The Footy Thread!

[Mr Blue Sky]

Can't believe Dalglish has actually been sacked That's a crazy knee-jerk reaction to the league season in my eyes.

My first reaction to this is how dare those temporary custodians of our club sack Kenny Dalglish. He's so much more than a football manager at our club, especially for what he did following Hillsborough.

In pure footballing terms this decision makes no sense at all unless they have a real ace up their sleeves to bring in as manager and give them another huge war chest full of cash to spend. Not to the owners - that's NOT Roberto Martinez.

A couple of names that would probably shock many people that I'd be happy with - Fabio Capello or Andre Villas-Boas. Capello's brand of football is dour but as a domestic manager his record is beyond compare. Even if you look back at the job he did with England the 'league' portion of the job he did (i.e. qualification) was superb. As for AVB he plays a great style of football which is a plus and again if you look back at his record in Portugal it was pretty incredible. Ok, he failed at Chelski but that has become a manager's graveyard more than any other club in Europe over the last 5 years. If Di Matteo doesn't win on Saturday I guarantee he'll be sacked despite his FA Cup win. It's almost an impossible job for anyone to stay in for too long.

Wouldn't want Rafa back to be honest. I still think fondly of him but I want the club to look forward now not backwards.

[Moon-Crane]

Capello's the one i'd go for like. He's absolutely proven at club level. I'd rather have him than some of the names being bandied about. Can't see the benefits of Martinez, Rodgers, and even Villas-Boas, over Dalglish if the job description is instant success with mandatory Champions League qualification.

Somebody made the point this afternoon that for Dalglish and the fans the silverware was seen as success, while for the owners - who are ploughing their money in - the more important thing is a top four finish to get the Champions League income. The example used was Wenger at Arsenal. While their fans see no trophies as failure - he (and most likely the board) sees the consistent Champions League qualification as sucess enough and the main priority.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Capello's the one i'd go for like. He's absolutely proven at club level. I'd rather have him than some of the names being bandied about. Can't see the benefits of Martinez, Rodgers, and even Villas-Boas, over Dalglish if the job description is instant success with mandatory Champions League qualification.

Somebody made the point this afternoon that for Dalglish and the fans the silverware was seen as success, while for the owners - who are ploughing their money in - the more important thing is a top four finish to get the Champions League income. The example used was Wenger at Arsenal. While their fans see no trophies as failure - he (and most likely the board) sees the consistent Champions League qualification as sucess enough and the main priority.

That's true. None of the fans will complain too much if FSG's ruthless outlook delivers success for the club I just feel they're football novices and have little idea about what it takes to make a football club successfull (unless you have unlimited funds in which case it's relatively simple). Historically, clubs who change their managers every season tend to be in constant flux and never give themselves a platform on which to build anything. I guess time will tell.

[Hans the German Butler]

I just wonder whether there's more to it. To be fair it was a transition season but still, £113m spent for what seems like scant return no doubt help seal his fate. The handling of the Suarez incident was fairly diabolical, but to be fair he shouldn't be expected to by a PR or legal specialist. As soon as that broke the response to every question should have been - "the club has made an official statement and I will not comment whilst investigations are ongoing". If the stories are true that he went to Boston to call the owners' bluff and give them a "back me or sack me" style ultimatum then he's probably had his arse handed to him for being belligerent with them.

I think Martinez has done a good job at Wigan, on the lowest budget of any Premier League team and they play good football. Similarly with Rogers at Swansea. I just think the job is a bit big for their lack of experience, but in a couple of years, who knows. I think Capello and £60m to spend could deliver a top 4 finish but I'm not sure it would be Champagne football. There are strong rumours in the city that Didier Deschamps is on his way. I would be reluctant to go back to Benitez, but the experiences of Hodgson and Dalglish indicate just how much he over-achieved. I think with the right investment he could be successful. But the issue with RB would be the same as with King Kenny; the expectation would be so high that he could virtually never live up to it.

[Mr Blue Sky]

I just wonder whether there's more to it. To be fair it was a transition season but still, £113m spent for what seems like scant return no doubt help seal his fate. The handling of the Suarez incident was fairly diabolical, but to be fair he shouldn't be expected to by a PR or legal specialist. As soon as that broke the response to every question should have been - "the club has made an official statement and I will not comment whilst investigations are ongoing". If the stories are true that he went to Boston to call the owners' bluff and give them a "back me or sack me" style ultimatum then he's probably had his arse handed to him for being belligerent with them.

I haven't heard any rumours about Kenny giving an ultimatum, but I suspect they told him after last summer's mega-spend that top 4 was the minimum requirement and he's paid the price for some poor signings. I'm obviously dissapointed with the way the league campaign has turned out but I do think this was a bit of an 'odd' season anyhow (freakish number of penalties missed; woodwork hit and the whole Suarez affair) and in years gone by it would have simply been written off and start again next season. I didn't enjoy being a fan of the club around December/January time I must admit - I think Kenny handled that badly and a bit of a straighter bat would have kept the club's integrity intact. Perhaps he's paid the price for that as much as the poor league campaign.

I think Martinez has done a good job at Wigan, on the lowest budget of any Premier League team and they play good football. Similarly with Rogers at Swansea. I just think the job is a bit big for their lack of experience, but in a couple of years, who knows. I think Capello and £60m to spend could deliver a top 4 finish but I'm not sure it would be Champagne football. There are strong rumours in the city that Didier Deschamps is on his way. I would be reluctant to go back to Benitez, but the experiences of Hodgson and Dalglish indicate just how much he over-achieved. I think with the right investment he could be successful. But the issue with RB would be the same as with King Kenny; the expectation would be so high that he could virtually never live up to it.

Who would be your top choice then Hans, Capello? I just hope they consult widely before making a rash appointment - I don't know about you but having so many different managers in such a short space of time feels totally foreign to me as a Liverpool fan; that's what other clubs do. We've always given our managers time in the past. I wouldn't say no to Deschamps.

[Hans the German Butler]

Who would be your top choice then Hans, Capello? I just hope they consult widely before making a rash appointment - I don't know about you but having so many different managers in such a short space of time feels totally foreign to me as a Liverpool fan; that's what other clubs do. We've always given our managers time in the past. I wouldn't say no to Deschamps.

Jurgen Klopp, Marcelo Bielsa or Deschamps would suit me fine. I think Capello would achieve but I'm not sure the quality of the football would be fantastic; he would cost a fortune to retain and/or potentially fire if it didn't work; and his age may count against him. FSG seem to want a young empire builder. So maybe Deschamps is the best bet. Apparently Villas Boas has been approached but he left the club a bit cold regarding his vision so they've backed off.

[Moon-Crane]

Who would be your top choice then Hans, Capello? I just hope they consult widely before making a rash appointment - I don't know about you but having so many different managers in such a short space of time feels totally foreign to me as a Liverpool fan; that's what other clubs do. We've always given our managers time in the past. I wouldn't say no to Deschamps.

Jurgen Klopp, Marcelo Bielsa or Deschamps would suit me fine. I think Capello would achieve but I'm not sure the quality of the football would be fantastic; he would cost a fortune to retain and/or potentially fire if it didn't work; and his age may count against him. FSG seem to want a young empire builder. So maybe Deschamps is the best bet. Apparently Villas Boas has been approached but he left the club a bit cold regarding his vision so they've backed off.

I agree that Capello's age means it could only be short term appointment, but any of those names mentioned would cost a lot of money to hire/fire. I'd also have to wonder if some of those mentioned would want to become Liverpool manager at this present time.

It's like the people saying they have to go get Guardiola no matter what it takes/costs. I've always liked Liverpool but why the hell would he cut short his self-imposed break from football, after managing the current biggest club in the world and having all their resources at his disposal, to take over at Liverpool? Hats off to their optimism over the club's capacity to pull in the most sought-after names at this time, but I don't see any benefit to him whatesoever.

I think you need someone, even if it's a short-term appointment, who can get the top four finish and then attract the current younger managerial cream in there to push on. Capello seems to be the free agent who's most likely to provide it in my eyes. Some of those clubs in his CV were a mess (relatively) when he joined. Judging by this last season, 4th (or even 3rd depending on what Abramovich does) is up for grabs to someone with the organisational and tactical experience - and a bit of financial backing. I could see him grabbing you that 4th spot and picking up another cup.

[Hans the German Butler]

I think Capello would deliver top-4 football, his record at club level is phenomenal. The only issue I have with him personally is the fact that whilst managing the Galacticos at Real, which included Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos etc. he was sacked for not playing sufficiently exciting football. The team we currently have are no Galacticos so I can see a fair few bore-draws along the way.

The betting seems to be heading toward Andre Villas-Boas. Pardew has been mentioned too. I think Pardew, Rogers and Lambert have all done great jobs this season but "one swallow does not a summer make". I think they may be big names in the future but right now they're not big enough.

[Moon-Crane]

I think Capello would deliver top-4 football, his record at club level is phenomenal. The only issue I have with him personally is the fact that whilst managing the Galacticos at Real, which included Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos etc. he was sacked for not playing sufficiently exciting football. The team we currently have are no Galacticos so I can see a fair few bore-draws along the way.

The betting seems to be heading toward Andre Villas-Boas. Pardew has been mentioned too. I think Pardew, Rogers and Lambert have all done great jobs this season but "one swallow does not a summer make". I think they may be big names in the future but right now they're not big enough.

I wouldn't be fussed with any of those you mention if i was a Liverpool fan looking to be sated over Dalglish's dismissal. As you say, they all show potential, but do they honestly guarantee an immediate turn around of fortunes (as much as you realistically can at least)? Capello may not bring in total football (but would Mourinho, for example), but i think priority one for next season is top-four, which then allows Liverpool to woo the likes of Guardiola et al for Champions League and more money to improve the team/squad.

[Mr Blue Sky]

I wouldn't be fussed with any of those you mention if i was a Liverpool fan looking to be sated over Dalglish's dismissal. As you say, they all show potential, but do they honestly guarantee an immediate turn around of fortunes (as much as you realistically can at least)? Capello may not bring in total football (but would Mourinho, for example), but i think priority one for next season is top-four, which then allows Liverpool to woo the likes of Guardiola et al for Champions League and more money to improve the team/squad.

That sounds very nice, but it looks like Chelsea will get there first with Capello. Not surprised top clubs still want him as manager despite his time in charge of England.

I see Roberto Martinez is the new bookies' favourite to be our next manager after Wigan gave us permission to talk to him. I've been thinking a lot about this since last night and I think it's only just hit me what a mediocre club we've become. It started with the appointment of Roy Hodgson, still the only manager in our post-Shankly history not to win a trophy for the club. Then Dalglish who should still be in charge but let's face it, there's not another top flight club would have given him the chance after so long out of top flight football. Now we're being linked with Roberto Martinez. It seems the days of us appointing the bloke who's just won the Spanish league title, as we did in 2004, are long gone.

[Moon-Crane]

Cheer up. It's not that bad. Get a manager who gets you a top four finish (which isn't impossible even in the club's current position) and you've got the pull to bring in further top names to continue the upward spiral.

These current owners might not exactly be flavour of the month right now, but they've got the finance and the track record with turning around a stuttering baseball team back into champions. They showed no sentiment on that front, either. I'm certain they'll get the club sorted out. I think you were heading for far greater problems under G&H.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Incredible last 40 minutes or so last night. For the first 80+ minutes up to and including when Bayern scored the game was fairly predictable. Drogba's equaliser changed everything and all of Bayern's heads went down. When Robben missed his penalty in normal time I could just tell it was going to be Chelsea's year. Pleased for Lampard - he actually seems a fairly decent bloke to me even though he's never been my favourite player. It was pretty obnoxious to witness John Terry donning his Chelsea kit (which he must only have brought along with the victory parade around the pitch in mind) and lifting the trophy like nothing had happened. I still don't quite understand why he was given special dispensation to do that from UEFA.

As nice as it was to see an English club defeat a German club on penalties I have to admit all the German fans I've seen interviewed afterwards have all been very gracious following what must have been an extremely painful home defeat, so full credit to them.

[Hans the German Butler]

They're used to defeats by the English on their home soil, at least their grandparents were

It's a good thing WW2 didn't go to penalties

[Moon-Crane]

Turned into a decent enough game in the end. It was definitely predictable for 80 minutes. I bet the Spuds thought they had two hands on that fourth Champions League spot - even throughout extra time, missed penalty and all, and even going to penalties. I'd love to have seen their faces when Drogba rolled in that winning penalty

Surprised at the Munich players that didn't want to know in the shoot-out. If Robben was their designated taker during game time i'd expect him to be first up to take one, irrespective of missing earlier. Ribery's another disappointment. He's all mouth before and during a game, but goes missing when the heat's turned right up. Felt sorry for Schweinsteiger as he's a good player who had a good game.

Hell of an equaliser by Drogba to take it to extra time in the first place.

I wonder if that'll make any difference to DiMatteo's position? Capello appears to have ruled himself out of the job in any case.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Ugh, Martinez has flown over to the US for a second interview for the Liverpool job. Had a debate with a fellow Liverpool fan last night about this; he thinks it wouldn't be a bad appointment but for me it's simply an indication of how far away we are from football's top echelon. We're currently in the mid-table mix of former big clubs like Everton and Villa and are attracting that kind of managerial candidate. I think the process itself has shown that FSG don't appear to know what they're doing or who they want. Dark times.

[Moon-Crane]

Ugh, Martinez has flown over to the US for a second interview for the Liverpool job. Had a debate with a fellow Liverpool fan last night about this; he thinks it wouldn't be a bad appointment but for me it's simply an indication of how far away we are from football's top echelon. We're currently in the mid-table mix of former big clubs like Everton and Villa and are attracting that kind of managerial candidate. I think the process itself has shown that FSG don't appear to know what they're doing or who they want. Dark times.

Seems pretty obvious, given Dalglish's season, that top four is absolute top priority bar nothing else.

I like Martinez, but i don't think he guarantees a top four finish next season. Obviously nothing can be guaranteed, but somebody with Capello's background (for example) instills an instant belief that it's a likely outcome. If Liverpool snapped up somebody like him, i think Arsenal, Chelsea, and especially Spurs, would be instantly bricking it for the competition facing them - and even ManC and ManU would see a greatly increased threat.

Capello would obviously not be a long term appointment, but it seems like an instant bulldoze into that top four position is the aim of the game - so the short-term appointment would make sense.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Seems pretty obvious, given Dalglish's season, that top four is absolute top priority bar nothing else.

I like Martinez, but i don't think he guarantees a top four finish next season. Obviously nothing can be guaranteed, but somebody with Capello's background (for example) instills an instant belief that it's a likely outcome. If Liverpool snapped up somebody like him, i think Arsenal, Chelsea, and especially Spurs, would be instantly bricking it for the competition facing them - and even ManC and ManU would see a greatly increased threat.

Capello would obviously not be a long term appointment, but it seems like an instant bulldoze into that top four position is the aim of the game - so the short-term appointment would make sense.

I totally agree with you. If they want short term success Capello is the man most likely to deliver that. If they want to go long term, then someone like AVB would be ideal (i.e. a young manager with a history of success behind him). Martinez in neither option for me. My mate pointed out that Pardew wasn't exactly the fans' choice at Newcastle either but I think even the most optimistic of Magpies wouldn't expect him to perform the same miracles again next season (although I reckon a decent cup run and a comfortable top 10 spot is realistic).

They just really shouldn't have sacked Kenny because whoever comes in will either have to rely on his players or move them on at a huge loss - it's just possible Dalglish could have found a way to gel their talents next year having bedded them in this season. A new man equals new ideas and almost always new players.

[Moon-Crane]

There are managers doing (relatively) well around the place but the proven winning of League titles would appear to be the most important pointer at the moment. If you're going on potential then it means you're patient enough to take another couple of years outside of the top four - which i don't think is the case with the owners, otherwise Dalglish wouldn't get the bullet for last season.

I don't want rid of Pardew, and not only because it'd be nice to have a little bit of managerial stability. He seems to be a decent enough manager and could do things with us. I wouldn't want him sacked if we weren't competing for top four again next year. Can't exactly point to a cv filled with trophies, though. There's nothing wrong with him or Martinez, or whoever that's currently doing ok, but it's the proverbial horses for courses, and Liverpool want a man with a track history of success. They don't need a 'could'.

Not really relevant to this, but i just heard them say on tS that Mourinho has signed a new contract with Madrid.

[Moon-Crane]

Saw this season ticket info mentioned on Sky Sports News earlier.
Had to screen grab the table as trying to format tabular content on here is useless.



Funny that Arsenal's cheapest seats cost more than the most expensive seats at Old Trafford.

[Mr Blue Sky]

There are managers doing (relatively) well around the place but the proven winning of League titles would appear to be the most important pointer at the moment. If you're going on potential then it means you're patient enough to take another couple of years outside of the top four - which i don't think is the case with the owners, otherwise Dalglish wouldn't get the bullet for last season.

I don't want rid of Pardew, and not only because it'd be nice to have a little bit of managerial stability. He seems to be a decent enough manager and could do things with us. I wouldn't want him sacked if we weren't competing for top four again next year. Can't exactly point to a cv filled with trophies, though. There's nothing wrong with him or Martinez, or whoever that's currently doing ok, but it's the proverbial horses for courses, and Liverpool want a man with a track history of success. They don't need a 'could'.

Not really relevant to this, but i just heard them say on tS that Mourinho has signed a new contract with Madrid.

Ha, I also heard on H&J that Harry Rednapp is now being targeted by Liverpool. This has now got to teh stage where I've stopped believing anything - I think 99% of these stories are being fabricated by agents trying to strengthen their hands in upcoming contract negotiations on behalf of their clients.

s an you say, Martinez might be ok but they'll obviously sack him as well in a year if he doesn't qualify us for the Champions' League so where's the long term strategy? You've got to pick a manager who you think is right for the club then stick with him, prefereably someone with a past record of success that you can point to when telling fans to 'keep the faith'.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Saw this season ticket info mentioned on Sky Sports News earlier.
Had to screen grab the table as trying to format tabular content on here is useless.



Funny that Arsenal's cheapest seats cost more than the most expensive seats at Old Trafford.

It's that North/South divide malarky. ALL football fans get fleeced to some degree or another.

[Moon-Crane]

Ha, I also heard on H&J that Harry Rednapp is now being targeted by Liverpool. This has now got to teh stage where I've stopped believing anything - I think 99% of these stories are being fabricated by agents trying to strengthen their hands in upcoming contract negotiations on behalf of their clients.

I heard that Redknapp talk as well, before i switched off H&J. What a load of shite. He's always saying he'll not leave the south at his age.

The only thing i believe at the moment is that Martinez has been for two interviews after listening to Guillem Balague confirming it. He must be nuts. Travelling back and forth to the US on the whim of people who might feel like hiring him. Can you imagine a Mourinho or a Fergie doing that for a job

[Mr Blue Sky]

I heard that Redknapp talk as well, before i switched off H&J. What a load of shite. He's always saying he'll not leave the south at his age.

He's said that repeatedly throughout the last decade (didn't he have the chance to join Newcastle at one point?) and even though it pains me to say it I can't believe he'd want to leave Spurs for Liverpool at this point anyway as he wouldn't be joining a club in any better position than the one he's left. Nah, it's complete bollocks is that one.

The only thing i believe at the moment is that Martinez has been for two interviews after listening to Guillem Balague confirming it. He must be nuts. Travelling back and forth to the US on the whim of people who might feel like hiring him. Can you imagine a Mourinho or a Fergie doing that for a job

Well that's the point exactly - Martinez isn't a Ferguson or a Mourinho in any way, shape or form. We've been linked with Van Gaal this morning which probably means he'll be ruling himself out by this afternoon. FSG are presiding over a total farce at the moment.

Speaking of which I notice Solskjær has turned down the Villa job It's funny when it happens to another club...

[Moon-Crane]

I heard that Redknapp talk as well, before i switched off H&J. What a load of shite. He's always saying he'll not leave the south at his age.

He's said that repeatedly throughout the last decade (didn't he have the chance to join Newcastle at one point?) and even though it pains me to say it I can't believe he'd want to leave Spurs for Liverpool at this point anyway as he wouldn't be joining a club in any better position than the one he's left. Nah, it's complete bollocks is that one.

Yep, he turned us down saying he wouldn't move from his place in the south and he didn't want too much travelling (i suspect it's also an easy out to give for most speculation, as i doubt he'd have refused if ManU had come calling at that time). I think he just returned to Portsmouth after those talks, though?

[..]Speaking of which I notice Solskjær has turned down the Villa job It's funny when it happens to another club...

It's a strange old situation at Villa. They've dropped themselves into an even more difficult position since appointing McLeish last year. Their fans are up there with Spurs fans in the tolerance stakes - and there's something there that's putting plenty off.

Wonder how many are still happy that O'Neill left. I remember plenty moaning that he'd taken them as far as he could go and he was the one holding the club back.

Talking of Villa, did you see the journalists carrying on at the Adam Drury testimonial match between Norwich and Celtic? They used the occasion to harangue Paul Lambert about the Villa job, and the Grant Holt situation, until he flipped.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Yep, he turned us down saying he wouldn't move from his place in the south and he didn't want too much travelling (i suspect it's also an easy out to give for most speculation, as i doubt he'd have refused if ManU had come calling at that time). I think he just returned to Portsmouth after those talks, though?

Yeah, I doubt the travelling would bother him if he were courted for the Scum job.

It's a strange old situation at Villa. They've dropped themselves into an even more difficult position since appointing McLeish last year. Their fans are up there with Spurs fans in the tolerance stakes - and there's something there that's putting plenty off.

Wonder how many are still happy that O'Neill left. I remember plenty moaning that he'd taken them as far as he could go and he was the one holding the club back.

Talking of Villa, did you see the journalists carrying on at the Adam Drury testimonial match between Norwich and Celtic? They used the occasion to harangue Paul Lambert about the Villa job, and the Grant Holt situation, until he flipped.

I heard that on TalkSport this morning To be honest wtf did Lambert expect? If he puts himself in front of the media they're bound to ask about speculation regarding him and his star striker otherwise they're not doing their jobs properly. If he wanted to make no comment he should have just cancelled the press conference.

You're right about the Villa fans being up there with Spurs too. I definitely remember moans about O'Neill after he'd taken them to 5th or 6th spot and it's a similar lot at Spurs now wanting Redknapp sacked It was hardly his fault Chelsea pulled off a miracle to dump them out of the CL - his brief was to finish top 4 and he did exactly that. I'd be quite happy for Redknapp to leave and see Spurs fighting relegation again