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.