Bloody Football!

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Originally Posted by Stavros

I never know how far to trust the Mail, and I wasn't sure how well known the place might be, so I accept your criticism. You have had an interesting life and passed through some nodal points of modern Scottish life, perhaps that is one reason you have become a troubador. It also seems to confirm a belief that Scots often achieve more for themselves when they leave the country of their birth, just as I wonder if the long-established connection between Scotland and Manchester United -indeed, English football has now come to an end.

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Thanks for the compliments Stavros. Gosh!

As it happens, I have played tennis with Gordon Brown (!), and was privileged to know two sadly-passed and much missed giants of the Scottish political scene in John Smith and Donald Dewar, and with John, his wonderful family too. I've noticed the same thing in Ireland; small countries operate very much like villages, and it's just as noticeable now when I go back north to see just how much better informed the man in the street is about all that's going on in and around Holyrood, including the gossip, than the equivalent down south.

I'm very happily settled in York - love it, in fact, as it has a very rich cultural and historical life to offer as well as being a very pleasant place to live - but I do wonder how I'll feel if the vote in the referendum is for independence. It would certainly increase the sense of obligation to the country and the institutions which educated and formed me, that idea of putting something back.

Weather's fecking awful though...... ;)

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

Don't go overboard yet fellas. Remember that there's no Henderson and no Sturridge. Start with Coutinho, or put him in the hole behind Suarez, but it won't be easy, as Norwich will simply park the bus. 1 - 0 on an iffy penalty will do nicely.

Meanwhile, let's see if Man C are actually imploding by watching what happens when they play West Brom on Monday. Stumbles by the other contenders could still be enough to bring the title back to its spiritual home.

Fingers crossed.

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Sturridge might (emphasis on might) be back tomorrow!!!

Less than 24 hours!

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

As it happens, I have played tennis with Gordon Brown (!), and was privileged to know two sadly-passed and much missed giants of the Scottish political scene in John Smith and Donald Dewar, and with John, his wonderful family too. I've noticed the same thing in Ireland; small countries operate very much like villages, and it's just as noticeable now when I go back north to see just how much better informed the man in the street is about all that's going on in and around Holyrood, including the gossip, than the equivalent down south.

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John Smith and Donald Dewar were men for whom I had guarded respect, but Gordon Brown never impressed me, indeed, I consider him one of the willing architects of the demolition of the Labour Party, and integral to the corrupt nature of Labour politics north of the border which Dewar was also involved in. For some reason, the moral integrity of politicians which sounds so admirable on tv or on the platform, deserts them when it comes to managing local parties. Even worse in Wales.

I think the cultural change in English football might not be the decline of Scottish managers, but the end of the commitment to long-term management that we saw with Ferguson and which I suspect will end with Wenger leaving Arsenal this summer -particularly if they don't beat Hull in the FA cup. He might leave anyway.

Shit.
Ah well,have to win the last two games and hope City slip up.

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Originally Posted by The Piper

Shit.
Ah well,have to win the last two games and hope City slip up.

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Shit indeed. :(

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

Shit indeed. :(

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Yep RL
City are across Stanley Park next game,the Toffees don't like doing us favours,but lets hope this time they oblige.

Away to Palace,home to Newcastle. 6 points, i beg of you.

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Originally Posted by The Piper

Shit.
Ah well,have to win the last two games and hope City slip up.

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I'm going to be a big Everton fan next week.

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Originally Posted by The Piper

Yep RL
City are across Stanley Park next game,the Toffees don't like doing us favours,but lets hope this time they oblige.

Away to Palace,home to Newcastle. 6 points, i beg of you.

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That said, and the first goal was an unfortunate gift, Mourinho showed his tactical acuity yet again. Nothing so blunt as "parking the bus", but they certainly made sure that Liverpool's creativity and above all their blistering pace, were tamed throughout.

Rodgers has proved this season that he is a great manager, but he still has some way to go. And a bigger squad with quality depth wouldn't go amiss either. If Adam Lallana leaves Southampton ( and I hope he doesn't), he'd fit better into Liverpool's style than any of the other big clubs.

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

Rodgers has proved this season that he is a great manager, but he still has some way to go. And a bigger squad with quality depth wouldn't go amiss either. If Adam Lallana leaves Southampton ( and I hope he doesn't), he'd fit better into Liverpool's style than any of the other big clubs.

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That sounds like you think it's all over.

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Originally Posted by The Piper

That sounds like you think it's all over.

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I don't, actually, but it's now City's to lose. My remarks were about what needs to happen over the summer for Liverpool to mount an even better challenge next season as well as give them the depth for a successful Champions League campaign.

The current season mustn't be a flash in the pan, because Man U will come back stronger and better, you can depend on that. What we don't want is the re-establishment of the current big four of Manchester City and United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Liverpool need to stay up there and a bigger squad with some seriously quality additions is fundamental to that aim.

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Originally Posted by The Piper

That sounds like you think it's all over.

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He may not, but I do. I blame the David Moyes statue that PaddyPower set up outside Anfield!

It is City's to lose now, and even though Everton has a history of beating them at home, most of that history is against lesser teams. I'm still hoping for a miracle, but I don't see it happening.

Still, it's been a good year, and considerable improvement. Next season with the Champions League money we can get some depth, and hopefully a better back four. Lallana would be a nice fit, and the German duo they keep talking about would also be good for depth and quality. But that back four has been awful all year. That's where I hope they spend some money.

Is anyone over there reporting that there is going to be a straight up swap of Bale for Suarez or is that just the American media's made up BS? It's obviously not going to happen. Just curious to know if anyone closer to Liverpool know if the Suarez leaving stuff has any truth to it. I can't imagine after this year he would want to go.

Ok, now let's just take a minute and laugh at Manchester United.

Did anyone see Real Madrid's demolition of Bayern last night? It was entirely predictable as Bayern are a predictable team unable to create the kind of defensive wall Mourinho so cleverly assembled for the Liverpool game. In fact I thought United could easily have beaten Bayern but failed to put away two relatively easy shots in the first leg, and in the second allowed Robben to perform his tired old routine of nudging the ball left of the defender until there is an open space to shoot from -something Real prevented him from doing.

Real are not invincible either, notwithstanding Ronaldo's impressive form -if Chelsea make it, then as with Barcelona and Bayern they can just strangle the game and score a winner on the break. Benzema and di Maria are both over-rated players.

I hear that all the No 22 buses are being diverted via Stamford Bridge today. :dancing:

The No 22 travels down Fulham Road and stops outside the ground, surely? Or within walking distance.

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Originally Posted by Stavros

The No 22 travels down Fulham Road and stops outside the ground, surely? Or within walking distance.

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I'm joking, Stavros. Mourinho is parking them right across the pitch.

A Scot with a sense of humour? Whatever next? In any case, on this occasion, it didn't work! And Mourinho usually gets it right.

I believe this is the first time a European Cup/Champions League tie will be contested by two teams from the same city.

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Originally Posted by Stavros

A Scot with a sense of humour? Whatever next? In any case, on this occasion, it didn't work! And Mourinho usually gets it right.

I believe this is the first time a European Cup/Champions League tie will be contested by two teams from the same city.

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...and an Englishman without one. :whistle:

Bet Jose wishes he hadn't sold Sturridge. Most noticeable aspect last night was that Terry and Cahill, arguably the most consistent centre back partnership in the EPL, played like complete strangers and that uncertainty opened the gaps which Atletico exploited.

And now, the postcode final!

Had a feeling Atletico couldn't be as bad as they appeared in the first leg.

Is it going to go down to the wire or will it be cut and dried after this weekend's matches?

Fingernails chewed down to the elbows already......

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

Fingernails chewed down to the elbows already......

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Reds play Monday,you'll have no arms left by then.

RL,"it's a funny ol' game".Who knows?It may even be Chelsea.

If i knew,i'd be down the bookies.

Well, trust those toffee eating bastards

Don't worry,we'll beat Palace ten-nil on Monday and wipe the goal difference out.

Have to say that I can't see City losing either of their remaining 2 games, Everton was their potential stumbling block & they managed to get the result which was needed. All Liverpool can do now is keep the pressure on City by winning their remaining games & hope City slip up.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.

That is all. :(

With only a few days left to go, this is still one of the most astonishing seasons in recent memory. It would be a brave, or foolish person who predicts what will happen next....

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.

That is all. :(

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X2..

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Originally Posted by Stavros

With only a few days left to go, this is still one of the most astonishing seasons in recent memory. It would be a brave, or foolish person who predicts what will happen next....

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Come on Villa......

More in hope than expectation. :(

So,City aren't about to lose at home to West Ham on Saturday,only a major shock can stop them.
The dream is over.

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Originally Posted by The Piper

So,City aren't about to lose at home to West Ham on Saturday,only a major shock can stop them.
The dream is over.

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Yes, but till next season. Don't be despondent. At the start of the season if anyone had offered you second place you'd have taken the bet and smiled. We've had a great season with a falter at the wrong time

And we have the Champions' League to look forward to with hopefully some astute strengthening of the squad. I'd be tempted to do some vulture picking from the relegated sides. Caulker as a centre back for one, from Cardiff, maybe Marshall as a keeper, arguably the best in the league this season, and Whittaker, Snodgrass and Redmond from Norwich. Bring Borini back from Sunderland and search all over Europe for someone to do the dirty work that Mascherano excelled at. Gerrard and Lucas are good, but neither can do that job.

And if Southampton want to sell, Lallana would fit better into Liverpool than any of the other big clubs.

Anyone got Mr Henry's email address?

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

Yes, but till next season. Don't be despondent. At the start of the season if anyone had offered you second place you'd have taken the bet and smiled. We've had a great season with a falter at the wrong time

And we have the Champions' League to look forward to with hopefully some astute strengthening of the squad. I'd be tempted to do some vulture picking from the relegated sides. Caulker as a centre back for one, from Cardiff, maybe Marshall as a keeper, arguably the best in the league this season, and Whittaker, Snodgrass and Redmond from Norwich. Bring Borini back from Sunderland and search all over Europe for someone to do the dirty work that Mascherano excelled at. Gerrard and Lucas are good, but neither can do that job.

And if Southampton want to sell, Lallana would fit better into Liverpool than any of the other big clubs.

Anyone got Mr Henry's email address?

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That defense needs to get sorted, and soon. I keep hearing talk of another striker coming in. Some La Liga guy who scored 64 goals. Don't need him. If you're going to lay out the cash on a top striker, bring in Costa and tell Chelski to f-off! But that ain't happening either. Mascherano types are needed, agreed. I'd bring in Marshall as well, but not sure what would happen with Mingolet after that. Both want to be starters, but both need a solid line in front. Usually, to me it seems, a side facing relegation is there because of their defense. I wouldn't poach any of them. But I'd be looking all over Europe and South America for some gamers.

Met John Henry once at the LFC match in Boston. Nice guy, doesn't know dick about football though. Relies heavily on his "guys."

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Originally Posted by JenniferParisHusband

That defense needs to get sorted, and soon. I keep hearing talk of another striker coming in. Some La Liga guy who scored 64 goals. Don't need him. If you're going to lay out the cash on a top striker, bring in Costa and tell Chelski to f-off! But that ain't happening either. Mascherano types are needed, agreed. I'd bring in Marshall as well, but not sure what would happen with Mingolet after that. Both want to be starters, but both need a solid line in front. Usually, to me it seems, a side facing relegation is there because of their defense. I wouldn't poach any of them. But I'd be looking all over Europe and South America for some gamers.

Met John Henry once at the LFC match in Boston. Nice guy, doesn't know dick about football though. Relies heavily on his "guys."

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Well, Fulham and Cardiff have gone and Norwich are 99% certain to join them. Marshall is a more commanding presence than Mignolet. They're both great shot stoppers but Marshall has a far better football brain.

We shouldn't forget that there's a lot more academy talent behind Flanagan too - Wisdom, Ibe etc.

I think we'll have to fight hard to retain our Champions League spot next year. Man U will come roaring back and Everton are a very different prospect under Martinez. I agree we need consistency in defence, but it starts with depth. And that midfield hard man role is absolutely key.

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

Don't be despondent.

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I'm Fucking Mortified ;)

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Originally Posted by robertlouis

Yes, but till next season. Don't be despondent. At the start of the season if anyone had offered you second place you'd have taken the bet and smiled. We've had a great season with a falter at the wrong time

And we have the Champions' League to look forward to with hopefully some astute strengthening of the squad. I'd be tempted to do some vulture picking from the relegated sides. Caulker as a centre back for one, from Cardiff, maybe Marshall as a keeper, arguably the best in the league this season, and Whittaker, Snodgrass and Redmond from Norwich. Bring Borini back from Sunderland and search all over Europe for someone to do the dirty work that Mascherano excelled at. Gerrard and Lucas are good, but neither can do that job.

And if Southampton want to sell, Lallana would fit better into Liverpool than any of the other big clubs.

Anyone got Mr Henry's email address?

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If Liverpool want to establish themselves as a top 4 team players like Snodgrass & Whittaker should not be on their radar - get the feeling that's your Scottish connection. Caulker is a great shout though & Borini back from loan should be like a new signing for them.

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Originally Posted by beaufont

If Liverpool want to establish themselves as a top 4 team players like Snodgrass & Whittaker should not be on their radar - get the feeling that's your Scottish connection. Caulker is a great shout though & Borini back from loan should be like a new signing for them.

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Could be. :whistle:

Although Liverpool's great sides from the 60s onwards usually had a spine of Scotsmen (including my uncle!). Where's Sounness when you need him?

I guess I'm also dubious, going by the track record, of Rodgers' ability to spot quality players elsewhere in Europe who can adapt successfully to the Premiership, so I think looking at proven quality players in or on the way out of the Premier League would make more sense.

And what about Lallana?

Lallana has had a fantastic season but Southampton will want top dollar for him & if he is available some of the other top clubs will be interested, I actually think he would suit Arsenal's style just as much as Liverpool.

Marshall from Cardiff will be wanted by some Prem clubs too & would be much better competition/cover than Brad Jones. Don't forget they have Assaidi to come back from his loan at Stoke & he looks pretty useful in the wide role. What about Ashley Cole for left back? Chelsea don't seem to want him anymore & can still a decent job.

Come on Hammers!

SON OF A BI.... Next year. We get the defense sorted, keep the statue of David Moyes away, bring in some additional scorers, and next year we win it!

F-ing Mancs.

:banghead :frustrated

It has been an unpredictable season, even if one of the top four clubs won in the end. I don't think anyone expected Manchester United to perform so badly, and at one time it looked as if Arsenal were going to contest the title. Indeed, had they maintained a full first team with players like Wilshere, Ramsay, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott, they might even be champions, but their harsh training regime and injuries also means England are without an influential player, and Wenger takes his side to the FA Cup when in theory he could be on the way out, and next season I think will be his last.

Liverpool were the outstanding team, playing some of the finest attacking football we have seen in years, but as everyone knows, and as Skrtel's own goal exposed, their defence is not good enough. Suarez redeemed himself in the best possible way, but may only stay for one more season, hard to know.

Yaya Toure is the best player in the league, I think that is beyond doubt. The question over City is whether or not they will fall foul of the Fair Play rules, but as most of the players who won today have now been there for some years, I think it shows they are developing a tight unit that will be in the top four next year, while Pellegrini is a softly-spoken, non-controversial manager who gets things done. I don't know what it is, but I always feel there is something lacking in City which Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool have -perhaps charisma?

On now to the World Cup, with a young side that might surprise everyone...

Oh well. At least this season finally confirmed a nagging suspicion that in spite of my supposed detachment I am actually a Liverpool fan. And while other teams, notably Arsenal and City, produced exquisite moments of football joy - Wilshere's goal against Norwich, anyone? - the most exhilarating sight this season has been Liverpool consistently breaking with breathtaking speed, elan and style. Let's hope we can build on with a few well-chosen signings.

And credit to City, they came good when it mattered and Pellegrini has turned a difficult dressing room into a strong unit.

So, on to Brazil.....

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Originally Posted by Stavros

On now to the World Cup, with a young side that might surprise everyone...

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I hope you're right about that - yes, this is a Scotsman speaking!

Hodgson isn't naturally inclined towards surprise, but the number of times he's appeared at St Mary's suggests that there will be a solid core of Southampton players in the squad if not the starting eleven. That said, Lallana has been the best English midfielder all season and would deserve a place alongside Henderson.

We'll know the squad on Monday at 2pm.

Can't argue too much with the squad he has gone for but think the defence looks decidedly weak with Jones & Smalling acting as right back & centre back cover - both players are massively over-rated in my opinion & wouldn't be slected if they didn't play for Utd.

Hoping Rooney can find the same form he started his England career with & pleased to see Lambert chosen, think he will give us something different & plays with a good football brain. At the very least many of this squad will gain valuable experience for future tournaments.

My belief is that a successful tournament for England will be getting past the group stage with greater achievements to come in the future (hopefully).