.
But that proves that they are positive.
Will improve.
Capello seems to be better than Steve, no doubt.

[Loony BoB]

I think with the second one comes the first one.

Why is it that the Liverpool fans want them out again? Because they want to remove Champion's League-winning, warlock-bearded Benitez?
If Everton was owned by some company that said that profits made by Everton could be used to finance a sporting group in their homeland, what would you think of them?

Still think it's really funny that they said that. Idiots.

EDIT: what (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7232390.stm)

[Cz]

what (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7232390.stm)Awful awful awful.

[Rocket Edge]

That was inevitable though.

[Jess]

So the extra game per season would be chosen by a draw? We'll probably draw Arsenal every fucking time. :(

[Psychotic]

The fact that they're making it a 39th game is just ridiculous and extremely unfair.

[Heath]

I think with the second one comes the first one.

Why is it that the Liverpool fans want them out again? Because they want to remove Champion's League-winning, warlock-bearded Benitez?
If Everton was owned by some company that said that profits made by Everton could be used to finance a sporting group in their homeland, what would you think of them?

Still think it's really funny that they said that. Idiots.

I didn't say what they were doing was right and that the fans were wrong to object, on the contrary I said I was fairly ignorant about the whole thing and just wanted some more information about the whole thing.


The fact that they're making it a 39th game is just ridiculous and extremely unfair.

Bet Chelsea still get lower league opposition somehow.

[Loony BoB]

I think with the second one comes the first one.

Why is it that the Liverpool fans want them out again? Because they want to remove Champion's League-winning, warlock-bearded Benitez?
If Everton was owned by some company that said that profits made by Everton could be used to finance a sporting group in their homeland, what would you think of them?

Still think it's really funny that they said that. Idiots.

I didn't say what they were doing was right and that the fans were wrong to object, on the contrary I said I was fairly ignorant about the whole thing and just wanted some more information about the whole thing.
Which is why I said what I said. :confused: That, to me, is a good reason to hate your owners...

[Psychotic]

Fernando Torres was injured by the French, so he cannot play against Chelsea.

France has gone too far this time. I hereby declare war on France on behalf of EoFF. :irked: (I mean hey, if 4chan can declare war on Scientology, I'm sure we can declare war on France!)

[DK]

You probably already know this, but I'm already on the front lines with you my good man.

[Cz]

I know we're just a football thread on a semi-popular games website, but I think the French would still surrender to us.

So, does anybody think this International Round plan is actually going to be implemented? Some might say that overseas games are an inevitability, but with the proposal meeting (from what I can gather) almost unanimous disapproval I can see the Premier League taking time to regroup and reformulate their plans to make them, well, less stupid. I for one would be very upset if the idea went through in its present form, and while the Premier League obviously isn't going to be deterred by something as insignificant as public opinion, I'd hope that they'd at least address some of the fans' specific concerns to make the thing less grossly unfair.

In slightly better news, teams are going to be allowed to name seven substitutes in league games next season (httphttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7233663.stm). Fran Merida and Havard Nordtveit ahoy!

[Rocket Edge]

I completely agree with now being able to use 7 subs next season. So when United are thrashing the likes of Wigan or whoever, we can slap on some players who previously wouldn't even see sight of the subs bench, and in turn, they would gain some invaluable first-team experience.

[blim]

Sorry, i must be missing something. What is the objection to the overseas games?

Extra travelling? No different to playing friendlies in the middle east or U.S.A etc.

Too many games? The 7 sub rule should mean more players get used therefore negating the effect of the extra game.

Blatant commercialisation of top-flight football? Bit late to complain about that, and what do you think pays for the likes of Ronaldo,Torres and Drogba?

The Premiershi* sold out its fans years ago.

[charliepanayi]

The main objection is that the system they propose is a '39th game', which could lead to teams getting matches that vary wildly in difficulty, and which could potentially prove crucial come the end of the season - as someone said, what if Man Utd got Spurs (and drew) and Arsenal got Derby (and won) in this 'extra' game and Arsenal won the league by a point or two. Ditto for deciding European places and relegation.

[Psychotic]

Absolutely love the 7 substitutes proposal. It's about damn time we were in line with Europe on this.

[Jess]

"1-0 and you fucked it up, 1-0 and you fucked it up!"

What a disgrace. The lazy wankers of Newcastle United shouldn't even be getting paid. The only player on that pitch today that deserves his wages is James Milner. Every single pass or cross Joey Barton attempted was complete & utter fail, yet Kevin Keegan doesn't bring Emre on until we're 2-1 down. STOP STARTING JOEY BARTON, HE IS FUCKING USELESS!! Why the hell was Mark Viduka sitting on the bench for the entire match - for the last 30-40 minutes Alan Smith did jack :skull::skull::skull::skull:. Where was Kevin Keegan shouting on the sidelines and telling them to get their fucking act together? Ughughugh. I want to punch every one of those lazy bastards in the face. Early in the game we managed to string about 16-18 passes in a row together and then we go a goal down and we just start hoofing the ball up and hope for the best and then whenever Michael Owen gets a hold of the ball he's got no fucking support and loses it. :mad2: We're going to be beaten massively in the next two games (Man Utd and Liverpool) and if we're not careful we're going to find ourselves in the relegation zone before too long. Angry Jess. :mad2:

[Psychotic]

hahaha yeah you're going to be beaten massively by Dirk Kuyt FC. :rolleyes2 ...although you will be if my beloved Torres is back by then.

[charliepanayi]

Half-time and I will hate Man City forever if they lose this game now. Come on Sven and you blue half of Manchester! :(

EDIT: Man City you beauties! Come on Liverpool, any chance of an extra favour? We'll still need to try and beat Blackburn tomorrow though, need to keep winning.

[DK]

:kiss:

[Rocket Edge]

:mad2:

[Psychotic]

Come on Liverpool, any chance of an extra favour? We'll still need to try and beat Blackburn tomorrow though, need to keep winning.Good enough for you?

[charliepanayi]

Fine by me :) - though like I say we'll need to win tomorrow to make it all have been worthwhile. Looks to have been another thrilling game involving Chelsea anyway.

And well done to Egypt, winning the ACN again.

[Loony BoB]

On a sidenote, I'm considering starting up a EoFF team in Football Manager 2008 and then seeing how it goes. If you guys can let me know your thoughts on it whether or not you'd be interested, that would be great.

The general idea I have in mind is that I would grab a club in [some league] and then rename it to [EoFF-style name of our choice] and then list off all the existing players which yourselves could then replace - although in name only, as I'd keep the existing player's stats etc. You could all assist me in deciding what you feel is best for our team, and so on. As for who gets what player, it would be strictly first-in, first-serve. Likewise, since we won't have total control over when a player wants to leave etc, I would see if I can do something with regards to renaming whoever leaves to their original FM2008 name and then having whoever was 'using' that player to pick someone else in the squad.

So, hands up if you're interested. I'll make a new thread later on if there are enough people :D I'm thinking I want at least 15-20 people from EoFF interested before I go ahead.

[DK]

You'll get 9 at most.

[Loony BoB]

Psy, charlie, Heath, Jess, you, Cz, Resha and myself make eight. Danielle will chime in for the sake of it, she actually watches some matches with me these days so she'll have at least a vague idea of what's going on. Still teaching her the offside rule but she's getting the hang of it! If I can get Rocket Edge, Jimsour, blim, Hazzard and Burtslpurt then I've got 14. The Captain might be interested, maybe Serapy or Croyles or someone else I've missed. I'm sure we can put together a fair few and others might get interested if I actually figure out a way to make it work. :p

[DK]

Resha doesn't care about EoFF anymore. A few of those people haven't posted in ages and about half of them probably cba.

Also, I'm going to tell bugs you're plagiarising him. :mad2:

[Loony BoB]

Resha doesn't care about EoFF anymore. A few of those people haven't posted in ages and about half of them probably cba.

Also, I'm going to tell bugs you're plagiarising him. :mad2:
Yeah, but unlike bugs, I have no life.

[Psychotic]

Well you could just get some faceless internet Americans to make up the rest of the team, and we'd be the ones making management suggestions and all that junk.

[Rocket Edge]

Count me in Bobo. :monster:

[DK]

Yeah, but unlike bugs, I have no life.

Can't argue with you when you quote the words of such a wise man.

[Cz]

This long weekend is about two hours away from being perfect. It's not very often we get an opportunity like this, so I'll be very upset if we don't capitalise.

As a person who paid embarrassingly little attention to the ACN, I was wondering if someone better informed could tell me when Egypt became so good. I can't remember them ever making a World Cup, and can't even think of a single player of theirs, so it seems strange that they should have won the last two competitions on a continent with so many strong sides.

BoB, it has long been my dream to be a numbered dot buzzing around on a computer screen. And seeing as how I can't get enough of FM, I'd be happy to take part. :)

EDIT: Hell yes. 1-0.

[Loony BoB]

http://forums.eyesonff.com/general-chat/114603-eoff-starts-club-football-manager-2008-a.html#post2420436

[charliepanayi]

Not the bext performance, but we got the three points and that's what matters for now. Now we have to see if the lack of experience our squad us of being in this position is a factor or not. I'm hoping they have the ability to cope with the pressure.

And Egypt got to the World Cup in 1990 (and didn't do too badly at the time despite going outin the first round) but they have a lot of the best club teams in Africa. Their attempt to get to the last World Cup probably wasn't helped by being in the same group as Ivory Coast AND Cameroon (with only one place on offer from the group)

[Psychotic]

I think I want Arsenal to win the league. I'm sorry, everyone. :(

[Jess]

Get out of my thread. :mad2:

[Psychotic]

You get out. United and Chelsea are both worse.

[Jess]

YOU'RE worse. Now go to the corner and think about what you have said. :mad2:

[Psychotic]

You're calling me worse than Manchester United? Jessica. Oh Jessica. You're dead to me.

[Jess]

Okay, no. But I am very disappointed in you. Nobody can want Arsenal or Manchester United to win the league. EVER.

[Psychotic]

Look, I think we can all agree that Liverpool represent the forces of good in the football world. There is no disputing that. In an ideal world, yes, we would win it and football would be set right once more. Supporters of all righteous and decent teams (ie every team that isn't United, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal) would stand up and cheer. It would be like the end of Episode VI!

But as it stands, we're out of it now. As for the teams who are still left, United are foul, I still haven't forgiven Chelsea for the Mourinho era and while Arsenal are certainly evil, they're the lesser of the three evils. Who do United and Chelsea have who is anywhere near as awesome as Kolo Toure? Nobody!

[Jess]

I TAKE IT BACK.

Out of the three, I'm hoping for Chelski to win it.

[Psychotic]

Remind me again who you wanted to win when we met up and Arsenal were playing on TV? :) And remind me again of what I was cheering for.

[Jess]

Who were they playing? and things change when they beat us 4 times in one season. They should never win anything ever ever again.

[Psychotic]

Spurs. Let me refresh your memory: You were cheering for Arsenal, and I was cheering for broken legs, or at the very least a penalty shoot out. I went away disappointed. :(

[Jess]

I only wanted them to win so I could mock my friend who supports Spurs. It will never happen again. Ever. :mad2:

[DK]

You are both failures at life of the highest order.

[Cz]

These are exciting developments.

[Loony BoB]

Seriously, anyone who thinks that a Premiership team represents the forces of good in football is kidding themselves as much as anyone else. Liverpool are owned by a couple of guys who want to take money earned by football and put it into the NFL. The forces of good in football are always going to be the lower league sides. However, the forces of good aren't always highly entertaining and the best of the best when it comes to talent, so we're all happy to sit around supporting the capitalist clubs that either are owned by foreigners, charge their fans too much, exploit every possible situation, have managers that moan constantly about things they really shouldn't moan about, can't keep a manager, keep a manager who only buys in foreign players, or, well, I don't know what else.

But anyone with an ounce of respect in their noggin should realise that Chelsea is by far the worse of the top three right now. Arsenal at least play entertaining football and I give credit to them for dropping off Henry and kicking out half of their cheating bastards of recent times (Reyes the main culprit for me, hated him so bad).

Obviously I want United to win. After that, I'd probably concede first to Arsenal only because I think they've earned my respect this year as a side instead of the side I used to know and despise. Liverpool and Chelsea both bore me too much to have me consider them worth winning the title. I find City more entertaining. Chelsea's only true entertainer - Jose - has gone so it wouldn't even be worth having them win. No character, that bloke. His wife drinks her own urine, too. I mean, seriously, that's the highlight of Chelsea. They have a manager who has a wife who drinks her own urine. That's it.

Jess, you support them ahead of Manchester United? Guess who you're dead to now. :( After all the players we sold to you! You just get back to your Galactico supporting ways, young lady. Begone!

[Psychotic]

Seriously, anyone who thinks that a Premiership team represents the forces of good in football is kidding themselves as much as anyone else.Key word in your sentence is "seriously". :kiss: