Football Season 2010/2011
 

Cant believe the Championship sides kick of in less than a week and it seems as though most clubs haven't really added to their squads, either there will be some frenzied last minute signings or top level football might have had a dose of reality. If it's the latter I can see another really tight season ahead with 5 or 6 clubs in with a realistic chance of claiming the title.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Me being a Liverpool fan I am delighted with what roy hodgson has done for us, I think it will be quite a close season as well. With squads limited to 25 players 8 of which must have trained in england for 3 years before they were 21 will make some interesting challenges. Teams like Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal who have a lot of foreign players will struggle if they pick up a lot of injuries Plus the ageing squads of Chelsea and Manchester United make for what I think will be the most exciting season for awhile.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Arsenal will be fine, they pick the foreign players up young, Fabregas counts as one of the 8 players. I like the appointment of Woy to he is a safe pair of hands that knows the transfer markets around the World, pity Rafa blew all the cash and I agree about Chelsea to, they are a year older and must be praying Carlo and his backroom team can emulate what the did with an ancient Milan team.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Arsenal will be fine. We have a lot of players who qualify.

I was at Arsenal today, our two new signings were very impressive. Especially Koscielny, I wasn't sure about him but he gave a solid performance. In every area, good passing, awareness and even ran back and mopped up after a Eboue mistake.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Due to the squad size rule in the Premier League a lot of Championship clubs are angling for loans so expect quite a few to be done in the last few days as Premier League clubs finalise their squads.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I have been a Spurs all my life, and l am 58, but l firmly believe that Daniel Levy, has got to decide that they must spend money to get good players, we have already missed out on Cole, and there is a very good chance we won't get Bellamy, due to his pay demands.

I know that the pay ceiling at Spurs is about £70.000 per week, but we must get some decent players in Woodgate and Ledley are finished, so we have to invest NOW.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I'd rather have Levy in charge of Spurs than you.

We have got 4th whilst becoming one of the financially healtiest clubs in the league. I don't see any reason to change that because you're afraid of City.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Levy can't be accused of not backing managers. Redknapp spent quite a bit last season, he can't keep doing that. Especially considering you have a stadium to build...

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I am not afraid of City, whatsoever, Daniel and Harry have done very well with my Spurs, but all Spurs fans know we need a few more players.

And as for the stadium, I heard a rumour that Spurs have hit a few problems with the planners over the new ground,.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ol/8876510.stm

Woopeee Another Sugar Daddy. If goes though then Liverpool might well be rivals for City and Chelsea. Rest of us can take our marbles and go home.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Hmm we have had many false dawns with Liverpool, look what happend when the 2 American's came in. I hope it does solve our financial problems but I always worry that it will all go belly up.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I can't help feeling the same :shrug:

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Can easily go belly up, the thing I like about the Chinese bid is that he isn't dealing with those 2 yanks if this deal skids it's down to RBS.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Well the year RBS has had so far you would think they would want to get rid of the bad debt as fast as possible.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

West Ham players and coaching staff have been hurling abuse at goalkeeper Robert Green in a bid to prepare him for the World Cup backlash expected from crowds this season.
Full story: Daily Mail

That'd be interesting to see...

James Milner hopes his proposed move from Aston Villa to Manchester City will be finally approved by this weekend with midfielder Stephen Ireland set to move in the opposite direction.
Full story: Daily Mirror

How good a deal for Villa is that. Milner isn't that much better than Ireland imo + they'll bank a good 20 million as well.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

:drunk:We've still got Cesc Fabregas! :drunk:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...enal-barcelona

:D

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Spurs mouthing off again:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...cernet&cc=5739

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I'm just impressed that you've managed to replace Aurelio and Insua with Aurelio and Insua :p:

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Come on, he has to talk up his club.

BTW, you do know he's an Arsenal dan, don't you?

---------- Post added at 12:09 ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 ----------

This tweet from a Harry Redknpap Twitter account made me laugh.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Seeing as Arsenal made the semi's I can't see them getting further than that in the first season and they might never get back in for another chance

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Hey Arsenal made the final :D

---------- Post added at 13:10 ---------- Previous post was at 13:08 ----------

It's always the comparisons with Arsenal, like last year when Keane said Spurs had a better team etc.

I do like that twitter comment, something I imagine he would actually say.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

But Arsenal are the next team up and our local rivals.

If our teams previous results are reversed, would you want your team coming out saying "Ahh, we'll never beat them, never finish further than them, so what can you do?"

And anyway, that's besides the point. The point he was making was the atmosphere at the home grounds. Even Arsenal fans say the atmosphere at the Emirates is dead. Whereas at WHL it isn't. He was saying that could be the difference, and quite often people in the past have said the 12th man does make a difference.

If you want arrogance, you need to look at City.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I was going to look some info on Spurs opponents, but I think googling Young Boys might not be a good idea while in work.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Nah I'ld avoid mentioning them. If Spurs finished consistently above us I wouldn't say we are going to raise above them, unless it's banter.

I think the Emirates atmosphere is not as bad as people make out but I agree that it's pretty quiet compared to a lot of other teams. The lower tier is a lot louder and energetic compared to the Upper tier which can get pretty dead. I was at the Liverpool game last season and it was electric.

I would say that a lot of the top teams have this problem as ticket prices increase and newer stadiums tend to be larger and more spacious.

When Spurs move to their new stadium and the ticket prices go up to match it I imagine the atmosphere will quiet down a bit. Although the idea for a single stand like the Anfield Kop is a good idea.

Say what you like about Spurs (and I do :D) I was happier for them to finish to the top 4 than City. Spending a lot is one thing, automatically expecting to finish top as a result of that wealth as if it were some god given right is irritating. The way they, mostly Cook, go on about United is irritating. They way they used financial clout to bully Spurs from signing Bellamy(?) is the same.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I don't think you're talking about the fans with that comment ;) Something us city fans have learnt over the many, many, many years is never to count our chickens before they hatch :D

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I was worried about that, I went to Wikipedia and did a search for the swiss league and then clicked on them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BSC_Young_Boys

---------- Post added at 13:35 ---------- Previous post was at 13:34 ----------

Check out the Bluemoon forum :erm:

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Sometimes you can't though as journalists bring it up. And they neglect to mention that in their article.

Like thus:

Journalist: Jermain, can Spurs beat Arsenal this year?
Defoe: OIf course we can
Headline: "Defoe thinks Spurs are better than Arsenal"

I'm not saying that's what's happened, but its what usually happens.


The good thing is the club are aware of it and seems to be proactive in avoiding it. Moving the stands as close as possible. A big a roof as possible, etc.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I did say CityFan's and not Mancini wannabees :D

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Oh no it gets worse, look where they play! Wankdorfstadion

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

How have they planned for transport btw? I heard WHL is not the easiest of stadiums to get too and exit from?

Arsenal have the Arsenal tube, Highbury and Islington, and Finsbury park and it's still difficult to leave (especially if you take Arsenal tube, Finsbury park is ok but the crowd take an age to get there).

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Transfers so far.........

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...mmer-2010.html

Wolves and Wigan look like they are pushing the boat out, along with Man City, who look like they are buying whoever is available.

Spurs have made one signing of 6 million, therefore Levy will need recoup that before the tranfer window closes :p:

When does the transfer window close ?

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

^This, we know what`s happened is surreal, after many, many, many false dawns we realize the sun doesn`t set in the East, not the Middle East anyway :D

I`m sure most people know Garry Cook is a toilet cleaning utensil who likes to :blah:

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

1st Sept.

There's no money about at the moment apart from City. There's going to a late flurry of activity but really needs City to start buying within the Premier League (i.e. Milner) to kick things off.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Not quite, they left Winston Reid of the list, at around £5 million as well.

Arsenal have launched a £23m raid for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina, but face a battle to lure one of the Anfield club's prize assets.
Full story: The Sun

Fantastic buy if they can get him, I think he is the best in the league

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is considering ending his interview boycott with the BBC. The Premier League has warned United of the fines the Scot could incur this season if he continues to ignore Match of the Day and 5 live reporters, while the League Managers' Association has tried to persuade the 68-year-old to break his Beeb silence.
Full story: The Guardian

Good about time something was done...

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Funny you should say that. I heard rumour that Liverpool were buying a keeper from Middlesborough (Jones). I thought he was to be 2nd choice but maybe Reina is on his way out and Jones would be 1st choice?

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

They still have Cavalieri so one will go if your right...

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Here's the exact quote from a guy who has a good rep.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Wasn't doubting you, just saying if they sign Jones one of the others will leave, not convinced Jones is top class although he is Australian IIRC and who knows what Shwatzer may have whispered in Woy's ear...

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

No way would Wenger pay £24 million for anyone, period. Don't get me wrong, I would love this to be true but he won't. Liverpool won't sell either, maybe if Wenger did this at the start of the transfer window when Liverpool were not excited by the prospect of incoming cash, and presumed key players would live.

Also, despite the large transfer fund he has, that does include wages. Reina alone would blow the entire pot and he has already spent some this window and wants a new CB.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Yeah, I know, just thought i'd tell you as much as I knew so you everyone could make their own judgement.

Speaking of Liverpool though I have heard they've made a second approach for Crouch. Second as in second time in this window.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Sell him. I heard Spurs are after Remy, could probably do a good deal there. I think Crouch is overrated and his main strength seems to be his height.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Predictions people!

My top 7 of the season using Damien's Prediction Model©:

1) United
2) Chelsea
3) City
4) Arsenal
5) Everton
6) Liverpool
7) Spurs

Bottom 3:

18: WBA
19: Wolves
20: Blackpool

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I think 7th behind Everton is a bit harsh

1. Chelsea
2. Man U
3. Arsenal
4. City
5. Spurs
6. Liverpool
7. Everton

3rd-5th will be really tight.

Bottom 3 as same as you.

18: WBA
19: Wolves
20: Blackpool

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I think 3rd to 5th is going to be tight as well. It was hard putting Spurs 7th, I thought they could be 5th. Maybe 4th. But my thinking was a combination of previous performances and the distraction of the Champions League. I think Everton will do really well this year if they miss injuries and could well finish above liverpool.

I think Spurs/Liverpool/Everton will be really tight.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Why? He paid £15 million for Arshavin, he has always spent cash when he thought he needed to and he really needs to for a goalkeeper, not saying I think the deal will happpen but if it doesn't it won't be down to a transfer fee imo.


Arsenal are planning a Serie A raid to help ease their defensive frailties and have earmarked a move for Juventus centre back Giorgio Chiellini and Bologna keeper Emiliano Viviano.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Chiellini is a great player...

---------- Post added at 15:35 ---------- Previous post was at 15:32 ----------

I think Liverpool will be much, much better this season and might just win it with a little more tinkering, in fact I think normal service will be resumed by the 'big four'.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Yes but I don't think it will happen. I am sick of these rumors, gets my hopes up and nothing happens :(. Everyday we are linked to someone else which probably means we are after no one.

You think City won't break the top 4?

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I love it, best part of the season given our recent struggles....

They might do, man for man I don't think they are better than Liverpool though.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Really? Apart from Torres and possibly Gerrard and Reina i would take City's squad without question. Liverpool this season haven't really strengthened their squad as of yet imo and are going to lose one of their best players in Mascherano with the possibility of Reina to follow (even though i highly doubt he will leave). They need to start spending soon or they will be off the pace again, especially if Torres continues to be injury prone.

I think anything less than 3rd for City this season will be a huge underachievement, really they should be challenging for the title all the way to the end.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

You don't strengthen buy buying a new team every year either, Liverpool finished 2nd the year before last and alright they lost Alonso but they have Johnson and Joe Cole in now and I have no doubt they will do a lot better than last year. Oh and I dont really rate Manchini either.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I suppose your right, although i think it would be difficult for Liverpool to do worse than they did last season. I just think with the players city have they should have no trouble getting into the top 4 at the very least. It will be intresting to see what happens if city have a bad start to the season though, and how long the board will stick with Manchini.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Well we have 5 teams going for 4 places and another 3 really good teams snapping at their heels, it'll make for an interesting and exciting season if nothing else and I agree City should have no trouble getting in the top 4.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Looks like Crouch and Poulsen to Liverpool according to their ITKs

http://forums.liverpoolfc.tv/showthr...48#post3898648

And I don't like to spread personal rumours (well about Spurs anyway) but Crouch's rumoured playing away from home has been doing the rounds for a couple of weeks and was tied in with the initial rumours he'd go back to Liverpool.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

That broke in the News of the World, Didn't post it because those kind of rumors annoy me. Even if they are about lanky overrated Spurs players. A good deal for Spurs if you ask me.

I desperately want this Reina rumor to be true but I know it isn't going to happy :( £23 million might well be enough to steal Lloris away from Lyon though, and that might be more likely to happen.

BTW these people who claim to be 'itk' now come these rumors haven't made the papers?

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I would just like to say that, as from today, I am retiring from International football.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Because these people normally do it for the love of their club not the press or a few quid in rewards. And if the people giving them this information found out they were running straight to the press, they'll lose their source. They post it within their circles but eventually it filters out.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Transfers rumours are possibly the most annoying aspect of football, i can't stand them. I gave up paying attention long ago, and any article from The Sun, News of the World, The Daily Mail, Goal.com, Tribalfootball.com etc claiming blah blah blah about blah blah blah, i know 9 out of 10 times is nonsense. Half the time they're not even logical.

When official statements are released or players are posing with scarves or shirts, it's interesting. Anything prior to that is just tedious.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Martin O'Neill has resigned.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Was suprised about that. Villa fans must be gutted. MON has been at the centre of everything that's good in the last few years.

Maybe it was a disgreement over transfers including Young to Spurs. Lerner is a great chairman but you never know.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Milner maybe? TBH He took Villa has far as they are likely to go and while other teams competing are improving they were arguably getting weaker. The same weaknesses of the 08/09 season hit them last season and would likely hit them worse this season. He took them as high as possible and didn't have the backing to maintain that position and certainly not to improve it.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Link to the official press release
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/ClubNewsD...116445,00.html

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

it will be hard for villa to get someone better then oneill and they might find that a few of their top players could well be for the off now imo.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I doubt it was over Milner. The situation has rumbled on so long and the situation was well known. If the situation was causing friction something would have happened sooner.

---------- Post added at 16:47 ---------- Previous post was at 16:45 ----------

I don't think anyone will be going in and out until a new manager is sorted. Villa are the centre of a lot of pending transfers in and out (Milner, Young out. Keane, Jenas/Bentley in) which can hold up a lot of other transfers now.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

It might have been he was told he wouldn't be getting the money from the Milner transfer to spend on new players?

I'm sure we will find out soon enough though.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

nows the perfect time for lerner to sell some players ,while they have no manager.
these yanks are more interested in money than football.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

However it happened, who do you think will step in?

I doubt Jol would given all the fuss over the Fulham approach.

Can't think of anyone else available who would at the level Villa are at. Leaving it this late means everyone else (Hughes, Grant) have already signed to other clubs.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

bob bradley has just been mentioned on sky sports ,hes not in the same class as oneill.

maybe sven lol

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Me either. Jol is big favourite though.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Come on, Lerner is different to "these yanks". I'm not a Villa fan and even I know that. He has been exceedingly generous and sponsors a local charity for free.

Selling now would be great if you need players off the wage bill but not if you want to attract the best managers. I'm sure Lerner is in the latter.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Allardyce maybe?

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

money.
thats the only reason the americans are over here.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

They have, both those players have been in the papers recently

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/trans...rpool-frees-up

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/media...verpool-return

---------- Post added at 17:18 ---------- Previous post was at 17:14 ----------

I disagree, agents, rival managers and clubs themselves use the media all the time to either bump up prices, see if a player is interested in a move to their club etc etc there is no need to make anything up.

---------- Post added at 17:19 ---------- Previous post was at 17:18 ----------

Slaven Bilic....

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

real shame for Villa and I thought MON was doing a great job. if only they could have kept hold of a few players and built on the team they had a chance of breaking into the top four and doing it in better style than City are trying to do

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

That's Man Utd's next manager sorted then.....:)

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

england, maybe

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Gareth Southgate ?

Stuart Pearce ?

Quite a few listed here

http://community.betfair.com/footbal...a_Manager_Odds

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

They'd be in big trouble with either of them, the next David O'leary. Problem is he has gone due to cash, not having any and selling the best players all the time so any prospective new manager is going to want a few quid to spend unless they go for some one like Curbishley. I'd like to see hoddle or George Graham given a go.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Oh please not Graham, they weren't the most exciting team to watch in the first place. Graham will kill it competently.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

According to an ITK on VillaTalk (jimcohen - who broke the news of the resignation first) it wasn't over Young it was far more fickle.

City offered £15m + Ireland, Johnson and Onuha for Milner which MON was happy with. Lerner wanted £30m cash which wouldn't be reinvested

http://www.villatalk.com/index.php?n...light=#2263125

http://www.villatalk.com/index.php?n...reland#2262901

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I bet Martin was happy, that would have been a great deal for Villa...

---------- Post added at 19:30 ---------- Previous post was at 19:29 ----------

Fair comment, I still like him though.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

WTF!? Johnson and Ireland AND £15 million? Is he insane, that's a amazing deal. Villa should have bitten their hands off.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I hope for gawd sake that's Michael Johnson and not Adam

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Yeah was Michael, sorry.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Gutted doesn't even come into it - probably the best manager we've had for as long as I've been following the Villa.

I haven't quoted anyone who's said about Lerner being in it or the money, because I truly don't believe that he is, but it must be to do with the fact that MO'N had allegedly been told that he wasn't going to get all of the money from the Milner transfer.

Dark days for a Villa fan, although I'd take Jol (or even Sven)...

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Sky Sports News understands that the consortium fronted by Yahya Kirdi expects to have signed an initial takeover deal with Liverpool by Sunday afternoon.

It emerged last week that the group of investors from the Middle East was interested in buying out Reds co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks and now it is reported that an agreement has been reached.

The consortium hopes that a first contract, which will not complete the takeover, will be signed before Liverpool kick-off their Premier League campaign against Arsenal on Sunday at Anfield, a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 & HD1.

All parties - including Kirdi's group, Gillett and Hicks, and the Premier League, which now has tougher rules regarding the fit and proper person test - are said to be ready to gather before the weekend.

Sky Sports News has also reported that the consortium has agreed to pay off all of Liverpool's debts to The Royal Bank of Scotland and Wells Fargo, and that funds will be supplied to complete the planned construction of a new stadium in Stanley Park.

Correct decision

There has also been clarification of Canada-based Kirdi's financial position, with the former Syria international said to be 'well off' and not a billionaire as has been reported in the past.

Earlier on Monday Indian conglomerate Sahara Group, one of the parties expressing an interest in buying Liverpool, cooled their interest, while Chinese tycoon Kenny Huang has also made enquiries.

Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton is overseeing the sale, being run by Barclays Capital, and is conscious of the need to make the correct decision when it comes to a change of ownership.

In July he stressed it was important to choose the most appropriate bid and not necessarily take the highest offer, at the same time confirming co-owners Hicks and Gillett could not block a sale to a particular party if it was deemed in the best interests of the club.

Broughton, managing director Christian Purslow and commercial director Ian Ayre make up the other members of the board and can out-vote the co-owners if there is no consensus on the best candidate.

Hicks and Gillett are not inclined to support the bid by Huang, as he has insisted there will be no profit for the Americans in his calculations over what the club is worth.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Maybe in the case of Hicks and Gillet, but I honestly don't think that Lerner is

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ty/8890000.stm

Great coup for the Swans :tu:

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

granted hes not as blatened as your glazers , gillet and hicks but i reckon his end game is exactly the same, to make as much money as possible .

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Does a billionaire really need to make any more money?

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

That would be an interesting one.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...ew-season.html

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

I don't think much of the Grauniad's front pages but the sports coverage is usually very good. The articles/interviews tend to be really deep and some of the other articles are just funny as hell.

See this: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...ayor-tottenham

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Yeah, the sports coverage is excellent. The Football Weekly podcast is very good and has the same style as their funny articles including the daily Rumour Mill (which you linked too) and The Fiver (5pm Summary of Football news). Their live 'minute-by-minute' coverage of matches is also usually quite funny, and informal.

This is a sample of their coverage from that never ending Wimbledon match this year:

later...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010...10-tennis-live

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Safe to assume Michael but lets not forget how good he was a couple of seasons ago before he got injured...

---------- Post added at 17:44 ---------- Previous post was at 17:42 ----------

No not really but then why do so many want more and more cash? I don't think Learner is cut from the same cloth as the Glazers and Hicks + Gillet but he isn't Abramovich either.

---------- Post added at 17:57 ---------- Previous post was at 17:44 ----------

Guess so, wonder how good he might have been by now if he hadn't wasted 5 years at Chelsea...

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Yup.

The sports press is being quite hypocritical in the way they are going after Learner for not spending enough to match O'Neill's ambitions. He can't afford to bankroll a club to the level required to match that ambition and he wants to the club to live within it's means.

How many chairman do they blast for letting wages and transfer fees ruin the club? Here someone is being sensible and because of the populaity of the manager they blame Learner!

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

The thing is though he's put in £120m in transfer money alone. Not including money to clear debts and other investments. And the wage bill for Villa is quite high (85%) so he's done as much as he can.

Andy Gray bucked the trend when he was on TV earlier. Everyone seems to criticise Lerner for cutting MO'N off, but as AG said, where has all this £120m gone?

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Exactly. He is not made of money and he is an example of the type of chairmen we need, dismissing him because Martin O'Neill is more popular is really grating me. If that were Benetiz or any other foreign manager they would be calling this a tantrum (especially a French manager, it suits the stereotype) and that he should work within the means of the club and not demand they run themselves further into debt.

Lot of respect for O'Neill but lazy hacks playing favorites is a poor excuse for Journalism IMO.

You are correct it's not all of them. The Times were quite fair in their analysis that the spending O'Neill required to break into the top teams were beyond their means and O'Neill had taken them as far as he could with those restrictions.

I think the real issue here is confusion over those ambitions, Villa fans can be annoyed this wasn't sorted at months ago so a replacement had a summer to rebuild.

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Not for the faint hearted. A 17 year old Camoranesi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrxgr...ayer_embedded#

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

The ref started this one

video courtesy of the sun

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...ng-player.html

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Fergie has been saying since the transfer window opened that he is happy with his squad, and will not be entering into the transfer market, then I read this...........

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...sign-Bebe.html

:shocked:

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

Arsenal may well be about to sign Schwarzer

Re: Football Season 2010/2011
 

dont know if it'll happen as fulham are very keen to keep him and has he got the experience really i would rather want hugo lloris as main goalkeeper or better still joe hart but manc will not let him go i think