The Footy Thread!

[Mr Blue Sky]

Btw, I'm avoiding the Boston Legal thread today because I've yet to watch it and don't want any spoilers!

[Mr Blue Sky]

Souness had a track record of failure when they appointed him as Newcastle boss (stretching right back to Liverpool, obviously - he set us back 10 years at least).

The best thing i remember him doing as a manager was while he was in Turkey. Here's the quote from the Guardian's 10 best celebrations:

4 Graeme Souness Galatasaray v Fenerbahce, 1996 Turkish Cup final

Even a veteran of Old Firm games would have been surprised by the intensity of the Istanbul derby. But that didn't stop the abrasive Scot from bringing the same sensitivity to the occasion as he did to opponents' shins as a player. After Dean Saunders had won his side the game, the exultant Souness grabbed a huge Galatasaray flag and provocatively embedded it on the Fenerbahce pitch. Only by planting a Union flag in the centre circle at Parkhead could he have surpassed himself. A minor riot and Souness's departure soon followed.

Ha! I'd heard about that years ago; that's a great description! My overriding memory of Souness as a player was when he was player-manager of Rangers. He booted an opponent in the stomach with the soul of his boot, embedding his studs into their solar plexus. The moment he had commited what is usually described as 'assault', he then went down holding his own shin in the vein hope the ref wouldn't send him off! I think he did actually manage to get away with it too...

For all his managerial up and downs, i'll always remember him as an integral part of the almost invincible Liverpool side of the late 70s/early 80s.

I know, I loved him as a player. Pity he set fire to his reputation when he became our manager...

[Moon-Crane]

Btw, I'm avoiding the Boston Legal thread today because I've yet to watch it and don't want any spoilers!

lol, i wondered why i'd seen no posts from you, in there.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Btw, I'm avoiding the Boston Legal thread today because I've yet to watch it and don't want any spoilers!

lol, i wondered why i'd seen no posts from you, in there.

I was just too knackered last night. I'll stick it on as soon as I get home though. I can hear that theme music already! Bow, bow, ba be da ba be da...

[Mr Blue Sky]

Well, it's International week again.

Anyone have any predictions for tomorrow? England have a seriously depleted team - I think Carra's going to play left back!

I'll support the team as ever but for the first time I can remember I won't be too fussed if we lose as that can only hasten McClaren's exit. It's sad and shameful I know but that's genuinely how I feel.

[Moon-Crane]

Well, it's International week again.

Anyone have any predictions for tomorrow? England have a seriously depleted team - I think Carra's going to play left back!

I'll support the team as ever but for the first time I can remember I won't be too fussed if we lose as that can only hasten McClaren's exit. It's sad and shameful I know but that's genuinely how I feel.

I find it hard to believe there are no specialist full-backs eligible to play for England when we get a couple of injuries/suspensions?

Yes, i think Carra is left-back and Phil bloody Neville is going to be right-back? Yet, we have a natural left-sided player in Gareth Barry sitting on the bench!!! At least if he played left-back (where he has played numerous times for club) Carra could play right-back (which he's one a few times) and Neville wouldn't be needed to bodge the back line.

Add it to the rumours that Lennon may play left wing and Gerrard right-wing and we're a right hodge-podge of a line-up. I wonder what would happen the day we actually pick players in their natural positions?

If McClaren gets the boot I'm pretty sure we'll end up with somebody just as ridiculous - and the cycle would continue.

[Moon-Crane]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

[Rodge]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

From what I read on the BBC Sport, I'm suprised that you are actually awake.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

Oh, God. That was just dreadful. We must have had 90% of the possession without making any serious inroads at all. You were right about your comments on Gerrard-right and Lennon-left. I thought Lennon actually did quite well but it had to dawn on him at half time that we needed penetration on both flanks in order to stretch them (i.e. Downing). He left it far too late to make that change. I just don't think Andy Johnson is International class, either. Defoe looks much more the part when he plays, even though he had a goal ruled out when he rather stupidly got flagged offside even though he was looking across the line.

Bah! I said at half time the game had 0-0 written all over it and so it proved. At least the cricket cheered me up a bit...

[Mr Blue Sky]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

From what I read on the BBC Sport, I'm suprised that you are actually awake.

Love the new avatar Rob. Are you actually taking pictures of your pint whilst you're supping it??

[Rodge]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

From what I read on the BBC Sport, I'm suprised that you are actually awake.

Love the new avatar Rob. Are you actually taking pictures of your pint whilst you're supping it??

I thought that it may have been you who spotted that, but that does make me realise that I need to pop to the bar for a re-fill!

[Moon-Crane]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

From what I read on the BBC Sport, I'm suprised that you are actually awake.

Love the new avatar Rob. Are you actually taking pictures of your pint whilst you're supping it??

I thought that it may have been you who spotted that, but that does make me realise that I need to pop to the bar for a re-fill!

i was watching your pint disappear, and i went to to grab some refreshment. BN beat me back to mentioning it. Damn me and my thirst

[Mr Blue Sky]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

From what I read on the BBC Sport, I'm suprised that you are actually awake.

Love the new avatar Rob. Are you actually taking pictures of your pint whilst you're supping it??

I thought that it may have been you who spotted that, but that does make me realise that I need to pop to the bar for a re-fill!

You should send BGF a photo of your glass when it's half full, just to have her thank you for that half-empty glass you sent!

(sorry BGF - just having fun )

[Rodge]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

From what I read on the BBC Sport, I'm suprised that you are actually awake.

Love the new avatar Rob. Are you actually taking pictures of your pint whilst you're supping it??

I thought that it may have been you who spotted that, but that does make me realise that I need to pop to the bar for a re-fill!

i was watching your pint disappear, and i went to to grab some refreshment. BN beat me back to mentioning it. Damn me and my thirst

Never curse your thirst - Cheers

[Moon-Crane]

Hey BN, did you do the same stupid thing as me and watch the England game tonight?

From what I read on the BBC Sport, I'm suprised that you are actually awake.

Love the new avatar Rob. Are you actually taking pictures of your pint whilst you're supping it??

I thought that it may have been you who spotted that, but that does make me realise that I need to pop to the bar for a re-fill!

i was watching your pint disappear, and i went to to grab some refreshment. BN beat me back to mentioning it. Damn me and my thirst

Never curse your thirst - Cheers

Absolutely

[Mr Blue Sky]

Never curse your thirst - Cheers

I wish I could join in this beer-fest, I'm really in the mood now! I had a bottle of Newcy brown the other day and for the first time I can remember it actually seemed quite bland! Maybe my tastes are changing?

[Rodge]

You should send BGF a photo of your glass when it's half full, just to have her thank you for that half-empty glass you sent!

(sorry BGF - just having fun )

[Moon-Crane]

Never curse your thirst - Cheers

I wish I could join in this beer-fest, I'm really in the mood now! I had a bottle of Newcy brown the other day and for the first time I can remember it actually seemed quite bland! Maybe my tastes are changing?

It's years since i last drank that. I'm currently enjoying a bottle of Stella. Not my first choice but it was only that or Heineken in the fridge.

[Rodge]

I'm actually drinking this:-




At the moment

[Moon-Crane]

I'm actually drinking this:-




At the moment

That's one i've never had the pleasure of tasting. Where's it from?

[Mr Blue Sky]

Never curse your thirst - Cheers

I wish I could join in this beer-fest, I'm really in the mood now! I had a bottle of Newcy brown the other day and for the first time I can remember it actually seemed quite bland! Maybe my tastes are changing?

It's years since i last drank that. I'm currently enjoying a bottle of Stella. Not my first choice but it was only that or Heineken in the fridge.

Stella gives me some quite spectacular headaches. for some reason. I also think it tastes quite 'perfumey' too - not sure why.

I haven't bought some decent bottled beer for far too long.

[Moon-Crane]

Never curse your thirst - Cheers

I wish I could join in this beer-fest, I'm really in the mood now! I had a bottle of Newcy brown the other day and for the first time I can remember it actually seemed quite bland! Maybe my tastes are changing?

It's years since i last drank that. I'm currently enjoying a bottle of Stella. Not my first choice but it was only that or Heineken in the fridge.

Stella gives me some quite spectacular headaches. for some reason. I also think it tastes quite 'perfumey' too - not sure why.

I haven't bought some decent bottled beer for far too long.

Of those so-called 'Premium' Lager-Beers, Grolsch is my preferred choice. And i like a drop of Lowenbrau when i can find it. But, beggars can't be choosers tonight.

[Mr Blue Sky]

Never curse your thirst - Cheers

I wish I could join in this beer-fest, I'm really in the mood now! I had a bottle of Newcy brown the other day and for the first time I can remember it actually seemed quite bland! Maybe my tastes are changing?

It's years since i last drank that. I'm currently enjoying a bottle of Stella. Not my first choice but it was only that or Heineken in the fridge.

Stella gives me some quite spectacular headaches. for some reason. I also think it tastes quite 'perfumey' too - not sure why.

I haven't bought some decent bottled beer for far too long.

Of those so-called 'Premium' Lager-Beers, Grolsch is my preferred choice. And i like a drop of Lowenbrau when i can find it. But, beggars can't be choosers tonight.

Hehe, we've got some Heineken in the fridge too at the moment - a hangover from a party a few weeks ago. It says something that I haven't brought myself to drink them all yet!

[Moon-Crane]

Hehe, we've got some Heineken in the fridge too at the moment - a hangover from a party a few weeks ago. It says something that I haven't brought myself to drink them all yet!

I'm surprised the match tonight didn't make you down the lot. Is it jsut me or did Lampard again prove his uselessness at this level?

[Mr Blue Sky]

Hehe, we've got some Heineken in the fridge too at the moment - a hangover from a party a few weeks ago. It says something that I haven't brought myself to drink them all yet!

I'm surprised the match tonight didn't make you down the lot. Is it jsut me or did Lampard again prove his uselessness at this level?

I'm at work, or I'd definitely be downing a few thanks to this thread!

Yes - slagging Lampard off seems to be the fashionable thing to do at the moment but it's hard to get away from. He missed a gilt-edged chance in the first half when he was clean through - he should have tried to dink it over the keeper with his first touch but instead he tried to control it and was duly smothered.

I've said this before but he does so well at Chelsea because he's the focal point of their team. England are not set up to do that, and can't afford to carry anyone. McClaren needs to find the courage to leave either Lampard or Gerrard out altogether and try a midfield of...

Left wing (Downing)
Attacking central midfield (Gerrard/Lampard)
Defensive central midfield (Hargreaves/Carrick)
Right wing (Lennon/Wright-Phillips)

It must be at least worth trying a midfield where all the players are round pegs in round holes. He's trying to appease the 'power players' and it may end up costing us qualification for Euro 2008, as well as his job.