Foolishmoose - I have a tough one for you. Since the majority of my TV time is spent watching FSC, Setanta, GOL and ESPN Soccer programming, and with to my knowledge only ESPN carrying HD, but the minimum amount of soccer programming, my question is, do you have any inside info on when FSC may go HD?

Bobby – Sorry, I do not have a clue what is planned. What’s more I am not looking forward to that day. My imperfections will show up!!!


JayAlves – It’s going to be an interesting transfer season. Kudos to Spurs for firing the first shot and setting the tone as the season isn't even over and teams are going to have to line up their targets quicker or be left in the cold.

Bobby – I find it interesting that the move was made before the European Championships. A good summer tournament would have boosted the price considerably you would have thought.


RonW - Next year I believe they're increasing the number of substitutes who can suit up in the EPL... what effect do you think it will have on the games(if any, besides being better for the big spending/squad teams)?

Bobby – As long as the number that can be used sticks at three I really can’t see how will make much of an impact. Coaches who have been tempted not to name a goalkeeper will no longer have an excuse. Maybe the Premiership missed an opportunity to encourage a little bit more youth development by insisting that at least two of the seven named substitutes be under-21.


Gregz - 1. Bobby, what do you think of Fernando Gago? In recent weeks he has been putting on some remarkable performances for Real Madrid
2. Lots have been said about Hatem Ben Arfa maybe going to Arsenal. If it were to happen do U think he would make it? I'm thinking he is a bit light weight and every summer Arsenal's midfield players get smaller.

Bobby – 1. I have not watched Real Madrid the last two weekends so I can’t really comment on Gago’s recent performances. From what I have seen of him previously I would have said his performances have been underwhelming.

2. How many times has Arsenal been linked with a player they have actually signed? Eduardo, Adebayor, Rosicky, Hleb, Sango? I don’t remember of any of these being on the radar screen prior to signing so I would not put too much reliance on reports of Arsenal’s supposed transfer targets until a deal is actually done.  

As for being light weight – he’s played as a striker (and on the left side) so he can’t be that soft can he? As for summer transfer targets I’ll throw out the name of Luis Suarez as someone one of the big clubs might move for this summer.


Thierry_Henry - I don't know if you watched Liverpool v. Birmingham on the weekend. But the 2nd Birmingham goal should never have counted.  Jahidi was in between the wall and the goal keeper wanting to make it difficult for the keeper to view where the ball is headed. In that case I think he was interfering with play, even if the free kick went right in. Therefore he was offside. What's your take on it?

Bobby – I did watch the game and the referee’s decision was correct. First of all you have to consider the meaning of “interfering” and the regulations provide a clear definition. In terms of interfering with play a player is judged as such if he plays or touches the ball “passed or touched by a team-mate”. As Jahidi did not receive the ball then he cannot have been interfering with play.

Then it is a case of whether or not he was interfering with an opponent. “Interfering with an opponent means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or movements or making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent.”

Larsson hit the ball from well outside the penalty box. Reina’s view of Larsson was never hindered or obstructed – you can see that clearly from the camera view from behind the net. The Birmingham player didn’t make a gesture or movement. The goal was rightfully given.


Jahmikes - 1. I think Arsenal's main weak spot is defense and have my opinions, can you give an analysis of our starting defenders and the bench ones, mine is we have a good starting 4 but on the bench we look awful sparse from Traore who was underutilized.

2. Do you think the recall of Vela will become Wenger's answer to his wing problems? I see him and Walcott becoming our version of Nani and Ronaldo.

3. I felt that Torres should have received player of the year due to the many external and internal challenges he faced in his season. Ronaldo's ability is without question but being in a stable team made it much easier for him to shine, wouldn’t you agree?

4. What’s your verdict for tomorrow? I think Ferguson is playing a risky game. He used similar tactics against Roma in the semi's and was able to go through because Roma had no real strike force up front to capitalize on their attacks, Barcelona is a team built to score goals, and if Ferguson plays an open game they will score, if he plays defense it will be a stale mate with Barca going through.

Bobby – 1. Biggest problem is dealing with crosses and high balls down the middle. I don’t see much wrong at full back except perhaps trying to cut down on the balls getting into the box. I don’t see the problem as a lack of depth if your central two are not dominant enough. Fix the first problem before you consider depth.

2. What wing problem and with the exception of Marc Overmars when has Arsène Wenger ever played wingers? Arsenal looks to get width from full backs not wingers. Pinning your hopes on a 19 year-old who has not kicked a ball in English football sounds desperate to me. There is nothing to indicate that Wenger is suddenly going to dump his system to incorporate two rampaging teenage wingers. (I’m not even convinced that Vela and Walcott are going to be wingers in the long-term.)

3. No I wouldn’t agree. The award is supposed to go the best player not the best player in an on-going transatlantic soap opera.

4. I have looked into the crystal ball and I can see United winning 1-0 with Paul Scholes scoring a scorching goal around the 14th minute after Zambrotta makes a hash of a pass. As for Barcelona being built to score goals – this version must have been built on a Monday after a boozy weekend.


LGB -1. Which team (in any top league) has been the most disappointing this season?
2. Do you believe Mourinho will end up in Barca, Madrid or Milan (blue or red)?
3. What do you make of Ballack and Drogba's on-the-field spat? Not much has been made of it because of United's antics and, of course, Chelsea won but is this kind of competitive edge what you need in a game like this, especially at such a crucial time?
4. What do you make of seedings in tournaments such as World Cup, Euro Championships and Euro Cup? Worth it or worthless?
5. How many goals do you see Liverpool needing to score at the Bridge for them to progress? How many for Barca at OT?
6. Final question: Why in the world is the PFA player of the year award handed out before the season is over?

Bobby –1. Barcelona.

2. Yes……or some other team.

3. I thought it was very funny. It was playground stuff.

4. It makes sense to me for a number of reasons. There are also different sort of seedings – there is rankings and also the system that makes sure you don’t draw three CONCACAF teams in the same World Cup Final group.

5. Two for Liverpool. And one for Barcelona!!!!

6. I don’t know and neither do I know why the voting takes place around February.



Jahmikes - How many goals has Arsenal conceded from set plays? And what’s their rank in this statistic?

Bobby – Arsenal 11 of 31. I don’t know how they rank but here are the others from the top six. Aston Villa 14/47; Chelsea 11/25; Everton 12/31; Liverpool 18/27; Manchester United 6/21.


ReggaeGunner - Who's been the best RB for the 07/08 season throughout Europe? I've seen quite a lot of matches still trying to come to a final conclusion.

Bobby – How about Maicon?


Redfan4ever – 1. As the season draws to a close and we all reflect on what has been, I was a wondering what for you have been the best, say top three, highlights of season from the various leagues (not cups) you watch around the world?
2. Norman Hunter was related to Ron Harris and Tommy Smith in some weird way was he not?

Bobby – 1. I will go with these three. Chelsea and Spurs sharing 8 goals in the Premiership. Fiorentina’s 3-2 win over Juventus. Villarreal’s 4-3 away win against Atletico Madrid.

2. Chiseled from the same piece of granite.


Redfan4ever – 1. If Chelsea fork out 55 million for Kaka, who would you see them using as a holding midfielder?
2. Also, do you think they would be able keep Lampard and Ballack happy if Kaka arrives?
3. Do you think Drogba is on the way out this summer especially after his temperamental attitude with Ballack over a free kick and his general demeanor against the Mancs last weekend? I do not think he is happy at all.

Bobby – 1. The same one they were going to use anyway – Mikel.

2. Neither appears to have been particularly happy since Ballack arrived so adding Kaka to mix will not improve the situation.

3. Drogba has been unhappy since Mourinho left so I would not read too much into the Drogba/Ballack tantrums as being some sort of turning point.



LGB - I like the offside rule that is going on right now. If we go back to the other way then we'll get goals like Roy Keane's getting ruled out in the 99 FA Cup semifinal.

Keep the rule the same as it is now. I like the fact that goalies can be "distracted". They are protected way too much as it is.

Bobby - You make a good point. Confusing a keeper is not the same as distracting him.


AlbertaGooner – Who was your team of the season?

Bobby – I’ll wait for the post season to list mine I think.


thewobengonboy - Recently Martin Samuel asked the punters to put forward selection recommendations for Fabio Capello. I was slightly surprised that no one went to bat for Tom Huddlestone. I have seen performances where, on his day, he looks like a poor man's Andrea Pirlo with his range of passing, and seems worthy of a look in an England squad where Beckham is clearly past his best. How do you rate him? Additionally, has Juande Ramos done him any favors by trying him out in defense?

Bobby – He has a great touch and is a very good passer of the ball. His lack of pace and mobility is a problem and that would be a bigger problem at the international level. Huddlestone played a good number of games at Derby in central defense before he moved to Spurs and it might well become his accepted position.


Thierry_Henry - 1 - Given the British malaise of not finishing project in timely manner, i.e.: Wembley stadium, London airport terminal death row, sorry, Heathrow... are you surprised on how smooth the construction of the Emirates stadium went?

2 - Do you think Tottenham Hotspurs will avoid relegation next season?

Bobby – 1. Amazed. Just wait for the Daddy of them all – the 2012 Summer Olympics. It will make the costs overruns for Montreal 1976 look like petty cash.
2. Yes – along with Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton, Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United…….


Roseboy64 - Eriksson to be sacked.....What are your opinions?

Bobby – Thirteen points up on last season’s position with two games left - difficult to justify him being fired. Only explanation is Sven becoming another victim of an egomaniac owner.

No doubt Sven will walk away with another big cheque and he does have his new TV career to fall back on this time. However, I think he does have to work on his camera presence – he seems a bit “wooden” – almost puppet-like - at times.


Ringo - Will Hamilton be allowed to play home games at home next season?
I see their ground holds 5,400 will that be enough to keep the SPL happy?

Bobby – They have a Field turf artificial surface at the moment and it is being replaced this summer with under soil heating and a proper grass surface. I don’t know what the situation is with the capacity but my understanding is that the SPL has signed off on Hamilton’s plans.


MasMaz - When do we get your team of the season?

Bobby – At the end of the season and probably with a twist.


Thierry_Henry - Is Rijkaard done? He did not show any desire to win today. Starting Henry on the bench was fatal from what I believe. What's your take?

Bobby – His time was up well before today. He has come to the end of the normal life-cycle of a manager.


Zuco2 - Looking at the recent "achievement" of Zenit in the UEFA cup, does it mean that the Russian League is perhaps a stronger league then we might think?

Bobby – It depends on who “we” are. When CSKA Moscow was on route to their UEFA Cup win of 2005 I suggested that Russian clubs would soon be making their mark in Champions League.

To date that hasn’t happened so from my perspective the Russian teams have been disappointing over the last three seasons in Europe. There is money behind the teams and they have brought in some excellent talent. At the moment they are punching below their weight.

realmadridcffan - 1. Do you know how the aggregate away rule to decide two legged ties started and what do you think of it? I kind of like it because it rewards good road play and punishes sloppy home play.

2. What did you think of the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup draw? Do you see any surprises coming up for this edition of the 2007 Gold Cup?

3. What do you think has been the key to Manchester United's excellent form this year? Manchester United has actually been quite a surprise this year in the EPL, considering not that many people where picking them to be leading the premiership at this time.

Bobby – 1. In 1967/68 the away goals rule was used to  decide first round ties only in the European Cup. The away goals rule was brought into full use for the 1968/69 European Cup and from there it was extended to other tournaments. Real Madrid were the first team that season to go out of the competition because of the rule – they lost to Rapid Vienna. Before that replays had been used and then a coin toss was brought in. The coin toss remained an option for a number of seasons when the away goals rule was not a factor. In one famous game Celtic and Benfica exchanged 3-0 results and Celtic won the coin toss twice – the first to decide who got to call and the second the actual deciding toss. Celtic went on the European Cup Final that season but lost to Feyenoord in extra time.

2. I like the fact that guest teams are no longer involved. If you are going to have a regional tournament then that is what it should be. Having said that I still dream that the day will come when we will be able to enjoy a full blown Copa America with CONCACAF and COMNEBOL teams involved – however, I am not holding my breath on that one. With three teams qualifying from two of the groups it reduces the chances of a surprise. A couple of countries I will be watching for. ####mp;T – can they build on their WC showing or will they go into decline ala Jamaica post 98 given that the team is quite old. The other is Panama. They’ve turned out a couple of good age group sides in the last few years and they did push the USA all the way two years ago.

3. A number of factors have combined to make it a great season for United. The four I would pick out would be the reemergence of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes – absolutely outstanding performances - and Ronaldo becoming a world class player. The other the drive and single mindedness of Alex Ferguson.

Henry14 - 1. What happens if Watford lose in the FA final or win it and then relegated, will they play in Europe

2. ESPN pundits seem to feel Eto'o will move where do you see him going and why?

3. What are Wenger's chances of getting N'Zogbia from Newcastle

4. What do you think were Arsenal's problems and what do you think can be the solution so that they are (up with?) United and Chelsea next season.

Bobby – 1. Either way they will compete in the UEFA Cup as long as the team they lose to – if they lose – have already qualified for either the Champions League or UEFA Cup.

2. I don’t think Eto’o will move. Take into consideration that the manager will likely leave and the new boss isn't going to want to dump Eto'o - in my opinion.

3. Arsenal have been linked with N’Zogbia for a while but I thought I read that he signed a new contract with Newcastle. Of course, that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t move but it would certainly cast some doubt over a possibile transfer.

4. Arsenal are not experiencing anything that a bit more experience will not fix. I said at the start of the season that this was a transition year. Third or fourth place in the Premiership will make a relatively successful season.

Buffytvs - Re the last but one comment on Woodgate: when we did our picks before the EPL season started, I called Middlesbrough for the drop. That was before the tfr window closed, and they brought in Woodgate, who has made am enormous difference. Without him, I think they would be in deep trouble. So... this coming year, can we make the deadline for the picks AFTER the tfr window?

Bobby – I will consider a change in timing for next season’s picks. I looked up everyone’s picks and only two of 70 picked Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool as a 1-2-3 finish – no one is sitting with 1-4 right let alone 1-5. As far as relegation is concerned 6 from 70 have picked two of the three teams presently occupying the bottom three slots. No one picked all three. Interestingly only two people picked WHU to finish in the bottom three and nobody picked them as the season’s potentially biggest disappointment.

Venti Vidi Vici - Whatever happened to all the Man Utd fans/shareholders who so fiercely opposed the Glazier takeover, and I think even established a new non-league MU team?? Has the club's recent performances on and off the field temporarily shut them up, or have they given up and apologized?

Bobby – The team is growing and prospering. Here is their website. Time will tell whether they are right or wrong but from my vantage point I still cannot see how the Glazer family is going to be able to have the club service the debt level without affecting the on field product. And before someone jumps in with the Arsenal example it is something very different. United is the equivalent of consumption debt – non productive debt – while Arsenal is investment debt where an asset has been purchased that increases revenue.

Verbal 97 - Anyway, do you think that the replays for Man United and Chelsea hurt their chances in the quarterfinal matches against Roma and Valencia? It certainly isn't ideal. Also, can Man United cope without Larsson with Saha and Solksjaer injured?

Bobby – I think the replays are more likely to hurt England (game against Israel on March 24 in Euro qualifiers) than Chelsea and Manchester United. It will however be interesting to see the teams that United and Chelsea put out against Bolton and Sheffield United this weekend. United have got goals from 15 different players in the Premiership this year so I think they can overcome the problem until Saha returns at the end of this month – supposedly.

Gunner 44 - Do you think it will be smart of Barcelona to sell Eto'o, I mean the guy has been amazing for them and he has one bad season and now they want to sell him? For me this is the problem with football nowadays too many rushed decisions are been made, even Ferguson mentioned this in an article I read a couple of weeks ago that managers and players need to be given time to build themselves before they are sacked.

Bobby – I would be very surprised if Barcelona decides to sell Eto’o. I would agree that fans patience seems to be getting less and less. It seems to me that years ago supporters understood that it took time for a player to adapt to a new team. Now a player has to be an instant success even though they may be experiencing a new culture and having to learn a new language. It took Drogba two seasons to show his real stuff . How many Chelsea fans are willing to admit that they wrote him off as a bad investment during the first 18 months or so.

Gongatore - Last week you thought that if it was down to Barca selling Ronaldinho or Eto'o, you thought they would not get rid of Eto'o. That is kind of interesting. Do you think R is burned out from last season or do you really think he is losing steps and defenders read him better? Also what do you think of Roma's chances against Manu in the CL? Wouldn't it be nice to see a different side win? Let's face it Roma plays a terrific style of ball.

Bobby – If it was down to Ronaldinho or Eto’o I would sell Ronaldinho. That doesn’t mean that he is burnt out or finished just that I think Eto’o would be more difficult to replace. Ronaldinho is just about to turn 27 and he will be a great player for some years to come. Roma worry me in that they have terrific players who have largely underperformed in Europe for years - I wonder if they might be the CL surprise team this year.

Henry14 - My list of the best strikers in the world when fit are 1 Eto’o 2 Klose 3 Henry 4 Drogba 5 lmbrahimovich My top 5 defenders are 1 Cannavaro 2 Nesta 3 Chivhu 4 Calvhahlio 5 Gallas What is your list of five best strikers and defenders?

Bobby – Strikers when fit 1. Eto’o, 2. Drogba 3. Henry 4. Villa 5. Klose.

Defenders 1. Cannavaro, 2. Gallas, 3. Nesta 4. Terry, 5. Lucio.

HatrickVieira - Considering the injuries at Arsenal, do you think a tactical O'Neil and an inspired Carew can silence the Gunners? Additionally, how 'bout posting your predictions for weekly EPL fixtures, I am sure we would all enjoy a comparison and don't mind your "overanalyzation".. regardless of what Jeremy thinks!

Bobby – I would be picking a draw for Aston Villa and Arsenal. With Villa’s record this season it is hardly a outrageous pick. As for ongoing predictions I explained before that I don’t want it to become a prediction blog. However, the weekend preview blog last Friday seemed to fairly well received so I will try to post something every Friday – and maybe make a prediction now again for big games and/or possible surprises – so everyone has a chance to post pre and post game thoughts.

Bigdave disaster - You didn’t talk about the Celtic Milan game on the show and I was wondering what your thoughts were? (and not just if you think it was a penalty on Naka because your sane and you would have to think so, still bitter I thought we stole it from a better side with grit hard work and a bit of luck and a goal post or two)

Bobby – A brave show from Celtic but in the end just not up to the standard needed to get the better of Milan. It looked like a penalty to me and here was also the Maldini handball. But by all accounts Milan were clearly the better side.