Think this was a first for the N&R FL, AFC Telford's game got abandoned at Northwich Victoria on Saturday due to a power failure. Judging by the Telford club statement, clearly something kicked off:
"The club would also like to distance itself from the totally inaccurate claims made in Dave Stringer's match report carried by The Non League Paper yesterday in which he insinuates that the club placed undue pressure on officials to abandon the game and that “loud cheers were heard from the away dressing room” when the news that the game had been abandoned came through. We totally deny these claims which are a pathetic attempt to divert attention away from the very real issues and actual cause of Saturdays abandonment." (more)
They were losing 1-0 at the time. The game will be replayed Tuesday (tomorrow) and the winners will host Southend Utd in the 1st Rd proper. About 400 Telford fans made the wasted short journey and the ticket prices have been reduced for tomorrow's game (in case you wanted to go!).
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Week 10 reminder
After the International break, Arsenal destroyed Everton despite Osman putting the Toffeemen in front. Midget Nasri, Van Persie and Walcott got the Gunners 2nd half goals. Man U were even more dominant in their 4-0 win over West Brom. Goals for Rooney, Ronaldo, Berbatov and Nani. And Chelsea were even mor, oh you get the picture. Premier League, yawn!
Liverpool came behind again to beat plucky little Wigan 3-2. Kuyt scoring two more to add to his total of er, two. Meanwhile put Zaki in your team because Chelsea or Man U or Liverpool are bound to buy him in January. But cancel that, it will probably be Man City.
Talking of whom, they drew 2-2 at Roy Kinnear's Newcastle on Monday. Sunday saw Spurs lose again, oh stop it, it ain't funny is it Ready? Higginbotham got the first for Stoke and then Delap scored direct from a throw-in. Bale and Dawson were both sent off for Spurs.
Hull continued their amazing season beating West Ham at the KC. Ex-Addick Michael Turner heading the goal. And there were three goalless draws between Aston Villa and Portsmouth (Davis got sent off), Bolton and local rivals Blackburn and finally Foolham and Sunderland .
Liverpool came behind again to beat plucky little Wigan 3-2. Kuyt scoring two more to add to his total of er, two. Meanwhile put Zaki in your team because Chelsea or Man U or Liverpool are bound to buy him in January. But cancel that, it will probably be Man City.
Talking of whom, they drew 2-2 at Roy Kinnear's Newcastle on Monday. Sunday saw Spurs lose again, oh stop it, it ain't funny is it Ready? Higginbotham got the first for Stoke and then Delap scored direct from a throw-in. Bale and Dawson were both sent off for Spurs.
Hull continued their amazing season beating West Ham at the KC. Ex-Addick Michael Turner heading the goal. And there were three goalless draws between Aston Villa and Portsmouth (Davis got sent off), Bolton and local rivals Blackburn and finally Foolham and Sunderland .
Neil goes top
Breaking News 88888 The N&R FL League Table
Gooner win league slipped ahead of Soozie's Succulent Sizzlers in week 10 and now top the table by 7 points. James fresh back from Chi Town and his Beaver Ruin move into 3rd three behind Soozie. It's pretty close though as we approach week 12 and the split.
In 4th 2Infinity & beyond are a point ahead of Chris' Student Ninjas. Then Glasgow kiss and Torres Rosso tie for 7th. In 8th is curent champ Tallywacker's Bukkake Marathon (that will cost me a flippin arm and leg if I have to get it engraved on a trophy next year!). Tied with Pk is Rutt's Goonersmoan, who stop the slide temporarily.
Bent it like Bentley is 10th up a place and Sweaty Palms are week 10's biggest loser down 6 places to 12th. Another dropsy were Rob's Elland (Glad) Back down from 13th to 18th. Real Ale Madrid moved in the oppo direction from 21st to 15th.
Other climbers were Arsene Knows (27th to 21st), Guinness and eggs (23rd to 19th) and Sheron's ready to fac (39th to 33rd) but two of the biggest movers were Panzo's Projectiles up 11 and Nobby's Bermuda Shorts up 13.
Curbishley is s**t move off the bottom and leave Pure Irish docked there on 143 points.
Gooner win league slipped ahead of Soozie's Succulent Sizzlers in week 10 and now top the table by 7 points. James fresh back from Chi Town and his Beaver Ruin move into 3rd three behind Soozie. It's pretty close though as we approach week 12 and the split.
In 4th 2Infinity & beyond are a point ahead of Chris' Student Ninjas. Then Glasgow kiss and Torres Rosso tie for 7th. In 8th is curent champ Tallywacker's Bukkake Marathon (that will cost me a flippin arm and leg if I have to get it engraved on a trophy next year!). Tied with Pk is Rutt's Goonersmoan, who stop the slide temporarily.
Bent it like Bentley is 10th up a place and Sweaty Palms are week 10's biggest loser down 6 places to 12th. Another dropsy were Rob's Elland (Glad) Back down from 13th to 18th. Real Ale Madrid moved in the oppo direction from 21st to 15th.
Other climbers were Arsene Knows (27th to 21st), Guinness and eggs (23rd to 19th) and Sheron's ready to fac (39th to 33rd) but two of the biggest movers were Panzo's Projectiles up 11 and Nobby's Bermuda Shorts up 13.
Curbishley is s**t move off the bottom and leave Pure Irish docked there on 143 points.
Champions are back
Breaking News 88888 Week 10 scores
Mark Simmons' Champions finally awoke from his slumber in week 10 to collect the MoW with 57 points. An efforsd that propelled him to 50th in the table. Still a long way to go. There was a huge gap to the next best manager, Paul Hargis' Real Ale Madrid collected a very fine nonetheless 43. One more than our man in Mexico Boys on Tour, who are edging their way up the table.
Nobby's Bermuda shorts hit another season best, joined by Panzo's Projectiles on 41 (also a season best). Then there was a gap to three teams on 33 points - Arsene Knows, Dangleberry Rovers and Sheron's ready to fac. Cor have you seen her? Not wrong.
32 points was the number for Glasgow kiss, Torres Rosso and Pam Ross' St Mirnoff FC, who are looking dangerous just outside the top 10. Student Ninjas confirmed their to 5 place with 31 and Preston Pie Munchers, Cyril Smith First 11, Hot Pink Center, Team GB and the No Hopers all notched 29.
The week's worst score belonged to Pure Irish.
Mark Simmons' Champions finally awoke from his slumber in week 10 to collect the MoW with 57 points. An efforsd that propelled him to 50th in the table. Still a long way to go. There was a huge gap to the next best manager, Paul Hargis' Real Ale Madrid collected a very fine nonetheless 43. One more than our man in Mexico Boys on Tour, who are edging their way up the table.
Nobby's Bermuda shorts hit another season best, joined by Panzo's Projectiles on 41 (also a season best). Then there was a gap to three teams on 33 points - Arsene Knows, Dangleberry Rovers and Sheron's ready to fac. Cor have you seen her? Not wrong.
32 points was the number for Glasgow kiss, Torres Rosso and Pam Ross' St Mirnoff FC, who are looking dangerous just outside the top 10. Student Ninjas confirmed their to 5 place with 31 and Preston Pie Munchers, Cyril Smith First 11, Hot Pink Center, Team GB and the No Hopers all notched 29.
The week's worst score belonged to Pure Irish.
AFC Telford - Who knew?
AFC Telford, our latest FA Cup giant killers are away at Northwich Victoria tomorrow hoping to win and get their names in the first round hat.So let me tell you a few things about The Bucks:
- Telford is one of the countries largest towns (pop: 139,000) without a league club.
- AFC Telford is actually owned by the fans. Saved from bankruptcy in 2004.
- The clubs motto is numquam obliviscere (never forget).
- Telford play at the New Bucks Head. It was built in 2003 and is considered one of the best grounds outside the Football League.
- Local rivals include Shrewsbury and Kettering
- Since AFC Telford was formed in 2004 (the original name was Telford Utd), they have had 2 promotions in 4 years and last year lost in the North play-off final.
- Telford are currently 4th in the Conference North
- Stephen Jagielka will line up tomorrow in midfield, the older brother of Everton's Phil.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Razor blunted
Recently Peter Godfrey and Ready got into a slanging match because Godders thought that he gave Keith his entry money one night when Pete was away with the fairies and Keith was out with some very important clients minding his p's and q's.
And then just the other day, again Ready had to deal with another drunken fool, this time Richard Razor Nathan. So sharp of course he can cut himself but also it appears so tipsy la-la that he forgets what he is doing.
Apparently standing at the bar attracting the wrong attention to himself last week Razor reckons he paid Keith 20 quid. Well according to various witnesses (and some weren't even strippers) they agree that he did no such thing despite Ready asking him to pay on various occasions.
Of course I will not have my man Ready's reputation slated like this, particularly when he doesn't even drink.
And then just the other day, again Ready had to deal with another drunken fool, this time Richard Razor Nathan. So sharp of course he can cut himself but also it appears so tipsy la-la that he forgets what he is doing.
Apparently standing at the bar attracting the wrong attention to himself last week Razor reckons he paid Keith 20 quid. Well according to various witnesses (and some weren't even strippers) they agree that he did no such thing despite Ready asking him to pay on various occasions.
Of course I will not have my man Ready's reputation slated like this, particularly when he doesn't even drink.
Director of Football
This topic was raised by Greg in his letter from Mexico recently. Of course it is all the trend in real football but how many times has it really worked at the higher levels of the Premiership? Go on then, give me an example.
In the world of N&R FL Alan Waters introduced Paul Kelleher to the league after his team was adrift at the bottom of the table. Muddy moved upstairs (to The Fenchurch Exchange if my memory serves me correctly) and installed a young Paul Kelleher as head coach. Paul performed a minor miracle and saved Muddy's Happy Hammers from disgrace and then got headhunted to run his own N&R FL side.
Then this week, fantasy stalwart Ian France announced that he too was stepping upstairs to become Director of Football of Keep the Faith and named Ben Guarino as footballing team manager. Ben takes over Keep the Faith with them sat 5th from bottom of the 55 teams, with just 158 points and two or the five worse weekly scores to his name.
Ben has already made 9 transfers in a speed with frankly won't see him last very long at AIG. I mean if he can knock a quote out that quick, he'll be down at the Korea Re in no time!
Welcome Ben, if you need Ready or I to talk to Francey about your financial package, just let us know.
In the world of N&R FL Alan Waters introduced Paul Kelleher to the league after his team was adrift at the bottom of the table. Muddy moved upstairs (to The Fenchurch Exchange if my memory serves me correctly) and installed a young Paul Kelleher as head coach. Paul performed a minor miracle and saved Muddy's Happy Hammers from disgrace and then got headhunted to run his own N&R FL side.
Then this week, fantasy stalwart Ian France announced that he too was stepping upstairs to become Director of Football of Keep the Faith and named Ben Guarino as footballing team manager. Ben takes over Keep the Faith with them sat 5th from bottom of the 55 teams, with just 158 points and two or the five worse weekly scores to his name.
Ben has already made 9 transfers in a speed with frankly won't see him last very long at AIG. I mean if he can knock a quote out that quick, he'll be down at the Korea Re in no time!
Welcome Ben, if you need Ready or I to talk to Francey about your financial package, just let us know.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Road to Wembley - Oh Bulgarians
Hendon were knocked out of the FA Cup last Saturday by a strong AFC Telford United side in the shadow of the arch of Wembley Stadium. Playing just down the road from the international side (who kicked off shortly after the end of the Greens' cup tie), the Bucks took early control of the tie taking the lead in the 11th minute through a TERRY FEARNS header. Hendon rallied well, and kept the Conference North side at bay for much of the half, but LEE MOORE took advantage when the Dons were overcommitted just before the half-time break to put Telford 2-0 ahead.
An improved second half saw Hendon create a number of chances, with Ryan Young having to save well on a couple of occasions, but it took an injury time penalty for the home side to get their deserved consolation, HAULE sliding the ball under Young's dive. Final score 1-2.
Hendon team: Lawrencin, Burgess, Vargas, Leach, Kirby, Bent, Busby, Hudson (Garner 45, Diedhiou 72), Haule, Hunt, Mapes (Guentchev).
Att: 377
That is a quick end of our relationship with Hendon and I never even got to tell you that they are maanged by former Bulgarian international Bontcho Guentchev, who spent the majority of his career playing in England for Ipswich Town.
In the 4th qualifying round draw AFC Telford are away at Northwich Victoria on October 25th. The prize will be a place in the 1st Round Proper.
An improved second half saw Hendon create a number of chances, with Ryan Young having to save well on a couple of occasions, but it took an injury time penalty for the home side to get their deserved consolation, HAULE sliding the ball under Young's dive. Final score 1-2.
Hendon team: Lawrencin, Burgess, Vargas, Leach, Kirby, Bent, Busby, Hudson (Garner 45, Diedhiou 72), Haule, Hunt, Mapes (Guentchev).
Att: 377
That is a quick end of our relationship with Hendon and I never even got to tell you that they are maanged by former Bulgarian international Bontcho Guentchev, who spent the majority of his career playing in England for Ipswich Town.
In the 4th qualifying round draw AFC Telford are away at Northwich Victoria on October 25th. The prize will be a place in the 1st Round Proper.
Week 8 reminder
A late, late goal from Cesc Fabregas gave the Gunners a lucky point at the Stadium of light, Man U won comfortably against Paul Ince's Rovers. Brown and Rooney scoring. West Brom beat Fulham 1-0 as did Boro at Wigan. Aliadiere and Bednar (who I sold that week) got the goals.
On the Sunday it was miserable again for Spudz fans as they slumped at home to Hull City. Jenas, Lennon, Bent and Campbell were all booked as Geovanni acored a peach. It left Ramos's side contemplating their worst start in 96 years. The Hammers added to their off the pitch woes by getting stuffed by Bolton at Upton Park. Davies, Cahill and Taylor all scored for Wanderers with Carlton Cole replying.
Pompey beat Stoke 2-1, a Crouch & Defoe double and Chelsea beat Villa at the Bridge 2-0 with goals from Joe Cole and Anelka.
In two of the week's best games Newcastle pulled back a two-goal deficit to draw at Goodison Park and were unlucky not to win in Joe '@#$* ^&*@#' Kinnear's first game and Liverpool defeated Man City 3-2 with a late goal from Dirk Kuyt, after also being two goals down.
On the Sunday it was miserable again for Spudz fans as they slumped at home to Hull City. Jenas, Lennon, Bent and Campbell were all booked as Geovanni acored a peach. It left Ramos's side contemplating their worst start in 96 years. The Hammers added to their off the pitch woes by getting stuffed by Bolton at Upton Park. Davies, Cahill and Taylor all scored for Wanderers with Carlton Cole replying.
Pompey beat Stoke 2-1, a Crouch & Defoe double and Chelsea beat Villa at the Bridge 2-0 with goals from Joe Cole and Anelka.
In two of the week's best games Newcastle pulled back a two-goal deficit to draw at Goodison Park and were unlucky not to win in Joe '@#$* ^&*@#' Kinnear's first game and Liverpool defeated Man City 3-2 with a late goal from Dirk Kuyt, after also being two goals down.
Top Gunners
Breaking News 88888 The N&R FL League TableYet another new league leader, two of them in fact. And both Arsenal fans. The beautiful Soozies Succulent Sizzlers and the grammatically deficient Gooner Win League sit pretty on top of the pile after week 8. Soozie in fact has climbed 51 places since week 2 and is looking favourite to do an incredible double of walking up the aisle and the grander walking down to The Lamb to collect her title trophy. Neil meanwhile has had a fanatstic start to his N&R career.
Last week's leader 2Infinity & beyond drops to 3rdand Beaver Ruin stay 4th. Student Ninjas in turn fall to 5th, just 7 ahead of the Hull City of the N&R FL, Sweaty Palms who incredibly are in 6th - keep it up Sweats.
Current champion Pk and his Tallywacker's Bukkake Marathon are in 7th and then comes Torres Rosso, Glasgow kiss, back in the top 10, and Goonersmoan. Rutts has now fallen from top to 10th in 3 weeks.
Hannoi Utd slip 4 places to 11th and Elland (Glad) Back move up a place to 13th. I'm keeping an eye on Pam Ross (only because I'm told she's tidy) as St Mirnoff hurdled 6 places to 13th in week 8, and another big climber was Hot Pink Center who jumped from 27th to 16th.
Brighton Blues fall to 17th, Gerrardinho is up 6 to 18th and Mrs Soozie and his Bangers are 19th.
Lower down Loads of Roubles drop to 8 places, Towels on the bench climbed 10 places after a season's best and watch out for little Nobster, whose Bermuda shorts storm into 35th place after their best week of ther season!
At the bottom Champions finally climb off it, and are replaced with Curbishley is sh*t. Dangleberry Rovers are in 53rd and Pure Irish in 52nd.
Double Sausage
Breaking News 88888 Week 8 scores
A double banging this week for Soozie as she collected her second MoW award in week 8 for the highest 7-day score of the season, 70 points. This Sizzled her Succulent ones up the table into 2nd place. Soozie scored 14 points more than the next best side, that was Beaver Ruin, James scoring 56. New Dad Tim and 'Frank' scored their season-best with 55 for Hot Pink Center. Talking of which, Kirsty's Glasgow Kiss were next up with 54 and then Gooner win league with 50.
Other teams worth a mention in week 8 were Champions, who finally came out of their horrible run of form to score 48, Razor's Gerrardinho cut in with 46, Towels on the bench 45, 44 was scored by both Sweaty Palms, keeping up his excellent start to the season and St Mirnoff.
The No Hopers (43), Team Chong (42), Californication (42), Nancy Lollygaggers(42) and Real Ale Madrid (42) also deserve some credit.
The week's lowest score was Keep the faith who flumped to just 4 points and a drop of 9 places.
A double banging this week for Soozie as she collected her second MoW award in week 8 for the highest 7-day score of the season, 70 points. This Sizzled her Succulent ones up the table into 2nd place. Soozie scored 14 points more than the next best side, that was Beaver Ruin, James scoring 56. New Dad Tim and 'Frank' scored their season-best with 55 for Hot Pink Center. Talking of which, Kirsty's Glasgow Kiss were next up with 54 and then Gooner win league with 50.
Other teams worth a mention in week 8 were Champions, who finally came out of their horrible run of form to score 48, Razor's Gerrardinho cut in with 46, Towels on the bench 45, 44 was scored by both Sweaty Palms, keeping up his excellent start to the season and St Mirnoff.
The No Hopers (43), Team Chong (42), Californication (42), Nancy Lollygaggers(42) and Real Ale Madrid (42) also deserve some credit.
The week's lowest score was Keep the faith who flumped to just 4 points and a drop of 9 places.
The best weekly score
Early days but here we go. The best 7 day fantasy score so far:
1. Soozie Sausage, 70 pts, week 8
2. Brian Rutter, 67 points, week 5
3= Lee Baughan, 61 points, week 3
3= Soozie Sausage, 61 points, week 3
5. Paul Kelleher, 60 points, week 3
6= Greg Foulger, 58 points, week 7
6= Chris Wright, 58 points, week 3
6= Brian Rutter, 58 points, week 3
9= James Down, 56 points, week 1
9= Richard Nathan, 56 points, week 2
9= Barry Plummer, 56 points, week 3
9= Barry Plummer, 56 points, week 5
9= James Down, 56 points, week 8
There will be a prize for the best and worst weekly score.
1. Soozie Sausage, 70 pts, week 8
2. Brian Rutter, 67 points, week 5
3= Lee Baughan, 61 points, week 3
3= Soozie Sausage, 61 points, week 3
5. Paul Kelleher, 60 points, week 3
6= Greg Foulger, 58 points, week 7
6= Chris Wright, 58 points, week 3
6= Brian Rutter, 58 points, week 3
9= James Down, 56 points, week 1
9= Richard Nathan, 56 points, week 2
9= Barry Plummer, 56 points, week 3
9= Barry Plummer, 56 points, week 5
9= James Down, 56 points, week 8
There will be a prize for the best and worst weekly score.
Bad debtors
Have you seen the debt some of (most of) the Premier League clubs are carrying? I really believe that one of these big boys is going to go bankrupt sooner rather than later. The game is leveraged by television money, an arbitrary monthly outgoing that many families will be thinking twice about. Falling television receipts will only emphasise club's considerable levels of debt, and believe me when the banks have finished sorting themselves out that debt will not be looking pretty.
So called millionaires, billionaires even are no longer such. Before the entrance of camels on the horizon Charlton very prudently paid down short-term debt, ensuring that banks will ignore us when it comes to withdrawing credit, perhaps it might have forced us into administration? Other clubs lower down the food chain will not be so lucky. How many teams will end this season with a points deduction due to forced upon administration?
We have all been forced to understand recently what leveraged money is, describing the ability to magnify potential profits by investing borrowed money. Many clubs and West Ham are sadly the greatest example are 'backed' by this 'funny money' and not real cash. That funny money is not particularly funny anymore. Add in the potential fine due to the Tevez debacle and XL going tits up plus £142 of debt and the Hammers have big problems. However they have the potential, geography, fanbase and history to find a new suitor but do Fulham (£182m in debt) and Middlesbrough (£84.6m in the red) if their current sugar daddies decide to ditch their 'investments'?
Manchester United's debt is seven times that of Bermuda. Recent figures put United's debt at £764m and the Glazer's had to pay £81 million in interest alone last year. Even a dodgy referee is not going to let them get away with that. Chelsea can't even beat Man U in the debt league! They come a close 2nd with a whopping £736m, but then they have Abramovich, who after a bad few weeks at the office is down to his last few billion. Chelsea's debt nevertheless is underwritten by Abramovich at let me see, a slightly better interest rate than those elsewhere in the Premier League.
Liverpool and Manchester United, meanwhile, were taken over or partially bought by American businessmen using a private-equity type model, borrowing heavily to buy the clubs, and then loading them up with the debt. Liverpool's debt is said to be £350m, most of which was due to be refinanced in 2009. The old Kop might well be standing for a few years yet.
The chairman of the FA, Lord Triesman touched a sore nerve among England's top clubs last week, and also I expect raised some unwelcome eyebrows in some of their banks. Some of the other Premier League club's debts are as follows:
Arsenal £318m, but nearly all tied up in the new stadium and those new flats. Oh.
Man City £103m, but soon to be wiped out by petrol dollars.
Newcastle United £69.7m, with the club on the market for £400m with Dennis Wise thrown in for nowt.
Aston Villa £63m but with a rich and seemingly well informed sugar daddy.
Bolton £43m with Eddie Davies looking to sell.
Portsmouth £41m with huge wage bills and an owner running short of money.
Sunderland £35m and big spenders.
A lot of doom and gloom and I really don't want to see a club go to the wall, especially mine or yours.
For excellent up to date news on the football economy, check out The Political Economy of Football.
So called millionaires, billionaires even are no longer such. Before the entrance of camels on the horizon Charlton very prudently paid down short-term debt, ensuring that banks will ignore us when it comes to withdrawing credit, perhaps it might have forced us into administration? Other clubs lower down the food chain will not be so lucky. How many teams will end this season with a points deduction due to forced upon administration?
We have all been forced to understand recently what leveraged money is, describing the ability to magnify potential profits by investing borrowed money. Many clubs and West Ham are sadly the greatest example are 'backed' by this 'funny money' and not real cash. That funny money is not particularly funny anymore. Add in the potential fine due to the Tevez debacle and XL going tits up plus £142 of debt and the Hammers have big problems. However they have the potential, geography, fanbase and history to find a new suitor but do Fulham (£182m in debt) and Middlesbrough (£84.6m in the red) if their current sugar daddies decide to ditch their 'investments'?
Manchester United's debt is seven times that of Bermuda. Recent figures put United's debt at £764m and the Glazer's had to pay £81 million in interest alone last year. Even a dodgy referee is not going to let them get away with that. Chelsea can't even beat Man U in the debt league! They come a close 2nd with a whopping £736m, but then they have Abramovich, who after a bad few weeks at the office is down to his last few billion. Chelsea's debt nevertheless is underwritten by Abramovich at let me see, a slightly better interest rate than those elsewhere in the Premier League.
Liverpool and Manchester United, meanwhile, were taken over or partially bought by American businessmen using a private-equity type model, borrowing heavily to buy the clubs, and then loading them up with the debt. Liverpool's debt is said to be £350m, most of which was due to be refinanced in 2009. The old Kop might well be standing for a few years yet.
The chairman of the FA, Lord Triesman touched a sore nerve among England's top clubs last week, and also I expect raised some unwelcome eyebrows in some of their banks. Some of the other Premier League club's debts are as follows:
Arsenal £318m, but nearly all tied up in the new stadium and those new flats. Oh.
Man City £103m, but soon to be wiped out by petrol dollars.
Newcastle United £69.7m, with the club on the market for £400m with Dennis Wise thrown in for nowt.
Aston Villa £63m but with a rich and seemingly well informed sugar daddy.
Bolton £43m with Eddie Davies looking to sell.
Portsmouth £41m with huge wage bills and an owner running short of money.
Sunderland £35m and big spenders.
A lot of doom and gloom and I really don't want to see a club go to the wall, especially mine or yours.
For excellent up to date news on the football economy, check out The Political Economy of Football.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Photograph of the week
Poor Chris Iwelumo. His face says it all. The ex-Addick never had a great first touch but blimey. Up there with Ronnie Rosenthal for the worst ever open goal miss.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Our man in Mexico
Greg Foulger is our man in Meck-i-co. He has wired in this latest transcript about his fantasy team and some of his challengers for the title:"World phenomenon Boys on Tour have been spotted training in the foothills of Mexico City with manager Gregory Foulger and new director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson. The altitude training would now appear to be paying dividends after a fantastic performance in Week 7 as the Boys on Tour look to build on an impressive first season. Asked about the season so far, Gregory Foulger merely replied
"yes we’re sampling the tacos, of course we share in a tequila or two in the afternoon but most of all it's about enjoying the football. Myself and Sven are looking at total football, look at the boys, just look at them. Yes, Sven and I are very handsome blonde men, and in Mexico that goes a long way. Put it this way, it's done us no harm, look at morale. My mum always said you couldn't get a good roast outside of England, myself, Sven and JT beg to disagree."
When asked about the other managers in the league, maverick Gregory Foulger replied "what do you think?", an impressive insight from the man crowned 'World's sexiest manager 2004-2008'.
Foulger did however express his disgust at the entry of Ryan Saveall "I was hoping we'd got rid of that toe rag, I personally can't stand him. Ryan and Huw Thomas represent everything that's wrong with the modern fantasy game. They're all about themselves, they're all ego. I'm the special one, i'm the most handsome and i'm by far the most talented manager."
Boys on Tour maverick Gregory Foulger then admitted to making a grave error in locating preseason training in Miami. "It was all too much for the boys, I made an error of judgement. Yes myself and Sven had a right old time but we spent a lot of the shareholders' money, team bonding with various young ladies was at times taken to an excessive level and young Jimmy Bullard went AWOL on numerous occasions. I believe that after experiencing the excesses of Miami he's now considering a transfer to Sweaty Palms, I understand their manager Lee Baughan endorses that kind of behaviour if you get my drift."
Foulger then went on to comment about the recent rumour that Thaksin Shinawatra was looking to finance a takeover of Hannoi United and make a substantial sum of money available for transfers: "Hannoi United can buy whoever they want, it doesn't mean they will have a good team. You need all things together, the alchemy of the team, the direction of an inspirational manager. They've got Read, they've got nothing. Give them as much money as you want, Hannoi will still be a mediocre team and Read will still be a little d*ck head."
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Week 7 reminder
Ok, deep breath. Hull beat Arsenal in the first of a north London one-two. Of course you all have Daniel Cousin in your teams, don't ya? Torres scored two as the Mersey Reds beat the Mersey Blues. West Ham won at the Cottage. Cole & Etheringtpn the scorers. Murphy replying from the spot. Man U beat a resilient Bolton through a dodgy Ronaldo pen and Rooney. Villa beat Sunderland 2-1.
There were a lot of 2-1's as Blackburn beat Newcastle, despite a 2nd half fight back. Samba, Santa Cruz and Micky Owen scored. West Brom won at the Riverside, Chelsea beat Stoke 2-0 thanks to Bosingwa and Anelka, whilst on the Sunday Pompey heaped more pressure on Ramos by easily winning 2-0. Old boy Defoe and Crouch got the goals and then Wigan beat Man City, ooh 2-1. Valencia for Wigan with Kompany equalising and another dodgy pen, this from Zaki.
There were a lot of 2-1's as Blackburn beat Newcastle, despite a 2nd half fight back. Samba, Santa Cruz and Micky Owen scored. West Brom won at the Riverside, Chelsea beat Stoke 2-0 thanks to Bosingwa and Anelka, whilst on the Sunday Pompey heaped more pressure on Ramos by easily winning 2-0. Old boy Defoe and Crouch got the goals and then Wigan beat Man City, ooh 2-1. Valencia for Wigan with Kompany equalising and another dodgy pen, this from Zaki.
Bazzooka
Breaking News 88888 The N&R FL League TableA new league leader. Barry Plummer despite choosing to support a rubbish football team actually knows a thing or two about his footie. Previous N&R FL champ and consistent contender, Bazza has had an excellent start to this campaign and after waiting in the aisles for the last couple of weeks with some steady scoring, 2 Infinity & beyond made their move this week and went top of the table. They knocked off a horribly out of form Goonersmoan, who drop to 4th after leading since the gun.
In 2nd move Student Ninjas after a fine week 7 and in 3rd are new boys Gooner win league. Current champ Tallywacker's Bukkake Marathon slip up and fall to 5th five points ahead of Beaver Ruin. Ready and Soozie are locked together (not for the first time) Sausages and Hannoi hand in hand on 206 pts.
Sweaty Palms are still hanging in there on 9th, joint with Torres Rosso and In Tatters are nicley placed behind them.
There were some big climbers in week 7. Bent it like Bentley jumped 12 places as did Elland (Glad) Back, Gerrardinho moved up 14 spots and Team GB hurdled 12 other managers.
At the bottom the Champions are now 30 points adrift of Curbishley is s**t. At what points does Mark change his game plan? Another big surprise is seeing Ben Graves Dangleberry Rovers down there level with Megan & Hannah's Bears, which is er, not a surprise!
Mexican wave
Breaking News 88888 Week 7 scoresAh the man from Mexico with love. I wondered when he would finally get into gear this season. Greg's Boys on tour started like a bat out of hell last season, this time it has been a lot more, well Mexican. Greg took the MoW in week 7 with a score of 58 ans climbed an incedible 22 places. Next up was Bent it like Bentley, and even with both of those players in Dewbs' team, he still managed 56 points.
Following these two were Student Ninjas and Elland (Glad) Back with 53. Chris pushing himself into 2nd place and Rob upto 14th. New leader 2Infinity & beyond scored a half century, one more than another early challenger Torres Rosso. Plaudits to Soozies Succulent Sizzlers, who had a banger of a week (allegedly) by scoring 47, the same as Razor whose Gerrardinho surged 13 places.
Gooner win League and Team GB both fired a 45 and Towels on the bench, Guinness & eggs, St Mirnoff and Cyril Smith each knocked up 44.
The lowest weekly score was a shocker. Rutt's Goonersmoan who after leading the way for each of the previous 6 weeks, suddenly slumped to 4th after scoring just 9 points.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Hull City
You got to give it to Hull City haven't you? Up until this season and for 103 years Hull was the largest English city never the have had a team play in the countries top tier. Now, I'm not a great lover of Hull, it's bloody grim up there but credit where credit's due those northern monkeys must be on cloud nine at the moment.
Just 10 years ago Hull just managed to avoid relegation from the old fourth division to the conference. In 2000 under Brian Little they had the baliffs close their old ground Boothferry Park with bankruptcy seemingly around the corner. In 2001 a takeover by former Leeds director Adam Pearson settled the ship and he ploughed considerable money into the club. Brian Little was sacked and replaced by Jan Molby, a big name and a big belly. He was the hot ticket that Pearson wanted but after just a few months with City struggling in Division 3, he was sacked and replaced by Peter Taylor, who had left Brighton bemoaning financial constraints. Hull had a bit of money.
Taylor took the helm just as the Tigers moved out of the dreary Boothferry Park and into the KC Stadium (named after sponsors Kingston Communications). The next season Taylor got Hull promoted from the old Div 3 to the old Div 2 (now League One) finishing 2nd. Then Taylor did it again with another runners up spot to take Hull into the Championship for the first time since 1990.
Taylor achieved stability in his first season in the Championship and finished 18th, then Taylor made a mistake he will live to regret - he buggered off to Crystal Palace. the now Charlton assistant manager Phil Parkinson took over, spent a lot of money but struggled. Pearson showed again he would not accept failure and sacked Parkinson.
But this time he erred away from choosing a big name and persuaded Phil Brown to leave Big Sam's side at Bolton and take his first management job. This was in December 2006. Brown brought back ex-player Dean Windass and together they kept Hull up.
Last summer in a move that has been a huge factor in Hull's success, Brown brought in ex-manager Brian Horton as his number two and last season against the odds they made the play-offs and won promotion. Also last summer Adam Pearson, who had done so much for the club and community decided to sell up to Paul Duffen, who had made his money in the media.
Hull was the 3rd club that Duffen and his consortium tried to buy after West Ham and Cardiff. Duffen plays a much more behind the scenes role than Pearson did, but he sat and watched Hull win the play-off's at Wembley and has backed Phil Brown with a fair bit of cash this season, although what they have achieved so far deserves serious credit.
And where did Adam Pearson go? To take over Derby County last autumn, the team that went down with record points, and had their place taken by.... Hull City of course!
Interesting fact: Hull already have 3 more points than Derby got during the whole of last season.
Just 10 years ago Hull just managed to avoid relegation from the old fourth division to the conference. In 2000 under Brian Little they had the baliffs close their old ground Boothferry Park with bankruptcy seemingly around the corner. In 2001 a takeover by former Leeds director Adam Pearson settled the ship and he ploughed considerable money into the club. Brian Little was sacked and replaced by Jan Molby, a big name and a big belly. He was the hot ticket that Pearson wanted but after just a few months with City struggling in Division 3, he was sacked and replaced by Peter Taylor, who had left Brighton bemoaning financial constraints. Hull had a bit of money.
Taylor took the helm just as the Tigers moved out of the dreary Boothferry Park and into the KC Stadium (named after sponsors Kingston Communications). The next season Taylor got Hull promoted from the old Div 3 to the old Div 2 (now League One) finishing 2nd. Then Taylor did it again with another runners up spot to take Hull into the Championship for the first time since 1990.
Taylor achieved stability in his first season in the Championship and finished 18th, then Taylor made a mistake he will live to regret - he buggered off to Crystal Palace. the now Charlton assistant manager Phil Parkinson took over, spent a lot of money but struggled. Pearson showed again he would not accept failure and sacked Parkinson.
But this time he erred away from choosing a big name and persuaded Phil Brown to leave Big Sam's side at Bolton and take his first management job. This was in December 2006. Brown brought back ex-player Dean Windass and together they kept Hull up.
Last summer in a move that has been a huge factor in Hull's success, Brown brought in ex-manager Brian Horton as his number two and last season against the odds they made the play-offs and won promotion. Also last summer Adam Pearson, who had done so much for the club and community decided to sell up to Paul Duffen, who had made his money in the media.
Hull was the 3rd club that Duffen and his consortium tried to buy after West Ham and Cardiff. Duffen plays a much more behind the scenes role than Pearson did, but he sat and watched Hull win the play-off's at Wembley and has backed Phil Brown with a fair bit of cash this season, although what they have achieved so far deserves serious credit.
And where did Adam Pearson go? To take over Derby County last autumn, the team that went down with record points, and had their place taken by.... Hull City of course!
Interesting fact: Hull already have 3 more points than Derby got during the whole of last season.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Rod Liddle says
Another thought provoking article in the Sunday Times from Rod Liddle on crowd abuse at football matches. For the full article click here.
"The Sol Campbell song is impossible to defend; but then an awful lot of football chants are difficult to defend. They have become nastier and more personal of late and we could argue all year about why. Perhaps we are much nastier people these days; or the gulf between players and supporters has become so grotesque the players are no longer viewed as anything other than fair game for an unlimited level of abuse. We pay their obscene wages; they repay us with a total and utter lack of loyalty, so they get what they deserve. Maybe it’s both of these things."
"The Sol Campbell song is impossible to defend; but then an awful lot of football chants are difficult to defend. They have become nastier and more personal of late and we could argue all year about why. Perhaps we are much nastier people these days; or the gulf between players and supporters has become so grotesque the players are no longer viewed as anything other than fair game for an unlimited level of abuse. We pay their obscene wages; they repay us with a total and utter lack of loyalty, so they get what they deserve. Maybe it’s both of these things."
Photograph of the week
With apologies to my mate Keith. Tottenham are without a win now in seven matches, their worst start to a season since 1912, the year the Titanic sank, Herbert Asquith was Prime Minister, Scott was in the South Pole and Barnsley won the FA Cup. Whatever happened to that nice chap Martin Jol?
Road to Wembley - Happiness isn't a team called Hamlet
Hendon are through to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup after seeing off our one-round wonders Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 in a replay at Harrow Borough FC last week. The first game at Champion Hill ended 2-2 in front of 353 people.In this game Hamlet found themselves a goal and a man down but put in a stunning second half display that almost snatched an improbably victory. NOEL and CUMBERBATCH scoring the goals earning a replay.
Goals from Dave Diedhiou and Harry Hunt gave the Greens a 2-0 lead at half-time in a game held at Harrow Borough, before the NOEL pulled one back after the break for Hamlet.
Hendon will now host AFC Telford of the Blue Square North Div on October 11. The match will be played at Wembley FC. Hendon are currently homeless after their home for 80 years at Claremont Road in Brent Cross was shut. Hendon, who are owned by a supporters trust have been playing home games "wherever they can," and their future is in serious doubt.
The crowd for the Hamlet replay for a game that was played at Harrow was just 139, the lowest of the season. More on the plight of Hendon soon.
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