The Football Topic (Page 18 of 52)

Someone I know was at a meeting at Upton Park where David Gold said this and that in a closed circle. One of the things he said was that it was not looking at all good for 'Arry in the trial that apparently can't be mentioned.....

Mike, before we totally dis the FA here, does not our savior, the Emperor of Barking, our lord of Brooking, still work there?

It's going to be a long season in the fizzy pop, especially if BFS (Big Fat Sam) keeps playing 4-5-1.     

On the subject of 'dodgy dealings' I see the proposal (as it stood) for the Hammers to take over the Olympic Stadium now lies in tatters.

I'm not unhappy about that on the one hand, but on the other hand that it should have been (mainly) Tottenham's objections that caused it.

They didn't want the stadium because of where it was and what it was, and yet objected to WH having it because of the deal they were able to get, despite receiving the necessary support they wanted and needed from the Lord Mayor's office to enable Spurs to go further forward on their own stadium plans.

As I say, I think WH's original deal with Newham council was dangerous for both parties, but Newham had their eyes open and were only 'guaranteeing' the loan, not actually being forced to use public money unless it failed.

To be honest Orients claims against the bid (IMO) were more valid than Spurs. I'm still torn about the rights and wrongs of taking on such a stadium, but the fact is, to survive as a premiership club you must increase the potential stadium income. Spurs realise this so denying someone else the possibility is very sour grapes indeed.

So now there will be a new bidding process which would involve leasing the place. Lower costs for the tenant with the Government probably having to foot the bill for the conversion. It may only now cost 2mill per year to rent it!

Attractive all over again for Tottenham I guess, but not their fans! I would be happy to share the place with them, and find a solution to Orients objections together.

The problem though really now is Spurs don't want it (their fans certainly not) but they wouldn't want a 'premiership' West Ham to get it and start developing a fan base that could have been theirs, sooner than they can. Although according to Spurs that wouldn't be the case because they have 30,000 fans on the ticket waiting list.

I'm interested to see how this plays out. I can still see West Ham getting it and Spurs continuing to moan about it for ever.

If I was Gold and Sullivan I would call Levy's bluff and put a 'share deal' on the table, then he will have s*** or get off the pot!

I saw that with mouth agape. There was coverage here of the game. What a drubbing!
From print coverage:
Arsenal fans: Pick up the phone and call a United fan in need. Your words would mean a lot at the moment. 

Our resident super ManU fan is conspicuous by his absence.......

Strange things elsewhere too, not only the Chavs losing at QPR, but what about Levante leading the Primera Division? Or Ajax (deservedly) only being sixth in Holland?

It's a funny old game, I tell ya. 

And the Blades losing yet another lead right at the end. I must say however, it is nice to think Man U now know what the rest of us much poorer relatives feel like on a regular basis.

Long long way to go. City look good, but does anyone back against United now? You can't even think about titles until you get through the Xmas NY programme. When they still have a 5 point lead and maybe a game in hand in February talk to me about it.

Spurs? Harry knew what he was doing with Scott. Spurs fans I know grumbled about his age and injuries, but neither were a problem during the gruelling seasons at Upton Park. His only serious lay off came after international duty early last year and that cost us for sure.

Still this is a great run they are on and would have had them top if not for such a bad start, but then everyone's coming back now, even Arsenal, so don't expect Newcastle to hang on to 4th for long.

As for West Ham, well I think Leicestershire women would be better keeping their opinions there. Still at their chastity is safer now with Goran-Eriksson gone! Anyway WH were 2 to the good before Leicester even woke up. But they plugged away, scored a great second goal and got in with a shout. Thats football. With a 20+ GD I'll take that kind of luck any day!

QPR had Spurs rocking yesterday at 2-1. If Rangers had got a second goal it might have been 2 women from Sheperds Bush bending your ear!

I'm happy for Hammers to be right where they are now. Let Soton have the limelight and do all the running. Allardyce might not be winning any fans away from home but honestly, when was the last time you could actually set a Hammers team up to defend for 90 minutes? Never known it in my lifetime. One rule and rule only for us this year: Get out of this division.

For now roll on Spurs. There will never be a better time to assert London supremacy credentials than this season with both Aresenal and Chelsea on the ropes......

I'd love to be a football fan but unfortunately I have supported Sheffield United for over 50 years. Is it too late do you think?    

Could have been a lot worse. Now all they have to do is travel a lot and perform for once.