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2008-09 Football Thread - The Second Half

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Which was your team's best performance this season?
Has to be the double over our 'Claims Direct' loving neighbours. First time we've done that in 95 years!

And which was your team's worst?
The 6-0 drubbing by Reading

Overall, who has been your team's best player?
Marcus Tudgay without doubt

Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
Kevin Phillips, although now Birmingham have got promotion I can't see him leaving unless forced to

What was your most memorable moment of the season?
As mentioned, doing the double over Sheff U

Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
Has to be a success. Despite the dizzy heights some Wednesday fans hoped for us (playoffs) it just wasn 't going to happen on the budget available (ie. none). After being involved in last years relegation dogfight with a few games to go, so long we avoided that again then we're making steps in the right direction. 12th place and a new chairman who seems to have the fans interests at heart is a success in my book :)
 
Which was your team's best performance this season?
Has to be the double over our 'Claims Direct' loving neighbours. First time we've done that in 95 years!

And which was your team's worst?
The 6-0 drubbing by Reading

Overall, who has been your team's best player?
Marcus Tudgay without doubt

Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
I want "Brunteh" back...

What was your most memorable moment of the season?
As mentioned, doing the double over Sheff U

Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
Has to be a success. Despite the dizzy heights some Wednesday fans hoped for us (playoffs) it just wasn 't going to happen on the budget available (ie. none). After being involved in last years relegation dogfight with a few games to go, so long we avoided that again then we're making steps in the right direction. 12th place and a new chairman who seems to have the fans interests at heart is a success in my book :)
 
pachyderm said:
[Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
I want "Brunteh" back...
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Funny, I literally had to flip a coin to decide between Brunt or Phillips :D
We do need a goal scorer that can play more than 5 games a season though :p
 
Lord Blackadder said:
He seemed totally uninterested in trying to keep the managerial position. Is he staying at the club?
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His remit when tacking the position was to avoid relegation, that was Sunderland's only task in the position that Keane left them in. He did a good job has a nice character. With this move I feel he has had a look at his skills and abilities and what he wants for the club. He has realised that for the club to progress from relegation fodder up the table that someone else needs to come in. From what I heard/read he is keen to help move the club forward, top bloke in my eyes.



Which was your team's best performance this season?

I liked the win at Stamford Bridge but you would be hard pressed to find a Liverpool supporter who didn't think the best was the 1-4 game at United.

And which was your team's worst?

Drawing with West Ham, it was such a dire match of football. I watched it with my Hammers friend and we both came away bored and felt almost as if we were cheated out of a game of football. Total pish.


Lord Blackadder said:
And which was your team's worst?
and those extra six points ...well, you all can do the math...:eek:
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Apparently not as it would be an extra 4 points :p:D

Overall, who has been your team's best player?

Hard pressed not to say Steven Gerrard, he really has been great.

Others worthy of an honourable mention
Pepe Reina - did a sterling job in goal
Yossi Benayoun - When he first came to the club and moaned about first team football I was a bit scathing of him but this season he has shown that he really does have a lot of ability, just wish he wouldn't try to beat a player 5 times before shooting.
Dirk Kuyt - My hero, total work horse, just can't help but love him
Javier Mascherano - Another one of my favourites, world class and one hell of a cheeky bugger. I love seeing players play with a laugh and a smile.
Xabi Alonso -
Sami Hyypia - When he was needed he did a good job, little lacking in the pace department but his footballing brain is sharp and one of the best. Very promising football coach - hope he returns to the club one day soon.
Fernando Torres - Brilliant, has been a joy to watch.
I could write a summary about each and everyone of our players but I won't bore you.

Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?

As Lord Blackadder said this is a really really tough question for a Liverpool supporter as you really do not know.

Players we have been linked with
Gareth Barry - Not so sure, not really a patch on Xabi.
Aaron Lennon - Again not really sure, he has pace and does look good on the pitch but I am not sure if he will fit well.
Carlos Tevez - Fantasy world I think but would be very good if he came. Not sure what role or how he would fit with the team.

For those of you who attend matches, which is the best ground you've visited this season – other than your own, of course?

I've only made it to 4 home games this season for Liverpool. Almost criminally only once for Watford :eek:. Tried to go to a Huddersfield game when I was on holiday there but they were playing away that weekend. (actually 3 miles outside it as I don't think anyone would actually go to Huddersfield for a holiday :D)

What was your most memorable moment of the season?
I love watching defenders make tackles and it has been a joy to watch Sktrel and Agger play this year.

I would think the most memorable goal has to be Fabio Aurelio's goal against Chelsea in the Champions league. As I watch the freekick lining up I said stick it in the near post I never thought that he would actually do it :D So funny.

Lord Blackadder said:
Torres' goal against Blackburn back in April. Stunning.
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My dad was at that game at that end, he said everyone there was in shock and disbelief that Torres had scored. He was going away from goal controlling a high bouncing ball and then all of a sudden it was in the goal. It is one of the contenders for Match of the Day goal of the season.

Glen Johnson's goal against Hull City was also one of the cream of the season :eek::)


Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?

I never expected this season to be the season where we were challenging for the title. I had always had that expectation on next years season. In that regard it has been a success. We have pushed on where others (Arsenal and to some extent Everton) have not.

However as a big four club no silverware can and will be seen as a failure. We did well in the Champions league and have had a good season.

Come on Barcelona
 
Which was your team's best performance this season?
The Old Firm a couple of weeks ago. Wasn't a classic but the result swung the pendulum in our favour, before that the league looked past us.

And which was your team's worst?
Dumped out Champions League qualifying by Kaunas.

Overall, who has been your team's best player?
I really liked Madjid Bougherra but I suppose you can't argue with Kris Boyd scoring 31 goals.

Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
None! Bougherra looks happy to stay in Scotland, but I'd expect Boyd (to Birmingham), Ferguson and MacGregor all to go and nobody to replace them.

What was your most memorable moment of the season?
The Feguson/MacGregor V-signs, for all the wrong reasons.

Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
A success from the jaws of defeat triumph against adversity kind of season.
 
Which was your team's best performance this season?
Probably the 5-0 demolishing of Hull at the KC (Sorry Jaffa).

And which was your team's worst?
Villa at home, lost 4-0.

Overall, who has been your team's best player?
Zaki was awesome for the first part of the season, but overall our two best players where Valencia and Scharner, both of whom look like they are leaving. A vote for Titus Bramble (I know!) as most improved.

Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
I still think we are a striker short, plus replacements for Scharner and Valencia when they go. Also, we never properly replaced Palacios. Viduka could be an interesting signing, he always causes problems with his physical presence when he plays (kind of like Heskey).

For those of you who attend matches, which is the best ground you've visited this season – other than your own, of course?
Alas, never made it back to the home country this season - maybe next.

What was your most memorable moment of the season?
Probably battling back to draw with Liverpool 2-2.

Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
Definitely a success, although given we were in the hunt for a UEFA (sorry Europa) Cup place heading into the tail end of the season before suffering a dip in form is a little disappointing.
 
xUKHCx said:
He has realised that for the club to progress from relegation fodder up the table that someone else needs to come in. From what I heard/read he is keen to help move the club forward, top bloke in my eyes.
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Very unselfish of him.

xUKHCx said:
Apparently not as it would be an extra 4 points :p:D
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This is precisely why I never went into a career involving a lot of math. :eek:

xUKHCx said:
Yossi Benayoun ... just wish he wouldn't try to beat a player 5 times before shooting.
Click to expand...

I agree completely - he's scored some outstanding goals for us this season and he is maybe our best squad/bench player. But he does try to dribble around defenders too much.

xUKHCx said:
Dirk Kuyt - My hero, total work horse, just can't help but love him
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I was critical of him last season, but this season he's been a big contributor. He runs and runs and runs. Makes Tevez look lazy. :D

xUKHCx said:
Carlos Tevez - Fantasy world I think but would be very good if he came. Not sure what role or how he would fit with the team.
Click to expand...

We could certainly use him, but I think he'd end up in the same situation as at United - on the bench too much for his liking. Where would he fit in the Gerrard/Torres universe? I also don't like the notion that he's owned by a third party.
 
I read somewhere recently that the premier league was considering introducing a squad size limit.

What do people think of this?

I actually think it is a good idea and will stop all the rich club's hoarding talent.

I would propose something like a 30 player limit. (You can have more players than that but only the 30 named players will be eligible to play).

At least 25 of the 30 names must be specified on opening day, the remaining 5 can be named at any time later, but once you hit 30 names you can't add any one else.

Players can be removed from the list of 30, however once removed from the list they cannot be added back in until the following season.

What do people think?
 
In essence it's like the Champions League or UEFA Cup – you nominate a squad of players at the start of the season and stick to it for the campaign, although there are windows where teams can amend their squad to allow for injuries, transfers and the like.

I think it's an idea that certainly has its merits, but it's an idea that the big clubs with their huge squads are unlikely to want happen. As such, I doubt we'll see it introduced soon.
 
Which was your team's best performance this season?
Final game of the season against Dundee Utd. We won 3-0 and it is probably the best football we have played all season.

And which was your team's worst?
Defeat to Kaunas in the Champions League Qualifier.

Overall, who has been your team's best player?
Madjid (Magic) Bougherra

Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
Federico Macheda on loan from Man U.

What was your most memorable moment of the season?
Winning the Premier League on Sunday and the trip to Ibrox to watch our team parade the trophy.

Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
A success.
 
On the subject of adopting another team to watch over the close season, I am lending a hand to our South African subsidiary just now so I asked the boys over there what teams they support and who I should choose to set up a little rivalry.

Unfortunately I forgot they were antipodeans and being rather smart they take their winters off (being a very cold 14 degC - note for next July's World Cup!) so the league is currently shut down.

I also found out that although things are a changing in SA, some things aren't changing fast enough. It was carefully put to me that 'whites' don't generally follow soccer/football, that is the domain of the ermm.... non-whites? Apparently I should be more interested in cricket and egg ball???:confused:

So I've decided to learn about and follow the fortunes of Orlando Pirates when the league kicks off again based on the following selection criteria;
  • I found a link between Kaizer Chiefs (the only team I've heard of) and Leeds
  • They are the Kaiser Chiefs local derby rivals
  • They are from Jo'burg, same as my office
  • They aren't Bloemfontein Celtic :rolleyes:
  • I like pirates arr me hearty!
  • Apparently they are rather good so I'll be backing somebody with a shout of wining the league (cries of Billy Bandwagon!)

So here's to the other big kick off in August!:p

swiftaw said:
I would propose something like a 30 player limit. (You can have more players than that but only the 30 named players will be eligible to play).
Click to expand...

Just out of interest, Rangers have got 28 in their first team squad, biggest in the SPL and are looking to reduce it to save money. Maybe in these rough financial times maybe the limit should be 25?

davidjearly said:
Which was your team's best performance this season?
Final game of the season against Dundee Utd. We won 3-0 and it is probably the best football we have played all season.
Click to expand...

Did I watch the same game as you? I didn't think they looked that good but it was hard to tell since Dundee weren't as good as expected. It was certainly a relaxed looking side that played in complete contrast to the pressure the media had put them under all week.
 
Which was your team's best performance this season?
Have to say our last game of the season, beating Millwall to stay up :D

And which was your team's worst?
Ha erm so many to choose from I have to say losing to Hereford was quite an achievement

Overall, who has been your team's best player?
Cleveland Taylor has been outstanding for us this season, one of the few players really.

Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?
Would like Bridges if we can afford him and a strong center-back but can't really think of anyone, Ian Morris would be a good signing as well

What was your most memorable moment of the season?
Newcastle getting relegated :p seriously though, probably staying up in the end by two amazing goals :D

Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?
Utter failure unfortunately, was looking so good after 4 games and then that disgusting run started. Hopefully next season will be better, getting the confidence back up will do wonders, we might be able to hold on to a lead then.
 
Fuzzy14 said:
On the subject of adopting another team to watch over the close season, I am lending a hand to our South African subsidiary just now so I asked the boys over there what teams they support and who I should choose to set up a little rivalry.

Unfortunately I forgot they were antipodeans and being rather smart they take their winters off (being a very cold 14 degC - note for next July's World Cup!) so the league is currently shut down.

I also found out that although things are a changing in SA, some things aren't changing fast enough. It was carefully put to me that 'whites' don't generally follow soccer/football, that is the domain of the ermm.... non-whites? Apparently I should be more interested in cricket and egg ball???:confused:

So I've decided to learn about and follow the fortunes of Orlando Pirates when the league kicks off again based on the following selection criteria;
  • I found a link between Kaizer Chiefs (the only team I've heard of) and Leeds
  • They are the Kaiser Chiefs local derby rivals
  • They are from Jo'burg, same as my office
  • They aren't Bloemfontein Celtic :rolleyes:
  • I like pirates arr me hearty!
  • Apparently they are rather good so I'll be backing somebody with a shout of wining the league (cries of Billy Bandwagon!)

So here's to the other big kick off in August!:p



Just out of interest, Rangers have got 28 in their first team squad, biggest in the SPL and are looking to reduce it to save money. Maybe in these rough financial times maybe the limit should be 25?



Did I watch the same game as you? I didn't think they looked that good but it was hard to tell since Dundee weren't as good as expected. It was certainly a relaxed looking side that played in complete contrast to the pressure the media had put them under all week.
Click to expand...

the pirates are gaining attention world wide. i get eurosprt catalogs with their gear in there all the time it seems like.
 
Which was your team's best performance this season?

A decent amount of them throughout the season. However, to be more specific...its a toss up between beating Man Utd at the emirates and Chelsea at the bridge. Probably gonna go with the Chelsea match because they were on a good run around that time IIRC

And which was your team's worst?

Take your pick; FA cup semi, Champions league semi, the Liverpool away match, Chelsea home match, Hull match etc

Overall, who has been your team's best player?

Arshavin...i fear to ponder what would have happened in the league had we not signed him. The rest have mostly been a shadow of what they were last season

Which player have you seen who – realistically – you'd like your side to sign this summer?

Someone like Xabi Alonso to replace Flamini & play alongside Fabregas. Michael Turner wouldn't be a terrible addition either

What was your most memorable moment of the season?

Arshavin's 4 goals against Liverpool. What. a. match. & Eduardo's return to action

Overall, do you rate this season as being a success or failure for your team?

Mixbag...we eventually reclaimed 4th spot but that can hardly be considered an achievement. The other biggie is Semi-Final place in the Champions league somehow...then again we crashed out pretty badly so again meh

On another note...

Grand Finale tonight. Barca v Man U, both teams have won their respective league titles and flowing with confidence. Barca to win...please not another Man Utd trophy, its getting old...no offence to Man U supporters. However absence of Alves, Marques, Abidal & Henry being a doubt is a big worry, Fergie would be delighted but then again this is football and anything can happen
 
daneoni said:
Arshavin...i fear to ponder what would have happened in the league had we not signed him. The rest have mostly been a shadow of what they were last season.
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A quality player, to be sure. There were doubts about whether he was the real deal, but I think he's proved the naysayers wrong...I'd like to see Arsenal pick up Roman Pavlyuchenko to complete the Russian assault force that impressed during the Euros.
 
Lord Blackadder said:
A quality player, to be sure. There were doubts about whether he was the real deal, but I think he's proved the naysayers wrong...I'd like to see Arsenal pick up Roman Pavlyuchenko to complete the Russian assault force that impressed during the Euros.
Click to expand...
Definitely a good player, Zenit fans were absolutely gutted he left (friend of my missus is a big Zenit fan). I want to see him complete a full season in the PL
 
daneoni - it was in a number of papers yesterday that Turner has pledged his future to us, certainly Liverpool are said to be sniffing around him. He's under contract to 2013 so it would take a significant offer to prise him away.

As for tonight, I'll hope for a Manchester United win. Fergie's little hop and grin at the KC when Newcastle's relegation was confirmed (it only took a second for him to regain his composure mind, and remember he should be impartial on these matters) amused me and I certainly don't begrudge him victory this evening.
 
Like me, not in front of a TV?

I found a live stream of the Champion's League final with English commentary. Enjoy.

Barcelona 3 - Man Utd 2 (What I expect, not hope)
 
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