04/25/24
December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas, Charlton.: Recently-sacked West Ham coach Alan Pardew replaces Les Reed just two weeks after leaving the Hammers. West Ham just hired former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley, who promptly started his first game by beating EPL leaders Man Utd. Charlton (#19 of 20, six pts off the next rung) and West Ham (#18, one point away from the safety zone): Which of these teams will still be in the EPL next season?
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 01:54 PM - 7 comments
I would think West Ham will stay up. I know it's not down to one player but Charlton haven't been the same since they sold Danny Murphy, who also hasn't been the same at Spurs. (BTW, what exactly is the story with Murphy's fall? squealy? Fat Buddha? JJ? Anybody?) Anyway... West Ham do seem to have the quality and it's nice to see Jonathon Spector improving and settling in. It will be interesting to see what happens to their Argentinian flops and if they sell them, what they will do with the money.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 03:08 PM on December 25, 2006
Lord knows what the problem is with Murphy, if any; he scored the other day didn't he? I'm still not sure about West Hams survival chances, Curbishley is massively over rated, in my opinion. Mindy you, Charlton, #### 'em, they don't seem to possess a shred of decency.
posted by Fat Buddha at 04:30 PM on December 25, 2006
West Ham stays up. Charlton goes down with Watford and maybe Blackburn, if they can't get their act together.
posted by igottheblues at 04:46 PM on December 25, 2006
Blackburn relegated and Sheffield United staying, I don't think so. Friedel should give them enough to remain, though if the constant rumours about Lucas Neill leaving come true... Speaking of transfer rumors, what do you all think of the likelihood and value of Neill and Seville striker David Villa coming to Anfield and Crouch leaving (for Newcastle)? I'm not sure I like any of the three changes, though I'd be happy to see Pennant go and a new left wing arrive. We've spent enough money and made enough changes in the strike force, especially since they're getting goals, whereas the midfield is socked with injuries and I didn't like the Pennant purchase from day one.
posted by billsaysthis at 08:18 PM on December 25, 2006
It'll be West Ham. They bought Crewe old boy Dean Ashton, and when he's fit he'll get the goals they need.
posted by Abiezer at 02:01 AM on December 26, 2006
Murphy's problems started at Charlton when opposing managers realised the way to stop him was to man-mark him out of the game. He's not blessed with much pace and putting a player on him stopped him finding Darren Bent with his searching passes. The problem at Spurs appears to be that Jol doesn't rate him (despite buying him) and he can't get a run in the team.
posted by squealy at 08:25 AM on December 27, 2006
Curious! Who'll stay up? The Hammers look to have a better shot than Charlton, far as I can tell. West Ham are just underachieving, but Charlton is Darren Bent and light a candle. (I know they said they planned on keeping him, but I'd imagine someone uptable is going to make a serious pitch for Bent come the transfer window.)