The Football Thread - Page 1906

**victor meldrew** · November 22nd, 2016, 12:16 AM

I am not sure why English players and managers seem reluctant to work overseas. Perhaps its the money, the fear of learning a foreign language or expecting them to all speak English.

Our other problem is picking players from the top half of the Prem, it really is time to look further down, even lower divisions and you don't always have to pick your supposedly best players, Walcott for one is a prime example.

As for the England vacancy not sure what the suits are doing as most believe the nodder has got the job, perhaps its to make it look like they have gone through the process of finding the correct applicant for the role.

For me unless someone ruffles the feathers of our so called "elite" players I cannot see anything changing. Qualifying for tournaments by beating teams who are reasonably easy pray, Scotland is an excellent example, yet when we get to the finals we cannot compete as the teams there step it up a gear, something we seem incapable of doing and home we come embarrassed beyond belief.

Still cannot help but think continental opposition should be made to play in claret & blue, seems to gee some of ours up, four of whom I mentioned in an earlier post.

**snowy25** · November 22nd, 2016, 12:27 AM

I do believe that the wages in the PL are to a degree hindering the improvement of certain players. As I said some are happy to sit on the bench and not play because they know they can earn more doing that than playing elsewhere. Its obviously not just that though as its clearly the mentality of the player who is happy to do that. As someone who had their football chances, which were quite good, cut short by injury it pisses me off that people do that. As much as I do not like Beckham I give him credit for wanting to play no matter what.

Yes it seems playing for a top 6 or so club gives you a much better chance of being picked for England. Even when that player is not as good as someone playing for a lower positioned club. The other problem is England's managers seem to think if we keep trying the same thing it will eventually work. They did it with Lampard and Gerrard in the past and it never did work. They are now doing it again but on a bigger scale with more players and its once again failing. Rooney would never get into a German side, Spanish side or Italian side on his current form. He certainly wouldn't be captain given his recent form. Yet it seems there is talk of him keeping the role, even though he gets little game time for his club. England need a massive clear out from top to bottom if things are to chance. Sadly as I have said before I cannot see it happening anytime soon which is why I won't support or watch them any longer.

**Meini Again** · November 22nd, 2016, 12:31 AM

Watched the baggies v Burnley.

A Pulis side scored 4 times...jeez louise

Two outstanding things I noticed.

1. Both sides had immaculate kits at the end of each half. No mud, grass stains etc Pristine in fact.
2. All the players seemed 'normal' in appearance. Nobody had a "celebrity" haircut. No player was vying to be the next Becks with his monthly hairstyle change. In fact all of them could work in a bank ~ appearance wise.
I wonder if that is down to a managerial statement ?
I know Clough would not allow long hair, as it was the fashion then, his players could all work in a stuffy bank and fit in.... Shankly discouraged George Best style 'fashion', sideburns long hair etc.
Man City players, I think, have the most ridiculous hairstyles...is it a celebrity thing ? Do they think they are showbiz/celebrity status?

Dunno...but those 2 thoughts occupied me mind more than the footie.

**Meini Again** · November 22nd, 2016, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by victor meldrew

I am not sure why English players and managers seem reluctant to work overseas. Perhaps its the money, the fear of learning a foreign language or expecting them to all speak English..........

Victor, the rest of your post I agree with 100%

However:

Robson
Venables
Eriksson
Capello
Hodgson
Keegan
Hoddle even

All had experience outside of England.
~~ and was probably an indication / influence, of why they were chosen.

Although Welsh....
Ian Rush ~ after his move from Liverpool to Juventus said playing in Italy

Quote:

..was like living in a different country...

Says it all really

**Markus R** · November 22nd, 2016, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meini Again

Although Welsh....
Ian Rush ~ after his move from Liverpool to Juventus said playing in Italy..was like living in a different country...
Says it all really

It's a great story but Rush never said it! Mischievous Kenny Dalglish said Rushie said it

**gordian_knot** · November 22nd, 2016, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meini Again

Watched the baggies v Burnley.

A Pulis side scored 4 times...jeez louise

Two outstanding things I noticed.

1. Both sides had immaculate kits at the end of each half. No mud, grass stains etc Pristine in fact.
2.
Man City players, I think, have the most ridiculous hairstyles...is it a celebrity thing ? Do they think they are showbiz/celebrity status?

1. Can you get a grass stain off these woven pitches? I didn't see the game but I can't imagine a Sean Dyche team not throwing themselves into tackles.

2. Yes.

I don't think playing abroad makes much difference, and in the past it's even been a hindrance getting picked for England. McManaman wasn't being picked even when he was scoring winning goals in CL finals. In England it's out of sight out of mind. The problem really comes down to the financial success of the EPL, the influx of foreign players and the knock-on effect that has on bringing through English talent. I don't see that changing until the financial collapse of the EPL and some people are already saying that the next TV deal will make the recent one look like small beer. I see no light at the end of the tunnel.

Riley Owain · November 22nd, 2016, 02:27 PM

The last time Anderletch was outside of the top 5 in the Belgian top league was in 1972-73 when they became number 6. The last time they were outside the top 3 was in 1997–98
The last time they were outside the top 6 was in 1937–38 when they became number 8.

Anderletch is the most successful team in Belgium.They have won the league 33 times.

**snowy25** · November 22nd, 2016, 03:14 PM

Large number of Club Brugge in my city today for their game against Leicester. I spoke to a few who said they hoped Leicester progressed as it gave smaller sides hope for the future. I think had they had a chance of progressing though they may feel a little different about it. The local Belgian bar has changed its name for the evening. Its usually called Cafe Bruxelles but for one night only its called itself Cafe Brugges.

Lots of people around the fan zone as well with fans from both sides mixing, eating chocolate and drinking beer. Seems very friendly and they all got a good laugh when someone fell off their bike whilst trying to look clever. Leicester it seems put on a good show as the away fans have said during the CL that its been one of the best away cities to visit.

**victor meldrew** · November 22nd, 2016, 05:04 PM

Rumblings on the managerial front, hopefully just rumours.

**snowy25** · November 22nd, 2016, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by victor meldrew

Rumblings on the managerial front, hopefully just rumours.

With games upcoming against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool its a tough next few games. I think there is a real possibility that come the new year he may not be there. Especially if those below them scrape a few points together during the same run of games. I see Benitez is among those being considered should Bilic be sacked. I wonder if he would leave Newcastle with them likely to be a PL team again next season?

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November 22nd, 2016, 12:16 AM	#19051
victor meldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: At the bottom of an empty glass Posts: 15,776 Thanks: 531,870 Thanked 179,942 Times in 15,764 Posts	I am not sure why English players and managers seem reluctant to work overseas. Perhaps its the money, the fear of learning a foreign language or expecting them to all speak English. Our other problem is picking players from the top half of the Prem, it really is time to look further down, even lower divisions and you don't always have to pick your supposedly best players, Walcott for one is a prime example. As for the England vacancy not sure what the suits are doing as most believe the nodder has got the job, perhaps its to make it look like they have gone through the process of finding the correct applicant for the role. For me unless someone ruffles the feathers of our so called "elite" players I cannot see anything changing. Qualifying for tournaments by beating teams who are reasonably easy pray, Scotland is an excellent example, yet when we get to the finals we cannot compete as the teams there step it up a gear, something we seem incapable of doing and home we come embarrassed beyond belief. Still cannot help but think continental opposition should be made to play in claret & blue, seems to gee some of ours up, four of whom I mentioned in an earlier post.

November 22nd, 2016, 12:27 AM	#19052
snowy25 Vintage Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 6,664 Thanked 23,142 Times in 2,260 Posts	I do believe that the wages in the PL are to a degree hindering the improvement of certain players. As I said some are happy to sit on the bench and not play because they know they can earn more doing that than playing elsewhere. Its obviously not just that though as its clearly the mentality of the player who is happy to do that. As someone who had their football chances, which were quite good, cut short by injury it pisses me off that people do that. As much as I do not like Beckham I give him credit for wanting to play no matter what. Yes it seems playing for a top 6 or so club gives you a much better chance of being picked for England. Even when that player is not as good as someone playing for a lower positioned club. The other problem is England's managers seem to think if we keep trying the same thing it will eventually work. They did it with Lampard and Gerrard in the past and it never did work. They are now doing it again but on a bigger scale with more players and its once again failing. Rooney would never get into a German side, Spanish side or Italian side on his current form. He certainly wouldn't be captain given his recent form. Yet it seems there is talk of him keeping the role, even though he gets little game time for his club. England need a massive clear out from top to bottom if things are to chance. Sadly as I have said before I cannot see it happening anytime soon which is why I won't support or watch them any longer.

November 22nd, 2016, 12:31 AM	#19053
Meini Again Vintage Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: North Wales Posts: 3,637 Thanks: 32,358 Thanked 31,826 Times in 3,566 Posts	Watched the baggies v Burnley. A Pulis side scored 4 times...jeez louise Two outstanding things I noticed. 1. Both sides had immaculate kits at the end of each half. No mud, grass stains etc Pristine in fact. 2. All the players seemed 'normal' in appearance. Nobody had a "celebrity" haircut. No player was vying to be the next Becks with his monthly hairstyle change. In fact all of them could work in a bank ~ appearance wise. I wonder if that is down to a managerial statement ? I know Clough would not allow long hair, as it was the fashion then, his players could all work in a stuffy bank and fit in.... Shankly discouraged George Best style 'fashion', sideburns long hair etc. Man City players, I think, have the most ridiculous hairstyles...is it a celebrity thing ? Do they think they are showbiz/celebrity status? Dunno...but those 2 thoughts occupied me mind more than the footie.

November 22nd, 2016, 02:27 PM	#19057
Riley Owain Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 131 Thanks: 0 Thanked 948 Times in 112 Posts	The last time Anderletch was outside of the top 5 in the Belgian top league was in 1972-73 when they became number 6. The last time they were outside the top 3 was in 1997–98 The last time they were outside the top 6 was in 1937–38 when they became number 8. Anderletch is the most successful team in Belgium.They have won the league 33 times.

November 22nd, 2016, 03:14 PM	#19058
snowy25 Vintage Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 6,664 Thanked 23,142 Times in 2,260 Posts	Large number of Club Brugge in my city today for their game against Leicester. I spoke to a few who said they hoped Leicester progressed as it gave smaller sides hope for the future. I think had they had a chance of progressing though they may feel a little different about it. The local Belgian bar has changed its name for the evening. Its usually called Cafe Bruxelles but for one night only its called itself Cafe Brugges. Lots of people around the fan zone as well with fans from both sides mixing, eating chocolate and drinking beer. Seems very friendly and they all got a good laugh when someone fell off their bike whilst trying to look clever. Leicester it seems put on a good show as the away fans have said during the CL that its been one of the best away cities to visit.

November 22nd, 2016, 05:04 PM	#19059
victor meldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: At the bottom of an empty glass Posts: 15,776 Thanks: 531,870 Thanked 179,942 Times in 15,764 Posts	Rumblings on the managerial front, hopefully just rumours.