Ultimate Football (Soccer) Thread (2013-2014)

[The Licentian Isles]

David Moyes: "To win the Champions League you have to have five or six world-class players," he remarked to the press after his side's surprise 2-1 defeat to West Brom on Saturday.

"If you look at Bayern Munich, they have five or six really ­world-class players and, to win it, you might have to have that in your squad.

"Look at Barcelona, who had it in the past, and Real Madrid have maybe got it now.

"That's the level you have to get at to win it. We've not got that yet. What we have got is experience and several players who are in that category or close to it."



Phew! Then its a good thing we used the summer transfer window to sign some world class players. Oh wait...

I laughed at that when I saw it in the Sunday Times. As much as I can't laugh with where my club is, he can't exactly discuss winning the Champion's League with the position you're in at the minute.

[Madredia]

David Moyes: "To win the Champions League you have to have five or six world-class players," he remarked to the press after his side's surprise 2-1 defeat to West Brom on Saturday.

"If you look at Bayern Munich, they have five or six really ­world-class players and, to win it, you might have to have that in your squad.

"Look at Barcelona, who had it in the past, and Real Madrid have maybe got it now.

"That's the level you have to get at to win it. We've not got that yet. What we have got is experience and several players who are in that category or close to it."



Phew! Then its a good thing we used the summer transfer window to sign some world class players. Oh wait...

I laughed at that when I saw it in the Sunday Times. As much as I can't laugh with where my club is, he can't exactly discuss winning the Champion's League with the position you're in at the minute.

He better be thinking of winning the Champions League, because at this rate that's the only way we'll qualify for next year's! Jokes aside though, I don't know why Moyes wouldn't renovate the squad. Our squad isn't a Champion-worthy squad. SAF could work with it because, well, he's bloody Sir Alex Ferguson. But I really think Moyes should have come in and made the team his own. At least replace Valencia and Young, use Kagawa as an attacking mid, like he's supposed to be, so Rooney can attack more.

[I V Stalin]

We don't though. Ngog is a lazy bastard, Beckford can't finish for love nor money, Davies is injured, and Freedman refuses to put Odelusi on the park, despite the fact he's been our best striker all season. Our top scorer is Alex Baptiste. A right back.

Yet all are recognised strikers. We have Matt Smith, sadly not of Dr Who fame. Oh...and Luke Varney. Who you might ask? Well quite.

Is this not Leeds' problem now, only being able to sign Derby's rejects and Oldham's one-season-wonders, while having anyone vaguely promising being signed by relegation-battling Premier League sides?

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Yet all are recognised strikers. We have Matt Smith, sadly not of Dr Who fame. Oh...and Luke Varney. Who you might ask? Well quite.

Is this not Leeds' problem now, only being able to sign Derby's rejects and Oldham's one-season-wonders, while having anyone vaguely promising being signed by relegation-battling Premier League sides?

Yet all are recognised strikers. We have Matt Smith, sadly not of Dr Who fame. Oh...and Luke Varney. Who you might ask? Well quite.

Is this not Leeds' problem now, only being able to sign Derby's rejects and Oldham's one-season-wonders, while having anyone vaguely promising being signed by relegation-battling Premier League sides?

That and being a feeder club for Norwich.

The current plan of the owners is to target a push for promotion for next season...I'm ok with that. It makes sense, after all we need to undo nearly a decade of Master Bates destructive reign. The way the owners kicked Bates to touch was impressive and very positive, and it certainly lifted the club and the city.

However it all really boils down to how much money they can get together to buy the players we need. Our squad at the moment is in no way capable of getting to the play offs let alone the automatic promotion spots. We need two strikers, a creative midfielder, some pace on the wings and a whole new back line. Goalkeeper included. All that is gonna cost. If we get half that we still stand a good chance of getting into the playoffs. The whole hog and we could well be in the reckoning for automatic promotion. A quarter and we would really have to scrap for the playoffs with a good chance of losing in them.

However I do think in Uncle Fester we have a good enough manager to get the right kind of team together.

However even so we need to win games like the one against Millwall. We cannot lose to clubs like that...not four times on the trot (I think that's the record so far against Millwall).

[Apox]

As an aside, I've been knocked off the top of the Preddi table for the first time this season. I should really stop forgetting to do my predictions...

Do we know who Apox is? Can't remember a Reading supporter on here off the top of my head.

I'm just pleased to still be up towards the top. What an awful weekend for predictions. At least a whole lot of people probably did poorly, too.

That would be me... Yeah, I'm mainly on NSSports, just tend to lurk on this thread with the odd comment. I only know of Ancharmunn as the other Reading supporter on NS. Yeah, last week was a good'un for me on the predictions, got about four of em exactly right, with two being bonus point ones I think.

[Serrland]

Do we know who Apox is? Can't remember a Reading supporter on here off the top of my head.

I'm just pleased to still be up towards the top. What an awful weekend for predictions. At least a whole lot of people probably did poorly, too.

That would be me... Yeah, I'm mainly on NSSports, just tend to lurk on this thread with the odd comment. I only know of Ancharmunn as the other Reading supporter on NS. Yeah, last week was a good'un for me on the predictions, got about four of em exactly right, with two being bonus point ones I think.

4 dead on, that'll do it!


More from the world of diving:

1001:
FOOTBALL
Tottenham winger Andros Townsend admits he dived in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea but insists he will not do so again. "You make mistakes and that dive was a mistake," says the 22-year-old, who was booked for simulation.

"I apologised to the ref. I said to him at half-time that I thoroughly deserved it and hopefully I won't do that again. I have got to kick it out of my game."

Better to own up to it, apologize to the ref, admit your mistake to the media than to insist it was a true foul and not a dive. Unrepentant divers hurt not only the game on the field, but are an insult to supporters who invest time and money into their team. Good to see Townsend (who, in full disclosure, I'm a big fan of) taking full responsibility for his poor decision.

Is this not Leeds' problem now, only being able to sign Derby's rejects and Oldham's one-season-wonders, while having anyone vaguely promising being signed by relegation-battling Premier League sides?

Is this not Leeds' problem now, only being able to sign Derby's rejects and Oldham's one-season-wonders, while having anyone vaguely promising being signed by relegation-battling Premier League sides?

That and being a feeder club for Norwich.

The current plan of the owners is to target a push for promotion for next season...I'm ok with that. It makes sense, after all we need to undo nearly a decade of Master Bates destructive reign. The way the owners kicked Bates to touch was impressive and very positive, and it certainly lifted the club and the city.

However it all really boils down to how much money they can get together to buy the players we need. Our squad at the moment is in no way capable of getting to the play offs let alone the automatic promotion spots. We need two strikers, a creative midfielder, some pace on the wings and a whole new back line. Goalkeeper included. All that is gonna cost. If we get half that we still stand a good chance of getting into the playoffs. The whole hog and we could well be in the reckoning for automatic promotion. A quarter and we would really have to scrap for the playoffs with a good chance of losing in them.

However I do think in Uncle Fester we have a good enough manager to get the right kind of team together.

However even so we need to win games like the one against Millwall. We cannot lose to clubs like that...not four times on the trot (I think that's the record so far against Millwall).

You're always more than welcome to come plunder the MLS for talent on the cheap

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

That and being a feeder club for Norwich.

The current plan of the owners is to target a push for promotion for next season...I'm ok with that. It makes sense, after all we need to undo nearly a decade of Master Bates destructive reign. The way the owners kicked Bates to touch was impressive and very positive, and it certainly lifted the club and the city.

However it all really boils down to how much money they can get together to buy the players we need. Our squad at the moment is in no way capable of getting to the play offs let alone the automatic promotion spots. We need two strikers, a creative midfielder, some pace on the wings and a whole new back line. Goalkeeper included. All that is gonna cost. If we get half that we still stand a good chance of getting into the playoffs. The whole hog and we could well be in the reckoning for automatic promotion. A quarter and we would really have to scrap for the playoffs with a good chance of losing in them.

However I do think in Uncle Fester we have a good enough manager to get the right kind of team together.

However even so we need to win games like the one against Millwall. We cannot lose to clubs like that...not four times on the trot (I think that's the record so far against Millwall).

You're always more than welcome to come plunder the MLS for talent on the cheap

Well we have had Americans play for us...the last one being Robbie Rogers.

One of the big problems are work permits...if you're not an international player of some sort you're unlikely to get a work permit.

[Serrland]

You're always more than welcome to come plunder the MLS for talent on the cheap

Well we have had Americans play for us...the last one being Robbie Rogers.

One of the big problems are work permits...if you're not an international player of some sort you're unlikely to get a work permit.

Aye, I remember Rogers going over there. American media hailed it as a good move for him. I think he got injured early on though, right, and struggled to get on the pitch after that?

I speak somewhat selfishly as a supporter of the US National Team, of course. The Championship is a natural crossing over point for a lot of our youngsters to get into Europe, I think. The talent gulf between the MLS and your second tier is tightening (I honestly believe a few MLS teams are getting to the point where they'd would look right at home in that division), England is a good place to go for youngsters in that the level of culture shock isn't as high as it would be in Italy, France, Spain, etc, and it's definitely possible to get noticed in the Championship.

But work permits, as you said, are a bitch.

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Well we have had Americans play for us...the last one being Robbie Rogers.

One of the big problems are work permits...if you're not an international player of some sort you're unlikely to get a work permit.

Aye, I remember Rogers going over there. American media hailed it as a good move for him. I think he got injured early on though, right, and struggled to get on the pitch after that?

I speak somewhat selfishly as a supporter of the US National Team, of course. The Championship is a natural crossing over point for a lot of our youngsters to get into Europe, I think. The talent gulf between the MLS and your second tier is tightening (I honestly believe a few MLS teams are getting to the point where they'd would look right at home in that division), England is a good place to go for youngsters in that the level of culture shock isn't as high as it would be in Italy, France, Spain, etc, and it's definitely possible to get noticed in the Championship.

But work permits, as you said, are a bitch.

Yeah...ankle injury. Real shame as he had potential and seems to have made a positive impact in the dressing room...when he came out he got a fair bit of support from his team mates.

Would have like to see him stay with us but he went on the transfer list coz we needed the dosh...

As for MLS teams and Championship teams...I honestly have no idea as I rarely see MLS or even the US national team play.

[I V Stalin]

More from the world of diving:

1001:
FOOTBALL
Tottenham winger Andros Townsend admits he dived in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea but insists he will not do so again. "You make mistakes and that dive was a mistake," says the 22-year-old, who was booked for simulation.

"I apologised to the ref. I said to him at half-time that I thoroughly deserved it and hopefully I won't do that again. I have got to kick it out of my game."

Better to own up to it, apologize to the ref, admit your mistake to the media than to insist it was a true foul and not a dive. Unrepentant divers hurt not only the game on the field, but are an insult to supporters who invest time and money into their team. Good to see Townsend (who, in full disclosure, I'm a big fan of) taking full responsibility for his poor decision.

I'm sorry, "hopefully I won't do that again."? What? Like it's something that's not entirely within his control? Twat. Damn fucking right he's got to kick it out of his game. Lost any respect I had for Bale when he claimed he "anticipated contact". If you dive and you're caught, you admit it and Don't. Fucking. Do. It. Again.

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Great game being played by the Toffees...

[I V Stalin]

And while I'm in a sweary mood...what the fuck are Newcastle playing at? Because it sure as fuck ain't football. I mean, Everton are good, but not that good.

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

And while I'm in a sweary mood...what the fuck are Newcastle playing at? Because it sure as fuck ain't football. I mean, Everton are good, but not that good.

Oh I don't know...Everton are playing some great football...admittedly the barcodes are letting them...but nothing ventured nothing gained...I mean...you are a Gooner right?

[Eastfield Lodge]

And while I'm in a sweary mood...what the fuck are Newcastle playing at? Because it sure as fuck ain't football. I mean, Everton are good, but not that good.

Exactly how bad is it?

[Cyborg Holland]

And while I'm in a sweary mood...what the fuck are Newcastle playing at? Because it sure as fuck ain't football. I mean, Everton are good, but not that good.

Exactly how bad is it?

Average-Joe-Angry-Twitter-Comment bad...

[Eastfield Lodge]

Exactly how bad is it?

Average-Joe-Twitter-Comment bad...

Ouch.

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Excellent goal by Goooofran....

[I V Stalin]

And while I'm in a sweary mood...what the fuck are Newcastle playing at? Because it sure as fuck ain't football. I mean, Everton are good, but not that good.

Oh I don't know...Everton are playing some great football...admittedly the barcodes are letting them...but nothing ventured nothing gained...I mean...you are a Gooner right?

Everton are playing well, yeah. But Newcastle were awful in the first half. If Arsenal played like that I'd probably be too embarrassed to post on here for a month.

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Oh I don't know...Everton are playing some great football...admittedly the barcodes are letting them...but nothing ventured nothing gained...I mean...you are a Gooner right?

Everton are playing well, yeah. But Newcastle were awful in the first half. If Arsenal played like that I'd probably be too embarrassed to post on here for a month.

Poor Newcastle.

Used to live there for a couple of years.

[I V Stalin]

Everton are playing well, yeah. But Newcastle were awful in the first half. If Arsenal played like that I'd probably be too embarrassed to post on here for a month.

Poor Newcastle.

Used to live there for a couple of years.

Lovely place. Insane locals. Woefully inconsistent football team.

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Poor Newcastle.

Used to live there for a couple of years.

Lovely place. Insane locals. Woefully inconsistent football team.

Yes, Yes and Yes. Still far better than Gateshead!

[Eastfield Lodge]

Poor Newcastle.

Used to live there for a couple of years.

Lovely place. Insane locals. Woefully inconsistent football team.

Too true.

[Eastfield Lodge]

Well, we made a game of it in the 2nd half...

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Well, we made a game of it in the 2nd half...

As a neutral I really enjoyed watching that...am glad your lot got back into the game early...

So tomorrow...looking forward to Arsenal v Napoli...could be a corking match...

[Evil Lord Sauron]

Dropped RVP and bring in Benteke. He gets injured so bring in Suarez and Sturridge. Used wildcare and completely altered the squad. Fingers crossed can climb the table now.