Football Talk 2005-2006 (Soccer)

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by Mr. Monday Morning I'll be sending out PMs in a couple days to anyone who I think (at least, based on posting in this and past threads) would be interested in doing fantasy football this year. I'll set it up and run the thing, last time I took care of one a couple years back I had no complaints, unless anyone objects. Anyway yeah check your PMs or just reply here if you're interested.

I'll join, ive already joined a free one on the premier league site i think it was.

[Doink]

Originally Posted by Mr. Monday Morning I'm gonna get crucified for this when the season finishes I'm sure but here's a rough guess at how the league will pan out: 1) Chelsea 2) Man Utd 3) Arsenal 4) Liverpool 5) Bolton 6) Spurs 7) Boro 8) Everton 9) Newcastle 10) Charlton 11) Citeh 12) Birmingham 13) Villa 14) Pompey 15) Blackburn 16) Fulham 17) Sunderland 18) West Brom 19) West Ham 20) Wigan

1) Chelsea
2) Man Utd
3) Arsenal
4) Liverpool
5) Boro
6) Spurs
7) Everton
8) Bolton
9) Citeh
10) Villa
11) Birmingham
12) Blackburn
13) Charlton
14) Newcastle
15) West Ham
16) Pompey
17) Sunderland
18) West Brom
19) Fulham
20) Wigan

thats how I think it'll pan out

[Doink]

Viduka for Butt swop Aug 1 2005 by Eric Paylor, Evening Gazette

Mark Viduka could be Newcastle bound this week - with Nicky Butt coming to Teesside in an audacious swop deal.

The shock move has been instigated by Magpies boss Graeme Souness, who is desperate to strengthen his attack.

Viduka would fit the fill at St James's, while Steve McClaren will believe he can resurrect the career of Geordie flop Butt and solve his midfield dilemma.

For Viduka, a switch to Tyneside would enable the big Aussie to start again on an even keel following his Teesside injury agonies.

The Evening Gazette understands that the key to the deal taking place is Newcastle's willingness to offer a sizeable amount of cash to accompany the swop arrangement.

Boro would want somewhere in the region of £2m plus Butt, before allowing Viduka to go.

The Aussie was withdrawn from the second match of Boro's four-team tournament in the Algarve on Saturday night, which suggests that negotiations had already opened at that stage.

The talk of the swop will intrigue fans of both clubs, who will be weighing up who will get the better of the deal should it reach a conclusion this week.

Boro paid a massive £4.5m for Viduka just 12 months ago and, despite occasional fitness problems, he scored seven goals before Christmas.

However, a Boxing Day back injury at Birmingham City virtually ended his campaign and he lasted just ten minutes in an attempted comeback at Crystal Palace in April.

McClaren brought in new striker Yakubu for a whopping £7.5m this summer and the Nigerian looked set for a three-way tussle up front along with Viduka and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

But the Gazette revealed exclusively a few weeks ago that three could become two because Newcastle were keen on Viduka.

Now the Magpies have hardened up this interest, and the offer of Butt in return is very tempting for McClaren.

The 30-year-old former England international has endured a disastrous 12 months on Tyneside and was booed off by Newcastle fans in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United.

But Butt knows McClaren well from their days together at Old Trafford and the Boro boss could help him to rediscover his best form.

Butt would also solve McClaren's dilemma - the manager having failed to snap up the quality ball player he has been seeking.

It's certainly not a deal made in heaven, but both clubs could benefit, especially if Boro could land a cash windfall as a result.

The one thing Boro fans would not want to see, however, is Viduka scoring goals on a regular basis for the Geordies





I honesly dont know if this would be a good deal or a bad one!

[Rob]

I'd take that if I was Boro.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Nicky Butt is crap. I'd rather have Viduka, on the off chance he stays clear of injury. Butt isn't so good on the old injury front himself.

[Doink]

Thats what I mean buy I dont know if its a good deal or not, I think id rather have Viduka incase he comes good but then again I wouldnt mind Butt alongside boatang.

I think this deal has a lot to do with Maccarone's return, as he's now back on wage bill, we might be looking to cut the wage bill and Viduka is no doubt on a good wage. So it might be better to sell him, get in someone on a slightly lower wage on a shorter contract along with a few mill transfer fee.

Also Malcum Christie is on the comeback trail at last. He is playing in a reserve fixture on wednesday. If he can stay fit id love it and id be happy to sell Viduka. Ypu guys prob wont agree but Christie has something about him and all the boro fans love him even tho he's been out for about 2 years.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

He's a good player. I remember him being in a good run of form when he got injured in the first place. I remember seeing him torture Chelsea, last time I saw him in action.

[Dazz]

You didn't see nothing Gatesy :foc:

[Doink]

lol

[Doink]

Norwich City have completed their swoop for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Dean Marney. The England Under-21 international has moved to Carrow Road on a season-long loan in a bid to further his career.

Skysports.com understand Wigan have made a move to try and sign unsettled Wolves striker Henri Camara.

Internazionale have confirmed the signing of Walter Samuel from Real Madrid.

Crystal Palace have called a press conference for nine o'clock Tuesday morning to clarify the position of star striker Andy Johnson.

Birmingham City look set to sign striker Walter Pandiani after finally agreeing a fee with Deportivo La Coruna.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Since Wigan are nouveau rich they can easily afford £5m for Camara

And wow, I know Samuel didn't perform for Real but they must have pretty big confidence in Woodgate's ability to last a season to let him go.

[Doink]

unless they are thinking about playing Owen there

[packt up]

Butt and Viduka are both fucking terrible.

Yo MMM hook me up with this fantasy football stuff.

[diothoir]

I'll have a crack at this fantasy football too.

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by El Capitano Gatisto Nicky Butt is crap. I'd rather have Viduka, on the off chance he stays clear of injury. Butt isn't so good on the old injury front himself.

I agree with that, butt was aload of crap really.Viduka has potential if he stays injury free and actually starts to give a shit.

[Butch]

Yeah I'm up for a spot of Fantasy Football, count me in.

[yianni]

Originally Posted by Chavo Jnr Jnr If I was an aging English footballer, I'd be stupid not to sign for an A-League team. "Come live down in sunny Australia, get paid thousands a week, and play in a league where you'll be treated like a superstar".

Very true. Well, treated by a superstar by those who know what the fuck football actually is.

[Rob Ban Fan]

Joey Barton's half brother is wanted in connection with that race murder on Merseyside.

Inter were class against us. Pizzaro was quality, their passing was brilliant.

Adriano was quiet but he smacked the ball so high it hit the underside of the stand roof, came back down and hit a photographer on the head and Adriano just stood and laughed

apparently Camara might have rejected Wigan's terms.

[Chavo Classic]

Sky Sports News has said that Camara has today signed and has already booked tickets for his family for next season's matches against Stoke and QPR.

[Y2Ant]

Newcastle need to sign Owen dammit, I don't want shitty whiney Anelka or shitty fat twat Viduka

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Owen would probably rather take his chances at Real for another bit than go to a joke club like Newcastle. No need for a world class player who's still young to go there.

Fucking BBC have the Celtic match on BBC2 Scotland. Wankers. I bet the atmosphere is incredible now. 3-0 up with half an hour to go.

[Chavo Classic]

Why would Owen choose NUFC? He's after Champions League football, the Toon can't even offer UEFA cup!

Good luck against Depo tomorrow night, you stupid geordie arseholes!

[Wengerland]

He's after regular football in World Cup year, he'd probably make the World Cup squad if he stays at Real but his starting place wouldn't be secure. Newcastle would worship Owen and he'd play every week, the signings Souness has made are quite good too, so as soon as Souness gets sacked they can probably push on for a top 6 place.

They can beat Deportivo at home and then i think it's Lazio or Marseille in the final, and they can beat both of them too, but i dont think Micky is too fussed about European football anyway.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

The signings Souness has made are good? Put it into context, here. He has only managed to strengthen what was already the strongest part of his team - the midfield, yet has weakened his defence and strikeforce. Granted, signing Owen would be a step to improving the forward situation, but Owen would be mad to go there for anything other than a year long loan. Newcastle are a disaster area, and will be until the management throughout the club is shaken up, wholesale. That means Souness gone, and the club bought out and the chairman replaced by someone who isn't a fat, stupid shit.

[packt up]

lol ECG

I'd love Owen to sign, if he does I will jizz my pants.

[Wengerland]

I'm saying Emre and Parker are good players, that's all. I didn't say whether they were needed or not, but Davids, assuming he goes to Spurs, is a great signing for them, but at the same time they have loads of midfielders.

I didn't know they'd signed Craig Moore until i'd just seen it, that doesn't look great.

[packt up]

Craig Moore = most uninspiring signing in history. Souness needs to get some defenders in and a left winger...plus Owen

[Rob]

Owen is NEVER gonna go to Newcastle. I think it's Man United or Serie A at this point.

[Chavo Classic]

The Times are running a great Fantasy Football league in conjunction with Talk Sport this year. Yeh, I know its not 1995 anymore and fantasy football is about as cool as 1,000 posts on an wrestling internet forum, but it's worth investing in for a £5.

There's a £55m budget which I've spent on the following, what do you think?

Jaaskelian - £4m

Carvalho - £5.5m
Del Horno - £5m
Ledley King - £5m
Cygan - £2m (I know, but he's cheap and he'll fill in plenty whilst sicknote Campbell is out)

Berger - £4m (plenty of assists)
Scholes - £6m (goals from midfield!)
Ronaldo - £6.5m
Dyer - £4m

Defoe - £6.5m
Beattie - £3.5m

and Manager - David O'Leary - £3.5m

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Originally Posted by Wengerland I'm saying Emre and Parker are good players, that's all. I didn't say whether they were needed or not, but Davids, assuming he goes to Spurs, is a great signing for them, but at the same time they have loads of midfielders. I didn't know they'd signed Craig Moore until i'd just seen it, that doesn't look great.

Jury's out on Davids, if what Mancini says is true and he's falling apart physically. He could be there for a big fat Dutch payday.

Also, Spurs have 3 top strikers and Freddi Kanoute, plus a strong defence. This is the context I'm talking about.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Originally Posted by Chavo Jnr Jnr Yeh, I know its not 1995 anymore and fantasy football is about as cool as 1,000 posts on an wrestling internet forum

Gonna assume you haven't read the post on the previous page. Or maybe you have I dunno.

There's a £55m budget which I've spent on the following, what do you think? Jaaskelian - £4m Carvalho - £5.5m Del Horno - £5m Ledley King - £5m Cygan - £2m (I know, but he's cheap and he'll fill in plenty whilst sicknote Campbell is out) Berger - £4m (plenty of assists) Scholes - £6m (goals from midfield!) Ronaldo - £6.5m Dyer - £4m Defoe - £6.5m Beattie - £3.5m and Manager - David O'Leary - £3.5m

There's no such thing as assists in an Aston Villa midfield. They're shocking. Cygan isn't going to fill in anything unless Senderos is injured and Lauren has his annual suspension for trying to break someone's leg. Beattie's a big fat pie-eating loudmouth who I don't think has scored for Everton yet.

I wouldn't be surprised to see O'Leary walk before the end of the season either.

[Bixente]

Arsenal will win the title. Most people, it seems, expect Chelsea to win it, but so many so-called experts are writing off the Gunners simply because Vieira is gone.

However, Arsenal played their best football at the start of the season, when their CM players were Cesc and Gilberto. When Vieira returned, they were inferior. The only problem is that since Cesc is still young, he can't play a full season, which shown last season, when Cesc was played far too much, due to injuries to Edu, Gilberto & Vieira.

But, from what I've seen of Aleaksandr Hleb, he could play in CM. He is stronger than he looks, and in the short time he's been at the club, has been outstanding

In the Ajax game, he dribbled very intelligently and gave Lupoli a great through ball, and then supplied a superb long pass to "On-Ree" who lobbed it over Stekelenburg...and missed.

Also, he was wonderful against Boca, and it seemed only Ljungberg was better than him, for Arsenal.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I agree with you completely. I think Vieira has been on wobbly legs for at least 2 seasons and should have been sold last year. He's shown worse effects from injury than Roy Keane, yet has not had remotely the same speculation over his form or career.

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by El Capitano Gatisto The signings Souness has made are good? Put it into context, here. He has only managed to strengthen what was already the strongest part of his team - the midfield, yet has weakened his defence and strikeforce. Granted, signing Owen would be a step to improving the forward situation, but Owen would be mad to go there for anything other than a year long loan. Newcastle are a disaster area, and will be until the management throughout the club is shaken up, wholesale. That means Souness gone, and the club bought out and the chairman replaced by someone who isn't a fat, stupid shit.

I agree with most of what you said.Though the signings Souness has made are good,the fact that we have so many midfielders isn't.The reason why i'm pleased we got Emre and Parker is because they're two midfielders who can actually play and creates chances,the rest of our midfield are a bunch of big headed twats, apart from maybe Jenas.I can see Owen coming to us, but the chances of that happening are very small.

I personally want our chairman (who i would call a criminal mastermind behind the scenes of football, check the story on the rooney transfer to see what i mean)to hand over to someone else. Sir John Hall was the best ever chairman for us, he really changed the club. He must be sickened by the way the club is being run right now.

[Doink]

Ive heard George Renolds is in the look out for a new club, can I please recomend him for newcastle!

Personally I think We (boro) have one of, if not the best chairman in the league.

Stevie Gibson is an absolute legend. He yesterday quashed the rumours of the Viduka - Butt swap stories, but says he enjoys speaking to Freddie Sheppard but they havent spoke about Viduka or Butt.

However, In his interview, he goes onto say we are in advanced talks with signing a centre midfielder. Im thinking it maybe someone from newcastle as why else would they be talking and newcastle have signed Parker, Emre and Lee Clark recently. With Butt ruled out by both chairmen, who else does that leave?

Dyer was linked with us earlier in the summer but that was ruled out, Butt is ruled out, Parker and Emre defo wont be sold so that only leaves two people IMO. We were in for Faye before he signed for them, however I see him as too similar to the Boat, so, with that said, JERMAINE JENAS for Boro ?????

[Doink]

Originally Posted by Chavo Jnr Jnr what do you think? Jaaskelian - £4m Carvalho - £5.5m Ledley King - £5m Cygan - £2m Del Horno - £5m Dyer - £4m Scholes - £6m Berger - £4m Ronaldo - £6.5m Defoe - £6.5m Beattie - £3.5m and Manager - David O'Leary - £3.5m

I think you've wasted some money, but with any dream team you take the good with the bad. Defoe looks to be expensive as IMO i dont think he will play every game as Jol will alternate the main 3 so he could find himself on the bench a bit.

Beattie should come good this year however it depends on how Moyes plays it, if he goes with 2 up top then beattie will do well, but if he goes with beattie alone and an attacking midfielder just off him i dont think he'll score more than 12 goals all season.

Dyer and Berger are both injury prone so may be out quite a bit. Scholes and Ronaldo look to be good buys, my only concern would be how scholes plays if he's put in along side Smith as he may have to play slightly more defensive therefore limiting his game (but dont worry, the ginger git will still get you a goal or two against boro - he always does.)

You have a good keeper in Jaaskelian and Carvalho and Ledley King will score points for you. Del Horno may do well however i think this may depend on Wayne Bridge's return.

I wouldnt have picked David O'Leary as manager, however that may have been a cost thing, Stuart Pearce would have been my shout.

[Doink]

Birmingham City have signed Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt on an initial year-long loan. Blues have bagged Butt initially on loan with a view to sealing a £2 million deal come the season's end.

Tottenham have completed the capture of Dutch ace Edgar Davids on a free transfer from Internazionale. The 32-year-old has finalised personal terms and passed a medical at White Hart Lane and is set to don the famous Spurs shirt for the first time in Saturday's friendly against former European champions Porto.

Michael Owen has confirmed he has held talks with a number of Premiership clubs. Manchester United are reported to be leading the chase, although the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle, Everton, Tottenham, Birmingham, Arsenal, and his former club Liverpool are all thought to be interested - although the latter two have denied that they will make an offer.

[Londoner]

Everton, Tottenham&Birmingham?haha. Especially@Birmingham.

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by Doink Ive heard George Renolds is in the look out for a new club, can I please recomend him for newcastle! Personally I think We (boro) have one of, if not the best chairman in the league. Stevie Gibson is an absolute legend. He yesterday quashed the rumours of the Viduka - Butt swap stories, but says he enjoys speaking to Freddie Sheppard but they havent spoke about Viduka or Butt. However, In his interview, he goes onto say we are in advanced talks with signing a centre midfielder. Im thinking it maybe someone from newcastle as why else would they be talking and newcastle have signed Parker, Emre and Lee Clark recently. With Butt ruled out by both chairmen, who else does that leave? Dyer was linked with us earlier in the summer but that was ruled out, Butt is ruled out, Parker and Emre defo wont be sold so that only leaves two people IMO. We were in for Faye before he signed for them, however I see him as too similar to the Boat, so, with that said, JERMAINE JENAS for Boro ?????

LOL you've got to be joking. The only one i would think they're talking about is Bowyer.Jenas is not going anywhere, dream on.

[Doink]

Originally Posted by TL LOL you've got to be joking. The only one i would think they're talking about is Bowyer.Jenas is not going anywhere, dream on.

I think I've worked it out, its Hugo Viana, it makes more sence than anyone else + he's a left footed attacking centre midfielder jus like we are after. Totally over looked him at first as forgot he is still registered to newcastle.