Football 2013-2014

[ThomThomDrum]

What are the odds that Fergie had a hand in the sacking? If hes all so powerful at Utd surely they wouldn't have sacked him without speaking to Fergie?

Edit. As above Hedge. Will be interesting to see as it plays out.

[mrtourette]

I think the obsession with Alex Ferguson was always going to cause problems. Did they really expect that keeping him around would help his winning touch 'rub off' on future managers? Seems an alarmingly feeble basis for an appointment, whether it be Moyes or potentially Giggs. He's just another old hand hanging around to try and give the illusion of gravitas and tradition.

[Wooderson]

I think the obsession with Alex Ferguson was always going to cause problems. Did they really expect that keeping him around would help his winning touch 'rub off' on future managers? Seems an alarmingly feeble basis for an appointment, whether it be Moyes or potentially Giggs. He's just another old hand hanging around to try and give the illusion of gravitas and tradition.

[ThomThomDrum]

So back to the PL run in, I find it amazing that if Liverpool loose to Chelski this weekend (not beyond a possibility by any stretch) that the title could then be Citys to loose! For that to be a potential after Liverpool winning 11 in a row and the others dropping points recently in the manner in which they have is plain strange and yet very intriguing. What a game in prospect this Sunday! Liverpool players are going to be very wound up and stressed me thinks especially Stevie G.

[mrtourette]

I was thinking after his meltdown following the Man City game what would be the best outcome for England fans - Gerrard is obviously going to play a big part for England and if they fail to win the title when he feels it's so close is he going to be in the right frame of mind for an international tournament?

[Wooderson]

So back to the PL run in, I find it amazing that if Liverpool loose to Chelski this weekend (not beyond a possibility by any stretch) that the title could then be Citys to loose! For that to be a potential after Liverpool winning 11 in a row and the others dropping points recently in the manner in which they have is plain strange and yet very intriguing. What a game in prospect this Sunday! Liverpool players are going to be very wound up and stressed me thinks especially Stevie G.

[Wooderson]

I was thinking after his meltdown following the Man City game what would be the best outcome for England fans - Gerrard is obviously going to play a big part for England and if they fail to win the title when he feels it's so close is he going to be in the right frame of mind for an international tournament?

[mrtourette]

Hen Winter/Sunday Supplement type-journos are the only people that have an eye on the world cup. Doubt Gerrard has given it a seconds thought in recent months.

Edited April 22, 2014 by mrtourette

[ThomThomDrum]

Not when you see that City's wage bill is double Liverpools tho.

[pink_triangle]

I didn't say he had, but at some point he will, and what will be his state of mind when he does if Liverpool have faild to win the title after coming so close?

[Wooderson]

I didn't say he had, but at some point he will, and what will be his state of mind when he does if Liverpool have faild to win the title after coming so close?

[ThomThomDrum]

Im not sure his mind will be affected one way or the other, I would expect him to be suffering more physically as at age 34 he is playing every minute of every game during an intense run in.

[LondonTom]

I also think Sam Allardyce should be given a chance to step up for a big job.

[mrtourette]

Im not sure his mind will be affected one way or the other, I would expect him to be suffering more physically as at age 34 he is playing every minute of every game during an intense run in.

Edited April 22, 2014 by mrtourette

[Wooderson]

This is very true, but its the idea that a team can have such a run as this and not be in a more commanding position is so unique at this stage in a season. I wonder what its like for some of those players as they try to sleep at night. So close but the fear of it been taken away from them in the last moments. We all know City have form in being able to do so.

City may feel more comfortable heading into these games with the pressure slightly more off them than Liverpool.

The threat of a Goal Difference league loss looms large in my mind.

What sort of Chelsea turn up to Anfield this weekend? An aggressive, vengeful, spiteful one? A nonchalant, dont give a toss one, there nothing to play for one? Will the score line of tonight's game have a major influence? If so whats the best score for a Liverpool fan to hope for? Nothing more than a one goal margin either way?

[ThomThomDrum]

LFC have to keep winning

[DomDom1984]

Not to belittle your comment mate but the same could be said if he wins it.

The chap will zero in on England when the time comes. He'll give it the beans as he always does. Think England might surprise people too. Looking forward to seeing Owlface succeed despite himself.

[mrtourette]

Not to belittle your comment mate but the same could be said if he wins it.

The chap will zero in on England when the time comes. He'll give it the beans as he always does. Think England might surprise people too. Looking forward to seeing Owlface succeed despite himself.

Edited April 22, 2014 by mrtourette

[kaosmark2]

hey, maybe after this season there's a few people might like to give themselves a nudge and say "neil does know shit sometimes after all".

Despite the fact that in the run up to xmas I thought Arsenal were probably gonna win the league, for once I've probably been nearer the mark for how the the season has played out than just about everyone else posting here.

[eFestivals]

there's no way a squad of limited ability can do wonders

... and yet ... and yet .....

It stands a decent chance of this being the best England squad at a tournament for quite a while, despite all of that "golden generation" bollocks of a decade or so back.

But same as ever it'll depend on who the manager actually picks for the squad, picks for the games, and tells how to play. And how much the players then ignore him.

[Wooderson]

I think it's hard to argue that Man U have a better squad than Liverpool. Their backups have been horrendous for years, Fergie just got a fear factor out of them.

[Gucci Piggy]

I'd put it mostly down to whether he picks Tom Cleverly or Danny Welbeck.

[Wooderson]

Always amazes me the bitterness Liverpool supporters have towards Hodgson. Especially given the support they gave to that utter shitehawk Dalglish.

If England do well, the manager will have something to do with it, because there's no way a squad of limited ability can do wonders without some good management.

[eFestivals]

I'd put it mostly down to whether he picks Tom Cleverly or Danny Welbeck.

Your thinking is pretty similar to my own.

But, I think we might be safe. I got the impression that the 1st 11 that got played in that recent friendly are (or were at that point, anyway) Woys current top choices.

I can't see that he'd have changed from Liverpool players to Utd players since then, can you?

Mind you, England were shit that night .... which is why, I think, how much the players ignore him will be key. A bit like Booby and Italia 1990.

[Gucci Piggy]

Your thinking is pretty similar to my own.

But, I think we might be safe. I got the impression that the 1st 11 that got played in that recent friendly are (or were at that point, anyway) Woys current top choices.

I can't see that he'd have changed from Liverpool players to Utd players since then, can you?

Mind you, England were shit that night .... which is why, I think, how much the players ignore him will be key. A bit like Booby and Italia 1990.