On the Ball (new Football Focus)

[ratty]

What's the record number of takeovers in one season? Anyone know??

[matthew123]

Pompey now in the hands of a Saudi property investor.

Next 5 PL games are Spurs (h), Hull (a), Wigan (h), Blackburn (a), Stoke (a). Win 3 of those games and things will be looking good. I don't think many points will be needed to stay up this season. Before people seriously consider West Ham going down I think you just need to realise this league also contains Brum, Hull & Wolves.

[Sandperson]

According to the BBC rumour mill Gillette blames Rafa for recent results and a faltering progress. That's not going to go down too well. Matt, do you think that's true or are the media just desperate for a falling out?

[matthew123]

Here is the full transcript from the George Gillett interview. It makes very different reading from what the media has effectively taken out of context this morning (in fact Gillett calls Rafa a genius). The media in this country pick and choose their quotes and spin it what ever which way will suit them but I suspect by tomorrow (now the full transcript is in the Times) the headlines will be quite different and perhaps pointed at United. Gillett claims United have pocketed the Ronaldo money to pay down their debt, Arsenal are unable to spend more than Liverpool for legal reasons and Abramovich is in trouble.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article6862370.ece?&EMC-Bltn=BBIDJB

[matthew123]

.

[Sandperson]

?We have invested in keeping with the history of the club more money than our competitors, which means it should be getting better. Now if it?s not getting better, it?s not Gillett and Hicks, it?s the manager, it?s the scouting. So make sure you balance out your analysis."

That doesn't read like a man in tune with his manager, whether he calls him a genius or not. The whole interview sounds like someone trying to pass the buck or at least make himself seem better than "the other guy". As for United pocketing the ?80, well, it;s not like we needed all that money for new players. Seems sensible to me to get rid of some debt and use some for team expansion.

[ratty]

Re Pompey. I reckon we can get to 39 points this season. That should be enough imo!

[SeanMacGabhann]

testing - and in no way bumping

[david_carnell]

ratty Wrote:

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

> What's the record number of takeovers in one

> season? Anyone know??

Leeds have to be in contention.

I think we had three or four in a twelve month period.

I feel your pain.

[????]

ahghhhh........no goal, almost releaved

[mockney piers]

Feel your pain quids!

[matthew123]

Sandperson Wrote:

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

> ?We have invested in keeping with the history of

> the club more money than our competitors, which

> means it should be getting better. Now if it?s not

> getting better, it?s not Gillett and Hicks, it?s

> the manager, it?s the scouting. So make sure you

> balance out your analysis."

>

> That doesn't read like a man in tune with his

> manager, whether he calls him a genius or not. The

> whole interview sounds like someone trying to pass

> the buck or at least make himself seem better than

> "the other guy". As for United pocketing the ?80,

> well, it;s not like we needed all that money for

> new players. Seems sensible to me to get rid of

> some debt and use some for team expansion.

I think he is saying if people think the team has gone backwards it's not his fault - personally I think they're all full of shit and will say what suits them and that includes every club whether Owner, Manager or Players.

[Sandperson]

:)) I think you are right Matt.

[matthew123]

Only people you can really trust in Football are those that let you through the turnstile when you show your ticket ;-)

[????]

matthew123 Wrote:

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

> Only people you can really trust in Football are

> those that let you through the turnstile when you

> show your ticket ;-)

Even that's not true -When it was cash they used to let 2 of you through at once for ?4 intead of ?3 each at UP..I suspect that wasn't unique to us either

[Sandperson]

:)) I think you are right Matt.

[Mick Mac]

You are being very agreeable today SP.

[matthew123]

You are right SP .. on this occasion ;-)

[matthew123]

.

[Sandperson]

MM, I am always agreeable! I am trying to make an effort not to bore the others with arguing. That involves agreeing with Matt and ignoring Atila. Simple. ;-)

[Mick Mac]

Thought as much SP. Not a bad policy.

I have a friend who I used to debate/argue sporting issues with all the time until I finally realised he would never ever accept defeat in an argument no matter how strong the arguement against him was - Once I realised that we no longer argue, I just make my points and move on - its much easier now.

[Administrator]

test post, please ignore

[matthew123]

Liverpool tickets for Emirates clash only a tenner! brilliant!

Jeeez Mick it sounds like you don't like people arguing back ;-)

[Atila Reincarnate]

I'm back after a nasty bout of man flu. Very pleased with our result on Subday, yes Fat Boy Dunn should have had a penalty but so should Gallas, and to hear that poisonous northern t**t bleat about not geting the penalty is music to my ears. As usual Fergusmoan gets away with berating the referee, will the FA do anything about it? Is the pope a muslim, are Rangers fans Catholic? You get my drift. Chavski look like the team to beat still, I see nothing in Citeh or Man Ure to frighten other teams regardless of our results against them.

[matthew123]

It has been revealed that Big Sam's mate Phil Brown actually lied about talking a woman down from a bridge who was going to commit suicide last week. His players said no such incident took place. Makes you wonder about his credibility... if it was ever in doubt...