Football 2012-2013

[TheGayTent]

Probably because Schemmel kept the kickback and didn't pass it on to old saggy face

[RobertProsineckisLighter]

Probably because Schemmel kept the kickback and didn't pass it on to old saggy face

[TheGayTent]

Chadwell Heath has changed a bit since that was filmed

[hot_ice]

Speaking of Harry...

Never fails to ammuse me.

[TheGayTent]

Interesting article in the guardian about German football and the development of youth.

"According to Uefa, Germany has 28,400 (England 1,759) coaches with the B licence, 5,500 (895) with the A licence and 1,070 (115) with the Pro licence, the highest qualification. It is little wonder that Ashworth said last month that there will be no quick fix for English football. The country that invented the game has forgotten that we need people to teach it."

[The Nal]

Rafa gone to Napoli. Good luck to him down there. Not an easy place regarding club politics and fans expectations. Maybe his toughest test yet.

[kaosmark2]

Maybe his toughest test yet.

[pink_triangle]

I think inter was his toughest job, as he was taking over a team who had just won the champions league and had been dominant in serie A, who were on the slide and looking to cut costs. The only way was down and he inevitably failed.

I worry he could have the same problem at Napoli. They are run to live within their means and are likely to sell their best player. They have just finished second and the probability is that Milan, Inter and Roma will get better and not worse. I struggle to see how he can be as successful as the man he replaces, however unless PSG are interested in him, there are probably few options if he wants to go straight back into management. I would definitely rather live in naples than stoke.

[TheGayTent]

I would definitely rather live in naples than stoke.

[pink_triangle]

I wouldn't. Naples makes Stoke look like the Garden of Eden. Disgusting place.

Though, there are some beautiful places just a few miles outside of the city.

[The Nal]

I assume you're joking about that...

[RobertProsineckisLighter]

Chadwell Heath has changed a bit since that was filmed

[RobertProsineckisLighter]

David Connolly has a clause in his contract that means it can be ripped up should he be injured for ten weeks. The player himself insisted upon this clause. Will also be training the youngsters.

[kaosmark2]

No. Mourinho left that Inter team in bits. As hes just done with Madrid.

Napoli are expected to challenge for the league next season and have a good run in the CL. His first job may be to sell/keep Cavani, the Napoli ultras are fucking mental, Naples is a kip and the politics at the club (something he doesnt do well) is a mess. An underhanded mess too.

Tough job. Really.

[pink_triangle]

o jj

who was it again? am i right in think it was Mark burchill

[RobertProsineckisLighter]

o jj

Another blast from the past, I remember him being hyped at one point. Its funny tlhese players like him, freddy sears and (probably) connnor wickham. One day the next big thing, 10 years later a lower league journeyman.

[strummer77]

Apparently Rafa hasn't actually signed... yet. PSG waiting on Ancelotti and if he does go Rafa is their first choice and vice versa. Napoli chairman just trying to force his hand.

If I was Rafa I would definitely choose PSG. Closer to home and a better chance of competing in Europe. Might not get the chance to choose though.

[pink_triangle]

Im getting excited about the final now. I hope Dortmund can win, but my main hope is that its a good game. In general I have been disappointed by champion league final, too many good games, too many (5 of the last 12) decided on penalties. There have been some great performances like barca schooling man utd twice, but a lack of games where both teams have played great. The more dramatic finals eg Liverpool v Milan was full of incident but lacking in quality.

[kaosmark2]

Well that was a cracking game. Definitely one of the best finals (any competition) I've seen in a while. Would have preferred Dortmund to win but while they dominated the first half, Bayern were probably the better team overall. Cracking saves from both keepers, Neuer would be my MotM.

I do truly loathe Tydlesley and Townsend as commentators though. I don't mind ITV pundits so much any more but that pair speak so much crap and are so arrogant.

[pink_triangle]

I was thinking all game what a big game bottler robben is and that happened. It was a very good final, the best champions league final that I can remember. Normally these matches are so cautious but both went for it. Bayern are worthy winners and I like it when a team who could be considered best in Europe win the thing.

I know it's a different fan culture but was amazed when bayern scored the winner to see how calm many of their fans were. Agree above about the commentators, but also not impressed by the pundits. To me southgates claims about goetze not being in the right state of mind to play was lazy punditry. Typical of what we see on a regular basis, unable to analyze tactics so reliant on cheap assumptions. Looking at goetze there was no doubt where his loyalty lied. I just don't believe a player turns down the opportunity to play in a game like this.

[Jackmypie]

Would of loved Dortmund to win it, their fans are incredible.. we need more fans like theirs in this country!

I won £35 off Bayern winning so I'm not too fussed though

[pink_triangle]

Neymar to Barcelona, he is a player who had done as much as possible in Brazil and needed a move to push his game forward. In other forward news aguero extended his city contract. Both were targets for real, so wonder where they go from here. I heard ibra being vague about his future, also rumours of falcoa to Madrid via a season in Monaco.

[kaosmark2]

Agree above about the commentators, but also not impressed by the pundits. To me southgates claims about goetze not being in the right state of mind to play was lazy punditry. Typical of what we see on a regular basis, unable to analyze tactics so reliant on cheap assumptions. Looking at goetze there was no doubt where his loyalty lied. I just don't believe a player turns down the opportunity to play in a game like this.

[pink_triangle]

To be fair on keane he called southgate out on his comments about goetze. Most punditry panels are too matey and never challenge others opinions. Your right the competition is not great, itv may be the best of a bad bunch.

I'm no huge fan of tyldesly but think townsend is a bigger problem. The channels are too rigid with the support commentators, instead of a 1 size fits all approach, why not pick depending on the individual game. If you have a game with 2 German teams, pick someone who watches German football, its not rocket science! It may also force the main commentator out of complacency.

I think real would think it below them to go after a bayern rotation player. I wonder if klopp would fancy gomez, dortmund have succeeded by squeezing the most from players. It would be a big statement if gomez was involved in the Levandowski deal and ended up being better.

[kaosmark2]

To be fair on keane he called southgate out on his comments about goetze. Most punditry panels are too matey and never challenge others opinions. Your right the competition is not great, itv may be the best of a bad bunch.

I'm no huge fan of tyldesly but think townsend is a bigger problem. The channels are too rigid with the support commentators, instead of a 1 size fits all approach, why not pick depending on the individual game. If you have a game with 2 German teams, pick someone who watches German football, its not rocket science! It may also force the main commentator out of complacency.

I think real would think it below them to go after a bayern rotation player. I wonder if klopp would fancy gomez, dortmund have succeeded by squeezing the most from players. It would be a big statement if gomez was involved in the Levandowski deal and ended up being better.