January Football 2019 bitches

[Jimmy Floyd]

If Puel gets the sack on the back of this game he can have no complaints. His ceiling is coaching teams to be functional and organised, when you get into situations like 1-0 down in this sort of cup tie, or 0-0 at home to lower PL teams, he has no answers. No good scratching out wins over Chelsea/City if you can only do that based on being reactive.

[Boydy]

Why did Leicester even hire him in the first place?

[Max Power]

He’s doing fine. After Shakespeare and Ranieri has us flirting with relegation and desperately trying to recreate the title winning style with poorer and poorer results we needed stability. He has us firmly midtable whilst lowering the age of the squad and moving away from 15/16 bit by bit.

Problem is the conservatism and it’s just so, bloodless? Cold? Fans have never warmed to him despite the decent results and days like this sum it up. Too conservative with selection and doesn’t seem to get that the fans really really want a cup run. We got to quarter finals in both last year and he still made changes for those games.

[niko_cee]

Good to see Santi Solari running the good ship Real Madrid onto the rocks.

Who's the next blazer in line? Raul?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Iniesta has done a nice old-fashioned blacking up photo on twitter (or rather his family members have).

[Kikó]

Bring Mourinho back to Madrid.

[phonics]

Wayne Henneseys 'I definitely didn't do a nazi salute at our German player' excuse is top stuff.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwSbsOsWsAEruJj.jpg

the image in question?

https://i.imgur.com/JEd6HjJ.png

[Andy]

He’s doing fine. After Shakespeare and Ranieri has us flirting with relegation and desperately trying to recreate the title winning style with poorer and poorer results we needed stability. He has us firmly midtable whilst lowering the age of the squad and moving away from 15/16 bit by bit.

Problem is the conservatism and it’s just so, bloodless? Cold? Fans have never warmed to him despite the decent results and days like this sum it up. Too conservative with selection and doesn’t seem to get that the fans really really want a cup run. We got to quarter finals in both last year and he still made changes for those games.

There's obviously a good manager in there somewhere, looking back when he got us to eighth was a bit of a miracle but still something was missing. He got us to a cup final as well.

[Baz]

http://i.imgur.com/g0hrmJa.png

[Spikey M]

https://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/ar_3:2,c_fill,f_auto,w_500/http://www.wow247.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Father-Ted-racist.jpg

[phonics]

An excellent little story on Second Captains today where David Dein, mid-negotiations for various Arsenal players to Chelsea with Abramovich, is asked whether he'll let Thierry Henry go to Chelsea for 50 million. At which point, Dein says '50 million? Why don't you just buy the whole club?' to which Roman replies, "I tried, UBS say is not for sale." and David Dein goes into a rage that he's now the third biggest show in town because some idiot in Switzerland told Abramovich they weren't available.

It's in this book apparently: https://www.amazon.com/Club-English-Premier-Wildest-Disruptive/dp/1328506452

[Mike]

Lovren has gone off injured. Title is back on! :lol:

[Waffdon]

Jimenez has been far better than I ever imagined.

[Gray Fox]

Out the cup, Lovren injured, promising young lad given debut. Not a bad evening this.

[Waffdon]

Small time club.

[John]

That was vintage, FM2014/15 Jimenez, whichever one it was you could get him for tuppence from Atletico.

[Waffdon]

Traore would have a field day down this right hand side. Think of all the chances he could fuck up.

[Raoul Duke]

United ought to be spunking money into Jorge Mendes's pockets to take Neves off Wolves in the summer. Lovely little player.

[John]

Wolves will make about fifty million quid on Neves. There's absolutely no chance he's there next season. He's immaculate.

[Gray Fox]

I'd send fifty million of our finest pounds for Neves. Reminds me of Xabi Alonso in some ways.

[Manc]

Manager yet to win anything disregards opportunity to win something.

What is Keita?

[Gray Fox]

FA Cup means nothing unfortunately. I spent the last 10 minutes hoping we didn't score so we wouldn't have to go to a replay.

[Mike]

That year 6 lad at centre back looked good, one for the future for sure.
Hopefully it’s back to normal for the trip to Brighton.

[Pleb]

Away to Arsenal?

Woof.

[mugbull]

Have the League Cup semis always been two-legged? Why the fuck is it like that? I don't want to have to play Chelsea twice, especially since we're gonna be pressured to play our first team so that we can show we can compete in a cup with the "big boys"

[Shindig]

Always. And the away goals only count in extra time.

[mugbull]

Phenomenal

[TG09]

Ah United, saw that coming a mile away.

[niko_cee]

That was worth it simply for Alan Shearer's seething shrugs.

Mignolet is so shit. 30 yards out, not even in the corner and he was nowhere near it.

[Baz]

That was worth it simply for Alan Shearer's seething shrugs.

Mignolet is so shit. 30 yards out, not even in the corner and he was nowhere near it.I know right! This better be the last time he EVER plays a game for Liverpool.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

So Shaqiri has lost all 4 of his FA Cup appearances. Tragic.

[Shindig]

Watford? We have nothing to look forward to.

[Lewis]

I saw Mike Phelan referring to himself in the third person the other day, so it's hard to see how anyone stops United with that sort of confidence brimming around.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Dream backroom team:

Mike Phelan
Sammy Lee
that red faced bloke who stands by the dugout at Chelsea
Rui Faria
Terry Connor

You could put up Annika Rice in front of those and she'd win the league.

[Ian]

Plus one former player of whatever team they're at who UNDERDTANDS THE CLUB.

[SincereTheRebel]

John Ruddy made a monster save from the Shaqiri free kick. He got finger tips to it. Nevas only scores wonder goals. I would have exspected the goalkepper to save it though. Liverpool were awful. Milner was the only player who gave a fuck.

[SincereTheRebel]

Im fully prepared for offers on both Nevas and Nuno come the summer.

[Smjffy]

We were so awful last night and the only real silver lining is that it could potentially be a blessing in disguise.

Funnily enough I watched it with the Mrs who's a big Klopp fan and she pointed out he doesn't seem as bothered as usual, almost like he threw it the game.

Probably isn't that far off.

[phonics]

Gary Rowetts been sacked. Why you would leave the Derby job for that mess...

[Queenslander]

Hey Jordan have players in Europe yeah???

[Spikey M]

We were so awful last night and the only real silver lining is that it could potentially be a blessing in disguise.

Funnily enough I watched it with the Mrs who's a big Klopp fan and she pointed out he doesn't seem as bothered as usual, almost like he threw it the game.

Probably isn't that far off.

Are you back with Bananarama (Or whatever you called her)?

[SvN]

Has she paid you back the money she conned you out of?

[SincereTheRebel]

Tottenham have accepted a bid of £9m for Mousa Dembele from China. He is out of contract in the summer.

Bayern have made a fourth bid of £35m for Callum Hudson-Odoi. I think they are being out-shined by Dortmund with Sancho and they are trying tp catchup

Celtic have loaned Timothy Weah from PSG

Pepe has gone back to Porto after his contract with Besiktas was terminated

[Baz]

Tottenham have accepted a bid of £9m for Mousa Dembele from China. He is out of contract in the summer.Bargain.

Spurs will miss him.

[SincereTheRebel]

The way he dribbles with the ball is effortless. His style is great to watch.

[Waffdon]

Chelsea letting 2023’s Balon d’or winner leave is absolutely mental.

£100m bid for Icardi to be ruined as well apparently

[SincereTheRebel]

Chelsea letting 2023’s Balon d’or winner leave is absolutely mental.

£100m bid for Icardi to be ruined as well apparently

They havent accepted a bid for Callum Hudson-Odoi yet (if that is who you mean)

[Waffdon]

£35m matches the asking price by sounds of it. He’s wanting to leave according to Sky anyway so not much you can do. Fucking Willain.

[ScousePig]

I've always wondered about the logic of trying to shame a convicted rapist out of the club. Something tells me he doesn't really care what people think.

I assume this is about the Blackpool owners? We were there New Year's Day and there were people outside the ground and in the pubs handing out flyers explaining their predicament. In the pubs the Blackpool fans (those handing out flyers and even some going to the game) were happy (almost insistent) to chat and explain what was going on and why most fans are boycotting the games.

In the weeks leading up to the game quite a few Blackpool fans signed up to the Sunderland forum asking us not to buy anything inside the ground, or basically line their chairman's pockets any more. This is a regular thing, but more so that day as there were 8000 Sunderland fans.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We'd do an absolutely splendid job on Icardi. Give it six months and that confident I've-shagged-your-missus strut will be replaced by a Morata-esque haunted gloom as he ticks past fifteen games without a goal.

[SincereTheRebel]

We'd do an absolutely splendid job on Icardi. Give it six months and that confident I've-shagged-your-missus strut will be replaced by a Morata-esque haunted gloom as he ticks past fifteen games without a goal.

That operation shit really is comedy. Have any websites or other media picked up on this yet? Didnt somebody steal the "Transfer fee is not that expensive if you the transfer fee compared to the clubs revenue per year"

[ScousePig]

I've always wondered about the logic of trying to shame a convicted rapist out of the club. Something tells me he doesn't really care what people think.


That operation shit really is comedy. Have any websites or other media picked up on this yet? Didnt somebody steal the "Transfer fee is not that expensive if you the transfer fee compared to the clubs revenue per year"

Mate, I* invented 'second season syndrome'.

*someone on here

[Waffdon]

Shame Giroud isn’t playing as he’d have a field day with Hudson Odoi’s delivery. Still, my bodies ready.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Selling this kid to Bayern is proper Lord Halifax stuff. Looks dangerous every time the ball comes to him.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Kane has dived over him there and they haven't even looked at it from a close angle. Awful refereeing.

[Gray Fox]

It's just "anticipating the contact" if he's a star England player, isn't it?

[mugbull]

Kane has dived over him there and they haven't even looked at it from a close angle. Awful refereeing.

Good god, what are you on about?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sorry, forgot. Superb drawing of the foul by King Harry.

I've been a defender of Willian but in the last few games he has been criminally lazy. Has to go.

[mugbull]

In what plane of existence was that not a foul? The offside was close, but that’s not even what you’re complaining about

[Jimmy Floyd]

It probably was a foul (although Harry took a leap in anticipation) but I was complaining about the fact that the referee didn't even check that on the VAR.

[mugbull]

It was about as stonewall as they come, the only thing in doubt was whether he was offside

[Jimmy Floyd]

Tottenham have a member of the public in goal here, so frustrating that we don't have anyone to shoot at him.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Harry Kane just sat down on the pitch for two minutes with a fake injury to break up Chelsea's momentum there. Amazing how nobody ever calls out this stuff and assumes it's a real injury.

[bruhnaldo]

Well that's kinda tough for the live commentary. You say one guy is faking it and they're legit hurt and you're probably out of a job I'd imagine.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1082653396732207104

Cracking bit of magic by Klopp.

[Waffdon]

Jorginho and Barkley are Cahill levels of shite.

[mugbull]

Not watching the game but I see we still haven’t made a substitution. You can count on one hand the number of times Poch has made a sub before the 70th minute, it’s fucked mate

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sarri is such a bad manager. Keep watching us piss about in wide areas and cross into a box where a 5 foot 7 Kanté is joined by four tall Spurs defenders. And he NEVER changes the system.

Even Avram Grant used to actually adapt to things in-game. Sarri just watches us lose.

[Lewis]

Which is mental given his stellar managerial career prior to joining.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's annoying because if you pipe his football through a computer it probably comes out smelling of roses (22-6-5 is half decent as a record) but I can guarantee you we will never win anything whatsoever playing this brand of glacial sideways football. It's so easy to play against.

[phonics]

Chelsea want 50 million quid for Tammy Abraham :cab:

[-james-]

Makes sense seeing as they seem to be having a fire-sale of all their home grown assets. Has anyone told Tobacco Van Gaal how it all works?

[SincereTheRebel]

I read that Lewis Baker has been recalled from his loan from Leeds back to Chelsea. I had him confused with Jose Baxter who only left Everon official at the end of last season. He was the don on FM 2006.

[SvN]

Just reading his wiki page. They released him in 2012, then re-signed him in 2017?! Seems mental, he never played a game for them in that second spell.

[niko_cee]

Wasn't that some sort of compassionate rehiring - like after he'd failed a drugs test or had some other career setback?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

After a failed drugs test for ecstasy.

[phonics]

We've gone from having 1 defender last week to having literally the whole squad fit apart from Holding and Welbeck.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Makes sense seeing as they seem to be having a fire-sale of all their home grown assets. Has anyone told Tobacco Van Gaal how it all works?

We're going to go MENTAL in this window as there's a transfer ban incoming.

Having read up on Hudson-Odoi, it sounds more like a money grab from his brother who is also his agent. Sarri is obviously trying to keep him.

[Mazuuurk]

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has placed a £225m price tag on Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, 26, amid interest from Real Madrid.

Mate :cab:

[SincereTheRebel]

His deal with spurs expires in 18 months? Lol at that price.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's FM tactics to try and scare teams off.

If they came in with a bid of, let's say, £100m they'd take it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46807185

Spurs stadium delayed again until March.

[Raoul Duke]

Man City molesting Burton here

[Max Power]

May see a rare double figure scoreline here

[Shindig]

It's worse when there's still a second leg to come.

[Lewis]

When I was younger they used to call amateur rugby games at half-time if it was 40-0. They should just do that and forget the second leg.

[Pepe]

In my indoor 'soccer' league they stop counting when it is 5-0, but they let the game continue.

[Pleb]

I seem to recall that in the Brazil Cup, if you win by 2 clear goals the second leg is wiped off.

[SincereTheRebel]

Ramsey is joining Juve in the summer officially. I like the move. I dont think he is going to light it up in Italy. His best days was a few years ago when his scoring from every where in the final third.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/11603268/aaron-ramsey-agrees-to-join-juventus-from-arsenal-in-the-summer

[SincereTheRebel]

@Jimmy

May as well get the operating table out in preperation for Higuain to Chelsea. That is aan easy prediction. He has scored goals for 10+ years and then asking him to come to the premire league and do it again. Slim chance lad.

[SvN]

Higuain is a weird one. He's got pretty good numbers, but I've never once thought he was actually any good. I haven't watched him regularly since he left Madrid though, so perhaps he's a better player these days.

[SincereTheRebel]

Once you get to those type of ages. Asking a player to move to a new club again and score goals is a massaive ask. He will expire

[Baz]

Ramsey is joining Juve in the summer officially. I like the move. I dont think he is going to light it up in Italy. His best days was a few years ago when his scoring from every where in the final third.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/11603268/aaron-ramsey-agrees-to-join-juventus-from-arsenal-in-the-summerGood on him. From what I've seen they only play three midfielders (where he could play) and aside from Emre Can, he's miles better than everyone else in contention. I mean, Khedira plays regularly. :cab:

[niko_cee]

Don't they have Pjanic? Isn't he quite good?

[Adamski]

and Matuidi who is excellent.

If Ramsay can stay fit he'll probably play with those two though.

[SincereTheRebel]

Chelsea have recalled Michy Batshuayi from his loan at Valencia after 1 league goal in 15 games.

[Mazuuurk]

The way I read it, it was Valencia sending him back :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

Batshuayi is a dreadful player in serious football. Can finish but the ball bounces off him so much that when properly marked he'll rarely have good opportunities. Would score a goal a game in certain leagues though.

[Waffdon]

Chelsea rejecting money and a swap deal with Malcolm/Willian is far too funny. What has he got on everyone at the club.

[SincereTheRebel]

Workrate. Its why Klopp being a flop is respected.

[niko_cee]

Is Malcolm any good? All indicators would appear to suggest not (in the absence of ever having seen him play). Maybe Chelsea prefer to stick with an established, reliable player, rather than take a punt on some reject.

Particularly in January when they're in a dogfight for 4th place. An unproven Brazilian winger is likely to do the square root of fuck all over the next 6 months for them.

[Spikey M]

Chelsea have been hilarious in transfer windows for some time now. Duck knows who's pulling the strings there.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Chelsea rejecting money and a swap deal with Malcolm/Willian is far too funny. What has he got on everyone at the club.

Not every random fashionable player is better than Willian. Most are far worse. Look what happened with Bakayoko, the grass is very rarely greener.

[phonics]

1083689290733895682

Bielsa bringing the continentral 'man spies on training' news story to the championship. A true revolutionary.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That sort of thing should be encouraged if anything. Nothing better that a bit of espionage.

[The Merse]

and Matuidi who is excellent.

If Ramsay can stay fit he'll probably play with those two though.

He's a bit similar to Pjanic really isn't he? Makes me think they'll stick him box-to-box again and he'll again be too focused on one box over the other to make a success of it.

Still, fair play to him. It's fucking reprehensible on our part that we've got the likes of Mikhi and Ozil earning what they earn and Ramsey has a agreed deal to give him parity withdrawn. A blemish on Emery already that he's not a key player for me.

[Waffdon]

Not every random fashionable player is better than Willian. Most are far worse. Look what happened with Bakayoko, the grass is very rarely greener.

£50m plus him is what I’m reading. That’s a fucking mental deal considering Willian’s age.

[Reg]

Nathan Jones at Stoke is an interesting one. 8 points off the playoffs, a slim chance he could be in the Prem next season. So not surprised he took it but a shame to see his Luton journey end.

[Waffdon]

You’re not a Luton fan as well, are you?

[Reg]

No, Jones was at Brighton (player and coach) and mate's a Luton fan.

[mugbull]

Not every random fashionable player is better than Willian. Most are far worse. Look what happened with Bakayoko, the grass is very rarely greener.

I’ve been hearing noise from Italy that Bakayoko has been phenomenal the past few months

[Jimmy Floyd]

He actually had a decent first 10 games for us and then after that he suddenly lost all confidence, as if he'd been castrated. We kind of specialise in that sort of thing.

[Lewis]

It shows you how far Chelsea have got to go when that sort of thing just gets lolled at, rather than being put down to the immense weight of the shirt and THE CLUB crushing its occupants.

[Waffdon]

Lol at Bielsa. What a guy. Happily admitting he’s been getting folk to spy on teams all season.

[Shindig]

He's the kind of guy we need to steal money from Ashley's wallet.

[-james-]

Lol at Bielsa. What a guy. Happily admitting he’s been getting folk to spy on teams all season.

Surely sending a scout to watch an opponent train isn't that groundbreaking?

[Magic]

Lampard's hilarious seethe (excuse) before the match makes this absolute dicking far more sweeter. :drool:

[Magic]

:harold:

The post match meltdown is going to be a season highlight.

[Disco]

Frankly I'd be appalled if my team wasn't spying on it's opposition at every opportunity.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sir Henry Winter has laid down the most Sir Henry tweet ever saying it's a disgrace, which means it is definitely brilliant. Everything about Bielsa is brilliant.

[Boydy]

1083807707054985217

:D

lol

[Magic]

Sir Henry Winter has laid down the most Sir Henry tweet ever saying it's a disgrace, which means it is definitely brilliant. Everything about Bielsa is brilliant.

I concur. Pure maverick and charismatic as fuck. Just a genius.

[Adamski]

I’ve been hearing noise from Italy that Bakayoko has been phenomenal the past few months

He's been absolutely piss.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Does that mean good or bad?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I concur. Pure maverick and charismatic as fuck. Just a genius.

Can't wait for the film starring Gary Oldman. Like a reverse companion piece to The Damned United.

[Magic]

Hahahaha he is SEETHING.

[Magic]

Ah Sky and the FA.

At least sexism, racism and homophobia gets a free pass.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It happening to the archetypal Proper Football Man is the perfect storm as well. Why does it even matter? I'm all for moral kangaroo courts but who gives a damn about watching a training session.

They seem to all be using the IT DOESN'T HAPPEN OVER HERE line which is jingoistic nonsense.

[Magic]

That poor bastard who got racially abused for the entire game but the FA and EFL simply don't give a flying fuck.

These cunts are talking like he's raped a child.

[mugbull]

He's been absolutely piss.

I’ll believe the Scotsman Adamski, yes

[Giggles]

This almost makes me like Leeds.

[niko_cee]

I was a big fan of that interview Bielsa gave before the game last night and his sheepish/confused translator.

Hopefully he has a fleet of drones at his fingertips for his next gambit.

[John Arne]

high quality stuff...

1083653006623682561

[SincereTheRebel]

Watching that type of football style is great.

[Ian]

The single greatest clearance of all time.

[Shindig]

Can't wait for the film starring Gary Oldman. Like a reverse companion piece to The Damned United.

Dirty, Dirty Leeds: In Cinemas August 2021.

[Adamski]

Does that mean good or bad?

When would piss have good connotations, really? He’s not been great at all. Really laboured. Pretty much like Milan.

[Jimmy Floyd]

You tell me, you're from Glasgow, pretty much any word can have any meaning there as far as I can see.

[Magic]

Messi is absolutely shat. GOAT imo

[Giggles]

You tell me, you're from Glasgow, pretty much any word can have any meaning there as far as I can see.


Messi is absolutely shat. GOAT imo

Case in point.

[Adamski]

He’s from up in the hills to be fair.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've been slating Sarri of late but we really should be seeing off this god awful Arsenal side for 4th nonetheless.

[Shindig]

Nah, United will have 4th ahead of you.

[Spikey M]

I think Leeds might actually be my second team after all of this. Glorious cuntery.

[Smjffy]

Haven't Leeds always been cunts?

It'll be good to have them back in the top flight. I think they've served their time now.

[Mike]

No Lovren today so easy win for Liverpool coming up.

[Gray Fox]

Anyone want to tell Brighton they're the home team here?

[Smjffy]

It's all set up for Murray tbh.

[niko_cee]

Henderson bang at it as usual.

He's just such a bad player.

[John Arne]

That attempted tackle by Gross :face:

[Giggles]

Shane Long scores :|

[Waffdon]

Hudson-Odoi already dropped. Jesus

[Jimmy Floyd]

Hudson-Odoi already dropped. Jesus

He's off and it matters literally zero what we do, it's a money based decision.

[John Arne]

He's off and it matters literally zero what we do, it's a money based decision.

Didn't he just turn down a massive 5yr contract from Chelsea? Genuine question.

[Gray Fox]

That was the most drawn out and tedious game of football I've seen in a while.

[Smjffy]

I'll take that between now and May tbf.

[Shindig]

Arf. Well, at least I can look forward to losing two derbies next season.

[Smjffy]

Rafa will see you through before he leaves for pastures new.

[Waffdon]

Conte might have had his team playing less boring stuff. Sarri effectively ruining Kante is sackable in itself

[niko_cee]

Chelsea and Arsenal conspiring to let United back into the Champions League picture is getting a bit tiresome.

The Spuds had better not do anything daft tomorrow.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Didn't he just turn down a massive 5yr contract from Chelsea? Genuine question.

He'll have a bigger one from Bayern and more to the point, the mechanics of a transfer generate more money for the agent than do the mechanics of staying.

Other than start him all last year at 17 (or have a track record of starting kids) I don't think Chelsea could have done any more to keep him. Same with Solanke who couldn't wait to get out ASAP for a bumper pay deal - it's been a poor move for him so far.

[niko_cee]

Probably quite good financially though, and it's not like he's done his prospects any harm (no one gets a go at Chelsea).

[Andy]

Huge win for us today. Hassenhuttl really is a don, shame hell be gone in 18 month but least he will get us back on the right track.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Yea Waffelz talk nah.

[Waffdon]

All Hazard, that.

[Byron]

:D You really are shameless.

[-james-]

Hudson-Odoi might be on more money at Bayern, but presumably that'll just be a reflection of his squad status. Chelsea aren't going to match it when they're not prepared to offer him the minutes. It seems off the mark to say that he's moving because of the paycheck.

[niko_cee]

Something's gone seriously wrong for Bayern if moving there is going to give you better opportunities (in terms of game time) than for a relatively bang average Chelsea side.

[niko_cee]

Brighton v Liverpool first up on MotD.

:harold:

I know it's been a dull day, but really?

[-james-]

Something's gone seriously wrong for Bayern if moving there is going to give you better opportunities (in terms of game time) than for a relatively bang average Chelsea side.

Ribery is just about done and Coman is perma-crocked. It won't be long before he's starting.

[Giggles]

How does everyone know he's brilliant if he never plays?

[Waffdon]

:D You really are shameless.

That was easy.

[Reg]

Brighton v Liverpool first up on MotD.

:harold:

I know it's been a dull day, but really?
Title contenders. Liverpool/Man City first up every week till the end of the season, shirley?

We did alright today. Didn't use the ball very well in the first half but it was nice to see us on the front foot for a short spell towards the end. I'd like to see Knockaert start next game.

[-james-]

How does everyone know he's brilliant if he never plays?

He's black and has two surnames.

[Danny]

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie is wondering where he went wrong

[Spikey M]

He's black and has two surnames.

Jay-Jay Okocha was better and he had 2 first names.

[Raoul Duke]

Jay-Jay Okocha was better and he had 2 first names.

His middle name was Jay

[Spikey M]

His middle name was Jay

So is mine, and I'm shit.

Must be the first 2.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

So he was Jay-Jay Jay Okocha?

[Danny]

Jay J. Okocha

[Spikey M]

Jay J. Okocha

Jay-Jay Jay JokochaJ.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Hudson-Odoi might be on more money at Bayern, but presumably that'll just be a reflection of his squad status. Chelsea aren't going to match it when they're not prepared to offer him the minutes. It seems off the mark to say that he's moving because of the paycheck.

He'll only get the minutes because a) his sort is very fashionable in the kamikaze high line fest that is German football and b) as a big money signing, you get automatic minutes that you don't get as a youth product, irrespective of whether they are deserved or not.

Everything I've seen of him suggests he is sensational and Chelsea can only blame themselves if they lose him as a result of the safety-first and/or money-laundering that has dominated their transfer strategy during the Abramovich era. We should have won a lot more than we have, especially domestically.

[phonics]

We played Chelsea early on in the season (or was it pre-season) and Hudson-Odoi just rinsed Bellerin over and over and over.

This was just one example:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVA0uOtaH9A

[thommo]

Just back from Burnley. If we can contrive to lose to that awful excuse of a football team when they can't manage a shot on target, then it really does feel like we're going down this season.

[niko_cee]

Did Jonathan Pearce refer to Liverpool as 'the champions' during that MotD commentary? I'm fairly sure he did.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Let's hope he has just time travelled from the 83/84 season.

[niko_cee]

He did seem a bit giddy in that interview with Klopp afterwards as well.

Dangerous times.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They have a tough late Feb through to early March period, but the crunch game is naturally against Chelsea on 13 April. If they get through that they will win it.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Lol, chuck that out the window, I've just seen a Southgate to United rumour.

[Shindig]

Might jack New York in for the year and opt for London / Dublin for March. Mainly for convenience and then I can sneak New York in next year. I'm a coward, basically. Plus I had those two on my to-do list and just haven't got round to it.

[Lewis]

Lol, chuck that out the window, I've just seen a Southgate to United rumour.

Official Waistcoat Partner.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Official Waistcoat Partner.

Leaking it right before the Spurs game as well, do I sense a red wine stained Glaswegian hand in motino.

[Jimmy Floyd]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwvymYhWkAAGhFA.jpg

Neil Warnock on Brexit, so much time for that.

[Baz]

He did seem a bit giddy in that interview with Klopp afterwards as well.

Dangerous times.He knows it’s happening, that’s all.

[John]

They have a tough late Feb through to early March period, but the crunch game is naturally against Chelsea on 13 April. If they get through that they will win it.

The same fixture on the same date as when Gerrard fell over and Demba Ba raced through to pop in a goal for all of England.

[SincereTheRebel]

He knows it’s happening, that’s all.

13 year drought.

[Giggles]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwvymYhWkAAGhFA.jpg

Neil Warnock on Brexit, so much time for that.

That's just missing a few ramblings about taking our jobs and forrins.

[Smjffy]

https://imgur.com/a/BB6uZKm

What would you do chaps?

[SvN]

Betis will win a half.

[Spikey M]

https://imgur.com/a/BB6uZKm

What would you do chaps?

No, yes, no, no, yes

[Disco]

I'd keep my money.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

You don't get the money unless you get 10 questions in a row right.

[Smjffy]

Correct. You can only split.

I reached this stage last week when Newport scored. I had the clean sheet.

[Smjffy]

If you haven't tried it then your first free go is for £1M then £10K thereafter. Once you lose you just try again.

Also you get £10 free bet for registering and 30 free spins.

Go for it. (https://promos.paddypower.com/choose-your-friends-with-benefits-offer?referrerCode=QT4PG7FPK)

I've added my referral code. So many freebies with PP.

[Kikó]

Sounds like free money.

[bruhnaldo]

I've added my referral code.

ooo wait til Baz hears this.

[Mike]

Signed up, with your link, just to play that game. :D

[Smjffy]

It's free money if I split the pot from here til question 10.

I would be guaranteed £32 if I did that.

[bruhnaldo]

Television and movies make it seem like you guys literally wake up and say "fuck it I'll pop round to the bookies and #dafabet on what my neighbor's had for breakfast then".

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sky's attempt to introduce Robbie Keane as a regular big-match pundit needs to be brought to an end ASAP. Just let Souness riff on his own, cut costs that way too.

[Smjffy]

Football too given 3/4's of the league are sponsored by a bookies in some form or another.

[Jimmy Floyd]

When the Corbyn government bans gambling ads, Brexit restricts foreign players and Neil Warnock gets the England job, that's when we'll have our game back. Rip the seats out and go back to terracing, and an end to women at games.

[Disco]

Television and movies make it seem like you guys literally wake up and say "fuck it I'll pop round to the bookies and #dafabet on what my neighbor's had for breakfast then".

I'm not sure I now where the nearest one is let alone have any idea what to do if I went into one. Other than leave.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Incidentally our tax-dodging cousins have just basically legalised gambling on a federal level, that is going to transform and possibly ruin all of their sports. I still don't know what their odds mean either.

[phonics]

I'm not sure I now where the nearest one is let alone have any idea what to do if I went into one. Other than leave.

You must live somewhere nice. Last time I was in Swansea the high street was bookies, bookies, new look, we buy your gold, bookies, carphone warehouse, bookies, bookies, kebabs.

[Boydy]

Incidentally our tax-dodging cousins have just basically legalised gambling on a federal level, that is going to transform and possibly ruin all of their sports. I still don't know what their odds mean either.

They have?

[bruhnaldo]

I'm not sure I now where the nearest one is let alone have any idea what to do if I went into one. Other than leave.


Incidentally our tax-dodging cousins have just basically legalised gambling on a federal level, that is going to transform and possibly ruin all of their sports. I still don't know what their odds mean either.

And here I was excited because "soon we'll be able to bet on a bunch of random shit like they do in the UK", though honestly I'm not really sure I ever couldn't but rather didn't want to set up an 'offshore account' or whatever the case may have been.

[Boydy]

You must live somewhere nice. Last time I was in Swansea the high street was bookies, bookies, new look, we buy your gold, bookies, carphone warehouse, bookies, bookies, kebabs.

No charity shops?

[phonics]

They have?

Supreme Court passed it a couple of months ago. It won't change anything, just means you can bet at stadium and stuff now. Everyone was already gambling just using European apps.

[bruhnaldo]

Buddy of mine has gotten really into it the past week or so. I'm honestly not sure there's been a somewhat 'major' sporting event he hasn't bet on since the turn of the year. I'm not really sure what app he uses but I'm pretty sure it's because of the legalization of it all.

I'm also not sure if having set-up and run a faux bookie for the World Cup for our friends group over the summer (read: made a google doc and logged everyone's bets with each other) is what gave him #TheTaste but I sure hope he doesn't end up broke as all fuck in about 5 years time cause I'll somehow feel slightly responsible as I'd never heard him mention gambling prior.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Supreme Court passed it a couple of months ago. It won't change anything, just means you can bet at stadium and stuff now. Everyone was already gambling just using European apps.

It'll increase the publicity around it x10000

[bruhnaldo]

Supreme Court passed it a couple of months ago. It won't change anything, just means you can bet at stadium and stuff now. Everyone was already gambling just using European apps.

Aye, plus apparently some leagues are doing advertising bits of some kind with certain bookies. I believe the NBA signed up an "official sportsbook of the NBA" at some point:


Real-time, official NBA data will be used to generate in-game betting odds and then be distributed to licensed sportsbooks in the U.S. through multiple partners in a deal announced Wednesday -- the first such arrangement for a major American sports league.

Beginning this season, sports data providers Genius Sports and Sportradar -- two companies that have worked closely with the NBA and already provide other data to U.S. and international sportsbooks -- will have the nonexclusive rights to distribute official NBA and WNBA betting data.

Like Phonics says it's not as if it hasn't been going on but now the leagues and "official" folks can pocket their "fair share" which is what any legislation is really about these days.

[bruhnaldo]

JANUARY FOOTBALL POST: Nathaniel Clyne turning up at Bournemouth was a surprise, didn't realize he'd gone over there.

Also, am I the only one who gets Spurs vibes from the Bournemouth away?

[Kikó]

Americans being able to officially gamble will add to the current addictive shitstorm over there. Bet 365 are going to make a killing.

[Disco]

The big question is, who will be the yankie Ray Winstone.

[Disco]

You must live somewhere nice. Last time I was in Swansea the high street was bookies, bookies, new look, we buy your gold, bookies, carphone warehouse, bookies, bookies, kebabs.

Exeter. There's almost certainly one within a 10 minute walk but I pay such little attention to them I couldn't be sure.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The Everton crowd are great to listen to. There remains a genuine delusion that they're more than a medium-sized provincial club, as they have been since 1990.

[-james-]

Clueless American money entering the market is going to be absolutely glorious.

[phonics]

Z Cars is a tune though.

[Smjffy]

Should have listened to Spikey. Still, £300 with three questions to go. Split next three questions means £37.50

Decent enough effort I guess.

[-james-]

It'll be equivalent to having won a 1000/1 accumulator and having had 4 pence on. I'd rather be dead.

[Smjffy]

https://imgur.com/a/qj2trzQ

[Mike]

Having never thought about it before, do they not have betting apps on phones in America?

[bruhnaldo]

I reckon they do now but I never bothered to look prior.

[Giggles]

Is this Rice twat every going to make this announcement or is he waiting to do a LeBron James style show?

[Waffdon]

As shite as Everton are, Lucas Digne is a quality player.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They need a stadium ban for a few weeks just to let their crowd cool off a bit.

[Waffdon]

I’ve not looked, but Bournemouth must have one of the worst records in world football over the last three months. I can’t remember them winning a game.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I’ve not looked, but Bournemouth must have one of the worst records in world football over the last three months. I can’t remember them winning a game.

They do this every season in the middle of the season.

A 2-0 win and still a chorus of boos at the end from Goodison. Seething fury at their total and permanent irrelavence to the rest of English football.

[Waffdon]

Last fifteen games have seen them lost eleven times. Theee home wins over Norwich, Brighton and Huddersfield with a draw at home to Watford thrown in.

Awful but not as bad as I was expecting. In saying that, them wins were in between runs of four or five losses.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rashford is so good right now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The ball by Pogba too, my word.

[SvN]

Incredible pass and finish.

[Kikó]

Very Ole Gunnar Solskjær in the finish.

[randomlegend]

Pogba is unreal.

[Danny]

Having never thought about it before, do they not have betting apps on phones in America?


I reckon they do now but I never bothered to look prior.

I think it depends on the state. Pretty sure its not legal yet in FL although it could be heading that way with the supreme court change. Thing is, iirc, there has to be a state wide referendum in order to allow it.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I had something typed up earlier slating Rashford's finishing and forgot to click reply, thank goodness for that.

[Ian]

Best manager in the world.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lindelof has been so good since Solskjaer came in.

[Boydy]

United should give Solskjaer the job.