Disqus - Latest Comments for TheScout

Re: For Those About To Skip Work, We Salute You

TheScout — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 12:48:00 -0000

I have to play the "don't talk to anyone and don't log on to the Internet" game until my vacation kicks in on the 26th of June. I also have to go out of town for my brother's wedding on the 24th but luckily my parents have satellite TV so I'll be able to keep up with things.

Re: Put Your Tracksuit Back on Walcott

TheScout — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 10:22:00 -0000

Ecuador are no pushover so I think both teams will go for the win and try to maintain a postive spirit. There's a bit of rivalry between England and Sweden as they've been matched up at the last few tournaments so no one will want to concede anything. The most likely result is a draw which would leave England at the top of the group.

Re: Champions League Better Than World Cup

TheScout — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 10:55:00 -0000

As it happens Bobby McMahon has a thread on his Fox Soccer blog about this:

http://blogs.foxsports.com/BobbyMcMahon/2006/07/06/Is_the_World_Cup_soccers_marquee_tournament

Re: Premiership Countdown: 34 Days To Go

TheScout — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 13:37:00 -0000

David O'Leary - first EPL manager fired this season.

Re: Premiership Countdown: 31 Days to Go

TheScout — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 17:22:00 -0000

I've seen a few pics of ManU shirts from the mid-late 90's and they also had the badge on the left of the chest with a white border around it. Interesting they brought that back.

http://i11.ebayimg.com/05/i/07/b8/ed/e2_1.JPG

http://i16.ebayimg.com/03/i/07/b2/40/d7_1_b.JPG

Re: Reflections from the Community Shield Match

TheScout — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:25:00 -0000

Fox Sports World Canada could not make up their mind if they were showing the game or not, so I only got part of the match by luck on Sunday morning.

Looked to be a good match though Liverpool looked to be more organized going forward than Chelsea did.

Re: Steve McClaren Drops Beckham from England Squad

TheScout — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:28:00 -0000

I've been an Ashton fan since his first stint in the Premiership with Norwich. I think he's already a quality player with the potential to be even better with more experience at the elite levels. Hopefully he gets a full shot and not just a one or two game cameo.

Re: Boro Shocker Over Chelsea

TheScout — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 12:26:00 -0000

I think the announcers were being a bit cheeky when they mentioned people being on vacation. I think the attendences have been down the last couple of seasons, at least early on, and then perk back up.

It was nice to see Chelsea drop points early on. Makes the season interesting right from the get go. Some of the early results are a bit deceiving though.

Re: Top 10 Premiership Goals So Far This Season

TheScout — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 13:49:00 -0000

My top 5 are:

1) Drogba v Liverpool - best goal so far

2) Ronaldo v Fulham (brilliant sidefoot volley on the run)

3) Agger v West Ham

4) Riise v Spurs

5) Campo v Spurs

Re: Four Days Before Premiership Adventure Begins

TheScout — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 11:31:00 -0000

Go see the Magpies play! St James Park always seems to have a good atmosphere and it could be a good match.

My fiancee and I are planning to go to England and Scotland for our honeymoon and I will be soaking up as much football as she will tolerate!

:)

Re: Quality of Premiership Slipping on Saturdays?

TheScout — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 11:42:00 -0000

It's difficult to know which matchups are going to produce exciting games and which are not. Did anyone really expect Wigan and Charlton to be a 3-2 thriller? Not many I expect. I agree with you that there have been some lackluster games recently but I'm just glad that we get to see any of the games.

I don't think that torrential downpour at Ewood Park did much to help the quality of the game.

The two best matches of the season so far have been on Sunday - ManU-Arsenal and Tottenham-Chelsea. Lots of quality on display in both those matches. Hopefully the ManU-Chelsea game can live up to that standard.

Re: Transfer window update: Deals finally getting done

TheScout — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 19:23:37 -0000

timmyg -- King claims that he never "failed" a medical at Fulham...he claims it was just a negotiating tactic. I suspect Wigan was able to come in with the cash Watford was looking for.

I personally thought it would have been a good buy for Fulham also. They haven't had a strong presence up front since McBride went down injured. King could have given them that. Eddie Johnson's a bit different player but hopefully he can do well for them.

Re: Adding Insult to Injury

TheScout — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:25:14 -0000

3-4 K isn't that much (if that's the total sum stolen from everyone) considering what these fellows make in a week and depending how many players were robbed it's not that much per person. It's just the scale of things. Losing 40 or 60 bucks to the average person is like these fellows losing a couple hundred.

Re: Daniel Sturridge: A Name to Remember

TheScout — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:30:50 -0000

Sturridge was profiled in FourFourTwo in the past year.

http://www.fourfourtwo.com/page/TheBoys/0,,1144...

Re: Adding Insult to Injury

TheScout — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:06:47 -0000

Michael,

I agree with your point. The fact the dressing was not locked is the real heart of the matter. I hope it was just a "smash-and-grab" job and I hope none of the players homes will be hit in some sort of follow-up operation.

Re: England: Back to Life, Back To Reality With Fabio Capello

TheScout — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:53:57 -0000

Friendlies can be meaningless except that Capello tends to treat friendlies as life-and-death matters as well. The guy doesn't like to lose a match no matter what. I think what the article was getting at it is that hopefully he'll pick the best players available for the style he wants to play and not just load the team up with the top names as has been the case in the past. I hope for England's sake that Becks is given his 100th cap and then only selected for future callups on merit not reputation. Capello needs to bring through some of the younger players, like Bentley and Agbonlahor, who are performing well at the top levels.

Re: Transfer market roundup - Winners and Losers

TheScout — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:50:40 -0000

wanderer, I can respect your thoughts on this and I appreciate your feedback. I don't profess to be the final word on this but meant it to be a bit of dialogue with the EPL Talk community so thank you for the feedback!

About Anelka, comparing the fee to Darren Bent is not the best analogy to my mind as Bent was woefully overpriced as well. Anelka does seem to have matured but what will happen when Drogba returns from ACN? Will Grant start both of them or will Anelka be a "squad" player...hard to say at this point.

In terms of signing players on the cheap, I agree with you that United has not always had the best record. I felt they overpaid for both Carrick and Hargreaves when it was questionable whether either player was really needed. Where I find they have been quite good is identifying young players to develop and then sell to other clubs for decent fees. I don't think that Chelsea have quite got their yet and while Arnesan has a good track record, it will take some time to turn the club structure around. Arsenal have overpaid for players as well but overall have been buying low and selling high.

Re: Transfer market roundup - Winners and Losers

TheScout — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:41:52 -0000

I'd like to see Scott Sinclair make it in the Chelsea first team. He's one they picked up young from the Bristol Rovers system and looks like he has the potential to be a star. Chelsea also have Michael Mancienne, Ben Sahar and a couple of other promising players in their system. It would be nice to see some of these players break into the first-team but like at "big" clubs the pressure to win often overrides player development.

That's what happpens at United in my view. The pressure to keep the dynasty going prevents players from getting a shot at the first-team. MU have had a lot of good players come out of their academy...they just end up with other teams :) For example, Phil Bardsley. I thought he should have stayed and perhaps Wes Brown be sold on but it was not to be. Now Sunderland seem to be reaping the benefit of his development.

Re: I Get Knocked Down But I Get Up Again

TheScout — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:43:15 -0000

Good to have you back and posting Gaffer! Hope your recovery is speedy and complete.

Re: Chelsea and Liverpool Ends in Predictable No Score Draw

TheScout — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:43:02 -0000

I have to say that I only watched bits of the Liverpool-Chelsea clash but what I saw was on the dull side. I found the Bayern Munich - Werder Bremen game was more interesting to watch. The football on display was a bit better and at least the game had a couple of goals to talk about :)

Re: Why Premier League’s Game 39 is Good for America

TheScout — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:15:06 -0000

I'm confused on point 3. How will English teams playing in America convince the Brits that MLS is not "mickey mouse"?

Even if they do manage to schedule a friendly against an MLS side, they won't play their top-XI if they have a League match in the same weekend. And...if the B-team manage to beat the MLS side, friendly or not, it will only re-inforce the image of inferiority that the British press seems to have of MLS.

Re: Gambling on the Premiership

TheScout — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:01:23 -0000

Up here in Canada, we have a government run gambling system called Pro Line/Sport Select and EPL games are available to bet on. There is a maximum dollar value you can gamble per ticket but as far as I know there are no limits on the number of tickets you play.

I've played Pro Line before but not for EPL games, I may do so in the future just for kicks but given my record in "I Know The Score" perhaps I should just keep the money in my pocket :)

Re: Do stats tell the story?

TheScout — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:14:48 -0000

Great comments from all of you...just a few follow-up points.

There are certainly some stats that don't tell you much. Citing Kartik's example of rushing yards, total rushing yards for the season is not really meaningful but yards per carry can be more indicative of how both the back and the offensive line perform.

One EPL-related stat that I found very telling was the team mark for successful passes. The teams that are toward the top of the standings are also toward the top of the total successful passes. When I watch Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United, this stat rings true to me as they do tend to guard possession of the ball and are typically more accurate in their passing then a mid-table side like West Ham. Of course, there is always an argument to be made the other way in that it's simply a matter of differing styles of play but that's what I find helpful is that the stats can enhance or spark good discussions about football philosophies.

Opta also has a tracking feature that shows what the actual "shape" of each side was during the match. Those graphics often show where the winning side tried to exploit perceived weaknesses, etc.

Ultimately for myself, I find stats can be a nice way of reassuring myself that what my eyes are telling me is accurate. I agree with the comments that without context they lose a lot of meaning and they should only be used as one of many methods in both the analysis of games and scouting of players.

Re: West Ham United to Play in 2008 MLS All-Star Game

TheScout — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:40:37 -0000

Good seats are already going for $600+ on the online ticket sites like StubHub, etc.

Too rich for this Canuck's blood :)

Re: Newest Episode of I’m On Setanta Sports

TheScout — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:00:34 -0000

Better quality audio of the first segment here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKER1F2hF_k

Re: Good For You, Steve Bennett

TheScout — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 12:55:25 -0000

He was not "talking" to the ref...he was having a go at him and disrepecting the officials is not acceptable. He was already on a yellow and should have showed some restraint and intelligence. He raced half a field to argue that call so clearly he had lost the plot at that point.

I'm sorry but the "all the calls went United's way" is just sour grapes.

Re: Joost to Offer Premier League Highlights Via Internet

TheScout — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:30:10 -0000

In Canada, The Score offers highlights on its website:

http://portal.thescore.ca/Video/ChannelEdit.asp...

Re: Rio Tabbed as England Captain, Becks Will Get 100th Cap

TheScout — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:53:08 -0000

I agree with Chad's comments about Rio. It's not permanent and he's not the only player connected to the England squad to ever have his name associated with a scandal.

The British police have dropped the rape investigation against Johnny Evans so I dont know if that's valid to bring up anymore.

As for Becks, let him get the 100th cap out of the way and then they can focus on the qualifiers without that question hanging over the team should Becks be dropped from the squad again.

Re: Rio Tabbed as England Captain, Becks Will Get 100th Cap

TheScout — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:56:13 -0000

Lemmus,

I was not implying that the Christmas party should now be a source of pride. I merely meant that the charges were dropped and all we have ever heard is allegations about what was going on that evening.

Anyhow, Rio would not have been my choice as a captain. I would just go ahead and name Gerrard as captain on a permanent basis. Not sure why Cabbage Man is stalling.

Re: Top 20 Best Supported Clubs in the Premier League | EPL Talk

TheScout — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:02:54 -0000

kat kid,

Love the idea of an "average age of supporter's jersey" metric :)

Based on decibels and signing support (from my TV-only experiences), Pompey and Liverpool would have to be at the top of those tables. The crowds always seem to be good and loud there.

Re: Wayne Rooney Joins I’m On Setanta Sports

TheScout — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:53:54 -0000

You beat me to this one Gaffer, I was just about to post this :) You must be feeling better to be so quick on the posts!

Re: Cahill’s Injury is a Massive Blow for Everton

TheScout — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:27:13 -0000

Chelsea are unhappy with the change in schedule:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/...

As for Cahill, I think a possible bigger factor than Cahill being out is that Arteta has been less dominant/effective than last season and his form has certainly dipped as this season has gone on. Granted he has apparently been playing through a groin injury of some sort for the last couple of months but whatever the reason, Arteta has just not been the same player this season as he was last year.

Re: 2010 Champions League Final in Madrid, 2010 UEFA Cup Final in Hamburg | EPL Talk

TheScout — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:01:46 -0000

What exactly would be a neutral venue and how would you nominate it in advance?

Personally, I don't see a problem with the Final being held at the Bernebeau...anymore than it was a problem when it was held at Old Trafford a couple of years ago.

Re: Jose Mourinho Heading to Inter?

TheScout — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:12:29 -0000

I agree with you that Inter looks to be a good fit for Mourinho. He's been linked with the job ever since Mancini made his "announcement". I discussed it briefly in a post I wrote for ChampionsLeagueTalk.com about Inter's slump

Re: Jose Mourinho Heading to Inter?

TheScout — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:22:06 -0000

Found this article...Mourinho is saying the rumours are false:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/...

Re: Warning: Watching Football On TV Can Be Hazardous To Your Health

TheScout — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:10:33 -0000

Interesting article Gaffer. I think you're wise in becoming a little choosier with which matches you decide to watch. Sure, there's always the chance you'll miss a good game but such is life :)

I try to limit the amount I watch for a variety of reasons but health is one of them. That being said, I watched the first half of the Liverpool - Everton game from the treadmill yesterday so that could be another option. I personally will be doing that more often. I actually felt a little more into the game as I was running along with the action.

Re: Warning: Watching Football On TV Can Be Hazardous To Your Health

TheScout — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:11:55 -0000

And...nothing replaces to joy of actually playing. If people are getting up of the couch 2-3 times a week to play a rec-league or pickup games than vegging a bit on weekends won't be so bad provided you're not living on fast food :)

Re: I’m On Setanta Sports Debut for Wayne Rooney: Video

TheScout — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:27:24 -0000

"First the pimping, then the gimping...now the tinkling." Way too funny !! :)

Re: Reading’s 3-0 Loss to Newcastle Exposes Weaknesses

TheScout — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:16:43 -0000

It seems to me that their two big problem areas are in central defense and midfield. Otherwise the team isn't that bad. Doyle and Kitson are decent poachers when they get proper service.

Re: Fulham Needs Victory Against Sunderland

TheScout — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:17:44 -0000

I think Fulham are done for now. They were a shambles at the back again in this match. It was funny that when Healy finally gets some game time that he bags a nice little goal. Too bad they didn't utilize him more this season.

Re: The Future of Premier League Goal Highlights on the Internet

TheScout — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:19:04 -0000

Haven't the BBC done something similar in the past?

Re: Manager of the Year

TheScout — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:38:24 -0000

"What’s remarkable about O’Neill is that he’s been successful with the Birmingham-based club without spending a whole lot of money"

I've seen this posted over and over on this blog and others. That's simply not true. O'Neill has spent plenty of cash...sure he's not splashing out 17m for a single player but signings like Ashley Young and Reo-Coker were not cheap either.

I think O'Neill has done a good job but lets not turn him into a miracle worker just yet. Villa are improved slightly...let's see how they finish the season and where they finish.

I do think Redknapp should have bumped O'Neill off the list as he has made more significant gains in the standings and point totals ( from 38 in 05-06 to 54 in 06-07 to 53 already this season) and Pompey are a spot above Villa in the table with a game in hand not to mention they have a good shot at winning the FA Cup.

My five would be:

1) Wenger - built a very competitive squad on a shoestring budget and only brought in one "high-priced" player.

2) Sir Alex - manages star players like no one else...you don't hear the complaints about rotation and playing time that you do at other clubs

3) Redknapp - reasons stated above

4) Keane - agree with Michael's reasoning

5) Steve Bruce for dragging Wigan out of the relegation spaces to 8 points clear of safety. If they stay there, which I think they will, he deserves some recognition for turning that squad around in such short order.

Ramos and O'Neill just miss out. O'Neill for reasons stated above. Ramos has done a decent job but Tottenham still lack consistency. Winning the league cup was nice but a squad with as much talent as they have should not get thumped 4-1 by Newcastle.

Re: New 08/09 Sunderland Home Shirt Revealed

TheScout — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:46:50 -0000

A very minor difference...I wonder how many fans will bother buying the "new" kit.

Re: Setanta Aims to Revolutionize FA Cup Coverage

TheScout — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:04:55 -0000

I agree with you on the in-game interviews...most post-game interviews should be scrapped as well. They offer little more than cliches or whinging.

I disagree about the introduction of different camera angles. The standard long view that we get is a bit stale and fresh perspectives on the action (especially in HD) are a good thing.

Re: When Does Arsene Become Accountable? | EPL Talk

TheScout — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:00:15 -0000

Re: Gerrard

The Telegraph listed him as their man of the match. Funny how different people see different things :)

Re: Questions to Consider After Man United’s 1-0 Roma Win

TheScout — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:04:39 -0000

I've touched on it before in a couple of posts but I will again be examining why the English-based clubs are proving to be more dominant this season in the Champions League.

I agree with the comment that comparing leagues is like comparing apples and oranges. There are certain factors, like money, that we know vary widely from league to league.

The easy answer is that the patient, short-passing game favoured by many Spanish and Italian sides is not matching up well against the high-energy, pressing style that is so common in the EPL but I think there is more to it than that.

I think the UEFA Cup (which if it did not matter to anyone, what's the furor over letting Cardiff City in ? And why are EPL teams so worried about getting into the UEFA Cup spots?) does point to the fact that the EPL is quickly becoming a haves/have-nots league where the top 4 are always the same. Everton and Portsmouth are knocking on the door but how close are they really?

As for the Bundesliga, I have been watching it quite regularly this year and I have not found the tempo of the matches to be "way slower" than in the average EPL match. In terms of "slower" leagues, I'd nominate Serie A before I would mention the Bundesliga.

In general though, each match settles into its own particular rythmn and within any league there will be both turgid stop-start, kick-him-in-the-shins affairs and there will be flowing end-to-end games. A lot of it depends on who's matched up with who, what the pitch conditions are and a whole other host of factors that are never talked about. I find that the whole argument about what the best league often has the smell of jingoism/self-interest about it.

Re: Where’s Rooney?

TheScout — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:55:07 -0000

Ashley Young has recorded 16 assists second only to Cesc Fabregas so far this season. Agbonlahor has 9 goals and 8 assists. Good solid seasons for both so I don't mind that they were nominated.

The problem is, and I actually agree with Michael's article, that the "Young Player" award criteria need to be re-examined.

Re: 08/09 Man United Third Shirt

TheScout — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:07:23 -0000

Looks more like a training top than an actual match top. I hope this is not their third shirt...it's awful.

Re: Man Utd Could be Crowned Champions at Stamford Bridge

TheScout — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:12:26 -0000

United will want to win at Stamford Bridge. It will be the exclamation point on the season for them. With that win under their belt they can then focus a bit more on their Champions League meeting with Barcelona.

Re: Aston Villa May Tour United States this Summer

TheScout — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:14:14 -0000

Are Derby going to play against A-League sides? :) I can't see them beating an MLS team the way they've been.

Re: Aston Villa May Tour United States this Summer

TheScout — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:40:45 -0000

As it turns out Derby are going to Holland instead:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/...

Re: An American League in England?

TheScout — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:20:26 -0000

Interesting article. I do like the Championship and wish I would get to see more than just highlights. It would be nice if FSC would pick that up instead of their current programming. I also had hoped that both Nottingham Forest and Leeds would make it back up to the Championship but it looks like those two will be in the playoffs and only one, if lucky, will make it.

A couple of small points. Clubs relegated from the Premier League are given those big parachute payments which gives them a bit of an unfair advantage in the transfer market. However, that does not always translate into an immediate return to the Premier League as Sheffield United and Charlton are finding out.

MLB is a bad example of a sport with a salary cap. They don't have an actual cap on spending, just a tax for spending over a certain amount. So, teams like the Red Sox and Yankees continue to spend because they can easily pay the tax.

Re: Return of the Setanta Puppets

TheScout — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:05:10 -0000

Turning Rooney into someone that sounds like a 12-year-old bookworm is some good comedy !

Re: Top Money Earners

TheScout — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:22:07 -0000

Ivan,

Thanks for the suggestion. I will work on a longer piece comparing salaries for some of the American-based sports leagues (NBA, NFL, etc) as well as F1, rugby, etc.

It might take me a little while to compile but look for it hopefully by next week ! :)

Re: Chelsea’s Win at Everton Keeps Slim Premier League Title Chances Alive

TheScout — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:53:24 -0000

I've got a few "working man's champagne" (read: beer) chillin in the fridge. It looks promising but Chelsea are still in it. That Stamford Bridge match will be the decider for sure. A win over Chelsea at the Bridge would be sweet, sweet revenge for the 2005-06 season when Chelsea clinched by dumping United 3-0 and breaking Rooney's foot.

I'm hoping United can also win the Champions League as well. Maybe Tevez can play the role of the new Solskjaer while Rooney can re-enact the Teddy Sheringham role. :)

Re: Interview with Tom Hicks: Sky Sports Video

TheScout — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:07:16 -0000

I concur with Michael's remarks. Liverpool have fallen behind other clubs in exploring other markets and generating new capital. That said, I still Hicks should not be making this discussion public. It's unprofessional and if he's worried about marketing and revenue, he should think about the damage he is doing to the Liverpool brand with his actions.

Re: Scouser Supporters the Next Sub-prime Loan Victims?

TheScout — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:56:16 -0000

"If the club cannot repay or refinance the loan, banks could force the Reds to sell both Torres and Babel a year from now."

Are the banks really going to dictate where the repayment source comes from? Liverpool could sell Crouch, Pennant, Kewell and others that are not regular first-teamers.

Re: Tevez’s Tally Saves Title

TheScout — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:02:39 -0000

Frazier Campbell is out on loan to Hull City FC. He has scored a number of big goals for them and is their leading scorer this season.

Re: I’m On Setanta Sports: April 20, 2008 Episode

TheScout — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:23:27 -0000

Gaffer,

I always watch the clips from this user, they post them with much cleaner audio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-JAxzU9GQM

Re: Congratulations to West Bromwich Albion

TheScout — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:47:26 -0000

I think West Brom will do quite well next season. They will probably not finish in the top 10 but I don't think they will be relegated either. If they keep the core of their team and add a few they'll be in good shape.

Don't forget they outplayed Portsmouth, a top 10 club, in the FA Cup and were unlucky to not advance. I'll take the group of players that know what to do with the ball over the "lump it long" crowd any day.

Re: Full-Time Thoughts–Liverpool vs. Chelsea

TheScout — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:01:49 -0000

And how about that gorgeous header by Riise? Just seconds from having the advantage in the tie now the advantage has been handed to Chelsea.

Re: Full-Time Thoughts–Liverpool vs. Chelsea

TheScout — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:45:02 -0000

Alex,

Just a few points in regards to your comments.

Messi is very talented but appears to be too fragile to be relied upon. How many times has he been out injured in the last couple of seasons?

Barcelona will not win the Champions League this season. Puyol is out for this first leg, Messi is just coming back from injury, Ronaldinho cannot be counted on right now, Henry is injured and Barca have struggled all year. They were fortunate to get past Schalke in the last round. They came up with just enough to win, granted that, but that level of performance will not get the job done against Manchester United.

Re: Kuyt's goal...he was not offside and Makelele jumped into him, Kuyt just brushed him off and went on to score...good composure for once.

Re: Full-Time Thoughts–Liverpool vs. Chelsea

TheScout — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:47:43 -0000

Alex,

I agree with you that Messi's goal record for is quite admirable for someone that plays essentially as a winger. He has a boatload of talent and I hope that he can stay healthy as I do enjoy watching him play.

As for the future and time travel, I've watched the movies but that's about it. Perhaps my saying that Barcelona "will not" win the CL is a bit strong-headed but based on what I've seen of them this year, my 1.21 gigawatt brain is telling me they will not advance.

Anyone not getting the gigawatt reference...check here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjCRUvX2D0E

Re: Barcelona v Manchester United Preview: Champagne Wishes

TheScout — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:19:14 -0000

I certainly was wrong on the shape the match took and I admit that. If you watched the ESPN broadcast, their analysts were equally shocked by what was on display so I was not alone in that matter.

Re: Liverpool New Home Shirt 08/09: Pictures

TheScout — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:57:27 -0000

If that's for real, that's an interesting shirt idea. Not sure why you'd include a design element in a spot where no one is likely to see it but it is different.

Re: Spurs Beats Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea to Land £20 Million Star Midfielder Luka Modric

TheScout — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:47:11 -0000

I was following the stories about Modric since they first started surfacing in January. This is indeed a big coup for Spurs and enhances their chances of keeping Berbatov around.

Modric will be the playmaker that Spurs are lacking in the middle. I wonder if one or more of Jenas, Lennon or Malbranque are on the way out?

Re: Fulham’s Premiership Survival Battle Is Not Over Yet

TheScout — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:44:29 -0000

Kartik,

I agree with what you're saying about MLS and foreign players but I think you're being a bit harsh on US players. I don't think you need to have the "best" player on several different squads to build a strong national team. And in any case, what about Michael Bradley at Heerenveen? Would he not qualify as the best player on that squad? I know a lot of people see the Dutch league as a "lesser" league but largely I think that's because other leagues have more money to splash around and not so much to do with the on-field product.

I have to say that I have not been overly impressed with Dempsey in the matches I've seen. Eddie Johnson has not had an impact yet either but he was a mid-season transfer and I'm willing to wait and see on him.

For me, Jimmy Bullard has easily been the best player on that squad this year. It's too bad for Fulham that he was hurt for such a large block of the season. I had written Fulham off but they may just pull off an escape yet. Reading are sinking fast and they do not look likely to pick up much in the way of points before the end of the season.

Re: Fulham’s Premiership Survival Battle Is Not Over Yet

TheScout — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:18:33 -0000

Kartik,

I mentioned it in one of Michael's post about manager of the season. Steve Bruce deserves some platitudes for turning Wigan around in the second half. They're playing better football and are not as painful to watch. I hope they invest wisely and challenge for a Top 10 spot next season.