Deuce

Obertan offers nothing so I agree with you. Really don't see any kind of redeeming quality as a player in him. He'll burn you so hard on the outside that centrifugal force will spin him out of bounds.

Thought he said that, wasn't really paying attention though so just assumed I'd misheard him Hatem Ben Arteta

Let's say it was you who was elbowed by Ben Thatcher at what's now the Etihad a few years back. The CPS didn't even bother taking that one to court. I suppose you'd accept the FA not imposing an extended suspension, either? The FA is the highest arbiter in any on-field offense, unless the case is referred to a court of law. Simple as that. Or at least that's how it should be. That doesn't mean cases not referred to a higher court of law shouldn't have been. Very good case that the Thatcher elbow on Mendes was outside the realm of the game. But the GMP decided not to pursue it.

Yep. Don't see why we can't trot-out a line-up with a backline of Anita/Perch/Saylor/Santon with Bigi/Tiote/Jonas in midfield.

It's not the job of the judiciary to uphold standards of sportsmanship. Agreed, but that's not the issue at hand. Yes, it is. Courts of law have a very high standard of proof; higher than civil courts (which is the same as the FA's) and other bodies. Terry is guilty by the FA's standard. Not punishing him would have been the wrong decision. Arguing for letting him off on account of double jeopardy is like arguing that you shouldn't be admitted to Bradford University because you failed the Oxbridge entrance exam. What he's being accused of is quite clearly a criminal offense, outside the realm of the game, under British law, first and foremost. The court found no reason to find him guilty of such an offense. The FA should have primacy on decisions that don't require a court of law. When an offense is committed that requires a criminal charge, the FA should respect the decision of that court. Had the court found him guilty, I'm all for the FA doling out a fine and suspension. This is basically the FA trying to assert some kind of power in a pissing match with the courts. It's no open secret how powerful the FA fancies itself. Replace the FA with your boss. Had you been accused of some crime and a court of law found you not guilty, you wouldn't think it very fair to still be suspended from work by your boss, right? That does not equate to an argument for double jeopardy.

Tevez not even on the bench today you say? Of course I didn't transfer him off in time...and he's my captain.

:lol: I'm sorry, but this didn't get nearly enough love.

:lol:

Tore apart the Russian league last season. Hasn't been very clinical for the national side though.

2-1 All goals by Willow.

It's not the job of the judiciary to uphold standards of sportsmanship. Agreed, but that's not the issue at hand.

Complete overhaul (played the wildcard, probably too early but oh well). Dropped Kacaniklic, Terry, K. Walker, Riise, Dyer, Di Santo, and Crouch in favor of HBA, Jenkinson, A. Cole, Clyne, Nolan, S. Fletcher (), and Ba. Playing a 3-4-3 with a backline of Baines, A. Cole, and Koscielny.

Still doesn't sit right with me that football associations (FA, FIFA, NCAA, or otherwise) consider themselves the arbiters of moral justice in the face of differing opinions from a court of law. The judgments of a judiciary should always supersede those of a sporting organization, the FA's 'lower burden of proof' be damned.

Pull the trigger.

He's got the bones of an 80-year old. Won't really figure for 2014, imo.

Gotta think Lescott and Jagielka will be first-choice in Brazil, just based on their past partnership. Unless someone like Jones or Kelly really comes on before then.

Vidic out for 2 months for knee surgery.

Terry exemplifies that old model of central defender. He's the backline destroyer. Don't ask him to distribute out of the back or move around much. But come into the box and he takes care of business. Certainly few better set-piece defenders, he's always been strong through the air.

Phantom vote for Wispy Willo too

Wonderful guy. I think he can become a cult hero here. First-backup to Tiote and in central defense, should be starting most of the cup/Europa games.

So what's the first-choice pairing at CB now? Lescott and Cahill? Jags? Please no Rio.

More trouble than he's worth, imo.

Willow is in danger of becoming a cult hero here. So much love, so much hate.