I am going to start working on a Euro 2008 preview and so their will be no formal Speakers' Corner. In the meantime here are some outstanding questions from the weekend preview blog.

Zuco2 - Could you please say a big "Thanks" to Machado and Peacock for mentioning the protests against the Bosnian football federation in Sarajevo, yesterday on the FSR. Being Bosnian, this news really affects me and I hope UEFA takes action against the people who sacked Bosnian coach : Meho Kodro.

Do you have any opinion on this story?

Bobby – The FSR crew read the blog from time to time so they will pick up your thanks. However, I would not hold my breath waiting for UEFA to intervene at take action against the Bosnian FA. That will not happen. The best that might happen is UEFA offering to help mediate but that would be as deep as they would get into it.

LosAngelesChelseaFan -  I really enjoyed all the league playoffs. What a contrast between the teams and how great for the minnows to be at Wembley. Doncaster was a revelation and played some classy football in their win against Leeds. 5 years ago Leeds were 114 places ahead of them. Amazing. The Stockport County semi final on other hand was the most antiquated long ball garbage that would be beaten by any 10 or 9 kids from a Sao Paolo back street. 'ull really won against the run of play for me.

Bobby, others, did you watch? What did you make of it and the promoted teams?

Speaking of other channels... I was changing channels and hit the usually unwatchable Galaxy on HDNet (DirecTV) just as Xavier's usual garbage defending allowed the first goal. If you haven't seen it yet, Beckham scored the final goal from 60 yards into an empty net and generally played pretty well. The 16x9 format more than the quality HD makes such a difference to watching the play unfold. If only we had it for the European leagues.

Bobby – I watched both Saturday and Sunday play-off games. I thought it was great that after 30 minutes on Sunday the teams realized that they were also permitted to kick the spherical object that had found a way on to the field….not just the players who were wearing a different coloured shirt. Hull will struggle to survive unless a miracle happens. Doncaster has a better chance but will still need a few breaks. They might be the sort of team that get off to a flyer and then fall back.

As for the LAG –Wizards game I did watch it on Saturday night and thought the first half rarely rose above the level of putrid.  The second half however was very entertaining. The LAG lifted the pace of their game (Donovan and Beckham worked very hard) and overall it was worthwhile sticking it out. The result was in doubt until the last minute. Watching the HD Net games on a Saturday night is something I look forward to.

Craigy_f – DC Utd and Moreno taking penalties.


Bobby - DC United. A very different style from last season and even ta difference from the start of this season. It looks to me that allowing Gomez to go has meant the close passing-constantly playing in little triangles all over the park style has gone and they are playing a more pressing game. If I had my life dependant on a penalty taker in MLS I would choose Jaime Moreno without a doubt.

 gregZ - Just something that’s been bothering me a little Bobby. How do you rate the commentating styles of John Helm and Martin Tyler? I could have sworn Helm was the number 1 guy or something. He got to oversee the opening and closing games at WC 2006. Apparently Tyler is rated best though.

Bobby – I enjoy listening to both Tyler and Helm. I believe that Tyler has a deal with Sky but also freelances while I believe that John Helm (internationally anyway) is entirely freelance.

John Helm does a lot of host broadcaster work at the major tournaments. By that I mean he is the English play by play voice that the host broadcaster will provide to international rights holders who do not have their own play by play voice or want to have a voice from the stadium rather than someone sitting in the studio back home.

Tyler’s pacing of comments and knowledge is fantastic while I appreciate John Helm’s style that is often understated. Another voice I enjoy is Steve Barnyard who pops up covering various leagues and World Cups.

Wiscoleeds – Gutted about Leeds...the Donny end was very empty. But we will be back next season...no admin, no -15 points, a decent manager, a true pre-season to prepare, 28,000 supporters a week, look for Leeds to have the best record in the football league next year.
Good luck to Doncaster and Hull...what a great strike from Windass.

Bobby - Another year may not be a bad thing. It will give Gary McAllister a full season to work with the team and I would not bet against successive promotions.

I will be back later this week with the first part of the Euro 2008 preview.

Atleti – Would this proposal by Platini affect Spain in the same way that it affects England (in terms of handing a Champions League spot to the Copa del Rey winner)?

Bobby - My understanding is that it would impact on the countries that receive four spots every year.

Curtains – Bert Trautmann wasn't British. He was a German POW before he started playing soccer in England.

Bobby – I think you have to appreciate that Charlton “wrote” the first autobiography in 1964 when they were only a handful of non-British players who had ever played in England. When he said it was his British XI I’m sure he meant it to cover players who had played in Britain rather than actually being British. Trautmann was never capped by West Germany but he did play for and captained the English Football league in a League international. These types of internationals were fairly popular for a time. The teams were based on the league you played in rather than your nationality. I think Denis Law may have played for the Italian League while he was with Torino.

Gaza - Would be nice to hear a comment from you on a subject of Chelsea performance. I think they look really boring, playing this sort of midfield soccer. And what I do not understand is why Shevchenko and Joe Cole are not involved at all. They both showed pretty good form in their international games.

Bobby – I did not watch Chelsea on the weekend as I was flying to Toronto for the MLS game so it would not be fair of me to comment. Having said that I guess my question back to you is what’s the difference between Chelsea’s performances this season so far and their performances over the last three seasons under Mourinho?
I didn’t think Cole looked to be anything special against Germany and I didn’t catch Shevchenko against Uzbekistan.  

wyofc - If they terminate Yallop (or if he quits) and they do the un-thinkable and hire Klinsmann - what else does the Galaxy need to do to start winning? Also, do you think the next coach will keep Landon or let him go? Is there any chance of them making the playoffs?

Bobby – I think in the case of the Galaxy they need a complete makeover. The bottom line is that they are a very poor team and David Beckham alone is not going to turn them around. I cannot see them making the play offs given their schedule and player pool – rather than battling for a play off spot it is probably a case of avoiding finishing in last place this season. As for Landon Donovan’s future my gut tells me that LA will try to keep him around but if they could use him as trade-bait to strengthen the side overall it might prove to be too tempting to resist. 

Therealrico - What is your opinion of Chris Coleman being the Nats head coach? And do you think there is a snowball's chance that would ever happen?

Bobby – It is an intriguing suggestion but I would have to say that it is a real outside chance. Coleman is very much schooled in the UK style and has no experience in international competition as a manager.

MasMaz - Please enlighten me, how can the linesman signal that Schmeichel has come off his line and the referee choose to ignore him?

Bobby – Rightly or wrongly the referee is ultimately the sole judge of decisions and can choose to accept or reject an assistant referee’s call.

Craigyf - What did you watch at the weekend and what results surprised you. You were there; in Toronto; on TV DC United looked formidable and comfortable. How good would you rate them after seeing them in the flesh?

Bobby – I recorded the early game (Liverpool and Sunderland) on DVD and watched it on the plane. The TFC vs. DC United game obviously and then on Sunday large chunks of the Juventus and Inter games. Finished off with United and Spurs and all the highlights on Sunday and Monday when I got back home.
I had watched DC United the week before against the Crew and thought that they looked very good in the second half. They’re a team looks very confident in their ability to hold possession by passing the ball – they really hit their rhythm in the 2nd half against Toronto. To beat them you would have to press them very hard for 90 minutes and not allow them to settle - otherwise they will pick you apart.

Craigyf - So how would Platini's plan affect the UEFA CUP? Currently don't you go into the UEFA Cup if you win either of the two English Cups?

Bobby – The UEFA Cup needs a major makeover anyway. They would probably change the criteria so that if a team that finished in the top 3 also won the FA Cup then the FA Cup runner up would qualify for the lesser trophy and the 4th place Premiership team would get a CL spot.

Eponymous - Would like to Bobby to weigh on this - I think UEFA/FIFA needs to make some kind of decision as to the consistency of 3rd party ownership across leagues in Europe (and elswhere).

Bobby – The third-part ownership thing is a real can of worms. Despite what we have heard over the last year or so regarding the Tevez situation third-party ownership is not illegal in England. What does constitute a problem is when a third-party owner retains the right the make a decision regarding the player – for example Player X won’t play this weekend because the third party owner says he is injured and has the contractual right to withdraw the player. However, I would agree that the present situation is a mess and needs FIFA to rule. The problem is that is some areas of the world third party owners provide a real service by helping players get overseas contracts by actively promoting the player to foreign clubs – something that local clubs may be unable to do.
Finally I think when you strip away the third party issue with Fernandes you find that it is no different than what has been going on for years – players changing their mind. It’s how Roy Keane finished up at Old Trafford rather than Ewood Park.

Bigdavedisaster – What’s your British 11 all time?

Bobby – Here goes. Criteria post 60’s and 4-3-3 formation.
Gordon Banks; Alex Hamilton, John Charles, Bobby Moore, Danny McGrain; George Best, Bobby Charlton, Dave MacKay; Jimmy Johnstone, Denis Law, Jimmy Greaves.
Substitutes – Pat Jennings, Paul Madeley (he really could play any position), Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Bryan Robson.

CIAO - I just read that Solskjaer retired due to his long running injury troubles. Have you heard the same? How did you rate him? Even though I dislike United, somehow I became a fan of Ole Gunner.Also do you think SAF will be back in the market for a striker? If so, I would imagine Gudjohnsen would be the perfect replacement -what do you think? I bet SAF is kicking himself for letting Rossi go.

Bobby – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was one of the best pure goal scorers in the last decade or so. However, beyond that I think he will be remembered by United fans for his loyalty. This is a player that had many chances to move away and get regular first team football but opted to stay and fight for his place and to sit on the bench waiting for his chance if need be. The problem that United has it that there is literally only hours left to do a deal and their doesn’t seem to be much on the horizon – there again he may pull a rabbit out of the hat once more although I would surprised if it was Gudjohnsen. He’s more a supporter striker and United need someone who plays up top.

CIAO - What do you make of the following reports:
1. Chelsea are bidding for Ronaldinho
2. Inter are considering loaning out Adriano
3. Inter are considering bidding for Deco
I personally think Chelsea might be better off as is. If they do make the bid then I imagine they would need to sell off Ballack. I don't really think Inter will make a bid for Deco, if they had plans to do so they would have already done so... right?

Bobby – Adriano on loan makes sense. As for the Ronaldinho story – a bit late to start making a move I would say. Deco – same thing.

Henry14 - 1.What do you know and can you pass a judgment on what’s going on between Portsmouth and Nugent.
2. Red Rom wants Ronnie do you see it happening by Friday although l do not have an idea why they would wait until the last minute?
3. Who is the better player Martins and Owen as we see them and going into the future if they both stay fit?

Bobby –1. Sometimes a player just doesn’t fit in to a new club and it’s often better to move him on. 2. A move for Ronaldinho makes no sense to me either. And I thought Mourinho was supposed to calling the shots again.
3. A fully fit Michael Owen is a much better player and scorer than Obafemi Martins.

We will start off with a few articles that caught my eye over the weekend.

Paul Kelso on the mechanics of the Burns recommendations.

Kevin McCarra on acceptance of the Burns Report by the FA.

John Carlin reckons that David Beckham’s time at Real Madrid is drawing to an end despite talk of a new contract.

Meanwhile Roddy Forsyth believes that Beckham could be Parkhead bound.

Gabriele Marcotti tells us why the reduction in the suspensions of three Italian teams was “inevitable”. His point about this being only the tip of an iceberg is well taken. Governance – FIFA, the Federations, the Associations, the Clubs – is going to be one of the most contentious issues of the next ten years and the relationship of international sport – not just football – and domestic legal systems is going to provide a lot of lawyers with a lot of work.

The Milan derby was an incredible game of football. Inter played Milan off the park in the first half and by the time Materazzi put Inter 4-1 ahead it looked as if Inter was on easy street. However, the Matrix and controversy are closely acquainted and his second yellow card for excessive celebration meant Inter was reduced to 10 men. Milan then piled forward and came ever so close to pulling level.

Before the FSWR on Friday we started messing around with unlikely book or DVD titles and the authors, or other improbable associations.
Some examples might be:
“The Jack Warner School for Ethics and Transparency in Football.”
Landon Donovan – “How to Land a Job in Europe and Prosper.”
“The Kieron Dyer Book of Fitness”
Filippo Inzaghe “Balancing in the Penalty Box – I Can Show You How.”
“The North, South, East and West Beach Diet” by Ronaldo.
Sam and Craig Allardyce – “Family Business – the Secret of Our Success.’

Can you come up with any others?