liverpoolfc73 - I know you don’t generally do this, but I am testing a very interesting hypothesis and would greatly appreciate your valued and informed view on Liverpool's priorities for the next year. Would you please mind reading my blog and posting your views, especially in terms of priorities for 2008-09. I would truly appreciate your valued opinion.

Bobby – I think I answered your question where I could on the last blog. There are players listed that I have never seen and probably never will see so I don’t think it fair or helpful to comment on them.  Is your hypothesis something to do with how many people recognize obscure Liverpool reserve players and is a way to get LGB into another scrap?

Craigy_f – 1. Do you like the third placed Champion's League teams from the group stage hopping over to the UEFA Cup?
2. Who is the best player you've ever seen play (live and in the flesh).
3. Villa or Everton - who finishes fifth? Stoke or West Brom - whose kit do you like best?
4. Goals, gaffes and stunning tackles - see any worth mentioning at the weekend.
5. Philly in 2010 (wasn't there something about a Spaced Oddesy?) An opinion on the MLS' latest recruit.
6. Is Roy Keane British?
7. Who is your top foreigner ever to play in the British leagues?
8. Do you know the prize money (minimum) that Stoke and West Brom can expect to make next year?
9. Do you know what parachute payment Derby et al will get for being relegated?
10. Do you like billionaires in charge of football clubs?
11. Will you be more interested in the UEFA CUP Final or the Champions League Final?
12. How is your heading ability now?

Bobby – 1. Not particularly but it’s not as if it comes as a surprise anymore.

2. That can be answered two ways. The players who has gone on to be considered the best or the best performance I’ve seen be an individual. I’ll answer the second one. Given the quality of the opposition and the occasion I would go for Charlie Cooke for Scotland against England at Hampden in a 1-1 draw on frosty rock hard surface in February (?) 1968.

3. Everton holds a big advantage. Stoke.

4. The Julio Cruz free kick was a corker. I didn’t think it was a very good weekend all together.

5. They seem to be an enthusiastic bunch so that’s good. And they worked hard to get into the league.

6. The conventional pick seems to be Cantona but I preferred watching Dennis Bergkamp and Gianfranco Zola. If you want a real off the wall pick in Scotland it would be Orjan Persson a Swedish winger who played for Dundee United in the sixties as part of the Scandinavian invasion pre-Abba.   He later signed for Rangers when they were frantically trying to loosen Celtic’s stranglehold on Scottish football. I think Persson went on to play in a World Cup.

7. You ask Keane and see what reaction you get.

8. That is a difficult question to answer because it varies based on TV revenues, ticket prices, merchandise expectations, their final points total and a few other things. There are a lot of numbers thrown around with assumptions being made that are not necessarily reliable or are one sided. It’s fine to talk of the increase revenue that will be generated but players will almost certainly have to be paid more so the extra money does not all flow to the bottom line. However, there is no doubt that the money is significant. Conservative estimates seem to put the gross revenue increase at between £30m and £35m through TV and place money with another £12m in parachute payments for two seasons.

9. The old formula for parachute payments was little under £7m and to date I have not been able to ascertain if Derby and, whoever the other two are, fall under the old or new parachute scale.

10. As it presently stands I have nothing against billionaires being in charge of football clubs per se as long as they are semi-sensible and putting their own money up.
 
11. Both.

12. Still has bad as ever! They used to say that Denis Law defied gravity by being able to hang in the air – I defy gravity by jumping and losing height.

Djnima19 - Any chance you will be doing another daily show covering the Euros? I remember during the WC I really starting following you after that show with you and Max during the WC. Really enjoyed that. Hope u can make that happen...

Bobby – Sorry no daily show during the Euros for me.

RonW - What's the deal with Parry faxing a trade proposition for Barry outside the transfer window? Any ideas why now? Instead of waiting until Villa's season was over.
When was the Russian off season? I know Zenit were the champs when they played Everton. I wasn't overly impressed with Zenit in that game shown on FSC and was surprised they beat Bayern Munich. Less fatigued maybe?

Bobby – There is nothing stopping deals being done outside of the transfer window. However, the player cannot be registered until the window opens. Why now? – probably a wee body-swerve to take attention away from the squabbling and Champions League exit.

The Russian 2007 season finished November 11 and 2008 started March 14. We talked about the differing seasons for Eastern European and Scandinavian clubs a couple of weeks ago on the FSR. It is normally considered an advantage when UEFA Cup and Champions League qualifying starts in July/August (mid-season form) and a disadvantage in spring when European competitions reopens as their seasons have just started.


Roseboy64 - Lehmann gone. Flamini having a medical in Milan. Gilberto and Hleb look to be going. Hmmm.....What do you think Bobby?

Bobby – Lehmann and Gilberto going is not a surprise. Flamini – I think we really have to wait and see how he pans out over the next couple of seasons. He was terrific this season after giving no real indication that he had it in him –before this season he looked set to be the 2000s version of Gilles Grimandi. One season wonder – or a quality defensive midfield player? As for Hleb - I really enjoy watching him but he can be frustrating. If he goes he will be missed by Arsenal.

Liverpoolfc73 - With all due respect, Wenger has done an amazing job at the Emirates. I can see the logic of him wanting to maintain some discipline through the wage structure by insuring there is no disparity. However not when it cost's the team valuable players. I am fairly sure that the wage structure of Arsenal was hugely different during the time the invincibles were unbeaten for 49 games. The likes of Henry, Vieira, Pires etc were not on the same pay-structure as the rest of the team - If Wenger could manage it then, why can’t he manage it now.

Bobby – It comes down to how highly you rate Flamini. He has been a revelation this season particularly when you consider that last season at this time most Arsenal fans would have been happy to see him go. However, he isn’t in the category of Pires, Henry, Vieira vintage 2004 by any means.

If he is probably in the middle of the Arsenal pack (in terms of his importance to the team) and offered $110K a week then that would probably be right. But he can’t be given $170,000 a week without the scale being tilted and the rest of the players wanting more. The wage-structure is likely the same – the difference in opinion was where Wenger ranked Flamini in the pecking order as opposed to where Flamini either thought he should be or what Milan were willing to pay him.

Maybe it is just me but there seems to be a a lot of fallout from Flamini's move - how did Arsenal supporters feel when Overmars and Petit were sold to Barcelona?

ReggaeGunner - Any CM out there that you can think of that would really be a good fit with Cesc?

Bobby – Mascherano, Cambiasso for starters.  

Henry14 - What’s your take on Makoun, l heard he is good but when l saw him at the African tournament he was BLEEP and had to be replaced by Song, l clearly do not want Wenger to replace Flamini with thus guy because l am afraid of another Djemba Djemba.

Bobby – I would be surprised if it is Makoun. Every agent who has a client that is defensive midfield player will be claiming Arsenal is looking at him.

Jahmikes - All this talk about Arsenal interested in Martins is good but I’m thinking of another African striker Ghana and Udinese Gyan...He is quick and has an eye for goal what do you think?
Do you think Grant will remain Chelsea's coach? What are your views on Rooney this season?
Is Ballack this year’s most improved player?

Bobby – I'm not aware of a lot of talk about Obafemi Martins – there is a rumour amongst 100s of others - and so far there has been nothing more than that. If Wenger wanted Martins he has had ample chance in the past so I don’t see why he would suddenly be interested.

Gyan – he’s struggled at times to get a start for Udinese and his goal scoring record is spotted at best. Nine starts, four more as a substitute and three goals in Serie A this season - if that is an example of having an eye for a goal then he should use his speed and go and get his sight checked.

Grant – no. Rooney – has played well but he has yet to show that he is a natural goal scorer and I don’t think he ever will. Ballack – surely  you mean this month’s most improved player?

Thierry_Henry - Stoke will join WBA in the EPL this season. I’ve never seen them playing. Do you know anything about them? Do you think they will break Derby County's records? I think can see them picking up only 6 points against Tottenham Hotspurs the entire season.

Bobby – Stoke are a big strong physical team that play basic football with a number of players who are just not Premiership calibre. They are better equipped than Derby but will struggle to survive next season without a substantial investment in new players over the summer.

Leche010 - Whatever happened to the rumor that Arsenal was going to sign Vonlanthen? The kid should be at a bigger club than he is, but missing the last WC due to injury didn't help. Look out for him in EURO this summer, if he has a good tournament, I wouldn't be surprised to see him at a big club next fall.

Bobby – Probably what happens to 99.999% of rumours…..they die because they are not based in fact.  Going from PSV out on loan and then on to Red Bull Salzburg and scoring very few goals along the way is a very unusual route to the Emirates.

Zuco2 - Is Lehmann retiring from football or is he just leaving Arsenal?? A few months ago, he said he would play for Germany at EURO 2008.

Bobby – The two things are not incompatible. He has not made up his mind yet about 2008/09 but wants to play in this summer’s Euro 2008 for Germany either way.

Henry 14 - This is going to be a long summer for Arsenal fans. Hleb might leave and no matter who comes in it is pretty safe to say we will not challenge. This board has been shortchanging fans for some time and lying in the process. Gilberto will leave, RVP and Rosicky injured the future does not look good at all. Imagine if Fergie buys a striker and a good defender, Chelsea will buy so as Liverpool what chance do we have, all the BLEEP that Hill-Wood wanted to give Wenger 100m quid is a hoax, trying to get Usmanov out. For the first time we really need Usmanov, dare l say.

Bobby – Glazers lose £58M, Liverpool is in a mess and your answer for Arsenal is to do he same thing. Usmanov will not put money in, he would borrow money to buy the club then borrow more so players can be bought and then surprise, surprise ……. the club will need to pay it back to the banks. Something the the present directors are currently able to do if they want to put the club into more debt.

RonW - Did Dalglish play in the Premier League? I know he managed Blackburn to an EPL title and played in the 1st Division.

Bobby – Paul Dalglish did but Dad Kenny never played in the Premiership.


DVXPrime - 1) In 1998 Chicago Fire stunned MLS and won the league in their inaugural season. Last year, Toronto FC drew a legion of fans, and rewarded said fans by going months without scoring. If you could advise the GMs/team presidents of the Seattle and Philadelphia expansion clubs, what would you say?

2) Speaking of very bad teams, I checked out attendance records for Derby County. Unless I counted wrong, they averaged 33,000 in attendance at home. Pretty surprising for a team that was one good afternoon vs. Newcastle from going winless in the EPL. Any thoughts on how the Rams kept bodies in the seats this year?

3) What are your best sources for all the articles you post?

Bobby – 1. Have a solid and realistic plan based on experience, wisdom and knowledge and execute to it.

2. Loyal fans who probably knew from the beginning that this was a one season chance to see Premiership football.

 3. I don’t consider there to be one best source. I just try to get through seven or eight sites a day (sometimes more) to try and keep up and cherrypick.

Neophyte - Utd's financial situation is more than concerning. It is one I have been silently trying to follow...they have made it somewhat difficult to find correlating figures. The releasing of numbers at the last minute etc...makes it seem like a company in trouble. It reminds me of the US auto industry in many ways (and many ways not so similar :) ) I wonder if you were to look at the top flight clubs throughout Europe, how many would be operating in the red? I can also see a dangerous group think mentality taking place..."We can operate in the red if we have enough credit or deferment, as long as we are competitive. Then, when our brand has reached its height, and our deferment is still in place we can look for a buyer."

Next question: Who has more to play for, Wigan or Bolton? (I ask that one with a big sheepish grin on my face).

 Bobby – I think you have to differentiate between operating in the red (annual operating losses) and being in deep debt to the banks because they have lent money to pay the previous owners ridiculous amounts of money.

As I have said a number of times the Glazer model is high wire act without a safety net. They paid (borrowed) top dollar to buy United on the basis that they could grow revenue in ways that the previous owners could not.

Their business model is largely based on United having continuing success and fielding star players. The down side is that they compete in a market in which the money that mega-stars can demand icontinues to increase. The jury is still out on whether or not the Glazers can find a way to keep United successful, grow revenues and pay the staggering interest costs each year. This one has a ways to go yet.

Gers4Lyfe - Rangers seem to be up against it. Fatigue, injuries and a packed fixture list. They are also fighting an inability to score goals in their current 4-5-1 formation. While the club is close to history it is flirting with unprecedented disappointment. 4 titles could end up to be one heaven forbid.

It seemed the first match with Fiorentina Smith's Catenaccio was much more effective in creating turnovers. Do you think Zenit on its current high could experience difficulty against this formation?
Has Advocaat and Zenit faced this formation in UEFA Cup competition? As for the league it is an uphill climb but still within grasp. Do you see a 4-4-2 switch with Novo and Boyd up front a possibility?

Is Queen of South that well coached?

Bobby – A well coached, organized side that puts players behind the ball are always going to be difficult to score against so if Smith plays the same system then it will challenge Zenit. It is not an unusual system so I can’t see how the Russian side would have never come up against it. The problem for Rangers – and the gamble – is what happens if Zenit grab a lead.

Boyd’s been available most of the season but Smith is reluctant to play unless Rangers have to chase a game. It seems that the only team Smith regularly plays Kris Boyd against is Dundee United! 

Queen of the South have a handful of experienced players and they also have Gordon Chisholm as their coach and he took Dundee United to the Scottish Cup Final a few seasons ago. QOS are a full time club so they should be in good nick as far as fitness is concerned although they have a long lay-off between their last First Division games (April 26) and the Scottish Cup Final (May 24). QOS had a decent showing in the First Division this season and based on other performances from other First Division sides this season they should give a good account of themselves against Rangers.

On a related point I think they should be giving serious consideration once more to going to a 16-team SPL league. It would get the league games to a more reasonable 30 from 38 and allow for a winter break if needed.

Leche010 - What do you think United are to do with Louis Saha? He doesn't play that often, partly do to him being as injury prone as he is, but even when he's not injured he wasn't playing that much. He managed to play all 90 minutes only 3 times this past season. In all honesty, and yes, I am saying this hindsight, I think SAF made the wrong decision to keep him and sell Giuseppe Rossi to Villarreal, but that's the way it goes.

Now on top of that he wants to bring in Benzema from Lyon, which is a move I'm not going to rule out until the transfer window officially closes, but if he is to bring Benzema in, or any other new striker for that matter, surely Saha will be shown the door, no?

Bobby – Keep on paying him I expect because I can’t see anyone jumping to pay money for him. My understanding he has a contract – and therefore a pay cheque – until 2010 so it would need United to settle up with him if they wanted rid of him.
United still have a first option on Rossi should Villarreal choose to sell him.

And how do we know that Ferguson wants to sign Benzema?  Because Fergie “hinted” in February just before United was to play Lyon? Hmmmm.

Craigy_f – 1. Many see the CL in the last few years as a tale of PL dominance. It's hardly that in the UEFA Cup. How to you explain the difference in the two comps for PL teams (or other leagues) in the last three odd years.
2. Do you like the playoffs?
3. The last noise the Liverpool Supporters Who Want To Buy Liverpool made was about having the clout to actually have a dialogue with Hillette and Gicks. Apparently they wanted to talk ' intentions'. Will this happen?
4. Will Ince be given a bigger club or stick with much moved Wimbledon?
5. Tevez's stock must have gone up with that late goal at Blackburn?
6. Gimme your top five footballing flops this weekend, please.
7. What; off what goes on on the pitch; gets your goat when watching football.
8. Who will finish fifth? (In the PL, Serie A and La Liga)
9. Scottish Managers seem to do well darn sarf, why do you think that is?

Bobby –1. Many would seem to have a very poor grasp of what constitutes dominance. One win this decade hardly represents dominance.

2. Yes.

3. Until they have money in the bank they are trying to bluff their way in the door. There is a large chasm between fans expressing a willingness to put money up and actually writing the cheque. There again 100,000 of them could borrow the money from the bank which is no more ridiculous than what Hicks and Gillett pulled off. (Couldn't resist the notion that the ESPN commentator missed a golden opportunity at the end of the game today when the cameras panned over to Hicks. The comments was something like "owner Tom Hicks must now take his Liverpool team to Stamford Bridge next week..." Should it not have been "owner Tom Hicks must now take his half of the Liverpool team to Stamford Bridge next week..."

4. There are always teams on the lookout for a savior so I cannot see Ince staying with MK Dons much longer. He could take a shorter route to the Championship I am sure.

5. Three late equalizers doesn’t hurt but I think that after what he showed for WHU late last season there are not too many people surprised.

6. You get 1 and 1 a – Clyde losing to Hamilton and Queen of the South beating Dundee.

7. What?

8. Villa, Milan, Racing Santander.

9. If I knew sarf meant then I might be able to answer.

Gorn – 1. Your opinion on whether Fake Ronaldo's PK technique is caution-worthy/unsporting? Seems to me that it's not much, if at all, different than if he just took a shorter run-up. Is there another line of thinking?
2. What sources do you use to do yer research (ie: top away goal scorer in BPL in 07-08, etc.)? Any links appreciated!
3. By how many goals will LFC beat Chelsea in both legs of the CL semi?
4. There appears to be a few quality strikers available this summer (Berbatov, Huntelaar, Villa, Henry, Crouch & hell even Ronaldinho). Do you think this will create a bit of a market correction in transfer prices? Or will this be the priciest market in years? I know you don't like to speculate on things like specific transfers, just wondering yer general feeling on what you anticipate happening, especially w/so many top teams rumoured to be changing managers....
5. Do you think MLS needs a marquee team or 3 to stimulate rivalries/dynasties like the BPL has? Not advocating a class system exactly, but maybe more along the lines of brand development & recognition. Beckham helps, but if his team is pants, it doesn't help MLS. Further, MLS seems not yet able to simply throw $ at players to solve the problem like NASL did.

Maybe MLS would be served by having more than one team in a big city like NY to create a derby. Thoughts?

6. Dis/agree that there are at most 3 Canadian cities than can support an MLS team?

Bobby – 1. Nothing wrong with it whatsoever.

2. I hunt through stats sites. There is not one that has everything and in some cases the information doesn’t seem to exist. Most of the time it is a case of getting raw information and adding things up. I don’t think I use any sites that I or others haven’t referenced before; BBC, Fox, Telegraph, Soccerbot (probably my favourite), soccerbase.com, premiersoccerstats, RSSSF, channel 4 are the normal haunts. I also buy the European Book of Football each year which contains a statistical recap of every league in Europe plus international games.

3. Leading the witness – can’t have that. And do you now wish to rephrase the question after today?

4. Prices aren’t necessarily dependent on supply but are more influenced by money in the system. In the last few years that has been Premier League money and there is no indication that the money will dry up. I would also suggest that managers are not looking for strikers per se they are looking for specific types of strikers depending on their needs.

Berbatov is going to give you imagination, silky skills, and the ability to lead the line. Crouch is going to provide you with a lethal five yard pass back towards his own goal and ….come to think of it how many goals has your list of quality strikers actually scored this season?

Huntelaar 34 goals – we know from experience that goals in the Dutch league do not necessarily translate into goals in bigger leagues and he his coming up on 25 years old and nobody has made a real move for him yet. Wonder why? Berbatov 15 goals but also offers more. After that there have not been many goals from the others.

 5. Use the words “brand development” and you are not off to a very good start. Rivalries do not come from plunking a team or two down in the same city. They come from years of games, incidents and shared history.

Rivalries cannot be manufactured and it is not just about location. After all if your theory was right we would be watching the Greater London League every week. One more thing – the NASL did not solve any problems by throwing money at them; they just caused more problems.

6. Vancouver I have no doubt. Montreal is a strange market and I don’t know enough about it. The others - not a hope of being considered let alone being given a chance. It is after all an US league.


Ursusarctos - "Should the Moscow [CL] final turn out to be an all-English affair this season, there will be plenty of talk about the Premier League being the best in the world. It isn't. Torres is right [that La Liga is tougher than the Premier League because matches are more competitive all the way down the league, and that English football is really all about the top four.]" Yes. And it is too bad.

Do you agree with Wilson's (and Torres') analysis? How would you rate Serie A? Does it resemble the PL, in terms of the quality being consistently concentrated among the top (6 or so?) teams, or is it more similar to Spain? Leagues appear to tend to develop a quasi-permanent group of "haves", with the quality dropping off rapidly after-- Scotland's Old Firm and Portugal's Big Three are other examples.

Which major leagues would you consider to have the most turnover amongst the top group of teams, and the most competitive depth, over time (recent decades)-- and which the least? What factors might be responsible for differences between leagues? Or does the competitive depth of leagues go in cycles, with England at the lower end of the scale and Spain at the higher at this point in time (and Scotland doing its own thing)?

If so, will increasing financial rewards, such as CL prize money, tend to fix "elite" teams in place, or are there contrary factors that might help to promote intra-league competitiveness?

Bobby – I don’t care one way or another. You may as well argue about the greatest ever heavyweight boxer. At the end of the day it is what excites and engages you – it has nothing to do with a subjective definition of best.

(I notice another MLS is #### discussion has broken out. We have been around this one before but someone has yet to tell me what constitutes great football that they will watch and bad football that they won’t. Fans relate through building allegiances and they have no idea whether or not they will enjoy a game or will want to throw up when they pay their money or sit down in front of a TV. There is no such thing as all games in X league good; all games in Y league bad. When fans dismiss a league as being rubbish what they mean is they don’t relate to it. It has nothing to do with the standard of play even though they make it out to be.)

In terms of parity England use to be the exception in that there were a number of clubs that had a real chance of picking up silverware every season. The advent of the Premiership killed that extended era and the Premiership took on the same character as Europe’s other main leagues.

Take a look at the teams who have won leagues and cups in each country – it will closely follow the 80/20 rule. Eighty per cent of the silverware will have been won by 20% of the teams. The difference between success and failure long tern in soccer is the same as in business – the access to capital.

No guarantee of success but if you don’t have access to money through a large fan base (which normally means a team from a large city) you cannot compete in the long term. It works the same for leagues – that is why countries with large populations generally have better teams and more of them.

There are a couple of exceptions but they are exceptions, not the rule. I haven’t done the research but my guess is that the French league has probably enjoyed the broadest range of winning sides until Lyon started their domination.

The Champions League is installing or in some cases ingraining what could become a perpetual cycle of relative success for a relatively small number of clubs. Win their league and make it to the CL group stage generates money that their domestic rivals do not have access to; spend the money to improve the squad and qualify for Europe again etc etc.

Rosenborg had it down to an art for over a decade. Platini’s initiative to extend places in the group stage to more countries is in theory good and noble but it may also lead to a greater distortion at the domestic level.

MasMaz - I assume that tonight you will give us your opinion about Rooney being given free reign to do whatever he wants. If not I'd like to hear it.

Bobby – I can’t say that I have noticed any difference in the way that Ferguson is playing Rooney. He has been granted a lot of freedom all season from what I can see.

However, if you are trying to make some ridiculous comparison with Mascherano’s sending off against United then you will have to make a better case. If you can show me an example of Rooney running 40 yards to get in the referee’s face when he has already been given a yellow card and had no involvement in the incident then you might have a case – oh and your teammate has just been carded for yapping at the referee. Otherwise you might want to wait until you have a more credible comparison.

Neophyte - Did you see the Toronto FC/ Real Salt Lake match? It looked like the match ended with only one minute of injury time instead of the three minutes posted by the 4th official. Home cooking or poor clock management and communication from the center to the 4th official?

Bobby – You hit a sore spot. I opted to watch the Blackburn game, tape TFC, go out for the first kick about of the new season and then come home and watch three MLS games. Tape malfunction on the TFC game so the only part I saw was when I switched over at half time in the Blackburn match. I did catch the other two MLS games though.

Maybe the 4th official did as good a job programming his board as I did programming my tape machine!

Aldoray - Football clubs have a Manager and Assistant Manager and coaches. What are the roles each of them play? Does the manager give the overall plan and then the assistant and the coaches carry it out or is the manager always hands on with the squad and everybody else is just peripheral. Or is it different for every club.

Bobby – Unfortunately the answer is the old standby – it depends. Some mangers are out there with the squad every day, some occasionally and others hardly at all. I remember reading a feature on Martin O’Neill during his Celtic days and his view was that a manager can maximize his impact if he limits his contact with the players.

His theory was that with a lot of daily contact the messages that the manager wants to communicate are blunted and the motivational effect is dampened. I can only assume he still feels the same way.

There is a certain irony because that is a view from many years ago. Prior to Busby, Shankly, Stein etc. popularizing the idea of the “Tracksuit Manager” the preparation was left to a coach (rarely coaches!) and the manager would come in on game days to give the team talk. Otherwise he dealt with other things during the week.

JayAlves - Arsenal fans can sleep easy knowing Usmanov /=/ Abramovich from a money standpoint. Last time I checked Usmanov was worth 1/3 or 1/4 of Abramovich and considering how Arsenals profits are going might become an unrealistic team for him to buy assuming the board keep entering no sale agreements.

They floated this theory on WSD not long ago but they were off the mark on one point. They said maybe the board is being cheap on purpose to keep growing the club financially so they can’t be taken over. Thing is though the board on several occasions have dropped the huge money figures that Wenger has if he wants so you could hardly accuse them of being cheap.

Bobby – I don’t think that theory stands up. First off being debt free and enjoying the relative luxury of a fully paid for stadium did not save Manchester United from a highly leverage buy out from the Glazers. The same would hold true for an Arsenal club that is in a poorer position than United were because it still carries a huge stadium debt.

A case could be made that by improving the net financial position (not spending money) Arsenal are actually making the club a more desirable takeover target rather than turning the opportunists off. Companies that enjoy great balance sheets and hoard gobs of cash are often bigger and better targets for raiders than companies with huge debts.

Think about it from a lenders point of view and what would give you greater security –  your money to pay off someone else’s debt or go towards buying cash generating assets with a pile of cash already sitting there?

ZUCO2 - Do you agree with me that the title race in the Serie A is officially open?

Bobby – Serie A is like Liga this season – it seems that every time the leader has built a substantial lead they seem to find away to drop points and to cast new doubts on the eventual winner ……again.

Inter will finish with way less points than last season (97 points) as they have already dropped 22 points while Roma are heading for a big improvement (last season 75 points and they already have 64 points with 8 games left). They look like they are both heading for a points total in the mid-80s.

Flashman - Nice of you, Bobby, to acknowledge Colin Jose. He is just a great, great guy. I got to knock around with him a bit years ago. An amazing knowledge of the game, not just the Canadian side of it.

Bobby – Mr. Jose was kind enough to contact me a couple of years ago. It was a real thrill for me because I remember when he wrote for World Soccer years ago when I was growing up and the magazine seemed very exotic. These were the days when the world was a much bigger place and World Soccer was the only reliable source of information from around the globe.

MasMaz – And even though Masch did nothing that I can see to deserve to be sent off, where was captain fantastic? Shouldn't he be there telling him to shut-up and pull him away, by force………..

I am deeply disappointed in Bobby's response to this issue. I expected low brow commentary from the clowns on FFF, but Bobby, say it aint so. Masch's behavior is only relevant if the standard response to it is to be sent off. At this time it is not, and Liverpool at Old Crapford in March is not the time to create the standard.

A journalist's job is to be critical when necessary. Bennett made a decision that taints a season. Another foreigner was singled out and made an example of, while worse English offenders are let off.

Steve Nicol put it best on FFF. Bennett didn't even warn him. Sure his behavior was erratic and insupportable, but he should have pulled Gerrard aside and said keep him quiet or he is out.

I agree that this type of behavior needs to stop. That is the beauty of this injustice from the corrupt FA. They can point to Macherano and say he is to blame, that no one but he is at fault. BS. Another year handed to United.

You don't make these type of statements in the final stretch of the season. This was selective enforcement and a travesty. Who will say that an Englishman would have seen red? I have seen Terry, Gerrard, ACole, Barton, Bowyer etc, do worse for years.

Bobby – This is a bouncing ball.

“Even though Masch did nothing that I can see to deserve to be sent off,” – “where was captain fantastic? Shouldn't he be there telling him to shut-up and pull him away, by force,” – “Bennett didn't even warn him” - “sure his behavior was erratic and insupportable, he should have pulled Gerrard aside and said keep him quiet or he is out,”- “I agree that this type of behavior needs to stop.”

So we have a player Mascherano that did nothing but was sent off even though his captain should have told him to shut up and pull him away …if he was doing nothing why would Gerrard have to tell him to shut up and pull him away?

Bennett didn’t warn him? What’s a yellow card an indication of? Most sane people realize that it is a clear indication that you are one indiscretion away from being sent off.

But of course Mascherano was doing nothing according to you. But then we find out that Mascherano’s “behavior was erratic and insupportable” – that's all very well except you spent the rest of your post claiming he was hard done by.

And to cap it all off you agree that “this type of behavior needs to stop” – would that be the bad behavior or the not doing anything behavior?

Arsewatcher - Cool Canadian Soccer History site, Bobby. I liked the hockey connection part. I remember playing against Peter Zezel in U-16....dude was a great centre-back.

Bobby – There have been a number of very good hockey players that played were also decent soccer players.

Bonmot - Might you have some information on how Nate Jaqua and Joseph Ngwenya are doing in Austria?

Bobby – From this account it seems that Nate Jaqua has made a good start in Austria. If you are looking to stay current on his progress then the Yanks Abroad website is excellent. The last piece I read on  Joseph Ngwenya was that he has been having trouble settling down and there is speculation that he may return to MLS.


Sleeper000 - Croatia are to play Scotland on Wednesday. This is Scotland's first international match with a new coach. However, the stadium will probably be half full. Do you think this is due to lack of interest in international friendlies or perhaps that Scotland are not playing a more popular opponent like France or Germany? I for one never take friendlies seriously, other than taking a look at some talented up and coming players. What is your take on the fixture?

Bobby – I’m surprised that they have sold half the tickets. There is so much soccer at this time of year that I don’t think friendly internationals mean enough to really catch many people’s interest. If it was England it might be different but I don’t think the opposition is really the issue. I’m sure it will be a useful exercise for George Burley but that is about it.

TNGooner - I'm convinced Arsenal's slump has to do with Adebayor's hair. Since he took the braids out and went for the mini-afro, he's only scored once and Arsenal has only won once (against Milan)...Ade needs to bring the braids back and get the Gunners back on track!

Bobby – I have a similar theory but it relates to players who decide to go blonde. I cannot think of a player who has played better after having a run-in with a bottle of peroxide. The Romanians started it when they all went blonde at the 1998 World Cup and it did not do them any good.

Thewobegonboy - I subscribe to FSC, Setanta, and that other footy channel that broadcasts La Liga. Are there any other options for watching European soccer in North America? I know you don't control FSC programming, but you often talk about watching games that weren't broadcast to the masses and I was wondering what mechanism allowed you to view those fixtures. Satellite? Online streaming? Secret handshake with the cable guy?

Bobby – It probably has more to do with what is available in Canada rather than anything untoward. We sometimes get different games from the ones offered in the USA and we also get games on stations called the Score, TLN and TV5. During MLS season there is also HDNet, TFC games on multiple Canadian broadcasters and depending on where you reside you may be lucky enough to get additional MLS games – in Winnipeg I watch the NER on a station out of Boston.


Vang60 - As a part time viewer of the Premier League, I think that the sending off of Mascherano was ABSOLUTELY influenced by Sir Alex BLEEP SON and MANURE since the referees in the league have NEVER had a spine against MANURE ARSENAL OR CHELSEA players dissent in the past and find it easy to implement any new policy against Liverpool. Disgraceful. The Premier League has just lost me as a fan. BLEEP YOU ALL.

Bobby – Lost another half a BLEEP fan.


Gregz - Can Arsenal's poor run of form be attributed to a lack of steel in defence? The first choice back line are individually very good defenders, however, especially in central defence we really lack height and strength. We really miss a player like Sol Campbell don't we? Also, how much is Arsene's insistence to not add to his squad harming Arsenal choices of winning trophies?

Bobby – You nailed it and it isn't just lately. I think it is a case that lately it has cost them points. Tony Adams was the rock for so many years and then it was Sol Campbell. I think it is why Wenger perseveres with Senderos. Overall he is a poorer defender than Gallas or Toure he is better in the air. I just don’t think you can win the Premiership without a centre half that is dominant in the air.

Regarding Wenger’s reluctance to add to his squad there is another angle to it I think. Because Arsenal is slumping the knee-jerk reaction is he should have signed players with the automatic implication that such signings would have meant a guarantee of silverware. There are more than enough examples of god team signing players and they have had the opposite effect. It’s interesting that there are a number of Arsenal fans criticizing Wenger but are quick to point out the bad signing other teams have made. Signing players does not come with a guarantee of success.

MasMaz - You pointed out that Drogba and Anelka were offside... and then you said so what. What is going on over there? Red Devil mania is sweeping through Canada like the plague.
Can you imagine the outcry if Man Utd lost a game on a call like that?

Bobby – Drogba was marginally offside coming back from a ball that was knocked forward 40 yards and was still well outside the penalty area. The Arsenal central defenders didn’t win the ball and then they didn’t clear it.

If you prefer to focus on a marginal offside call rather than accepting that Arsenal lost because they were unable to defend against the most basic of attacks – a thump up the park and down the middle – then good for you. Others might think you are missing the point.

DVXPrime - Here's an interesting question about the surnames (not the "nicknames or mascots) of the UK-based teams. Poring through FourFourTwo magazine's annual preview issue, I found four common surnames: Rovers (Blackburn, Bristol), Wanderers (Bolton, Wolverhampton), Albion (West Bromwich, Brighton and Hove), and of course, United (Manchester...need i say more?). Oh, and Rangers (Queens Park, Glasgow). By any chance can you provide some insight or history on why some teams chose those surnames? Thanks.

Bobby – I think some others have done a pretty good job of answering this one. Names are a bit like uniforms ..easily copied.

Ursusarctos - Verbal's comments were not phrased as a question, but accounting for some rhetorical excess-- which I also indulged in in my previous reply to RINGO-- the two paragraphs sum up my views fairly well also. How would you characterize these views-- is there some justice in LFC feeling hard done by (even accepting the stupidity of Masch's actions) in light of ALL the circumstances verbal mentions? The Masch episode appears inconsistent with precedent (Terry et al) -- do you agree or not, and should precedent even matter?

Bobby – Mascherano was not sent off for dissent he was given a second yellow card for dissent which meant he was off. A more accurate description might have been a second yellow card for crass stupidity.

Do you not think it was obvious after the Cole incident on Wednesday that there were going to be ramifications is there was to be close to a repeat of the incident? Anyone who watches the Premiership on even a semi-regular basis knows what Bennett is like. Players know the officials they can intimidate and the ones that are card happy.

What came over Mascherano goodness only knows. You talk precedent and others who may have got away with it but timing is everything and Mascherano's decision to chirp and get involved in something that had nothing to do with him cost his team a chance at a comeback.

Neophyte - As far as Mascherano goes, he was the only one who had any passion for LFC. Too bad he went out of his way to get that red. You can put any excuse you want on it but it was aggressive, excessive and plain stupid. It wasn't why they lost. They simply didn't match United's tenacity (foul for foul) or desire. They looked flat...then gave into blaming the official.

Bobby – That wasn’t passion that was stupidity. Passion is not running around chirping at a referee and leaving your team with only ten men. Passion is about applying yourself to winning the game. What Mascherano did was the opposite.

Chad876 - I think refs treat ManU players differently than they do other teams if you think its a lie how many penalties have been awarded to United and each time Ronaldo is touch the refs blow.

Bobby – If you are going to make a statement like that you need to back it up. And from the stats I’ve read you are way off the mark. So Chad let’s have your facts?

Robert Philip looks back on the career of Brian Clough.

An impressive gesture from Rangers to their best supporters.

Stewart Fisher talks to Slaven Bilic before Croatia’s friendly against Scotland this Wednesday.

A look at how Steve Nicol and the New England Revolution intend to get over four final game disappointments in the last six MLS seasons.

A must-see website from soccer historian Colin Jose for Canadian soccer fans.

Keith Hackett with an article that ran before Steve Bennett sent off Javier Mascherano on Sunday.

Keith Hackett again, this time on the offside rule.

My favourite headline from last week.


Although much of the attention will be on friendly internationals this Wednesday there are CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. However, do not expect Anguilla to move on at the expense of El Salvador…..given the first leg score.

After the weekend’s play and as an update to the British bookies odds posted on Friday here is how they now stand.

To win the Premiership – Manchester United 2/7, Chelsea 7/2, Arsenal 9/1, Liverpool 500/1.

Relegation – Fulham 1/4, Bolton 4/6, Birmingham 7/4, Sunderland 7/2, Wigan 11/2, Reading 8/1, Newcastle 12/1, Middlesbrough 25/1.

Thierry_Henry - From your point of view, do you think Setanta Sport which charges $15/m in Canada will have any success? I think the Premier League might be squeezing its loyal subscribers out. I don't think there are many people in Canada who are soccer crazy enough to pay that kind of money.

If it was hockey, yes. but soccer... I doubt. It's only the die hard or professional analysts like you who will pay for it. I had a few friends from Africa who used to wake up every morning to watch the EPL, but now they don't really bother...btw 300,000 subscribers in china on pay tv. wow. that is not even enough. how much do they pay per month? $15?

Bobby – It is interesting question especially given the news this week that Setanta may be sold. First of all I have been surprised how many people that I come across who I would have expected to subscribe to Setanta but have not.

Their reasons are diverse but price is an obvious issue and a lot are quite happy with a couple of game each weekend on Sportsnet and The Score. The market for seven or eight games a weekend is very limited. I don’t know the Setanta subscription numbers in Canada but I would be very surprised if it was in excess of 30,000.

Admittedly at $15 a month that is a fair chunk of revenue but that is not what the company would pocket. It is probably more like $8 or $9 a month after paying money to the cable and satellite delivery systems. The bad news for fans is that I would reckon that $15 a month is the thin edge of the wedge.

Whoever buys Setanta (and they will certainly be sold) will be faced with actually having to make a profit. The only way to do that is either cut costs, increase prices or increase audience. Guess which is the easiest?

Setanta has been happy to rack up losses while acquiring programming assets and offering discounted subscription fees particularly in the UK. The company line is that Setanta will break even this year or next but there are some legitimate doubts that this might actually happen.

The larger problem is that Setanta has forced programming costs up in the markets where they compete and have in turn fueled the expectation that these markets will generate ever higher rights fees.

If they are not sold and turned profitable in a year or so, a loss making Setanta will be back at the table and having to pay even more for the Premiership. From the weekly viewing figures I have seen Setanta Canada has not served to increase the viewing figures for the Premiership in Canada.

Last season audiences of 90,000 plus were very normal for Sportsnet Saturday morning games. Just two weekends ago the audience for the Saturday and Sunday games did not exceed 65,000. Sportsnet garnered 104,000 for that horrible Everton-Reading game on Saturday which was a very decent number but Chelsea vs. Liverpool only attracted 77,000.

The news last week that the Score was cutting back on their soccer coverage that had only been beefed up in August to support their one game each week is probably another sign that the Premiership although popular is still a niche market. .

Ringo - Do you know of any viewing figures for FSC/FSWC?

Bobby – Neither channel subscribe to ratings and so I don’t know if there are any reliable numbers out there. I’m guessing that FSWC is probably around 750,000 subscribers in Canada while I believe that FSC in the US is around 30m.

However, there is always going to be a large discrepancy between subscribers and regular viewership.

Craigy_f - Did you watch the Udinese V Juventus game? Did it live up to your billing? Did any other game surpass it?

Bobby – I did not watch it . It wasn’t televised in Canada. I watched Inter-Catania, Roma-Reggina and a good portion of Milan-Siena. None of them very inspiring.

Redfan2000 - What's your opinion on Inter Milan? Can Rafa's redmen overcome the blue of Milan do you think? Who is your favourite for this year's Champions League and UEFA Cups? If you were Rafa where would you strengthen?

Bobby – I picked Inter to win the CL at the start of the season but it was not a choice made with any great confidence. I think the glass jaw might come into it. Certainly Liverpool can beat Inter but if I had to pick this one I would stick with Inter.

Out of the last 32 I don’t think I could name 20 of the teams left in the UEFA Cup without checking uefa.com. I will have a look when it gets down to the last 8.

As for strengthening Liverpool? Definitely on the flanks – both fullbacks and two wide players. I know a lot of fans want Babel through the middle and it is probably his best spot. His crossing is not good enough.
Harry Kewell – I think it is time to cut bait.
Jermaine Pennant – not good enough.
Yossi Benayoun – gets a pass mark but looks more comfortable coming infield rather than staying wide.

As for the centre of midfield I would say the question (as long as Rafa is around) has changed from who plays with Gerrard to who plays with Mascherano. I thought that Mascherano on Sunday against Chelsea was the only player worth watching.

Neophyte - Did you see the Barcelona v. Sevilla match? La Liga still captures my respect. I love the style and pace I see there. Did you happen to see Capel? I believe he is only 19 yrs. old. He looked incredible. I have seen quite a youth movement in Spain more so than any other league (except maybe Holland). Am I correct or are there just as many U-20's in the Premiership that I'm just not aware of?

Bobby – I did see that game. Capel played well for Spain at the under-20s last summer and I am pretty confident in saying that he played at Emirates against Arsenal earlier this season in the Champions League. T

here are not too many under-20 players in the Premiership. If you take a look at the England under-21 and under-19 squads you will see very few names that are recognizable.


Djnima - Do you think Schuster deserves the credit for Real Madrid's success?

Bobby – Did I miss something? I didn’t realize that Real Madrid had won a trophy this season under Bernd Schuster. I didn’t realize that success for Real Madrid was now defined by leading the league, getting to the knock out round of the Champions League and getting knock out of the Copa del Rey. A bit too early for assigning credit I think.

Davard - Last week you posted an interesting article by a journalist regarding playing into his late 30's in a recreational capacity, and the subsequent physical toll.

Since I have seen you post about still playing the game today, I am curious what your experience has been relating to your overall fitness and football abilities, and overall knowledge/instincts as you transitioned from 20's, to 30's, 40's and onward.

Being in my 30's, and still loving playing the game, just curious to see what I have to look forward to. :)

Bobby – I guess I would sum it up with “I wish I knew then what I know now.” I was taught that running – and particularly up and down sand dunes during pre season – got you fit and maintained it.

Looking back on it that sort of training may have worked when you were 17-22 but at a certain point it makes you very one paced – especially if you did not have a lot of quickness to begin with.

I have learned over the last couple of seasons how important the core of your body is and how it contributes to fitness and balance. Working with weights has made a ton of difference to me as well as working on flexibility - although I still have Scottish hamstrings!!

There was point around four years ago that I would pull a hamstring bending over to tie a shoe lace. Fifty year old+ hamstrings are always going to be problematic but I have experienced a significant improvement since changing my fitness approach.

Overall I think I am in better physical shape than I was a decade ago and it comes down to having a better understanding of what helps you stay in shape and what doesn’t really work. There is no way I can turn up in April without preparing for it and expect not to get injured.

Back in the more serious playing days I could take October to December off but I came to the conclusion that I could not take any months off and I have to keep at it throughout the year. Over time your body will deteriorate but you definitely have a choice about how quickly it will happen. The good news is that you never stop learning and experience helps.

Craigy-F 1. Would you attend a Premier League game in the US or Canada? 2. Do you always watch football with the same mindset? 3. Anyone in football you would refuse to interview? 4. Are you a left footer or a right footer? 5. What's the most trouble you've gone through to see a game?

Bobby –1. I doubt it very much. A choice between Birmingham and Wigan and DC United and Toronto FC – I would give my money to MLS.

2. I’m not sure what you mean by mindset. I watch a game hoping that I will be entertained and in some cases astonished at the ability of some players. However, my expectations do change depending on who is playing.

3. Never really thought about it.

4. Where I come from that is a religious question but I am assuming that is not what you mean. Right footed…very right footed although I have always been comfortable playing on the left side.

5. Three memories. Trying to find a game that was on during a cold snap in Scotland. Each game we decided to go to got postponed with two of them while we were on the road or actually outside the park.

The fifth choice was a junior game that we finally got to with half an hour played.

Second memory – having to go to bed very early on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights in order to be allowed to go with my Dad to see Dundee in the European Cup on Wednesdays. For a seven year old that is tough bargain especially because no one at school believed me about getting to go the matches.

The last one involved an incredible amount of weaseling, trading and logistics in order to get to Athens, Georgia to see the 1996 Olympic Final between Nigeria and Argentina. I was working at the Olympics in Atlanta and needed to rearrange a work schedule, get a ticket and arrange a ride to and from Athens.

The only way to get to Athens was with someone who wanted to see the Gymnastics final (?) and had to be in Athens at something like 8:00 a.m. in the morning. He game was not until 3:45 p.m.

It all worked out in the end but there are people who still think I was crazy for passing up on the Mens 4X100 metre final the same day.

But Nigeria won 3-2, the game was a classic and it turned out to be a fantastic day.

Oranjespur 1- What I'm getting at is no team seriously wanting to contend for titles and cups can afford to accommodate a CB that can only play once every 3 games. I'm sure you could give examples but I just don't understand why Tottenham took so long on this issue to find a solid (um er Woodgates health record solid? hmmm) replacement for King.

2- What do you make of Hoddle's Academy setting base in Spain? It seems to me that the FA should try something similar and base it in England. I think Hoddle is on to something here and although the EPL may not see direct benefits from it but the Championship and SPL could.

3- What do you make of Sir Alex finding time to flyout right after the game to South Africa this weekend especially after all the noise he was making about EPL not respecting the 50th anniversary of the crash?

Bobby –1. I guess they thought they had got a temp replacement when they signed Rocha and then again when Kaboul last summer.

2. The FA has had trouble getting an academy for great young players going so I would not hold out hope that they could plan two. I’m guessing that the idea of going to Spain is mostly due to a better climate for outdoor practice.

3. Astounded that something like that would be planned mid season. Another sign that money now trumps game preparation at Old Trafford perhaps?

Henry14 - Q1 Was the impact of the African Cup of nations as adverse as pundits anticipated in terms of points lost or gained during the period in the Prem?

Q 2 What do you think caused Man Utd to lose 5 points during last two games?

Q 3 What is your reaction to the theory that Ronaldo has a Henry disease, that is bottles in big pressure fixtures?

Q 4 What have you seen as a football expert to be Adebayor's improvement this season?

Bobby –1. I am sure that fans of specific teams will be able to points lost because of players that took part in the tournament but I am not sure that many others will be much attention to them.

2. Facing teams that were motivated, brave, well prepared and organized. The statistics would also show that United without Rooney this season are susceptible – missing for all four United league losses I believe.

3. I never bought into the Henry conventional wisdom. However, if Ronaldo hopes to be recognized as the best in the world then he is going to have to turn in performances that make the difference between winning major trophies and finishing second. Kaka has done it, now Ronaldo has to match it.

4. Not an expert, just a guy with a good memory and a few opinions. He looks like a player who enjoys pressure and the limelight without being overbearing or a diva. He is very willing to use his physique to a far greater extent than before and Wenger has shown great confidence in him.



Jeremy St Louis off on assignment to Barcelona and will hopefully be blogging while in Spain. He left this blog before he left.

And finally a group called the Canadian Soccer Federation has recently issued a plan that proposes to significantly change the way the game operates in Canada. After years of the Canadian Soccer Association issuing documents and promises but with little or nothing in the way of delivering on their good intentions the CSF overs up an alternative vision for a professionally run organization.

As well as an outline of their vision for the game the CSF has also gained access to a document prepared by Deloitte & Touche in 2005 that laid out an alternative form of governance for the CSA.
The CSA never released this document to the soccer public. You can find and read the document at CSF website.

Craigy_f – 1. I can write off the Johnson goal as 'one of those things' Dunn not getting a second yellow rankles much more. Look forward to your opinion either in print or on the show tomorrow
.
2. Premier League V Champions League - Is one harder than the other or are they two different beasts.

3.What brought a frown to your face and what brought a smile this weekend?

4. Are you a fan or an analyst first and foremost? And why?

5. The Fiorentina Milan game was pretty dire, what do you think accounted for this? The importance of the game (a real decider on 4th place). The closeness of the two teams in terms of skill etc...The two teams didn't actually play that well.

6. GIVE THEM HANDS! Two very similar situations and two vastly different results.
Carragher gets the benefit of the doubt when his hands block a Murphy shot in the area – Styles waves play on. Zaccardo blocks the ball with his hand - Bergzoni immediately and calmly points to the spot.
You can see why fans, managers and players get frustrated. The commentators always seem to talk about how you have no control over your arms in situations like these. Your take on this issue - which seems to have cropped up a fair bit recently - if you please.

7. And finally...
Five footballing people agree to be interviewed by you - who would you pick?

Bobby – 1. Sorry to disappoint but the only piece of the Everton and Blackburn game that I saw that was controversial was Khizanishvili pole-axing John son in the penalty box. Didn’t see the offside decision although certainly sounds as if the officials made a mistake.

2. Pointless exercise – purely subjective.

3. The weather – Drogba’s goal against Guinea.

4. I don’t think you could do the analyst thing for any length of time without being a fan – it would drive you around the bend. However, I think it is even more important to be a student of the game if you are trying to analyze it.

5. It needed a goal early on and probably from Fiorentina. As it was I think both teams were well prepared and cancelled each other out. A massive disappointment.

6. I was always taught that if you “wave your arms around” (i.e. away from your body) when trying to make a block then there was a very good chance that you were going to get called for hand ball.

Claiming that players have no control of their arms is almost always rubbish. You may as well claim they have no control over their legs. I say almost always because in a situation when a player is falling after a challenge or has slipped then arm movement becomes instinctive.

I was surprised that Styles did not award a penalty against Carragher.

7. Luis Cesar Menotti, Jim McLean, Guy Roux, Alfredo di Stefano and (I don’t know of fits the definition) Hugh McIlvanney.

Gregz - Q1.What do you make of Abou Diaby? At times doesn't he seem too selfish & hence out of place for Arsenal's team play.
Q2. Lionel Messi has become a bit predictable in his play. He most times dribbles too much instead of go for the quick pass or quick shot. What do you think?

Bobby –1. He is there primarily to give the team a bit more grit in midfield. I would not consider him a selfish player. When he dribbles there mostly seems to be a point to it rather than just holding on to the ball for the sake of it. He has a terrific shot and if needs to take a couple of players on to open up a shooting opportunity then it is probably a good decision.

2. If I was a defender facing Lionel Messi I would certainly want him to make the quick pass. That way I could escape with some self respect intact.

Players like Messi have been blessed with special skills and should be appreciated for what they have rather than trying to turn them into something they are not. I don’t want to tune in a year from now and find that Messi has been turned into a useful midfield player who just sits deep and hits nice passes.

Did you ever consider that someone might have said the same thing about Maradona? Instead of running through the England team in 1986 perhaps Maradona could have laid a nice first time ten yard pass back to Jose Luis Brown. Over twenty years on do you think we would be replaying that ten yard pass?

Ursusarctos –1. In Bill Edgar's latest quiz the answer to the question "Which two league clubs’ grounds in Britain are the closest together?" is Dundee and Dundee United. I've never been to Dundee, so I looked up a picture of the setting)- holy ....., they're just across the street from each other! Do you have any stories about what it is like for fans to be so close to the local rivals (and here I thought the width of Stanley Park was close proximity ...)?

2. I forgot to add that in the same quiz, Bill Edgar asks :"How many times has one club won the FA Cup and League Cup in the same season?" ...... and gives the answer "2. Arsenal in 1993, and Chelsea in 2007." Now, advancing middle age may be robbing me of essential cognitive functions (certainly yes, but beside the point ...!), but I would have added Liverpool in the year of the Cup Treble, 2001.
Can you tell me what twist to the question I am missing? Or did Bill Edgar mess up? Thanks!

Bobby –1. With a helpful gust of wind you could probably punt the ball from Dens to Tannadice and there are a number of wayward strikers from both sides who have tried over the year. It may have again since I left but I can only remember game being played on the same day.

I had to do a little bit of checking back on this one but I am pretty confident that Dundee and Dundee United were both drawn at home in the Scottish Cup in 1968. This was a few seasons before the advent of Sunday football so they decided to have one game kick off earlier than the other – I can’t remember which was which.

I was at Dens to see Dundee draw with Rangers 1-1 while Dundee United lost to Hearts by the odd goal in 11 – yes they lost 6-5. Hearts went on to the final that season but lost 3-1 to Dunfermline. Dunfermline knocked out the European Champions Celtic in the first round by a score of 2-0 at Parkhead.

Rangers beat Dundee in a replay 4-1 in extra time and I think Jim Easton the Dundee centre half who later moved to Vancouver scored an own goal in one of the two games.

Nobody would even give a seconds thought to playing both games on the same day nowadays.

2. I think Mr. Edgar may have got that one wrong. It even happens to the best.

Yrusodull - Please, a clear headed, unbiased account of the Spurs - Manu match a White Hart Lane. I don't want to appear to whine (as the majority of gooners do, when things don't go their way!!), but I was sure there were 93:+ mins. on the clock before the corner was given. Is it my imagination, or do Spurs consistently get the short end from the officials?? Please give me your take!

Bobby – The board that goes up it supposed to show the minimum amount of time to be added so I would not hang my hat on that one. There were four substitutions (one was a double) as well as five yellow cards in the second half including one to Cerny for time wasting. So I don’t think the added tome was out of line. Bottom line is Spurs had chances to win the game and they defended the corner kick very poorly.


Shmish - With regards to the Kuper article, not being much of a soccer player myself I've never quite understood the concept of "old" for players. I always thought that soccer was a bit of an endurance sport, in which case men in their 30's should be very comfortable.

Okay, so here's two comparisons. First, professional road racing. Erik Zabel is still a force in cycling and he will be 38 years old this year. He is primarily a sprinter with explosive speed. Lance Armstrong, 37 this year, would probably still be the premier racer if he didn't retire.

His schtick is everything but sprinting (which he probably wouldn't be bad at either). Secondly there is ice hockey. It is not uncommon for top players to be in their mid thirties. Hockey is mix of speed and power, and physical durability.

So why would we expect a 37 year old to be over the hill in soccer? Don't be me wrong, I'm 37 and a bit out of shape so I can relate to the article and the joy of playing for the sake of playing. But I also know that even at 37, a person should be able to be as competitive as they want.

I know that Bobby has alluded to Drogba's age a few times. I don't want to misquote Bobby but my general impression is that he thinks Drogba's age will start to have a detrimental effect on his play. While I won't argue that perhaps Drogba is at his peak, I also don't see why he couldn't play at almost the same level for another 5 years. The "best" in other sports do.

Bobby – Endurance is only part of it. Without quickness of thought and foot as well as technical ability having endurance is only going to allow you to run around and be an irritant for ninety minutes.

I don’t think your comparison with cycling and hockey stands up. I cannot speak on cycling per se (even though the lack of physical contact likely precludes any valid comparison) but can on hockey.

Over the years I played with a number of team mates who were very good hockey players and in a couple of cases they played professionally. The conditioning for soccer and hockey is very different.

It shows in the way hockey games are scheduled – often back to back or three games in four or five nights. That is just impossible in terms of soccer.

It is not about wanting or not wanting to be competitive it is about having the physical capability to play at the highest level where a fraction of space given or taken or split second decision making often separates winning and losing.

Although the lifespan of a player tends to decrease as we move from front to back there are exceptions as there is to any rule. Strikers generally have the shortest lifespan given that to be successful they generally need the full package of technical ability, endurance, quickness and strength –Super Pippo the exception!!!

It is not a case that I think age will have a detrimental effect on Drogba’s play – it almost certainly will, it is nature taking its course.

Take a look at how George Weah’s production quickly waned at the end of his career. He didn’t stop scoring goals – he just stopped scoring as frequently and against good teams. If Drogba is still producing at the same rate and at the same level in five years he will be abnormal. More likely whoever he is playing for will not be a very good team.

CIAO - Do you know whether or not Nick Webster gets "the beers in..." before he writes his articles?

Bobby – You will have to ask Nick. From experience it is not a good idea. Something written after a few beers is not nearly as funny the next morning.

Apad03 -1. What do you think of the outcome of the upcoming US V MEX game will be?

2. The US has something of a streak going against Mexico lately and many people say that the US is getting in Mexico’s head. They (Mexico) seem to dominate the possession and outplay the US but fail to score and end up losing in the end. Mexico is trying out many players that have not been on the team for the previous losses to the US, could that affect the outcome?

3. I read a blog post by Chang over at ESPN and he was talking about what a great season Bradley is having over there in Holland. Have you seen him play and how would you rate his progress?

I think he has really developed a lot this past year. Really earned his spot on the USMNT and has become a better two way player. Gets behind the ball well but also is very good at starting counter attacks and showing up in the box at opportune times. Chang was also writing that he would probably move on in the summer to a much bigger club, have you heard anything about that?

Bobby –1. One of three possible outcomes I would say. In the end it is a friendly international and friendlies are there to help the coaches. The only results that count are the ones that lead to a trophy.

2. It is rarely about possession it is how effective you are when you have the ball. If Mexico wins then I’m sure someone will claim it is down to new players. If not another excuse will be trotted out – there is never a shortage of excuses for losing a game.

3. I saw Bradley at the under-20s and thought he played very well. I have not seen him since. There are stories out there about Bradley moving to a Premiership club but there is no indication that at the moment these rumours are anything more than a product of someone having to write a story and needing a tidy ending. If 1% of transfer stories ever come to pass then I would be surprised.

Henry14 - Q1 Do you think the Ivory Coast potentially or still have probably the best African squad ever?
Q2 - Do you think rotation alone is the reason Liverpool are down in fifth or they just do not have Liverpool type players apart from the obvious 4 players?
Q3 Who is the mvp in the premiership not necessarily from the top 3, but the most pivotal guy to a team?
Q4 Can Fulham survive given that they are 3 points from safety?

Bobby –1. Nigeria in 1994 (World Cup) and 1996 (Olympics) was pretty good.

2. You are not allowed to mention the R-word it upsets L-fans. I noticed when the stock market slumped a couple of weeks that news commentators and economists were pointing out that that the R-word was being talked about. Personally I was a bit baffled as to how Rafa’s choices would impact the stock market but there you go.

3. How about Martin Laursen at Aston Villa?

4. There are 39 points still at stake and with a three point deficit I would have to say that yes Fulham can survive. Will they survive – I still don’t think so.

Mts2284 - 1. I was wondering what your thoughts were on Mohamed Sissoko and Lassana Diarra. I know both struggled this season for first team action with Liverpool and Arsenal considering both team’s depth at midfield.
Do you think Sissoko and Diarra will get more chances to play for Juventus and Portsmouth and become better and more seasoned players? I thought Diarra played rather well against Chelsea.

2. Also, who do you like in the FA Cup 5th Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United?

3. Who is your favorite for Champions League glory? And who do you like in the AC Milan Arsenal Group of 16?

Bobby –1. Sissoko started strongly but has not really delivered after that early surge. Ranieri may have had Sissoko at Valencia so he is likely going to play for a manager who has bought him with a specific purpose in mind. I think you will see both players get more playing time initially but as with any other player they will only consistently start over the long haul if they are delivering the right stuff.

2. I haven't really given up much thought so far.

3. I said at the beginning of the season I thought Inter Milan had a good shot. Oddly enough I could also see things lining up for Chelsea – maybe not to win it but maybe a spot in the final. Arsenal or Milan – I would give Milan the edge.

Redfan2000 - Questions and discussions abound on why Liverpool are underachieving or underperforming. As a qualified and well experienced ops manager I know well enough that the off field antics of Laurel and Hardy have destabilised the ship.

Such is the embarrassment in Hicks' camp that he has not been seen at Anfield since the Man Utd game I think. His only interview this year done with BBC or SKy but not with the club TV station and there have been no letters or articles to the club website, all to compound a communications disaster like none other in Premiership history.

Despite all the noise, which has become repetitive and boring, I was pondering a remark Bobby you made on Friday (I think) that many of the current squad are not of the calibre of a club of Liverpool's stature. Aside of the above mentioned mess and upsets, I have been wondering what else would take a team of CL winners and make it worse 3 years later?

Since the Champion's League win we have had a massive turnover in players.
We have lost: Baros, Hammann, Traore, Smicer, Warnock, Henchoz, Cisse, Fowler, Dudek, Garcia, Biscan, Pongolle, Cheyrou, Le Tellec to name but a few.

In we have bought the likes of: Alonso, Nunez, Josemi, Pellegrino, Morientes, Sissoko, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres, Benayoun, Pennant, Crouch, Babel, Veronin, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Skrtel, Agger, Reina etc etc. Some of these have now gone too.

I am bound to say that a little spoken factor has to be change. So much has changed in the last 3 years including ownership, but especially player turnover as can be seen. The actual lists of players in and out is huge.

Such changes will take time to settle. Some players may never settle or adapt to the premiership, but molding so many new faces into a team is a long job as the likes of Shankly, Wenger and Ferguson have proved.

Not only are the changes so many and too many in so short a time, the players brought in, especially before Hicks and Gillett took over, were not necessarily much of an improvement and in several cases far worse. Losing Biscan and Henchoz for Pellegrino for example was not an improvement. Many bad buys among the few good ones. I wonder if Rafa needs a director of football?

There are clearly right now several Heinz 57 mutts standing in the greyhound derby and it shows. More spending is needed for wingers and defenders, or some of the reserves have to be given a shot. Either way the changes will take time to settle down and like Gwillem Bellague, I thing the Premiership is two seasons off yet and then only if the right pegs are found to fill vacant holes.
Any further thoughts.

Plus - Gerrard is today named as captain of England to play Switzerland tomorrow.
Another question for you to ponder regarding his position as skipper at Liverpool: Do you think he would be a better player at Liverpool (and maybe England too), if Carragher or another senior pro was skipper (of LFC)? I named Carragher because he is vice captain.

Bobby – I think that is a pretty good summation of the Liverpool situation. There are a couple of things I would add. There is no doubt in my mind that this Liverpool team is a better team than 2005 even though that side won the Champions League – that is not to say that it doesn’t come without glaring weaknesses.

The fight back from 3-0 was probably the greatest seen in the final of a major competition and I think because Liverpool won very little is said about how they came to be down 3-0 in the first place. Rafa put out the wrong players out playing in the wrong formation.

His half time substitutions only rectified his original mistake – not a bad gig if you can get it. Receiving credit for solving the problem you caused in the first place.

And that leads me to the second point. I just keep on getting the feeling that Benitez thinks that he has to get every team and every formation just right for every game. It leads to odd formations, players out of position and the team generally looking disjointed and confused.

I think he gives three-quarters of the Premiership far too much credit. If he has a more settled formation he could throw the team out most weeks and they would come back with three points.

It’s not to say that formations cannot change based on the level of the opposition – Benitez has shown a masterful hand at times in one off games – but every game?

Liverpool does need a couple of better fullbacks going forward. There are not many teams that are successful without solid attacking options at full back.

I don’t see Gerrard captaincy as being an issue.


OrangeSpur - I've enjoyed your opinions over the years and I'm curious on your take on Tottenham's current CB situation. Can Tottenham really afford to accommodate Ledley King with playing him in one out of every 3 games?

I've been after my glory-glory.net mates that Spurs need to move on a plan for life without King and should his health turn around then it is a bonus for us.

Secondly, what do you think about the thought that Berbatov is the new Zizou - well the closest thing we have to Zizou in today's game? Take care!

Bobby – A few months ago I took a look at Spurs point production with and without King. There is no doubt that Spurs are far more productive with King in the side. However, I am not sure I understand what you are getting at when you refer to a plan for life without King. What are you suggesting?

The thought that Berbatov is the new Zizou? Well, it is a unique thought given that they play(ed) in very different positions and not an idea that has ever crossed my mind. I thought the comment from last season that Berbatov was the new Alan Gilzean was closer to the mark.


Henry14 - What do you think of the statement that Walcott is more of an athlete learning to play football rather than a footballer who becomes a great athlete? What do you think of such an assessment?

Bobby – I would say that anyone that came up with that doesn’t know very much about what it takes to develop a professional soccer player. If you are not a great athlete to start with your chances of getting a look in are pretty slim. I can’t think of one player who was a great player who became a great athlete.

Gers4Lyfe – 1. Will Dundee make another run at Hamilton? 2. Do you think Celtic's additions will push them past Rangers in the second half? 3. How do you rate Hutton's debut performance for Spurs over the weekend? 4. Your views on the coaching staff for Scotland?

Bobby –1. Sincerely hope so. Still a good bit of the season left. 2. I would say it is Rangers league to lose. 3. I thought he played very well – in no way did he look out of place. 4. If George Burley is happy with Terry Butcher then I am happy to give it a chance. However…….


Jeremy St Louis is back in the blogging business and don’t forget that England vs. Switzerland is on both FSC in the US and FSWC in Canada.