Football Focus

[red devil]

Patience is a virtue...

http://www.inkity.com/shirtdesigner/prints/clipArt1/CORB0370.JPG

['bout now]

It's silly season. Anyone who doubts this should pick up the Evening Standard for Mihir Bose's piece on the shrinking violet and all round greatest ever thing in world football, Gerard Houllier

[matthew123]

Here is the full article, and he really sticks the boot into Roy Evans - http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23858097-gerard-houllier-my-mate-roy-hodgson-can-restore-good-times-at-anfield.do

[Annasfield]

After Rafa Benitez left this summer, one of the players sent me a message,? Houllier tells me. ?He said, Boss, he hasn't beaten you.

He and Carragher are the only players left from Houllier's days.

[Mick Mac]

He does not mention getting hammered by Celtic. Not once.

['bout now]

Or Titi Camara

[????]

'bout now Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Or Titi Camara

Yup no other Premiership club was stupid enough to sign him......er, hang on a minute

cheers Bagpuss

[matthew123]

I'd guess Steven Gerrard (if he was talking about current players) but I'd not discount Carragher as he was also close to Houllier. Either way they are very bitter comments by Houllier about both Evans and Benitez - no need for that from a former Manager.

['bout now]

Houllier has form for that, just ask David Ginola

[matthew123]

Roy Hodgson's approval ratings go through the roof!!!

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2010/07/21/liverpool-fc-manager-roy-hodgson-shows-philipp-degen-the-anfield-exit-100252-26896230/

[Keef]

I always liked Houllier.

If you remember when Rafa first came, Carragher was openly quite critical in post match interviews, saying they didn't know what he wanted them to do with the zonal marking and all that. May mean nothing, but could be there was an issue there.

[Jah Lush]

I think Annasfield has seen Deggan more often in bars around Liverpool than she has on the pitch.

[Jah Lush]

Benitez has come out and said that Inter Milan will be even better now. How's that then? They've just won the Champions League and a domestic double. You going to top that then Rafa?

The new Inter coach is quoted as saying: "We are not yet a complete team - but the players show that they are intelligent and can do what I ask."

Do you get the impression that he may have thought some of the players at Liverpool were a little bit thick? Perhaps Carragher didn't understand his zonal marking or something.

[matthew123]

Mmmm difficult without seeing the full transcript but I'd have thought with his history more likely a dig at Mourinho

[Jah Lush]

Definitely a dig at Mourinho and his tactics but then Rafa hardly set the place alight with his brand of football at Anfield though he did win the Champions League - with what amounted to Houllier's side.

[????]

Current odds for Premiership (decimal - I know PGC)

Chelsea 2.72

Man U 3.75

Man C 6.4

Arsenal 8.2

Liverpool 16

Tootenham 40

[Keef]

Nice to see tghe pool are still much better odds than Spurs.

2 horse race as usual though.

[Jah Lush]

But not Man City Keef.

[Keef]

No, indeed. As I say though, I can't see past United, or Chelsea (unfortunately). I genuinely hope City & Spurs do push it, and of course the pool, as it would make it interesting.

I see 'Arry claims Cole wanted to come to Spurs, and that they will challenge for the title this season.

[????]

That looks like a typical Harry dig at Levi to me about funds. I don't think spuds will challenge for the League if they get into the group stage of Europe. However....*gulps*.....without that, I do think they have a decent enough squad to be a reasonable outside punt...

*spits out bad taste from mouth*

[matthew123]

City, Liverpool, United, Arsenal, Chelsea will all be able to beat each other home and away. Spurs & Villa will be able to nick a few points as well at home so could be a great PL season. I personally think title will go to Chelsea - with most likely challenger being City.

Top 4:

Chelsea

City

Liverpool

United

['bout now]

The Hammers are a 1000/1, so that's were my moneys going

*swigs from bottle of Diamond White*

*shouts at passing traffic*

[Jah Lush]

Oops! Wrong thread.

[Marmora Man]

I met a fairy today, who granted me one wish.

"I want to live forever." I said

"Sorry," said the fairy, "I am not allowed to grant wishes like that."

"Fine," I said "I want to die when England next wins the World Cup"

"You crafty bastard!" said the fairy.

[Annasfield]

Anyone ever been to Macedonia?