***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

[Autumn Wind]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.

At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.

I wanted to get into the EPL, but I knew I needed a rooting interest. So I found a team that fits the "type" of team I was looking for. For example, I didn't want ManU, the "Yankees" of the EPL. I didn't want boring, defensive teams, or teams that aren't managed well. I also didn't want a team that couldn't realistically compete in the future. (which in the EPL leaves you with 5-6 teams)

I found the team (thanks mostly to help on this forum), immersed myself in learning about them through video games, message boards, and the website, and began watching all their games.

As crazy as it is, I feel like I have a pretty good attachment to Liverpool now. Obviously not at the level anywhere close to fans who live in Liverpool, have been to many games, or fans that have followed the team for many years. But hey, gotta make the plunge sometime!

Yeah I've been taking a similar route. I was able to eliminate a bunch of teams right off the bat for various reasons, as they were either Evil Empire types or true bottom feeders. At the end of the day I would like a squad that's stable and entertaining to watch. I don't need a perennial top 4 contender, but I also don't want yearly relegation battles. I know I'd be taking a chance with Swansea, given that as recently as 10 years ago they were in the bottom tier, but they have the feel of a team with some mojo right now.

Liverpool is attractive to me partially because of their history (their chant made it into a Pink Floyd song, which is pretty damn cool), and because they're a safer pick for someone who has been through the ringer with Oakland. I also wouldn't feel like quite as much of a frontrunner as I would with Man U/Man City or Chelsea.

 

[Autumn Wind]

Swansea has a huge American support vase. Apparently. They had the highest rated games of all the EPL last year. But, I know what you mean. I never see a Swansea fan anywhere ever. I guess the Welsh are mostly homebodies?

Looking just at things like internet groups (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), I haven't found support on nearly the same scale as Man U, Arsenal, or even Everton. Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong places.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Swansea has a huge American support vase. Apparently. They had the highest rated games of all the EPL last year. But, I know what you mean. I never see a Swansea fan anywhere ever. I guess the Welsh are mostly homebodies?

I might be mistaken but I think (?) that was a one off rating, not a series of good ratings and was more likely due to the unique nature of that specific game that attracted even casual EPL fans.

 

[The Gator]

Swansea has a huge American support vase. Apparently. They had the highest rated games of all the EPL last year. But, I know what you mean. I never see a Swansea fan anywhere ever. I guess the Welsh are mostly homebodies?

I might be mistaken but I think (?) that was a one off rating, not a series of good ratings and was more likely due to the unique nature of that specific game that attracted even casual EPL fans.

Yeah, it was the Cardiff game iirc

 

[shader]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.

At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.

I wanted to get into the EPL, but I knew I needed a rooting interest. So I found a team that fits the "type" of team I was looking for. For example, I didn't want ManU, the "Yankees" of the EPL. I didn't want boring, defensive teams, or teams that aren't managed well. I also didn't want a team that couldn't realistically compete in the future. (which in the EPL leaves you with 5-6 teams)

I found the team (thanks mostly to help on this forum), immersed myself in learning about them through video games, message boards, and the website, and began watching all their games.

As crazy as it is, I feel like I have a pretty good attachment to Liverpool now. Obviously not at the level anywhere close to fans who live in Liverpool, have been to many games, or fans that have followed the team for many years. But hey, gotta make the plunge sometime!

Yeah I've been taking a similar route. I was able to eliminate a bunch of teams right off the bat for various reasons, as they were either Evil Empire types or true bottom feeders. At the end of the day I would like a squad that's stable and entertaining to watch. I don't need a perennial top 4 contender, but I also don't want yearly relegation battles. I know I'd be taking a chance with Swansea, given that as recently as 10 years ago they were in the bottom tier, but they have the feel of a team with some mojo right now.

Liverpool is attractive to me partially because of their history (their chant made it into a Pink Floyd song, which is pretty damn cool), and because they're a safer pick for someone who has been through the ringer with Oakland. I also wouldn't feel like quite as much of a frontrunner as I would with Man U/Man City or Chelsea.

I did not know this. One more reason to continue this love-fest. What chant and what Floyd song?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Having grown up a Reds fan watching the Big Red Machine make the playoffs almost every year when I was young and win the World Series in 1975 and 1976; and a Bengals fan who suffered with them almost all of my childhood, including two Super Bowl losses; and a DC United fan who didn't miss many home games between late 1996 and 2000 (when I moved for a couple years) and saw two of their title wins live -- Liverpool isn't the same. But it's pretty close and other than the US team it's the only team I really follow in any sport.

Last year when they beat City then lost to Chelsea and threw away a 3-goal lead to Palace it didn't have the same meaning as those others, but it was still emotional [/Vinny Jones].

 

[Brady Marino]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.

At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.

I wanted to get into the EPL, but I knew I needed a rooting interest. So I found a team that fits the "type" of team I was looking for. For example, I didn't want ManU, the "Yankees" of the EPL. I didn't want boring, defensive teams, or teams that aren't managed well. I also didn't want a team that couldn't realistically compete in the future. (which in the EPL leaves you with 5-6 teams)

I found the team (thanks mostly to help on this forum), immersed myself in learning about them through video games, message boards, and the website, and began watching all their games.

As crazy as it is, I feel like I have a pretty good attachment to Liverpool now. Obviously not at the level anywhere close to fans who live in Liverpool, have been to many games, or fans that have followed the team for many years. But hey, gotta make the plunge sometime!

Yeah I've been taking a similar route. I was able to eliminate a bunch of teams right off the bat for various reasons, as they were either Evil Empire types or true bottom feeders. At the end of the day I would like a squad that's stable and entertaining to watch. I don't need a perennial top 4 contender, but I also don't want yearly relegation battles. I know I'd be taking a chance with Swansea, given that as recently as 10 years ago they were in the bottom tier, but they have the feel of a team with some mojo right now.

Liverpool is attractive to me partially because of their history (their chant made it into a Pink Floyd song, which is pretty damn cool), and because they're a safer pick for someone who has been through the ringer with Oakland. I also wouldn't feel like quite as much of a frontrunner as I would with Man U/Man City or Chelsea.

I did not know this. One more reason to continue this love-fest. What chant and what Floyd song?

Chant: You'll Never Walk Alone chant

Song: Fearless

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.

At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.

I wanted to get into the EPL, but I knew I needed a rooting interest. So I found a team that fits the "type" of team I was looking for. For example, I didn't want ManU, the "Yankees" of the EPL. I didn't want boring, defensive teams, or teams that aren't managed well. I also didn't want a team that couldn't realistically compete in the future. (which in the EPL leaves you with 5-6 teams)

I found the team (thanks mostly to help on this forum), immersed myself in learning about them through video games, message boards, and the website, and began watching all their games.

As crazy as it is, I feel like I have a pretty good attachment to Liverpool now. Obviously not at the level anywhere close to fans who live in Liverpool, have been to many games, or fans that have followed the team for many years. But hey, gotta make the plunge sometime!

Yeah I've been taking a similar route. I was able to eliminate a bunch of teams right off the bat for various reasons, as they were either Evil Empire types or true bottom feeders. At the end of the day I would like a squad that's stable and entertaining to watch. I don't need a perennial top 4 contender, but I also don't want yearly relegation battles. I know I'd be taking a chance with Swansea, given that as recently as 10 years ago they were in the bottom tier, but they have the feel of a team with some mojo right now.

Liverpool is attractive to me partially because of their history (their chant made it into a Pink Floyd song, which is pretty damn cool), and because they're a safer pick for someone who has been through the ringer with Oakland. I also wouldn't feel like quite as much of a frontrunner as I would with Man U/Man City or Chelsea.

I did not know this. One more reason to continue this love-fest. What chant and what Floyd song?

"Wish You Were Here" - a common chant by Simon Mignolet directed to his center backs.

 

[El Floppo]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support an overseas team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

ditt-#######-o... right on down to Toby Charles.

I've never been much of a "fanboy" either- even for the teams I like or follow, especially soccer teams. I've always been more of an aesthete about it than a results oriented guy- I want my teams to play well (to me), and hope they win some games or hardware (Inter's CL win, excepted). Most of the time, I don't care about transfers or off-the-field stuff and don't feel a need to know who the waterboy is, or the GM (although Chelsea's physio... how YOU doin?) or what guy in the reserves might get minutes: put the team on the field, and let me watch... am I not entertained? I am. Too busy and limited with/by life to get into that other stuff.

 

[El Floppo]

and IMO, for you guys who feel a need to connect through fandom- it's fine to try a team on for size, and jump ship if it doesn't quite fit. More than once if needed. If you need that connection, find the team that truly connects with you. The vitriol/stigma over this seems goofy.

 

[Tom Hagen]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.

At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.

I made a very quick connection with Arsenal and right now care more about their wins and losses then teams I grew up rooting for but that is probably because I am still learning the sport.

One of the reasons I chose Arsenal was because they didn't have Russian mob or Middle Eastern oil money and Wenger was fiscally responsible. Yesterday I learned the downside of fiscally responsible.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I consider not having a really strong fandom a feature and not a bug. I think that's kind of part and parcel of becoming a big fan of the game as an adult (I played and watched soccer, including Soccer Made In Germany as a kid, but I don't remember every having a favorite team except for Brazil in '82). As a kid, being a fan teaches you how to become invested in something. It teaches you how to hope. Which is nice.

I don't have that same need in my crotchety old-age. So I can be an "Arsenal fan," and still watch Yaya Sonogo with bemusement instead of white-hot anger.

 

[El Floppo]

I consider not having a really strong fandom a feature and not a bug. I think that's kind of part and parcel of becoming a big fan of the game as an adult (I played and watched soccer, including Soccer Made In Germany as a kid, but I don't remember every having a favorite team except for Brazil in '82). As a kid, being a fan teaches you how to become invested in something. It teaches you how to hope. Which is nice.

I don't have that same need in my crotchety old-age. So I can be an "Arsenal fan," and still watch Yaya Sonogo with bemusement instead of white-hot anger.

Yeah... bottom line, I just love the sport. Doesn't matter which teams are playing to me- as long as they play well, or provide some other kind of entertainment (love the FA cup for the raising the epathetic hopes of every pub-leaguer out there and Copa Libertadores for the moments of brilliance and histrionic blowup always evident... even if both can be pretty grim affairs, skillwise.

eta: I didn't care about or follow La Liga... but dammit- that Barca team... with them playing the best team soccer I've ever seen, there was no way not to love them.

 

[AAABatteries]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.

At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.

I made a very quick connection with Arsenal and right now care more about their wins and losses then teams I grew up rooting for but that is probably because I am still learning the sport.

One of the reasons I chose Arsenal was because they didn't have Russian mob or Middle Eastern oil money and Wenger was fiscally responsible. Yesterday I learned the downside of fiscally responsible.

Danny "Fiscally Responsible" Welbeck?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

GQ recently ranked the sleeziest sports personalities in the world.

Sterling got #1. Aron Hernandez came in number 2 and good old Sepp came in 3rd.

Seems a bit goofy that saying bad things about black people gets you ranked ahead of a guy WHO ACTUALLY MURDERED BLACK PEOPLE.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

"Chambo and Welbz" sounds like the most British buddy cop movie of all time. So at least we have that.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

GQ recently ranked the sleeziest sports personalities in the world.

Sterling got #1. Aron Hernandez came in number 2 and good old Sepp came in 3rd.

Seems a bit goofy that saying bad things about black people gets you ranked ahead of a guy WHO ACTUALLY MURDERED BLACK PEOPLE.

I've never understood the FIFA rankings.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

and because they're a safer pick for someone who has been through the ringer with Oakland.

Nowhere near done going through that wringer, GB.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.

At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.

I made a very quick connection with Arsenal and right now care more about their wins and losses then teams I grew up rooting for but that is probably because I am still learning the sport.

One of the reasons I chose Arsenal was because they didn't have Russian mob or Middle Eastern oil money and Wenger was fiscally responsible. Yesterday I learned the downside of fiscally responsible.

Danny "Fiscally Responsible" Welbeck?

Alisher "Clean as a Whistle" Usmanov?

 

[Tom Hagen]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I watch these decisions with interest and a touch of jealousy.

I have been watching Euro soccer going all the way back to Soccer Made in Germany on PBS in the late 70's. But in all these decades I was never able to support a team like many can. I was never able to form any sort of emotional connection with a team so far away.

I formed temporary bonds with certain teams over the years but that was only due to having US players on the teams and that was more a connection with the player, never really with the team.

And I may end up the same way. As painful as a connection to a sports team made in childhood can be, I've found it to be a bond that's next to impossible to break. I don't know if I, closing in on 40 years old, have it in me to really connect with a new team, especially one across the ocean, but I can't watch sports with no rooting interest.

At least I have the Union close by, so that's an easier leap to make.

I made a very quick connection with Arsenal and right now care more about their wins and losses then teams I grew up rooting for but that is probably because I am still learning the sport.

One of the reasons I chose Arsenal was because they didn't have Russian mob or Middle Eastern oil money and Wenger was fiscally responsible. Yesterday I learned the downside of fiscally responsible.

Danny "Fiscally Responsible" Welbeck?

I meant it in the sense that they still need a CB and a DM but either didn't want to spend any more or couldn't find one that met their valuation.

They probably overpaid for Welbeck but I don't think it was egregious.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I missed this in the news but I assume this is part of some back room deals concerning the Qatar mess.

Platini announced he will not run against Blatter for the FIFA presidency.

I continued reading other articles and Platini is publicly stating he will do everything in his power to get UEFA to 15 WC spots for 2018. Maybe that is what they horse traded to get him not to run?

 

[NewlyRetired]

This Qatar mess gets worse and worse every time I think about it.

It looks like FIFA is now considering moving the WC to Nov 2021, significantly shortening the WC cycle.

And with out a camp for the national teams to all play together for a month before the WC with multiple friendlies, the quality of the play in the WC itself could see a drop.

This might also mean that if they do this, the CONFED Cup will have to move to the winter of 2020/21, likely screwing up the calendar again for clubs and countries all fighting for the small amount of windows they have to get their games in.

 

[Eephus]

Meanwhile at the other end of the table...

Bayo Akinfenwa will be turning on his full ‘Beast mode’ for a different kind of challenge later this month at the Paul Strank Roofing Charity Gala – and you can see it happen.

Just hours after Wimbledon’s home match against Morecambe on Saturday, 20 September, Bayo will attempt to bench press the club’s Commercial Director Ivor Heller.

It’s a challenge that gained publicity in the Sun newspaper (picture above by Alan Walter) at the weekend and you can witness all the fun for yourself by entering an auction for the sold-out event. Click on Charity Auction if you missed our previous announcement on this.

Bench-pressing is a test of upper body strength where you lie on your back and lift a heavy-laden metal bar vertically above the shoulders.

Bayo, who is listed on the FIFA 14 video game as the strongest footballer on the planet, regularly lifts big weights and lifting 5 ft tall Ivor is a challenge he’s relishing.

“It all started out as a joke at the Meet the Manager event in the summer and some cheeky kids challenge me to do it,” said Bayo. “I guess they all know me from the FIFA game. Ivor came up to me later and said ‘Let’s do it’. It should be fun and it’s all in a great cause. I’m one of those people who does think that life is too serious too often. Helping kids while having a laugh is right up my street.”

The bench press challenge will feature at the Paul Strank Roofing Charity Gala at the Bank of England Sports Centre in Roehampton with funds raised going towards Shooting Star Chase Hospice and One Life UK .

 

[The Gator]

Some teams have all the luck-

Mirror Football @MirrorFootball · 13m

Welbeck has rolled his ankle in training, as if Arsenal fans' nerves weren't already shot after the last couple of days...

Arsenal man Danny Welbeck rolls ankle in England training & misses Norway game [bBC]

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Meanwhile to the north, a scan today showed that Luke Shaw's ankles are actual rolls.

 

[berndog]

Swansea has a huge American support vase. Apparently. They had the highest rated games of all the EPL last year. But, I know what you mean. I never see a Swansea fan anywhere ever. I guess the Welsh are mostly homebodies?

3 years ago I was without a team to root for and didn't want to pick one of the power houses. After watching for a year I settled on Swansea. Last year was a little painful but they have come out firing on all cylinders this year. Seeing a match at the Liberty is on my bucket list now.

 

[The Gator]

My Link

 

[QuizGuy66]

What a transfer window for Hull City



-QG

I think they got a forward I need to claim. Forgot his name, but think he'll do well

Abel Hernandez?-QG

Yeah, kid from Italy right?

The team was Italy (Palermo I believe) - he's from Uruguay. One of the other guys they acquired is Uruguayan too.

We're cornering the market in non-biting Uruguayans

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

GQ recently ranked the sleeziest sports personalities in the world.

Sterling got #1. Aron Hernandez came in number 2 and good old Sepp came in 3rd.

Surely Sepp will protest such a low rating.

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

I missed this in the news but I assume this is part of some back room deals concerning the Qatar mess.

Platini announced he will not run against Blatter for the FIFA presidency.

Also plausible that he doesn't have the votes and knows it.

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

The saga of picking an EPL team continues. I think I might be closing in on Swansea, as they're fun to watch and I wouldn't have any guilt about following them. I just wish they had a more robust fan presence Stateside, as I think being part of a local fan community would help keep my interest. Liverpool was damn entertaining but I don't know, that Red Sox connection might be a dealbreaker for me. As for West Ham, I don't think I've seen a more bitter or angry fan base in sports in recent years (at least the internet faction), and I'm a friggin' Raiders fan.

I will vouch for the fact that if you select Hull City you will have at least one other fan of the Tigers nearby.

-QG

 

[Jaysus]

I was on vacation for the last week+... what did I miss?>

 

[El Floppo]

My Link

 

[El Floppo]

I was on vacation for the last week+... what did I miss?>

boobs

(aka, MUnited)

 

[Good Posting Judge]

My Link

 

[Bonzai]

Pete O'Rourke @SkySportsPeteO
Follow
Tom Cleverley's loan move to Aston Villa from Manchester United has been approved by the Premier a League. #avfc #MUFC

 

[Jaysus]

This has been posted already, right: Link

 

[El Floppo]

This has been posted already, right: Link

I can't tell- is that Wellbeck?

 

[Bonzai]

This has been posted already, right: Link

 

[The Gator]

This has been posted already, right: Link

I can't tell- is that Wellbeck?

Yes, in the background/seagull

It'd be more accurate showing the other coaches passing on him and Woodward being stuck with him

 

[Bonzai]

Stuck with Falcao

 

[The Gator]

Stuck with Falcao

Real Madrid passed

Arsenal passed

City couldn't because of FFP

STUCK WITH HIM I TELL YOU

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Stuck with Falcao

You'll be stuck with that massive wage bill when you miss the Champions League again next season. #reality

 

[Steve Tasker]

£16m for Wellbeck? No way?

####### terrible. So pissed. #### Welbeck.

What's the problem? I like the move.

 

[Eephus]

Stuck with Falcao

You'll be stuck with that massive wage bill when you miss the Champions League again next season. #reality

It's a loan

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Stuck with Falcao

You'll be stuck with that massive wage bill when you miss the Champions League again next season. #reality

It's a loan

True. But there's "loans" and then there's "loans to a permanent move" and this is the latter. Monaco had to get rid of him for FFP. You think after the season they're gonna want those wages back?

 

[Eephus]

Stuck with Falcao

You'll be stuck with that massive wage bill when you miss the Champions League again next season. #reality

It's a loan

True. But there's "loans" and then there's "loans to a permanent move" and this is the latter. Monaco had to get rid of him for FFP. You think after the season they're gonna want those wages back?

I believe MUFC can deduct the loan fee from a future purchase but as I understand it, they're not obligated to take that option like Valencia is with Alvaro Negredo.

 

[Eephus]

£16m for Wellbeck? No way?

####### terrible. So pissed. #### Welbeck.

What's the problem? I like the move.

That's Jack Rodwell money. It's the going rate these days for young, homegrown talent.

Besides, we're talking about the Arsenal. Wenger has £16M in the folds of his big puffy parka.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Another great window for everyone's favorite transfer news insider.

BOOM!!

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

£16m for Wellbeck? No way?

####### terrible. So pissed. #### Welbeck.

What's the problem? I like the move.

That's Jack Rodwell money. It's the going rate these days for young, homegrown talent.

Besides, we're talking about the Arsenal. Wenger has £16M in the folds of his big puffy parka.

Only two million less than Atletico paid for Mandzukic, I think. And the same money that they turned down Balotelli for (I assume Balo would have been on much higher wages).

I do think that Welbeck has potential. His non-penalty goals per minute were consistent with both Rooney and RVP last year (and better than Giroud). But I think Arsenal overpaid because of Giroud's injury. They were over a barrel.