*****FOOTBALL THREAD*****

[Tamiyoman]

I love it the way people ^ get so personal when a team wins. Spain easily deserved it. Outplayed Italy in every sense. Sublime passing, fantastic opportunity making.

It's a privilege to watch the Spanish players in their Leauge and for their country. We may never see their like again!!

 

I disagree with the comments about the Primera Liga, tbh its a 2 horse race and has been for many years (you may as well watch the scottish prem league  ), Barcelona funded by fans/local businesses versus Real Madrid funded by the government, far too much diving and play acting (triple rolls whilst holding your face when someone just brushed against you  , it's lame, then you wave the "imaginary card" and when the opposing player is booked your suddenly up and sprinting away  ), there are only 2 matches worth watching, Real Vs Barca and Barca vs Real, I will stick with the premiership where at least 3 or 4 teams have a chance of winning and most teams can win against the top teams on a good day!.

[damoegan]

Leon Best to Blackburn for £3M, we done well out of that deal 

[andrewparker]

Leon Best to Blackburn for £3M, we done well out of that deal 

I think Leon will do well there, good luck to him. By all accounts it sounds like Blackburn are building a sound Championship side.

Sounds like we're bargaining hard for Luke De Jong. Apparently they're after £14m for him. The most Ashley has paid for a player was £10m (Colo).

[R32UK]

Man u IPO

"As of Mar 31 we had total indebtedness of £423.3m..increases risk that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay amounts due."

 

[andrewparker]

So, rumours that Newcastle want Andy Carroll back and have had a loan proposal knocked back. I've got to say, I find the prospect pretty exciting, if a little unrealistic. This has all the hallmarks of Ashley rocking the boat, messing with Carroll's head and getting him to initiate a transfer request, enabling us to get him back for a steal. That of it's very clever diversion tactics while he off loads one of our key players.

[Apollo]

So, rumours that Newcastle want Andy Carroll back and have had a loan proposal knocked back. I've got to say, I find the prospect pretty exciting, if a little unrealistic. This has all the hallmarks of Ashley rocking the boat, messing with Carroll's head and getting him to initiate a transfer request, enabling us to get him back for a steal. That of it's very clever diversion tactics while he off loads one of our key players.

It is also a very good way to get Liverpool fans and players speculating, thus causing dressing room and terrace unrest for the reds. I have no doubt it's not just the Toon who want Andy, I reckon a few clubs will be in with requests very soon.

[andrewparker]

I'd guess you're right. The transfer window hasn't really got going yet. Give it a week or two.

The Walcott to Liverpool rumour is also quite interesting. I find it hard to believe that he's thrown his toys out because of the RvP saga and would be prepared to go to Liverpool.

[Apollo]

I think he would suit Liverpool's style of play but I also think Man Utd could sneak in a bid for him not just because they may want him but just so none of the other 'top clubs' get him.....remember the Owen Hargreaves saga? Bought merely so no one else could get him......

[RedRobin]

^^^^
I'm learning that there's rather more to football than just kicking a ball around.

What would happen if all football teams could only be made up of players who lived within 50 miles of the club? Or at least were born in the UK. Would it be good or bad for the game?

[MC71]

What chance an Olympic Gold then??  

Great Britain are playing their only pre Olympic friendly on Friday evening, against Brazil at the Riverside (live on BBC 1), could be a lesson in the beautiful game.

Still not sold on the idea of highly paid professional football stars being in the Olympics but as most of the other athletes, tennis players, basketball players are multi millionaires, why not I suppose.

Great Britain men's football squad:

Jack Butland (Birmingham),
Jason Steele (Middlesbrough);
Rayan Bertrand (Chelsea),
Steven Caulker (Tottenham),
Craig Dawson (West Brom),
Micah Richards (Manchester City),
Neil Taylor (Swansea),
James Tomkins (West Ham);
Joe Allen (Swansea),
Tom Cleverley (Manchester United),
Jack Cork (Southampton),
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United),
Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal),
Danny Rose (Tottenham),
Scott Sinclair (Swansea);
Craig Bellamy (Liverpool),
Marvin Sordell (Bolton),
Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea).
 

[RedRobin]

^^^^
Cheers for the heads-up on Brazil playing on BBC1 - Brazil is my favourite footie team  - I'll want Brazil to win but I hope it's a good match.

[MC71]

I always root for Beazil too but on this occasion I will be waving my union jack (as if that will help) 

[RedRobin]

^^^^
As I'm only half English, perhaps I could wave half a Jack flag! 

[MC71]

You wave you half a flag mate, they will (more than likely) need all the support they can get playing Brazil. 

[RedRobin]

^^^^
Is Brazil back up their usual magical standard then? I haven't watched them for ages and they were a bit disappointing in the last World Cup.

Their fans are nice eye-candy though: