The Footie Thread

[Orikoru]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1612445335355375619

Would spurs with that big stadium debt be the sort of target for them or would look a little further down and look at a club trying to build them up in the same method as City

Hopefully! London-based and with a ready-made World Class stadium, what's not to like? Let's get the deal done ASAP.

 

[Swango1980]

Unbelievable player for his final years at Spurs, and great at Real Madrid. It is unfortunate, I think, he went to Madrid and was understandably always going to be in the shadow of Ronaldo, rather than going to another big team where he'd be the main man. It meant he was never going to have the full love of the Madrid support, as everything revolved around Ronaldo, and when things go wrong they were probably quicker to criticise him. Not sure if his work ethic (golf) was the driving factor of that, or their criticism was what drove him to not caring so much, and playing more golf. However, was always great to see him then show up for Wales and often show his ability, in a game where he was clearly the best player.

There was a period I always felt he was one of the best free kick takers I've seen, where I had so much more expectation he'd score than others. Again, unfortunate he went to a side where Ronaldo would have demanded to take all free kicks, I think Bale was probably better in that department.

Sad to see his final turn out for Wales at the World Cup, he was clearly nowhere near the player he was. But, he had a great decade or so of high level football. He was ridiculously quick at his peak as well, must have been one of the fastest players around.

I wonder what he'll do now, professionally? Clearly he'll be playing a lot of golf, maybe we'll see him in some pro-AMs (not sure if he played any before). Guessing he'll not bother with management, coaching or punditry (maybe he'll dip his toes in the water every now and then, if Wales are playing)

 

[babylonsinger]

No argument in my mind - up there with the greatest sportsmen we have produced. Privileged to have been in the stands watching him as he gave us numerous great moments. Gave his all for Wales as evidenced by him dragging himself through the playoffs injured. Perfect time for him to retire with his status in Welsh football almost untouchable

 

[Bdill93]

Unbelievable player for his final years at Spurs, and great at Real Madrid. It is unfortunate, I think, he went to Madrid and was understandably always going to be in the shadow of Ronaldo, rather than going to another big team where he'd be the main man. It meant he was never going to have the full love of the Madrid support, as everything revolved around Ronaldo, and when things go wrong they were probably quicker to criticise him. Not sure if his work ethic (golf) was the driving factor of that, or their criticism was what drove him to not caring so much, and playing more golf. However, was always great to see him then show up for Wales and often show his ability, in a game where he was clearly the best player.

There was a period I always felt he was one of the best free kick takers I've seen, where I had so much more expectation he'd score than others. Again, unfortunate he went to a side where Ronaldo would have demanded to take all free kicks, I think Bale was probably better in that department.

Sad to see his final turn out for Wales at the World Cup, he was clearly nowhere near the player he was. But, he had a great decade or so of high level football. He was ridiculously quick at his peak as well, must have been one of the fastest players around.

I wonder what he'll do now, professionally? Clearly he'll be playing a lot of golf, maybe we'll see him in some pro-AMs (not sure if he played any before). Guessing he'll not bother with management, coaching or punditry (maybe he'll dip his toes in the water every now and then, if Wales are playing)

Probably never needs to work another day in his life... I reckon he moves back home and chills to be honest! Doesn't strike me as a pundit - players often dip their toes in before retiring if they have an interest in going in that direction

 

[Orikoru]

Probably never needs to work another day in his life... I reckon he moves back home and chills to be honest! Doesn't strike me as a pundit - players often dip their toes in before retiring if they have an interest in going in that direction

Yeah, he'll probably buy a golf club in Wales or something. Maybe start a golf YouTube channel.

 

[Tashyboy]

Correction applied.

Whilst I never expected a full strength side on Saturday, the players we put out should have had enough application and ability to win. Sadly they displayed neither. Given what is happening at Newcastle, a lot of the players who played on Saturday must surely have realised that first team opportunities will become even more scarce going forward and it is likely that many dont figure in the long term plans of the club. I would have expected this to give a few of them a metaphorical kick up the arse and for them to either attempt to put on a display that either sent a message to the club saying that they could be a valuable asset going forward, or, put themselves in the shop window for other clubs going forward.

But with the possible exception of Manquillo, they didnt.

Wood, Lewis, Murphy, Ritchie, Lascelles, Longstaff, all need to be shown the door (probably Frazer too but he didnt play...though maybe that says plenty in its own right). The young kid Elliot Anderson needs to go out on loan, he is plainly not up to standard and is not getting any game time at reserve level, he needs to play to develop. Quite simply, outside the first 15 players, the squad depth is largely non existent and depending on what happens over the next three weeks during the transfer window, I for one do not expect us to hold on to a top four finish...even top six might be a struggle if things go against us and we don't strengthen the squad depth.

I personally would happily take 7th but I know there would be a backlash from the "short term memory brigade" who now firmly believe we have gate crashed the big six and should be pushing for CL football and anything less will now be a failure. (I've read comments that Carabao Cup QF tomorrow night should not have influenced the team selection for Saturday just gone and its an insignificant competition that we shouldnt be concerned about - there are some right idiots about).

I personally am keeping a very close eye on how Newcastle do. I hope they do very well. I have an affection for the Georgie fans. They were passionate as kids back in the seventies and that has stuck with me. Watching Newcastle now is a mirror image of what City were like when the Arabs bought into City.
Before the new owners bought into Newcastle I suspect that should Newcastle of gone out on Saturday there May well of been a feeling that’s just how things are. But with new owners and money, a fan’s expectations are higher. And rightly so. Players that would of been acceptable over the last couple of years, now need to up there game. It’s not just that but so has the manager. And at the moment He has more than done that.
This season has got easier for Newcastle now. The priority is the league, however that first trip to Wembley is getting closer. I don’t care if it is the league cup or Fa cup. It’s Wembley and a day out for the fans. If Newcastle as expected qualify for the Champs league. Newcastle need to massively strengthen there squad as Prem football and champs league in the same weeks is brutal. Going out of the FA cup has done Newcastle a big favour this season. At the moment Newcastle have a max 23 games to the end of the season. City and others could have 30 plus. Also as you mention it gives Newcastle time to see what players need to be shipped out.

 

[Swango1980]

Probably never needs to work another day in his life... I reckon he moves back home and chills to be honest! Doesn't strike me as a pundit - players often dip their toes in before retiring if they have an interest in going in that direction

I wouldn't be so sure. Apparently he only has a net worth of $145 million. He could struggle

He could probably double his net worth by going to play in Saudi Arabia for a year. Apparently there are only 10 golf courses in Saudi Arabia, so that might have been a deciding factor not to go

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Yeah, he'll probably buy a golf club in Wales or something. Maybe start a golf YouTube channel.

He has a couple of sports bars already I think, including interactive golf bits. One in Cardiff, one in Bristol. Not that I'm expecting him to be pouring pints or clearing tables but he some things on the go even at this stage.

 

[fundy]

sounds like Joao Felix is going to Chelsea

 

[Orikoru]

Just the £1bn of debt to worry about for them - hence as someone said West Ham could be a better proposition for them

But West Ham are rubbish and have the worst stadium on earth. Qataris can write off a billion as soon as click their fingers.

sounds like Joao Felix is going to Chelsea

Why? Is he being punished?

 

[Fade and Die]

But West Ham are rubbish and have the worst stadium on earth. Qataris can write off a billion as soon as click their fingers.
?

All fixable with a zillion pounds ?

 

[PJ87]

But West Ham are rubbish and have the worst stadium on earth. Qataris can write off a billion as soon as click their fingers.



Why? Is he being punished?

Under ffp can they write off debt? I don't know how it works anymore

 

[Orikoru]

Under ffp can they write off debt? I don't know how it works anymore

Can do whatever they want just like City do, surely?

 

[sunshine]

Under ffp can they write off debt? I don't know how it works anymore

You can do anything with billions of dollars

 

[Billysboots]

sounds like Joao Felix is going to Chelsea

Slightly miffed that it is being reported that Chelsea have “beaten” United to this signing. United need a striker who can lead the line - Felix is absolutely not that type of player. Might it not just be United aren’t interested?

?

 

[clubchamp98]

Can do whatever they want just like City do, surely?

If they use City’s accountant’s they should be fine.

 

[Swango1980]

Slightly miffed that it is being reported that Chelsea have “beaten” United to this signing. United need a striker who can lead the line - Felix is absolutely not that type of player. Might it not just be United aren’t interested?

?

Maybe the player isn't, or the money being asked for is silly high? Not seen him play much, but sounds like a player who I'd be enthusiastic to see.

Maybe we should try for Ighalo again

 

[fundy]

Slightly miffed that it is being reported that Chelsea have “beaten” United to this signing. United need a striker who can lead the line - Felix is absolutely not that type of player. Might it not just be United aren’t interested?

?

Expert we may be more interested than you, but seems Chelsea are going to be in the market every time we are and prepared to pay more. I like Felix but more interested to see what happens with Mudryk as definitely a longer term option

On the plus side seems no one else is in for Weghorst

 

[Dando]

Jamie O’Hara believes that Manchester City would be ‘a better team’ if they had signed Harry Kane instead of Erling Haaland.

Someone’s been on the waccy baccy

 

[Billysboots]

Maybe the player isn't, or the money being asked for is silly high? Not seen him play much, but sounds like a player who I'd be enthusiastic to see.

Maybe we should try for Ighalo again

No doubting his quality, but he can’t really play as a 9, which is what we really need. Felix needs a strike partner or, failing that, to drop deep into positions we already have filled. I’m a little surprised we’ve been linked with him to the extent we have, to be honest.