- 09:59 AM
- 04/26/24
Apparently McLaren is going to use his new-found leisure time to pursue a career in pantomime playing a pumpkin - he's heard it may mean he eventually turns into a coach.
posted by Abiezer at 02:13 PM on November 22, 2007
I avoided heartbreak by laughing like a crazy bastard instead. What a shambles.
posted by Abiezer at 06:35 PM on November 21, 2007
Ten minutes to kick-off and I believe it'll be live on Chinese free-to-air telly. It's 4 a.m. here, so I hope I haven't sat up for a heartbreak.
posted by Abiezer at 01:53 PM on November 21, 2007
the only team named after an agricultural fertilizer That's not true! What about Man Ure? Groan Funnily enough, my few regularish non-league haunts don't make his ground guide; but I see he accepts submissions so I must take the camera next time I'm back.
posted by Abiezer at 12:00 AM on November 05, 2007
Not a patch on me earlier post about abandoned footie grounds in the Scottish Junior leagues and dodgy catering in sheds. Hah!
posted by Abiezer at 05:58 PM on November 04, 2007
That being said I really, really don't want England to win. But I don't want SA to win either. Maybe "sport will be the winner." Heh. Fat chance.
posted by Abiezer at 04:46 AM on October 16, 2007
Yeah, that raised a chuckle gspm. Sadly I think it was just a thick native. There was another video with the title spelled right, but the quality was even worse. Filming while joining in enthusiastically it looked like, at the sound was bad too.
posted by Abiezer at 11:14 PM on October 14, 2007
It's time for you to be frank, Shinawatra. Sorry.
posted by Abiezer at 10:24 PM on October 13, 2007
Heh. I had excitedly clicked on the linked article only shortly after it was posted, such was my interest. I merely waited until now to comment because digesting the weighty and thrilling matters I read of therein was not a matter to be taken lightly. One can only applaud the church's willingness to commit hard cash to an admirable campaign to restore dignity to the world's game in the troubled home of one of its traditional powerhouses. The old pope was a goalie, you know.
posted by Abiezer at 10:00 PM on October 13, 2007
Shenanigans at the China-Denmark match
posted by Abiezer at 01:01 AM on September 21, 2007
Not been following too closely even though plenty of the games are free-to-air here in the host nation. Can't work out the venues for the later matches. If England play anywhere close (Tianjin is not too far) I think I'll make the effort to turn up and support. Away the lasses. China look like they'll struggle to get out of their group which is not going to help crowds for the later stages.
posted by Abiezer at 06:38 AM on September 18, 2007
Then I mourn the great man all the more, owlhouse!
posted by Abiezer at 07:00 PM on September 09, 2007
Booker T and the MGs' Soul Limbo that they (used to?) use for cricket on the Beeb was always a fave for me.
posted by Abiezer at 11:29 AM on September 07, 2007
UK satirical mag Private Eye has for years run a regular feature of these sort of stupidities, called Colemanballs after a particularly gaffe-prone telly bloke.
posted by Abiezer at 01:04 PM on August 22, 2007
This seems to have free match highlights from all the English games, though I'm not getting any joy trying to watch on this Linux box.
posted by Abiezer at 03:52 AM on August 14, 2007
It is filthy here. They'll have a number of cunning plans in place in an attempt to make it nice for the Games: traffic controls; cloud seeding in the run up in the hopes of having the rain bring the filth down etc. but it will still be pretty grim I reckon. The govt got part of a recent World Bank environment report suppressed prior to publication because it pointed out the massive excess mortality in China due to pollution. I solve the problem by only inhaling through filter-tipped cigarettes.
posted by Abiezer at 09:19 PM on August 13, 2007
You're all missing the top football story of the weekend - Crewe Alexandra top of the league! Alphabetical order doesn't lie! Somewhat marred by a very nasty injury to super striker Nicky Maynard though.
posted by Abiezer at 07:26 PM on August 12, 2007
As a follower of a non-Prem team, some of the things that'll have me interested in the coming season: Allardyce at Newcastle - there's been more false Geordie messiahs than at a Life of Brian loop reel showing; wouldn't mind seeing the Toon Army rewarded with signs of finally heading towards becoming the big team on the field that the fan base "deserves." Sort of similar with Sven and the dodgy Thai money guy at City. Mostly hoping one of our finest old boys Dean Ashton will get a full fit season to show his class and cement his role in the England team. Not just because he's such a fine player and great lad, also cos you get precious few things to bore people with down the pub as a Crewe fan but he might be one. As for us (Crewe Alex) down in the lower depths, we've had a pretty decent summer of signings and youth players stepping up. We've not replaced Luke Varney, but Shaun Miller among the kids looks handy and there's still the chance of a long loan with one of the most interesting prospects being Linfield (? iirc) from Liverpool on a long loan, who's apparently v handy. We strengthened our ridiculous defence, which held us back far more than any lack of goals, and got a couple of useful lads in in midfield. I'm feeling optimistic and saying top six and playoffs (aided by the Leeds points penalty of course). Forest or Doncaster for the title. It's also our transition season with former youth coach Steve Holland being eased into a greater first team role as (should be Sir) Dario begins the slow trudge upstairs. I think that will help with our training in so far as we won't be quite so lightweight. More Crewe Alex that any of you cared about!
posted by Abiezer at 04:48 AM on August 10, 2007
I noticed a few editing problems too, The Crafty Sousepaw. I think Spot-On is more of a collective blog for journalists usually published elsewhere, so not sure how much editing is done, if at all. Plus I made yet another typo in my post, so am in a glasshouse stone-chucker's situation myself.
posted by Abiezer at 03:27 PM on August 09, 2007
I've been to a few Guoan games, and noticed the prominent messages on the electronic scoreboard about no "Beijing cursing." Only a select few cities and communities get a style of foul-mouthery named after them. Yes, it mostly involves what is euphemistically known as the "c-word" chanted on en masse. And just noticed typo in me link! ???
posted by Abiezer at 09:02 AM on August 08, 2007
All good, but I'm going to give it Viv Richards. Class man, class comeback.
posted by Abiezer at 04:08 AM on August 04, 2007
How were they able to ascertain that the short fat bastard in the England shirt was not in fact young Wayne? Also, in pre-season news, Crewe Alexandra 2 Derby County 0. Class has a tendency to show through.
posted by Abiezer at 03:23 AM on August 04, 2007
Amongst all the conservative reactions and so on, biggest surprise was hearing a player actually agreeing with the yellow card he got post match.
posted by Abiezer at 02:04 AM on July 28, 2007
Words fail me.
posted by Abiezer at 06:59 PM on July 25, 2007
They play at Gresty Road... You say that like it's a bad thing! ?To work upon the railway?
posted by Abiezer at 04:17 PM on July 06, 2007
Fort William, shinty world champions! This is a fun lie to tell!
posted by Abiezer at 12:25 PM on June 30, 2007
He's the former gobshite music journo with Sounds isn't he? He was a twat back then too.
posted by Abiezer at 10:38 PM on June 17, 2007
I thought this was a great read too, Mr Bismarck. Sadly, I think a lot of young players get into bad habits when times are good, often with the connivance of agents, chasing the best buck without much loyalty or a long-term plan, rather than looking at their overall career. I always find it refreshing to read about counter-examples to that trend, or about retiring players who'd had the sense to learn another trade while the football money was coming in, like Weston is planning to study for his MBA.
posted by Abiezer at 12:16 AM on June 09, 2007
Looking at this, as usual, through the lens of "what's in it for us?" it has the nice side-effect of making the return of Saint Seth Johnson, the talented perennial sick-note, to his alma mater Crewe Alexandra that bit more likely, as rumour has had it. Not much real chance of that I fear, but some, as he'll be excess to requirements in the Prem and we have got the decent rehabilitation facilities the lad needs. So, well done Derby!
posted by Abiezer at 02:43 AM on May 30, 2007
I have to say I'm inclined to believe Peru's objections, as my response to almost any Sepp Blatter initiative is to imagine him carving up a deal to the benefit of vested interest lobbies, rather than acting out of concern for player's welfare.
posted by Abiezer at 03:57 AM on May 28, 2007
I just thought Kuyt was no threat as a lone striker - he doesn't have the pace or movement to create unaided.
posted by Abiezer at 03:13 PM on May 24, 2007
I thought Pennant had a great game last night - all over the pitch, going past his man, maybe final ball needs improving consistency. He may well grow into a real class player. We're apparently taking Craig Lindfield from you on a season-long loan. Heard anything about him?
posted by Abiezer at 01:11 PM on May 24, 2007
Arf yerfatma. I think my views on Valdano's comments are well covered above.
posted by Abiezer at 12:55 PM on May 24, 2007
'Ere :D. I'm no Liverpool fan despite wishing you well last night - Crewe Alexandra for life. Though we do have some sort of feeder club arrangement with you that doesn't seem to amount to much bar the odd loan. Are you confusing me with yerfatma?
posted by Abiezer at 12:53 PM on May 24, 2007
That's the context I should have provided, Fence. I knew about the modified ball, but not the other details. Must be hard to watch and contain yourself as a supporter. I thought the eye-masks were to equalise sight deficiency, not protection. Doesn't legally blind cover quite a range of visual impairment?
posted by Abiezer at 06:33 AM on May 24, 2007
I missed that about the passing until you mentioned it JJ - you would think you could shout to give team mates an idea where you were, but then I wonder if you'd know whether you were in space? Utter respect for these guys though. The Liverpool bit was slightly tongue in cheek, though I didn't think they did too badly. If Milan hadn't had that bit of luck with the first goal the Scouse plan might have worked. No complaints about their second though. Must say after praising Kuyt's charity work in a previous post, he seemed a bit of a spare part last night despite the goal.
posted by Abiezer at 06:03 AM on May 24, 2007
Like that obvious closet Italian who robbed Liverpool last night.
posted by Abiezer at 04:46 AM on May 24, 2007
Best comment seen on a message board about this so far: "Mind, when you get to a certain age, ten minutes on the job can be quite an achievement."
posted by Abiezer at 09:39 AM on May 21, 2007
Not usually, just at home or down a local. Thinking, not been to the Red House for a good year or more. Might be a plan for the Euro final! We do make the effort for big games or if it's an international with the prospect of banter with opposition fans. Do say when you next pass through - we can have a SpoFi meet-up there.
posted by Abiezer at 05:49 AM on May 20, 2007
Good God. I kept thinking it was Denmark for some reason!
posted by Abiezer at 03:16 AM on May 20, 2007
I missed an evening up the pub (local time) to endure this, and if it hadn't been free-to-air I'd be wanting my money back. Thought the boy Rooney did well without much support and even though I'm no fan of Chelsea, you can't help but admire Drogba; plenty of heart, running and the skill to go with. I thought the small errors United were making, poor first touch etc., were exactly the thing that got them found out by ACMilan, but Chelsea are obviously lesser opponents. My main impression of the goal that wasn't was thinking how much Petr Cech's head looks like the Buddha's hairdo in that helmet thing.
posted by Abiezer at 02:27 AM on May 20, 2007
I added some and two from igottheblues I didn't have, bringing us up to 92. Saved using the batshitinsane address Mr Bismarck. It's 4/10 that is really getting me.
posted by Abiezer at 11:22 PM on May 19, 2007
I've bumped it up to a still very sorry 46 in the breaks in the cup final, including trying every French team I could think of before getting St Etienne.
posted by Abiezer at 10:59 AM on May 19, 2007
36 at last count. Pathetic.
posted by Abiezer at 08:08 AM on May 19, 2007
I was thinking we might go for a collaborative effort once everyone's hit the "Mr Bismarck wall", Folkways. I can weigh in with a few lower league English sides (and that's about it).
posted by Abiezer at 07:34 AM on May 19, 2007
It would be interesting to see it calculated by active players, if it was possible to come up with a definition you could then measure in enough countries. Full-time professionals wouldn't really do it, would it?
posted by Abiezer at 05:28 AM on May 10, 2007
I think Wigan have a case, for the reasons r8rh8r27 gives. I wasn't too impressed with Leeds' administration thing either, waiting til they were (effectively) down to go into admin, then rushing to complete it to take the points hit in a dead season. Seems like gaming the system.
posted by Abiezer at 04:53 PM on May 04, 2007
I stayed up to some ungodly hour to watch both games on the telly in the week. From the showings, you would think Milan are well set to demolish Liverpool in the way they did the Mancs, but I think Liverpool have the resources where Man U didn't in midfield and defence (the latter partly thru injuries for this match). It will be a much grittier contest I expect, with Benitez having the tactical nous to send out a team that will try to stop some of Milan's flow.
posted by Abiezer at 03:14 PM on May 03, 2007
Roy Keane was someone I always admired as a player more than as a man until he decked that lad on the scooter who gave him lip outside his house. Now it turns out he can manage too! The Leeds debacle means we have a ready-made sleeping giant down in League One even if Forest manage to escape. We (Crewe) are away at Forest last day of the season, so hoping we can keep 'em drug down at our level. The outpouring of gloating at Leeds' demise was quite spectacular. I expected it for Man U fans, but they seem quite universally loathed. I don't recall being bothered much either way.
posted by Abiezer at 12:56 PM on May 01, 2007
They didn't even start in Scottish football, shifting FAs at some point. They do have a lot of cash behind them too, as blarp said. Brooks Mileson is their version of Abramovich.
posted by Abiezer at 06:32 PM on April 28, 2007
Well, thanks to the magic of endless repeats on Chinese telly I've just seen the Rags-Milan game and thought the second half showing by the Mancs was pretty fine stuff. Even with Milan shutting up shop they were finding a way through on a fairly regular basis. Why can't Rooney do that more for England, including the keeping his head bit?
posted by Abiezer at 02:15 PM on April 26, 2007
I saw the Liverpool - Chelsea game and despite sharing the general dislike of the West London loadsamoney boys thought they were value for their win, creating the clearer threats on goal. But they weren't clearly dominant and only got that one goal, so I'm hoping the Anfield magic will see the 'Pool through. Not too bothered about the other tie, but what I've seen of Man U has been the kind of football that deserves to succeed.
posted by Abiezer at 07:57 AM on April 26, 2007
Much too young. He was opposition manager at a fair few matches I've attended, so saw the man in the flesh a few times. It's not often a man so squeaky and ginger can win the nation's heart, and even rarer than an English footballer can win anything, so go easy lad.
posted by Abiezer at 06:08 AM on April 25, 2007
That's a bit ropey JJ, especially with the good showing in European football competitions by Northern sides in recent years. Hell, after the World Cup they need to get your cricket grounds in there too. Something good must be happening at some :D
posted by Abiezer at 01:05 PM on April 19, 2007
I realise it is a bit thin, justgary, sorry about that. It cropped up in a post on my hometown club forum when people were arguing about supporting your local side, and I thought it might be fun and interesting to UK users (also lets you see how far you have to go for an away trip). Where I'm from in the northwest, there's a ton of professional football clubs all within a 40-odd mile radius of where I grew up. Sort of inoffensive I felt :D. Will do something more substantial in future.
posted by Abiezer at 07:00 AM on April 19, 2007
Largely useful for settling arguments about whether you do support your local team or a just a dirty glory-hunter, and not much else, I suspect. Turns out I grew up seven miles from Crewe's ground and they were the closest team.
posted by Abiezer at 11:52 AM on April 18, 2007
Our Wee Country is the place for all your Norn Iron crowing needs. I always follow the footie threads at Slugger where the vast majority of irish folk posting from either side of the border manage to keep it civil and friendly by and large.
posted by Abiezer at 09:34 PM on April 01, 2007
That was a good read, and I agree about finding loyalty admirable in the stars who stayed. rumple, you're right about the benefits of demotion. My team have always been floating about the lower leagues, and it adds to the drama when there's some flailing giant down there with you. We have multiple European Cup winners Nottingham Forest in our third tier league this season (they've been stuck down there for a bit) and they'd not in the auto promotion spots at the minute. Remember some cracking crowds against Man City when they had their plummet a while back too. I found the bit about supporters of other teams using the Heysel disaster as fuel for taunts reminiscent of, say, Leeds songs about the Munich disaster. Not too big on the wider moral framework, many fans.
posted by Abiezer at 09:26 PM on April 01, 2007
McClaren sacked for big loss
One the Crewe forums the consensus seemed to be Mourinho, with any objections raised being more against the style of football that would imply than him not being English, but now he's ruling himself out, isn't he? So I don't think there'd be much of a popular backlash against a foreign coach any more. Very much agree that the FA needs a root-and-branch sorting.