Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Sat May 18, 2013 9:19 pm  

Some of the criticism of him is a bit harsh. Clearly not a great player? Have a word.

You don't get 115 senior England caps or win 11 league titles if you aren't a great player. You might get lucky and taken along for one of those things by other better players, but you don't get that level of success without being great.

Beckham's passing was light years ahead of his English counterparts when he was in his prime and he developed his game superbly to adapt to the different leagues he played in. His Madrid spell improved his short passing and tactical discipline and he never looked back.

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Sun May 19, 2013 8:11 am  

getdownmonkeyman wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1jyeGHDORQ

is that Mickey Francis?

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Sun May 19, 2013 5:04 pm  

Manager of the Month for May - Rafael Benitez.

Well done to him in the end. Finished the season exceptionally well. Thanks for what you've done.

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Sun May 19, 2013 6:11 pm  

Next season is going to be very interesting at the top. The return of mourinho, the start of moyes era at old trafford, a new man in town at city, finally a bit of spending at arsenal, a resurgent liverpool under brendan rodgers.

It feels like the start of a new era.

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Sun May 19, 2013 7:54 pm  

FlexWheeler wrote:

Next season is going to be very interesting at the top. The return of mourinho, the start of moyes era at old trafford, a new man in town at city, finally a bit of spending at arsenal, a resurgent liverpool under brendan rodgers.

It feels like the start of a new era.

Liverpool ??? lol

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Sun May 19, 2013 8:14 pm  

Cas Till I Die wrote:

Liverpool ??? lol

For once I agree. Liverpool have a lot to do this summer. Strong possibility of a new goalkeeper, IMO we could do with a new defender in every position, but that isn't realistic. We need improvements in almost every position on the field if we want to bridge the gap with the top 4, but I can't see it happening. If I were to focus on signing specific positions, I'd prioritise centre back, centre mid and either flank. We could do with Allen picking up the form from the start of the season, he looked ideal when he first started but when Lucas went off with injury, it completely changed his game and he never reached form again.

Do we make the jump this summer and build around Coutinho in midfield? Do we get rid of both Agger and Skrtel, as well as Carra retiring? Do we keep a player like Henderson and hope he'll find a proper role, rather than the jack of all trades he currently is? Has Downing really done enough to justify the salary and fee?

Lots of questions over our team this summer. Clearly, we're way off where we want to be, but does Brendan have the balls to make the decisions needed?

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Mon May 20, 2013 6:31 am  

Roddy B wrote:

For once I agree. Liverpool have a lot to do this summer. Strong possibility of a new goalkeeper, IMO we could do with a new defender in every position, but that isn't realistic. We need improvements in almost every position on the field if we want to bridge the gap with the top 4, but I can't see it happening. If I were to focus on signing specific positions, I'd prioritise centre back, centre mid and either flank. We could do with Allen picking up the form from the start of the season, he looked ideal when he first started but when Lucas went off with injury, it completely changed his game and he never reached form again.

Do we make the jump this summer and build around Coutinho in midfield? Do we get rid of both Agger and Skrtel, as well as Carra retiring? Do we keep a player like Henderson and hope he'll find a proper role, rather than the jack of all trades he currently is? Has Downing really done enough to justify the salary and fee?

Lots of questions over our team this summer. Clearly, we're way off where we want to be, but does Brendan have the balls to make the decisions needed?

and will the biting, spitting, stamping, abusing one still be here?

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Mon May 20, 2013 6:41 am  

I think City have decided that if you're going to have a disappointing season its best to end on as sour a note as possible. Next season is bound to be an improvement.

Some worrying rumours flying about concerning the absence of Kompany and Nastasic from the final two games. Perhaps Brian Kidd just doesn't like centre backs.

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Mon May 20, 2013 8:25 am  

Cibaman wrote:

I think City have decided that if you're going to have a disappointing season its best to end on as sour a note as possible. Next season is bound to be an improvement.

Some worrying rumours flying about concerning the absence of Kompany and Nastasic from the final two games. Perhaps Brian Kidd just doesn't like centre backs.

Heard rumours as to why Kompany wasn't involved, not specifically who he'd had a go at, is there a clue in your statement or are they unrelated?

Re: Football Chat Thread PART II : Mon May 20, 2013 10:30 am  

Forgive me for breaking up the Rafa love-in but.....Chelsea were third when he took over, 4 points behind leaders City, 3 behind Utd, 5 ahead of Arsenal and 7 ahead of Spurs....6 months later he finishes 14 pts beind United (-11 pts), 3 points behind City (+1 point), 2 ahead of Arsenal (-3 pts) and 3 ahead of Spurs (-4 pts).

He also wins the Europa cup with a Champions League team/ squad......yet "all is forgiven Rafa!" Bizarre.