Re: The Football Topic

PSmith1946 wrote:

Damn Sheffield United, all my life they have brought me to apoplexy. So near and yet arghhh.... 2 left, Stevenage at home, Exeter away. Can't let the other half be automatically promoted at our expense. Can the nerve cope, Come on you Blades. Even without Evans.

Have to say that Hammers were surprised that we didn''t somehow get blamed for the Evans affair too. wink (sorry mate, couldn't resist). The prospect of Sheff. Utd. getting promoted should increase the motivation for WHU to get promoted too. big_smile

Sadly, Barca picked the wrong night to have a real (pun intended) off day. While Real didn't really deserve their win, a draw would have been a fair result, Barca didn't deserve to win either and Real are rightly champions of Spain. Barca (and Messi) will have to re-find some form if they're going to get past Chelsea on Tuesday.

It's looking very much like Alan Pardew is suddenly the top English manager, since Harry 'the Messiah' Redknapp has had a remarkably poor run since his unbelievable 'result' in court.

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith

Re: The Football Topic

Amsterhammer wrote:

It's looking very much like Alan Pardew is suddenly the top English manager, since Harry 'the Messiah' Redknapp has had a remarkably poor run since his unbelievable 'result' in court.

the wheels falling of Spurs are not much to do with Harry, - even you George must see the enormous difference Harry has made since the day he took over? Spurs drop of form imo is to do with 2 things; - 1. Lack of consistent centre back partnership (vital to be top four). 2. Other teams worked out how to deal with Bale and Lennon has been inconsistent, and actually so as van der Vart. I am not sure that Harry or AP are high enough calibre for England/World football due to lack of experience at the very highest level but they are good enough for top 6 of Premiership, - however we all know in the UK that the England manager is chosen by the English press. Sadly.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: The Football Topic

.........and both Pardew and 'arry former managers of the Hammers. Funny old game.

Spurs season has collapsed and I tend to agree that certain team failings have found them out. Confidence is a brittle thing and ever since since that Arsenal defeat after leading they have been going down. Fact is Ledley King is not an ongoing option and hasn't been for 4 seasons or so. They have to invest and wisely and defensively is where the money needs to go. Friedel has done a fantastic job overall and probably deserves another season while they bed a new talent in his position.

I do think though that Harry has not helped himself with the English job. Newcastle have 'mugged ' them now. Its gonna be tough to get that 4th place back.

Personally, I think they would both be mugs to take the England job. Better to give it to someone who actively wants it.

Delighted to see Everton get a drwa today. I know United committed Hari Kari, but Moyes...what is it about the bloke? He must be a half time magician.......

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: The Football Topic

PSmith1946 wrote:

Damn Sheffield United, all my life they have brought me to apoplexy. So near and yet arghhh.... 2 left, Stevenage at home, Exeter away. Can't let the other half be automatically promoted at our expense. Can the nerve cope, Come on you Blades. Even without Evans.

Looks like another nerve shredding couple of weeks,eh-hope the absence of Evans hasn't de-stablised the team,don't need no wobbles now!

Come on you Blades!

Re: The Football Topic

idolbone wrote:
PSmith1946 wrote:

Damn Sheffield United, all my life they have brought me to apoplexy. So near and yet arghhh.... 2 left, Stevenage at home, Exeter away. Can't let the other half be automatically promoted at our expense. Can the nerve cope, Come on you Blades. Even without Evans.

Looks like another nerve shredding couple of weeks,eh-hope the absence of Evans hasn't de-stablised the team,don't need no wobbles now!

Can my nerves and heart stand it......

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)

Re: The Football Topic

hansamike wrote:

.........and both Pardew and 'arry former managers of the Hammers. Funny old game......

A funny old game indeed, mate. As shown by the fact that a win tomorrow night means we still have a theoretical chance of second, not that I believe for a minute that Saints will fail to beat relegated Coventry in their last game

Ian916 wrote:

the wheels falling of Spurs are not much to do with Harry, - even you George must see the enormous difference Harry has made since the day he took over? Spurs drop of form imo is to do with 2 things; - 1. Lack of consistent centre back partnership (vital to be top four). 2. Other teams worked out how to deal with Bale and Lennon has been inconsistent, and actually so as van der Vart. I am not sure that Harry or AP are high enough calibre for England/World football due to lack of experience at the very highest level but they are good enough for top 6 of Premiership, - however we all know in the UK that the England manager is chosen by the English press. Sadly.

Of course I see that Ian, I just can't resist sometimes having a pop at 'Arry. wink Agree with your reasons above, especially the lack of consistency in central defence, indeed, the Ledley King factor. Modric will be gone for sure if you don't knick 4th, which you won't, and Rafi has been making noises about winding down/ending his career in Holland (which means Ajax). You could be watching a very different Spurs next season.

As for our two Blades fans, I thought that automatic promotion was more or less nailed on? We Hammers know exactly how you're feeling now, even though we might not be looking forward to playing you for historical reasons. wink

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith

439 (edited by kermit5 2012-04-23 09:43:51)

Re: The Football Topic

Brack wrote:

Ahh... now it really is squeaky bum time! We always seem to do things the hard way!  Good to see Liverpool lose again ... every cloud ...


Loose to West Brom - it's just a ploy so we can surprise Chelsea on May 5th!! I hope.........

Bit depressing though sad

Re: The Football Topic

Amsterhammer wrote:

Modric will be gone for sure if you don't knick 4th, which you won't, and Rafi has been making noises about winding down/ending his career in Holland (which means Ajax). You could be watching a very different Spurs next season.

I agree that Modric will be offski, although Ramirez has developed into an extremely good player as the season has gone on, - happy for a swap! Well done to Modric for playing so well this year, not many players would have been as professional as he has after trying to leave, - can't blame him for wanting the wages and CL football. I would n't be surprised if Daniel Levy pulls something out of the hat for next year and not sure that there will not be another twist or two with the England managers job! In saying that Spurs finishing top 6 is fine with me, unlike some fans at other clubs you have to accept that Spurs are not serious contenders for top four without one of the others slipping up and a new larger stadium to increase income so as to pay wages that the likes of Modric demand.

As for Man Utd... still think that Moyes is the person to take over from Fergie and think that he proved that quite well this weekend!

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: The Football Topic

Brack wrote:

You think Ian ? Sir Alex isn't going anywhere, at least not for another 3 years. Jose is waiting in the wings - he would be welcomed, but he won't wait forever - rumors he could move to city - if city fail.
Like everything - it's all about timing !

very true about the timing, - but DM is no hurry to leave Everton and Man Utd are in no hurry to sign anybody, - but I really think that DM is the right personality for the job, whereas Jose is almost certain not, and he still has Chelsea links and probably will for some time. I think JM will go back to Chelsea, - his ego means that he has to be loved! City.... maybe, but I think Mancini has learned as the season has gone on, - they would be mad to let that experience go to waste, but we have seen it before with rich owners!

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: The Football Topic

just thought I would share with you that I have tickets to see Crawley Town play their last home league game (unless it goes to play-off's) this Saturday, - true to my word now that that foul mothered obnoxious Steve Evans has gone and (the great) Steve Coppell has been made director of football I will support my local team..Community football is great, well it should not be all about Premiership, Champions League..etc http://www.crawleytownfc.com/page/Home

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

443 (edited by hansamike 2012-04-24 11:48:00)

Re: The Football Topic

Delighted (obviously) that West Ham have at least taken Soton to the final day. Funny that I should have written about Coventry a few posts ago, wishing them well in their future endeavours and now - oh the irony - I'm hoping those endeavours will include beating Southampton!

WH have to beat Hull as well to make it all work. So maybe there will be a last day twist - who knows?

What is clear is that both Soton and WH have allowed Reading to mug them completely. Too many draws and the odd defeat at a critical stage of the season. That said what Reading have done is incredible and they deserve their championship absolutely.

I'm not a fan of the play off concept and much prefer the Bundesliga system where the 3rd place 2nd tier team plays the 3 placed relgation candidate team in a winner take all 2 leg 'cup tie' really. Its fairer in that the 2nd tier team have to beat a Prem quality side to get in the Prem.

This years 3rd place Championship side will have over 85 points, maybe even 86! If Blackpool lose their last this side will be 12 points clear of the 4th placed side. It is not right (IMO) that they should have to play these teams again based on the seasons work they have already done. Its a flawed concept, and I say that on the basis that Cardiff missed out several times when having been double points in front of 4th place.

Again, it is all about the cash, but then play the game against a Prem team at Wembley, winner take all. Fairer all round.

But who knows, maybe it is Cardiff's turn this year. There are in 6th spot. Perhaps fate will be on their side this time.

Funny 'ol game really..................

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: The Football Topic

Not a Chelsea fan but what a result, congratulations to all. Hard work and graft and finally Torres comes good. Again well deserved..

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)

Re: The Football Topic

George, you must be feeling 'Robbedski'.

Remarkable result really considering. Chelsea are pretty hampered for the final though what with the suspensions. I do feel for players possibly robbed of their crowning glory...........but then again John Terry?

perhaps not...........

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: The Football Topic

hansamike wrote:

George, you must be feeling 'Robbedski'.

Remarkable result really considering. Chelsea are pretty hampered for the final though what with the suspensions. I do feel for players possibly robbed of their crowning glory...........but then again John Terry?

perhaps not...........

Well, yes and no. Of course, Barca going out to this lot is a major bummer for anyone who looks for beauty in the game, and should never have happened if Messi had simply scored the 3-1 from the spot.

On the other hand, I was depressed and feared the worst from the off. My Celtic roomie, who knows only unquestioning 100% loyalty during a game, was calling me all sorts of names because of my comments. I have no idea what Guardiola was doing.

He again started in a 3-4-3, which has failed almost every time he's tried it. He left out Alves and started Cuenca ahead of Pedro. Cuenca did not once make use of his pace to even try for the byline, just checked back and played the ball laterally infield - every single time. Barca played at a snail's pace from the off, and made no use of the width of their pitch. Everything wound up going tap-tap-tap through the middle, and there wasn't a single shot from the edge of the box till Mascher took one close to halftime.

I was still unhappy even after the 2-0, and just as I was explaining why, they scored. And still, nothing changed. Sadly, Barca simply do not have a Plan B. So, yes I'm p!ssed off, but I'm not in the least surprised.

Terry once again demonstrated what an utter moron he is. Together with the others who will miss the final, one can only hope that this weakened Chavski is torn apart by whomever they face in the final

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith

Re: The Football Topic

I actually think that Barca were very poor/bad last night, although admittedly I did only see the second half, - Barca could or would not change their style of play to overcome the opposition weakness, - even my team of 13 year olds know that when you get centre backs or a 1st choice goal keeper off the pitch you start putting in high balls to make them nervous and something will come out of them. Barca's (what appeared to be) arrogance to play the beautiful game looks to have been their undoing last night, and the comments from Fabragas after the game proved it.

Have to say that when Torres broke free I could not help but think if he messed it up tis would be the end of his career, - fair play to him for doing everything correctly....even I was relieved for him!

I am looking forward to seeing Robben against his old club in the final, - as opposed to Jose v Chelsea.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: The Football Topic

The bottom line for me with regard to Pep's tactics was that he fielded an unbalanced side simply because of the desire to play Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc. imho, which is shared by many other decent judges of the game, Cesc should not have started. That was the root problem, together with starting 3-4-3, which simply does not suit Barca.

Add to all that that they simply have no Plan B when Plan A isn't working, and you have a recipe for defeat. sad

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith

Re: The Football Topic

Wow, what a finish! I thought Neuer would be the hero but had no idea that Bayern would try to throw it away with 2 misses. Thank goodness Schweinsteiger put the last one away.

In all honesty Bayern were the better team over the entire match. Made more chances and tried to play football all the time.

Referee had an excellent game too I thought. Bayern will be without a couple of players but then Chelsea too. Could be a good final and Bayern in their own stadium must be a very good bet.

Lovely to see Ronaldo to miss the first penalty I must say.

Couldn't have predicted this result after the first 14 minutes though!

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: The Football Topic

Robben (and Ribery) v Chelsea that is what I wanted to see!!!

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun