In the Euro Cup thread it was suggested that those with an interest in British soccer might want their own thread.
In such a thread, Rangers fans could tell us the inside story, Man City fans could tell us what it will be like when the folk from the sand pit leave, and Spurs fans could continue with their fantasies.......
So, I thought I'd start it and we could see how it goes.
Can we really mention Rangers or should we stick with "Club 12" for now??
Rangers are simple.. Fault - "Sir" David Murray and Craig Whyte.
Way forward - Let Charles Green get on with it, if Walter Smith and Co are serious then they should accept Green's offer and join forces. Sky TV will force the SPL and the SFL to combine, generating the sanction that Rangers are relegated one division for a season, Sky will continue to broadcast, to include SFL fixtures i.e. Rangers return to the SPL, Rangers will have paid a "penalty", sporting integrity preserved, financial stability preserved and all are happy...
Next question? Oh yes Man City - Shake Masseur will get bored, bugger off and Franny Lee will stop gobbing off.. maybe the Gallaghers will go back to music.
As for Spurs - well we do need comedy in our lives!!
If you want drama, intrigue and laughter visit a certain Southampton fans website and read its very long thread about Portsmouth FC.. Some of the posters on there have constantly found out info long before others who were connected to PFC, the FL and certainly the media.
Regardless of the accuracy of the thread title, I think this is a wonderful opportunity to discuss the discrepancy between the image of English soccer at home and the achievements of English teams (both Premier League teams and the national side) at international level.
First thing to meet the eye is the relatively high number of foreign players in Premier League teams. Does this reflect an ongoing neglect when it comes to nurturing local talent? Is it a case of "we have the money, so we can buy a player if we need one - never mind about developing local talent".
Second: I can't think of any English soccer player presently under contract at any first-tier team abroad, but conversely, there are hundreds of foreign players in English Premier League teams. Again, this raises questions about the quality of English players in general.
Third: racism seems to be the buzz word at the moment. However, if English soccer teams are supposed to reflect society at large, where are players from the Asian community (Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Indians, Chinese)? Is there another form of racism going on (not the type that the Grauniad would have us believe)?
This is why I won't be bothering. If this is to be a football thread, then discuss the football. Sadly, those with hobby horses and political agendas will force their views onto a sporting discussion with scant regard for the intent provided by the originator. Second effort at asking the why no English players in the prem for example.
Plenty of places to discuss politics and plenty for football. I'll stick with those.
I shall sign off with the observation that there is no place in north London called Arsenal. Long may it remain so.
Location: A civilised little County..with a bit of eccentricity to boot
Posts: 678
Will any dissenting voices be allowed on this hallowed thread at all..you know, those of us who may have a different opinion .....just asking to ensure the Equal Opps criteria is adhered to......
Krystal - I thought more noble sports and intellect challenging pastimes were more your bag??
WARNING! Patriotism inbound..
Young talent in the British game.. let me throw a few names at you..
1. Joe Hart 2. Chris Smalling 3. Andy Carroll 4. Danny Welbeck 5. Alex Ox Chambs 6. Theo Walcott 7. Daniel Sturridge
I'm sure the list could go on..
On the subject of brits abroad.. Just look at the overall performance of English clubs in Europe over the last few years.. Generally very successful. The English League is where most players want to ply their trade.. Thus no exodus abroad.
With the exception of Barcelona and Real Madrid, where would a British player find more attractive than playing for a top 7 British club??
With the exception of Barcelona and Real Madrid, where would a British player find more attractive than playing for a top 7 British club??
That is the most compelling argument for the case that English (specifically English) clubs are paying their players too much. I recall that MUFC went down to a Swiss (!!!) club quite early in their European campaign this year. If you look at the money the Swiss club spends on its players and compare that with what Rooney and his mates get, then somebody is clearly overspending.
But the real test is to see how poorly any English national side has performed in recent years. I think the whole issue is that the Premier League seems to equate "big money spent" with "quality soccer", which is clearly not the case once its indigenous players are asked to play against their European counterparts.
In answer to your direct question: how about Italy or Germany (in addition to Spain)?
Last edited by Victor Inox; 20th Jun 2012 at 10:01.
Lets be blunt, the main motivator for players is cash.. so that takes Italy and Germany out of the equation.. In England an average standard player will make £50k a week Outside of a select few (Real, Barca, Bayern, AC Milan / Inter and PSG), the top payers and the big money (by virtue of Sky) is England. Detrimental to the England national side..? Of course, but hey, Team England don't pay the bills my friend
the top payers and the big money (by virtue of Sky) is England
AA:
If that were true, then the England team would have to be in every Euro and WC final, as the reservoir of "top players" (eligible to play for England) would have to be huge.
However, as we witnessed last night again, "top players" such as Rooney are physically unfit to last a full 90 minutes against their European counterparts, and others have not been practicing their penalty shots enough. In fact, Ashley Young clearly has spent too much time perfecting his dives instead of perfecting his penalty kicks.
The bottom line is that mediocre players are being overpaid by the Premier League teams. Bad for sport, bad for business.
I see that Strathclyde police are to conduct a criminal investigation into Whyte's takeover of Rangers and subsequent financial management. Interesting times.
I said "Top PAYERS".. not "Top PLAYERS".. It was deliberate, not a typo. I inferred that money is the motivator to a footballer, thus the influx of foreigners and the demise of England..
