chicago_shearer

I don't rate Reo-Coker, but Sidwell would be a definite step up.

They're both average, both no better than Barton either.

We don't know what the future looks like for Barton at this point.  I'd rather have a reliable professional than an ex-con facing a lengthy league ban.

I don't rate Reo-Coker, but Sidwell would be a definite step up.

Im thinking double unveiling.

I'm starting to think the same.  Transfers may be complicated, but it shouldn't take this long to finalize a deal that has looked done for about a week.

The players that hurl abuse at referees are among the same degenerates that show no respect in their everyday lives.  Why referees feel so hard done by and victimized is beyond me.  If they don't like foul mouthed abusive idiots making their lives difficult then they are in not just the wrong job but the wrong country.

http://www.lemonde.fr/web/depeches/0,14-0,39-36463022@7-91,0.html (7.8.08)

Devant, un doute subsiste quant à la titularisation de Bafetimbi Gomis, qui a débuté sa préparation tardivement. Il pourrait être remplacé par David Gigliotti, à son avantage lors des matches amicaux. Dimanche Lyon - Toulouse Lyon: Nombreux blessés. L'avant-centre Fred (tendinite à un genou) et l'attaquant Kader Keita (opération à un avant-bras) n'ont joué aucun match de préparation.

Can the people who paid attention in French class translate that bit in bold....is that saying he was late to training or that St. Etienne began their preparations without him?

Right midfield

1. Bentley (5pt)

2. Pienaar (4pt)

3. Milner (3pt)

4. Utaka (2pt)

5. Petrov (1pt)

 

 

Milner > Petrov?

 

Easy that one, you know I'm talking about Stylian Petrov the Villa central midfielder who plays on the right hand side, who Villa fans want to replace with Milner....

Sorry, got confused there for a moment.  But it does beg the question why City aren't being considered since they have the best left winger (Petrov), some exceptional defenders (Dunne, Richards & Ben Haim), some solid midfielders (Fernandes & Johnson), a very highly rated new striker (Jo), and a proven Premiership goalscorer (Benjani). 

Right midfield

1. Bentley (5pt)

2. Pienaar (4pt)

3. Milner (3pt)

4. Utaka (2pt)

5. Petrov (1pt)

 

Milner > Petrov?

Pompey are skint.  The Muntari money bought Crouch, but Harry apparently wants money for SWP, Shorey and Kaboul.  So I say we offer 11 mil for Kranjcar.  It will probably get rejected, but he is one player I would love to see here.

I actually reckon Pompey might have the best first XI outside the top 4. 

Could do worse.  If we spend the Smith money on Healy I wouldn't complain at all. 

Rooney, Gary Neville, Jenas, C. Ronaldo, Cahill

What an amazing man.  Please don't go Bobby. 

I doubt it, but what a fucking way to start the season a result at Old Trafford would be.  Let's hope the signings get completed between now and then and that they have done some intensive pre-season work at their previous clubs.

Look closely...do any of these faces seem familiar?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Urby_Emanuelson.jpg

http://fr.euro2008.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/EURO/70/42/59/704259_w2.jpg

http://cache.idolator.com/assets/resources/2006/08/busta%20rhymes%20scream.jpg

Sorry Kev, I don't believe you.  He's signed, Deportivo said so. 

You have to laugh really.  On the day we recieve confirmation that Coloccini has signed, he finds a way to spoil things by faking his own transfer away.  He's an evil genius.

Now for fucks sake get him to hold a wooly scarf over his head and/or a Newcastle shirt with his name on the back, and mumble a few words about how this is his first choice dream move of a lifetime.  Jesus.

Get.  In.  Finally.

Our defence looks solid and organised

The touchable Alan Smith sounds awful btw.

For the love of all things sweet and holy, can we please get a screen grab for scrutiny & analysis?

I reserve the right to be annoyed if we get embarrassed. 

That team sheet must mean Milner as the lone striker right? He is the only one with any experience in that position.

Is there anything he can't do?  He is the ultimate utility player.  Not-quite-good enough in every position he plays.

Good to see Cacapa back. 

Two questions: where is Faye and whose up front?

It's amazing what basic, consistent competence will do for one's profile.

 

It's not just that though, is it?

That is his biggest contribution IMO, and not in any way detracting from his abilities.  For about a decade we have had a defence of mostly panicky, mistake prone semi-amateurs.  Carr, Babayaro, Bramble, Boumsong, Elliot, Ramage, O'Brien, Hughes...even Taylor and Dabizas....for this calibre of players a good game is simply not making the big mistake that costs the game.  They don't contribute and the best they can hope for is to limit the damage they cause.

For a player of Beye's quality, you expect and receive more.  To finally have a full back who is comfortable in his position, capable of defending and getting forward is what makes him so outstanding.  You don't see the fear and panic, you don't cringe when he attempts a pass.  I don't really have a great deal of respect for many players in our squad at the moment, but everything about Beye is classy and professional.  You just can't say that about the rest of them (one or two exceptions at most). 

So yeah...sign me up for Gay for Beye club.  Great player.