Disqus - Latest Comments for Smudger

Re: Steve McClaren Drops Beckham from England Squad

Smudger — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 09:35:00 -0000

I agree with most of your comments. I don't know if the Ashton addition will make that much of a difference in the near, or long term; however, what it does signal is that he is open to bringing new blood into the squad

Re: Your Stories of How You Became a Football Fan

Smudger — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 10:29:00 -0000

I was over in the UK for work and a close work colleague of mine invited me to a Man United vs. Chelsea match to kick-off the 2004/2005 Campaign. We met at a hole-in-the-wall joint real close to Victoria station, before we took a taxi near Stamford Bridge. We congregated at a Man United pub, a stones throw from the Stadium. With London police baracading the pub, we drank for several hours sharing stories about Football (including Green Bay Packer stories...being an American). With a wide grin and an extra skip in my step we walked up to the Stadium.

I was told, "Don't wear ANY red to the game"; and boy was I glad I didn't! I am unfamiliar with security guards walking us into a Stadium. That is a foreign concept in the states...unless you wear black pinstripes to a Yankees/Red Sox game. With fans on both of sides of us, harrassing us as United fans, we approached our seats near the United bench.

United ended up losing the game 1-0 on a poor decision by Roy Keane, but I absolutely fell in the love with the "Beautiful Game" at that point. The atmosphere (crowded house and a wonderful old park), singing ("Chelsea Rent Boys...."), the pitch (reminded me of a finely groomed putting green), and the feeling like I was surrounded by an angry mob, really made my adreneline rush.

Since that game, I have had the honor of attending a Champions League match at Old Trafford against Milan. I can say, without hesitation, that until you attend a meaningful match in an English stadium, you will not truly appreciate the magnitude and passion that the game of football holds for any fan base.

Re: Preview of Arsenal v Manchester United Clash

Smudger — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:40:00 -0000

Without Gilberto, I don't see how Arsenal can control the midfield. I believe he was the rock who enabled them to hang in the game until the goal the last time the two played.

Re: The Americans Are Invading the Premiership

Smudger — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:08:00 -0000

Although Jay DeMerit didn't exactly "do" America proud last night. Ole Gunnar had his number.

Check out my analysis last week regarding the American's fighting for a World Cup spot.

In addition, Martin Tyler is sticking with SKY.

http://stretfordyankee.blogspot.com/

Re: Simply The Best: Manchester United’s 2006-07 Side

Smudger — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:22:00 -0000

One item that keeps alluding discussion is how valuable Michael Carrick has been in breaking down teams that play a 4-5-1 against United. For the last few years, the final pass and even wider distribution has not necessarily been apart of United's attack. Whether this was because of injury (Giggs, Scholes, Keane had missed significant part of the last few seasons)or departures (P. Neville, Keane), United hadn't always been as lethal in attack. Perhaps finding players of Carrick's ability will enable teams to breakdown the opposition and force teams to re-think their formations.

Re: Politicians Move to Bring Back Standing In Stadiums | EPL Talk

Smudger — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:24:00 -0000

I just have a hard time believing that this will pass. There is too much liability for the clubs and the FA, as well as the necessity of clubs to make cosmetic changes to their stadiums. I do respect the fact that the politicians have re-visited a very controversial topic. Can the same be said about the Italians?

Re: Arsenal Colorado

Smudger — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:05:00 -0000

I was originally questioning the need for a relationship here, given Arsenal's penchant for bringing in non-domestic talent, and how that would build consensus and public relations for a struggling Colorodo club. I have backed up now and believe that if Arsenal the football club can share with Colorado THEIR style of play, this might turn out to be a good thing.