This is an article from last Sunday that I did not come upon until later on Monday. Rod Little on what appears to be an escalating financial crisis that has the potential to decimate clubs in the Football League.
It’s not only the Premiership that is a magnet for wealthy owners. The same thing has been happening in the Israeli league for the last few years and here is another takeover.
National team coach linked with Scottish coaching position. It's not Bruce Arena and it's not the national team job either. The Arena story detailing his supposed interest in the Scotland job must go down as one of the stupidest soccer stories of the year.
Is it just me or does this declaration of success not seem a bit premature given that there have been no contentious calls?
The Canadian Soccer Association said that would have a new staff person in place before the end of the year. With a job posting just up this week the only way that they can hit their self-imposed deadline is if a fix is in. It is not the first that they have failed to come though on a promise – talk about not getting it.
A look at the worst British transfers of all time. You do not get a prize for guessing the top two. Any that you care to add.?
Early this week on The Times podcast Bill Edgar pointed out that excluding games between each other Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United had only lost four games at home over the last two and a bit seasons.
That got me thinking and I thought it might be interesting to go back to the 2003/04 season (the start of the Abramovich era) and look at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United’s performances over four and a bit seasons.
During that time they have played 336 Premiership matches at home. They have collectively won 236 games (70%) drawn 76 (23%) and lost 24 (7%). But of the 24 losses, 14 have come from games between one and other leaving the other Premiership sides with only 10 away wins in the remaining 284 games – 4%. Only eight clubs have won at Highbury/Emirates, Stamford Bridge, Anfield or Old Trafford.
The list comprises of West Ham at Arsenal 05/06 and 06/07, Bolton at Chelsea 03/04, Boro and Fulham at United 03/04, Blackburn Rovers 05/06, West Ham 06/07, and at Liverpool, Southampton and Charlton 03/04, Birmingham 04/05.
Sharpening the focus to head2head clashes brought forward the following information. There have been 52 games involving these teams and each team has played 26 games. Chelsea have the best performance.
Team Home points Away points Total
Chelsea 24 20 44 Man Utd 24 17 41 Arsenal 23 13 36 Liverpool 15 6 21
With Grand Slam Sunday only hours away the statistic that sticks out is Liverpool’s performance. The maximum points Liverpool have taken in a season against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have been six – 2003/04 and last season.
What’s more – confirmed with the help of the blog’s trusty Liverpool fans – is that Liverpool have failed to take a single point in the last nine away games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Their best home performance over the same period was six picked up courtesy of two home wins against Chelsea and Arsenal.
After Sunday’s game against Manchester United, Liverpool have to travel to the grounds of their three closest rivals during the remainder of the season.
If Liverpool are to mount a challenge for the Premiership title this season then it would appear almost impossible to do so without improving their record against the other three and in particular away from the friendly confines of Anfield. In the 26 head to head matches since 03/04 Liverpool has 6 wins, 3 draws and 17 losses.
Other head2head stats – the most points picked up in the four-team series in a season since 03/04 was 15 by Chelsea in 2005/06. A clean of away fixtures has not been achieved in that time but two teams managed the feat at home – Chelsea and Manchester United both did it in the 2005/06 season and neither conceded a goal.
In the 52 games since 03/04 there have been five scoreless draws. That’s higher than we see over a season but considering the tension and what is usually at stake it gives hope that Sunday will not only brings thrills and controversy but goals as well.
Of course Sunday’s action will be preceded by the FIFA Club World Cup in Yokohama, Japan. Not unexpectedly the tournament has failed again to garner worldwide interest - my understanding is that in the UK the game is not being broadcast – but surely no self respecting fan can pass up the chance to watch the world’s most successful clubs?
According to Champions magazine Milan and Boca Juniors will go into Sunday’s match having won 17 international titles each – the world’s most successful club sides. Neither side hit full stride in winning their semi final match by one goal but there is no doubt that both teams want to be acclaimed World Champions.
I thought the Jeffers deal was wonderful - nice to see Wenger isn't entirely perfect. 10m for a wingnut - bargain!
Wasn't there some footballer who lied about his experience but got signed by Southampton or Brighton or some other South Coast club - he was found out in one or two games as he was just terrible.
Cantona to United - from leeds pov horrible.
Tevez's saga.
Nobody told Spurs that it was Rebrov AND Shevchenko who formed a great partnership.
Druncan Disordely to the Toon - that one really peeved Smith.
Shearer not going to United and picking Toon instead (although I applaud him for the decision)
Plenty of transfers have not been made for cash - there must be a list somewhere.
I think maybe the Times did a worst 50 transfer list
Your link to the financial crisis takes me to a steeler fan moaning about too little love on blogs!
hadn't the italians better sort out their taxes before they do anything else?
A good weekend for football - will the games live up to the hype?
Bobby is Elgin City v East Stirlingshire as awful a match up as 4 4 2 make it out to be?
i'm not sure if i unintentionally posted this on another blog but....
I was watching the friendly matchup between Sydney F.C. and L.A. Galaxy the other day. Although it was a freindly, I have to say that I was disappointed. As long as the Galaxy continue to be the poster boys of the MLS and of American soccer , I belive they should take some pride in their performances. I thought their performance was dismal.
Should I have anything to worry about as an American fan, or is it too early to say because they are getting the off season rust from their bones?
"Premier League managers Gareth Southgate, Steve Coppell and Mark Hughes have criticised the FA board's decision to approve the appointment of Italian Fabio Capello as England coach."
So Fergie, Wenger and Sven say great choice and those three cry foul. Pretty sure thats a great sign the fa picked the best candidate then when proven managers with pedigree say well done and three relative slugs in comparison moan about him being a foreigner.
Re: The FIFA World Club Cup - I also fnd it difficult to get interested -I watched the Milan semi- well as much as I could of an afternnon stroll. To see the #17 ranked Club (on this site) be crowned "Worlds Club Champions" doesn't get my pulse racing! I would catch highlights of the final but doubt I'll be glued to the telly as I will be for Arsenal/Chelsea! Is it underpromoted, too diverse, too small? I don't know but it does not capture the imagination at all.
Sheva's tranfer will be hard to beat ever on the worst list. I will enjoy chuckling at the one that beats it - unless Man City unload millions for the Maraschino cherry.
The Italian radiation story is truly worrisome and is probably being buried. I would not be surprised if greater damage had been done back in the days where the long term effects of seemingly safe procedures were unknown.
I guess they used the 'Bionic ball' in the FIFA World Club Cup semi - but nothing happened that it was ever needed. At least it did not explode half way through, which is probabaly why they are so excited!
Last edited by ExPatGordo on December 14th at 7:46 AM.
World Club Champ. Who cares? I only watched when Liverpool was involved and even then I didn't care. The only thing I was concerned with was how traveling to Japan would affect their league/"real" cup form.
Surely, Tevez/Mascherano to West Ham is worse than Veron and Shevchenko. Kirkland to Liverpool was bad considering it was a then-record fee for a keeper and he was more injury prone than Harry Kewell. No Liverpool fan can ignore Diouf, Cheyrou and Diao which killed the Houllier era as well as Collymore.
Owen to Newcastle should NOT be on the list in my opinion. Both sides got what they deserved. Newcastle spends too much on strikers with good reputations while ignoring defensive problems and Owen is dead to me for wanting to leave so that he can win big trophies...bleephole.
Craigy-f - The player was called Ali Dia and he was signed by Souness while at Southampton. Souness got a call from someone claiming to be George Weah recommending the player. I believe it turned out to be a friend of Dia or his agent. I think he made it on the field for Southampton but didn't last long and was released after a few weeks.
Rebrov had a choice between Arsenal and Spurs.
The link was fixed last night - you are just too quick!!
How is Harry Kewell on the list? Still playing for Liverpool and actually is still an effective player. Plus the £5m paid for him at the time was seen as a bargain!
Craigy_f - East Stirlingshire vs. Elgin - everything needs to be placed in context. I think we often forget (or are blind) that when we say someone is a bad player what we are really saying is that he is playing at a level that exceeds his ability. In the years before I left Scotland Brechin City were the whipping boys. Like a lot of the teams at the botttom end of the Scottish league their team was made up of old pros trying to play one more season, younger players cut from bigger teams and signed on free transfers and players that the clubs had signed from junior clubs. During a particularly severe bout of weather Brechin approached the team I was playing for (Tayport) because we had one of the few pitches in the area that remained playable. We lost 5-2 (I think) and I got a good going over by their left winger - a speedster called Ronnie Robb. He absolutely killed me - ran me silly for 90 minutes. The lesson I learnt was bad teams at a higher level still have better players than good teams at lower levels. It may seem stunningly obvious but I think we tend to forget that although Titus Bramble looks horrible drop him down a division (or two) and he would look terrific. It works the same in reverse - players look great until they step up a level or two and then their inadequacies and limitations start shining through instead of their abilities.
To be continued
Last edited by BobbyMcMahon on December 14th at 7:55 AM.
Something that has stayed with me was something I read in Sports Illustrated around the end of the 70s. Someone who had done a survey and something like 90% of American males believed that they could have been a pro athlete if they had only got a break. 90% of American (or any other country) could not be described as good amateur athletes let alone potential professionals. The overwhelming majority is clueless regarding what it talkes to become a professional athlete - let alone a star one. When we watch a game we are watching the chosen few.
As you summise Bobby, Liverpool's record against the other three, both home and away, in terms of points reads as follows:
2001/02: 10 from 18
2002/03: 5 from 18
2003/04: 6 from 18
2004/05: 3 from 18
2005/06: 4 from 18
2006/07: 6 from 18
It mirrors Houllier's decline and Rafa's inheritance to some degree. Rafa did not win the CL with his team, but what Houllier left him.
Liverpool's Premiership record against the other three must improve and looking back at Rafa's reign one thing sticks out which is that there have been much closer matches/results with, excepting one or two well punlicised results, a lot of games decided by a single goal.
The decine seems to have bottomed out in 04/05 and it looks as though things have been slowly improving.
Sunday is the third home fixture and leaves us with three away to play. We are 2 from 2 (factor in the Styles foul up) with two 1-1 results thus far.
What I do wonder is, if one takes your thoughts a stage further Bobby, what were the results/points
accrued by each title winning team against the three nearest rivals, over the same period? This would involve Everton, as they sneaked a 4th spot one year. I only have Liverpool's record not those of the other three, but I wonder how many points, for example, Utd got off its three rivals last season?
Interesting stuff and thanks, as ever, for the blog and your good analysis on FSR.
Bobby have you checked out 'Raging Brit' on Portage & Amherst for your Marks and Sparks christmas food goodies?
Last edited by redfan2000 on December 14th at 8:23 AM.
I didn't realize that Tevez/Mascherano were loaned to West Ham. That whole deal confuses me. However, it was still bad, because they were a top half team the season before and are pushing for that this season as well. I don't think Tevez would have been needed to keep them up if the deal was never done.
Look at where Bretos started, at the WWE. The Vince McMahon school of entertianment, yes that's wrestling.
Bretos hypes coverage and talks incessantly during a match.
FSC would be well served to find a suitable replacement or a producer that will stop him from ruining coverage.
Last edited by gongatore on December 14th at 9:30 AM.
Looks like MB was at WWE on, before, or at the same time. Does it really matter? He trained as a thespian not a soccer announcer or sports broadcaster. He's sounds like that world reknowned comedian druggy Rush Limbaugh.
Vince McMahon hired him that's all you need to know.
It just proves what a clown MB is and a disservice to soccer in this country. I have watched matches with new soccer fans and they want to throw a brick at the telly.
I hope FSC cans him. The worst is when he has to track a match by himself, incessant verbal diarrhea.
At Liverpool we have a list of good transfers that have gone down as major c*** ups. Sean Dundee was one (Roy Evans) followed by a Norwegian chap named Kvarme or something. Other notables among the LFC list are Bruno Cheyrou (his brother plays for Marseilles) Salif Diao and 14 million for a bloke called Cisse.
I always consider the source, which is why I never get too bothered about anything Max Bretos, Nick Webster or Jeremy St. Louis has to say.
On the other hand, Fox has provided us with Bobby twice a week on television and this blog every day so I suppose I shouldn't complain too much, especially as this blog features regulars whose opinions I also value.
Now if Bobby could housebreak the anchors of that annoying habit of referring to Real Madrid as Los Galaticos, I'd be happier than a pig in . . .
alberta- you right concerning bobby, we are quite lucky to have such a class journo dedicated to not only his profession but seemingly to his "fan" base of nutters like us as well.
i have an admitted annoying problem with announcers that perform a disservice to their audience with cliches, overhype and incessant drivel. As a live/taped match announcer Bretos epitomizes that conundrum and I hold him just as I would anyone to high standards.
He needs to be schooled in the nuances and there are many in announcing play by play soccer for north american audiences which is as we all know nothing remotely like announcing a wrestling match for 'Roid Rage McMahon (I hope he's not related to our Bobby).
Bretos is a decent studio host, I'll give him that. I blame his producer just a much for not reigning him in on live/taped matches.
Good luck with the Gunners, I think they'll take it this weekend. Barca on the other hand is at the Mestella and well who knows what can happen there.
If you want to know how Max Bretos came to be with FSW read the interview located here
Redfan-I guess Cisse would fall in that category but its hard to criticize a guy who suffers two freak injuries and is constantly played out of position when fit.
I liked Cisse and was disappointed he wasn't given a fair shake but now that Torres is here, I could really care less:)
Is it true the rumours I'm hearing that Villa could be on his way to Chelsea?
LGB-
I really don't care to read "how he came to be". Slow work day, eh?
To me, he's not up to the standard of what a play by play soccer man should be. He sounds like a WWE announcer during a soccer match and I don't care for it at all.
Apparently you do, good on ya'.
Last edited by gongatore on December 14th at 11:34 AM.
Gongatore-I already stated what I thought about Bretos. I was just putting the facts out there, no need to get all defensive. I wasn't accusing you of lying or anything else.
LGB-
It's always slow for me mate as I am retired. Enjoy your workday and Bretos. I hear WWE has a Bretos action doll. Might look next to your Gerrard one.
Good luck against Manu.
Atleti-
It's on the calendar. Can't wait!
Last edited by gongatore on December 14th at 12:00 PM.
Oh man you guys are harsh on poor Max Bretos. what would you guys prefer eric wynalda? i like max he has passion for the game and you can hear it. its not like he is talking about stuff unrelated to the game. i dont think he is as bad you guys are saying.
which game do you guys think will be more exciting the Chelsea Arsenal or the ManU Liverpool game? I think the ManU Liverpool game will be better to watch. I have a feeling that the other game will be bit of a downer only cause theres no Fabregas or Hleb and that has slowed arsenals attack the last couple of games. I wish FSC had some LaLiga games.
Redfan2000 - The results are in. Here is the final Premiership positions and points. Then the points gained in head2head games between the sides (home and away in brackets) finishing in the top four. I would say that with the exception of last season there is a strong correlation between the head2head results and who won the Premiership.
Last edited by BobbyMcMahon on December 14th at 12:58 PM.
Any opinion on what will happen with the England captain's armband with Capello in charge? I hope something got lost in translation with Avram Grant's rant about how England will fall apart without Terry as captain. Is the armband overrated, especially at a international level? If it is not, is there a better candidate than Terry?
Also, do you have any opinion on Terry's card-grabbing in the EPL? It seems he has done it at least 3 times this season. I believe the FA has fined Chelsea, but would a referee be within the law for sending him off for such an offense? I do not think he could get away with that behavior if it was an international official.
@albertagooner,
Two questions:
1) How was the recital? :)
2) Did you get a chance to watch the Arsenal CL replay?
Last edited by getz76 on December 14th at 1:42 PM.
Bobby, thanks so much for the stats. Makes interesting reading when one starts to analyse the individual teams and their credentials to accede to the title.
If Liverpool win on Sunday they will have 5 from 9 with 3 matches to play, which as you say correlates well with the actual position the club will be in, should they win.
Re commentators, I cringe most when I hear names of British and European clubs mispronounced. Michelle Lissle used to be awful for that. I think the North American commentators I have heard have been too much influenced by American Football and the latin soccer commentators. Thanks heaven for Mr McMahon! Perhaps Fox will find some soccer in Tasmania or Tierra Del Fuego for Derek Taylor and Max to go cover? If pictures truly are worth more than a 1000 words perhaps we could be allowed to see and make our minds up about match footage and the commentators say less and be more succinct, so saving both their throats and our ears.
I'm glad to hear someone else bring up the card grabbing by Terry. I think it's ridiculous and unexcused for. I suppose he has a right as a captain to ask for an explanation, but he has no grounds in my mind to become involved in his own actions like that against the referee. In general I would like to see the refs take more action against the players' reactions. The ref is not going to change the call, whether you argue with him or not. Players need to be professional and move on. Referees do not have eyes on the back of their heads, it is an extremely difficult job. I would be more than willing to excuse a ref for a bad call, since the game is 90 minutes long, not the span of one bad call.
This brings me to the travesty with Ronaldo, and therefore one of the many things I dislike about a lot of players recently. FLOPPING!! It's a disgrace to the game. Stop it! Play the game, and congratulate your opponent for making a great tackle, not cheating them out of it.
Plays such as these are what continues to make soccer have a horrible rep in the U.S. Its frustrating living here and constantly hearing about soccer being a worthless sport for actors and pansies from non-educated fans.
bobby - west ham staying up is a good thing? :)
Joking aside, the transfer(s) allowed the shadiest of agents Kia Jewannamakesomedodgycash - to make a killing.
Whilst part and half ownership seems to work in spain and italy this third party ownership is nothing more than rank profiteering.
The man is scum and I'd rather he not have a toehold in england - there was even talk of him buying a PL club which after Corinthians should thankfully not happen.
Do those calculations for all the Premier League winners - that would be a better basis to decide whether you have a strong correllation.
Flip the idea around (because this is definitely something worth pursuing) and see how Champions did against the teams relegated or the teams in 4-8 spots.
Last season Arsenal had the best record against the top four (of those temas in the top four) so where did they lose points?
Yes - and I like your Bramble analogy - you seem to follow non SPL Scottish football and this article (tongue in cheek as it was) seemed worth passing on. 442 is a mixed bag but a good read most months.
Ringo - predictions WOW! Ye of little faith!
Am I the only Wynalda fan on the blog? Bretos is Over Enthusiastic at times but then that same attribute worked for Mottie!
Tommy Smyth is the worst of the lot - he has a cornucopia of knowledge (some of it even football related) but seems fixated on hair.
Smyth WITH Wynalda is amusing - Smyth points something out (perhaps good positional play or a bad tackle) and Wynalda promptly corrects his glaringly bad commentary.
MasMAz - Capello is gold. Just the sort of new broom that the FA has needed since they ditched Ramsey. (El Tel aside)
getz - if you get the right captain then he can be worth a lot on the pitch - but the ####work needs to be done in the dressing room.
The oddest thing the Captaincy can do is bring the best out of a player.
Barry may be better than Terry - a cooler head and someone who can dictate the game more easily.
The WORD NAZ IS won't let me use the term SPA. DE. WORK! for some reason.
Last edited by craigy_f on December 14th at 3:14 PM.
Tine out requested on the commentators please. To borrow from the Life of Brian - Crucifixions to the right or in this case at the Big Soccer boards! There are more than enough whingers to make it worthwhile over there.
Last edited by BobbyMcMahon on December 14th at 3:38 PM.
Capello also has his 'boys' in tow which means he can leave them to do their thing and focus on his thing
Who would make a good English assistant - although not necessairly a manager to be?
Incey
Pearce
Shearer
Adams
fat sammy
platt - he gets a nod as an ugly footballer as well
Which manager is going to have the first issue with Capello when he picks his squad for Switz? February 2nd/3rd PL, 6th Switzerland, 9/10/11th PL
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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