Footiemad news item
Footiemad news item
August 31, 2004
Bobby Robson bounced
Newcastle manager Bobby Robson was fired yesterday just four games into
the season. The club sits near the bottom of the table with two points
after yet another slow start and that, coupled with internal unrest, has
shortened what was his last year at the St. James' Park helm. We wish him
all the best (and some TV analytical spots) for his retirement.
West Brom bag Earnshaw
The Hawthorns club have signed Wales striker Rob Earnshaw from Cardiff
for a club record £3.0m, which could rise to £3.62 with incentive clauses.
The deal looked like it had run into a snag over personal terms, but agreement
was reached between the two parties yesterday.
SFA and Levein at it again
Hearts' manager Craig Levein has upset the SFA again with his outspoken
criticism of the referee for last weekend's loss to Motherwell. The governing
body will ask for clarification of his remarks ( which seemed pretty much
without ambiguity) and he will be invited to a hearing. Levein was previously
involved in a similar situation in which fines, that Levein refused to
pay, and dugout bans were levied before the case ended up in court. It
is to be hoped this time the matter will be resolved in a more satisfactory
manner.
Bits and Pieces
Spurs sign Coventry's England U21 centre back Calum Davenport in a deal
that could end up as high as £3.0m, depending on appearances. The initial
payment is £1.1m......With just a few hours to the trading deadline, there
is nothing on the Wayne Rooney saga......Arsenal look set to get midfielder
Miguel Angel Angulo from Valencia, with the fee already having been agreed......
Footiemad news item
August 30, 2004
Don't call us, we'll call you!
Likeable, but unsuccessful, Emile Heskey has been left out of the England
squad, which starts their World Cup qualifiers on Saturday. Vassell, Defoe,
Alan Smith, and Michael something or other, were all picked ahead of the
Birmingham striker. Joe Cole was brought back into the team, and Phil Neville
was left out.
This and that......
Alan Thompson's late strike gave 3 points to Celtic. Juninho looked very
good in his first game for the Bhoys, and picked up man of the match. But
Rangers Jean-Alain Boumsong, is the player that should be on everybodies
wish list........Hakin Yakin is set to join 'Gers...........Man Utd. and
Newcastle have until Tuesday, 1200 BST to make a deal for Rooney........Michael
Owen sets up Ronaldo for winner in La Liga debut.......Everton will sign
James Beattie if Rooney leaves.....Eto'o scores on debut for Barcelona......rumours
that Sir Bobby Robson has 4 weeks to get Newcastle winning or he is finished.
Footiemad news item
August 29, 2004
The MADDEST derby............EVER!!
Anybody think they're hard enough?? The first Old Firm match of the season looks like a real stormer, even though Rangers are coming into the match with the disappointment of failure of champions league qualification only days behind them. The bookies are taking alot of money on 'who will be sent off first', with the usual suspects, Neil Lennon, and Alex Rae leading the popular vote. Celtic took wins from all 5 matches last season, and already underfire 'Gers manager, Alex Mcleish, knows he must get a positive result for the fans, or heads could roll. Rangers have acquired muscle for theses particular games, and this is the day they prove if they'll be of any threat to Celtic's crown. If you haven't got a ticket, get to the pub early, 'cuz...........you'll have a better chance of standing near the exit, if it all kicks off!! (
touch wood, touch wood).
Portrait of a footballer as a young man.
The picture says it all.............our Wayne, is feeling the pressure that goes along with being compared with the great Pele (
cheers Sven!). Rooney is unhappy with the way Everton are handling his transfer, saying
they've said many things which are not true. Manchester United have increased
there bid to £25 million, Satureday afternoon, and there chief executive
David Gill, hopes to have the deal done by Tuesday. But........reports
of a 'mystery' third club have surfaced! Who could it be? Chelsea? Rooney
has said he doesn't want to go to London. Real Madrid? Rooney has a very
basic grasp of the English language, and learning Spanish could cause long
term mental trauma.Well who? Could this just be a ploy to drive the price
up to the £30 million Everton have stated they want? We'll see. It should
all be over by Tuesday, so keep your ear to the ground, a Rooney could
be coming to a city near you!!
Other news....
...looking more and more Spanish everyday, Michael...........La Liga kicked
off yesterday, but most eyes will be on Real Madrid and Barcalona, they
both play tonight, and are expected to challenge Valencia for the title........Argentina
have taken the Olympic Gold in football, with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay........David
O'Leary has denied that he is after Kieron Dyer.......Newcastle have bids
for Celtic's Bobo Balde and Rangers Jean-Alain Boumsong knocked back........Celtic
have offered Sylvain Wiltord a two-week trial.......the Jags and the Buddies
still on course for Sept.11 mega-clash, after both continued to squash
opposition.
Head to the message boards, and tell us what's on your footballing mind.
It's FREE you tight......!!!
Footiemad news item
August 28, 2004
Murray to take chair back
After a two year hiatus David Murray will be re-installed as chairman of
Rangers early next week. He has bought an additional 20% of the Ibrox club
to now own 86%. Current chairman John McClelland will become vice-chairman,
while beleaguered boss Alex McLeish has Murray's backing despite the European
setback and a somewhat less than impressive start to the season. Tomorrow's
Old Firm match-up at Parkhead may be a barometer of where the club is at.
Rooney still a Toffee, Traore isn't yet
Wayne Rooney has handed in a written transfer request at Everton, but,
as yet, remains on Merseyside. The already drawn out saga will continue
until someone does a 'Don Corleone' and makes an offer they can't refuse.
Meanwhile a £1.5m fee for Djimi Traore has been agreed with Liverpool,
but the medical scheduled for yesterday still hasn't taken place. Anfield
boss Rafael Benitez is making noises about wanting to keep the defender
on the red side of the city.
Bits and Pieces
Fulham striker Facundo Sava will spend the season on loan with Celta Vigo......Marcus
Allback has left Aston Villa to join Bundesliga side Hansa Rostock......Ian
Rush, who started his career with Chester in 1979, has been appointed manager
of the League Two club......Inverness CT's Juanjo, sent off last week in
the match with Celtic, has won his appeal against the red card and will
be available this week end......
Footiemad news item
August 27, 2004
Champions League draw
In Group H, Chelsea have been drawn with Porto, PSG and CSKA Moscow. The
Porto connection with Mourinho et al is an obvious one, however UEFA are
investigating Roman Abramovich's financial involvment with the Russian
side. If the Chelsea owner is found to have a controlling interest in the
Moscow club, the rules state that either Chelsea or CSKA would have to
withdraw. Decisions, decisions. A Chelsea spokesman has said the billionaire
is merely a shareholder in the company that sponsors CSKA shirts.
The Rooney Saga
Everton have rejected both bids so far for the teenager. Newcastle are
reported to be ready to up the cash bid plus throw in Kieron Dyer or Craig
Bellamy, while Manchester Utd.are thought to be prepared to ante up the
cash and include either Kleberson or David Bellion as a makeweight. With
the transfer deadline on Tuesday, Everton are going to have to 'use it
or get off the pot' for a sale to be of any use to them in getting players
to strengthen the squad. For many of us, this has dragged on long enough
and we need a new object of ennui to help with the insomnia.
Scotland's second European disaster
The night after Rangers broke blue hearts at Ibrox, Dunfermline blew a
1-0 lead to exit the UEFA Cup at the hands of Iceland's FH Hafnarfjordur.
The visitors got two late goals, including a last minute winner, to become
the first Icelandic side to get through two rounds of a European competition.
A gutted Pars boss Davie Hay said afterwards that the defeat was a "massively
bad result for the club".
Bits and Pieces
Paolo Wanchope has completed a £500,000 two year deal with Malaga after
becoming excess baggage at Manchester City......Juninho gets work permit
so all is well at Parkhead......Bobby Robson says he won't quit at Newcastle......Sunderland's
Julio Arca felled by a jellyfish (was it carded?)......Nottingham Forest
boss Joe Kinnear denies anything mysterious about resting Andy Reid for
the Carling Cup win over Scunthorpe. The lad is not cup-tied though??????
Footiemad news item
August 26, 2004
Blackburn achieve immortality
By becoming the side that failed at the 43rd consecutive attempt by Premiership
clubs to beat Arsenal in league play, Blackburn have assured themselves
of being the answer in trivia games, pub quizzes and footie contests, as
well as in record books for the foreseeable future. Congratulations to
the Rovers. BTW they lost 3-0.
Hampden was wild
In any contest for the loudest fans on the planet, I would suggest that
the Ibrox faithful, if not the hands down winners, would most certainly
be in contention. The atmosphere was electric as Rangers attempted to reach
the group stage of Champions League play last night. That they failed was
almost secondary to this observer. It seemed that players in blue were
given rousing ovations for putting one foot in front of the other when
walking. A well directed pass or goal attempt had this incredible crowd
on their feet singing the praises of the hero of that particular moment.
All in all, quite an evening. Sunday's 'old firm' match up should be a
dandy.
Bits and Pieces
Manchester Utd. won their qualifier comfortably......The Old Trafford club
have now joined the race for Wayne Rooney and, predictably, underbid Newcastle......Craig
Bellamy, a legend in his own house, has intimated he will have to consider
his options, should Rooney end up at St. James' Park......Juninho will
wear number 7 at Celtic, but should not be compared to the recently departed
Henrik Larsson......The draw for the Champions League group stage takes
place later today.
Footiemad news item
August 25, 2004
Referee Andy D'Urso has been dropped by the Premiership, at least temporarily,
for his failure to send off Barry Ferguson following a second yellow card
on Saturday. He still faces a charge by the Football League because of
his momentary brain cramp.
Juninho will apparently be introduced as a Celtic player this afternoon. He has tied up the business end of getting away from the Riverside and is, according to an agent, looking at ending his career in Glasgow.
(as long as he is selected every game)
Despite a 1-0 loss at home to AK Graz, Liverpool made it through to the group stage of Champions League play last night. Rafael Benitez' fingernails, however, suffered considerable damage in the process. It is to be hoped that both Manchester Utd. and Rangers can do the same tonight.
fmm and I will be at Ibrox this evening helping to roar the 'Gers home.
Newcastle have not been put off by Everton's rejection of their initial
bid for Wayne Rooney. Bobby Robson says he is still confident of landing
the striker with a better bid, as the Toffees' cash woes are not resolved
with an influx of roubles. As for personal terms, Robson insists that Newcastle
massage parlours are at least the equal of those in Liverpool.
By 9.30 tonight there should be a new record in the books, hallelujah!!!!!!!!!
Footiemad news item
August 24, 2004
How much is that doggy in the window??
Apparantly more than £20 million, as Newcastle quickly had their bid knocked
back by Everton. Who knows if he'll ever be sold, now with another minted
Russian looking to get into the game. I doubt they'll get the £50 million
they wanted during the Rooney love-fest in Portugal, but they'll probably
still get in the £25-30 million range, as long as he comes back in good
form. What a life. 18 years of age, every club on the planet would fall
at your feet, a beautiful fiancee, and he's siging autographs in a brothel,
before falling asleep and waiting for the police! What a life, indeed!!
This and that.....
Our man, Pat Fenlon (pictured), will lead Shelbourne against Deportivo la Coruna tonight. The winner qualifies for the champions league group stages, and gets the £10 million which the six group matches will generate. 'mooooon the Shelbourne!!...........Spurs apparantly talking to Ajax about Wesley Sneijder.......Robbie Savage had been given a 3-match ban for elbowing Chelsea's Mateja Kezman in the face on Saturday.....Inter Milan have confirmed that Crystal Palace are in talks to bring Argentine winger Kily Gonzalez and Uruguayan defender Gonzalo Sorondo to London......Swansea City will release striker Dennis Oli.
Noooooo!
Footiemad news item
August 23, 2004
The world is evolving as it should
Records are set, then equalled and broken. Step two took place yesterday
and the home fixture with Blackburn on Wednesday should see the completion
of the exercise. Stunning firepower overcame a deficit caused by a couple
of inexplicable defensive lapses on Sunday as the 'good ship Arsenal' maintained
its course, beating Middlesbrough 5-3.
Everton will unveil an investor with a surplus of roubles later today.
The son of a Russian billionaire is apparently ready to plough £20 million
into the cash strapped Toffees' coffers. Steve Finnan and Djimi Traore
are a couple of names being bandied about as possible new faces at Goodison
as a result. Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is promising a couple of
new signings following the sale of Jonathan Woodgate to Real Madrid, plus
a few extra pennies will become available if they can unload Kieron Dyer.
Strange goings on at St. Mary's on Saturday as Blackburn's Barry Ferguson
was given a second yellow late in the game, but not shown a red. Referee
Andy D'Urso and the fourth official better get their story straight as
the league want to know why.
Berti Vogts insists he will not step down as Scotland boss, but with Gordon
Strachan standing by and wanting the job, plus the media and fans ready
to put the man in stocks outside Central Station, the German World Cup
winner may have no choice.
Footiemad news item
August 22, 2004
Bye Bye, Berti??
The choice of most Scotland supporters to take over as manager of the national
team, conviniently out of work, Gordon Strachan has admitted he would take
the job as boss, if the chance was given. The players continue to say they
want to play for Berti Vogts, but there performances on the pitch leave
alot to be desired. A poor display in the Sept.03 friendly against Spain
(good luck Berti), and Strachan could be installed with just days to go
before the world cup qualifiers start, on Sept.08.
Other than that....
Some Canadian content, Motherwell are close to snapping up midfielder Jason
Bent.........Diego Forlan completes £2 million move to Villareal......Arsene
Wenger hopes to have new contract signed soon.......Jonathan Woodgate says
he's sad to leave Newcastle for Madrid, but he'll never get a better opportunity
to learn Real spanish (haha ho ho ha ha...alright i'll stop).......according
to the tabloids, Real Madrid are in for just about everybody. So call your
club, lock the doors, because big bad Madrid always get what they want!!
Don't they??........the hottest striker on the planet, Juan rrrrrrrrRamon
Escales was on target AGAIN for the Jags, in the 1-0 win over the Accies
and there dreaded artificial surfaced ground.
Footiemad news item
August 21, 2004
Sign a British player? Hahahahaha, you must be joking!
The biggest Wenger in football is looking to make one more signing before the end of the month.
How a medium sized club, like Arsenal, come up with the cash continually
impresses me! The smug-one himself is after Valencia forward, Miguel Angulo, or Ajax defender Hatem Trabelsi.
And we wonder why the British national teams never win anything?
Transfers....
Michael Carrick, the Englishman who got away for Arsenal, has sealed his
move to Spurs.......Diego Forlan is apparantly hours away from a move to
La Liga side, Villareal........Johnathan Woodgate has completed his move
to Real Madrid......Kevin Keegan laughs at "joke" loan bid from
Monaco for Nicholas Anelka......Andy van der Meyde says "Everton?
What the 'ell is an 'Everton'?" He won't go......Liverpool complete
double signing of Luis Garcia and Xabi Alonso......
We'll be coming....
Yes, we be live from Love Street, today, for the mega-fixture......
St.Mirren v. St. Johnstone. Full match report will follow!
Footiemad news item
August 20, 2004
Jesus H....Life is tough with these bloody machines
Another hour and a half, a lot of cursing and more than a few smokes, plus
a phone call to find the way and voila. The great Luis Garcia is Anfield
bound for a mere £6.0 from Barcelona (subject to the usual medical .....drop
them, cough and say aaagh). Young Johnny Woodgate is in Madrid, again for
a medical, to complete his move to sunnier climes, although Newcastle reportedly
had a couple of hours of summer recently. With Carlisle, in the Conference,
being the only club to show any interest in him, Newcastle and England
legend Kieron Dyer has deemed it wise to apologize to Bobby Robson and
hope he will be forgiven for trying to run the team.
Who do these guys think they are? Tomorrow footiemadmarty, the apprentice Jock, and I will be making a safari
trek to Paisley to watch the Match Of The Day between St. Mirren and St.
Johnstone for the bragging rights in Scottish Division 1, heaven section,
then on the sabbath, after suffering through Celtic's visit to Pittodrie,
or wherever, to take on Inverness CT, we will get to witness the mighty
Gunners' assault on the longest unbeaten streak in the history of the top
flight. Oh happy day. Bring on the Boro, then Blackburn and all will be
right with the world.
BTW, sorry there are no pictures with today's missive, but a lad can only
take in so much at a time.
Footiemad news item
August 19, 2004
Finally.....the news!
Sorry to all of you footiemad news junkies, but the senior editor had a
little problem operating the foreign machinery this morning, and after
2 hours of sweat, cursing, and ciggies, he decided he'd be better off sorting
it out in the Horseshoe tavern on the back of a cocktail napkin! Anyway.....
So, Real are after another Englishman? Have him. We don't care. He is pish,
and deserve's to play for an international travelling freak show. Best
defender in England (so says Sir Bobby)? You must be joking me!! He's no
more then a typical, half-shandy, friday-night, attention-seeker, with
slightly above average skills. To steal an ingenious phrase from the immortal
Billy Connelly.......GETIFA YA BASA!!!
Other then that, Mikey Bhoy refuses to model his "new and improved"
Barca kit.........Junihno is on his way to Celtic......Footiemadtony has
left the Horseshoe and has apparantly agreed to terms with Pollock FC.
Regular news will resume tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.
Go to the Message Boards. Free to register, and loads of fun to take the
michael out of all of our "experts"!
Footiemad news item
August 18, 2004
One door shuts....another one opens!
Time has finally caught up with Alba (seen above in a picture taken back in his heyday), as he was snubbed by Berti, and replaced by young Celtic player, Stephen Pearson for tonights mouth-watering friendly, Scotland v. Hungary. The Scots will miss afew key players (they claim to have several), but like Brazil, the natural talent that the system continues to produce, should see off the visitors.
I have managed to get a ticket. Have you been blessed as well??!!
Other news.....
Pictured above is FootiemadTony, leading Mexico (amazing how easy it is
to get citizenship if they really want you!) to a 3-2 victory over Greece
in the olympics, yesterday. The Mali machine rolls on, as they drew 3-3
with South Korea, ensuring both teams made it through to the last eight
of the tournament........Patrick Vieira has been chosen as the new captain
for France (so honourable....)..........Alan Smith has been chosen to start
up front with Michael Owen tonight for England against Ukraine......Xabi
Alonso is very close to signing with Liverpool. Expected to partner Gerrard
in the middle for the scousers......Monaco consider bid for Anelka.....Kieran
Dyer says he is commited to the Magpies.......Juninho is likely to decide
his future by Thursday, with a move to Celtic expected.....El-Hadji Diouf
could make his Bolton debut this weekend against Fulham......Real Madrid
have opened talks with Inter central defender Fabio Cannavaro.
Footiemad news item
Aug.17/04
The rain in Spain stays.....
Madrid coach Camacho has said Owen could be one of his first XI. Good for
Michael. But, apparantly Beckham, has said that no matter who you are,
you have to fight for the right to play. Not even Michael is certain of
getting on the pitch. Cheers, Becks. What a warm welcome.
This and that.....
Although Alex Rae "didn't mean to do it", he was given a 5-match
ban by UEFA for kicking CSKA Moscow's Serghei Dadu in the head......Liverpool
have signed Alonso from Real Sociedad.....Spurs say they will not sell
Jermaine Defoe to Man. Utd.........Arsenal report Real Madrid to Fifa for
their typically illegal tactics in the attempt to sign Viera from Arsenal........half
of Scotland first choice players have come up there predictable pre-friendly
injuries. Berti has a VERY difficult job.
Footiemad news item
August 16, 2004
Football on Sunday....
Shame to be sitting in a pub, with only the front windows taken off, to
expose what was a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon..........well, it wasn't
THAT bad!
Arsenal had far to much for Everton, in their 4-1 victory. Wenger has broken
his own record of "shortest amount of time needed to prove what an
a**ehole you are" as he's already publicly challenged his team (the
one that includes the...hahaha...fiercely....hahahha.......loyal Patrick
Viera) to go undefeated for a second season.
Chelsea beat Man. Utd. 1-0.Mourinho and Fergie shook hands after the match.
Pheewww!
Elsewhere....
Iraq have booked their place in the last 8 of the olympic tournament, with
a 2-0 win over Costa Rica. Portugal won 2-1 over Morocco, to keep their
hopes alive. Mali beat Greece, 2-0. wow...........Relief for the Owen legecy,
as Roberto Carlos has publicly stated he believes his new teammate will
do well in Spain......Dundee manager, Jim Duffy, was over the moon with
his sides 2-1 win over rivals Dundee Utd..........Apparantly Monaco are
still after Anelka......Pompey won't give up on Michael Carrick........Bobby
Robson says he and Kieron Dyer have not fallen out.
FREE BEER AT THE MESSAGE BOARDS!!!
Footiemad news item
Aug.15/04
Match of the season?
On an extremely sunny Glasgow afternoon, the recently relegated Partick
Thistle overwhelmed the newly promoted Airdrie United Diamonds, 3-2 at
Firhill. In an obvious statement of intent, the Jags had far to much fire
power for the Diamonds. Fair play to the visitors, they worked hard, and
are still very fortunate to have the skills of Owen Coyle at there disposal.
Coyle scored both for his side. But it was quite obvious from the start
that the Jags would be claiming all 3 points on the day. Juan rrrrrrrRamon
Escales, Leigh Hinds, and the very impressive Jaime Mitchell all found
the back of the net for the Jags, who hit the posts several times. From
10 minutes into the match and onwards, it was fast paced, hard tackling,
and chance after chance.
I believe most fans of the Jags are pleased that the club has come down
to division 1, as the competition is far more interesting then the SPL,
and given the evidence of the first two matches of the season, this will
be race which won't be won until May, as many of the teams rightfully believe
they can win this unbelieveably entertaining division. Would pay the £13
for this match over £45 for some EPL games, anyday of the week.
Saturday's round-up.
From what i've heard the day belonged to Jay-Jay Okocha. He scored twice
in Bolton's 4-1 demolition of Charlton. Robbie Fowler scored a beautyfor
Machester City, but it wasn't enough to hold off Fulham, as the clubs drew
1-1. Aston Villa walked it 2-0 over Southampton. Vassell and Cole looked
a really good Partnership up front. West Brom and Blackburn played to a
1-1 draw. A Robbie Savage free kick opened the scoring for Birmingham City,but
a David Unsworth penalty made sure of a draw for Portsmouth.Crystal Palace
drew with Norwich. Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbank scored an extremely dubious goal
for Middlesbrough in an exciting 2-2 draw with Newcastle. Cisse scored
for Liverpool, Defoe for Spurs, in 1-1 draw.
In Scotland, suprisingly both Celtic and Rangers won. Hearts drew with
Aberdeen. Hibs beat Motherwell 2-1.
Other bits and pieces....
El-Hadji Diouf has been loaned out by Liverpool to Bolton for the entire
season........Two massive matches to be played to day 1) Chelsea host Manchester
United and 2) Dundee Utd. host Dundee......Sven goes for youth in selections
for friendly against Ukraine.....I've managed to get tickets for the Rangers
v. CSKA Moscow match on Aug.25th. should be excellent atmosphere, i've
never been to Ibrox before, and feel like a very lucky young man!
Register for the Message Boards, FREE!! Tell everybody what is going on
inside your big footballing brain. We REALLY want to know! Go'wan then!!
Footiemad news item
August 14, 2004
Aaaaaaaw, he's a happy chappy!!
The premiership kicks off today, finally, with Tottenham playing hosts to Liverpool. Arsene is over the moon, as his incredible "loyal" captain (
nothing to do with money) Patrick Viera has decided to stay. What a lovely story with such a happy ending.
VOMIT!! Michael Owen has passed his medical, so he is definitely away to Spain. The game that sticks out for me, on paper anyway, is the new look Middlesbrough side v. Newcastle, with Kluivert, Butt, etc.
Glad the season is starting, as I was starting to run out of reasons to spend ALL of my Sunday in the pub!
...and in other news....
Hearts shareholder, Robert McGrail, is in talks to buy Tynecastle and lease it back to the club. He is determined to block proposals to sell the ground in order to pay off large debts.........Juninho's future should be more clear after Saturday's game against Newcastle......Steve Bruce signs new 5-year deal to keep him with Birmingham City. The last time he did this, was when he was manager of Crystal Palace, and he was offski within months.
HAHAHAHA, only kidding Brucie, we all love ya!!.........Sven has revealed how he had phoned Paul Scholes to try and get
him to revearse his international retirement, to no avail........James
Beattie's agent has hinted that the striker will most likely be on the
move to a new team, Spurs, Charleton, and Aston Villa leading the way........Everton
chairman Bill Kenwright is set to win control of the board after securing
£20 million of new investment.
Footiemad will be reporting live from Firhill Park today, as the excellent
Partick Thistle v. Airdrie United derby takes place at 3pm local time.
May the best team win!
Footiemad news item
August 13, 2004
Scottish CIS Insurance Cup.
Wanted to get some Scottish content into the news today, as the 2nd round
draw has been made for the CIS Insurance cup, which is really the "league"
cup. Why should we write about this? Because everybody thinks that whenever
Celtic or Rangers enter, one of them will certainly win. Not the case.
Last season Hibs knocked both of the Glasgow giants out, and then went
on to lose 2-0 to Livingston in the final! Here's the draw:
Kilmarnock v Hamilton Academical or Ayr United
Airdrie United v
Clyde
Aberdeen v Berwick Rangers
Ross County v Inverness Caledonian
Thistle
Queen of the South or Albion Rovers v Brechin City
Morton or
Gretna v Motherwell
Dundee v Forfar
Stenhousemuir v Partick
Thistle
Dundee United v Stranraer
Peterhead v Falkirk
Hibernian v Alloa
Athletic
Stirling Albion v Livingston
It's Friday the 13th, what's going on....
The great Zinedine Zindane has decided not to play for France anymore.........Iraq beat Portugal 4-2 at the olympics. Luis Boa Morte sent off 6 minutes into second half. Can Ronaldo pleeeeeease come home!!.......Owen Hargreaves set to sign for "a" premiership club, next week........Rangers midfielder Alex Rae was charged by UEFA for kicking a CSKA Moskow player in the head while the player was down. Unbelieveable that his defence, (the Russian was at fault for dangerous play trying to put his head in front of the ball), didn't work!.........You're all probably aware now, that I cannot stand Real Madrid as an organization. Now that Michael Owen has been "rested" for champions league qualifier, and is ready to be dealt, Madrid have dropped the transfer amount. Also, Viera deal looks shakey at the moment, although it has become very obvious, with Viera's agent locked in talks all day with Madrid, that the player wants to go. What will team spirit be like when both players have to report back to
there teams for another week, as Madrid tries to demoralise them even further?
Footiemad news item
Aug.12/04
Meet Pat Fenlon!
He is the manager of a new Eupopean powerhouse, known as..........Shelbourne! They drew 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruna last night at Lansdowne Rd. The match was a complete sellout, so i've had to take my report from hearsay (he works in the accounts dept.). Deportivo are lucky not to be one or two goals down, heading back to Spain. The return match in August 24. Good luck to the Dubliners!
These eyes, doo doo da doo doo doo, cry everytime.....
C'mon mate, smile!!!............Chelsea keeper, Peter Cech, is confident he'll be starting against Man Utd. on Sunday..........Man Utd. won there champions league qualifier, in Bucharest, last night, 2-1..........what a suprise, Michael Owen's deal to Real Madrid looks as though it won't happen after all. will the players except him back?..........UEFA is investigating Rangers Alex Rae, after he apparantly kicked
one of the players from CSKA Moscow in the head. Rae said, honestly he
did, the player was trying to block the ball with his head, while I was
kicking it. If you ask me, it was a dangerous move by HIM!
Footiemad news item
Aug. 11, 2004
Real Madrid v. English Premiership..
Michael Owen was left on the bench for Liverpool's champions league qualifier
last night, fuelling rumours that he is away to Real Madrid. Apparantly
Madrid will pay £10 million, plus Fernando Morientes. This was the case
2 or 3 times last season, each time Owen has come out and stated he will
stay. He hasn't yet, and the Cisse/Baros partnership looked very good for
the Reds in there 2-0 win last night. Steven Gerrard scored two beauties.
Real Madrid, as we all know, are in for Partick Viera, who will apparantly move to Spain on Thursday. They are also rumoured to swoop for Wayne Rooney. I've also heard they may buy the new Wembley and have it sent over, to
be used as a training ground for the 3rd and 4th team Galactico's.
News for Redman.
This is Juninho. He is Brazilian. He currently plays for Middlesbrough, but may be on the move to Celtic, in search of first-team football. He is pointing up, and he often smiles..................Danny Murphy has completed £2.5 million move to Charlton, and has already signed a 4-year contract..........Birmingham City have completed signing of Darren Anderton............Frannie Jeffers has also signed on with Charlton........Arsenal have decided they 1) can't afford Michael Carrick, and 2) don't have the negotiating skills to get the deal done. shame for such a "big" club, hahahaha...........Lazio have signed Paulo Di Canio.......Rangers lost 2-1 last
night to CSKA Moscow, in first leg of champions league qualifier. But the
away will be very important for the return leg, at Ibrox...........tonight
we will all hope Manchester United walk it (they will), and come away without
anymore injuries.
Go to the message boards. They are free to join, and we've got at least
64 "experts" that need to be told right from wrong! Cheers, FMM.
Footiemad news item
August 10, 2004
Bad news for Jambos.
Hearts will tomorrow announce officially, that their directors that Tynecastle,
there home for more then 100 years, should be sold to housing developers.
This and that....
West Brom striker Lee Hughes, has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and jailed for 6 years.....Stephen Carr is leaving Spurs for Newcastle.......Monaco interested in Mutu..........This one's a beauty. Michael Owen is headed for Real Madrid......Champions League 3rd round
qualifiers kick-off tonight.
Footiemad news item
Aug. 09, 2004
Football News
Arsenal (full squad) sneaked by Man Utd. (under 11's) 3-1, yesterday in
the Charity Shield. Alan Smith hit the goal of the match. Amazing, as he's
only 10 and 8 months!
This and that.....
Wenger tells Viera to make his mind up by Saturday. Hahhahahahahaha, he's off to Spain!!! Wooooooo-hooooooo. Haahahahahahahhahahaha!!!!!!..................Sepp Blater has decided that 20 teams is to many in one league, so he'll enforce an 18 team rule. The "top" nations will perform better at bigger tournaments this way. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight..................Zola played in a 3-0 friendly win for Chelsea over Real
Zaragoza........Celtic are 2 points ahead of Rangers, after a 2-0 win over
Motherwell.
Go to the Message Boards, they are free to register, and you can tell us
all what you know about football!!
Footiemad news item
August 08, 2004
Good (Man U.) v. Bad (Gooners, very bad)
Is it that time of the year already? New kits to sell. Menacing stares.
Snarling. Posing. The sound of "mind games"? Aaaaaaah, it must
be the charity shield! Kick-off today at 3pm, GMT. Arsenal are without
Sol Campbell, Henry may be on bench, and Viera (who gooner support are
still trying to kid themselves, that the Frenchman has a loyal bone in
his lanky body). They may also miss Ljungberg, and Ashley Cole. Manchester
United, will be without van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo, Heinze, Kleberson, and
Solskjaer. Not to worry, the sun should be out in Cardiff, and it's football,
so you know you'll be watching!
How long before they win the World Cup?
Japan retained the Asian Cup, by beating China 3-1 in Beijing. A closely contested match, and the score line was a bit flattering to Japan. But they won. The Beijing "homers" showed there sporting side, by booing the Japanese national anthem before the game, and the players after. (I suppose they'll feel they got there yen's worth). What with Greece winning the European championship's, how long before
an Asian or African nation claim the World Cup?
Have you heard the one about........
.....Sven explained to Michael "Yes, we WILL win something! And yes, of
course, you're my number one striker!" Michael Owen has come out in full support for the England manager, but fears Sven may quit anyway...............Danny Murphy may be off to Spurs, as Liverpool have excepted a £3 million bid for the 27 year old........Inverness Caley Thistle made the first of 38 trips away from home yesterday, and were thumped 3-0 by Livingston. WHEN will the enthusiasm of the travelling support cease???...........Real Madrid are rumoured to be ready to swoop in for Wayne Rooney. But me thinks it was just a slow news day, for a eager reporter. He's probably not ready to go live in Spain, as he's already said he won't even go to London!..........Juve's move for Mutu is dead........Sir Bobby Robson has said Celtic had inquired about Alan Shearer........Arsene Wenger used his interview, which was to discuss the possbility of signing a new contract, to try his jedi mind tricks on Patrick Viera. He also claimed he knew little about Maniche, had not been to see him, besides at Euro2004, but then went on the describe the Porto man's game inside and out. Very clever, Arsene, you give nothing away at all. Not much anyway!!
Footiemad news item
August 7th, 2004
Coach fired for being late.........
Porto's replacement coach, Del Neri was fired by the club president for
being late. He had a note but the president wasn't having any of it. Del
Neri hasn't had a competetive game with Porto since taking over form Mourinho...............he'll
have no problem getting another job tho...he's the guy who took Chievo
from nowhere to a respectable showing in the Serie A.
SPL started today with a disappointing Rangers getting a 0-0 draw at Aberdeen.
Leeds also won their opener in what used to called Div II, 1-0.
This year it's called "The Championship"
...numpties!!!!!!!!!!
Footiemad news item
August 06, 2004
Not necessarily the news.........
You'd all better sit down for this. Deep breath. Ruud van Nistelrooy will miss up to a month, with a hernia problem. He'll miss this weekends charity shield, and he'll also miss the champions league qualifier next week, against Dinamo Bucharest. Now we pray..............FA clears Sven (good?)............Mutu set for loan to Juventus..........Monaco want to sign
Anelka............Di Canio may be away to Lazio..........Chelsea new-boy
Mateja Keztman is suspended for 3 games, but ban doesn't take place, funnily
enough, until August 17. Two days after season opener at home to Manchester
United.
Footiemad news item
August 05, 2004
C'MOOOOON SHELBOURNE!!
Shelbourne, a Dublin side, are the first Irish team to make it to the 3rd round of the qualifying stages for the Champions league. A 4-2 aggregate win over Hajduk Split, has seen them secure a playoff with Spanish giants Deportivo la Coruna, to get to the group stages. Even if Shelbourne lose though, they are gauranteed a spot in the UEFA Cup! Could it be the road to Seville all over again??!!
This and that....
Was the man pictured the replacement for Ricky Martin, in Menudo?..........still waiting on the good news that Viera is offski to Spain..........Figo was told by Madrid, he'll not be offered new contract next season.......Middlesbrough new signing Boudejwin Zenden, (who i've got in my fantasy football team!!) scored in his first permenant game for the club, in a 3-1 win over Mallorca..........15 year-old Ron-Robert Zieler is leaving Cologne next season, as he has been signed by Manchester United........West Ham reject Portsmouths' record £2.5 million bid for Michael Carrick........Today is the day Sven should find out if he is still employed. Is it a prerequsite, that to be part of the England team, that you must sleep around?
Registration is free for the Message Boards. Go on, get stuck in. Try to
keep your comments thought provoking, and of the highest quality, as we
have met our quota for "what complete and utter.........."! Cheers,
FMM
Footiemad news item
Aug.04, 2004
Scholes retires from England.
The choice of many, as England's best player, has called it a day on his
international career. Hopes it will give him a bit extra at club level.
Scored lots of goals for England. A real gentleman, he'll defo. be missed,
and if he doesn't score 15 for Man. Utd. this season, we'll be very disappointed!
This and that......
Now the deal is on, according to a Spanish report, for £23.1 million. Let's hope so!.........Owen and Cisse score for Liverpool in 2-1 friendly win over Roma.......Diego Forlan is staying says BBC, no he's going says Skysports..........Craig Moore's 'Rovers move falls through.......Newcastle sign French starlet Charles N'Zogbia................Palace sign Hungarian Sandor Torghelle
Footiemad news item
Aug 03, 2004
SVENGATE CONTINUES: FA to quiz Sven.
Sven to face 12-man panel, on the matter of his affair. Will he get a 50/50 or phone-a-friend?
This and that.......
Drogba's first goal for Chelsea, in a 3-2 defeat to AC Milan, wasn't enough entertainment for Roman Ambromavich, so Glen Johnson was made to carry the new £24 million signing around the ground with his right arm. He had an egg on a spoon in his other hand...............Damian Duff has stated he is not going anywhere (linked to
Liverpool) and is ready to play again with Chelsea.........Steve MaClaren
has commited himself to 'Brough.........Chelsea's Tiago Mendes has withdrawn
from Portugal's olympic team, something about missing first oil payments, hmmmm.......'Broughs' Michael Reiziger has retired from the Dutch national squad........Marseille
have ruled out moves for Laurent Robert and Sylvain Wiltord........Porto
president has said the club haven't received any offers for Maniche.
Go to the Message Boards. Registration is FREE. Enjoy yourself, but be
warned, you'll have to navigate through the "experts", and make
yourself heard! Cheers, FMM.
Footiemad news item
August 02, 2004
Friendly round-up.
Rangers beat Feyenoord 8-7 on penalties, after 90 goalless minutes...............The
introductions of Patrick Kluivert and Nicky Butt, weren't enough to stop
Sporting Lisbon beating Newcastle 1-0............Ajax won the miny tournament
held in Amsterdam, after they had a goalless draw with Arsenal, and River
Plate beat Panathinaikos 1-0....................Everton were beaten 1-0
by America of Mexico City..............Brazilian, Adriano, on the heels
of a terrific Copa America performance, scored the only goal in Inter Milan's
1-0 win over Bolton..........and all of you holiday makers will be gutted
to know Blackpool got stuffed 5-0 by Wigan.
Another twist in "Svengate" affair.
Mark Palios quit as Chief Executive of the FA. This came after reports that FA media boss Colin Gibson offered tabloid newspaper, News of the World, details of Eriksson's private life, in return for keeping quiet on Palios. Finally 1 point for Sven!
....and in other news.
Manchester United say they will not pay the amount of money Everton are
demanding to lure Wayne Rooney away to Old Trafford................Sir
Bobby Robson wants to sit down to contract talk with Freddy Shepherd..........Arsene
"the moan" Wenger, is not happy with England, for allowing Sol
Campbell to play in Portugal. The defender will be out for 5-6 weeks, with
an achilles problem..........Celtic boss, Martin O'Neill, may take time
off to spend will his wife, as she battles an illness.
The Message Boards are free to use, so go on and let us all know what is
on your mind, as far as football is concerned, today.
Footiemad news item
August 01, 2004
Aarhhh!! That REALLY hurt, you IDIOT!!
As the exhausting, money-spinning, tour of the U.S.A. comes to a close, afew teams will be without the services of key men, injured during the friendlies. Liverpool's Vladimir Smicer is out for 6 months after undergoing successful surgery on his knee, which was injured in the 5-1 victory over Celtic. Alan Thompson of Celtic was lucky to escape with just a serious cut, after a hard tackle against Manchester United. Chelsea's Arjen Robben is unsure of the amount of time he'll need to recover from a kamakazi challenge from Roma's Olivier Dacourt. (Somehow i'm sure they'll come up with the money to replace him). Sol Campbell will be out for 6 weeks for Arsenal. He aggrivated an achilles injury, while playing for England at the Euro 2004 championships in Portugal. Arsene Wenger has yet another reason to moan. He is so hard done by. Manchester United, fortunately, seem to be in fairly good shape!
Mr. Popular?
Newcastle chairman, Freddy Shepherd, has announced that Sir Bobby Robson will not be offered a new contract, once his current deal expires at the end of next season. The opportunity to take a little dig at the popular manager, Shepherd cited that several of Robson's signings (Carl Cort, Hugo Viana, and Christian Bassedas).have failed to make an impact at the club. Age is certainly a factor, but seems a shame, as Sir Bobby has landed what appear to be really good signings for the club this season. Alan Shearer is just one badge away from being fully qualified for a managerial
post in England. Hmmmmmmmm........
Roll on the Jags!!!
Partick Thistle romped into the second round of the Bell's cup, with a
3-0 win over Brechin. Billy Gibson opened on 15 minutes. New Spainish striker,
Juan Ramon Escalas delighted the home crowd, by adding the other two. Other
the other hand, Airdrie United were thumped 2-0, at home, by Queen of the
South. Not quite so easy for the Diamonds this year, although they do still
have the awesome talents of Owen Coyle, at their dispossal.
The Message Board is the place to go, to give your opinions. Registration
is free. It's all a laugh, so fire in, and don't be intimidated by all
of the "experts" you'll encounter! Cheers, FMM.
