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2008-09 Football Thread - The Second Half
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First of all, congrats to Jaffa!!
All of the teams in problems have lost today. TBO I had expected Newcastle to win, and Hull too.
Newcastle going down is heavy. What will happen to Shearer? Will Owen play in the championship?
Funny how those games works. I expected Aston Villa (who are not in gr8 form recently..) "beatable", especially by a big side who are fighting against relegation.
Man Ure logically didn't send their best 11 onto the pitch, and Hull (who had a brilliant start of the season) surely could beat them.
But, no. All of them lost. I do feel for Newcastle, I have to say.
Honestly, that was bloody awful. I felt like I was going to throw up for most of the match. Miss Jaffa Cake and many others around us had radios so we could keep tabs, you could actually see news of what was happening elsewhere spread across the ground.
Thanks for all your congratulations - it's actually been quite touching and humbling how you've all got behind the Tigers this season. Blimey.
I've also got a little something to say to all those who knocked us - the 'experts' who didn't bother asking if we'd manage to stay up, but actually questioned whether we'd beat Derby's haul last season, or even if we'd win a game at all.
To those like Mark Lawrenson and David Mellor, like Ian Wright and Piers Morgan, who told the world we were devaluing the Premier League with our very presence, that we were a joke, that we deserved to be relegated immediately back 'where we belonged', I say this...
We'll see you next season.
Thanks for all your congratulations - it's actually been quite touching and humbling how you've all got behind the Tigers this season. Blimey.
I've also got a little something to say to all those who knocked us - the 'experts' who didn't bother asking if we'd manage to stay up, but actually questioned whether we'd beat Derby's haul last season, or even if we'd win a game at all.
To those like Mark Lawrenson and David Mellor, like Ian Wright and Piers Morgan, who told the world we were devaluing the Premier League with our very presence, that we were a joke, that we deserved to be relegated immediately back 'where we belonged', I say this...
We'll see you next season.
Congrats Jaffa! At least one more season in top flight! Brownie has his work cut out for him this summer, but today he can afford to celebrate a little.
Newcastle, oof, what can you say. They seemed to bounce from one disaster to another, and neither Kevin Keegan nor Alan Shearer could perform the required miracles. Joe Kinnear's 5-10-11 record was not particularly good but I suspect he might have been able to just keep them up had he been able to continue till the end of the season. What Newcastle lacked all season was stability - the revolving door of managers and the owner's antics are what relegated this club.
As for Liverpool, a good but ultimately trophy-less season. The highlights for me were our performances against Manchester United and Chelsea in the league, the low points were the draws at Stoke and being dumped out of the CL by Chelsea.
Newcastle, oof, what can you say. They seemed to bounce from one disaster to another, and neither Kevin Keegan nor Alan Shearer could perform the required miracles. Joe Kinnear's 5-10-11 record was not particularly good but I suspect he might have been able to just keep them up had he been able to continue till the end of the season. What Newcastle lacked all season was stability - the revolving door of managers and the owner's antics are what relegated this club.
As for Liverpool, a good but ultimately trophy-less season. The highlights for me were our performances against Manchester United and Chelsea in the league, the low points were the draws at Stoke and being dumped out of the CL by Chelsea.
That may have been the chap sat in front of me - unless there was more than one of them at the ground. Which is entirely possible, I suppose.I just saw a scary shot of a Hull City fan dressed as Elvis in the stands...
Which means I might have been on USAian telly. Cripes. At least I wasn't crying my eyes out.
EDIT: And it's very remiss of me, but in all the excitement I've forgotten to offer my congratulations to Fuzzy following Rangers' Scottish Premier League title triumph today. So, er, congratulations to Fuzzy following Rangers' Scottish Premier League title triumph today.
Thanks Jaffa, you were conspicous by your absense yesterday so thought you were off 'celebrating'.
Quite an anti-climax yesterday, we've been told all week that Celtic would put so many past Hearts and Rangers had a tough one against a Euro hunting Dundee Utd. Quite a few of us thought it would go down to the last couple of minutes. In the end, Celtic nor Dundee didn't perform. The helicopter didn't have to turn around at all!
I was quite sad to see Inverness relegated on Saturday. There are certain neutral teams you don't hold a grudge against, Inverness are one of those (similar in a way to Newcastle - didn't really want to see them go down but needs must). Although I think many players and fans will not miss the trip up the A9.
One more game left up here - Scottish Cup Final, Rangers v Falkirk 30 May. Then I'm going on my holidays to Menorca.
Quite an anti-climax yesterday, we've been told all week that Celtic would put so many past Hearts and Rangers had a tough one against a Euro hunting Dundee Utd. Quite a few of us thought it would go down to the last couple of minutes. In the end, Celtic nor Dundee didn't perform. The helicopter didn't have to turn around at all!
I was quite sad to see Inverness relegated on Saturday. There are certain neutral teams you don't hold a grudge against, Inverness are one of those (similar in a way to Newcastle - didn't really want to see them go down but needs must). Although I think many players and fans will not miss the trip up the A9.
One more game left up here - Scottish Cup Final, Rangers v Falkirk 30 May. Then I'm going on my holidays to Menorca.
We'll see you next season.
It was a classic Liverpool game. In a game where Chelsea had to buy their atmosphere from the fans (not the first time they have done this against Liverpool in the Champions League), Liverpool showed everything that we love about them.
Sheer brilliance, funny moments, rollercoaster of emotions, did themselves proud. It was a great game despite the result and I came away feeling proud of the team. (Of course I am not saying that it would have been brilliant to knock Chelsea out)
Despite Rangers not making that many friends down here it is still good to see your team winning the league, so congratulations again.
Sbragia resigned from Sunderland. I rate him even more highly now because of this and his reasons behind them. He did a good job at Sunderland keeping them up and his heart is in the right place with this move.
Now on to todays action: Burnley vs. Sheffield United, I think most of the people who support premier league teams or follow football remotely closely will be hoping Burnley win.
Well, I have to, since their left back is from Bergen...
I'm not sure, but he could be the first (or at least one of very, very few) Norwegians to play in the premiership without ever having played for the Norwegian national team... </odd fact>
Unfortunately I didn't get to see the game, being stuck in a hotel in the middle of nowhere with no cable TV. I did see the first leg, which was not so good...
He seemed totally uninterested in trying to keep the managerial position. Is he staying at the club?
After watching Burnley's cup runs, I'd like to see them in the Premier League.
I believe they want Sbragia in some sort of youth development\coaching role
As for Burnley, I definitely want them to win, but for different reasons
Thanks for all your congratulations - it's actually been quite touching and humbling how you've all got behind the Tigers this season. Blimey.
Well, I'm mainly happy you stayed up so Arsenal can get another crack at you at the Emirates next season.
At least with you staying up Arsenal can say they didn't lose to any relegated teams this year. Phew.
Congrats to Burnley.
Interestingly, I was looking at the very first season of the football league back in 1888/9. There were 12 teams in it, 11 of which are still in exhistence (Accrington FC didn't last very long). However, the 11 remaining original clubs have almost all been in the premier league at some point:
Preston: Never been in Premier League, last top flight season 1960/1
Aston Villa: In premier league every season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Just promoted to premier league
Blackburn Rovers: In premier league
Bolton Wanderers : In premier league
West Bromwich Albion: Just relegated from premier league.
Everton: In premier league every season.
Burnley: Just promoted to premier league.
Derby County: Relegated from premier league last season.
Notts County: Never been in premier league, last top flight season 1991/92 - the last season before the premier league existed.
Stoke: In premier league.
So 7 of the 11 are inthe premier league, which I think is probably the most in the (short) history of the premier league
Interestingly, I was looking at the very first season of the football league back in 1888/9. There were 12 teams in it, 11 of which are still in exhistence (Accrington FC didn't last very long). However, the 11 remaining original clubs have almost all been in the premier league at some point:
Preston: Never been in Premier League, last top flight season 1960/1
Aston Villa: In premier league every season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Just promoted to premier league
Blackburn Rovers: In premier league
Bolton Wanderers : In premier league
West Bromwich Albion: Just relegated from premier league.
Everton: In premier league every season.
Burnley: Just promoted to premier league.
Derby County: Relegated from premier league last season.
Notts County: Never been in premier league, last top flight season 1991/92 - the last season before the premier league existed.
Stoke: In premier league.
So 7 of the 11 are inthe premier league, which I think is probably the most in the (short) history of the premier league
Fantastic stuff - we were hoping for a Burnley win here, so well done them.
So, with the Blades vanquished today and Middlesbrough relegated yesterday, Hull City will be Yorkshire's sole representatives in the Premier League next season. Blimey.
So, with the Blades vanquished today and Middlesbrough relegated yesterday, Hull City will be Yorkshire's sole representatives in the Premier League next season. Blimey.
Ah, but there's always the 'can we class Middlesbrough as a Yorkshire side' argument that crops up, what with the town historically being part of the North Riding – and it's still officially part of the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, despite being all Teesideish of late.Blimey, just like last season
Of course, now they're relegated there's no debate. And – for your benefit – I'll add again that Sheffield United won't be in the Premier League next season.
So, the question is, who will the bookies favorites for relegation be next season?
My guess in order from most likely on down: Burnley, Hull, Birmingham, Wolves, Sunderland.
Edit: Note, this is not what I think, but rather what the bookies will think.
My guess in order from most likely on down: Burnley, Hull, Birmingham, Wolves, Sunderland.
Edit: Note, this is not what I think, but rather what the bookies will think.
Well, I have to, since their left back is from Bergen...
I'm not sure, but he could be the first (or at least one of very, very few) Norwegians to play in the premiership without ever having played for the Norwegian national team... </odd fact>
FYI, Here's a list of the Norwegian premier league players: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foreign_Premier_League_players#Norway
I'd go along with that – it'll be interesting to see if Burnley get the same reaction we got last summer, hopefully a few lessons will have been learnt by the 'experts' and they won't be so shockingly dismissive about Burnley's chances.
I'd probably add Stoke City to the list too, the felling will no doubt be that the rest of the league will have 'found them out' by the time they come to play them again next season.
Meanwhile, Gordon Strachan has resigned from Celtic – rumours abound that the Scot is being lined up to replace Ricky Sbragia at Sunderland.
I'd probably add Stoke City to the list too, the felling will no doubt be that the rest of the league will have 'found them out' by the time they come to play them again next season.
Meanwhile, Gordon Strachan has resigned from Celtic – rumours abound that the Scot is being lined up to replace Ricky Sbragia at Sunderland.
Ok... thanks...
That list makes Kalvenes the third Norwegian in the Premiership without any appearances for Norway, after Hjelde and Runar Normann**, if he plays any games next season and doesn't get called up to the National team. That last might seem unlikely, but Morten Fevang, aged 34, was included into the latest squad, facing Macedonia and Holland soon, and will probably get his debut in one of those matches...
**There's even a mentioning of that on Normann's page:
I assume you are talking about the battle of Manchester last year at the Uefa Cup final? Sorry about that.
Or are you talking about the time we [Tartan Army] took the Wembley pitch and goal posts home with us? Not so sorry about that!Well Gordon Strachen has quit Celtic, apparently winning 3 out of 4 championships is not enough for the Celtic support.
I hate Scottish football sometimes, the Old Firm fans are just too demanding. News up here is that he's off to Sunderland.EDIT: Sorry Jaffa, didn't see you'd already reported that story.
It seems some people still haven't learned, since I'm hearing the same forecasts of doom and gloom about Hull, Stoke and the newly promoted clubs. Last summer I didn't hear anybody talking about Newcastle going down..."They're too big" was, I believe, the expression used.
Indeed your Lordship – will they never learn? And as for clubs being 'too big' to go down, exactly the same thing was said about Leeds and Forest – and neither of them has made their way back up yet.
Anyway, the season is over – in England and Scotland, at least. As such, it's time for us to take stock of the 2008-09 season and how our teams have fared. Let's hear what you think about how your club has done this campaign...
Which was your team's best performance this season?
I'd say it would have to be the league match at the Emirates. The mighty Arsenal out-thought, out-played and out-sung by little old us.
And which was your team's worst?
The first half away at Manchester City is generally reckoned to be our most turgid display of the campaign. I wasn't there in person, but... ugh.
Overall, who has been your team's best player?
I said Michael Turner last year, I'll go with him again this time. Our only ever present this year, a composed figure in our defence who has also chipped in with some important goals.
Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
I've obviously seen some very impressive players over the past year, but the chances of us making a summer transfer swoop for Ronado, Vidic and Torres seem a tad unlikely. Of those who are 'at our level', as it were, I was hugely impressed with Bolton's Jussi Jääskeläinen. I genuinely reckon we would have won both league fixtures were it not for the fleet-handed Finn.
For those of you who attend matches, which is the best ground you've visited this season – other than your own, of course?
The Emirates – a splendid ground in every aspect apart from the very quiet home fans. The concession stands on the concourse are very possibly the friendliest and most efficient I've ever come across.
What was your most memorable moment of the season?
A toss-up between the win at the Emirates, and one minute after the final whistle yesterday when news filtered through that Newcastle had failed to get anything at Villa, thus ensuring our top flight status. Hurrah!
Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
The second half of the season certainly wasn't pretty, but our brief was to stay up and we did it – albeit only just. As such, you have to consider it a highly successful campaign. The fact that we enjoyed our best run in the FA Cup in my lifetime and upset the odious Piers Morgan in the process are plus points, too.
Anyway, the season is over – in England and Scotland, at least. As such, it's time for us to take stock of the 2008-09 season and how our teams have fared. Let's hear what you think about how your club has done this campaign...
Which was your team's best performance this season?
I'd say it would have to be the league match at the Emirates. The mighty Arsenal out-thought, out-played and out-sung by little old us.
And which was your team's worst?
The first half away at Manchester City is generally reckoned to be our most turgid display of the campaign. I wasn't there in person, but... ugh.
Overall, who has been your team's best player?
I said Michael Turner last year, I'll go with him again this time. Our only ever present this year, a composed figure in our defence who has also chipped in with some important goals.
Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
I've obviously seen some very impressive players over the past year, but the chances of us making a summer transfer swoop for Ronado, Vidic and Torres seem a tad unlikely. Of those who are 'at our level', as it were, I was hugely impressed with Bolton's Jussi Jääskeläinen. I genuinely reckon we would have won both league fixtures were it not for the fleet-handed Finn.
For those of you who attend matches, which is the best ground you've visited this season – other than your own, of course?
The Emirates – a splendid ground in every aspect apart from the very quiet home fans. The concession stands on the concourse are very possibly the friendliest and most efficient I've ever come across.
What was your most memorable moment of the season?
A toss-up between the win at the Emirates, and one minute after the final whistle yesterday when news filtered through that Newcastle had failed to get anything at Villa, thus ensuring our top flight status. Hurrah!
Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
The second half of the season certainly wasn't pretty, but our brief was to stay up and we did it – albeit only just. As such, you have to consider it a highly successful campaign. The fact that we enjoyed our best run in the FA Cup in my lifetime and upset the odious Piers Morgan in the process are plus points, too.
Which was your team's best performance this season?
I'm going to go with our 4-1 thumping of Man United in the League. The 4-0 victory over Real Madrid was probably a more comprehensive victory, but Manchester United might be the best team on the planet right now (Barcelona will decide that on Wednesday), so beating them 4-1 was our high point this season. At that point we still had everything to play for.
And which was your team's worst?
It has to be the second draw at Stoke. The Potters have shown that they deserve to stay in the Premier League, so I won't denigrate their performances. Still, a team with Liverpool's ambitions and quality should be able to break them down, and those extra six points...well, you all can do the math...
Overall, who has been your team's best player?
Who else? Steven Gerrard, of course. 24 goals in all competitions, and he created so many more. I don't like how much we rely on him and Torres, but it's pretty obvious that they are the creative spine of our side. (Also, Xabi Alonso proved how stupid we would have been to get rid of him).
Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
I'm slightly at a loss on this one. I think a good forward would be very useful, but can/will Benitez make room for another attacker?. Perhaps a speedy left or right back?
For those of you who attend matches, which is the best ground you've visited this season – other than your own, of course?
Someday, perhaps...
What was your most memorable moment of the season?
In terms of what I've actually been able to watch, it has to be split between ending Chelsea's undefeated streak at home and Torres' goal against Blackburn back in April. Stunning.
Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
Given our goals it has to be seen as a failure. At this point anything less than major silverware constitutes a failed campaign. However, I think Liverpool has showed that they are very close this time around. We need more squad depth. Not necessarily more big-money players, but good squad players who can stretch Liverpool's ability to deal with the fixture congestion like Man United has done.
I'm going to go with our 4-1 thumping of Man United in the League. The 4-0 victory over Real Madrid was probably a more comprehensive victory, but Manchester United might be the best team on the planet right now (Barcelona will decide that on Wednesday), so beating them 4-1 was our high point this season. At that point we still had everything to play for.
And which was your team's worst?
It has to be the second draw at Stoke. The Potters have shown that they deserve to stay in the Premier League, so I won't denigrate their performances. Still, a team with Liverpool's ambitions and quality should be able to break them down, and those extra six points...well, you all can do the math...
Overall, who has been your team's best player?
Who else? Steven Gerrard, of course. 24 goals in all competitions, and he created so many more. I don't like how much we rely on him and Torres, but it's pretty obvious that they are the creative spine of our side. (Also, Xabi Alonso proved how stupid we would have been to get rid of him).
Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
I'm slightly at a loss on this one. I think a good forward would be very useful, but can/will Benitez make room for another attacker?. Perhaps a speedy left or right back?
For those of you who attend matches, which is the best ground you've visited this season – other than your own, of course?
Someday, perhaps...
What was your most memorable moment of the season?
In terms of what I've actually been able to watch, it has to be split between ending Chelsea's undefeated streak at home and Torres' goal against Blackburn back in April. Stunning.
Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
Given our goals it has to be seen as a failure. At this point anything less than major silverware constitutes a failed campaign. However, I think Liverpool has showed that they are very close this time around. We need more squad depth. Not necessarily more big-money players, but good squad players who can stretch Liverpool's ability to deal with the fixture congestion like Man United has done.
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