LRD

Thought he was very impressive during the Asian Cup. What was the reason given for not signing him? Foreign player limits?

He can't play against the club he was loaned from, as per PL rules.

Makes you wonder how an interview supposedly for Barton turns out to be an Ireland one. "On Foot? *spider sense* I'll pass. Hey Stevie..." Barton > Ireland

England does not have a Cheik Tiote though. They have, eh... Gareth Barry?

Is his playing time a consequence of Higuain's injury or does Mourinho really like him that much? Looking at his career stats, the most he had played in a season was 06/07 (63 games including Internationals and WC) and he went on to have that phenomenal goalscoring season with Man Utd. Now that's madness.

Ronaldo out for 2 weeks. Could be a real boost to Barca and Lyon.

For the Galaxy.

Just Fergie's mind games to relieve pressure off his players' defeat to a rival really.

Did they manipulate the media over Taylor? Have you got some insider knowledge on that. The media are always out for a story, I doubt they needed Mike Ashley's secret spin doctors to get the Taylor negotiations in print. I'm not itk but how else will you explain the wages being mentioned? Unless either party leaks it out we will never get clearcut figures like the 40k and 60k per week being mentioned. And it's to no advantage to Steven Taylor if such specific details leak out. Well someone might leak it, or a reporter might weedle it out... I just doubt it's some sort of orchestrated spin campaign. I honestly don't think Ashley can be bothered with that. Not a 'Ashley hater' but never say never with that man. As long as the ends justifies the means, he'll do anything.

I don't think anybody will have a problem with that if the player matches what he says with his performances on the pitch. Barton went with his 'I can be good for England' talk at the start of the season and have proven many doubters, including me wrong. Hope Ireland will turn out good too.

Did they manipulate the media over Taylor? Have you got some insider knowledge on that. The media are always out for a story, I doubt they needed Mike Ashley's secret spin doctors to get the Taylor negotiations in print. I'm not itk but how else will you explain the wages being mentioned? Unless either party leaks it out we will never get clearcut figures like the 40k and 60k per week being mentioned. And it's to no advantage to Steven Taylor if such specific details leak out.

No idea why he will want to do that but I wouldn't be surprised if they manipulate the media to discredit Barton if contract negotiations don't go their way in the summer. as they did with Steven Taylor (even if most agree he doesn't deserve a pay hike). Same goes for Enrique.

Seems he thinks the whole world is against him and everything is somebody else's fault. Brummie might be right in his psychological assessment of Ireland.

The cook that spiked Kolo's food!

"They'll never suspect it. Kolo Toure, the glue holding Manchester City together! MUHAHAHA...."

Is that a serious post?

I want some of whatever you're on. I was being serious. And now the frogs are gone. I miss them.

Champs league spots are capped at 4. It should be the CL winner + the next top 3 spots.

They meet Sunderland in their next league match.

Yes, if they finish top five. Not if they finish in the Champs League spots and are not going to defend the Europa League though. So Man City / Liverpool needs to win Europa League and finish outside top 4.

At least they can drop Szczensy for Almunia...Fabianksi...err.... but still, at least if Koscielny needs a few games out they can bring in Squillaci...erm...Vermaelen...oh s***. Arsenal need new defender/GK ===> defence/GK have a few good games ===> Wenger has confidence in them ===> mistake(s) Option A: Get new, average defender. More mistakes. Option B: Keep faith in your already average backline. It's OK, you don't want to turn your back on them. More mistakes. Repeat to infinity. Keep the faith. The team is still young, remember? Absolutely. After all, this team is getting stronger mentally each year. Yep, closer to winning titles every year.

At least they can drop Szczensy for Almunia...Fabianksi...err.... but still, at least if Koscielny needs a few games out they can bring in Squillaci...erm...Vermaelen...oh s***. Arsenal need new defender/GK ===> defence/GK have a few good games ===> Wenger has confidence in them ===> mistake(s) Option A: Get new, average defender. More mistakes. Option B: Keep faith in your already average backline. It's OK, you don't want to turn your back on them. More mistakes. Repeat to infinity. Keep the faith. The team is still young, remember?

where does their europa league spot go if they win it and finish top 4 then? To a qualifier from the other countries. The English leagues get an additional spot if one of the teams is defending the cup, unlike the fixed 4 spots for the Champs League.

Ask him what Martin's shirt number was.

Provided the Europa League winner is one of Man City or Liverpool and they finish outside the top 4. They get to defend the cup and the extra spot goes to 7th. If they finish in a Champs League spot, 7th gets nothing.