Football 2013-2014

[The Nal]

So it actually looks like Falcao really did lie about his age. Hes 29 seemingly. Surely he can be sued now?

£53 million for a 29 year old?

[TheGayTent]

Your right, I should have used the word money not profit. Paying away travel for fans for a year would be small fry compared to other outgoings.

[metallimuse]

Great result for St. Johnstone tonight.

[metallimuse]

Ma boys Rangers start the season off with a win in the Ramaden's Cup,looked good aswell.Can't decide if I want to meet Celtic in one of the cups this year as would be horrible to be humped.

[kaosmark2]

the problem was the club didn't strengthen the team until Jan. injury and a thin squad messed the season up. Now they have let a few players go and not signed any replacements, hence my worries.

[WS_Jack_III]

I agree that was the initial cause, but after we strengthened in January, we should have pulled clear. There's a few things Pardew is very definitely to blame for, and that are still concerns:

I know morale from a crappy first half would have been an issue, but it's the manager's job to sort that. We had the players, injuries lessened (albeit Krul + Colo were still major losses), and we should have turned that January drive into greater comfort.

We scored 2 goals from corners and indirect free-kicks all season - both by Ba, and one should have been ruled out - that's an issue with set piece tactics and management. It was a problem the year before as well. It's not that we lack height or physical presence, it's issues with both delivery and movement in the box, sharpness at getting to 2nd balls, etc.

We conceded a fuckton of goals. Yes we had defensive injuries, but we should be able to have defensive organisation without Colo on the pitch. What is training for? We only had any sort of shape when Colo was playing, yet Santon and Haidara aside, every player that's been in our back 4 has plenty of experience.

Players performing badly playing out of position - the best example is Cisse stuck out on the wing, followed by the same with Sissoko, but Jonas had lots of torrid games at both DM and LB (and not many good ones when he did play LW). I don't have an issue with the manager asking players to cover when there's injuries/squad shortage, but these players proved time and again that they can't perform in those positions, yet kept getting put back.

In terms of the transfer window, I'm not sure our sales leave the squad too short, it's mainly the endless unreplaced striker problem. Perch has gone, but I think between Anita + Bigi hopefully getting more games and Sissoko being signed in January we're covered. Shane going out on loan is definitely a good thing, Eliot's proven himself a capable back-up keeper and I'm fine with having young keepers as 3rd choice. Simpson was always going to go, but we've brought in Debuchy as a 1st choice, Santon could switch sides as cover, Anita can play there and MYM. What we need is a better winger than Obertan for when HBA's injured and a striker, same as we've needed for 2 years....

[kaosmark2]

Yeah I guess you are right. The set piece thing is annoying. Newcastle have always been bad at corners for as long as I can remember but last year was a joke. The Cisse playing at right wing is a bit of a myth by the way, he only played 8 times out there in 43 apps.

So the club are staying at their 8m bid on Gomis. Makes sense, Lyon are asking a bit much for a player in the last year of his contract. I think we will get him near the end of the window. Also Remy on loan is a good move instead of a permenent move with his situation.

[WS_Jack_III]

12 in 47 actually. Not sure how you lost 4 games. Still too many.

Regardless, neither 4-4-2 nor out wide suits Cisse. He's at his best when playing as the central striker in a 4-3-3 formation, which he did 3 times all season. I know part of that was a shortage of good attacking wingers (ie. HBA injured), but that position is what netted him 13 in 14 after arriving. It seems barmy to me that we didn't try Gouffran/Marveaux flanking him at any point, instead of wasting Sissoko out on the wing and leaving Cisse isolated.

I know that playing hardball on transfer prices is sensible for the long-term reputation of the club's negotiation stance, but I do wonder whether that extra little bit of money would actually be a worthwhile investment considering it'd give a decent amount of pre-season to train with the players. In 2011 when we had that great season we got Cabaye and Ba in early, who settled quickly, while Santon took a lot longer. I'm not particularly happy about going back in for Remy after he snubbed us, not sure if he'll be better than noone considering his attitude and the charges.

[kaosmark2]

I totally agree that 4-3-3 is the best formation for Cisse and I'd say our team. Gouffran is a good player, I reckon he'd be great as a second forward in a 4-4-2 as well.

[lost]

You'd think Newcastle would have a few quid judging by the papers today. 90% of staff at sports direct on 0 hour contracts, no wonder JJB went under.

[pink_triangle]

3 of Tiote/Cabaye/Sissoko/Anita/Marveaux behind Gouffran/Cisse/HBA looks like a cracking 4-3-3 IMO. Gouffran's done fine as a 2nd forward in 4-4-2 but that really doesn't suit Cisse seemingly.

[kaosmark2]

That formation could be a bit short of goals in my opinion. Especially if Cisse isn't totally committed and has an eye on the next move.

[pink_triangle]

Dont agree with the claim Bale is too young for Real Madrid. While he may not settle, I dont think he is any less likely to at 24 than 26. I think footballers peak earlier these days and with respect to spurs he is too good to be spending too many of his peak years at a non champions league regular club.

[kaosmark2]

Dont agree with the claim Bale is too young for Real Madrid. While he may not settle, I dont think he is any less likely to at 24 than 26. I think footballers peak earlier these days and with respect to spurs he is too good to be spending too many of his peak years at a non champions league regular club.

[TheGayTent]

Pleat is a kerb crawler.

[The Nal]

Cheeky!

And in all seriousness, fair play to LFC, but is "handicapped" really a discriminatory word now?

Edited July 31, 2013 by The Nal

[metallimuse]

Is 'man up' really offensive?I say that all the time.I've never meant it as a derogatory term though.

Edited July 31, 2013 by metallimuse

[lost]

Negrito isn't on the list so I guess that's ok?

[The Nal]

Negrito isn't on the list so I guess that's ok?

[WS_Jack_III]

Is 'man up' really offensive?I say that all the time.I've never meant it as a derogatory term though.

[hot_ice]

well i can only think spurs have a couple of defenders linked up after Caulker leaving to Cardiff

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23513785

With Gallas going and Vertonghen potentially injured, does seem strange,

would of thought a loan move would of suited them if they didnt think he was ready to step up yet, as hes still only 21,

[jump]

Well if you say 'man up' you are implying that the person is acting like a women, which is sexist.

[pink_triangle]

well i can only think spurs have a couple of defenders linked up after Caulker leaving to Cardiff

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23513785

With Gallas going and Vertonghen potentially injured, does seem strange,

would of thought a loan move would of suited them if they didnt think he was ready to step up yet, as hes still only 21,

[pink_triangle]

Glad to see Gerrard donating all his testamonial money to charity, hopefully the days of millionaire footballers being rewarded for years of huge pay (not why testamonials were originally started) by getting another huge payment are over. Whats the betting JT keeps every penny when he has his!

[thetime]

Glad to see Gerrard donating all his testamonial money to charity, hopefully the days of millionaire footballers being rewarded for years of huge pay (not why testamonials were originally started) by getting another huge payment are over. Whats the betting JT keeps every penny when he has his!