RedBoiler - Care to venture your assessment of the Dutch squad? I don't believe Van Bommel should have been brought back in, he doesn't have anything to add that the squad doesn't already possess. I'd also like to see a bit more of Babel on the right and Afellay on the left if RvP and Robben are still out. Unfortunately Babel still doesn't track back as much as he should.

Bobby - I would agree that there seems little to be gained by selecting Van Bommel. The challenge for the Netherlands is to improive defensively while finding an alternative to playing on the counter. I saw the game against Iceland and they won it in a stroll. Perhaps a problem will be the lack of real opposition in their World Cup group.

MasMaz - Don't know how seriously I can take Mcllvanney seems a decent writer but his underlying premises are shaky at best. Messi the greatest attacking player?? Cesc the best of the Prem?? Is this guy ignoring Naldo on purpose?

How could you be so worried that a good player like Fabregas could leave England for a sub role at Barca and not mention the best attacking player in the world Ronaldo's departure?

Bobby - "McIlvanney seems a decent writer," - yes and Lennon and McCartney banged out a couple of ok songs in their time. "Messi the greatest attacking player?? Cesc the best of the Prem??" - if he actually wrote that you might have a point but I can't see where that was written.

YouAndMeAndMeAndYou Part 1 - RE:USA - With very few attackers, I often wonder if the U.S.A. is shooting themselves in the foot in the long run. I say that, because the WC qualification process for our country is not that difficult. And, when you consider that the WC does have the quote unquote cream of the crop attending, it becomes all too clear that the U.S.A. is not of the same caliber as other world teams.

Now, maybe I'm used to hearing this too often in the English game, but it seems as though people in the UK, England in particular, are not a fan of the lone striker. And so often the U.S.A. only plays one up top. If the U.S.A. wants to excel in the WC, would it not do them credit to actually start playing the 4-4-2 formation in a not so difficult qualifying run-up to the tournament, so that when they face stiffer opposition in the WC; they are better prepared to actually compete?

P.S. Any thoughts on my dream team? Iker Casillas, GK - Giovanni van Bronckhorst, L Back - Jimmy Conrad, Ctr. Back (left) - Fabio Cannavaro, Ctr. Back (right) - Patrice Evra, R Back - Franck Ribery, L Mid. - Steven Gerrard, Def. Mid. (withdrawn) - Lionel Messi, Att. Mid. (advanced) - Cristiano Ronaldo, R Mid. - Fernando Torres, L Fwd. - Zlatan Ibrahimovic, R Fwd.; I have all of the runs written down, and I went as far as deciding who takes corners, free kicks, and the like. I know...I'm a nerd. :)

Part 2 - Seeing as how there are not very many good attacking options that Bob is testing at present, I wonder if that will be detrimental in the long run for our team. Also, since our qualification is sort of easy, I would like to see us use a 4-4-2 formation more often so that once the WC tournament does start; we have enough time logged in on that formation. In my opinion, it is a much more competitive formation for the world game. I can see how it would be easy for us to use it and get used to it now while the competition is not as stiff as it will be in the actual tournament. What do you think of this assessment of the U.S.A. and the formation situation, as I call it? And, do you have any recommendations for our attacking options? Cooper (a tall player) and Buddle (a mid-size player) come to mind most rapidly for me, or Altidore (another tall player) and Adu (again, a mid-size player), depending on which two player combination of each pair is most fit. The pair of Cooper and Buddle would be lethal and then further on in the tournament Altidore and Adu could take the respective places of Cooper and Buddle. I realize that I am going with the less experienced of the two pair as the lead out, but if you do not play them, they will never get any experience at that level. :)

Bobby -Part 1 -  If you look back at the 2008 European Championships you will not find too many sides playing 4-4-2. The formation still has its place but a lot of coaches believe it is too rigid and too easily countered by teams that flood the midfield.

Your dream team - you have two very left footed full backs in Gio and Evra, a few highbrows will be raised by having Steven Gerrard in a defensive midfield spot (definitely not his forte) and Lionel Messi playing through the middle where he has rarely played. Not a Brazilian in your side either.

Part 2 - Your choices are a bit to theoretical for me. Whatever formation you are going to play you need to find a spot just behind the striker(s) for Landon Donovan.  Cooper will get a chance before World Cup qualifying ends, Buddle has enjoyed a very good season but he is not up to international football in my opinion and in the case of Altidore and Adu - there time may will come but I doubt it will come in time for the 2010 World Cup.

 

MasMaz -Is Cesc a better all around player than either Xavi or Iniesta?
Did Iwelumo do enough do start for Scotland even with the miss? Should Ashley Young be in the England line-up?

Bobby - Xavi is in his prime at 28, Iniesta is 24 and Fabregas is 21. Fabregas is better now than the other two were at his age, his better now than Iniesta and will be a better player and for longer than Xavi.
Iwelumo - given the right circumstances and opposition he has a place in the Scotland line up although more likely as a substitute rather than a starter.
Ashley Young - he should certainly be in the 22 although I don't think he would find a place in the regular starting eleven, if there is such a thing.

Liverpoolfc73 - With the injury to Skrtel and him being expected to be out till at least December, can Liverpool register another Central Defender for the Champions League (Hyypia?).

Bobby - You might get some dispensation if a couple of goalkeepers go down injured but you have no chance with an outfield player as far as I can see. When the squad is named the possibility of injuries is supposed to be factored in. Liverpool named nine defenders so are still some left standing.

 

JKDB - I'd really like to know who's favourite to qualify 2nd spot after USA in group A between Trinidad and Guatemala......it seems to be going down to the wire.

Bobby - I would give T&T an edge considering they have their last two matches at home and Guatemala is away for both their matches. Should these two remain tied on points at the conclusion of group play the tiebreaker rules are as follows:
"In the league format, the ranking in each group is determined as follows:
a) goal difference in all group matches;

b) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.

If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
c) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;

d) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;

e) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;

f) drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee"

 

RonW - Bobby, empathize with you over the 4-5-1 for Scotland at home. I remember when Sampson went with 3-6-1 for US in the 98 World Cup. It was a dreadful formation and I don't believe the US scored in the whole tournament.

Bobby - I think the US scored one in a 2-1 loss to Iran with Brian McBride scoring I think.

 

Ringo - Your thoughts on the season so far for The Old Firm/Dundee/Annan?

Bobby - After a nice little run the Scottish game is regressing to its mean - which is certainly not average in this case. Not a win in Europe so far and I think I am correct in saying that Queen of the South is the only team to score a goal in Europe.

As for Dundee a shortage of goals and fine starts by Livingstone and QOS are making any chance of promotion look very murky. Antoine-Curier scored some goals for Guadaloupe on the weekend so he might be coming into form.

Annan seems to be plugging away nicely although to be honest I have not paid much attention to them.

 

Getz76 - 1. Based on Lippi's return, current form and youth integration, do you think Italy will get into WC2010 as one of the top four or five sides (favored to win by bookmakers)?

2. If you had to pick, who would be England's #1 keeper?

Bobby - 1. Most likely one of the top three I would say. 2. It would have to be David James for the foreseeable future.

 

CIAO - Rory Smith's article ran down the financial state of PL clubs. I gather that Portsmouth and West Ham are in trouble. What happens if these clubs have to declare bankruptcy? Are they immediately omitted from the league and be two of the teams that are relegated at the end of the season?

I'm assuming that even though Liverpool might be in a crunch that they will find away to refinance their debt. I also assume they get new owners within the next couple of years. As far as Benitez, if things don't begin to look better by the summer and he receives a good offer from a top club he will probably take it. Would you agree?

As far as Newcastle goes, they are going to be sold and I would have to assume the new owner/s will have enough capital to turn things around financially. Hopefully they also have a good sense of business and can turn things around.

It also noted that Spurs is the prime target for a take over... That would be interesting.

Bobby - It is highly unlikely that the clubs would just declare bankruptcy and "disappear" overnight. There more than likely be a period whereby they would enter into a form of protection from the creditors (going into Administration) and that allows them time to negotiate better terms with creditors and a chance to restructure debts and repayments.

That period, if it is reached, would also provide an opportunity to sell the club and have the new owners take on the debt. Of course that could also happen before a club entered administration. With Administration there would also be some kind of point deduction. A full blown bankruptcy and folding would mean automatic relegation I can only assume.

New owners for Liverpool in the next few years - I think you will find it will come sooner than that. As for Benitez who knows until new ownership is found. 

I would not assume anything regarding Newcastle mainly because it is not yet clear how serious the offers that have been made actually are and the impact on the financial implosion.

Spurs majority owner Joe Lewis has a small fortune. Unfortunately before  the Bearn Stearns collapse he had a very large fortune. And it did not do much for Spurs so I don't see Spurs problems as being all down to money.

 

CIAO - I am curious to know what you think of Arsenal and Inter so far into the current season.
In particular with Arsenal. Do you think Wenger made a mistake by not bringing in two senior players: 1. to play along side Cesc; and 2. play CB?

Bobby - Inter have surprised me with the inconsistency of some of their performances and how slow they have looked in midfield. Very un-Jose like. I still believe - and so far this season I have seen nothing to convince me otherwise - that Toure and Gallas are not the answer in the middle of the defense. One of them yes - both doesn't work.
I would agree that another experienced central midfield player would have been a good signing especially as the season goes on.

 

CIAO - Can you also give us your view on how things are shaping up at Milan with the introduction of Ronaldo, Shevchenko and Zambrotta.

Bobby - I am assuming you meant Ronaldinho. He has shown some signs of the player he was and if Milan stick with him I think he can again become a great player. He should be in his prime years. Zambrotta will prove to be a good signing especially when you consider his ability to fill a number of roles. Shevchenko - if I was being kind I would say that it is too early to tell. However, I fear that we will never see him as he was three or four seasons ago. Very sad.

 

CIAO - Last but not least, my final question is regarding the Italian NT. Do you think, essentially, Lippi's job this time around is to introduce younger players into the senior squad before the WC? Who would you like to see play regularly with the senior squad? I didn't get to watch Italy's last game. But it looks like Rossi is ready, do you think Lippi should wait further to introduce Balotelli?

Bobby - I don't see it as part of his job but more of a necessity if Italy hopes to retain the World Cup. I sense watching Serie A this season that the league is on an upswing. Genoa (at home) have been terrific, Napoli are off to a great start, Fiorentina have and a couple of good performances and you have had good starts from Atalanta, Udinese and Lazio.
The players who have made the latest squad are deserving and it is going to be difficult for the older players to keep their jobs. As far as Balotelli is concerned I think it is too early to bring him into the squad on a regular  basis when you consider the other options Lippi has to choose from up front. 

 

Redfan4ever - 1. What is your take on Craig Burley's performances and prospects and what would you do with a player who refuses to play for his manager in the case of Boyd?

2. What do you think of Fabio's job so far? Looks like the eternal problem of Lampard vs Gerrard is coming to a head; What do you think of the situation and its effects on the England's central midfield?

3. On the back of Montreal's success in the CONCACAF CL do you think they now have the advantage to become the next Canadian MLS franchise ahead of Vancouver?

4. What have been your top, say three, highlights of this season so far and why?

5. As the money seems to be pouring into the Premier league another plateau could be approaching where 6 to 8 teams rather than just 4 (if they all get the investment that seems to be out there) will be on a fairly level playing field. Any thoughts on where it all might lead?

Bobby - 1. Very disappointing in terms of Burley. I thought he was a good choice but his tactics on Saturday were cowardly and badly thought out. I found Boyd's statement a bit odd in that how can say you won't play for George Burley again, when the problem was he did not pick you in the first place. Burley's remarks after the game about Boyd were uncalled for and fanned the flames. Having said that I can't understand how a player would turn down a chance to play for his country.

2. I think Fabio has done a competent job so far but the real challenge will kick in when the supporters with laptops start to believe that the team will win the World Cup. It looks like if it comes down to a Lampard vs. Gerrard battle that the Chelsea player would prevail - at present anyway.

3. I don't think it makes any impact at all - sorry for the bad pun.

 
4. Genoa beating Milan - I thought that was a fantastic display, Liverpool beating Manchester United and Barcelona dismantling of Atletico Madrid.

5. I would agree if there was any sign that expenses were going to stabilize but that is not in the cards so far. The financial meltdown is going to affect everyone and the Premiership will not be immune. The core of Lord Triesman's comments was on the mark. If you cannot turn a profit during one of the longest upswings in the global economy then what will happen when things turn bad. And I still think the Glazer's business model will go bad.

 

Finally .........Sporting Xixon, LGB, jahmikes, the realrico et all - It seems to me that some of you have personalized the blog piece while others prove the point of the article. So many people are attracted to the Premiership because of the atmosphere but the interests of the people that create the atmosphere are constantly ignored and taken for granted.

The Premiership has such an insatiable appetite for money that it is constantly hunting for new sources - hence the obnoxious idea of game #39 - and in the process it has forgotten what got it there in the first place. And what got it where it is was certainly not a few hundred thousand viewers in North America.

(The revenue generation of the Premier League was founded on people paying at the gate and the domestic rights fees paid by SKY. Paid attendance still constitutes the largest single source of revenue to Premiership clubs and the majority of money that flows into the Premiership is generated domestically. You can make a strong case that much of the money generated by English clubs in the Champions League is just money recycled from English Champions League TV rights fees).

I run across North American "fans" of Premiership clubs (and Spanish and Italian clubs as well) who don't know the names of more than a couple of players - so you would class them as fans because they say they are?

I think it was last year that Chelsea claimed to have a core fanbase worldwide of 90 million. I can only assume from your reaction to the piece would be that you believe that number and that 90 million people live and die with every Chelsea result.

How many USA based supporters will Fulham have once their last American player leaves? There is definitely a significant difference between being a fan versus someone following a club and sometimes that is unclear. How else can you explain people who tell you with a straight face that they support Manchester United and Liverpool or some other bizarre combination?

"Obviously they are completely naive to believe that soccer is not a business first and foremost". That statement alone sums up the difference in points of view. I would turn it around and suggest that anyone who thinks it is solely a business is showing numpty tendencies. By any profit making criteria football at almost all levels fails miserably. (I think we should all be a bit beyond the simplicity of "it costs money so therefore it constitutes a business" argument).

Further to put it down to a "typical british xenophoic attitude" confirms that someone is sadly lacking in any sense of the roots of the game and what it meant and continues to mean to communities all over the world.

You think of it as a business and I will go with Danny Blanchflower's view:
"The great fallacy is that the game is first and last about winning. It is nothing of the kind. The game is about glory, it is about doing things in style and with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom."