Football in Finland Europe and the World

[Ace]

Yes I was surprised at Ireland myself. Looking at the team list I thought they look fairly alright these days:

Republic of Ireland: Given, Carr, Breen, O'Shea, Harte, Duff, Holland (Kinsella 74), Healy (Finnan 77), Kilbane, Keane, Connolly (Morrison 58 ).
Subs not used: O'Brien, Carsley, Doherty, Colgan.

The England game was the usual mundane affair. I hope Scholes never plays for United like that

Next year will be the same old stuff. Ingurland will probably get out of the group and then get beat in the knockout by Czech Republic, France (god I hope not), Germany (agggghhhh) or Italy etc

Yep there is some good teams in the playoff:

[simon]

Another classic headline

http://www.uk.sports.yahoo.com/031013/21/eay0b.html

Hope its not too rude

[Ace]

Germany win womens world cup in sudden death against Sweden. Should be the Euro draw in 15 minutes by my reckoning.

[simon]

Here you go

004 UEFA European Championship play-off draw:
Latvia v Turkey
Scotland v Netherlands
Croatia v Slovenia
Russia v Wales

Spain v Norway

By my rekoning both Scotland and Wales are out!!!!!!!

[Ace]

Here you go

004 UEFA European Championship play-off draw:
Latvia v Turkey
Scotland v Netherlands
Croatia v Slovenia
Russia v Wales

Spain v Norway

By my rekoning both Scotland and Wales are out!!!!!!!

Turkey got it easy eh? Scotland are dead, Wales have a slight chance.

[Ace]

Lots more on takeover speculation and Irish shareholders


This in the Sunday Times:


‘The Irish tycoon who last week bought a substantial share
of Manchester United is threatening to use his influence to
block a multi-million-pound contract for Sir Alex Ferguson,
the football club’s manager.


’John Magnier, a millionaire, wants Ferguson to withdraw a
legal case against him over the disputed ownership of Rock
of Gibraltar, the former racehorse which is one of the
world’s most valuable stallions.


’He and fellow Irishman JP McManus spent £62m raising their
stake in Manchester United to 23% days after investors were
told that Ferguson was close to agreeing a new four-year
deal. Magnier’s people are now calling on the club’s board
to consider the “dilemma” of granting a contract to a man
who is threatening to sue the club’s biggest shareholder.


’“This raises a significant issue that contracts worth
million of pounds should be ratified only if other matters
are resolved,” one source close to Magnier said.


’The source added: “A contract of that size would be an
issue which would have to be discussed with shareholders.
And you have to ask whether they would feel that a four-year
tie-in with an employee, during which time he is taking
legal action against a major shareholder, would be
desirable.”’


Meanwhile the Financial Times reports that McManus and
Magnier may well want a place on the board:


‘JP McManus and John Magnier, the Irish horse-racing
magnates who have increased their stake in Manchester United
to 23.14 per cent, are considering seeking board
representation at the Premiership club.


’Representation on the board is one of several options
available to the duo since they bought British Sky
Broadcasting's 9.9 per cent stake in the football club for
£62m.


’It is unclear who the pair may have in mind to represent
them and whether such a move would be acceptable to
Manchester United.


’Messrs McManus and Magnier are understood to have beaten
Malcolm Glazer to BSkyB's stake in Manchester United.

Although they are not thought to be considering an imminent
full bid for the company their increased stake has
strengthened their position at a time when Mr Glazer is also
building a holding in the club.


Another report details a wealthy Arab sheik, wasn’t this
always the rumour floating around at Manchester City? Looks
like the MEN may have dusted it off and changed a couple of
names and dates:


‘A fabulously wealthy Arab prince has been linked with the
mounting speculation of a Manchester United take-over.


’Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, who is the Crown
Prince of Dubai, hinted that he aims to become "a regular
member" of United, a team he claims to support.


’He has also promised that he will take Manchester United to
Dubai to play a team of Arab all-stars.

[simon]

Funny story in the Scum

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2003471527,00.html

[simon]

Chelski line up Parker

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 189690.stm


This would be bad news He is one of our best players and if he did go to chelski would he guarenteed a game I doubt it!!!!!!

It seems Chelsea are buying the most promising players from all clubs apart from the big ones ie MU Arse Liverpool.........When do you think they will get Rooney????

[Ace]

It seems Chelsea are buying the most promising players from all clubs apart from the big ones ie MU ?=)`& Liverpool.........When do you think they will get Rooney????

Hmmm its no joke, they have bought some great players and seem to have payed below the going rate for most of them. Don't forget Simon they nicked our Chief Exec from us and Seba Veron.

Rooneys an Everton fan though isn't he? I guess it depends how much he values playing for the team he supports over winning trophies. Mind you Everton have a better Championship pedigree than "Super Chelsea"

Everton:
Champions 1914/1915, 1927/1928, 1931/1932, 1938/1939, 1962/1963, 1969/1970, 1984/1985, 1986/1987

Chelski:
First Division Champions 1954/1955

Form is temporary class is permanent

[Slothrop]

Olly.. first reaction to that story about ManUre and the Irish takeover is that all the fuss made by the FA and others over violent conduct on the field can be thrown away: when the big boys go at it, they REALLY play hardball. Keown's shoves and all the rest is like a fleabite.

By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed your (???) primary school soccer primer. Some of the McManus story somehow made me remember it. Is he "the best fighter"?

[simon]

Hmmm its no joke, they have bought some great players and seem to have payed below the going rate for most of them. Don't forget Simon they nicked our Chief Exec from us and Seba Veron.

Thats true Olly

I was surprised about your cheif exec but not so about Seba, didnt really live up to expectations when at MU and from what I have read still not at Chelski.

I wouldnt be surprised about Rooney going, or come to that even Owen!!!! By all accounts he will be there next season if Liverpool dont qualify for CL next year.
Also do you think that Sven will be the new manager after Euro championships??? Very strong possibility even if Ranieri does well with them this year.

Did you see the article on BBC about Rio missing the test and the questions he will have to answer?? Some very good points there.


What do you think about this Alpay business?? He seems to be !"#¤% himself when he next faces the english fans and they seem to have it for him. Although I dont blame them I thought it was well out of order to confront Bekham like that after the penalty miss, aparently he said 'God ment you to miss that' sounds like

'quote from another forum'

Sounds almost as plausible as the claim from matthew simmons - the guy who got kung-fu kicked by cantona - that all he said was 'Off, off, off, it's an early bath for you, Cantona' .Classic!

[Ace]

Olly.. first reaction to that story about ManUre and the Irish takeover is that all the fuss made by the FA and others over violent conduct on the field can be thrown away: when the big boys go at it, they REALLY play hardball. Keown's shoves and all the rest is like a fleabite.

Hmmm there is talk they're all still chums and this is some kind of ploy? Who knows? they're three very shrewd men. The fans would be pissed if they stopped Fergie continuing as boss, but the fans are completely powerless really. Its a lot of money to spend on a feud (if it is a feud).

By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed your (???) primary school soccer primer. Some of the McManus story somehow made me remember it. Is he "the best fighter"?

Not mine I must admit (copy and paste job, very true and funny though)

[simon]

Again from the chelski thread

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=108020&cc=5739

Apparently Forssell cant play against chelsea tonight, its written into his contract. Interesting

[Ace]

I was surprised about your cheif exec but not so about Seba, didnt really live up to expectations when at MU and from what I have read still not at Chelski.

Hmm he has so much talent but pulls out of tackles and doesn't track back so much. He can unlock the tightest of defences though. He a serie A player and not a Prem player IMHO (I was sad to see him go, his passing of the ball is second to non).

I wouldnt be surprised about Rooney going, or come to that even Owen!!!! By all accounts he will be there next season if Liverpool dont qualify for CL next year.

Owens supposedly on Reals shopping list although I wouldn't be surprised if either went to Chelsea. For some reason though I just feel Owens gonna stay at Liverpool.

Also do you think that Sven will be the new manager after Euro championships??? Very strong possibility even if Ranieri does well with them this year.

I think Svens a dead cert for Chelsea after Euro 2004. (supposedly a 20m 4 year deal, tough to turn that down! he's on 2m a year at the moment I think).

Did you see the article on BBC about Rio missing the test and the questions he will have to answer?? Some very good points there.

No not seen that yet I'll have a scout for it shortly.

What do you think about this Alpay business??

He's shot himself in the foot hasn't he He's in for a tough season from the fans. The tabloids will harrass him for a short time at least. He might have got away with it after France 98 but Goldenballs is a national icon now isn't he

[Ace]

Apparently Forssell cant play against chelsea tonight, its written into his contract. Interesting

Bruce is also without striker Mikael Forssell, who cannot play under the terms of the pre-season loan agreement entered into with the Stamford Bridge side.

Wow I didn't know that was allowed, seems a bit unfair to me.