God's Football 2015-2016 season thread

[Psychotic]

David De Gea is the best keeper on the planet and if United lose him and don't make significant improvements on the squad BoB listed I can't see a top four finish next season, Mourinho or no. A couple of good young prospects in there and a few solid Premier League players, but keeper aside there aren't any world class players in there. Still, you can't help but think if they do get Jose - or rather, if they want him, it's pretty obvious he wants them with all the endless media flirting he's doing - they would give him some considerable funds.

[Formalhaut]

I'm not an expert on squad formation and players (the transfer window really flies past me, honestly), but I'm not sure Mourinho would do wonders for Man United. He's coming off the back of a disastrous end to his Chelsea career, and as others have said I'm just not sure how well he will gel with the team. He's a short-term fix, at best.

[Psychotic]

Consider that Claudio Ranieri had a much worse time as Greece manager than Mourinho did as Chelsea manager! Though you're right that Mou is very much a short term manager. Which isn't a bad thing, actually. Since Ferguson left it's always felt as though those associated with United - former players in the media, fans and such like - have been unable to get past a "we need a long term successor to build an empire" mindset when the reality is that modern football just doesn't work that way anymore. When Wenger receives his long overdue P45/retirement pension it'll be the end of an era.

[Formalhaut]

Consider that Claudio Ranieri had a much worse time as Greece manager than Mourinho did as Chelsea manager! Though you're right that Mou is very much a short term manager. Which isn't a bad thing, actually. Since Ferguson left it's always felt as though those associated with United - former players in the media, fans and such like - have been unable to get past a "we need a long term successor to build an empire" mindset when the reality is that modern football just doesn't work that way anymore. When Wenger receives his long overdue P45/retirement pension it'll be the end of an era.

I did actually think while I was writing that post "but didn't Ranieri get absolutely slated in the media?", so that is a good point well made. True, we shouldn't let past experience colour our impression of the manager. I still think he is a rather pompous self-centred individual who thinks too highly of himself. I wonder how the Eva Carniero dispute is going, actually.

I feel like Manchester United has had too many managers since Ferguson left. They've not had time to stabilise and settle. The problem with this current trend of 'revolving door managing' is that the manager knows they're just one bad season, even one bad run, away from danger and possible firing. That can't be good for team dynamic and it doesn't give the manager time. I see your point: long dynasties are no longer feasible in today's football (and Wenger really is holding out too long I think) but at the other end, I'm concerned about the rate at which managers leave as well.

[Old Manus]

Short 2-3 year stints is part of Mourinho's business model. He wouldn't have it any other way.

[Loony BoB]

All I know is that if I have a group of staff that don't gel, I look at the manager. But if he gets that group of staff to really gel right before I was considering firing him, I give him a fair chance and see how it plays out. The past few months are the first in which I've seen United play really nice attacking football in a very long time, with pace, aggression, etc. We're playing really well. I don't wait until a manager gets things right and then fire him. I fire him when things are going wrong or there would be no point in keeping him. So he does better, leaves, and we are back to square one again in building our team? Urgh, for the love of God, please, don't do that.

I won't cry if LVG goes but I will absolutely see it as "Oh, back to square one again." You can guarantee that Mourinho would come in with a full change of staff - again - and we all know how that affected the players last time around. Half the damn world points to the change in coaching staff as one of the biggest failings when Moyes came in, and I can absolutely understand it. Perhaps it's time for a little consistency and patience while we find the right team (which I think we have, personally).

And yeah, keeping De Gea will be more important than any other change in personnel next season. He signed a five year deal but I'm not sure if that included any kind of buy out clause for not reaching the Champions League (or otherwise). If we don't hit the CL, will DDG suddenly want to leave? I'm not sure. He apparently was really pissed off at RM for the way they handled his transfer. And four years left on his deal? We hardly are in a position to be strong-armed by player or club. Normally you'd expect it to get to three years left first.

As for "United have no world class players" - how many world class players does the Premier League have at all right now? That team I detailed may not be world class but United has generally been more famous for building world class players than keeping them, let's be frank about that much. And when we "buy world class" it generally ends up turning out pretty awful for us. I don't really see us as a club who benefits from "buying the best players" so much as from "buying the best potential". And right now, it could be argued we have a lot of the best potential already.

[Formalhaut]

It depends on what you mean by world class, really. Nowadays a 'world class' player is based on how much they are in the transfer window it feels like sometimes.

[Aerith's Knight]

Yeah, Costa, Depay, Schweinsteiger, Maria, they cost a fortune yet contributed nearly 0. Some world stars those turned out to be. Often these guys come from a team that was build around them, like RvP during his time at Arsenal, and it just doesn't work in another system.

Then again, De Gea, Blind, Martial, Mata, were all great additions, and definitely world class. Perhaps you just can't predict how it'll turn out. But having 10 world class player on your team will play out differently than having 1 and a decent team. In the latter case he shines, in the previous one there can be bitterness, jealousy, etc. I see that a lot when Depay plays, since he always wants to show off, to show that he can be worth something, and that is something you don't do in the BPL.

[Loony BoB]

You can on occasion, but you have to earn the right to. Depay has quite some way to go for that.

[Psychotic]

As for "United have no world class players" - how many world class players does the Premier League have at all right now? 13. 18 if you think whatever the smurf happened to Chelsea is just a blip and they'll reclimb the heights of last season. City have 4, Spurs have 3, Arsenal and Leicester have 2 apiece and Liverpool and United have 1. Actually, make that Liverpool have 0.3 because he's typically injured for two thirds of a season. The one and only time he wasn't we nearly won the league.

[Loony BoB]

As for "United have no world class players" - how many world class players does the Premier League have at all right now? 13. 18 if you think whatever the smurf happened to Chelsea is just a blip and they'll reclimb the heights of last season. City have 4, Spurs have 3, Arsenal and Leicester have 2 apiece and Liverpool and United have 1. Actually, make that Liverpool have 0.3 because he's typically injured for two thirds of a season. The one and only time he wasn't we nearly won the league.
Can you actually name these players so we can rip into them like they're part of a Best Video Games list or something?

[Psychotic]

Sure!

City: Kompany, Silva, De Bruyne, Aguero
Spurs: Vertonghen, Alderweireld, yes, Harry actual Kane
Leicester: Mahrez, Kante
Arsenal: Ozil, Sanchez
United: De Gea
Liverpool: Sturridge
Chelsea: Courtois, Hazard, Matic, Fabregas, Costa. But maybe none of them because smurf knows what is going on.

Honorouable mentions but not quite good enough: Hart, Sterling, Lloris, Alli, Cech, Bellerin, Vardy, Martial, pre-injury Luke Shaw (really!), Coutinho, Firmino, Willian, Lukaku, Payet, Mane, Arnautovic, Cabaye, Sigurdsson (you're welcome you cricket loving Daily Telegraph reader) etc. etc.

[Loony BoB]

There are a lot of players here that I would probably not put in the bracket of world class, and a lot of other players I'd say are better than them these days. Tough to call though, because many of them have a fantastic name to themselves but as players in their particular club at this particular time, they aren't anything outstanding in recent months. Kompany is an example - I'd prefer Smalling based on this season although I'd not have said that in seasons prior.

Also unsure regarding a lot of Chelsea players. And Sturridge, although I know you and I could argue until the cows come home regarding that. He's very good, don't get me wrong, but I'd take Vardy or Martial ahead of him. Also, Saha has most definitely taught me that injuries matter when considering who is and is not world class. Because Saha scored more goals per minute played than any other player in a high flying United side for a season or two, and that included the likes of RVN, Rooney in his prime and Ronaldo on his way up.

Likewise, if you're going by "past glories count, form is temporary, class is permanent, etc" then Schweinsteiger is definitely world class. And I still wouldn't start him. xD

I guess world class doesn't mean a huge deal these days though, in that case. I'd take "good players" over "world class players" if they former were the likes of Rashford and Martial. Compare that to "world class" players like Di Maria who can turn out to be world class flops...

[Psychotic]

Daniel Sturridge and Anthony Martial have both scored 8 Premier League goals this season. One of them has played 12 games, the other has played 28. As in, more than twice as many. Come on :p With that said, if persistent injuries mean a player can't be world class in your eyes then yep, fair enough.

I rate Sturridge because
http://i.imgur.com/W6VEkir.jpg

Can't deny those other two fellas were world class so by those same standards...!

On Kompany:

http://u.goal.com/2340900/2340932.jpg

Schweinsteiger was world class. Indeed, so was Rooney and so was Mata. The first two do seem to be past their primes though. As I've said many times in this thread, different footballers peak at different ages.

[Formalhaut]

The thing I feel with world-class marked players is that there is a ton of pressure to stay that way. They're being paid a lot (too much, I'd say) and they're expected to do better and raise the team up to greater glories. If they have a poor start acclimatising to a different way of football, or take time to form new partnerships, then fans and the manager start complaining.

One of the reasons why I love Leicester so much is how well they're doing without a massive pay check. They may have two world-class players, but the entire team is working well and is to be commended, and aren't even being paid that much compared to players in bigger teams.

[Psychotic]

I suspect next season with the CL money and suitors hovering around the likes of Kante and Mahrez like vultures, you're going to see some hefty wages offered to certain Leicester stalwarts.

[Formalhaut]

I suspect next season with the CL money and suitors hovering around the likes of Kante and Mahrez like vultures, you're going to see some hefty wages offered to certain Leicester stalwarts.

That is true, and I do fear for Leicester. I know Southampton got leeched a few years back and came out fine. While it might be financially in their interests to move on, I'd rather like them to stay at Leicester, at least for another season.

[Psychotic]

Yeah it'd be nice but it's not the end of the world. This season (regardless of if they do manage to win the league) is a monumental achievement that'll be remembered in the city forever. I remember when I was at Leicester Uni in my final year I caught a couple of games during the relegation from the Championship season under Ian smurfing Holloway and it was pure toss xD So things can and have been a lot worse.

[Loony BoB]

Oh, I think Kompany is awesome, I still think I'd prefer Smalling based on this season though, and that might be biased, but I really do feel Smalling has just been a rock this season, so good. Kompany has always been the first player I'd probably take out of the City side if I could pick one. But yeah, I've only seen Kompany a few times so I can understand those stats to be immense. I'm actually surprised though, because I have heard people (not United fans, before you think it xD) saying that he isn't the player he was a couple of years ago. Maybe it was just a bad run or something. I can see why you'd still say he's world class though. And I really do like him.

[Psychotic]

Yeah I won't argue on Smalling being a boss. Firmly established as England's #1 CB by a comfortable margin. But I also think rumours of Kompany's demise have been greatly exaggerated!

[Rocket Edge]

My designation of world class would be used a little more loosely than your's Paul.

I'll do my list (I love making lists, any excuse!):

Arsenal: Koscielny, Ozil, Sanchez
Chelsea: Courtois, Matic, Hazard, Fabregas, Costa
Man City: Kompany, De Bruyne, Silva, Aguero
Man United: De Gea, Smalling, Martial
Spurs: Lloris, Alderweireld, Kane
Leicester: Mahrez, Kante
Liverpool: Coutinho, Sturridge
West Ham: Payet


One of them has played 12 games, the other has played 28. As in, more than twice as many. Come on With that said, if persistent injuries mean a player can't be world class in your eyes then yep, fair enough.
Sturridge has been world class for years. Although poor Anthony plays almost exclusively on the wing under LVG's rigid United, and Daniel plays for free-scoring Klopps Liverpool. Incomparable. :smash:

[Psychotic]

I love Couts, and he is sure as hell going to sign for Barca for a huge fee either this summer or next (they've already started the tapping up process of having their players rave about how good he is in interviews) but I dunno if I'd say he's world class - yet! He is still surprisingly young.

Also to be fair, I'm not the one who initially compared Martial to Sturridge :p

[Aerith's Knight]

Daniel Sturridge and Anthony Martial have both scored 8 Premier League goals this season. One of them has played 12 games, the other has played 28. As in, more than twice as many. Come on :p With that said, if persistent injuries mean a player can't be world class in your eyes then yep, fair enough.

I rate Sturridge because


Can't deny those other two fellas were world class so by those same standards...!

On Kompany:



Schweinsteiger was world class. Indeed, so was Rooney and so was Mata. The first two do seem to be past their primes though. As I've said many times in this thread, different footballers peak at different ages.

Do you also have one that correlates the goals conceded to the amount of drugs in Sakho's system?

[DK]

Vinnie is by far the best and most important player we've signed in the modern era of Man City. He's an absolute tank of a defender and possibly more importantly, the greatest captain in the premier league and possibly world football. We are absolute dross whenever he's out. There isn't a team in world football that he wouldn't be in their starting XI when fully fit, and only really a handful of CB's who could claim to be better, and even some of them are debatable.

[DK]

Oops. :shobon:

[Loony BoB]

Hot damn, what a game so far. I think the ref made the right calls for each team's shouts - there wasn't enough from Simpson for a sending off and Rahmez basically ran into Rojo. Both looked worse in slow motion but yeah, good game so far, can't look away for a second.

[Aerith's Knight]

I like how the commentators work here.

1. Fellaini's afro gets pulled, hard.
2. He gives the guy an elbow.

No ref watched that, so eh, and then the commentators discuss for 5 minutes: "Oh Fellaini, why don't you keep your arms to yourself."

Seriously? I mean, they're both wrong, but if someone pulls my bloody hair, hard, I would instinctively punch them in the bloody face.

[Loony BoB]

Not sure if you're listening to Martin Tyler and that other guy I always forget the name of, but they seemed to not be aware of the hair pulling until later and they acknowledged it at that point.

[Aerith's Knight]

Listening to the Dutch commentators, sadly, since I don't have the option of the English ones.

Anyway, Rooney needs to calm down in that match. Too many wild shots because he wants his 100th. I'm guessing he'll be reminded in the break that he's a midfielder now, not a striker.

[Fox]

Fellaini... very disappointed he didn't get sent off. I don't care if your stupid afro is getting pulled, you don't get to elbow people in the face. And Leicester should've had a penalty as well!

[Aerith's Knight]

Fellaini... very disappointed he didn't get sent off. I don't care if your stupid afro is getting pulled, you don't get to elbow people in the face. And Leicester should've had a penalty as well!

Double standards much? Yellow card for both of them, I say. This isn't a playground.

[Fox]

Fellaini... very disappointed he didn't get sent off. I don't care if your stupid afro is getting pulled, you don't get to elbow people in the face. And Leicester should've had a penalty as well!

Double standards much? Yellow card for both of them, I say. This isn't a playground.

No, because you don't break someones jaw by pulling their hair.

Yellow for Huth, red for Fellaini.

[Loony BoB]

Could easily be argued that the reaction was forced by the action. I know that's the kind of reaction I'd have if someone yanked my head back, too. Reflex. I'd say equal punishment for both players, and if you pull someone's head down in your own box... is that a penalty? I don't even know given the player doesn't have the ball.

[Fox]

Yeah there's a fair argument for a yellow and penalty from Huth, but I don't see any way out of a red card for Fellaini. I think if you're going to be a professional football where you should be expecting pushes and pulls you need to train yourself not to instinctively elbow people in the face.

[Aerith's Knight]

No, because you don't break someones jaw by pulling their hair.

Yellow for Huth, red for Fellaini.

I'm not sure if you've ever been in scrapes, but unless you put your weight into it, you aren't breaking anything. And that's with fists, not even the broad side (not the point) of an elbow.


Yeah there's a fair argument for a yellow and penalty from Huth, but I don't see any way out of a red card for Fellaini. I think if you're going to be a professional football where you should be expecting pushes and pulls you need to train yourself not to instinctively elbow people in the face.

This I can agree with. But I still think pulling someone's hair goes just a little further than pulling a shirt. It's about the image of the game. What are they, children?

[Loony BoB]

Aye, a push and a pull on the shirt is one thing, a pull back/down on the head is very different than what you'd be expecting as a footballer.

Glad he's off either way because we were losing structure in our side, just got replaced by Herrera and I reckon that's what we needed. Less defence, but more technical control in offence.

[Fox]

No, because you don't break someones jaw by pulling their hair.

Yellow for Huth, red for Fellaini.

I'm not sure if you've ever been in scrapes, but unless you put your weight into it, you aren't breaking anything. And that's with fists, not even the broad side (not the point) of an elbow.


Yeah there's a fair argument for a yellow and penalty from Huth, but I don't see any way out of a red card for Fellaini. I think if you're going to be a professional football where you should be expecting pushes and pulls you need to train yourself not to instinctively elbow people in the face.

This I can agree with. But I still think pulling someone's hair goes just a little further than pulling a shirt. It's about the image of the game. What are they, children?

If it's about the image of the game do you really think a pull of the hair and an elbow in the jaw are an equal offence? If this was a playground I wouldn't want to see children doing either but I know which would carry a longer spell in detention

P.S. Robbie Savage just jinxed it by saying "This is all setup for a Leicester winner". ¬_¬

[Psychotic]

I like the idea of Fellaini training himself not to elbow people in the face, as if he doesn't do it on purpose and it isn't the sole thing he offers as a footballer.

Also smurfing hell that was close.

[Fox]

If United lose De Gea... they could do worse than signing another Schmeichel.

[Formalhaut]

A draw against Manchester United isn't a bad result... but I really wanted them to clinch the title today. :roll2

[Aerith's Knight]

I'd rather they get the title in their own house. Better for the fans, better for the team, isn't it?

[Formalhaut]

I guess. I'd rather they just win the title so I'm not spending every weekend with my heart in my mouth, but what can you do.

They can technically still clinch the title if Tottenham fail to beat Chelsea on Monday, right?

[Fox]

I'd rather they get the title in their own house. Better for the fans, better for the team, isn't it?

I just want them to wrap it up ASAP. Although now they've drawn to United I wont mind Spurs winning tomorrow, because it's definitely more special to win it on the pitch.

[Loony BoB]

Man, that game has left me exhausted just from watching. Don't think is a point enough for us, sadly... we needed a win to stay in touch for the City-Arsenal game where we could have potentially overtaken one of them. Maybe Southampton and Arsenal can do us a favour and knock six points out of City... wishful thinking, really. xD

Leicester can indeed win it through a Spurs loss, but I really hope it doesn't happen that way. You want to win in front of as many fans as possible, so you can get the trophy right after a victory.

[Formalhaut]

Man, that game has left me exhausted just from watching. Don't think is a point enough for us, sadly... we needed a win to stay in touch for the City-Arsenal game where we could have potentially overtaken one of them.

A draw for both sides wasn't what was required, which makes it doubly infuriating. I'm a very neutral football fan (except where Leicester is concerned), and for Manchester United, they failed to make lasting inroads towards the top four. Leicester also fails to just settle it once and for all.

If they win the title, I'll legit be celebrating.

[Fox]

Leicester can indeed win it through a Spurs loss, but I really hope it doesn't happen that way. You want to win in front of as many fans as possible, so you can get the trophy right after a victory.

A Spurs draw would also do it. The gap is 8 points now, a draw would make it 7 with 6 remaining.

[Formalhaut]

I know it would be better to win against Everton at home, but I can't handle the tension. I'd rather they win it sooner than waiting for a fairytale day next week that may not actually happen. I don't mind them winning the trophy on Monday. They can celebrate later; the massive parties in Leicester will be the same regardless of how they won it. :p

[Loony BoB]

I know it would be better to win against Everton at home, but I can't handle the tension. I'd rather they win it sooner than waiting for a fairytale day next week that may not actually happen. I don't mind them winning the trophy on Monday. They can celebrate later; the massive parties in Leicester will be the same regardless of how they won it. :p
You might think that, but as a United fan, there is something really special about winning it yourself, and to celebrate with all the fans when it happens. I would be absolutely gutted if they won it because Spurs dropped points rather than because of Leicester winning. It would be like being told a spoiler for a really exciting show that's coming up. Neutral fans might celebrate because Spurs lost, sure, but Leicester fans will want to have their moment watching the very second their team scored the goal that won them the title, knowing that it won them the title.

Bring on the fairy tale ending. They deserve as much.

[Fox]

I think it's very easy as a United fan to be more concerned with where and how it's best to win the league due to how many times we've won it. It's pretty common for us.

For Leicester fans who were ecstatic just to avoid relegation this time last year, I really don't think it's much of a concern for them :)

[Loony BoB]

Oh, I'm sure they'll take it however they can, but if they can win it at home, themselves, it'll feel that much better. I don't think anyone can really convince me otherwise. xD

[Psychotic]

As the closest thing EoFF has to a Leicester fan, I just want it smurfing done xD I don't care when or how it happens. I've experienced a certain other team I support throwing away too many titles at the last hurdle. All the other fans I know IRL are the same, they don't care how it happens.

[Formalhaut]

As the closest thing EoFF has to a Leicester fan

Ahem. :cool:

I think this season is the most active I've been on this thread, and it is all because of Leicester. :p

[Loony BoB]

I think Psy has been supporting Leicester longer than anyone here by some distance, even if it's not his #1 club. I think most of us here (and in the footballing world) are Leicester fans, but a true supporter is the one who is pumped for the team when they're below their normal standards, not rocking them. xD I'd be surprised if anyone was a supporter of them last year outside of him.

But yeah, I'd have Psy as the closest we have to a true Leicester fan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36183247 - :')

[Formalhaut]

I think Psy has been supporting Leicester longer than anyone here by some distance, even if it's not his #1 club. I think most of us here (and in the footballing world) are Leicester fans, but a true supporter is the one who is pumped for the team when they're below their normal standards, not rocking them. xD I'd be surprised if anyone was a supporter of them last year outside of him.

But yeah, I'd have Psy as the closest we have to a true Leicester fan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36183247 - :')

I was mostly joking, but I concede the point. But Leicester will definitely be on my radar though. Southampton has been as well, and Bournemouth.

EDIT: By the by, Mane is killing it for Southampton against Man City.

[Psychotic]

I'll see you at the parade I guess :p

Also yeah weirdly enough I was more of a fan when they were trout rather than this season. Steve Claridge 1996 is still the ultimate moment for me.

[Loony BoB]

EDIT: By the by, Mane is killing it for Southampton against Man City.
Just checked the score. Damn. Now I have to keep hoping. Over to you, Arsenal?

[Formalhaut]

What exactly has been Man City's problem this season? They've really flagged in the past few games. They appear very beatable. Not to knock Southampton, they're a very good team, but Man City is a cash-guzzling behemoth.

[Aerith's Knight]

Perhaps what we've learned this season is that you can't buy a League winning team.

You can buy a good one, though.

[Loony BoB]

To be fair, backing up the stats posted earlier: Kompany wasn't playing.

[DK]

The entire focus for us is on the Champion's League and has been for a while now. The line up for this game was nowhere near our strongest, because we've got probably our biggest game of the season thus far against Real Madrid on Wednesday and that is the only priority for us right now. This season has pretty much gone as you would have expected it to go for us considering we've got a bunch of pensioners for full backs, Yaya has gone right off the boil and they made the fantastic decision to announce Right Guardiola as our new manager halfway into the season which pretty much confirms for at least a few players that they're on their way out at the end of the season. Add that to the fact that our most important players have been regularly crippled over the course of the season and it's gone pretty well all things considered.


Perhaps what we've learned this season is that you can't buy a League winning team.

Except for the fact that we've won it twice in the last 5 years, Chelsea have bought 4 league titles and Man United have bought 13, sure. :wacky:

[Loony BoB]

These days you can pretty much argue that every other club in the world "buys titles". Chelsea, PSG and City are just the clubs that had the most sudden changes regarding cash injections. Still, Real Madrid makes even those three look poor when it comes to their spending habits.

[Psychotic]

I mean, Leicester bought their players too, so...

[Loony BoB]

Aye, it's all relative, really.

[Psychotic]

http://www.football365.com/news/van-gaal-defends-fellaini-by-pulling-reporters-hair

Yup, that seals it: LVG is my smurfing favourite. Don't you dare get rid of him. Sex masochism you know xD

[Aerith's Knight]

No arguing with sex masochism. :D

[Loony BoB]

I totally linked that quote in this thread yesterday. xD I guess nobody clicked.

You know, I really do feel that game just underlined everything I pointed out when discussing reasons to keep LVG over taking Mourinho. We are really starting to shine and I feel it's going to be back to square one again if we change manager - and coaching staff - all over again.

[Bubba]

Except for the fact that we've won it twice in the last 5 years, Chelsea have bought 4 league titles and Man United have bought 13, sure. :wacky:

Remind me how much Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, Butt and the two Nevilles cost us again? I forget.

[Formalhaut]

Chelsea vs Spurs is on now. Ugh. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I want Chelsea to stymie Spurs.

[Psychotic]

And it's done. Football is truly the beautiful game. :)

...he said after watching half a dozen two footed desperate lunges from Spurs players.

[Crop]

Great stuff.

[Psychotic]

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.Never

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.stop

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.quoting

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.this

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.POST!

[charliepanayi]

Thank **** for that.

[Aerith's Knight]

Even worse than if they'd won from United. Now the (maybe) only league championship they'll have won will have been celebrated with no fans present, and the team not even playing.

Hooray... *throws confetti*

[Formalhaut]

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.Never

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.stop

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.quoting

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.this

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.POST!

NEVER STOP QUOTING.

But my goodness, they've done it. I don't give a smurf if they received help from Chelsea, the success of Leicester winning the title began from the start of the season. Winning it in this way doesn't diminish what they've done. They and the fans can now enjoy the last two games as a victory lap.

But about the game: my God how brutal was it! Full of shoving, gouging, melee... I suppose it is a derby, but still.

[charliepanayi]

Even worse than if they'd won from United. Now the (maybe) only league championship they'll have won will have been celebrated with no fans present, and the team not even playing.

Hooray... *throws confetti*

Do you honestly think they'll care?

[Bubba]

Hey...hey you guys...

Remember when Utd were good?? Do you remember??

[Fox]

Hey...hey you guys...

Remember when Utd were good?? Do you remember??

It's OK, we'll buy Mahrez, King, Schmeichel and Vardy next year and we'll be back on top!

[The Captain]

5000-1 to champions! That might be even more unbelievable than ANYTHING in the thread's initial poll!

Wow, wow, wow! Of course, the only thing that would make it better was if they just won the thing outright at home this weekend. Still, now the fans can all go and celebrate, regardless of outcome and just soak in the moment.

Well done to Leicester! The days of the "Big 4" could be once and truly over now and the league is all the better for it.

Take care all.

[Bubba]

Nah

Liverpool will sign Vardy for £30M and he'll be a flop. Mahrez will go to Madrid, play 8 games then rot in the reserves for two years. Leicester will go back to obscurity. Congrats.

[Fox]

You know in my FIFA 16 Career as Portsmouth I won League 2 (yay!) and then immediately my board was like "OK our goal for the season is to win League 1".

I'm going to blame this on Leicester setting unrealistic expectations

[Psychotic]

Even worse than if they'd won from United. Now the (maybe) only league championship they'll have won will have been celebrated with no fans present, and the team not even playing.

Hooray... *throws confetti*Judging from the avalanche of party photos and videos my phone got bombarded with from a friend who lives in Leicester city centre, I can categorically state nobody minds at all.

[Old Manus]

I love football.

And yes, don't worry. I have indeed purchased a Joe Allen Liverpool shirt, which is currently in the post (though apparently these '100% genuine official Premier League' shirts from a bloke in Indonesia can take a while to arrive). I'm feeling dirty already :colbert:

[Formalhaut]

Could be worse. At least a certain MOtD presenter will have to embarrass himself as well. I wonder how many dares and bets like this were made between people? Oh the stories!

[Psychotic]

Even worse than if they'd won from United. Now the (maybe) only league championship they'll have won will have been celebrated with no fans present, and the team not even playing.

Hooray... *throws confetti*

https://vimeo.com/165083670 have a watch of this and tell us if it mattered! Excellent scenes.

[The Captain]

Nah

Liverpool will sign Vardy for £30M and he'll be a flop. Mahrez will go to Madrid, play 8 games then rot in the reserves for two years. Leicester will go back to obscurity. Congrats.

Don't be so sure. I think these guys will at least stay together one year to play in the Champions League. Plus, the EPL is about to give all their clubs crazy amounts of cash, so Leicester will be more than able to give their players raises.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/leicester-owners-vow-keep-title-7887077

Take care all.

[Aerith's Knight]

As if there wasn't enough money in the BPL already. Ah well, as long as I can watch it, I'll be alright with it. Makes all the other competitions kind of trivial though. Except for 1 or 2 teams in the Bundesliga and La liga.

[Old Manus]

And Pep stuffs it in the semis once again. It's been a great week for football.

[Psychotic]

http://i.imgur.com/VshfmIO.webm

can't begin to tell you how hard i came to that. Love this little Europa adventure, even if we are now facing basically the team that smurfing owns the Europa league trophy full time.

[Loony BoB]

even if we are now facing basically the team that smurfing owns the Europa league trophy full time.
I wasn't aware of who you were facing, but I love that based on this line, I was right on first guess.

[Psychotic]

Indeed. Also nice to know that Liverpool were the one team to stop two all Spanish finals and the only non-Spanish team to beat one this season. I have a theory that because the Spanish TV money system is smurfing broken and skewed in favour of the two slimy troutwaffle clubs, the rest of them take Europe really seriously because it's the only way they can actually get any money.

[Aerith's Knight]

Man, United is playing terrible. And that's no wonder, since Martial, Rashford and Blind are missing. Gods sake, did he take out ALL strikers of value?

Boring as smurf.

[Bubba]

Jesus titty-fucking Christ. Worst acceptance of a league title in the history of football.

[Psychotic]

Pfft, as if Man United could get Andrea Bocelli to show up!

[Bubba]

Pfft, as if Man United could get Andrea Bocelli to show up!

He isn't fit to lace Russell Watson's boots.

[Psychotic]

Which would almost be true if Russell Watson wasn't a poor man's Alfie Boe.

[Aerith's Knight]

I wish I knew who the hell you guys are all talking about. Boe? Watson?

Anyway, I do want to ask, the celebrations were planned now. But what if the hotspurs had won? Would they still have planned for the win?

[Psychotic]

Yes. Spurs will likely have approached their local council about planning permission for a victory parade for example.

[Aerith's Knight]

Don't be an ass, Psy. You are that for Steve far too often anyway. :bigsmile:

I meant that if the Spurs would've won last week, would the victory celebration still have been planned at Leicester?

[Psychotic]

I'm not, I just misunderstood your question. You mean would the Premier League trophy be presented today if they had won? No.

If it went down the last day of the season they would have multiple copies of the the trophy, one at the Spurs game and one at the Leicester game.

[Aerith's Knight]

I know, I just wanted to make that joke. But no Andrea Bocelli then, I guess? Still would've been funny if Everton won by a landslide and then they have the ceremony. Awkward.

[sinuosity]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6jSFtbP8fQ

Fairly incredible.

[charliepanayi]

I know, I just wanted to make that joke. But no Andrea Bocelli then, I guess? Still would've been funny if Everton won by a landslide and then they have the ceremony. Awkward.

No chance of that happening when you're playing Everton in their present state.

[charliepanayi]

Feel a bit bad for Pellegrini.

[Bubba]

Feel a bit bad for Pellegrini.

City fans didn't. They all buggered off before the final whistle. :lol:

They'll still get fourth place though. We're guaranteed to fuck it up in our final two games.

[charliepanayi]

That's why I felt sorry for him!

[Bubba]

Ahh, I see. Sorry!

It's pretty shocking from City fans though. Last home game of the season Utd fans always stay behind, even if we haven't won anything.

[Loony BoB]

It has been determined that West Ham fans are still, indeed, West Ham fans.

West Ham chairman: "If you check the coach there won't be any damage to it."

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/512/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/5/10/68107432-b8fe-4896-9dab-6006c3ae0d61.jpg

xD You sure, Dave?

EDIT: Not optimistic about this game, though. West Ham will be desperate for a win in their last Upton Park game. The place is clearly rocking, and I think both home and away sides will feel it. Hopefully not so much the ref, but you never know.

[Psychotic]

Come on United, grow a pair. Villarreal fucking loved it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOXt4DiT1j8 Well, the video suggests they loved it. Their performance seemed to suggest otherwise.

Also Boleyn Ground: Who cares? (apart from all 6 West Ham fans) It's not a particularly great or interesting ground and they're not a particularly great or interesting team. Maybe I'm just jaded because they've now got a superb modern stadium free of charge, funded by the taxpayer.

[Loony BoB]

Those six West Ham fans are making a lot of noise. xD I predict someone will get injured or sent off in this game if the intensity keeps up. Surprised at the lack of yellows being given out with how many fouls are being made, often involving sliding or high speed tackles... certainly not looking good for us at the moment.

[Bubba]

Glad West Ham could sign off from Upton Park with a cracking win. Proud that we played a part in it. I would have been embarrassed to qualify for the champions league with the awful season that we've had. City have plenty of faults but they are far more deserving of a top four place.

[Aerith's Knight]

And we learn the lesson once again. Don't rest your bloody players when they're in a groove. Blind played terrible today (just like the other defenders, but for them it's normal), and I barely saw Rashford. Martial at least is doing what he's paid for.

Bad game for De Gea as well. But I agree with Bubba, Man. City is the right choice for the Champions league, if you talk about representing England.

[Crop]

Well that was depressing.

Totally disagree about wanting City in it instead! Screw that, I want to see my team play against Europe's best. And screw being glad to be part of a nice day for West Ham, that's loser talk! I wanted to upset their party and smash them. Especially after what happened with the team bus.

That said, we were pretty bad and they deserved the win.

[charliepanayi]

All the relegation is done and dusted - boring!

I guess we can laugh at Newcastle anyway.

[Psychotic]

I'll laugh at Mike Ashley sure, I feel bad for the fans though. Norwich and their fans can get to fuck!

[charliepanayi]

Also laughing at this:

https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldChat/status/730491499864043520

[Psychotic]

Oh I think I know who is responsible for this abomination. Is it a coincidence that two football thread regulars have Stormtrooper avatars? I think not.

[Bubba]

Totally disagree about wanting City in it instead!

Never said I wanted them in, they just deserve it more than us. Play more attacking football, clearly better in Europe. Our current squad would be embarrassed in the champions league next season.

[Psychotic]

For my own predictions, I'll say 1. City 2. Chelsea 3. Arsenal 4. United. I will tip Stoke to do well, Aston Villa and Everton to flirt with relegation but ultimately all three promoted sides go down. Aguero top scorer, me to rant about my love of Roberto Firmino every week until he signs for Barcelona in two years time. Dimitri Payet. I don't know. Just Dimitri Payet. Oh, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Remember that name, he'll get a really funny red card. You watch.A mixed bag. League table totally wrong. Maybe the Arse can come third and United will come fourth to save me some face. At least I got Aston Villa and Everton being shit right although I got Villa staying up wrong. I was right about Payet and Mitrovic. And Firmino. After a slow adjustment period I've seen enough to say he's at least better than Coutinho. Aguero would be top scorer but for the fact that he is made out of Daniel Sturridges.

[Formalhaut]

For my own predictions, I'll say 1. City 2. Chelsea 3. Arsenal 4. United. I will tip Stoke to do well, Aston Villa and Everton to flirt with relegation but ultimately all three promoted sides go down. Aguero top scorer, me to rant about my love of Roberto Firmino every week until he signs for Barcelona in two years time. Dimitri Payet. I don't know. Just Dimitri Payet. Oh, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Remember that name, he'll get a really funny red card. You watch.A mixed bag. League table totally wrong. Maybe the Arse can come third and United will come fourth to save me some face. At least I got Aston Villa and Everton being trout right although I got Villa staying up wrong. I was right about Payet and Mitrovic. And Firmino. After a slow adjustment period I've seen enough to say he's at least better than Coutinho. Aguero would be top scorer but for the fact that he is made out of Daniel Sturridges.

You astutely made sure not to mention Leicester at your start of season predictions.

But not bad, really. You definitely called Everton imploding. Seriously, what has been up with their season?

[Psychotic]

I want to vote Big Andy and Other. Other being Leicester City finishing above Swansea City (who will be in a relegation fight) and Garry Monk crying when Claudio Ranieri verbally bitch slaps him.Well, I did say this about Leicester. :shobon: I think we can safely say I was right about them finishing above Swansea, and after Garry Monk got fired and Ranieri is going to be manager of the year we can say my bitch slap was a metaphor.

[Crop]

Totally disagree about wanting City in it instead!

Never said I wanted them in, they just deserve it more than us. Play more attacking football, clearly better in Europe. Our current squad would be embarrassed in the champions league next season.

Kinda like we were this season.

[Old Manus]

68062

As we say in s. Wales, "duneeeewwwwww"

[Loony BoB]

68062

As we say in s. Wales, "duneeeewwwwww"

Translation?

[DK]

"I'm so sorry Jonjo, my life is abject misery without you in it, I forgive you unconditionally. Please come home. Sheeps and Daffodils, James M. Hornby."

[sinuosity]

I watched a lot of Shelvey at Liverpool and the guy is briefly impressive in small flashes but his overall game is Championship tier.

[Old Manus]

I wouldn't say Championship tier. His occasional brilliance is frequent enough to make him worthy of a berth in a PL team, it's just when he's not being brilliant he is rubbish. He's better now than he was at Liverpool. Definitely not the kind of player with the nuts for a relegation fight, though, and that's why he hasn't lit anything up at Newcastle. I'd take him back if he wasn't such a cock about leaving the Swans. Can see somewhere like West Brom taking a punt on him in the summer. Classic Swansea curse in action again.

It is also true that I sign off all letters and emails with 'sheeps and daffodils'.

[Psychotic]

What does the M stand for? Morfydd?

I said it when he signed for Swansea and I'll say it again, he can easily become a solid Kevin Nolan level Premier League player with a good 15 year career in the top flight if he wants. But he strikes me as having a problem many young English footballers have of having lots of talent but the wrong attitude. See Morrison, Ravel. Or even Wilshere and Sterling and their love of smoking/hippy crack respectively.

[Old Manus]

Meredydd (sometimes Meirion)

[Psychotic]

Spurs aren't the threat, it's Arsenal. No, really. Don't forget the annual February/March collapse is followed by the April and May "our season is over who cares" surge, whereas Pochettino teams tend to burn out around this time of year. Whether or not Arsenal will suddenly have a new collapse in May if it looks like they may win something worthwhile remains untested.Still got it :cool:

[charliepanayi]

We barely surged this time round! Spurs just totally s**t the bed, looks like they picked that up from us. I mean how easy do they want us to make it for them?

Finishing second despite being awful for half the season, hang your heads in shame everyone bar Leicester.

[Psychotic]

With the season now over (barring United v Bournemouth rematch) let's have a look at the poll options.

Sterling plays less than 10 games for City and promptly moves to Stoke for £9m
He's actually played 42 games for City and after a bright start has now found himself on the bench. However, no matter how bad he gets he isn't going to be sold as City desperately need English players to fulfill the homegrown quota. A reminder that Richard Wright - yes, that Richard Wright - is still on their books as a first team squad member for exactly this reason. He has yet to make an appearance in four years, even in the League Cup. Must be great work if you can get it.

Benteke has a decent season for Liverpool, issues come get me plea to Real or Barca
Benteke had a god awful season for Liverpool, issued a staying and fighting for my place statement, West Brom and West Ham both rumoured to be interested.

Rooney refuses to play until he's given a new £400,000 p/w contract
Rooney has barely played at all with injury. Rumours are that Chinese clubs will offer him this level of money and it'd probably be good for both United and Rooney if he took them up on that offer. And can you imagine his bright red face huffing and puffing in the heat?

Wenger buys 5 French 14 year olds, Arsenal fail to compete, Board refuses to do anything
Yep.

Big Andy stays crippled most of the season, appearing only for his traditional butchering of Swansea
He did indeed stay crippled and apparently felt kind to Swansea and let them off this year. However, the closest thing to Swansea in terms of play style is Arsenal and Big Andy went to war on Arsene's boys, getting a hat trick.

Chelsea player racially abuses opposition, is not charged due to being an ENGLISH LIONHEART!!
Almost. A player who played for the champions who wear blue racially abused a man in a casino and nobody cares because he's an ENGLISH LIONHEART and did you know 5 years ago he was playing in the CONFERENCE?! You probably didn't, it's not like it's ever mentioned or anything. JT for his sins was due to miss his last Chelsea games after being hilariously sent off but has now been offered a new contract.

Steve tries to convince us he's a spurs fan by predicting Tactics Tim takes Spurs back into the EDL.
True story time. Myself and DK were playing the majestic Rocket League with Steve and he is excited that Spurs may win the title. "Who do you reckon Spurs' best player has been this year Steve?" I ask, because while Kane and Alli get the plaudits I am firmly on Team Alderweireld and wonder what a real Spurs fan has to say.

An awkward silence occurs as Steve is unable to name a single Spurs player, let alone pick out who has been the best this season. After much goading we eventually say "surely you know Harry Kane" and he says "yes of course I knew him all along I was just trolling you." And there you have it. For me, Clive, this is the winning poll option.

[Aerith's Knight]

The worst thing about that list is that I don't get to play with you guys. :cry:

[Psychotic]

And whose fault is that?

Off out to the Leicester parade in a couple of hours. I'll pass on EoFF's regards.

[Aerith's Knight]

Will they let you back in Liverpool if you go there?

[Old Manus]

Liverwho? He's already got his KP Stadium season ticket ready for the autumn.

[Formalhaut]

Do we like heartwarming stories? Of course we like heartwarming stories.

Manchester United fan from Sierra Leone has dream trip ruined … and then improved (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/16/manchester-united-fan-sierra-leone-dream-fa-cup-final)From the Guardian. My favourite bit about this incident is how some Manchester United fans were drawing comparisons about it towards their season in general. Gave me a chuckle.

[Psychotic]

68078

I am in this picture, see if you can spot me.
Liverwho? He's already got his KP Stadium season ticket ready for the autumn.You'll be pleased to know I refused to cheer Nathan Dyer when he was presented to the crowd out of spite to you.

A really wonderful and happy day for the whole city, football is incredible.

[Old Manus]

In other news, I recently received a package...

68081

68082

It's arrived...


68083

68084

I can feel my voice cracking into a Mersey cadence already.


68087

Would you believe it, I think this cheap South East Asian knockoff might actually be kosher. It has a reflective New Balance seal sticker on it and everything.

68085

I don't have a frame big enough to fit the entire shirt so squeezing it in to a medium sized one will have to do. Joe Allen takes pride of place amongst my holiday canvas prints in the lounge. Apologies for the shaky camera work. I was being physically repelled from what was taking place.

68086

Bollocks to the lot of you.

[Aerith's Knight]

68078

I am in this picture, see if you can spot me.

Easy, look for someone inside the mass surrounded by empty space, as people edge away from him.

Of course, this is a liverpool rally. There might be more such spots.

[Psychotic]

Legendary post.

Also yeah it looks legit to me.

Also also if you want rid of the thing I'm happy to PayPal you what you paid and postage costs and you can send it my way if you want!

[Loony BoB]

I've got a lot of respect for that kind of integrity, Manus.

[Aerith's Knight]

Great way to end the BPL. Own goal by Smalling. :facepalm:

You could actually see De Gea smack his head against the pole.

[charliepanayi]

John Terry decides to stick around for another year. The season gets even worse!

[Old Manus]

Don't go doing anything out of guilt, Psybeans, I still have the tags on it and it won't be too difficult to offload... Though if you do genuinely want to buy a Joe Allen shirt you are more than welcome.

I've also had a brief look at page 1 and given the season we've had there are some absolute pearlers in terms of pre-season predictions that went begging spectacularly. This shall be a fun read.

[Psychotic]

http://www.101greatgoals.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/there-is-no-need-to-be-upset.png

Even this isn't helping me tonight.

[Bubba]

68114

[Psychotic]

...am I really taking trout from a Man Utd fan about A) losing in the Europa and B) not qualifying for the Champions League?

'cause

uh

Someone seems to have forgotten how badly they got put in their place.

5vSlS8BgRAM

[Bubba]

Yeah, I tried to delete the second picture as it's just as painful for us. Then it thumb-nailed so I was gonna delete the post but then realised you'd still be able to see it.

I then just left it. Your response is justified.

[Psychotic]

In that case, let's hug and weep.

[Bubba]

In that case, let's hug and weep.

Nah, let's just reflect on the fact that your 3-1 aggregate win in the Europa League was meaningless. However, our 4-1 aggregate win in the league resulted in a six point difference securing us fifth place and automatic entry into the donkey league of Europe and... and...

...yeah, let's just hug and weep.

[Psychotic]

Mate, Europa isn't even donkey league. It's really fun if you give it a try, I promise. But then maybe don't give it a try because Sevilla will just win it anyway!

[Aerith's Knight]

I just don't like Spanish teams in general. I would weep and hug for Liverpool, but they played like slightly damp doormats in the second half and deserved to lose.

[Psychotic]

Yep, absolutely wilted. I want to be angry at the ref for the handballs and Sevilla for the usual Spanish-team-in-Europe timewasting and diving antics but even without that shit I can't say we put in enough of an effort to deserve to have gotten anything out of that game.

[charliepanayi]

Sevilla seem pretty good at this Europa League stuff.

Meanwhile over here, AFC Wimbledon (formed 14 years ago) are one game away from making it to League One, which would be a great achievement. And it would mean them playing MK Dons next season, which I'm sure they'd enjoy.

[Loony BoB]

Well, they're in the CL now, not Europa. But then they'll probably get third in their group, and rejoin Europa.

EDIT: According to Wikipedia, this is the first time since 1997 that a previous winner of the Europa League / UEFA Cup has got to the final and lost (obviously it would have happened regardless of who won).

[Bubba]

Yeah, two out of those three handballs I reckon were definite penalties. Shame for you guys the ref was weak. I do agree with him overruling the linesman for their third goal though. Clearly came off the defender. I'm sure I'll get into the Europa League next season it's just I'M NOT USED TO US BEING CRAP.

[Aerith's Knight]

I was more annoyed by all the time-wasting. But that's just my despise of spanish football. Ref gave out two yellow cards, should've been like 5.

[charliepanayi]

Brendan Rogers heads to Celtic.

[charliepanayi]

Bloody Palace, unable to hold on to a lead.

And Mourinho at Man Utd? Ugh, ugh and ugh again.

[Bubba]

It's nice winning trophies. Wouldn't you agree... any club that won a trophy this year?

[Formalhaut]

And Mourinho at Man Utd? Ugh, ugh and ugh again.

That'll end well, I'm sure.

[Psychotic]

It's nice winning trophies. Wouldn't you agree... any club that won a trophy this year?See you in the Charity Shield final. :p

United's next three league finishes are now confirmed with the arrival of Jose: 4th, 1st, 10th. RIP the career of Marcus Rashford. Also I'm preparing myself to fall out of love with Zlatan now.

[Loony BoB]

Really concerned with the appointment of Mourinho. Many see him as instant success, I see him as someone who performed incredibly worse than LVG this season, lost the plot regarding his staff and is infamous with disregarding youth. If he can get results, treat people respectfully, take responsibility for losses instead of blaming medical staff of all people and continue to play the likes of Lingard and Rashford, then I'll naturally consider my concern gone.

Also, so much lack of class by whoever leaked the story. Totally disrespectful.

[Crop]

Ugh my head hurts.

Worth it though FA cup champs, great game, couldn't handle the tension at times. As per my tradition since I hate the transfer window with a passion, I'll worry about my club and the manager situation next season. For now it's all soaking in the win and of course about the Euros!

[Old Manus]

And so, Manchester United's journey to transform entirely into everything about football they spent the last 20 years chastising is complete.

[Loony BoB]

We're still promoting youth, though!

...please, Mourinho, please, if you're manager, don't screw that up too. :(

EDIT: SAF declares Clattenburg worst referee in the history of the game, Pardew claims suspicious envelope. (https://youtu.be/iIoONpB3Hts?t=106)

[Bubba]

That's it, he's gone!

[Aerith's Knight]

?

"English media said.."
"Reports by english media announced.."
"English media expects the news to come from the club in two days..."

Seriously? Repeat something often enough and it becomes true? I mean, sure, it'd be no surprise. But at least wait for the actual announcement.

[charliepanayi]

Ah crap, Hull are back.

And that CL final ended in the worst way possible, curse you Atletico!

[charliepanayi]

At least AFC Wimbledon went up, into the third tier 14 years after being formed, great achievement. And Millwall didn't go up.

Stick a fork in this season thread, it's done! Thank god for that.

[Old Manus]

So, it's that time again...

OFFICIAL EOFF PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 2015-16 MOMENTS OF THE SEASON, brought to you by this reminder that EFL wasn't just a bad dream (http://e0.365dm.com/15/11/16-9/20/english-football-league-logo_3375772.jpg)


Sadly, Benteke will bang in at least 20 league goals

Oh, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Remember that name, he'll get a really funny red card. You watch.

I don't even understand cricket but I'm excited by whatever the hell is apparently going on. I have the BBC text commentary up and everything!

just ended up on a small spiral through premier league history on auntie beeb

What...you guys still follow the transfer window? I don't think I have for about 5 years. All I read are match reports on the games I miss.

Ugh Nathan Dyer.

Rogers really needs to improve or he will become yet another manager on the Premier League cutting room floor.

BARCELONA ARE THREE NIL DOWN AND IAGO ASPAS HAS SCORED TWO GOALS [old manus' note: this actually happened]

This will be the ONLY time we'll be top all season. You mark my words.


http://www.ccwinch.org.uk/uploads/1/7/8/3/17834533/7013649.jpg?701


Oh gosh I actually attended that event. It was... okay? Fairly standard 'born again' affair. Seemed like a nice enough guy. The curry was great.

I expect a spike in stylish glasses and beards all over Anfield.

for the love of god let them throw all the money at guardiola, all this talk of him coming to City for next season and in no way, shape, or form do I want that ponce and his rubbish tiki-taka sideways passing on the edge of the box ruining my glorious team.

Are United in the title race? Of course they are.

You can't say "Van Gaal aside" when he was the one who drove out our world class players like Di Maria and Hernandez.

67143

https://media.giphy.com/media/a7JOnZXj0ezNC/giphy.gif


Also seeing as a fair few of us were sad enough to construct final league standings predictions, I have come up with a crude and ineffective way of ranking them by simply totting up the +/- final positions and seeing what comes out (a score of 0 would therefore be a perfect score).



1. Chelsea (+9)
2. Arsenal (0)
3. Man City (+1)
4. Man Utd (+1)
5. Liverpool (+3)
6. Tottenham (-3)
7. Southampton (-1)
8. Leicester (-7)
9. Everton (+2)
10. Swansea (+2)
11. Stoke (-2)
12. Aston Villa (+8)
13. Crystal Palace (+2)
14. Newcastle (+4)
15. West Brom (-1)
16. West Ham (-9)
17. Watford (-4)
18. Sunderland (-1)
19. Norwich (0)
20. Bournemouth (-4)

Final score: 64



1. Arsenal (+1)
2. Man Utd (+3)
3. Chelsea (+7)
4. Man City (0)
5. Tottenham (-2)
6. Southampton (0)
7. Swansea (+5)
8. Everton (+3)
9. Aston Villa (+11)
10. West Ham (-3)
11. Stoke (-2)
12. Liverpool (-4)
13. Newcastle (+5)
14. Sunderland (+3)
15. West Brom (-1)
16. Leicester (-15)
17. Norwich (+2)
18. Crystal Palace (+3)
19. Bournemouth (+3)
20. Watford (+7)

Final score: 80




1. Chelsea (+9)
2. Arsenal (0)
3. Man Utd (+2)
4. Man City (0)
5. Liverpool (+3)
6. Southampton (0)
7. Tottenham (-4)
8. Stoke (+1)
9. Swansea (+3)
10. Everton (+1)
11. West Brom (+3)
12. Leicester (-11)
13. West Ham (-6)
14. Newcastle (+4)
15. Aston Villa (+5)
16. Sunderland (+1)
17. Crystal Palace (-2)
18. Watford (-5)
19. Norwich (0)
20. Bournemouth (-4)

Final score: 64



1. Chelsea (+9)
2. Arsenal (0)
3. Man Utd (+2)
4. Liverpool (+4)
5. Man City (-1)
6. Spurs (-3)
7. Southampton (-1)
8. Everton (+3)
9. Stoke (0)
10. Crystal Palace (+5)
11. West Ham (-4)
12. Swansea (0)
13. West Brom (+1)
14. Aston Villa (+6)
15. Leicester (-14)
16. Newcastle (+2)
17. Bournemouth (-1)
18. Sunderland (-1)
19. Norwich (0)
20. Watford (-7)

Final score: 64

Thank you gentlemen and it's been emotional.

[Formalhaut]

I'm getting all misty eyed. I'm impressed I managed to get a few mentions in your awards, Manus. And don't forget it was I who broke the EPL logo story! Ugh, what a crap logo.

Thanks Manus for the round-up!

[Crop]

The off season is when I catch up on sleep.

[Aerith's Knight]

Can't wait for next season. Then I'll make MY predictions. Which will be godlike.

[Loony BoB]

Football season may be over but silly season has just begun. Gundogan, eh? I fancied him joining United a couple of years ago but since he has had all those injuries I've kinda gone off him. I'm sure because he has joined a non-United side that he will do very well. x( Doubt he'll be better than Yaya Toure though.

[Psychotic]

Better than 2015/16 Yaya Toure and that's what counts.

[Loony BoB]

8 goals in 42 games for Yaya this season, while Gundogan has 3 in 40. I know the latter is far more defensive than Yaya (although Yaya, with the right motivation, is still probably excellent defensively), but I'm not sold on Yaya being a player that has suddenly become bad, even if he might have had a below par season by his standards. Now, value for wage money, that's a whole different beast!

I get the feeling Yaya just needs more personal motivation than he has been getting recently, and I question whether he'd be useful under Pep after their Barcelona relationship.

EDIT: Fun fact regarding leagues with European Cup / Champions League winning managers...

La Liga (Spain)
Zidane
Enrique

Championship (England)
Di Matteo
Benitez

Premier League (England)
Guardiola
Mourinho

A Group (Bulgaria)
Petrović

None for Italy, France, Germany or any other nation... although 70 year old Artur Jorge, who won the 1987 cup with Porto, might still be active at Algerian side MC Alger (not 100% sure if he has retired again), but he's not the manager as far as I can tell.

Hiddink, Van Gaal, Rijkaard and Ancelotti are all available winning managers as far as I'm aware.

[DK]

You have to take into account that Yaya is a massive, physical tank of a player who just turned 33 years old. He's definitely already on the downswing physically, and he can't be expected to be a top level player anymore. Not that Gundogan is who I would ideally choose to replace him (not that I'm upset about it, mind), but he definitely needs to be replaced. Particularly with Plep coming in.

Glad to see we're getting into the market early again this season tho. Hope we can get stuff wrapped up nice and quick.

[charliepanayi]

Oh god, we're after Vardy.

[Formalhaut]

Was reading this interesting article:

The lost art of defending: how style has replaced solidity in England’s DNA (http://https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/06/defending-england-dna-roy-hodgson-centre-backs-euro-2016)

What do you think of defenders? Is it a 'sexy' position for youngsters/fans/pundits, and has defending become less about... well, defending?

[Aerith's Knight]

Was reading this interesting article:

The lost art of defending: how style has replaced solidity in England’s DNA (http://https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/06/defending-england-dna-roy-hodgson-centre-backs-euro-2016)

What do you think of defenders? Is it a 'sexy' position for youngsters/fans/pundits, and has defending become less about... well, defending?

More total football show-offs, less defending. When Rooney becomes one of the important defenders in your team, something has gone terribly wrong.

[Old Manus]

Football has always been about the glamour and glory players, though. I'd say in England though the days of players like Stuart Pearce, Tony Adams and Sol Campbell are over as you're not allowed to tackle any more. Close ball skills and distribution are more valued in a modern centre half than being able to munch their striker and clear the ball up field. I'd also say it's better that way, and the FA coaching manual philosophy has for far too long been written by old men with 1970s stone-age route one hoofball aspirations. England have only just learned how to pass the ball, while the rest of Europe has been at it for decades now.

I mean reading that article sums it up. I don't know who the guy is but he's got it totally arse backwards. "The mentality has changed. Technical possession is the focus." "“There is a more technical emphasis. Defenders are expected to come out with the ball, to ask themselves: ‘What can I do with the ball?’". Then what exactly is this 'youth coach' teaching kids to do? It's not 1996 any more.

[Loony BoB]

England have only just learned how to pass the ball, while the rest of Europe has been at it for decades now.
https://static-secure.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2011/5/31/1306860501879/Paul-Scholes-has-announce-007.jpg

[Psychotic]

That's Paul Scholes in a Manchester United shirt. The England version wasn't very good. Not that he was alone in this, mind you. Indeed, the only footballers in history to be better for England than for their clubs are Peter Crouch, Darius Vassell and Andros Townsend. Danny Welbeck is in with a shout too.

[DK]

That's Paul Scholes in a Manchester United shirt. The England version wasn't very good. Not that he was alone in this, mind you. Indeed, the only footballers in history to be better for England than for their clubs are Peter Crouch, Darius Vassell and Andros Townsend. Danny Welbeck is in with a shout too.

The Whale was the best player on the pitch every time he pulled on the Three Lions, make no mistake.

Always seem to recall Owen Hargreaves being more of a tank for England than he was for his clubs as well, may be mistaken tho

[charliepanayi]

I'm sure there'll be a thread for the new season after the Euros, but the fixtures are out now. Arsenal v Liverpool on the opening weekend, oh dear...

[Bubba]

Aww man... our last three games of the season include away trips to Arsenal and Tottenham.

Not that we'll be challenging for anything at that point.

[Loony BoB]

Normally we'd start the new thread now but with Euros still on, idk, maybe wait until they're done first.