The Official Club Football 2014-2015 thread

[mc_squared]

Chris Hughton sacked. Disgusting! Fat cockney ****** still intent on fucking a great team around.

 

They should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. How quickly they've forgotten what a mess they were in before Hughton took over.:angry:

[bart]

Silly of them.. My bet is Jol or Oniel are talking to newcastle now. !

[mc_squared]

Silly of them.. My bet is Jol or Oniel are talking to newcastle now. !

Well Jol not have long to wait and see, that's for sure........................................ :rolleyes:

[busybeeburns]

 

REVEALED: Why Hughton got the Newcastle bullet

 

Chris Hughton's crazy world as Newcastle boss can today be revealed – including being forced to battle owner Mike Ashley in fantasy football results.

 

Hughton had spent the last three months on the verge of being axed by managing director Derek ­Llambias and Ashley – because they want a manager who is more ­“showbusiness” and can grab the club headlines on the world stage.

 

The ex-Tottenham coach kept a dignified calm in public, but was constantly fighting confrontation behind the scenes that could put Newcastle’s pursuit of a major managerial figure in jeopardy.

 

•Hughton was required to submit a list of predictions for future games and discuss them with the United chiefs... whose own fantasy football ­guesswork has forecast that the Geordies will finish in 11th place this season.

 

Sources close to the Hughton camp have let slip that he had a furious bust-up with the top brass immediately AFTER beating Sunderland 5-1 in the club’s greatest derby triumph in living memory.

 

What should have been a night of unbridled celebration was soured for Hughton because he was accused of milking the crowd as the Toon Army chanted his name.

 

•Hughton was expected to hold meetings with Ashley and Llambias just before games, and respect their footballing input. Former boss Kevin Keegan routinely ignored such interference so close to a match but Hughton, in a bid to keep the peace, always made himself ­available.

 

There is no suggestion he took any notice of the feedback he was given, but Ashley and Llambias regard themselves as ­knowledgeable football fans, whose opinion is valid on even small tactical matters.

 

•Hughton was also furious that his close relationship with senior players, treating them as human beings with opinions rather than schoolchildren, ended up being perceived as a weakness and an example of ‘bowing to player power’. He angrily denied such charges last Friday.

 

Hughton was sacked at 2pm yesterday after being summoned to St James’ Park.

 

The timing has been widely condemned with the Magpies five points clear of the drop zone in 11th. But they are on a five-game run without a victory, with only two points from the last 15.

 

Hughton had been effectively ‘on trial’ since September and needed to prove himself as a top- flight boss, despite his obvious heroics in taking Newcastle from the wreckage of relegation, and knitting together a strong team- spirit that clinched ­promotion in style.

 

Ashley and ­Llambias were adamant that Hughton would not be getting a new, big-money contract extension.

 

The big reason cited behind the scenes is that they want a boss who can attract the Sky cameras to St James’ more often, at almost £500,00 per televised match.

 

While Hughton’s measured exterior was just what the club needed to calm the chaos of the relegation season, Ashley and his cohorts reckon that more spark is needed to sell the club now they are surrounded by the glitz and worldwide profile of the Premier League.

 

Plans to sack Hughton surfaced in October after Newcastle were thrashed at home by Arsenal in the Carling Cup.

 

Yet the club issued this statement: “Chris is our manager and will remain our manager. It is our intention to renegotiate his contract at end of year.”

 

Privately, United were happy to see Hughton’s job ­insecurity was out in the open. To understand why, is to ­understand how Ashley runs his businesses. His top lieutenants love a good verbal scrap. Swearing and cursing each other is a way of life, and he relishes the creative tension it produces. It is the same when it comes to Newcastle.

 

The next boss had better be a tough operator. Ironically, United cashed in on the rumours swirling around in autumn. The players united in support of Hughton, convincingly beat Sunderland before going to Arsenal to record a shock win. But Hughton was badly ­weakened by his No.2 Colin Calderwood departing to manage Hibs, with rows about a successor dragging on for weeks.

 

It became impossible for Hughton to find a replacement given that there was no contract to secure his own job. Club insiders are grooming Peter Beardsley for a senior managerial position as he has been a constant supporter of the Ashley regime, but they want experience this time round.

 

Beardo was placed in caretaker charge last night alongside Steve Stone. In the end, perhaps Hughton was done for precisely because he kept a lid on the hidden moments of turmoil.

 

Had he taken on Ashley and Llambias in public it may not have done him many favours, but up to the end he retained the backing of the Toon Army. There was not one moment when the Geordie fans turned against him. Every week they sang his name, and Hughton, modestly, almost reluctantly, clapped back in their direction.

 

He could rant and rave when standards slipped, but he also earned respect for protecting the players during difficult moments, including dressing-room scraps and sticky results.

 

He was a straight man, who played a straight bat in public, while also being passionate. It was precisely what the club needed to settle the turmoil of the previous decade and claw back some stability.

 

That stability was blown apart by Ashley yesterday. Hughton certainly didn’t deserve it. The timing of the sacking was strange but, as explained, not totally ­unexpected. He walks away with a modest pay-off of less than £200,000 – compared to the £4.5million it cost to get rid of Sam Allardyce. But at least he leaves with great dignity and the total respect of the Geordie faithful, and football fans everywhere.

 

They will sing their goodbyes for him at the Liverpool game this Saturday, for sure. Unfortunately, Chris Hughton will not be around to milk it in front of the directors.

 

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/

[BerrymanGirl1]

The Spurs game was awesome! ref sucked though and wow

Bremen 3-0 Inter :wacky:Such a surprise!!!!!

[a_face_of_light]

Bremen 3-0 Inter :wacky:Such a surprise!!!!!

 

Not realy, both teams are playing badly at the moment, surprisingly Inter played worse again.

[BerrymanGirl1]

Not realy, both teams are playing badly at the moment, surprisingly Inter played worse again.

 

It was surprise because Bremen actually got goals! wow inter must have really bad to let Werder win! anyways werder isn't in the next round but Spurs and Inter are right?

[Navegador]

The Spurs game was awesome! ref sucked though

That's true. No way that was a penalty!

 

werder isn't in the next round but Spurs and Inter are right?

Yep. Tottenham in 1st and Internazionale in 2nd.

 

 

THE CLUB WORLD CUP IS COMING!! VAMO VAMO (BRAZILIAN) INTER!!

[BerrymanGirl1]

That's true. No way that was a penalty!

 

 

Yep. Tottenham in 1st and Internazionale in 2nd.

 

 

THE CLUB WORLD CUP IS COMING!! VAMO VAMO (BRAZILIAN) INTER!!

 

and that yellow card for the guy who was injured and on the floor??? he got subbed off too so he got a yellow card and an injury!!:thinking:

 

Ooo Club World Cup!!:dance:

[a_face_of_light]

It was surprise because Bremen actually got goals! wow inter must have really bad to let Werder win! anyways werder isn't in the next round but Spurs and Inter are right?

 

To be fair Inter didn't put out a very good team and wern't that interested in the game as they had already qualified and thier attention is on the Club World Cup now but it's still a bit rubbish to lose to Werder Bremen in thier current form.

[zempt]

So Pardew likely to be named Newcastle manager what happened to wanting to have a big name manager. :laugh3:

[busybeeburns]

FC United of Manchester 0 - 4 Brighton

 

FC United's Jake Cotterill missed a second-half penalty as Brighton eased past the non-leaguers in their FA Cup second round replay at Gigg Lane.

 

Francisco Sandaza scored first before Inigo Calderon made it 2-0 in stoppage time, and late goals by Elliott Bennett and Matthew Sparrow sealed the win.

 

United were handed a lifeline when they were given a spot-kick following Calderon's foul on Ben Deegan.

 

Cotterill's miss let Brighton go on and win and they will now host Porsmouth.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9260448.stm

[bart]

FC United of Manchester 0 - 4 Brighton

 

FC United's Jake Cotterill missed a second-half penalty as Brighton eased past the non-leaguers in their FA Cup second round replay at Gigg Lane.

 

Francisco Sandaza scored first before Inigo Calderon made it 2-0 in stoppage time, and late goals by Elliott Bennett and Matthew Sparrow sealed the win.

 

United were handed a lifeline when they were given a spot-kick following Calderon's foul on Ben Deegan.

 

Cotterill's miss let Brighton go on and win and they will now host Porsmouth.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9260448.stm

 

Ph well

[Reilly]

To be fair Inter didn't put out a very good team and wern't that interested in the game as they had already qualified and thier attention is on the Club World Cup now but it's still a bit rubbish to lose to Werder Bremen in thier current form.

 

The point is (and I thought you would have been the first one to get angry about this lul) why did Rafa decide to pick a weak team? That 1st place spot is important, look at the teams you can potentially face now and look at the teams you could've faced if you came first. Spurs only drew, and if Inter lose in the last 16 to any one of those clubs we'll be looking back to that match.

 

The reason it's so important is because the Champions League is a different league to domestic games, the other team will always be more organised, and your team is expected to step it up. Now there is a break, and the team has to return to the last 16 games and rise up to that competitive level, facing a smaller club is a big advantage, then if you pass that test the players get confidence. Instead, it looks like they are set to play a strong team and I can't see Inter (with the manager they have right now) getting any further.

[a_face_of_light]

The point is (and I thought you would have been the first one to get angry about this lul) why did Rafa decide to pick a weak team? That 1st place spot is important, look at the teams you can potentially face now and look at the teams you could've faced if you came first. Spurs only drew, and if Inter lose in the last 16 to any one of those clubs we'll be looking back to that match.

 

The reason it's so important is because the Champions League is a different league to domestic games, the other team will always be more organised, and your team is expected to step it up. Now there is a break, and the team has to return to the last 16 games and rise up to that competitive level, facing a smaller club is a big advantage, then if you pass that test the players get confidence. Instead, it looks like they are set to play a strong team and I can't see Inter (with the manager they have right now) getting any further.

 

To tell the truth as much as I agree with alot of what you've said I'm resigned to the fact that Inter with Rafa and in thier current form arn't going to do well this year:cry:.

I just am sick about how this season is going and I'm even more sick that one of my friends is a Milan fan and keeps taunting me.

[mc_squared]

Paul Gascoigne avoids jail as former Spurs and Newcastle hero lands eight-week suspended sentence for drink driving

 

 

 

By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 1:38 PM on 9th December 2010

 

• Add to My Stories
  

 

Former World Cup hero Paul Gascoigne has avoided jail despite being caught driving while more than four times the legal alcohol limit.

The troubled 43-year-old ex-England midfielder was given an eight-week sentence, suspended for a year, when he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court after he was arrested in the city's Jesmond suburb when officers spotted him driving an MG erratically.

He was found to have 142mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - the limit is 35mg - when he was tested shortly after 2.45pm on Friday, October 8.

 

Suspended sentence: Gazza arrives at Newcastle Magistrates Court on Thursday

 

Gascoigne admitted drink-driving at a hearing in October and was warned then that he could be jailed.

On that occasion, District Judge Stephen Earl told him that 12 weeks in jail was a possibility, given the circumstances.

The former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton player was due to be sentenced last month but failed to appear as he had checked himself into a rehab clinic on the south coast.

A separate drink-drive charge, which Gascoigne denies, will be heard next week at Northerallerton Magistrates' Court.

Gascoigne was also banned from driving for three years today and given an alcohol treatment order.

Gascoigne did not talk to reporters during a five-minute walk through the city centre which ended in a snowy car park and into a car driven by his solicitor Stephen Andrews.

Well-wishers shouted encouragement to him, including the call 'Toon Army never surrenders', and he signed autographs for a couple of fans as he was pursued on foot by around 20 photographers, cameramen and reporters.

Outside court, Mr Andrews said his client was relieved and that it was a 'good result'.

 

At his best: Gascoigne playing for England at the 1990 World Cup in Italy

 

The judge said the seriousness of the offence crossed the custody threshold, but he was passing a suspended sentence after hearing Gascoigne was responding well to treatment at the Providence Project clinic.

'You are not heavily convicted and you have nothing currently on your record of a similar nature,' he said.

Gascoigne looked gaunt and worried as the 15-minute hearing progressed, but relaxed visibly when Mr Andrews explained to him that the judge was not minded to jail him immediately, and a thin smile passed over his lips.

The court was told Gascoigne was undergoing a 12-week anti-drink programme in Dorset and he has seven weeks and five days more to complete.

He attends Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings in the evenings and is back at the centre by 9.30pm.

The player gave his father's address in Dunston, Gateshead, when asked by the court clerk, but the district judge was told he plans to move permanently to the south coast.

 

Memories: Gazza during England's World Cup semi-final defeat to West Germany in 1990

 

Mr Andrews said: 'The long-term plan is to find him accommodation in that area. The talk now is of an extensive and elongated period of support while not actually under the roof of the Providence Project, but certainly within easy reach, given the continued support they would propose to offer.'

He said the rehab bosses have noticed a 'massive shift' in Gascoigne's attitude towards treatment.

'Previously, it has been on his terms,' he told the court. 'He's gone in, he has used it as he saw fit and of course relapsed because he has not done the full programme. This time it has been on their terms.'

Gascoigne, so thin that his gold watch was loose on his wrist, appeared nervous as the judge read a report.

Judge Earl believed a 12-week sentence, with a third off as credit for a guilty plea, was appropriate.

And he suspended the sentence in recognition of his early progress in rehab.

'I am sure some will disagree with me,' the judge said.

He warned the player that if he reoffends in the next 12 months, the suspended eight-week jail term will be triggered.

The player was ordered to pay £85 costs, will be subject to a 12-month supervision order and must undertake a six-month drink programme after rehab.

Gascoigne, in a pinstripe suit, white shirt and no tie, smiled when the judge, talking hypothetically about the player attempting to drive while banned, said: 'He's not a man who can easily pass off without notice, I suspect.'

Judge Earl told Gascoigne: 'I hope not to see you again.'

Gascoigne thanked the judge as he left.

 

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337094/Paul-Gascoigne-avoids-jail-landing-8-week-suspended-sentence-drink-driving.html#ixzz17dN5PwGI

[busybeeburns]

 

Arsenal will not win title - Patrice Evra

 

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra claims Arsenal are in "crisis" and has rubbished the Gunners' title hopes ahead of their meeting on Monday.

 

"We could lose to them but then what? There is nothing (for them), there will be no trophy, nothing," said Evra.

 

"Arsenal are a great club but it has been five years since they won anything and that for me is a crisis."

 

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, whose side are a point clear of United at the top, suggested the comments lacked respect. It is not the first time Evra has questioned Arsenal's credentials, saying after United's victory over them in the 2009 Champions League semi-finals that "it was 11 men against 11 babies, we never doubted ourselves".

 

Since Arsene Wenger became Gunners boss in 1996, his side have won three Premier League titles, the last of which was in 2004, and four FA Cups. They also reached the Champions League final in 2006 and the final of the League Cup in 2007. But in the last six years Wenger's youthful side have won only the 2005 FA Cup, while United in the same period can lay claim to three Premier League crowns, three League Cups and one Champions League trophy.

 

"Arsenal is a training centre," Evra told French television station Canal Plus. "I watch them play and enjoy it but will they win the title? That's what people remember. "When you play against Arsenal it is a lot of fun. They are a team that play football. They won't come to Old Trafford and put 11 men behind the ball.

 

"The difference is we play football but also have power. Sometimes they don't kill matches off while we are more efficient. "Our real enemy is Chelsea. We are more concerned with Chelsea's results than Arsenal's, even if we know Arsenal are a great team who can beat Chelsea, us or anyone."

 

Wenger stopped short of directly condemning his fellow Frenchman, saying he would leave others to judge whether Evra had transgressed.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9275441.stm

[Black Rose]

FC United of Manchester 0 - 4 Brighton

 

FC United's Jake Cotterill missed a second-half penalty as Brighton eased past the non-leaguers in their FA Cup second round replay at Gigg Lane.

 

Francisco Sandaza scored first before Inigo Calderon made it 2-0 in stoppage time, and late goals by Elliott Bennett and Matthew Sparrow sealed the win.

 

United were handed a lifeline when they were given a spot-kick following Calderon's foul on Ben Deegan.

 

Cotterill's miss let Brighton go on and win and they will now host Porsmouth.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9260448.stm

 

Damn I was hoping for a trip to Manchester

[bart]

city

[busybeeburns]

Manchester City's Carlos Tevez makes transfer request

 

 

Manchester City's Carlos Tevez makes transfer request

 

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has made a written transfer request, which the club has rejected.

 

The 26-year-old Argentina international is said to be homesick after four years in England. "The club remains disappointed by this situation and particularly with the actions of Carlos' representative," said a Manchester City statement.

 

Tevez was suspended on Saturday as City won at West Ham to move level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal. He had an angry exchange with manager Roberto Mancini when substituted in the closing moments of his last match against Bolton on 4 December.

 

The City statement continued: "Roberto Mancini and all at the club have shown, and will continue to show, sensitivity to Carlos' personal circumstances including the issue of his family being based overseas.

 

"Indeed following his suspension as a result of the game against Bolton, Carlos requested, and was given, special dispensation by the Manager to take leave overseas.

 

"The written transfer request is in stark contrast to Carlos' stated position in both public and club contexts.

 

"Significantly, over recent months, the club has also received numerous requests from Carlos' representative to renegotiate and improve his playing contract as well as more recently a request to extend that contract by another year.

 

"However, in line with the club's policy of not negotiating playing contracts mid-season this has not been granted. Carlos' current five-year contract has three-and-a-half years to run and he is the highest paid player at the Manchester City Football Club. "This is both an unfortunate and unwelcome distraction and the club will remain focused on the games ahead in what is turning out to be a very promising season. The door remains open for Carlos to be selected to play."

 

Tevez joined Manchester City from cross-town rivals Manchester United last year after a two-year spell with Sir Alex Ferguson's side that saw him win two Premier Leagues titles, the Champions League and the Fifa Club World Cup.

 

He then joined fierce rivals City in July, 2009, and was a key member of the side as they just missed out on Champions League qualification by finishing fifth last season.

 

BBC Radio 5 live football correspondent Ian Dennis said: "The striker is believed to be homesick and over the last couple of months there have been suggestions he's considering quitting football altogether. In a recent television interview he said he was tired of football and tired of people who work in football."

 

Tevez left South America for England in 2006 to join West Ham, along with fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, and scored the goal at Manchester United on the last day of the season that kept the Londoners in the Premier League.

 

However, the Argentine pair's third-party contract ownership by the Media Sports Investment (MSI) company ultimately led to West Ham having to pay the relegated Sheffield United £20m in compensation.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9279311.stm

[busybeeburns]

Newcastle give Pardew perfect start

 

 

Newcastle give Pardew perfect start

 

Newcastle 3 - 1 Liverpool

 

Alan Pardew's reign as Newcastle United manager got off to the perfect start as a turbulent week on Tyneside ended with victory against Liverpool at St James' Park.

 

Newcastle's fans gathered hours before kick-off to stage noisy protests against owner Mike Ashley in the aftermath of his controversial decision to sack the popular Chris Hughton and replace him with Pardew.

 

And banners were unfurled on the Gallowgate End in support of Hughton as Pardew took his place in the dug-out moments before kick-off to a muted response from the Toon Army.

 

The discontent had turned to delight by the final whistle, however, as Pardew's new charges delivered a display designed to dispel any doubts that they are not throwing their weight behind the new man in charge at St James' Park.

 

It was two Merseysiders, in the shape of Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton, who helped shape Liverpool's downfall, although Roy Hodgson's side were also the architects of their own demise with a wretched performance.

 

Nolan gave Newcastle an early lead after Andy Carroll headed down Barton's free-kick, but they were pegged back just after half-time when Dirk Kuyt sent a deflected shot past Tim Krul.

 

And after Fernando Torres wasted a chance to turn the tables and put Liverpool in front, it was Newcastle who finished the stronger and more vibrant side to run out deserved winners.

 

Barton took advantage of more hesitant Liverpool defending to restore Newcastle's lead with 10 minutes left - a goal greeted ecstatically by owner Ashley as he was hugged in the directors' box - and Carroll rounded off a memorable victory for Pardew with a low, long-range shot.

 

At the final whistle Newcastle's fans cut short their victory celebrations to launch another broadside against Ashley, indicating that the ill-feeling sparked by Hughton's dismissal has not been erased by a single victory.

 

Pardew needed a fast start to ease the discontent swirling around St James' Park two hours before kick-off - and a routine free-kick that resulted in a 15th minute lead provided it.

 

Liverpool could hardly say they were hit with a shock tactic as Barton aimed his free-kick towards the giant figure of Carroll at the far post, but the striker rose easily above Martin Skrtel for Nolan to arrive in trademark fashion to provide a low finish past Pepe Reina.

 

Liverpool, without exerting any concerted pressure on Newcastle, still had opportunities to equalise as Sotirios Kyrgiakos had a shot saved by keeper Krul and Raul Meireles saw a deflected effort cleared off the line by Jose Enrique.

 

Newcastle were almost gifted a second after 35 minutes when Meireles presented the ball to Shola Ameobi, but his shot took a touch off a Liverpool defender and went just wide.

 

Liverpool ended the half in the ascendancy as Kyrgiakos headed just wide, but it needed a touch of good fortune to restore equality after 49 minutes.

 

Netherlands striker Kuyt pounced after a long ball hit Sol Campbell's back, but still needed a hefty glance off Steven Taylor to send his effort out of Krul's reach.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9268294.stm

[mc_squared]

As Mr Hansen said last night, a few more results like that, and it will be a case of Chris Who-ton...................... :rolleyes:

[bart]

 

Manchester City's Carlos Tevez makes transfer request

 

[/url]

 

I will post about this shortly, after going to bar and getting wasted.

gutted..

[bart]

OK I dropped the idea of going to the bar.

This is devestating, just as we was doing so well.

I really hope he stays, if he does go I hope he is a man of his word, and quits playing football

[Reilly]

Expect a lot of stories like that one, it's what happens when the only motive a player has is money.