Markjbloggs
Registered User
- Messages
- 384
as a depressed 'Pool fan, I have to congratulate Spurs - they play attractive football and I always admired Harry Redknapp. ALso well done Leeds.
In comparison 'Pool are pathetic, a shambles on & off the pitch. Benitez should get part-time work impersonating Ronald MCDonald, he's a spoofer of the highest order.
The only consolation is that its the worst United team in years - they didn't win anything this year.
The only consolation is that its the worst United team in years - they didn't win anything this year.
At the risk of raining on anyone's parade, what Spurs have "achieved" is fourth place in a relatively poor league. The league itself was only ever a three-horse race at best and with Liverpool doing their best to self-destruct, fourth place was only really a competition for "least-bad" of the rest.
Not so long ago, fourth place wouldn't have even meant qualification for the old UEFA cup. That it's now almost a reason to get out the open-top bus is a reflection of how much the standard of football achievement has fallen to become measurable only by reference to cash prizes.
I doubt Bill Nicholson would ever have been comfortable at being celebrated for finishing fourth.
The landscape of football has changed. The Champions League is the best football tournament ever. Better than the old-format European Cup (despite what the romantics think) and better than the World Cup.
Not sure. The standard of football is higher but the format is still wrong. The group stages are a waste of time. Look at this years competition and see how many groups were decided before the last set of games.
Apart from the Carling Cup, and it being the worst united team in years should be more depressing for you as it shows exactly how far Liverpool have slipped.
Not very many, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Real Madrid, Milan, Barcelona, Inter all had to wait until the final set of games to be assured of their qualification (or not) in the Last 16.
The bloated version in the early 00's that had 2 group stages wasn't a good idea but the current format would be hard to improve. It's either a complete knock-out or it moves to a proper European league format.
Even with a modest budget this summer I still think Ferguson can shape a squad that will still challenge for all the major honours next season. Hargreaves and Anderson should be back. If the former can prove he's over his injury nightmare and the latter can being to fulfil his potential then the midfield should be ok. A few astute purchases and there'll be plenty of strength in depth in the squad although the first XI won't be 1999 or 2008 vintage.
I'd have to disagree with this. The united squad has very little depth and man for man is quite average in Premier league terms. Its all down to Fergusons skill as a manager. Without Ferguson, the same squad of players would struggle to finish mid table.
Astute signings are one thing but essentially the Market is going to be dominated by City and Chelsea , I think that the bigger clubs should be thanking their lucky stars that Spurs pipped City to 4th as if City could offer European Champions league competition to new players then they could pick and choose signings .
Vidic is good but 39 Million !
I'd have to disagree with this. The united squad has very little depth and man for man is quite average in Premier league terms. Its all down to Fergusons skill as a manager. Without Ferguson, the same squad of players would struggle to finish mid table.
Anyone think Rooney will be at City next year?
Uniteds owner could do with the money - got burned by Madoff. If City offer 100m, the Glazers wont refuse.
Well if you examine this further you get the following;
1.Van der Sar, he may have only 1 or 2 more seasons left, but he is still a top Goalkeeper.
2.John O'Shea has finally gotten the recognition his play deserves after becoming an integral part of the Irish set up.
3.Vidic is generally regarded as one of the best centre halves in the world.
4.Ferdinand has his critics but is still a class act and an ever present in the England set up.
5.Evra would get into any team, and is consistently one of our top performers.
6.Nani is one of the most improved players this season and has shown more than enough this season to give hope for next year.
7.Valencia has had a great first season at the club and seems to be under-rated.
8.Park has also just gained recognition for his input to the team.
9.Scholes is on his last legs but those legs are still more capable than most midfielders in open play.
10.Rooney, enough said
11.Berbatov, the fac that the jury is still out doesn't bode well for him, but he has as many admirers as he has detractors, I think he could still be there next year.
So from 1-11 it doesn't look bad and add the following and things don't look so bad.
12.Giggs, again coming to a finished but has plenty to offer until he hangs up his boots.
13. Owen, I don't understand his criticism this year as he has been a good goal threat and a very impressive squad player.
14. Carrick, poor season by his own standards but still a fine player.
15. Brown, consistent defender, strong fullback/centre half
16. Neville, 1 year left but can do a job when needed.
17.Hargreaves, if he has recovered then he is a super holding midfielder.
18. Anderson, looks great then disappears, he has a season to do the former consistently or away he goes.
19. Raphael, looks very promising and should be vying for a consistent slot in defence.
20. Obertan, looks really promising and has had some real impact in his first season.
21. Evans, commanding centre half, looks a star player.
22. Fletcher, has grown in stature this season.
Add in the promise of Macheda, Wellbeck, Gibson (in fairness he has shown more than promise).
Doesn't look too bad, but there's no doubting a bit of added class is required.
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