Results Update

[johntheclaret]

EPL

Man U 2 - 0 Sheff U. Carrick again 4, (starting to find the net) Rooney 50. Sheff U really should have had a penalty at 1 - 0.
Arsenal 3 - 1 Man C Rosicky 12, Fabregas 73, (doesn't score for 11 months and then 2 in four days) Baptista 80: Beasley 41 for City

Table

Man U 33 81
Chelski 32 75
Arsenal 34 62
Liverpool 33 61

Wigan 34 35
Fulham 34 35
Sheff U 34 34
---------------------
Charlton 34 32
West Ham 33 29
Watford 33 23

CCC

BURNLEY 3 - 0 Norwich Burnley do the double over Norwich (1st double this year) 4 wins out of five. Last 3 games WBA to Turf Moor, Sunderland at the staduim of light, Coventry at Turf Moor. Can still influence who goes up in auto spot and who ends up in the play off.

My prediction, Will knock WBA out of play off places as Stoke will win and go above them, and will knock the Cats off top spot

Leicester 1 - 2 Birmingham. Leicester in real trouble only two points off relegation and can't buy a win

Table
Sunderland 43 82
Birmingham 43 80
---------------------
Derby 43 78
PNE 43 71
WBA 43 70
Wolves 43 70
------------------
Stoke 43 68

News

Morten Gamst Pederson will be off to Old Trsafford at the end of the season. Est £8m B4st4rds deny but Pederson has a get out clause in his contract at £8m. If Utd want him , they will get him. Think maybe preparing for Giggs replacement, and Pederson would fit the bill.
Ameobi played in 2's for Newcastle on road to recovery.
Juan Pablo Angel has left Villa for USA footy with New York Red Bulls
Benitez rejected offer from Real Madrid to take over at the end of the season. Says his family is happy in Liverpool (It takes all sorts I guess )
Liverpool chase Udinese striker Iaquinta
Alan Smith in line for England call up (Well desered IMO. Put in some good performances since coming back)
Spurs manager Jol, given green light for £15m bid for WBA's Curtis Davies and WHU's Reo Cocker. Reo-Cocker would definitely be available if WHU get relegated from the premiership. Davies would be available id WBA fail to reach the EPL
Cats boss Keane denies claim he is using Sunderland as a stepping stone to becoming Man U boss (They could do worse IMO)
Reading midfielder Sidwell set to sign for Newcastle in the summer
Man U Arsenal and Liverpool all chasing Frank Ribery after Marseille indicate they are ready to sell (If money is not an issue Arsenal must be the front runners with Wenger and a raft of French stars already encamped)
17 Hibernian players went to chairman Rod Petries house with a list of complaints demanding that manager John Hollins is sacked
Former Sydney and motherwell boss Terry Butcher is favourite to get Livingston manager post.

[JK]

Cheers for the news JTC ... Ribery would be a great signing for whomever is fortunate to get him (as you've suggested, you would think the Wenger/Henry combination could be hard to go past).

What do you think Lucas Neill will do over summer ... Apparently has an out clause if the Hammers drop doesn't he?

Havent seen Iaquinta before, how good?

[RoosterMarty]

I think Neill has a pretty cheap get out clause, he will definitely leave there is no way he will want to play Coke football as that is a bit below him. It's only 2.5mill apparently.

[devilsadvocate]

Alan Smith in line for England call up (Well desered IMO. Put in some good performances since coming back)
Spurs manager Jol, given green light for £15m bid for WBA's Curtis Davies and WHU's Reo Cocker. Reo-Cocker would definitely be available if WHU get relegated from the premiership. Davies would be available id WBA fail to reach the EPL
Cats boss Keane denies claim he is using Sunderland as a stepping stone to becoming Man U boss (They could do worse IMO)
Man U Arsenal and Liverpool all chasing Frank Ribery after Marseille indicate they are ready to sell (If money is not an issue Arsenal must be the front runners with Wenger and a raft of French stars already encamped)

A Smith definately deserves call up. Been on fire recently!

Haven't heard of Curtis Davies. Can you shed some light on what pos he plays? ( Please be defender, Please be defender, Please be defender!!!! )

Ribery looked good in the World Cup. How does everyone think he will go in the EPL, especially if a front runner gets his services?

Would love to see Lucas Neill at WHL! It was discussed during the Jan transfer window. Could pick him up at a discount, and Spurs badly need to bolster their defence.

[mighty_tiger_79]

i would think if ROY keane was to keep being a successful manager as he has been so far this season, then it would only be a matter of time before he goes to old trafford.

[johntheclaret]

Cheers for the news JTC ... Ribery would be a great signing for whomever is fortunate to get him (as you've suggested, you would think the Wenger/Henry combination could be hard to go past).

What do you think Lucas Neill will do over summer ... Apparently has an out clause if the Hammers drop doesn't he?

Havent seen Iaquinta before, how good?

IMO C_P there will be a mass exodus from West Ham when they go down. Tevez, Neill, Ferdinand, Reo-Coker, Benayoun will all lok for a move back to the EPL. Even if they are under contract, think they will be off. Same thing happened a few years ago. Lampard, Cole, Rio Ferdinand, De Foe are a few that spring to mind.

Teddy Sheringham has probably played is last game in the EPL (maybe at all levels?) so WHU will have to use the sweetner and transfer fees to start re-building and if they don't do it in the close season they may struggle a contenders for promotion next year.
Curbishley is a clever manager and it would not suprise me if he hasn't already identified a number of players as possible targets.

[johntheclaret]

Alan Smith in line for England call up (Well desered IMO. Put in some good performances since coming back)
Spurs manager Jol, given green light for £15m bid for WBA's Curtis Davies and WHU's Reo Cocker. Reo-Cocker would definitely be available if WHU get relegated from the premiership. Davies would be available id WBA fail to reach the EPL
Cats boss Keane denies claim he is using Sunderland as a stepping stone to becoming Man U boss (They could do worse IMO)
Man U Arsenal and Liverpool all chasing Frank Ribery after Marseille indicate they are ready to sell (If money is not an issue Arsenal must be the front runners with Wenger and a raft of French stars already encamped)

A Smith definately deserves call up. Been on fire recently!

Haven't heard of Curtis Davies. Can you shed some light on what pos he plays? ( Please be defender, Please be defender, Please be defender!!!! )

Ribery looked good in the World Cup. How does everyone think he will go in the EPL, especially if a front runner gets his services?

Would love to see Lucas Neill at WHL! It was discussed during the Jan transfer window. Could pick him up at a discount, and Spurs badly need to bolster their defence.

Davies is a big strong Centre half back so if you get him your prayers will be answered DA.

Think Ribery is a quality player and would fit in perfectly with the gunners style of play IMO.

[johntheclaret]

West Ham 1 - 4 Chelski. Yet again watched a debacle of a game of football ribddled with stoppages as Chelski players spent most of the game throwing themselves to the floor and chasing the referee asking for cards etc. The ref was poor and blew for everything, booking 5 Hammers players. It's about time the EPL reviewed games like this and took some action

Liverpool 2 - 0 Middlesbro' two golas from Gerrard (1 a pen) seals win for Pool to move them back into 3rd

B4st4rds 3 - 1 Watford Samba 7, Roberts 10, McCarthy 32: Rinaldi 21 in reply Watford must win on saturday against City or they are numerically relegated

Table

Man U 33 81
Chelski 33 78
Liverpool 34 62
Arsenal 34 62
------------------
Everton 34 54
Bolton 34 54
Portsmouth 34 49
-------------------
Spurs 33 49
Reading 34 48

Note: there are now 3 UEFA places up for grabs. This is because Man U and Chelski will compete for the FA cup final and both will qualify for the CL next year. Currently, the FA cup winners get a UEFA cup slot but with both Man U and Chelski qualifying for the CL the UEAF spot that the FA cup winers get, will transfer to the EPL therefore granting 3 qualifyers instead of two.

This is good news for Pompey (who now sit in the 3rd spot), Spurs and Reading as Bolton and Everton both have opened a 5 point gap. spurs and Reading will fancy their chances, in particularly Spurs who hold a game in hand on pompey and are on the same poins

DA, give us a smile

News
Bayern tell Man U they can have Owen Hargreaves, but it will cost them £18m
Liverpool manager Benetez considering new move for Benfica winger Simao Sarosa
Watford boss Boothroyd does not have to sell any of his players even if premiership clubs come in for them (Yeah ! that's gonna happen )
N'Zogbia wants to leave Newcastle in the summer after row with manager Roeder.
Spurs and Liverpool interested in signing Yossi Benayoun, who is expected to leave West Ham in the summer. (you heard it here 1st guys )
B4st4rds deny Pedersen has £8m clause that allows him to leave. (Watch this space)
Everton look to sign WBA striker Diomansey Kamara. Doesn't look good for WBA even if they make it into the EPL (long shot as it maybe)
Charlton and Sheff U both interested in signing Cardiff skipper Darren Purse for £2m
Athletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has turned down an approach by Man U
Chelski will offer Jurgen Klinsman £7m a year to become manager at Stamford Bridge this summer. (Don't know if they told Mourinho yet)
Rangers planning to set up player exchange agreement with David Beckham's future employers LA Galaxy (Question is Why???)
Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh will miss rest of season after suffering ankle injury in training. (So they have a ready made excuse when the clarets tup em next wek )
One for the oldies. Clarets 60's legend and league champion, and two time manager Brian Miller died this week. RIP Brian
Investigators from the FA have quizzed more Luton town Directors over the clubs finances. Former chairman has already admitted breaking the rules regarding payments to agents. Investigators now looking at the possibility that the club may be in breach of two serious rules.
PNE striker Danny Dichio has joined MLS Toronto Fc (And good riddance)
Derby defender Darren Moore out for the rest of the season after 4 match ban. Rams recall Nyataga from loan spell at Barnsley for cover.

[JK]

Luv ur work Johnnyboy ... Tell me, whats your opinion of Anton Ferdinand and how good he could be??

[johntheclaret]

Luv ur work Johnnyboy ... Tell me, whats your opinion of Anton Ferdinand and how good he could be??

IMO C_P he is a bloody good defender. Not as polished or as physically strong as big brother Rio, but still has plenty of time to develop. will make it big time for sure.

Doesn't have great support from the rest of the back four at WHU and given a chance with one of the big boys, should do well. Sure to leave in the summer if the Hammers go down and is too good for the CCC. Plays at England U10 / U21 level and is very comfortable on the ball. Good reader of the gams too, and gets a foot in time and time again.

It must be heart breaking, being a Hammers fan. So much potential, great fan base, and a fantastic academy. Have brought a whole raft of player through the ranks (many have made it to the top as previous post) just to lose them because they just can't stay in the EPL long enough to establish themselve. Curbishley is a great manager IMO, and if they can get back (assuming they go down this year), has all the right credentials to kep them there. Good man manager, motivator and tactician. Did a great job at Charlton keeping them in the ELP for so many years.

Oops typo. Should read U19 not U10

Ps Thanks. Get a lot out of reading the SANFL footy threads so if I can give some news back it's a pleasure to do so. JTC

[JK]

Cheers again mate ... I've often wondered whether Liverpool should make a play for Ferdinand as I think they struggle for quality depth at the back should they cop a bad run with injury ... With Sami surely on his way out, it would be good to add another genuine talent to the mix back there, although given Rafa's thoughts on English players (too overpriced) I'd imagine he pays more interest to potential options abroad.

[McAlmanac]

Note: there are now 3 UEFA places up for grabs. This is because Man U and Chelski will compete for the FA cup final and both will qualify for the CL next year. Currently, the FA cup winners get a UEFA cup slot but with both Man U and Chelski qualifying for the CL the UEAF spot that the FA cup winers get, will transfer to the EPL therefore granting 3 qualifyers instead of two.

This is good news for Pompey (who now sit in the 3rd spot)....

I would love to see European football at Fratton Park. Play up, Pompey....

[devilsadvocate]

West Ham 1 - 4 Chelski. Yet again watched a debacle of a game of football ribddled with stoppages as Chelski players spent most of the game throwing themselves to the floor and chasing the referee asking for cards etc. The ref was poor and blew for everything, booking 5 Hammers players. It's about time the EPL reviewed games like this and took some action

Liverpool 2 - 0 Middlesbro' two golas from Gerrard (1 a pen) seals win for Pool to move them back into 3rd

B4st4rds 3 - 1 Watford Samba 7, Roberts 10, McCarthy 32: Rinaldi 21 in reply Watford must win on saturday against City or they are numerically relegated

Table

Man U 33 81
Chelski 33 78
Liverpool 34 62
Arsenal 34 62
------------------
Everton 34 54
Bolton 34 54
Portsmouth 34 49
-------------------
Spurs 33 49
Reading 34 48

Note: there are now 3 UEFA places up for grabs. This is because Man U and Chelski will compete for the FA cup final and both will qualify for the CL next year. Currently, the FA cup winners get a UEFA cup slot but with both Man U and Chelski qualifying for the CL the UEAF spot that the FA cup winers get, will transfer to the EPL therefore granting 3 qualifyers instead of two.

This is good news for Pompey (who now sit in the 3rd spot), Spurs and Reading as Bolton and Everton both have opened a 5 point gap. spurs and Reading will fancy their chances, in particularly Spurs who hold a game in hand on pompey and are on the same poins

DA, give us a smile

News
Bayern tell Man U they can have Owen Hargreaves, but it will cost them £18m
Liverpool manager Benetez considering new move for Benfica winger Simao Sarosa
Watford boss Boothroyd does not have to sell any of his players even if premiership clubs come in for them (Yeah ! that's gonna happen )
N'Zogbia wants to leave Newcastle in the summer after row with manager Roeder.
Spurs and Liverpool interested in signing Yossi Benayoun, who is expected to leave West Ham in the summer. (you heard it here 1st guys )
B4st4rds deny Pedersen has £8m clause that allows him to leave. (Watch this space)
Everton look to sign WBA striker Diomansey Kamara. Doesn't look good for WBA even if they make it into the EPL (long shot as it maybe)
Charlton and Sheff U both interested in signing Cardiff skipper Darren Purse for £2m
Athletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has turned down an approach by Man U
Chelski will offer Jurgen Klinsman £7m a year to become manager at Stamford Bridge this summer. (Don't know if they told Mourinho yet)
Rangers planning to set up player exchange agreement with David Beckham's future employers LA Galaxy (Question is Why???)
Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh will miss rest of season after suffering ankle injury in training. (So they have a ready made excuse when the clarets tup em next wek )
One for the oldies. Clarets 60's legend and league champion, and two time manager Brian Miller died this week. RIP Brian
Investigators from the FA have quizzed more Luton town Directors over the clubs finances. Former chairman has already admitted breaking the rules regarding payments to agents. Investigators now looking at the possibility that the club may be in breach of two serious rules.
PNE striker Danny Dichio has joined MLS Toronto Fc (And good riddance)
Derby defender Darren Moore out for the rest of the season after 4 match ban. Rams recall Nyataga from loan spell at Barnsley for cover.

Awesome review as usual mate!

Spurs have to get another crack at Uefa cup! Beat the goons this week and it's game on for one of those 3 spots.

Kilnsmann at Shitty Bridge just doesn't sound right! I would say get him back at the lane, but I think Jol is probably a better manager. Thoughts?

Liverpool are dead set about to become the Spain national side playing in the EPL. They wear the right colours!

[RoosterMarty]

Bloody Chelsea win again, I hope Newcastle can pull off a win over them at St James now.

Some Hammers fans on Bigfooty don't rate Anton at all but they are probably just frustrated. I haven't really seen him play so JTC will have a better idea than me. I doubt he will be as good as Rio though.


Barca beat Getafe 5-2 in their Kings Cup Semi Final 1st Leg. Messi scored a stunning goal similar to Maradona's strike at the 86 World Cup vs England. La Liga is an amazing league to watch, so many goals and a lot of those are crackers.

http://www.dailymotion.com/search/getaf ... a-v-getafe

What a run!

[JK]

Liverpool are dead set about to become the Spain national side playing in the EPL. They wear the right colours!

LOL ... Come now mate, it's not THAT bad, we only have Reina, Alonso, Garcia and Arbeloa that I can think of off the top of my head.

Stevie G, Carra, Pennant, Fowler and Stevie Finnan represent a healthy British contingent.

I don't think we're anywhere near as bad as some others *Cough* Arsene Wenger *Cough*

[devilsadvocate]

I agree CP, plenty has been written about Francenal.

I thought there we a couple more than those you listed, but I wouldn't know.

All I've got to say is, I wish Spurs had Stevie G!!!

[JK]

I agree CP, plenty has been written about Francenal.

I thought there we a couple more than those you listed, but I wouldn't know.

All I've got to say is, I wish Spurs had Stevie G!!!

Na I think that's it I think mate, we did have Morientes, Josemi and Nunez in Rafa's time but they've since (been) moved on.

As for Stevie G, the boy can play a bit huh? (Apparently scored another tidy goal this morning v Boro)

[johntheclaret]

I agree CP, plenty has been written about Francenal.

I thought there we a couple more than those you listed, but I wouldn't know.

All I've got to say is, I wish Spurs had Stevie G!!!

Na I think that's it I think mate, we did have Morientes, Josemi and Nunez in Rafa's time but they've since (been) moved on.

As for Stevie G, the boy can play a bit huh? (Apparently scored another tidy goal this morning v Boro)

Watched it last night C_P. Was a typical SG goal. From outside the box on the right side, waist high and hit like a bullit. Seen the same shot hit the net so many times over the years. Think it's probably his favourite.

[johntheclaret]

. I doubt he will be as good as Rio though.

Think I agree RM. A couple of things to take into consideration though. Anton hasn't had the same level of support on or off the field that Rio has, and he still has time to develop.
If he can pick up one of the top four or five clubs, think we will turn into a top defender.

Physically he is not as strong as his brother and, fact or fiction, the top sides always seem to be that much stronger physically than the rest of the EPL ??

True he hasn't been on top of his game, and his form has suffered, but I don't think that should determine whether he is a good player overall. He is playing in a team that are sure to be relegated after last night, lacking confidence, determination and skill. They have also been through the coals this season with take overs, sacked managers and a couple of South Americans turning up having been bought by the directors. Would imagine the dressing room must be like a chaple of rest at the moment.

[johntheclaret]

Derby 1 - 0 Luton Derby looked very nervous tonight towarsds the end. Nyatanga scored for the Rams playing his 1st game for them in 7 months after his loan recall from Barnsley.

Luton are the 1st club in the CCC to get relegated this season.

Table
Sunderland 43 82
Derby 44 81
------------
Birmingham 43 80

News
Gunners consider summer move for Brum keeper Colin Doyle
Chelsea and Bolton chase Oldham striker Danny Philliskirk (son of ex Claret Tony)
Pompey striker LuaLua snubs multimillion pound move to Qatar
Cardiff captain Purse to commit future to the Bluebirds
Arsenal manager considering his futuure at the Gunners following resignation of close friend David Dein. If Wenger does leave it is expected stars including Henry, Fabregas, Gallas and Adebayor will follow.
Ajax to retire the number 14 jersey of Johan Cruyff to mark the Dutch legend's 60th birthday.
Mourinho ready to compromise with Abramovich in order to stay at the club.
Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez says his players should paly Wimbledon - style- long-ball football. (No suprise there from ex Wimbledon player Sanchez)