Baron von Fat

If the next owner isn't fat we're going to need a whole new set of insults.

So should I start holding my breath now, then?

Another vote for Tony Adams - Addicted. Great read.

Better weather there, that's for sure.

My money's on "Wenkdorf."

I bought an HDTV just for this. , indeed.

As a sign of just how early we are in our development as a soccer nation, MLS teams have just started their academy programs in the past two years. These are the first ever true development programs within professional football in the US. It's going to take time to build the right infrastructure to fully create the pipeline of talent that people believe could exist here.

The side that Bradley put out was pretty poor, even by US standards. He didn't pick many deserving MLS players, and any side with Josh Wolff in it is bound to fail. That said, the match really showed the gulf between the nations at the moment. Not just in talent, but in composure in big atmospheres. Regarding the future? Jawesome has it right - college soccer is a huge detriment for US players. Players coming from that system have to be retaught so much of the game that they inevitably fall behind in their development. College soccer here is about athleticism and work rate, with almost no emphasis on technique, skill or tactical awareness. So they churn out players who will run all day, but have no idea where to run, or what to do with the ball at their feet under pressure. Until college soccer is cut out of the equation, US Soccer's progress won't "take off" as predicted.

He'd be a great signing for them, but I can't see it happening.

True enough. He seemed to be enjoying himself more last year, I guess.

Hoping for a smallpox outbreak.

He's got all the tools to be a top striker. He could stand to improve his close control to really make an impact at the highest levels, but he's on the right track. I've watched a number of his matches this season, and I've been a bit concerned at his attitude: A lot of sulking when the ball doesn't come his way, throwing his arms up after bad passes by his teammates, etc.

Gives them more quality options whereas the smaller teams will have to bring in youngsters. Flimsy argument at best. Chelsea's seventh sub will be better than ours, but then again, Chelsea's fifth sub is already better than ours. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a Premiership manager who wouldn't want more options on the bench, big club or small.

And a war hero Champions League winner at that!

Was at the Toronto match - fantastic atmosphere.

This thread is like some kind of anthropological experiment mixed with one of those science dishes used for growing fungus. My contribution. I was once working at a Mexico vs Poland match in Chicago, standing on the field in the corner by the Mexican fans. When they scored, they all threw their beers in the air and soaked me. Mexico was bossing the match, so I got smart and moved to the Polish corner. Of course, Poland equalized five minutes later and I got doused again. I had a delightful aroma for the post-match festivities. EDIT: I'm 5'10" and right-handed so everyone thought this was pretty hilarious.

Coming from where? I'd not advise wearing an oppo kit, there's some right nutters there. I've got my TFC shirt ready to go. And my trip is actually this Thursday for the match against NY. Oh the anticipation!

I'm headed up there for their match against D.C. United on May 21. I'm lucky I've got an inside connection, as I've heard they're sold out for the entire season.

They looked good overall - pretty fluid moves with Donovan in a free role and the fullbacks overlapping on both wings. I'm still skeptical about their overall talent level though.

I was just down in Dallas and talked to some folks who'd seen him play. He was on a U16(!) team and was dominating, apparently.

And yet you decided to post in this thread. Thanks! It's a gamble for Carver, that's for sure. He won't be on huge wages, but he's definitely a player who could laze his way through a hot summer. Granted, even Robert operating at 50% would be an improvement on TFC's current squad!

Complete non-starter.

Wow, just wow.

I am being totally honest when I say that I'd forgotten he played for us.

Of course Owen could end all this speculation with one interview couldn't he? Rather than making ambiguous comments about his commitment. You could ask: "Why should he?" But he's not daft, so why doesn't he? If people are worried about the injuries with respect to our significant investment, that's understandable. But the constant call of Owen to prove his commitment is baffling to me. I think a section of our support are clinging to the antiquated notion that NUFC players should only have eyes for Newcastle United and no other club (or international side, for that matter). This is simply naive. 90% of our first team, and 90% of almost any first team in European football would bolt at the chance to play for Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, etc, etc. For us, supporting Newcastle United is religion - it comes from the heart. For the majority of footballers, their club is their employer. They don't, and can't be expected to have the same love affair with the club. So why would I ask Michael Owen to prove he's commited to Newcastle? He is under contract with us, and when he plays, he scores goals. That's enough commitment for me. And if an offer from a mega-club comes in, he could very well leave, just like most of our squad. Who gives a toss what his favorite club is?