View Full Version : Footie 2014/2015 season
It's like watching Liverpool always used to be. Long may it last
i second that.
but we need to do it against the lesser sides too.
Stratmangler
21-11-2015, 21:52
I have just returned from a match between two sides that played poorly.
Don't for one second get carried away with the victory - City were unbelievably bad today.
There were only two goals of merit - Aguero's first half strike, and Skrtel's second half strike.
The other goals were gifted (all three of them), such was the calamitous defending I had the misfortune to witness.
"It's like watching Liverpool of old?" Dream on, they're nowhere near as good!
City's performance was frankly embarrassing :steam:
I have just returned from a match between two sides that played poorly.
Don't for one second get carried away with the victory - City were unbelievably bad today.
There were only two goals of merit - Aguero's first half strike, and Skrtel's second half strike.
The other goals were gifted (all three of them), such was the calamitous defending I had the misfortune to witness.
City's performance was frankly embarrassing :steam:
Is it the case that City still have no 'No Kompany' plan? Somebody - maybe Hart - has to have the leadership in the defence. Pellegrini has to put at least one 'wise head' in the trio of center backs and goalkeeper. That, plus you have to give Liverpool credit for their first half energy and great passing, eg that 'Back Pass!!', that led up to their goals. Man of the match: Coutinho edging out De Bruyne.
I was disappointed when Brendon Rodgers got the chop, but I am beginning to change my mind!
all i can say is , if we played poorly, i would take that every day of the week.
Stratmangler
22-11-2015, 19:39
all i can say is , if we played poorly, i would take that every day of the week.
You wouldn't get such a poor performance from your opposition every day of the week.
Don't get carried away with the result - it was flattering. If Liverpool had really played all that well they could and should have scored 6 or 7 goals, such was the sorry state of City's defending.
You wouldn't get such a poor performance from your opposition every day of the week.
Don't get carried away with the result - it was flattering. If Liverpool had really played all that well they could and should have scored 6 or 7 goals, such was the sorry state of City's defending.
point taken Chris.
i could not get carried away as we were sh1t against palace just a few days ago.
having said that ,this was a massive result for us, no question about that.
just to change subject....
hats off to leicester , good luck to them.
as Greavsie used to say "its a funny old game Saint".
Oldpinkman
23-11-2015, 08:06
I appreciate your frustration Chris, but we must have watched a different game
First - I meant it was FUN watching Liverpool. Instead of a team playing dull but efficient football grinding out a result with a "here's hoping" feel to it, they looked full of belief and joy for running at the opposition and bagging a few goals. A few - not one eventual one that seals the result - a few. That they actually got those goals was a bonus. No more post-match "we nearly had it but it slipped away, but if we keep training and doing the same thing it will come good one day". Yes Liverpool need to sort out home form (the coming run of matches should provide an opportunity). I'm not saying they are certain to nick the premiership off City - but its a promising start and its FUN. They were better than you, or Pellegrini, give them credit for
I am not convinced by Pellegrini's explanation of "we lost by having a bad day at the office. Nothing to do about it. It will be alright next time. Nothing wrong with my team selection". The half time substitutions proved the lie in that last slightly sulky response. City didn't all go out with a hangover. They didn't just become mediocre overnight. It wasn't just a "bad day at the office". (They maybe have concerns about reliance on key players, injuries, and the pressures of multiple competitions, but...) They were made to look mediocre by brilliant tactics executed with flair and confidence by a team with reborn self-belief. Klopps pre-match conference made it clear it was no fluke. I paraphrase, but he said something to the effect "City are a very strong team, and very tough to beat if you let them play their game and try to play their way. So you have to disrupt them by not letting them play their game and play in a way they aren't comfortable with". Manifestly Liverpool did that.
Not an overnight transformation into Premiership winners, but a step in the right direction, and FUN! :)
Oldpinkman
02-12-2015, 21:51
More poor opposition for Liverpool Chris? Bring on the poor teams
we need to follow it up at newcastle.
Oldpinkman
03-12-2015, 21:04
For sure. And sort out our home form . But it's fun again :D
Come on the Reds! Looks like they could be on their way back to doing something special... Get that first Premiership title in the bag (and I suspect that come the end of the season they'll be there or there abouts), and then who knows? :cool:
Marco.
Come on the Reds! Looks like they could be on their way back to doing something special... Get that first Premiership title in the bag (and I suspect that come the end of the season they'll be there or there abouts), and then who knows? :cool:
Marco.
yup. Man U will be up there ;)
I wouldn't mind that (being my third team, outside of Celtic and Liverpool) but I'm not so sure..... However, I'd far rather see the glory days return to Anfield!
Marco.
They used to be a good attacking side, like Liverpool at one time but both have had to drop much of that now in search of success alas. Not sure if either will manage both at same time again; the epl is a pretty demanding league and the days of gung ho footy 24/7 is I think, a thing of the past
Old George
05-12-2015, 11:26
United are still a shadow of the team they used to be, we have a pedigree manager who was first choice when Fergie planned to retire at 65, but it just isn't working for him yet.
With just a season left on his contract and alleged disharmony in the dressing room, will he go at the end of the season? And who replaces him? 'Pep' is being touted, but i wouldn't hold my breath.
There is still some rebuilding to do, and for me (and many other Utd supporters) Rooney has to go, he should have been sold whilst Fergie was at the helm, or at least a couple of seasons ago when Chelsea appeared to be interested.
Rooney in the captains role is a joke, the man has no leadership qualities whatsoever. Try watching him for 90 minutes instead of MOTD highlights.
We need a quality striker to replace him, and LVG needs to let the likes of Martial off the leash, Our style of football is attacking, not this boring overcautious possession football that bores the crap out of us every week.
Despite one or two hiccups this season, it has to be said that City look the business, at least the City fans get to watch entertaining football, and Chelsea will rise up the league before long.
I see us finishing third, so a minor improvement on last season. I'd just like to see some exciting football,instead of struggling to stay awake for 90 minutes.
Stratmangler
05-12-2015, 14:42
at least the City fans get to watch entertaining football
Not today! :(
Stoke were the best team by miles today, and I've no complaints about their win.
StanleyB
05-12-2015, 14:52
I have just returned from a match between two sides that played poorly.
Don't for one second get carried away with the victory - City were unbelievably bad today.
There were only two goals of merit - Aguero's first half strike, and Skrtel's second half strike.
The other goals were gifted (all three of them), such was the calamitous defending I had the misfortune to witness.
"It's like watching Liverpool of old?" Dream on, they're nowhere near as good!
City's performance was frankly embarrassing :steam:
One could almost sense a whiff of déjà vu in the game today.
Opens the door for Utd and Arsenal although both without supposed top players....personally i think losing rooney and playing martial up front will maybe aid the cause.... Foxes the way theyve been playing should win but i feel Swansea are due a win so who knows. If they all trip up it will be a let off
Jeez, the rain must be bad up in Glasgow for it to flood the pitch at Celtic Park! :eek:
Our game against Hamilton was cancelled, as a result. It's raining here, but not very heavily - more windy than anything else, and not too cold.
Marco.
Old George
06-12-2015, 00:52
Not today! :(
Stoke were the best team by miles today, and I've no complaints about their win.
That was a surprise for me, i expected City to win by the same score, or maybe net a third. Needless to say i was treated to another snorefest watching my lot. :(
Stratmangler
06-12-2015, 01:19
That was a surprise for me, i expected City to win by the same score, or maybe net a third. Needless to say i was treated to another snorefest watching my lot. :(
We seem to have a thing currently along the lines of lose one, win one.
It bodes well for Tuesday night (I was at the win against Hull City last Tuesday, and will be there for the final CL group game against Borussia Mönchengladbach), but come Saturday (when I'll also be in attendance) .......
I have this to say on Tuesday's result.
The press were full of bullshit, as per usual. City thrash Hull was the bollocks headline I remember.
I saw a Hull City side facing us that didn't have the resources to bring the game to us, but they did defend and hold us back for almost 3/4 of the game, with just one blip when Wilfried Bony scored.
After that there was stalwart defending from Hull, and it wasn't until the last 15 minutes of the game when things fell apart for Hull.
We scored thrice, twice from open play, and once from a free kick, and Hull scored a consolation goal shortly before full time.
As for the Stoke game?
Their goals were brilliant.
They reminded me of how City have performed earlier on in the season.
They pushed us hard all game, and deserved the win.
At the end of it we're two points off the top of the table, so not out of contention by any stretch of the imagination.
Oldpinkman
06-12-2015, 07:29
Bloody typical. Just congratulating ourselves on drawing Stoke for the league cup, instead of city, and they go and do that. Looking forward to the magpies match :)
Old George
06-12-2015, 12:44
We seem to have a thing currently along the lines of lose one, win one.
It bodes well for Tuesday night (I was at the win against Hull City last Tuesday, and will be there for the final CL group game against Borussia Mönchengladbach), but come Saturday (when I'll also be in attendance) .......
I have this to say on Tuesday's result.
The press were full of bullshit, as per usual. City thrash Hull was the bollocks headline I remember.
I saw a Hull City side facing us that didn't have the resources to bring the game to us, but they did defend and hold us back for almost 3/4 of the game, with just one blip when Wilfried Bony scored.
After that there was stalwart defending from Hull, and it wasn't until the last 15 minutes of the game when things fell apart for Hull.
We scored thrice, twice from open play, and once from a free kick, and Hull scored a consolation goal shortly before full time.
As for the Stoke game?
Their goals were brilliant.
They reminded me of how City have performed earlier on in the season.
They pushed us hard all game, and deserved the win.
At the end of it we're two points off the top of the table, so not out of contention by any stretch of the imagination.
Fair comment, the good news is Agüero should be back soon?
Oldpinkman
06-12-2015, 19:43
Well that's let a bit of air out of the tyre. Even so I couldn't help feeling happy for Newcastle who played well and deserved their win. Liverpool were complacent and sloppy until the 3 substitutions. If they had started the way they finished it might have been very different. Firminho is frustrating. Very mixed performances. And we miss coutinho.
Great performance from Newcastle :)
Stratmangler
06-12-2015, 20:13
Fair comment, the good news is Agüero should be back soon?
I hope so.
He's had a hefty knock to his heel.
I'm much more bothered our rather fragile defence to be honest.
We're playing Borussia Mönchengladbach on Tuesday, and they beat FC Bayern München during the weekend, so it could a very tough game.
We need to beat Borussia and hope that Sevilla beat or draw with Juventus to come top in our group, but win, lose or draw we're through to the knockout stage.
Old George
07-12-2015, 11:44
I hope so.
He's had a hefty knock to his heel.
I'm much more bothered our rather fragile defence to be honest.
We're playing Borussia Mönchengladbach on Tuesday, and they beat FC Bayern München during the weekend, so it could a very tough game.
We need to beat Borussia and hope that Sevilla beat or draw with Juventus to come top in our group, but win, lose or draw we're through to the knockout stage.
At least your through to the next round, which is more than can be said about us. Tough game ahead that we need to win, if we draw and PSV win we're out.
Not necessarily a nail in LVG's coffin, but a poor Premiership finish on top of a Euro exit would probably get him fired.
Old George
08-12-2015, 21:57
Yipee! Europa League beckons, can't bloody wait!:rolleyes: Credit to City for coming back in style.
I worry about Real Madrid only an 8-0 win, spent force if you ask me...:rolleyes::D
With Chelski's problems just increasing, how long will Jose survive? Probably the only thing holding him in a job is,...WHO ELSE IS THERE? IMO he lost the dressingroom at start of season when he went a tad strange and the players are just treading water on match days. I think it would be a blessing for both parties if they split.
StanleyB
17-12-2015, 15:13
I did say that Mourinho wouldn't be in his job come Christmas, and I was not wrong.
Stratmangler
17-12-2015, 21:30
Manyoo should be beating a path to Mourinho's front door now that the opportunity has arisen.
I've always thought he was somewhat of a 'one-season wonder'. Not in the same league as Sir Alex!
Marco.
Stratmangler
17-12-2015, 22:34
Not in the same league as Sir Alex!
Nobody is, end of story!
Old Bacon Face can never be replaced, cos there's nobody out there capable of filling his shoes.
Manyoo should be beating a path to Mourinho's front door now that the opportunity has arisen.
They probably are, with Alex leading the delegation:D
Old George
18-12-2015, 11:13
Manyoo should be beating a path to Mourinho's front door now that the opportunity has arisen.
He should have been appointed instead of Moyes, like City we are being linked with Pep, but don't hold yer breath. Media talk is cheap.
This could come back and haunt Chelsea, no doubt Jose will get some very tempting offers.
With Utd being beaten by Stoke I can only imagine this is the managers last game. He has to go now. Looking at the team I have to say there are only 3 players there that are good enough at moment and considering the not insubstancial money thats been spent some other heads sjould be falling too
Old George
26-12-2015, 16:54
With Utd being beaten by Stoke I can only imagine this is the managers last game. He has to go now.....................
Surely only a question of time now Grant. Like a lot of Utd supporters i thought he would be the man to get us back on track, Moyes was a bloody disaster would simply didn't have the experience for the job.
Sadly LVG with his impressive CV has failed as well, another example that even the best of managers are not guaranteed success at every club they manage.
So will Mourinho take over? No shortage of question marks surrounding his suitability, or do we appoint a caretaker manager and try to sign Pep for next seasons campaign?
Probably let Giggs run it til the right man comes in George. Pep would be the bet but we have to see where he's going.he apparently has made up his mind. if not then sure the mad god would do a good job if he is still sane but that is the question..was he flipped or did he want it to happen.
Stratmangler
26-12-2015, 22:18
The results for today's Premier League games have certainly been kind to City.
Liverpool's victory over Leicester went in our favour, as did Southampton's victory over Arsenal. The top of the table positions get tighter.
City played well enough today, although Wilfried Bony's penalty miss was embarrassing, as was his later miss from inside the box.
We'll see whether or not MoTD shows both howlers tonight.
Proper negatives were Vinnie Kompany coming on around the hour mark, and being subbed off before ten minutes were up. A localised calf injury is to blame.
We go to Leicester on Tuesday, so that's a much sterner task than today.
My thoughts across town are that Louis van Gaal will resign before he gets pushed.
Louis is finding the Premier League a lot harder to fathom out than other European leagues.
His man management style looks to rub his players up the wrong way, and all of his forward players look to be scared of taking a risk and pressing up early. There is no counter attack, because that's not written down on the game plan.
Who can successfully fill the void left in Ferguson's wake is the $64,000,000 question, quite literally.
I managed to catch the first half of the Stoke v Manyoo game before I sped off to ours, and I laughed my bollocks off at Memphis Depay's pathetic back header attempt in today's game. That it led to a goal was the icing on the cake. It was funnier than watching Kevin de Bruyne having an altercation with the corner flag at Arsenal on Monday.
Stoke's second goal was a screamer - you have to applaud them, even when your side is on the receiving end.
I'm in the odd position of actually enjoying watching Stoke City playing with passion and flair - it hasn't been the case for a long time.
(Edit) - MoTD did show Wilfried's embarrassment - for the second one just look at the kid wearing a City away (dayglo green) shirt.
Old George
27-12-2015, 11:31
Probably let Giggs run it til the right man comes in George. Pep would be the bet but we have to see where he's going.he apparently has made up his mind. if not then sure the mad god would do a good job if he is still sane but that is the question..was he flipped or did he want it to happen.
I'm not convinced Giggs has what it takes Grant, but i'd love to be proved wrong. One option would be to appoint Jose as caretaker for the rest of the season, if he turns things around at OT then offer him the job.
Is his ego so big that he would refuse a caretaker role? Maybe, or is it a challenge he would find hard to resist?
Old George
27-12-2015, 11:39
My thoughts across town are that Louis van Gaal will resign before he gets pushed.
Louis is finding the Premier League a lot harder to fathom out than other European leagues.
His man management style looks to rub his players up the wrong way, and all of his forward players look to be scared of taking a risk and pressing up early. There is no counter attack, because that's not written down on the game plan.
Who can successfully fill the void left in Ferguson's wake is the $64,000,000 question, quite literally.
His management style has always been controversial Chris, that has helped him in the past but is handicapping him now. Let's not forget he was the clubs first choice when Fergie was going to quit at 65, maybe we would have had some good years out of him if Fergie had left, who knows?
The two logical replacements have to be Mourinho (with some reservations) or Pep, but Chelsea or City could scupper the latter option.
One would think City would be his destination. Best squad and plenty money if needed.
Stratmangler
27-12-2015, 13:17
Let's not forget he was the clubs first choice when Fergie was going to quit at 65, maybe we would have had some good years out of him if Fergie had left, who knows?
He'd have had the advantage of taking the helm of a very well run and maintained ship.
Things might well have been very different.
He might have had the common sense to let the well oiled machine run itself for a bit, and not tinker with it too much.
When you look at the damage caused by Moyes getting rid of the back room staff & coaching staff, experienced in keeping a top flight operation running smoothly and successfully, and replacing them with staff experienced at keeping a team almost perpetually in mid table, the more you have to scrutinise Moyes and his methods.
Then look at the way Martinez has had greater success with almost the same team as Moyes had, it begs the question about Moyes abilities.
Was Moyes holding Everton back?
Stratmangler
27-12-2015, 19:10
Just heard this, and it's fascinating.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03d25j9
Mourihno should have done this at Chelsea, and van Gaal should have worked out who his detractors are and should be knocking down the chairman's door.
Old George
28-12-2015, 12:57
When you look at the damage caused by Moyes getting rid of the back room staff & coaching staff, experienced in keeping a top flight operation running smoothly and successfully, and replacing them with staff experienced at keeping a team almost perpetually in mid table, the more you have to scrutinise Moyes and his methods.
Then look at the way Martinez has had greater success with almost the same team as Moyes had, it begs the question about Moyes abilities.
Was Moyes holding Everton back?
The tabloids would have you believe Moyes made significant changes, the key change was replacing René Meulensteen. Mike Phelan was not much of a loss.
The Everton board and fans were more than happy with Moyes, and Everton played some good football under his leadership, Martinez inherited a fairly decent squad off Moyes, Moyes inherited a bunch of stiffs off Fergie.
I agree with you on LVG quitting before he gets sacked, he's a proud man with a great record and would not want to end his career with dismissal. The question is how quickly he can get that letter of resignation on Woodward's desk?
It would be naive to lay all the blame for Utd's ills at the feet of LVG. Woodward is clueless, even the board remonstrated with him for his incompetence in Moyes first season.
One question about Pep, he has always taken the helm of a strong winning squad, the challenge at Old Trafford is rebuilding the team and turning that squad in to winners again....Would he have the patience to do that?
Old George
28-12-2015, 13:03
Just heard this, and it's fascinating.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03d25j9
Mourihno should have done this at Chelsea, and van Gaal should have worked out who his detractors are and should be knocking down the chairman's door.
Hartson just stating the obvious. Fergie did not tolerate any nonsense, he would dump world-class players if they crossed him.
The 'mystery' player who said a few weeks ago that he would rather lose than play for Mourinho should be ashamed of himself, the players are paid to play for the fans and club first and foremost.
I see Real have dumped Raffa B after his teams draw at Valencia. You dont get much leeway at Madrid, and Zidane will take over; promoted from "B" team duties.
Old George
05-01-2016, 10:18
I see Real have dumped Raffa B after his teams draw at Valencia. You dont get much leeway at Madrid, and Zidane will take over; promoted from "B" team duties.
Interesting promotion Grant, i think he'll do well. Mind you, Raffa was in charge of the 'B' team 20 or so years ago.
It will George.. Zidane was always a winner so his drive wont be in question or his desired style. Also interesting to see how Neville does at Valencia.
Old George
05-01-2016, 19:45
......Also interesting to see how Neville does at Valencia.
Indeed Grant, My gut feeling is that Neville will struggle. I hope i'm wrong, i wish him all the best in his new career.
I see Liverpool struggled to draw with mighty Exeter. Their revival seems to have hit reality it seems. Still think they have the right man to move them forward but they badly need some reliable quality in the team.
Stratmangler
08-01-2016, 23:43
To be fair to Liverpool they have many players with injuries, so they had little option but to have so many inexperienced youngsters in tonight's team.
Exeter played their home advantage well - the pitch was well below the standards that the Liverpool players are used to, and that put Exeter in good stead.
Exeter will at least be getting a decent payout from the ticket receipts at Anfield. If they can beat Liverpool there they'd have another lucrative fixture on the horizon.
That money could keep the club afloat for more than a couple of seasons, and from the way they played tonight they deserve it :cool:
Old George
11-01-2016, 20:14
At least we're consistent, another struggle and snoozefest against Sheffield Utd. We could only win from a very late stoppage time spot kick.
I thought we were boring under Moyes, it seems like we have slipped even further under LVG.
Local junior side Linlithgow Rose have made it to the 5th round of the Scottish cup and will go away to Premiership side Ross County on 6 February. Super result for them. They beat Forfar 1-0 after extra time..... The magic of the cup eh? :)
ManU beat Derby 3-1 to go forward in the cup. They needed that tbh, but will mean little unless they can start doing it every week in the league.
The lack of imports seems to me that LVG is out at end of season at latest, and any more buying will be for the new manager.
Stratmangler
29-01-2016, 23:25
Celtic look to have a very promising young player coming their way http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35444000
Yeah, looking forward to that one, Chris.
He looks like a good prospect and likely to bring something different to the team. All the Man City players we've had on loan have been great, taken Celtic to to their hearts and made a good improvement to the team. There also seems to be good relations between both clubs :)
Do you know much about Roberts?
Marco.
Stratmangler
30-01-2016, 00:30
I was there when he made his Premier League debut for Fulham - it was against City at The Etihad.
City signed him at the start of the current season, and he has made the odd appearance for the first team.
I have also seen him several times playing for the U21s over at the Academy Stadium, and been really impressed with him.
His performance against Juventus U19s was particularly impressive, orchestrating the attack in the second half, and scoring a superb solo effort in the process http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Match-reports/2015/September/City-v-Juventus-UYL-match-report
I think you'll like what you see.
I'm certainly going to keep an eye on how he does with Celtic, should a loan deal be agreed.
Stratmangler
01-02-2016, 15:54
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35461090
Stratmangler
01-02-2016, 17:13
Patrick Robert's 18 month loan to Celtic has been signed and sealed http://www.celticfc.net/news/9975
Celtic have a very talented young player on their hands.
Lets hope he doesnt get clunked first game out. Nice capture of ne manager too Chris, not that it was unlikely but at least its in the open. Hope Manuel wins the treble....nice way to go
Stratmangler
01-02-2016, 18:46
With regard to today's managerial announcement, it goes to show that the rumours of nearly three years ago had more than just a little credibility.
It looks like Pep is honouring a spoken promise, and Manuel's contract extension was announced to silence any further rumours.
In light of Pep's wife being shown around one of the more exclusive schools in Manchester last week, with none other than Txiki Bergiristain in attendance the rumour mill had started up again. All of which has led up to today's announcement.
It would be amazing if Manuel could leave with multiple winner's medals. I don't see him giving up easily on any front this season.
That little matter of Chelsea in the FA Cup the weekend before the League Cup Final at Wembley gains greater significance. That's two massive games for us on consecutive weekends, and both in London.
And in between those kickabouts we have the away leg of the fixture against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League. We cannot underestimate Dynamo Kiev, and the fixture will be harder because of the game supposed to be played in an empty Stadium.
Let's see if UEFA manage to ensure that the stadium is empty - that might gain them some credibility with City supporters.
If they find it irksome to be barracked by City's home support before Champions League games they have to sort their act out, something which might actually happen now that a certain Frenchman is out of the frame.
Interesting fact for you.
Pep Guardiola was once refused an autograph by Michel Platini http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pep-guardiola-10-things-you-may-not-know-about-manchester-citys-new-boss-a6846626.html
I think Patrick Roberts will do well with Celtic, and if he plays in the manner I've seen him playing for the U21s for City he'll have a big fan following before you know it.
I know I'm not alone in wishing him a very successful time with Celtic.
Leicester City seems to keep going and after todays win have to be taken very seriously ... Refreshing that a team so far out of the big boys has done do well for so long... Good manager mind
Stratmangler
06-02-2016, 21:43
You've got to give Leicester their dues.
They were the better side today by a good margin, defended well in numbers and were lighting fast in attack.
If they can maintain their form until the end of the season then it's a done deal, but as we all know, this is not the business end of the season.
There are still 39 points to play for, so don't get all giddy yet.
There's plenty of time for a few twists and turns :eyebrows:
not over yet of course, and would still be super surprised if they pulled it off, but they have bounced back when it looked like they may slide. City are main rivals, but Spurs are doing very well too, and the gunners are still there at moment too. Interesting again at bottom, and we'll see how the Jan changes affect the sides...inclined to think 3 from the 4 at moment. The Swans seem to have gotten back their mojo with the new manager
City supporter, the Queen, has beheaded Leicester striker James Vardy in an attempt to win the league
http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1024/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/2/1/802df121-b95d-4e7c-9a0f-fd86aef846a2.jpg;)
Stratmangler
13-02-2016, 11:23
:D
Season it fleshing out now, with some interesting final games upcoming.... Utd's wind v City has all but turned the season into a chase for 4th by a few sides, and really a 1 1/2 horse race for the title. fav's have to be the Foxs who have done superbly under Claudio. Big money was spent I suppose but not in comparison to the likes of the Manchester duo. Spurs have done great too, and are really the only challengers I'd have thought.
Oh yes . Come on Wrexham !!!! You can do it !! :eek:
I've not been following what's happening, Anto. How are they doing? :)
Marco.
I've not been following what's happening, Anto. How are they doing? :)
Marco.
Pushing for a play off place after an appalling mid season. Top of the form league and everything to play for:)
Yeah, I've just noticed that they cuffed Chester 3-0 at the weekend. Wish I'd gone to that one! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Leicester seem to be holding their nerve well, and although Spurs are doing great, its looking like their best efforts ever, and may well be their best ever, is not going to be enough. Great stuff and I think this may shake up English football. that and yet another poor Euro season.....will it be the beginning of the end for Fifa and Uefa ???
on the Scottish front, my old side Rangers have, I see, won the championship, and today, the petrofac cup, or whatever its called..... hey its one the Celts aint managed Marco :lol:
...and apparently Hampden needs a new pitch(AGAIN) before the semi v Celtic... Think Celts should walk that tbh.
A nice win for City tonight v psg puts them into their 1st champs league semi... may be as far as they go, but never say die, and on their game are a handful for any side... would be a terrific up you to the board from the outgoing manager lol
Oldpinkman
15-04-2016, 05:22
Did nobody else watch the 2nd best European football match ever last night? :D
No, but I wish I had... Just watched the highlights on the news - freakin awesome!! :yay: :D
Apparently, it was due to an inspirational speech by Klopp at half time. Man, I love that sort of shit, and managers who can do it...!
Grant, missed your posts above about Rangers, etc, as I haven't read this thread for a while. I'll reply after I've had my breakfast :)
Marco.
Oldpinkman
15-04-2016, 07:20
Inspirational speach - although "just keep at it , doing what you're doing, and the breaks have to come" would have been reasonable - Liverpool were 2-0 down but dominated from 10 minutes to 45 minutes
An inspirational double substitution with Allen for Lallana not being one I would have thought of, and a truly great team spirit and team performance, and a KOP you could hear in Yalding even with the TV turned off, nailed it
:D
No, but I wish I had... Just watched the highlights on the news - freakin awesome!! :yay: :D
Apparently, it was due to an inspirational speech, by Klopp, at half time. Man, I love that sort of shit, and managers who can do it...!
Grant, missed your posts above about Rangers, etc, as I haven't read this thread for a while. I'll reply after I've had my breakfast :)
Marco.
some breakfast you fat git ;)
:D
big Semi in Jockland tomorrow I see:eyebrows:, but the other has went the way of Hibs, who defeated Dundee utd; relegation elect from the prem, on pens. Should be a walkover for Celts if they get there, which I dont doubt. It will be a yardstick for newly promoted Gers though. Adds interest I think
.. as for Engand, well Villa are officially down, and my big mate Larry will be devastated. my other Brum mate will be delerious as he supports the blues lol..
Newcastle and Sunderland have found some fight at the bottom, but, along with Norwich its 2 from 3 there i think. Leic city can probably put the title to bed if they win their next game at home to W Ham... could be a very good game that.
Ah well, Leic City failed to win but scraped a draw, so although still hot favs, still need a win to settle their doubters...with Vardy being sent off, I wonder if the missed game will affect them?
in Scotland, I got it all wrong(not for the first time;I'm a rotten pundit) and Rangers and Celtic played out what seems to have been an entertaining draw, and Gers going on to win on Pens.. I say entertaining, but maybe not for the Celtic support. Marco can, I'm sure enlighten us re that. Plenty calls it seems for the manager's head anyways, although that is normal for the losers of an old firm match. anyways this will be the first ever final between 2 non first division sides, and it follows that it will be the first cup win by such since 1938, when East fife efeated Kilmarnock on penalties after a replay ... heady days for the Fifers in front of over 80k at Hampden.
no thoughts nd reflections on the game Marco ? thought you would have been awatching.:)
Immense game and result, Celtic outplayed on all fronts...
Immense game and result, Celtic outplayed on all fronts...
I looked at the stats and Rangers although having 63% possession only had 3 shots on target, scoring 2.. celtic had 10, scoring 2... Either means their finishing was poor or Keeper had a fantastic game; also suggests Celtic played a more direct game while Gers passed the ball... A turnaround, and may be interesting season next time.
with Spurs winning well(4-0) tonight the prem 1st place is just slightly open again. 5 points with 4 games left and Vardy to be suspended, might just make things interesting.. always nice to have some twists near the end, or it wouldnt be footie.... Best Prem season maybe ever
maybe not the correct thread, but here on merit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivM7A7SpDOs
I can only guess, but I would suggest that this guy went through the St Johnstone Youth team scheme, where players are taught this stuff from a young age.
lol... blue they may be but Brazil they aint.
On prem duty Spurs have lost their slight chance now of overtaking Leic City by being held to a draw by the Baggies. They can now win the league(Leic) at old trafford in next game, and good on them.
In Scotland the chase hots up, but for the managership of Celtic, who are parting with theirs after the loss to Rangers, which was just the icing on the cake tbh, as his card was marked. Many names in the hat so far but I fancy Lennon to make the return journey, unless he blotted his copybook when leaving. Moyes is also in the frame, but when he hears whats on offer, he may not fancy it; it will be interesting to find out in close season if it takes that long.
After being scunnered to ma gut with that result at Hampden, I'm *just* about able to talk again about football, so might do so later... ;)
Marco.
After being scunnered to ma gut with that result at Hampden, I'm *just* about able to talk again about football, so might do so later... ;)
Marco.
Took you a while to recover lol. acht its only a game....;) so who will be the new manager mate??
William Hill offering 1/20.for Leicester to win the league.
If you have a spare hundred thousand lying around you could get a £5K return on that as early as 4pm Sunday...
Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk
The hungrier team always wins an old firm game, which is precisely what happened. The question is why were Rangers hungrier than us? Celtic should've been going for the double, for two years in a row: a not inconsiderable achievement, but too many of the Celtic players looked jaded, or simply not as up for it as they should've been. Fundamentally, too many of them lacked the winning mentality and the ability to go that extra mile when needed.
And what on earth does Ronny Deila have against Chris Commons? Fair enough, don't start him, if that suits your initial game plan, but FFS, when the team is struggling and that game plan isn't working, then bring him on to play against a team he always does well against - and long before penalties are taking place!! :doh: I guarantee that he wouldn't have missed his, if he's had the opportunity - and that could've made the difference between Celtic reaching the cup final and not.
I like Ronny Deila. As a manager, he had some good ideas, and he also seemed to be a very pleasant, open and honest man. The majority of the Celtic fans certainly respected him, but I'm not sure he was tough enough at getting his ideas across, in terms of what he wanted from the players - and more importantly, I'm not sure he had enough of the right type of players in the team to truly play the style he wanted.
Most of all though, he's another young manager who was given the Celtic job too early in his career. Not many can handle the intense pressure and the unique demands of a job like that, managing a team that is expected to win almost every game that they play. The expectation level of the Celtic fans is (justifiably) HUGE. These days, outside of the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, that's a unique type of pressure - and I don't think that Ronny ever got to grips fully with it, and ultimately that's why he quit.
That, and perhaps the realisation that he couldn't take the team any further forward with his methods and the budget he had to work with. Whoever gets to be the new manager (and I think it will be Roy Keane or Steve Clarke, although my personal favourite, from the names put forward so far, would be Brendan Rogers), I hope that the board loosen the purse strings more, because if Celtic have genuine Champions League aspirations, in terms of reaching the last 16 (and given the size and history of the club, why shouldn't they?) they will have to give the next manager some proper money to spend.
Truth is, unless you are VERY lucky, these days you get no more than a mediocre player for £3m or £4m (Celtic's recent ceiling of spending), never mind less than that - and mediocre players will more often than not produce mediocre results, especially in the big games that matter, which is where Celtic have fallen down badly this season. And unfortunately the current Celtic team has more mediocre players in it than genuinely high-calibre ones. The exception being Patrick Roberts, but he's only on loan from Man City, and not their player. He is, however, on his game, a class above anyone else in the team - but that's what you get for £12m!
And that's the type of level and calibre of player Celtic need to be aiming at, if they've got any hope of trying to compete with the big boys in the CL. The fact is, it takes more money than ever now to compete in Europe, and the reality is that the £3m or £4m Celtic have spent in the past on a single player, now needs to be at least double that to get the same calibre of player you would've got 3-4 years ago for £3m or £4m. That's just how it is.
Therefore, if Celtic are to genuinely make progress next season, instead of going backwards as they have this season, then the board will have to back the new manager with proper money - and the first thing they need to buy is a top-notch striker, who can score goals in Europe, especially away from home. Someone who can unlock well-organised defences with a bit of imagination/flair and take the pressure off of Griffiths, together with a midfield playmaker, who can provide some real creativity and/or individual brilliance, to help turn potential draws or defeats into wins. Essentially, they need another Nakamura or Moravcik.
The good thing about Rangers being back in the SPL is that it will force Celtic to up their game (as you can bet your boots that Rangers will significantly improve their squad in the summer), so Celtic need to do the same, and then some, if they're going to stay at the top of Scottish football and compete seriously in the CL. Celtic badly needed the kick up the arse Rangers' presence in the SPL will undoubtedly give them, so I'm glad that they're back. Proper competition can only be good for everyone.
One thing's for sure, next season will be a very interesting one indeed! :)
Marco.
Nice write up,.. wouldn't disagree on most of it. I think Celtic have pissed about too much in the time Gers were away in buying lots, and I mean LOTS of players that just are not good enough, but all on fairly good wages.... Their wage bill must be scary for a Scottish side.
In my opinion they should have spent their time and money burying Gers for ever by getting in class, and I am really surprised they missed the opportunity. (i could be wrong here as I dont follow Scottish football much now)
I think Celtic have pissed about too much in the time Gers were away in buying lots, and I mean LOTS of players that just are not good enough, but all on fairly good wages.... Their wage bill must be scary for a Scottish side.
In my opinion they should have spent their time and money burying Gers for ever by getting in class, and I am really surprised they missed the opportunity.
That's spot on, mate. Celtic, by this stage now, should be WAY in front of Rangers, but I don't think that they are, certainly in terms of what they should've achieved in this time during the absence of Rangers from the top flight. However, let's not get too carried away. It was a one-off cup game, and Rangers had a point to prove, and did so. Well done to them.
The question is, how will they cope week in, week out playing against far better teams than they've been faced with for the last four years? I'm not sure, and the evidence of them this season struggling to beat some teams in the Championship (even though they eventually won the league well), and the amount of goals they've conceded, doesn't bode too well...
I mean, cup semi-final win aside, as a Celtic manager, who would you pick from the current Rangers side to put in your first team? Realistically, no-one, and that tells its own story. However, I think Rangers will strengthen their squad significantly in the summer, although where the money will come from, I don't really know... They're still on a shoogly peg financially.
It's still not inconceivable that they could go bankrupt again, especially if they're going to try and take the title from Celtic, and spend accordingly. Or, they could end up being relegated, if they don't cope well with the step up in standard from the Championship. It's certainly not impossible with their current crop of players.
However, I don't think that will happen, but the first dozen games that they play next year in the SPL will go some way to determining where Rangers will end up.
Marco.
Anyway, fingers crossed that Leicester sow up the Premiership title this weekend - what an incredible achievement that would be for Ranieri and his team!! :eek: :eek: :clap: :clap:
Marco.
I dont see any chance of Rangers coming straight back down again, but I dont see them getting anywhere near Celtic either. They have been playing weak opposition for so long now that it will take a while.
I think top 3 or 4 , at best.
So Celtic and St Johnstone in a tough fight for first. Rangers, Aberdeen and Hearts in a tough fight for 3rd. :eyebrows:
Hi Brian,
I dont see any chance of Rangers coming straight back down again, but I dont see them getting anywhere near Celtic either. They have been playing weak opposition for so long now that it will take a while.
Yup, that was my point. Let's hope it takes them long enough to 'bed in', to allow us to secure ten in a row! ;) Providing that we can successfully get the 5th one...
Are you a St Johnstone fan, then? :eyebrows:
What I'll be most curious to see is what players Rangers sign in the summer, at what cost, and where the money for that has come from, if the spending is significant.
Marco.
Are you a St Johnstone fan, then? :eyebrows:
oh yes..................
all thanks to my Dad. He is a "Pars" fan and took me to the old Muirton park to see them once. Saints thrashed them 1 - 0 and that was me hooked.
Many happy days at Muirton as a kid.
Remember old muirton. Saints Were a big team back in the day.
As for Rangers. I would be surprised if they do any better than 3rd, but even that may be beyond them...time will tell and as you say Marco much depends on who buys who
oh yes..................
all thanks to my Dad. He is a "Pars" fan and took me to the old Muirton park to see them once. Saints thrashed them 1 - 0 and that was me hooked.
Many happy days at Muirton as a kid.
Excellent, and cheers for pumping Aberdeen! :thumbsup: :eyebrows:
Quite often you give us a hard game, and I'm sure it'll be the same on 11th May, at your patch, although hopefully we'll have tied up the title by then! :)
Marco.
As for Rangers. I would be surprised if they do any better than 3rd, but even that may be beyond them...time will tell and as you say Marco much depends on who buys who
Indeed. I'm certainly looking forward to the first meeting at Parkhead, as Celtic will have a score to settle - and I'd like to see them go straight for the jugular! ;)
Marco.
Quite often you give us a hard game, and I'm sure it'll be the same on 11th May, at your patch, although hopefully we'll have tied up the title by then! :)
Well, i wouldnt worry about taking a bottle of fizzy stuff to celebrate with on the 11th.
It will only get warm as you drive back down the A9........ with it unopened. :)
:lolsign:
Just concentrate on beating Rangers next season, along with the rest of the diddy teams! :lol: ;)
Marco.
Indeed. I'm certainly looking forward to the first meeting at Parkhead, as Celtic will have a score to settle - and I'd like to see them go straight for the jugular! ;)
Marco.
Sure everyone will be ...all the prem probably.. I dont follow footy much bar through my game so i am relearning as i go all the dislikes lol. Personally cant be bothered with that side of it. I really think the Warburton guy likes to play nice football but to do that v better teams he will need better players.. A 433. That i think he is using is potentiall dangerous... Sure Celtic will get their no 6 whoever the manager is but unless they do something about their huge and relatively poor squad i think they may struggle. I remember gers being in a similar situ once and it caused lots of problems both in dressingroom and financially
Our usual points tally of you next year Stratmangler!
Stratmangler
02-05-2016, 19:51
Welcome back for next season :cool:
Burnley I presume ... nice one. Its a very difficult league to get out of and looks like you may well win it too
Our usual points tally of you next year Stratmangler!
Sorry, too cryptic. Whaddyamean? :)
Marco.
Stratmangler
02-05-2016, 20:05
Drew one, won one.
Burnley, that is, last time they were up in the Prem.
Ah, I see... You've been very quiet lately on this thread, mate. Good luck for Wednesday, btw. I'll be rooting for City! :)
Marco.
Thanks, Stratmangler and struth.
Stratmangler
02-05-2016, 20:39
Ah, I see... You've been very quiet lately on this thread, mate. Good luck for Wednesday, btw. I'll be rooting for City! :)
Marco.
I've been quiet largely because it would be a tirade about how useless certain City players have been.
One of them was on the field yesterday, not that you'd have noticed - I don't recall hearing his name mentioned once by the commentators during play.
The positive things to come out of the game - Kelechi Iheanacho played for the whole game and scored a brace. The lad is going to strike fear into opposition defender's hearts next season.
Wednesday is going to be a very big game for City, and Real are not going to roll over for us.
Stratmangler
02-05-2016, 20:57
Congratulations to Leicester City, Premier League Champions 2015/2016.
Congratulations to Leicester City, Premier League Champions 2015/2016.
well, very nearly :)
Aye
Wish I'd bet on them at the start of the season...
£25 bet to win....I'd be a millionaire!
Well done Leicester. Getting football back where it belongs.
StanleyB
02-05-2016, 21:26
Aye
Wish I'd bet on them at the start of the season...
£25 bet to win....I'd be a millionaire!
:scratch:. The odds were 5000 to 1.
Tom Hanks apparently had £100 on them.... as if he needs it:doh:
well, very nearly...
Not nearly, daftee. It's a fact :)
It was 0-2 to Spurs the last time I looked. They certainly threw that away! However, some things are just destined to be. I always thought Spurs would bottle it in the end. An amazing and utterly groundbreaking result for Leicester! Shades of Ipswich Town, under Bobby Robson...
Marco.
StanleyB
02-05-2016, 22:33
Gary Lineker must be looking for a clean pair of pants right now. I hope he makes good on his bet.
Remind me what the bet was again?
Marco.
StanleyB
02-05-2016, 22:56
Gary promised to present Match Of The Day in his underpants if Leicester won the title.
Ha - should be fun. He should wear his wife's (gusset side up), just for extra giggle factor! :D
Marco.
StanleyB
03-05-2016, 15:14
Ha - should be fun. He should wear his wife's (gusset side up), just for extra giggle factor! :D
You got your wish. The bookies are now taking bets on the colour of the underpants he is going to wear.
Great result for Liverpool against Villarreal in the Europa League. Roll on the final! :cool:
Marco.
Yup. A great performance, and a final with Sevilla. I chose them a while back to win this and see no reason to change my mind. Good (Big) cup team, and a manager who has mileage in him for some time yet I think.
I get that, but for me it's Liverpool's year to win something, what with the recent Hillsborough thing and all. Klopp and the lads will triumph! :trust:
What's interesting is the current dominance by Spanish teams in Europe (Europa and Champions League), and the lack of ultimate success for the big-spending English clubs, despite playing domestically in the supposed 'best league in the world'...
What are they doing right that the latter are getting wrong?
Marco.
Oldpinkman
06-05-2016, 07:14
Great result. Looking forward to the final. And the immediate future with Klopp at the helm. I hope Sakho is not out for too long.
The UK premiership is the most exciting, passionate league in the world, by almost universal agreement. It is not the best quality league by a long way. The best footballers are in Spain.
Well, i wouldnt worry about taking a bottle of fizzy stuff to celebrate with on the 11th.
It will only get warm as you drive back down the A9........ with it unopened. :)
Well done, Brian on tonight's result. Leigh Griffiths goal aside, Celtic were a shambles and played as if there was nothing to play for, which is a joke when you're wearing a Celtic jersey, coupled with defensive errors you'd hope not to see in the junior league.... :rolleyes:
Anyway, 4th place in the SPL for two seasons running is a fooking AMAZING result for St Johnstone, so congrats! :clap: :clap: :thumbsup:
Marco.
Well done, Brian on tonight's result. Leigh Griffiths goal aside, Celtic were a shambles and played as if there was nothing to play for, which is a joke when you're wearing a Celtic jersey, coupled with defensive errors you'd hope not to see in the junior league.... :rolleyes:
Anyway, 4th place in the SPL for two seasons running is a fooking AMAZING result for St Johnstone, so congrats! :clap: :clap: :thumbsup:
Marco.
Thanks.
My old grannie always said I had "special talent", but to be honest there was nothing special about predicting that result. :lol: Im slightly surprised we didnt score more. I thought 6 : 1
4th place this year.......................... but next year.....................
We have been developing nicely for years now and the brand of "total football" that we play now is something that I feel the other teams in Scotland are soon just not going to be able to cope with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiR260elxwM
Barcelona, Real Madrid....watch out !!
Aye, Champions League, here you come! ;)
Anyway, you're bound to finish ahead of Rangers next season :eyebrows:
Marco.
Champions league. yes i could handle some of that.
Messi and his chums coming to Perth. They would be made very welcome.
Possibly even invite Suarez out for a "bite" to eat..............................Oops :scratch:
Aye, Champions League, here you come! ;)
Anyway, you're bound to finish ahead of Rangers next season :eyebrows:
Marco.
But are Celtic? ;)
Ha - we'll see! I'd expect so, as they're simply a lower-league side recently promoted from obscurity, who used to be known as 'Rangers' :eyebrows: ;)
Marco.
Showing your true colours now mate ...shakes head and walks away:doh:
;)
Lol - I was joking! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Yup. Me too:eyebrows:
.....i think;)
I see Hibs have another season at least in the Championship as they lost 5-4 to Falkirk.. The Bairns will now play Kilmarnock apparently for the final place in the Premiership. Going to be another biggish Championship next year with Dundee Utd languishing at foot of table all year and now relegated.
Also see when on the bbc website, that Gers have signed Liverpool starlet Jordan Rossiter for what looks like a bargain 250k.
7-0 at home against Motherwell, and some exhilarating football, was a fitting end for Ronny's last match in charge, and to parade the [5-in-a-row] SPL trophy! :yay:
:clap: :clap:
Here's to next season - I think it's going to be a cracker!! :cool:
Marco.
spendorman
15-05-2016, 21:38
BBC speakers http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rogers-BBC-LS5-8-with-Quad-AM8-16-amps-and-leads-Unicol-Studio-stands-/262432640080
What's that got to do with football, Alex? :scratch:
Marco.
spendorman
16-05-2016, 08:37
Apologies, complete mistake, was of course meant for Bargains on ebay, don't know how I did this. Could a Moderator please move it. Thanks.
Stratmangler
16-05-2016, 10:23
7-0 at home against Motherwell, and some exhilarating football, was a fitting end for Ronny's last match in charge, and to parade the [5-in-a-row] SPL trophy! :yay:
:clap: :clap:
Here's to next season - I think it's going to be a cracker!! :cool:
Marco.
It's a good feeling having your team come out on top at the end of another long campaign.
Next season could be interesting for you, what with your old nemesis back in the top flight.
They may not be as strong a squad on on paper, but paper doesn't play the game on the field.
I'm not surprised to see Patrick Roberts having carved himself a first team place - he'll more than prove himself next season.
Final day was a bit strange over at The Swamp - that bomb scare's the most exciting thing to happen there in the last few seasons :)
The most important thing is that nobody got hurt, well at least not yet, cos I can see someone getting their arse kick up and down Chester Road a few times ;)
Hi Chris,
Yes, next season's SPL will indeed be interesting. Much will depend on how much money Rangers get to spend on new players to improve their team, as there is a big gulf in class between the players represented in the Celtic and Rangers squads, which may not always matter in one-off cup games, but would be significant over the course of a season - and of course Celtic will also be strengthening in the summer, and will have a new manager.
How will Rangers handle the step-up in standard, over the course of a season? We shall see...
Patrick Roberts is pure class and will no doubt develop into a wonderful player - you can see precisely what you get for £12m! I'm glad that we've got him for another season, and having now settled into the team, next season I think we'll see the best of him. Did you watch his performance against Motherwell? :)
The Man Utd thing was bizarre... I wonder how many millions of pounds that will have cost abandoning the game and having to reschedule it - and crucially who was responsible for paying it? :eek:
I note that Man Utd have since won the match 3-1 and have secured 5th place in the league, one point behind you guys. City's rise to the CL semi-final aside, it's been a season to forget for both the Manchester teams. Who will come out on top next season, I wonder?
Marco.
Stratmangler
18-05-2016, 08:05
Did you watch his performance against Motherwell? :)
I didn't, but as you've mentioned it I'll hazard a guess and say that he directed a lot of the play.
Liverpool halfway there and lead 1-0 in europa final... Sturridge
Stratmangler
18-05-2016, 19:50
You spoke too soon ....
Equaliser just 20 seconds from kick off in the 2nd half :doh:
worst possible start; just when you need to steady yourselves :doh:
its gone now... the Sevilla manager must have filled them with summat... 3-1 now ... think its gonna be 3 on trot
Stratmangler
18-05-2016, 20:49
Congratulations to Sevilla, worthy winners of the Europa League, and commiserations to Liverpool.
Going in at half time you'd have thought Liverpool would have come out for the 2nd half and taken the game by the scruff, but instead they didn't turn up.
Who'd a thunk that?
Bet you were panicking in case Liverpool triumphed, because as winners of the Europa League, they'd have pinched City's CL spot! ;)
But yes, the Sevilla manager obviously gave his players a 'rocket' at half time, which had the desired effect, whilst Liverpool turned into a damp squib... Most disappointing, but at 1-0 up they should've had at least one penalty, which if scored, could've changed the whole complexion of the game.
Still, overall, the best team won. Their second goal was an absolute peach!
Marco.
Stratmangler
19-05-2016, 16:34
Bet you were panicking in case Liverpool triumphed, because as winners of the Europa League, they'd have pinched City's CL spot! ;)
Just a few points.
No, Liverpool wouldn't have pinched City's CL spot. If Liverpool had won last night there would have been 5 EPL teams competing in the CL. No panic here at all.
I watched the game as a neutral because the result would have no impact on City's CL spot.
City still have the inconvenience of playing a qualifying round, which we have to win, so it's still not nailed on that we play CL football next season.
But yes, the Sevilla manager obviously gave his players a 'rocket' at half time, which had the desired effect, whilst Liverpool turned into a damp squib... Most disappointing, but at 1-0 up they should've had at least one penalty, which if scored, could've changed the whole complexion of the game.
Still, overall, the best team won. Their second goal was an absolute peach!
Marco.
Sevilla didn't look that much out of sorts in the first half.
The penalty not being given? It happens.
Sturridge's goal was phenomenal.
The Sevilla equaliser was down to brilliant attacking team play.
Sevilla's second was a peach, and the third I initially thought was offside - Howard Webb said the decision was correct, and I accept his comment.
The best team won.
Are you worried at the prospect of Rodgers being the next Celtic manager?
Not in the slightest - on the contrary, he's my preferred option! :)
I loved the way he had Liverpool playing the year that they should've won the Premiership, and how he had Swansea playing before that, so if he can bring that attacking style of football to Celtic, I'll be very happy. Also, he should have some excellent contacts in England, in terms of players, for possible signing in the new season.
TBH, I'd be happy with Keane, Moyes or Rodgers as manager. What I wouldn't fancy is Malky Mackay, as I don't think he'd be an improvement on what we had before.
My mistake, I thought that only four CL places were offered to Premiership sides, and so if a Premiership team won the Europa League, and thus qualified for the CL next season, that it would subsequently rob the team finishing 4th in the league of their CL spot.
So you're saying that if Liverpool had won last night, they'd simply have joined the existing four Premiership teams in next season's CL proper (and/or the qualifiers)?
Marco.
yes there are a max of 5 teams allowed to enter the comp Marco. Think they would have had to play more playoffs though.
Stratmangler
19-05-2016, 17:35
There are lots of ifs and buts http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/10253604/champions-league-and-europa-league-qualification-for-premier-league-teams-explained
Stratmangler
20-05-2016, 16:48
Looks like your wish came true, Marco http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36338244
:yay: :yay: :yesbruv:
Don't you rate him, then?
Marco.
He's a charlatan. A good talker and a bright guy but has bought too many sub-standard players as a manager and has won nothing. The Gers will be smiling tonight...
Lol - in your dreams! He'll win plenty at Celtic. Who's your team then, Dave? :)
Marco.
P.S I'll get to that PM later.
They have appointed a "Special Manager"....:doh: where have I heard that before :scratch: ;) There were lots of clubs after him apparently. Have to say I liked his style at Swansea, and thought he made a mistake moving to Pool. It kinda went sour at Anfield where the pressure got to him a bit; hopefully for Celts he will be a better manager for it. As said above, his buying at anfield was not great.
Certain to make for an interesting league next year........:eek:
Well, if he does as well as the last Northern Irish manager we had, he'll be all right! ;)
Seriously though, leaving the usual rhetoric aside (such as you've referred to) I think he'll do well and will be given decent money to spend, in order to take Celtic further in Europe. He's also at a club now, for the first time, where he's got a genuine chance to win things - and win things I think he will :)
The Rangers manager apparently knows him well and also rates him.
Marco.
Stratmangler
20-05-2016, 19:53
:yay: :yay: :yesbruv:
Don't you rate him, then?
Marco.
What has he achieved?
He's not a bad manager, but coming a close second doesn't get remembered.
There are no major honours won by any one of the teams he's managed to date, and as such he has yet to prove himself.
Sure he will quickly do well, or be out on his ass along with Lawtohimself :lol: He meets the Celtic criteria I think; just depends if he can manage in the red hot cauldron of Parkhead, which is a lot harder than many in England realise. Tome though, the biggest risk was Celtic not putting themselves out of sight when Gers disappeared 4/5 years ago. That was stupidity imho.
Good luck to him anyways.:)
What has he achieved?
He's not a bad manager, but coming a close second doesn't get remembered.
There are no major honours won by any one of the teams he's managed to date, and as such he has yet to prove himself.
I agree, but he's not yet been in charge of a team likely to win anything - even at Liverpool, who's occasional European exploits aside, were a team in the doldrums. However, I suspect Klopp will change that sooner rather than later. Celtic, however, are a different ball game. Rodgers will almost certainly win trophies in Scotland.
Where he'll be judged ultimately, however, is how well he does in Europe - and like Grant says, how well he handles the (extreme and demanding) pressure of being Celtic manager, which is very different to almost any other football managerial job in the world.
In terms of pressure and huge fan expectations, and how much it takes over your life on every level, only really the Man Utd, Real Madrid and Barcelona jobs compare.
Marco.
StanleyB
20-05-2016, 21:22
What has he achieved?
He's not a bad manager, but coming a close second doesn't get remembered.
There are no major honours won by any one of the teams he's managed to date, and as such he has yet to prove himself.
Mind you, they said the same about a certain Ranieri a year ago. He is now worshipped like a deity who can do nothing wrong right now.
I agree, but he's not yet been in charge of a team likely to win anything - even at Liverpool, who's occasional European exploits aside, were a team in the doldrums. However, I suspect Klopp will change that sooner rather than later. Celtic, however, are a different ball game. Rodgers will almost certainly win trophies in Scotland.
Where he'll be judged ultimately, however, is how well he does in Europe - and like Grant says, how well he handles the (extreme and demanding) pressure of being Celtic manager, which is very different to almost any other football managerial job in the world.
In terms of pressure and huge fan expectations, and how much it takes over your life on every level, only really the Man Utd, Real Madrid and Barcelona jobs compare.
Marco.
thought that ;)
Mind you, they said the same about a certain Ranieri a year ago. He is now worshipped like a deity who can do nothing wrong right now.
Ranieri had won lots f things though in his career, and is very experienced.
Stratmangler
20-05-2016, 22:37
Mind you, they said the same about a certain Ranieri a year ago. He is now worshipped like a deity who can do nothing wrong right now.
In England you'd be correct.
He has a decent CV from his management of European teams, with a few Club honours along the way.
Leaked to press that Mourinio is taking over from LVG at utd, duing the game it seems. terrible treatment, yet Utd win the cup anyway so nice way to say GTF :D
I note that Rangers have signed Joey Barton... Odds on he'll get sent off in his first Old Firm match! ;)
Meanwhile, much like he did in France, I hear he's picking up the Glasgow accent nicely. Stopped outside of Ibrox this afternoon, and asked by a fan how he thinks he'll settle into life at Rangers, Joey replied:
"Aye, ma man, it's nae bother. Ah cannae wait tae get stuck intae Cellik and kick f*ck out of Scott Brown. We arra PEOPILL....."
"By the way, where can ah buy a flute?" :D
Marco.
I note that Rangers have signed Joey Barton... Odds on he'll get sent off in his first Old Firm match! ;)
Meanwhile, much like he did in France, I hear he's picking up the Glasgow accent nicely. Stopped outside of Ibrox this afternoon, and asked by a fan how he thinks he'll settle into life at Rangers, Joey replied:
"Aye, ma man, it's nae bother. Ah cannae wait tae get stuck intae Cellik and kick f*ck out of Scott Brown. We arra PEOPILL....."
"By the way, where can ah buy a flute?" :D
Marco.
:D. Might try a gazza eh
?
If hes half as good he'll do.... Think he was player of year with promoted Burnley too... Musta taken a fancy as gers wouldnt have offered him the money he was on.
See theve let 3 go too ...was a little surprisex in templeton but the other 2 were expected by me.
Hell get sent off in his first couple of games as the thugs up here will target him...sad but true
Virtual-Symmetry
25-05-2016, 14:46
I have always been a bit dubious about Blokes that go to watch other blokes run about in shorts!
:eyebrows:
I have always been a bit dubious about Blokes that go to watch other blokes run about in shorts!
:eyebrows:
I agree..it was much better when they wore plus fours and had waxed handlebar moustaches ;)
Virtual-Symmetry
25-05-2016, 18:06
:whistle:
Stratmangler
26-05-2016, 19:22
I have always been a bit dubious about Blokes that go to watch other blokes run about in shorts!
:eyebrows:
I've never, ever thought about it in those terms.
Are you trying to tell us something about yourself?
StanleyB
26-05-2016, 20:39
I've never, ever thought about it in those terms.
Are you trying to tell us something about yourself?
Some of us do enjoy a bit of women's football as well you know :).
I was just doing my Fridayweekly check on the footie world and I see Arsenal have triggered James Vardy's release clause... Incredible but true...will he go? ....PROBABLY.
This is who I think Brendan Rodgers should sign for Celtic, as I was very impressed with him playing for Switzerland, and think he'd be a sensation at Celtic Park, in the way of Lubo Moravcik:
3NfkDwaRV7c
Champions League football and the chance to play in front of 65,000 fans every other week, for one of the biggest and most famous teams in the world, and potentially be part of something special at Celtic at an exciting time for the club, could tempt him north of the border from Stoke, if the transfer fee and his wages weren't too stupid.
Marco.
This is who I think Brendan Rogers should sign for Celtic, as I was very impressed with him playing for Switzerland, and think he'd be a sensation at Celtic Park, in the way of Lubo Moravcik:
3NfkDwaRV7c
Champions League football and the chance to play in front of 65,000 fans every other week, for one of the biggest and most famous teams in the world, and potentially be part of something special at Celtic at an exciting time for the club, could tempt him north of the border from Stoke, if the transfer fee and his wages weren't too stupid.
Marco.
:lol:
What's funny, daftee?
Marco.
He,ll be on funny money mate. £65k per week.. Thats over 3 mil a year.
So was Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, yet he took the job as Celtic manager...
There's a lot more to managing or playing for a club like Celtic, than just money. FYI, there are some Celtic players already on £45k per week, such as Chris Commons. See here: http://tsmplay.com/football/celtic-players-salaries/ So if Shaqiri were offered similar, do your think he might not be tempted?
Stoke City or Celtic? Money aside and/or English Premiership status, the comparison is pretty laughable, when you consider their respective standings as clubs in world football ;)
Shaqiri will be a multi-millionaire already, so it would depend on how his brain is wired, and whether or not he'd fancy a different type of challenge. However, that's the calibre of player Celtic are likely to attract to the club, with Rodgers at the helm, especially if this season Celtic have genuine aspirations of getting into the Champions League proper, or reaching the last 16, as they've done before.
Marco.
So was Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, yet he took the Celtic job...
Stoke City or Celtic?
Brendan Rodgers was sacked; he'd move to Stoke in a heartbeat [emoji41]
Sent from LCY, escaping to Italy for some European sanity.
Lol... That shows how little you know about his Celtic connections, a team which not only he's supported all his life, but all of his family! Have you actually studied the subject in detail, and know something about the matter, or are you just spouting shit, for spouting shit's sake?
Marco.
P.S Get the Tapatalk pish disabled, or I'll be editing it again in a 'funny wee way' ;)
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