The Football Thread - Page 2013

**snowy25** · May 30th, 2017, 01:27 PM

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has agreed a new two-year contract, extending his 21-year reign at the club.

Wenger and club owner Stan Kroenke met on Monday to determine the Frenchman's future, with the decision relayed to directors at a Tuesday board meeting.

Arsenal are planning to make an official announcement on Wednesday.

**Red Imp** · May 30th, 2017, 02:25 PM

Managerial merry-go-round goes on as Wolves sack Paul Lambert.

**pierrelm** · May 30th, 2017, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordian_knot

The Championship, though as competitive as ever, was quite poor this season.
Reading might actually benefit from not going up if they can keep hold of Jaap Stam. They clearly weren't ready this season but Stam has got them playing the right way despite them not really being good enough for that style of football. If Stam stays, and they add some quality to the squad, then I can see them fighting it out for automatic promotion next season.
However, I can see someone in the PL - maybe Southampton if they get rid of Puel - making Stam an offer he might not be able to refuse.

Definitely agreed - as I've already mentioned, we managed to narrowly miss out on the playoffs despite having only four decent players in the first team and a tissue thin midfield.

I suspect next season might just see the revival of Forest and Villa and the rest depends on who goes where. Stam has a refreshing approach and deserves to succeed somewhere.

**snowy25** · May 30th, 2017, 03:47 PM

After watching the play off final I think most people would see whoever went through as relegation favourites. Huddersfield won't care though as the £200m and more they will get over the next few seasons in or out of the PL will be a huge influx of capital. That sort of money will secure the club for a long time if handled correctly. However I think they are more likely to do a Blackpool than a Bournemouth in reality. For the players and everyone connected to the club though its a huge achievement and I am sure they will enjoy their time in the PL.

**victor meldrew** · May 30th, 2017, 04:55 PM

Win the FA cup and get a two year extension, I suppose its continuity which is what you want at a football club, as well as the money rolling in. should they fail to win the Europa league he might find his contract terminated, unless of course they finish fourth or win one of the cup competitions. I believe those in charge at Gooner land are happy with AW, most clubs would probably give a limb to get even close to what Arsenal have achieved in the last twenty years.

George A
It was not a dig at Watford as I just ran out of time. The managerial merry-go-round appears to be heading to the PL as well. I am just pleased we have not sacked Bilic and had to start over again. In the same period as I mentioned for Watford, Palace have had seven managers and five caretakers, While Swansea & The Baggies have had six, the Swans have also had Alan Curtis filling in from time to time as well.
Add in what goes on lower down the ladder and this is surely not good for football. Perhaps two Managerial windows might solve the problem as sackings seem to start two or three games in these days.

As for my lot thus far have been linked to six keepers, although Butland is probably a made up one as Stoke will never let him go. The Others are Cains (Fleetwood), Hart, Stockdale, Pickford & Jakupovic, outfield players are far too many to mention.

One final bug bear is the loan system, which for us rarely seems to work, with Reece Oxford hardly kicking a ball in a anger for Reading and I cannot help but feel we should have cancelled the loan at the beginning of March, as at 18 he should be paying some football on a regular basis even if only for the development squad. It might need something in future loan agreements about players playing x amount of games during spell, for if they don't play the loan seems meaning less.

**snowy25** · May 30th, 2017, 06:33 PM

Thomas Tuchel's time at Borussia Dortmund has come to a premature end as his contract has been terminated with immediate effect.

The 44-year-old still had a deal with BVB until June 2018, but his future at the club had long been in doubt following his strained relationship with CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and the club's board of directors.

He was linked with a move to the Arsenal but that clearly won't happen now. So it will be interesting to see where he turns up next. A lot of people think he has all the makings of a top coach but it seems he is not the easiest to get along with.

**pierrelm** · May 30th, 2017, 09:11 PM

[QUOTE=victor meldrew;4054058
One final bug bear is the loan system, which for us rarely seems to work, with Reece Oxford hardly kicking a ball in a anger for Reading and I cannot help but feel we should have cancelled the loan at the beginning of March, as at 18 he should be paying some football on a regular basis even if only for the development squad. It might need something in future loan agreements about players playing x amount of games during spell, for if they don't play the loan seems meaning less.[/QUOTE]

All well and good but if they are not really interested? Or, indeed, capable? We had Ross Barkley (indifferent, albeit I think he has ability but very little football nous); a couple of blink and you miss their career Arsenal youngsters, generally based on having a double barreled surname, the Spurs lad whose name completely escapes me who went to Hull, then to WBA, got an England cap(!) and is still really not that good...what happened to that WHU Norweigian lad who was at Posh?

There's any number who drop down for the experience, but as Steve Morison of Millwall astutely observed, too many haven't got the stomach for the physical side of the game and even less have the bottle and the temperament - too many Billy big boots on too much money. Every championship side now seemngly has PL loanees and overseas journeymen looking for an 'in' to the PL gravy train - it's getting silly.

**victor meldrew** · May 30th, 2017, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierrelm

All well and good but if they are not really interested? Or, indeed, capable? We had Ross Barkley (indifferent, albeit I think he has ability but very little football nous); a couple of blink and you miss their career Arsenal youngsters, generally based on having a double barreled surname, the Spurs lad whose name completely escapes me who went to Hull, then to WBA, got an England cap(!) and is still really not that good...what happened to that WHU Norweigian lad who was at Posh?

There's any number who drop down for the experience, but as Steve Morison of Millwall astutely observed, too many haven't got the stomach for the physical side of the game and even less have the bottle and the temperament - too many Billy big boots on too much money. Every championship side now seemngly has PL loanees and overseas journeymen looking for an 'in' to the PL gravy train - it's getting silly.

Posh stopped using him and Grant McCann (Posh Manager) claimed he had lost confidence so we brought him back. I think he was at Blackburn then went to Posh for his second spell.
Oxford made some comment on twitter about Reading 's training methods and copped a small bit flack from Stam.
But again if his attitude is not right why would a club keep him, surely it does more harm than good and they should send them back.
The other side of the coin we loan Reece Burke to Bradford and he won there player of the year award and the five games he played for us he looked like he had a future yet we still continue to loan him out, he is only 20 so has time on his side.

Terms for loan deals certainly need beefing up for the player and both clubs. I would have thought for a player its an opportunity to make a name for yourself, rather than I am better than you lot.

blueboy199 · May 30th, 2017, 11:25 PM

Victor, I can't agree with you about Wenger and continuity. People use the argument of Ferguson, saying look what happened to United after he left. But in reality, and notwithstanding the fact that he won the title in his last year, he just made the reboot harder for his replacement because he overstayed. United have still not recovered from that period of underinvestment in the latter years of his reign, when only his management skills papered over the obvious decline in the quality of the squad. It seems much the same at Arsenal to me. I suspect he's just going to make it harder for the next manager, either when he quits in 2 years or is binned off after next season. We'll see if he can prove the doubters wrong.

**snowy25** · May 30th, 2017, 11:44 PM

As I said on another site its a big risk for Wenger. Go now and he leaves the club with his head held high after creating a little club and personal FA Cup history. Yes they missed out on the top 4 for the first time but he would have gone out as a winner. Now his entire legacy at the club is at risk. There is a good possibility that the club will lose one or even both of their big names over the summer. Those the club want seem less interested in joining them these days, even more so with no CL football. So there is a chance that next season he will again miss out on the top 4. If he doesn't get the boot then and stays to finish his contract he could fail to reach the top 4 again. In the end all the good work he did do could be undone by 3 finishes outside of the top 4. Of course its merely speculation as there is a chance they could reach the CL places in both his next 2 seasons. I just think its a big risk for him and the club.

As you say the longer he stays the more difficult it will be to rid their club of his ghost when he does go. If as expected he ends up moving upstairs like Fergie at United it will again add to that difficulty of managing the club post Wenger. Of course Arsenal may have identified a potential new coach but feel he is not yet ready. For example they may feel Eddie Howe would be a good replacement but they need to see what he can do on a consistent basis. Wenger staying would allow that to happen and keep the club during that time in familiar hands. It could simply be there are so few quality options around as replacements the board had little in the way of options.

What is clear is that Arsenal and Wenger have both taken a gamble on him staying at the club. Whether the gamble pays off we will all have to wait and see. The odds on a favourable result may change during the transfer window. Not just with who the club brings in and packs off but also what happens with the other top 6 clubs. Now we have 6 teams who can challenge for 4 places its not going to be as easy as it was in Wenger's past to make the top 4. I think that was shown this season.

May 30th, 2017, 01:27 PM	#20121
snowy25 Vintage Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 6,664 Thanked 23,144 Times in 2,260 Posts	Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has agreed a new two-year contract, extending his 21-year reign at the club. Wenger and club owner Stan Kroenke met on Monday to determine the Frenchman's future, with the decision relayed to directors at a Tuesday board meeting. Arsenal are planning to make an official announcement on Wednesday.

May 30th, 2017, 02:25 PM	#20122
Red Imp Vintage Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 906 Thanks: 3,606 Thanked 23,305 Times in 889 Posts	Managerial merry-go-round goes on as Wolves sack Paul Lambert.

May 30th, 2017, 03:47 PM	#20124
snowy25 Vintage Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 6,664 Thanked 23,144 Times in 2,260 Posts	After watching the play off final I think most people would see whoever went through as relegation favourites. Huddersfield won't care though as the £200m and more they will get over the next few seasons in or out of the PL will be a huge influx of capital. That sort of money will secure the club for a long time if handled correctly. However I think they are more likely to do a Blackpool than a Bournemouth in reality. For the players and everyone connected to the club though its a huge achievement and I am sure they will enjoy their time in the PL.

May 30th, 2017, 04:55 PM	#20125
victor meldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: At the bottom of an empty glass Posts: 15,778 Thanks: 531,920 Thanked 180,041 Times in 15,766 Posts	Win the FA cup and get a two year extension, I suppose its continuity which is what you want at a football club, as well as the money rolling in. should they fail to win the Europa league he might find his contract terminated, unless of course they finish fourth or win one of the cup competitions. I believe those in charge at Gooner land are happy with AW, most clubs would probably give a limb to get even close to what Arsenal have achieved in the last twenty years. George A It was not a dig at Watford as I just ran out of time. The managerial merry-go-round appears to be heading to the PL as well. I am just pleased we have not sacked Bilic and had to start over again. In the same period as I mentioned for Watford, Palace have had seven managers and five caretakers, While Swansea & The Baggies have had six, the Swans have also had Alan Curtis filling in from time to time as well. Add in what goes on lower down the ladder and this is surely not good for football. Perhaps two Managerial windows might solve the problem as sackings seem to start two or three games in these days. As for my lot thus far have been linked to six keepers, although Butland is probably a made up one as Stoke will never let him go. The Others are Cains (Fleetwood), Hart, Stockdale, Pickford & Jakupovic, outfield players are far too many to mention. One final bug bear is the loan system, which for us rarely seems to work, with Reece Oxford hardly kicking a ball in a anger for Reading and I cannot help but feel we should have cancelled the loan at the beginning of March, as at 18 he should be paying some football on a regular basis even if only for the development squad. It might need something in future loan agreements about players playing x amount of games during spell, for if they don't play the loan seems meaning less.

May 30th, 2017, 06:33 PM	#20126
snowy25 Vintage Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 6,664 Thanked 23,144 Times in 2,260 Posts	Thomas Tuchel's time at Borussia Dortmund has come to a premature end as his contract has been terminated with immediate effect. The 44-year-old still had a deal with BVB until June 2018, but his future at the club had long been in doubt following his strained relationship with CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and the club's board of directors. He was linked with a move to the Arsenal but that clearly won't happen now. So it will be interesting to see where he turns up next. A lot of people think he has all the makings of a top coach but it seems he is not the easiest to get along with.

May 30th, 2017, 09:11 PM	#20127
pierrelm Vintage Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Midst the fen mists Posts: 5,450 Thanks: 55,798 Thanked 72,921 Times in 5,422 Posts	[QUOTE=victor meldrew;4054058 One final bug bear is the loan system, which for us rarely seems to work, with Reece Oxford hardly kicking a ball in a anger for Reading and I cannot help but feel we should have cancelled the loan at the beginning of March, as at 18 he should be paying some football on a regular basis even if only for the development squad. It might need something in future loan agreements about players playing x amount of games during spell, for if they don't play the loan seems meaning less.[/QUOTE] All well and good but if they are not really interested? Or, indeed, capable? We had Ross Barkley (indifferent, albeit I think he has ability but very little football nous); a couple of blink and you miss their career Arsenal youngsters, generally based on having a double barreled surname, the Spurs lad whose name completely escapes me who went to Hull, then to WBA, got an England cap(!) and is still really not that good...what happened to that WHU Norweigian lad who was at Posh? There's any number who drop down for the experience, but as Steve Morison of Millwall astutely observed, too many haven't got the stomach for the physical side of the game and even less have the bottle and the temperament - too many Billy big boots on too much money. Every championship side now seemngly has PL loanees and overseas journeymen looking for an 'in' to the PL gravy train - it's getting silly.

May 30th, 2017, 11:25 PM	#20129
blueboy199 Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Manchester Posts: 27 Thanks: 25,911 Thanked 196 Times in 25 Posts	Victor, I can't agree with you about Wenger and continuity. People use the argument of Ferguson, saying look what happened to United after he left. But in reality, and notwithstanding the fact that he won the title in his last year, he just made the reboot harder for his replacement because he overstayed. United have still not recovered from that period of underinvestment in the latter years of his reign, when only his management skills papered over the obvious decline in the quality of the squad. It seems much the same at Arsenal to me. I suspect he's just going to make it harder for the next manager, either when he quits in 2 years or is binned off after next season. We'll see if he can prove the doubters wrong.

May 30th, 2017, 11:44 PM	#20130
snowy25 Vintage Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 6,664 Thanked 23,144 Times in 2,260 Posts	As I said on another site its a big risk for Wenger. Go now and he leaves the club with his head held high after creating a little club and personal FA Cup history. Yes they missed out on the top 4 for the first time but he would have gone out as a winner. Now his entire legacy at the club is at risk. There is a good possibility that the club will lose one or even both of their big names over the summer. Those the club want seem less interested in joining them these days, even more so with no CL football. So there is a chance that next season he will again miss out on the top 4. If he doesn't get the boot then and stays to finish his contract he could fail to reach the top 4 again. In the end all the good work he did do could be undone by 3 finishes outside of the top 4. Of course its merely speculation as there is a chance they could reach the CL places in both his next 2 seasons. I just think its a big risk for him and the club. As you say the longer he stays the more difficult it will be to rid their club of his ghost when he does go. If as expected he ends up moving upstairs like Fergie at United it will again add to that difficulty of managing the club post Wenger. Of course Arsenal may have identified a potential new coach but feel he is not yet ready. For example they may feel Eddie Howe would be a good replacement but they need to see what he can do on a consistent basis. Wenger staying would allow that to happen and keep the club during that time in familiar hands. It could simply be there are so few quality options around as replacements the board had little in the way of options. What is clear is that Arsenal and Wenger have both taken a gamble on him staying at the club. Whether the gamble pays off we will all have to wait and see. The odds on a favourable result may change during the transfer window. Not just with who the club brings in and packs off but also what happens with the other top 6 clubs. Now we have 6 teams who can challenge for 4 places its not going to be as easy as it was in Wenger's past to make the top 4. I think that was shown this season.