***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[CletiusMaximus]

Chelsea draws Southampton 2-2 at home. 1 win in the last 8 home games for Chelski.

Rafa has been a total disaster. The owner is getting what he deserves imo.

 

[Sebowski]

Chelsea draws Southampton 2-2 at home. 1 win in the last 8 home games for Chelski.

Rafa has been a total disaster. The owner is getting what he deserves imo.

They are just as disappointed as Mourhino has been, and in Russian 2 wrongs make a right. This gets done within 12hrs of seasons' end.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Barcelona sucked today.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Superdraft today.

I saw a handful of college games this year (on TV) and was impressed with the number of guys who looked MLS-ready, especially on the attacking end of things (seems easier to fill the defensive slots with good atheltes... looking at you Wynne). Lots of soccer-smart, highly skilled creative guys out there.

Draft is tomorrow at noon eastern. Streamed on YouTube, espn3.com and mlssoccer.comhttp://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/2013

I am less excited about this draft than normal as so many home grown players were signed this year from the academies (which is great), and they are no longer available to be drafted.

I hear you on that- but I don't remember watching college games and seeing this many quality creative attacking guys. That makes it more interesting to me.

Good to hear as my Revs just traded the number 4 pick and allocation money to Toronto for the #1 pick.

 

[NewlyRetired]

More pre draft moves* The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday that the club has acquired Jeff Larentowicz and the 30th selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for the Fire’s 11th pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, allocation money and a 2013 international slot. Per team and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.* Portland traded the rights to Robbie Findley to RSL in exchange for allocation money and RSL signed Findley to a deal* The Revs are not announcing who they are drafting after getting the number pick until the draft tomorrow. Everyone is mocking that they will take Andrew Farrell. Here is what Ives tweetedIves Galarcep ‏@SoccerByIvesWho do Revs take No. 1? I would bet on Farrell. Had one well-respected MLS coach tell me last night Farrell's best player in draft in yearsIves Galarcep ‏@SoccerByIvesWould project that about 70% of MLS teams would take Farrell No. 1, 20% would take Zimmerman. 5% Bekker. And then there's Chivas USA.

 

[NewlyRetired]

* Zach Pfeffer (on loan from the Union) has started to play with Hoffenheim's U19 team and already has 2 goals in his first two games

In his 3rd game with the U19's he bagged 4 more goals. That is a nice way to introduce yourself to a new team with your first 3 games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like Cherundolo has picked up a knee injury and will be out of action for a little while.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Chelsea draws Southampton 2-2 at home. 1 win in the last 8 home games for Chelski.

Rafa has been a total disaster. The owner is getting what he deserves imo.

They are just as disappointed as Mourhino has been, and in Russian 2 wrongs make a right. This gets done within 12hrs of seasons' end.

I expect to see Mourhino in Leverkusen by week's end. He's obsessed with Pep.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

....aaaand GolTV gone from Comcast. It was a good run, Gol.

 

[The Z Machine]

gee, I wonder why this obvious concern was swept under the rug when it mattered during the voting process? God I hate Blatter. I would normally be so happy that he is stepping down in 2015 but with Plantini waiting behind him, things are not going to get any better.

LONDON (AP) -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter has raised fresh doubts about the safety of playing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during summer.There have been growing calls to move the tournament to the winter to avoid the sweltering desert heat that is expected to exceed 104 degrees in June and July. UEFA President Michel Platini is one of those requesting the switch.

The heat won't be a problem though, because of those two dozen domed, air conditioned stadiums the Qatari will have built by 2022. Right?Personally, I hope FIFA goes on pretending that this Qatar farce is actually happening for as long as possible. The later they admit that it's simply not going to work, the more likely it is to end up in the one country most prepared to host a cup on zero notice.

Germany?

 

[NewlyRetired]

gee, I wonder why this obvious concern was swept under the rug when it mattered during the voting process? God I hate Blatter. I would normally be so happy that he is stepping down in 2015 but with Plantini waiting behind him, things are not going to get any better.

LONDON (AP) -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter has raised fresh doubts about the safety of playing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during summer.There have been growing calls to move the tournament to the winter to avoid the sweltering desert heat that is expected to exceed 104 degrees in June and July. UEFA President Michel Platini is one of those requesting the switch.

The heat won't be a problem though, because of those two dozen domed, air conditioned stadiums the Qatari will have built by 2022. Right?Personally, I hope FIFA goes on pretending that this Qatar farce is actually happening for as long as possible. The later they admit that it's simply not going to work, the more likely it is to end up in the one country most prepared to host a cup on zero notice.

Germany?

Germany, England, and US are the only 3 countries I can think of that could pull something like this off with say just one years notice. I don't know enough about Spain's infrastructure to know if they would need more lead time or not.A few other countries could pull it off if they combined with another country too.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The Superdraft starts at noon today. Here are some mock drafts, although a couple do not yet account for the trade yesterday between NE and Toronto flipping this 1st and 4th pickshttp://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/2013/news/article/2013/01/16/final-mock-draft-see-how-mlssoccercom-editors-pick-emhttp://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/01/the-final-2013-sbi-mls-mock-draft.htmlhttp://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/1/15/3878036/mock-mls-superdraft-2013-andrew-farrellhttp://www.socceramerica.com/article/49981/2013-mock-draft-first-round.html

 

[NewlyRetired]

Between this and the likely sell of the stadium naming rights after the Livestrong debacle is going to bring even more revenue to the greatest turn around (from business aspect) in US Soccer history.

Sporting KC To Announce First Jersey Sponsorship In Club HistoryBy Christopher Botta, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness JournalPublished January 17, 2013 It is expected that Sporting KC will announce the first jersey sponsorship in the club's 16-year history today during the MLS SuperDraft. According to a source, the deal with K.C.-based financial institution Ivy Funds is expected to be a five-year agreement. In October, the club said the valuation of a deal for sponsorship of its jersey was $2.5M annually. Financial data for the deal was not available and is not expected to be announced.

 

[NewlyRetired]

When did Louisville start to have a decent soccer program? I just noticed that the likely number 1 pick, Andrew Farrell, and last years MLS Rookie of the Year, Austin Berry both came out of the Louisville program.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the roster Tab Ramos has chosen for the last camp that will lead into the Concacaf U20 Championship next month, from which 4 teams will emerge to qualify for the U20 World Cup. There is a lot of nervousness for two reasons. 1) the youth programs have had some rough results in qualifying recently and that needs to change2) Two likely starting defenders are out with injury in Walker Zimmerman(who should be a top 5 pick today in the MLS draft) and Will Packwood, who plays for Birmingham City

Camp to Take Place in Same City as 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship; All Players Age-Eligible for 2013 FIFA U-20 World CupCHICAGO (Jan. 11, 2013) – U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team head coach Tab Ramos has called 20 players for a week-long training camp from Jan. 14-22 in Puebla, Mexico.During the camp, the U.S. will face Panama twice in closed-door matches on Saturday, Jan. 19, and on Monday, Jan. 21.Puebla is the site of the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, in which the team will be competing Feb. 18-March 3. The event serves as the qualifying tournament for the CONCACAF region and will determine the four regional berths to the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.At the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, the U.S. will face Costa Rica and Haiti in Group A, while Canada, Nicaragua and Cuba make up Group B. Group C is comprised of Jamaica, Panama and Puerto Rico, while Mexico, El Salvador and Curaçao make up Group D.U.S. U-20 MNT Roster By Position: GOALKEEPERS (2): Jon Kempin (Sporting Kansas City; Overland Park, Kan.), Kendall McIntosh (Santa Clara; Santa Rosa, Calif.) DEFENDERS (7): Mikey Ambrose (Maryland; Frisco, Texas), Eric Miller (Creighton; Woodbury, Minn.), Juan Pablo Ocegueda (Unattached; Riverside, Calif.), Boyd Okwuonu (North Carolina; Edmund, Okla.), Shane O’Neill (Colorado Rapids; Boulder, Colo.), Oscar Sorto (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Javan Torre (UCLA; Santa Monica, Calif.) MIDFIELDERS (5): Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake; Garden Grove, Calif.), Alejandro Guido (Club Tijuana; Chula Vista, Calif.), Mikey Lopez (North Carolina; Mission, Texas), Daniel Metzger (Maryland; Holmdel, N.J.), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew; Gahanna, Ohio) FORWARDS (6): Brandon Allen (Georgetown; Old Bridge, N.J.), Daniel Cuevas (Santos Laguna; Sacramento, Calif.), Daniel Garcia (North Carolina; Dallas, Texas), Darius Madison (Virginia; Philadelphia, Pa.), Jonathan Top (FC Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas) Jose Villarreal (LA Galaxy; Inglewood, Calif.)Additional roster notes:Seventeen players have ties to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy as former players. Only one, Oscar Sorto, is still registered with the LA Galaxy Academy team.Sixteen of the players on the roster were part of the previous U.S. U-20 MNT training camp in Florida, in which the U.S. defeated Venezuela 4-0 at FIU Soccer Complex in Miami, Fla.Nine players ply their trade in the professional ranks, including Daniel Cuevas (Santos Laguna) and Alejandro Guido (Club Tijuana) who play in Mexico. The remaining seven play in Major League Soccer: Gil (Real Salt Lake), Jon Kempin (Sporting Kansas City), Shane O’Neill (Colorado Rapids), Oscar Sorto (LA Galaxy), Jonathan Top (FC Dallas), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew) and Jose Villarreal (LA Galaxy).Cuevas and Mikey Lopez lead the roster with 17 caps apiece.Four players on the roster were born in 1994. The remaining 16 were born in 1993.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Short YouTube interview with Holden after his return

 

[NewlyRetired]

Suarez: United control mediaJanuary 16, 2013By Mike WhalleyLiverpool striker Luis Suarez has claimed that he receives unfair criticism - declaring that Manchester United control the British media.Suarez has admitted he 'invented' a foul during a Premier League match against Stoke earlier this season, but believes he was treated unfairly over his controversial FA Cup goal against Mansfield.The striker scored what turned out to be the winning goal against the non-league side after handling the ball. And in a television interview with Fox Sports Argentina, the Uruguay international has hit out at his critics.He claimed: "Manchester United controls the media, they are powerful and the media will always help them."Suarez insists that his handball against Mansfield was accidental, although he admitted to trying to win a penalty against Stoke.He said: "I don't listen all the nonsense some people say about me. I'm accused of cheating here. People say I throw myself all the time inside the box."Let's see: they said that when we played against Stoke, for instance, and in that case they were right. I invented a foul because we were drawing 1-1 against Stoke and I wanted to win."Sometimes on the pitch I say to myself: 'What have I done?' But the name of Suarez sells papers."The other day, for instance, I touched the ball with my hand accidentally, and I was criticised because I kissed my hand."The media make up a lot of things about me because they want to sell papers. I say to the media: You should talk more about football, not about other stuff."Suarez claims that the media treat South American players such as himself, and Manchester City's Argentinian forwards Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, with a lack of respect.He added: "When someone comes and says to me something bad about being a South American, I don't cry, because that happens inside the pitch."I have my conscience clean. But as I have said: Manchester United controls the media, they are powerful and the media will always help them."I can help Liverpool today. We are united and we can play well. Liverpool doesn't depend on me. "It's complicated to play here in England. As Carlitos (Tevez) and Kun (Aguero) have said, it's complicated for a South American footballer to be here as we are treated differently to the local footballers."But they have their culture, they are like this, you know. I have to play football, which is what I always wanted, but I have suffered a lot for being a footballer."

 

[NewlyRetired]

As expected Andrew Farrel, the defender from Louisville went at the first pick to NE. In his interview he said that the Revs are expecting him to play either RB or CB. He appears to be a very versatile player and I am looking forward to watching him develop. He is 20.Pick 2 was Carlos Alverez from UCONN going to Chivas USA who are said to only want to pick Mexican Americans again.Pick 3 was Kyle Becker, a Canadian, to TorontoThe Timbers have cut ties with DP Chris Boyd by buying him out of his contract and opening up the DP slot for this season.

 

[The Z Machine]

gee, I wonder why this obvious concern was swept under the rug when it mattered during the voting process? God I hate Blatter. I would normally be so happy that he is stepping down in 2015 but with Plantini waiting behind him, things are not going to get any better.

LONDON (AP) -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter has raised fresh doubts about the safety of playing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during summer.There have been growing calls to move the tournament to the winter to avoid the sweltering desert heat that is expected to exceed 104 degrees in June and July. UEFA President Michel Platini is one of those requesting the switch.

The heat won't be a problem though, because of those two dozen domed, air conditioned stadiums the Qatari will have built by 2022. Right?Personally, I hope FIFA goes on pretending that this Qatar farce is actually happening for as long as possible. The later they admit that it's simply not going to work, the more likely it is to end up in the one country most prepared to host a cup on zero notice.

Germany?

Germany, England, and US are the only 3 countries I can think of that could pull something like this off with say just one years notice. I don't know enough about Spain's infrastructure to know if they would need more lead time or not.A few other countries could pull it off if they combined with another country too.

I think that France and Spain could do it, but it would be harder than the 3 you identified. I was just busting your balls.

 

[NewlyRetired]

gee, I wonder why this obvious concern was swept under the rug when it mattered during the voting process? God I hate Blatter. I would normally be so happy that he is stepping down in 2015 but with Plantini waiting behind him, things are not going to get any better.

LONDON (AP) -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter has raised fresh doubts about the safety of playing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during summer.

There have been growing calls to move the tournament to the winter to avoid the sweltering desert heat that is expected to exceed 104 degrees in June and July. UEFA President Michel Platini is one of those requesting the switch.

The heat won't be a problem though, because of those two dozen domed, air conditioned stadiums the Qatari will have built by 2022. Right?Personally, I hope FIFA goes on pretending that this Qatar farce is actually happening for as long as possible. The later they admit that it's simply not going to work, the more likely it is to end up in the one country most prepared to host a cup on zero notice.

Germany?

Germany, England, and US are the only 3 countries I can think of that could pull something like this off with say just one years notice. I don't know enough about Spain's infrastructure to know if they would need more lead time or not.A few other countries could pull it off if they combined with another country too.

I think that France and Spain could do it, but it would be harder than the 3 you identified. I was just busting your balls.

You were responding to CBusAlex, not me.

 

[El Floppo]

As expected Andrew Farrel, the defender from Louisville went at the first pick to NE. In his interview he said that the Revs are expecting him to play either RB or CB. He appears to be a very versatile player and I am looking forward to watching him develop. He is 20.Pick 2 was Carlos Alverez from UCONN going to Chivas USA who are said to only want to pick Mexican Americans again.Pick 3 was Kyle Becker, a Canadian, to TorontoThe Timbers have cut ties with DP Chris Boyd by buying him out of his contract and opening up the DP slot for this season.

Front end of the draft going with lots of MFs and Fs which reflects the little I saw of college soccer this year.

 

[NewlyRetired]

As expected Andrew Farrel, the defender from Louisville went at the first pick to NE. In his interview he said that the Revs are expecting him to play either RB or CB. He appears to be a very versatile player and I am looking forward to watching him develop. He is 20.Pick 2 was Carlos Alverez from UCONN going to Chivas USA who are said to only want to pick Mexican Americans again.Pick 3 was Kyle Becker, a Canadian, to TorontoThe Timbers have cut ties with DP Chris Boyd by buying him out of his contract and opening up the DP slot for this season.

Front end of the draft going with lots of MFs and Fs which reflects the little I saw of college soccer this year.

My favorite pick of the day was KC landing UNC's Mikey Lopez way down at number 14. That is a great spot to land a generation Adidas player and since he won't count against the cap, he is going to provide some depth to that already talented squad.

 

[Mjolnirs]

The second half of the Bundesliga season starts back up on Friday.The current table:

 1. Bayern München		13-3- 1	44:7	42 Still playing in Champions League 2. Bayer Leverkusen		10-3- 4	33:22	33 Still playing in Europa League 3. Borussia Dortmund		 8-6- 3	35:20	30 Still playing in Champions League 4. Eintracht Frankfurt		 9-3- 5	33:27	30 5. SC Freiburg			 7-5- 5	24:18	26 6. FSV Mainz 05		 8-2- 7	24:21	26 7. Schalke 04			 7-4- 6	27:25	25 Still playing in Champions League 8. Borussia Mönchengladbach	 6-7- 4	25:26	25 Still playing in Europa League 9. VfB Stuttgart		 7-4- 6	21:28	25 Still playing in Europa League10. Hamburger SV		 7-3- 7	18:21	2411. Hannover 96			 7-2- 8	32:31	23 Still playing in Europa League12. Werder Bremen		 6-4- 7	28:29	2213. Fortuna Düsseldorf		 5-6- 6	20:22	2114. 1. FC Nürnberg		 5-5- 7	17:22	2015. VfL Wolfsburg		 5-4- 8	17:27	1916. 1899 Hoffenheim		 3-3-11	23:41	1217. FC Augsburg			 1-6-10	12:29	 918. SpVgg Greuther Fürth	 1-6-10	11:28	 9Teams 1,2 and 3 qualify for Champions League group stageTeam 4 qualifies to CL playoff roundTeam 5 qualifies to Europa League playoff roundTeams 6 and 7 qualify to EL third qualifying roundTeams 17 and 18 relegation to BL2Team 16 plays a home and home relegation/promotion series with #3 in BL2.

On Gol TV live this weekend (eastern times):Friday 2:30pm - Hannover v SchalkeSaturday 9:30am - Fürth v BayernSaturday 12:30pm - Dortmund v BremenSunday 9:30am - Hamburger v NürnbergSunday 11:30 - Augsburg v Düsseldorf

 

[NewlyRetired]

Latest US player rankings are out. Big Omar continues his slow and steady push up the charts. The next month is going to be big for his future.http://www.americansoccernow.com/asn_100

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Pour one out for Fox Soccerhttp://m.deadline.com/2013/01/fox-soccer-channel-eyes-relaunch-as-fx-sister-channel-targeting-younger-viewers/

 

[NewlyRetired]

Pour one out for Fox Soccerhttp://m.deadline.com/2013/01/fox-soccer-channel-eyes-relaunch-as-fx-sister-channel-targeting-younger-viewers/

Yeah, the LA Times broke that story last week. We have long talked about FSC getting rebranded but many assumed it would be into a Fox Sports 3. Fox probably does not have enough content for 3 channels though so combining Champions League/FA Cup with UFC on Fox Sports 1 would be a good start. Fox Soccer, Speed and Fuel TV are all likely to rebrand in the next 12 months.

 

[Ursa M]

Captain, legend, hoarder.. Wouldn't you just, John.

which one were you wearing when you shagged bridge's mrs?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Goal.com reporting that Lampard's headed to the Galaxy this summer.Valdes says he's not going to renew with Barca, who are apparently eyeing De Gea to replace him. Urg.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Also, I love Thiago.

 

[El Floppo]

Pour one out for Fox Soccerhttp://m.deadline.com/2013/01/fox-soccer-channel-eyes-relaunch-as-fx-sister-channel-targeting-younger-viewers/

Yeah, the LA Times broke that story last week. We have long talked about FSC getting rebranded but many assumed it would be into a Fox Sports 3. Fox probably does not have enough content for 3 channels though so combining Champions League/FA Cup with UFC on Fox Sports 1 would be a good start. Fox Soccer, Speed and Fuel TV are all likely to rebrand in the next 12 months.

Damn. They really just atarted to find their foting too. I enjoy Barton and the gang on Match Day. Even the news hour has gotten bettwr. Maybe that programming stays?

 

[Slapdash]

Valdes says he's not going to renew with Barca, who are apparently eyeing De Gea to replace him. Urg.

Not really bad news, but he still has another year and a half left.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Maurice Edu has been loaned to Turkish club Bursaspor. Freddy Adu will not be joining the Union when camp starts. Could this be the end?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Goal.com reporting that Lampard's headed to the Galaxy this summer.

Anything concrete or is this just the same rumor we have heard the last month?

 

[The Gator]

QPR gif

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Goal.com reporting that Lampard's headed to the Galaxy this summer.

Anything concrete or is this just the same rumor we have heard the last month?

Goal's reporter doesn't name his source:http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/69/transfer-zone/2013/01/17/3680485/source-frank-lampard-to-la-galaxy-a-done-deal

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Valdes says he's not going to renew with Barca, who are apparently eyeing De Gea to replace him. Urg.

Not really bad news, but he still has another year and a half left.

I think they're planning on moving him this summer, so they get something for him. I haven't caught enough Man U games this year, how has De Gea looked overall? I know the defense in front of him has been a bit rickety. Stekelenburg is another possibility.

 

[CBusAlex]

Pour one out for Fox Soccerhttp://m.deadline.com/2013/01/fox-soccer-channel-eyes-relaunch-as-fx-sister-channel-targeting-younger-viewers/

According to sources, the FX offshoot, dubbed FXX, would be geared towards younger viewers with an emphasis on comedy

Meh, I'll wait on FXXX.

 

[GoFishTN]

Chelsea draws Southampton 2-2 at home. 1 win in the last 8 home games for Chelski.

Good point for Southampton. They might just stay up yet.

And then they do this:Southampton: Nigel Adkins sacked, Mauricio Pochettino in

 

[NewlyRetired]

African Cup of Nations starts tomorrow. Every game of the tournament will be shown on ESPN3.com and the WatchESPN appHere is the complete schedule on ESPN3/Watch ESPN app.2013 Africa Cup of Nations1/19 11:00 AM EST South Africa vs. Cape Verde1/19 2:00 PM EST Angola vs. Morocco1/20 10:00 AM EST Ghana vs. Congo Dr1/20 1:00 PM EST Mali vs. Niger1/21 10:00 AM EST Zambia vs. Ethiopia1/21 1:00 PM EST Nigeria vs. Burkina Faso1/22 10:00 AM EST Cote D’Ivoire vs. Togo1/22 1:00 PM EST Tunisia vs. Algeria1/23 10:00 AM EST South Africa vs. Angola1/23 1:00 PM EST Morocco vs. Cape Verde1/24 10:00 AM EST Ghana vs. Mali1/24 1:00 PM EST Niger vs. Congo Dr1/25 10:00 AM EST Zambia vs. Nigeria1/25 1:00 PM EST Burkina Faso vs. Ethiopia1/26 10:00 AM EST Cote D’Ivoire vs. Tunisia1/26 1:00 PM EST Algeria vs. Togo1/27 12:00 PM EST Cape Verde vs. Angola1/27 12:00 PM EST Morocco vs. South Africa1/28 12:00 PM EST Niger vs. Ghana1/28 12:00 PM EST Congo Dr vs. Mali1/29 12:00 PM EST Ethiopia vs. Nigeria1/29 12:00 PM EST Burkina Faso vs. Zambia1/30 12:00 PM EST Algeria vs. Cote D’Ivoire1/30 12:00 PM EST Togo vs. Tunisia2/02 10:00 AM EST Africa Cup of Nations (Quarterfinal)2/02 1:30 PM EST Africa Cup of Nations (Quarterfinal)2/03 10:00 AM EST Africa Cup of Nations (Quarterfinal)2/03 1:30 PM EST Africa Cup of Nations (Quarterfinal)2/06 10:00 AM EST Africa Cup of Nations (Semifinal)2/06 1:30 PM EST Africa Cup of Nations (Semifinal)2/09 1:00 PM EST Africa Cup of Nations (3rd Place)2/10 1:00 PM EST Africa Cup of Nations (Final)

 

[Ursa M]

Valdes says he's not going to renew with Barca, who are apparently eyeing De Gea to replace him. Urg.

Not really bad news, but he still has another year and a half left.

I think they're planning on moving him this summer, so they get something for him. I haven't caught enough Man U games this year, how has De Gea looked overall? I know the defense in front of him has been a bit rickety. Stekelenburg is another possibility.

De Gea hasn't exactly been Peter Schmeichel but he's a good shotstopper (see caveat below). He doesn't dominate his area enough and recently has shown a tendency to parry shots into danger areas rather than diverting past the post. He is a good EPL level keeper but by no means outstanding, IMO.

 

[El Floppo]

Valdes says he's not going to renew with Barca, who are apparently eyeing De Gea to replace him. Urg.

Not really bad news, but he still has another year and a half left.

I think they're planning on moving him this summer, so they get something for him. I haven't caught enough Man U games this year, how has De Gea looked overall? I know the defense in front of him has been a bit rickety. Stekelenburg is another possibility.

De Gea hasn't exactly been Peter Schmeichel but he's a good shotstopper (see caveat below). He doesn't dominate his area enough and recently has shown a tendency to parry shots into danger areas rather than diverting past the post. He is a good EPL level keeper but by no means outstanding, IMO.

Totally. He reminds me a lot of Howard when he played for United. Great reflexes on shots, but poor judgement and/or ability on sharply driven balls into the box from the wings. Howard has improved a lot with age and experience... De Gea is still pretty young, right?

 

[Sebowski]

Twellman Twitter (as seen on ESPNFC)

TaylorTwellman Taylor TwellmanStoke and FC Dallas have come to terms for the sale of Brek Shea. Pending on 2 days of physical testing he will be sold to EPL. $3.5m range

Wow. Didn't see that coming.

 

[Sebowski]

Also, Walcott signs a 3yr extension for 100,000 a week.

 

[Christo]

QPR gif

Whatever it takes, #####es.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

So Southampton sacked the guy that's gotten them promoted (twice?), in favor of the guy who cratered Espanyol this year?

 

[El Floppo]

Twellman Twitter (as seen on ESPNFC)

TaylorTwellman Taylor TwellmanStoke and FC Dallas have come to terms for the sale of Brek Shea. Pending on 2 days of physical testing he will be sold to EPL. $3.5m range

Wow. Didn't see that coming.

Wow

 

[Good Posting Judge]

How does Shea fit into the "Stoke system"?

 

[Ursa M]

Valdes says he's not going to renew with Barca, who are apparently eyeing De Gea to replace him. Urg.

Not really bad news, but he still has another year and a half left.

I think they're planning on moving him this summer, so they get something for him. I haven't caught enough Man U games this year, how has De Gea looked overall? I know the defense in front of him has been a bit rickety. Stekelenburg is another possibility.

De Gea hasn't exactly been Peter Schmeichel but he's a good shotstopper (see caveat below). He doesn't dominate his area enough and recently has shown a tendency to parry shots into danger areas rather than diverting past the post. He is a good EPL level keeper but by no means outstanding, IMO.

Totally. He reminds me a lot of Howard when he played for United. Great reflexes on shots, but poor judgement and/or ability on sharply driven balls into the box from the wings. Howard has improved a lot with age and experience... De Gea is still pretty young, right?

Yes, he's only 22, so he has a ton of headroom yet.

 

[GoFishTN]

So Southampton sacked the guy that's gotten them promoted (twice?), in favor of the guy who cratered Espanyol this year?

Pretty much. Supposedly Adkins and the chairman had not spoken since Christmas.

 

[The Gator]

So Southampton sacked the guy that's gotten them promoted (twice?), in favor of the guy who cratered Espanyol this year?

Pretty much. Supposedly Adkins and the chairman had not spoken since Christmas.

a lot of talk about this today on the radio. Most of the "experts" said that he was always going to be fired. The board/owner thought he was the guy to get them promoted, but would not have the clout to keep them up. The timing and the subsequent manager are what bother people. The thought was that the board wanted Adkins out before the January window so they could bring on a guy who had connections to use in the transfer market.