The Official Football/Soccer Thread

[evileddie10]

As a Coventry City fan, our season has basically been over since after the transfer window in January. Selling your best player when you have an outside chance of getting into the play-offs and not replacing him, leads to mid table obscurity. Us Coventry fans have not had a good few seasons. While off the field there is a lot of drama and stuff to mumble about, on the field, the team having been playing some nice attacking footballer. Just a shame we lost our best player. Whenever I see a team loss their manager, I get worried Pressley is going to join them, he has been good to the club.

[Wallbanger]

<p>Don't get much chance to see lower tier clubs on TV - the channels that carry them at all in the US are usually in premium bundles (beIN Sport, etc) so unless I see them at my local soccer bar (<a href="http://www.futbolclubkc.com/" rel="external nofollow">http://www.futbolclubkc.com/</a>) it's tough. I have some interest in Wigan and 'Boro since my hometown club have sold players to them (Roger Espinoza at Wigan and Kei Kamara at 'Boro).</p><p> </p><p>

I'm still shaking my head at my Toffees conceding three to Palace. When the lineups came out I thought "That's the most offensive-minded XI I've ever seen Everton put out. But if they don't score in the first 20 minutes..." and that's exactly the way it played out.</p><p> </p><p>

And D-Lyrium, this is Arsenal we're talking about. Never underestimate their ability to piss one away. So I still have hope. And who knows, after today Chelsea may collapse. Has Jose Mourinhio spontaneously combusted yet? <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

And to cap this scattershot post off, I'll be off tonight to see Sporting KC host Montreal Impact in MLS action.</p>

[Wallbanger]

<p>And speaking of MLS - Atlanta has been awarded an expansion franchise, to be bankrolled by Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and the owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.</p><p> </p><p>

Between that, and the two previously announced expansion franchises (Orlando City SC and Beckham United--err, Miami), the league's "Southeastern" problem should be fairly well addressed.</p>

[The Swanton825]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Wallbanger" data-cite="Wallbanger" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="28064" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Between that, and the two previously announced expansion franchises (Orlando City SC and Beckham United--err, Miami), the league's "Southeastern" problem should be fairly well addressed.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Only if you live in the Deep South. Those of us in Tennessee, North Carolina and the southern half of Virginia are still screwed.</p>

[Wallbanger]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Swanton825" data-cite="The Swanton825" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="28064" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Only if you live in the Deep South. Those of us in Tennessee, North Carolina and the southern half of Virginia are still screwed.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Fair point. Unfortunately what we presume is the last opportunity for expansion in the short term almost has to be a team that can slot into the Western Conference, like San Antonio or Sacremento, maybe Minneapolis (another area of the country with no MLS presence). As it is they're going to have to realign KC and probably Houston to the West.</p><p> </p><p> So the future MLS will look something like this:</p><p> </p><p> Western Conference:</p><p> </p><p> Colorado Rapids</p><p> FC Dallas</p><p> LA Galaxy</p><p> LA II (Chivas USA currently owned by league, to be sold/rebranded in 2015)</p><p> Portland Timbers</p><p> Real Salt Lake</p><p> San Jose Earthquakes</p><p> Seattle Sounders</p><p> Vancouver Whitecaps</p><p> Sporting Kansas City</p><p> Houston Dynamo</p><p> San Antonio/Sacremento/Minneapolis</p><p> </p><p> Eastern Conference:</p><p> </p><p> Chicago Fire</p><p> Columbus Crew</p><p> DC United</p><p> Montreal Impact</p><p> New England Revolution</p><p> New York Red Bulls</p><p> NYC FC</p><p> Philadelphia Union</p><p> Toronto FC</p><p> Orlando City SC</p><p> Miami</p><p> Atlanta</p>

[1234]

<p>Leicester fan here, so nothing to complain about this season. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

In the Premiership hoping Chelsea can sneak the title, but unfortunately can't see Liverpool slipping up now. Chelsea could beat them, but Palace or Newcastle probably won't. I just don't want to deal with it finally being Liverpool's year. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

4th looks like it's Arsenal's, but hoping they slip up and Everton can take it, and Arsenal win the FA cup so we don't have Hull in Europe next season.</p><p> </p><p>

Would like Sunderland to survive, so going for Norwich, Fulham, Cardiff to go down. Sunderland's great escape is on.</p><p> </p><p>

In the Championship, we are up, and Burnley should be too. Hoping Derby take the playoffs to give us a top flight game, and ensure Leicester finish 19th at worst. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Fleisch]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="1234" data-cite="1234" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="28064" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In the Championship, we are up, and Burnley should be too. Hoping Derby take the playoffs to give us a top flight game, and ensure Leicester finish 19th at worst. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> If that's the case worst case scenario is Derby are finishing 18th if they go up <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> As a Derby fan I've got to say that being 3rd at this stage of the season is something I didn't see coming at the beginning of the season. The fact that the Dirty Red Dogs Forest haven't made it to the play offs will also be a happy end to the season. Even if Derby don't win the play offs I think the fans can be proud of what we've achieved this season, especially given the places we've finished in recent years. Buxton, Hughes, Martin & Bryson in particular have been outstanding all season.</p>

[1234]

If that's the case worst case scenario is Derby are finishing 18th if they go up

 

As a Derby fan I've got to say that being 3rd at this stage of the season is something I didn't see coming at the beginning of the season. The fact that the Dirty Red Dogs Forest haven't made it to the play offs will also be a happy end to the season. Even if Derby don't win the play offs I think the fans can be proud of what we've achieved this season, especially given the places we've finished in recent years. Buxton, Hughes, Martin & Bryson in particular have been outstanding all season.

 

*cough* 11 points *cough*

 

Has been a good season for you guys, and even if you don't get promoted you should have a good chance next season if you buy wisely. Honestly I want Forest in the playoffs, I wanted one of you guys to come up with us, although more importantly I want QPR to stay down.

[D-Lyrium]

My childhood best mate's dad is a big Derby fan, so I've always looked fondly at them. Was a bit gutted when they dropped out of the Premiership with virtually zero points the other season.

 

As for David Moyes... I'm indifferent to United (I'm certainly not a United fan, but I'm not the type that automatically hates them because they're United. Especially as Shinji Kagawa is one of my favourite players, so it makes that a little difficult ), but I don't think Moyes is going to stay at United for long. It's not so much that he's a bad manager, he just still seems to think he's at Everton. It's as if nobody has told him that he's managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.

 

He was always going to need time to adjust and I don't think anyone expected him to be challenging for the title this season, but if I was a United fan the biggest problem I'd have is not that they're 7th, but that Moyes seems to think that's alright. His language seems to go from massive understatement to pure delusion at times.

 

Today for instance, he legit thought United were the better team. United were AWFUL. Ok, Everton were pretty good, let's not forget, but United were actual shite. Moyes' problem, IMO, is that he still thinks he's battling for the top four. He thinks going to Everton and losing is acceptable, because they're on United's level (don't get me wrong - they very much are - but a United manager should never THINK that, much less SAY it). I still remember his comments before the Newcastle game, which were something like "We're going to go out and try and get a result today". Fergie would NEVER have "tried to get a result" against a team like Newcastle United. He'd have been furious with a draw. But for Moyes it's ok. He just doesn't seem to realise that he's at Manchester United now, where finishing 4th is tantamount to narrowly avoiding relegation. He's currently in the Championship, relative to expectation.

 

To be fair to him, Fergie was one of those managers who almost acted like a 12th player. Some managers are like that (Fergie, Mourinho, Guardiola, Klopp). Nobody else in the world could win the league with a squad where Tom Cleverly has a genuine shot at getting in the team. But the fact is he DID spend money. He spent £40 million on Juan Mata, who plays in the one position United didn't need anyone (seriously... who looks at Kagawa and Rooney and thinks "... I need to spend £40m improving this area"?!), then splashed another £30m on Fellaini, who hasn't exactly covered himself in glory. Someone on 6-0-6 earlier said he "couldn't trap a bag of cement", which I thought was a bit harsh, but let's be fair as an all-around midfielder, Fellaini is a bit crap. Like a Peter Crouch or a Stewart Downing ir Matthieu Flamini, Fellaini has a job to do in the team (in his case, win headers, score from headers, win the ball back and give it to someone better than him) and is decent at it, but when you ask him to do anything else his flaws are pretty obvious. But even after all I've crapped on Fellaini, at least he was £30m spent on a TYPE of player United needed. I wouldn't have bought Fellaini for the job, but he needed to buy someone to play there.

 

Then Moyes tried to talk Baines into leaving Everton for about 50p. Now fair enough, left back is one of the places United need someone (Buttner's a bit rubbish and Evra is 83 years old), but the way he went about it just made him look like a dick. It's almost as if he was thinking "I've massively overpaid you for Fellaini, do me a favour guys?"

 

And he doesn't seem to know what his best team is. What's Mata's role this week (and has anyone told Mata)? Which back four has the random number generator come up with today? I'm sure he plays a version of 'pin the tail on the donkey' and Johnny Evans plays in whichever position is closest to where the pin ends up.

 

Without De Gaea and Kagawa, United would probably be in danger of a bottom half finish.

 

Some people argue that when Rodgers (whom, as a manager, I admire greatly and think is awesome) took over, Liverpool finished 7th in their first season too but what they don't harp on about quite so much is that A, this was an improvement from Liverpool's previous season, not a complete tailspin, and B, while he did spend £10m on Fabio Borini and a ridiculous amount on Joe Allen, he also bought Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho and still spent less than Moyes. In fact, he only spent £9m more in his first season than Moyes did on Mata alone. Considering he paid £15m each for Allen and Sakho (especially Sakho!) I can hardly say he's a savvy businessman when it comes to the transfer market, but Sturridge for £12m beats Fellaini for £30m any day. Especially when you consider he ripped West Ham off royally by selling them Stewart Downing for £6m (after they'd bought Carroll off him for £15m which paid for the Sakho error). Moyes is about to give away his best defender by far to Inter Milan for free, soooo...

 

Besides which, Rodgers didn't go through his first season pretending draws against Sunderland were decent performances and promising he'd try to get a result against Reading. He basically said "we'll get better", then got better. Moyes THINKS HE'S DOING A GOOD JOB.

 

So that got a bit ranty, but yeah... that's why I'd sack David Moyes. Not because he's a bad manager, but because he thinks he's doing ok.

[takerlives77]

<p>I agree with basically all you've said regarding the top half of the premier league D-Lyrium. Fact is is that right now we're seeing enterprise and interesting football from the most impressive clubs and Moyes just isn't keeping up. Everton thouroughly outplayed United and showed the tactical versatility that Martinez brings to the table, playing direct and powerfully. What helped them also was the fact that they could sit back knowing that United didn't have the teeth to tear them apart. If I was a United fan I think I'd be fuming right now because it seems to me that they have at least some of the ingredients needed to be a strong challenge to any top side. Granted Moyes hasn't spent as well as he should have but he still got Mata who is genuine talent and admittedly today looked really lost out there having been dispossessed a number of times and once even vitally. Seems to me like this English summer will see Moyes spending a lot of time watching the World Cup - throwing money at a lot of people and something coming from it. What happens remains to be seen but if he can't manage the talent he has then they'll find someone who will. </p><p> </p><p>

Anyway, I've become a kind of fan of the Merseyside teams because of how they're playing and as such I'm hoping Everton sneak in to that 4th spot and Liverpool get first but it's hard to say. My team though are Sunderland and it has been quite a tough season for us. We aren't mathematically out of it yet but it's hard to see us getting the points to stay in the last 4 matches. I was very proud of our performance against Chelsea however. There was some controversy over the penalty and fair enough but I think personally it was awarded correctly. Sufficient contact for me. I think if Chelsea were just a little bit more inspiring it would've been a gutsy loss for us but hey, we had a good day and they didn't, take one of those all the time. Hopefully we can kick on and keep our heads above water.</p>

[Fleisch]

When you consider this will be the first time United finish out of the top 3 for about 23 years, you've got to be out of your mind to think you're doing a good job finishing outside of that. I like Moyes but think he's way out of his depth at United. Like you've already said D-Lyrium, he thinks he's still at Everton and doesn't realise he's at one of the best clubs in the world (despite me not liking them). If that had been Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, their manager wouldn't be having a second season in charge. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">IF</span> they keep him on for another season it needs to be made clear in no uncertain terms that failure to finish top 3 and putting up a legitimate fight for the title will mean he isn't getting a 3rd year. Its a disaster for United to finish outside the top 3 and Moyes seems to be oblivious to that fact. Money needs to be spent on world class players, most notably a Center Back and a Left Back, possibly even a top Center Midfield player. Regardless of what United are lacking, that squad pretty much won the league last year so there is no excuses for finishing out of the top 3. Johnny Evans and Michael Carrick would be starters at say Southampton or Aston Villa but at United they shouldn't be almost ever present in the starting 11. Fellaini needs to be sold too, he's been shown up at United as an average at best player.

[D-Lyrium]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="takerlives77" data-cite="takerlives77" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="28064" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Anyway, I've become a kind of fan of the Merseyside teams because of how they're playing and as such I'm hoping Everton sneak in to that 4th spot and Liverpool get first but it's hard to say. My team though are Sunderland and it has been quite a tough season for us. We aren't mathematically out of it yet but it's hard to see us getting the points to stay in the last 4 matches. I was very proud of our performance against Chelsea however. There was some controversy over the penalty and fair enough but I think personally it was awarded correctly. Sufficient contact for me. I think if Chelsea were just a little bit more inspiring it would've been a gutsy loss for us but hey, we had a good day and they didn't, take one of those all the time. Hopefully we can kick on and keep our heads above water.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, there are some managers who I like so much that I become a sort of fan of the team they're at. Ian Holloway (obviously for a Rovers fan) has always been one of those, but Rodgers, Martinez and Gus Poyet are others. I'd love to see Liverpool win the league, because nobody deserves it more than Steven Gerrard, and it'd be fantastic to see Victor Moses go back to Chelsea with a Premier League winner's medal and being all "oh... you guys didn't get one of these?". ¬_¬ For similar reasons, I'd love Atletico to win the Champion's League (their keeper is on loan from Chelsea).</p><p> </p><p> There are also teams I despise (Aston Villa) for no particular reason.</p><p> </p><p> In other news, Rovers are 1-0 up at Rochdale at half time. Sigh... go home, 2013/14 season. You're drunk.</p><p> </p><p> Edit: Damnit, Rochdale scored a minute into the second half. :@</p>

[D-Lyrium]

Breaking news: Rochdale scored again.

 

Oh, and also various news outlets are reporting that Moyes will be sacked this afternoon. Allegedly he's in a meeting currently.

 

Edit: 5 Live are saying there's strong speculation he'll be sacked at the end of the season, not necessarily this afternoon.

[milamber]

<span>http://images.dailystar-uk.co.uk/dynamic/58/photos/846000/620x/5353ed4e01003_DavidMoyesysys.jpg</span>

[D-Lyrium]

Interestingly, United have "refused to deny" that he's being sacked, which is the same phrase they used when journalists speculated that Fergie was retiring.

 

Also the speculation came from the same journalists that initially reported Fergie was retiring, which turned out to be true.

 

Alas, Rovers lost 2-1.

[Wallbanger]

<p>I was one of many who speculated (even in this thread) that if Moyes was given the money to spend he'd be dangerous. Didn't expect the danger would be to Man U itself, though.</p><p> </p><p>

Part of me wonders if Bill Kenwright had a suspicion that Moyes wouldn't be able to handle a bigger budget as justification to keep a firm grip on the purse strings. Martinez, on the other hand, has proven to be solid across the board as a manager/technical director - tactics, man management, talent development, and value for money spent. He's made very few missteps, all of which he's been able to recover from.</p><p> </p><p>

I still think we can sneak our way into fourth, but even if we end up fifth and go to Europa, I think Kenwright will let Martinez spend a little more. I'm pretty sure we'll sign Barry up to a 1-2 year deal, we'll make a bid to keep Lukaku, and then see what else is available in the summer window.</p>

[D-Lyrium]

I think that's partly why (if indeed it's true) the Glazers are getting rid of Moyes. Apparently they're looking to spend big over the summer, and probably aren't going to trust Moyes with loads of money again (especially since he's got 5 years left on his contract, which won't be cheap to pay off if they decide in December that he's still not cutting it after spending another £50m this summer).

[milamber]

<a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2014/04/20/4710210/the-full-list-of-records-broken-by-moyes-as-manchester" rel="external nofollow"><strong>Moyes Unwanted Records at Manchester United</strong></a>

[Unregistered]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="D-Lyrium" data-cite="D-Lyrium" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="28064" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think that's partly why (if indeed it's true) the Glazers are getting rid of Moyes. Apparently they're looking to spend big over the summer, and probably aren't going to trust Moyes with loads of money again (especially since he's got 5 years left on his contract, which won't be cheap to pay off if they decide in December that he's still not cutting it after spending another £50m this summer).</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Apparently he is walking with only a years worth of those wages because of not making it to the champions league next season. Smart thinking to put that in the contract, also makes sense why they waiting for this last game to do it in then considering I believe this was the weekend where it became impossible for them mathmatically to do it.</p>

[D-Lyrium]

At half time, things are NOT going well for Rovers.

 

Exeter are beating S****horpe, Northampton are 3-0 up at Dagenham, we're drawing with Wycombe. Other than losing at Wycombe, that's the worst possible combination of results.

[Big Roguey]

At half time, things are NOT going well for Rovers.

 

Exeter are beating S****horpe, Northampton are 3-0 up at Dagenham, we're drawing with Wycombe. Other than losing at Wycombe, that's the worst possible combination of results.

 

I still laugh at Scunny getting their name censored.

[D-Lyrium]

Hah, yeah.

 

Also, DAVID CLARKSON! 2-1 Rovers. Much better.

[Fleisch]

I was proud of the result from Derby yesterday. Thought we'd get the 3 points but to win 4-2 after going 1-0 down showed great heart from the team. Under Clough we would have gone defensive and shipped another 2. McClaren has been a revelation since taking over as manager. Also going into the playoffs as the form team doesn't hurt.

[D-Lyrium]

Rovers relegates. First time ever outside of the Football League. Sad day.

[Big Roguey]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="D-Lyrium" data-cite="D-Lyrium" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="28064" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"> Rovers relegates. First time ever outside of the Football League. Sad day.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> What exactly happened at the game after it finished? Was watching SSN and all I seen was police on horses and fans going a wee bit mental.</p>