Football 2013-2014

[eFestivals]

Glenn Johnson out for an indefinite period.

Didn't know he was injured.

I'm not sure that's a loss. Kelly &/or Flanagan both deserve a decent shot at the first team.

[zahidf]

It has a different meaning in parts of France.

[eFestivals]

It has a different meaning in parts of France.

Nah, it doesn't. It ends up as meaning "the establishment/elite are all a Jewish cabal and conspire to do us French down".

The racism within that is clear, the only variance is what action people might advocate in light of that 'fact'.

[strummer77]

For what it is worth, surely a premeditated public gesture is about as bad as it gets? Must be looking at 10+ games.

[thetime]

He did it in support of a comedian who is very much using it as a anti-semitic gesture...

[thetime]

For what it is worth, surely a premeditated public gesture is about as bad as it gets? Must be looking at 10+ games.

[zahidf]

So anelka didn't do it in a anti-Semitic way but as support to a friend?

No idea either way, as we know in here it can always be open to interpretation.

[eFestivals]

For what it is worth, surely a premeditated public gesture is about as bad as it gets? Must be looking at 10+ games.

Yep, that's why I'd say it's worse than the Suarez & Terry things, which can be said to be 'heat of the moment'.

But while it was premeditated there's always the possibility that he really meant it how he explained it, so without any racist intent (even tho it's intrinsically linked; he'd be guilty of gross stupidity for not knowing it's there).

So, there is in theory some room for mitigation.

[eFestivals]

Also Dani Osvaldo from Southampton suspended for 2 weeks. He apparently beat the crap out of a teamate in training.

he has a previous rep for trouble of some kind doesn't he?

[The Nal]

He's been rubbish recently and this appears to explain why,

[zahidf]

Yep, that's why I'd say it's worse than the Suarez & Terry things, which can be said to be 'heat of the moment'.

But while it was premeditated there's always the possibility that he really meant it how he explained it, so without any racist intent (even tho it's intrinsically linked; he'd be guilty of gross stupidity for not knowing it's there).

So, there is in theory some room for mitigation.

Edited January 23, 2014 by zahidf

[eFestivals]

Has he ever been good? I've never understood what he does. Apart from dash forward occasionally. He cant defend, doesn't get many assists and doesn't score goals.

While I don't much disagree with that assessment, he's still probably the best English right back.

Arguments could be made for a few others, but it's not like any of the candidates would stand out as all-round obviously better than Johnson.

[kaosmark2]

Is it?

When you start to look into it a bit deeper, it ends up as Anelka doing the equivalent of a Nazi salute.

If someone actually did do a Nazi salute on the pitch, what do you reckon the reaction would be?

[zahidf]

he has a previous rep for trouble of some kind doesn't he?

[kaosmark2]

While I don't much disagree with that assessment, he's still probably the best English right back.

[strummer77]

Has he ever been good? I've never understood what he does. Apart from dash forward occasionally. He cant defend, doesn't get many assists and doesn't score goals.

[eFestivals]

I dunno, Walker can run faster in a straight line.

I posted here after he last played for England that i'd thought he'd done OK. I think him and Johnson about even out over their different strengths and weaknesses.

[kaosmark2]

I posted here after he last played for England that i'd thought he'd done OK. I think him and Johnson about even out over their different strengths and weaknesses.

[Bobs]

Has he ever been good? I've never understood what he does. Apart from dash forward occasionally. He cant defend, doesn't get many assists and doesn't score goals.

[strummer77]

Walker is shite by the way

[The Nal]

I just don't rate him at all. Nothing to do with press, transfer fees, early career performances. Everytime the ball goes behind him theres an issue. Much like Evra at the moment.

You could argue right backs in general don't stand out though. Its a relatively easy position to play. Maybe the easiest on the pitch as theres a shortage of quality left wingers in comparison to right wingers and you don't really have to be as aware behind or to the right of you in comparison to other positions. You really only have to worry about 180 degrees a lot of the time. Two sides of a square.

Over simplifying it I know but theres a lot of truth in it.

Edited January 23, 2014 by The Nal

[pink_triangle]

I had forgotten Martin Kelly even existed, has he played this season, or have I just not noticed him. In terms of tackling I.don't.think Johnson is that bad, my main issues with him is I think his positioning is poor which often leave gaps on.the pitch and teammates exposed.

[strummer77]

I had forgotten Martin Kelly even existed, has he played this season, or have I just not noticed him. In terms of tackling I.don't.think Johnson is that bad, my main issues with him is I think his positioning is poor which often leave gaps on.the pitch and teammates exposed.

[pink_triangle]

Maybe I'm being a bit oversimplistic, but I think the lack of discussion about anelka is a lot to do with the fact wba don't have a high profile.

[pink_triangle]

Yeah the Echo saying we've pulled out of that over price. Sounds like Chelsea's.