Mutu acts, Kissinger on the World Cup and some bad kits

Some interesting stats on squad size in the Premier League. [Daily Mail]

Henry Kissinger loves the beautiful game. [NY Times]

The Gaffer has some stipulations for FSC's airing of the Champions League [EPL Talk]

Some truly terrible kits. [Telegraph]

Musings over the Champions League. [ESPN]

Bayern Munich, Tata, seducing Goldenballs, and Asian footballers

Bayern Munich are sick of bailing out 1860 Munich. [Independent]

The world's cheapest car and the planet's biggest club. [Reuters India]

Another Gunner gets his head turned by the Rossonieri. [Daily Mail]

Manchester City don't give up the hope of attracting some of Europe's best. [Times]

Posh worries as Italian ladies love the Beckham. [Bild]

If your taste in cinema includes movies like Goal II, watch this instead. [Guardian]

The Blues look for diversity. [SI.com]

The Grab: August 20, 2008

We all know Arsene Wenger hates to pay retail, but a possible shock move for out-of-favor leftback Mikael Silvestre from Old Trafford to the Emirates may be one of the deals of the transfer window. The former French international could be pulling on an Arsenal strip for around $1.4M (750,000 GBP), eschewing an opportunity to sit on the bench for the Red Devils.

Although returning from a series of long-term injuries and on the wrong side of 30 for a fullback, this may be a deal; at worst, he sits on the bench injured, for a mere pittance of a transfer fee, and at best, he fills in next to Gallas in the center of defense against teams Phillipe Senderos can't handle, namely those with big, powerful center forwards. If it happens it's another option for cover in the defense, similar to if the club retained Gilberto instead of letting him go to Panathinaikos for $2M.

Gunners in shock move to steal United's Silvestre from under the noses of Sunderland [Daily Mail]

And since we're on the subject of Wenger's stinginess, Dutch striker Nacer Barazite joined Championship side Derby County on a one month loan. A month? Wow, how benevolent of the gaffer. At 18, Barazite can play a few positions in the final third of the pitch and featured a couple of times in the Gunners' League Cup campaign last season before succumbing to a dislocated shoulder.

Rams snare Gunners starlet [Sky Sports]

What is it about sulky French strikers that EPL managers love? Nicolas Anelka, le Sulk returned to England with Chelsea last year, but just started being relevant to the Blues. Now, it looks like Djibril Cisse will be at the Stadium of Light in a Sunderland kit, on loan from Olympique Marseille. Question is, can he make difference for the Black Cats or is he one more leg break away from retirement?

Cisse joins Sunderland on loan [Reuters]

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The Grab: 04.08.2008

Goldenballs overtakes Ronaldinho in the Rich List again, but that may change soon if everyone's favorite toothy Brazilian makes a move to the luxuriousness of Manchester City, which will happen when AC and I top the next Rich List. Interestingly, at least six of the top ten aren't playing their best footie in quite some time, including the the aforementioned little Ronnie (too busy partying), Ronaldo (injury) and Michael Ballack (can't play with Frankie Lampard).

Beckham Dethrones Ronaldinho to Top Soccer's Rich List Again [Bloomberg]

The naming of the new MLS franchise in Seattle doesn't quite amp up the citizens of the Pacific Northwest, as much as say, Real Seattle City United Raging Leg-breaking SC (yes, we still make fun of people who say "football" instead of "soccer" over here), but we may see Europe's er, best turn out in a Sounders kit. Is Giorgio Chinaglia still available?

Uninspiring soccer team name will be OK if players’ names are huge [The News Tribune]

Stuck in your grey cubicle, staring off into space, and lamenting how you ended up here can wear one down at times. It's sites like Sniffing the Touchline, coffee breaks and fucking with corporate tools that help me get through my day.

Trouser-Tightening WAG Round-Up [Sniffing the Touchline]

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The Grab: 03.27.2008

Don't get the idea that we make any sort of generalizations at all (e.g., Italian soccer is corrupt, there are no technically competent English players, Brazilians take their tradition of samba to the pitch, etc.) and we're certainly not racist, but here's a little footy-related post from one of my favorite blogs. [Stuff White People Like]

The moment we've all been waiting for is now upon us. The MLS season begins with a scintillating match up between . . . . zzzzzzz . . . . never mind. For those of you new to this exciting phenomenon of American sahhhh-ker, here's a list of some shit. [MVN]

Let this be an inspirational message to all you kids out there. Just as we have our own brand of soccer over here, you can do anything you put your mind to. Someday, even you can lead a nation and rub shoulders with Hugo Chavez, or fulfill your dream of playing for an amateur side, for no good reason. [AP]

Alexandre Pato lives up to the hype, or reveals the holes in Sweden's defense, with this brilliant goal in last night's Brazil v. Sweden friendly at Emirates Stadium. [World Cup Blog]

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The Late Grab: 03.25.2008

Wolfsburg striker, Marcelinho, certainly has a way with the ladies. Remember Joey Barton's technique with the lasses that catch his eye? Well, Brazilian definitely scores points for tenderness, stroking her face and all. Too bad about the beer bottle to her friend's face.

Marcelinho accused of attack [Setanta Sports]

With a target of winning the World Cup by 2050, Japanese Soccer is setting its sights even higher in the hopes it can affect the alarmingly high rate of adolescent suicide in Japan. Japan ranks in the top ten in suicide rates per 100,000 people, with South Korea the only Asian nation with a higher ranking.

Japan soccer tackles pre-teen suicide [Reuters]

Let the fawning over Goldenballs begin again. Like many of his celebrity buddies, David Beckham made a show of his trip to Africa, chronicled here in the LA Times. Don't get me wrong, I do like the fact that he's "raising awareness", but it's hard to take it seriously when his soccer schools have opened in Los Angeles and Brazil, of all places.

It's an interesting contrast to what Patrick Vieira has done in Senegal, and even Rio Ferdinand in Uganda. It's great to be a UNICEF ambassador, but he hasn't even adopted a third world child yet. If he and Posh have any ideas about conquering the States, maybe they can take a cue from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Beckham's world tour is a gratifying experience [LA Times]

It's seemingly Footballers' Wives whenever Jermain Defoe's around. This time his former lady, Danielle Lloyd, who's been pretty much been passed around the top London sides like a spitoon, goes ape shit over something to do with the pint-sized Pompey boy. For those of you who don't know Dani, she's one of those English girls who's famous, but you're not quite sure why, sort of a more unhinged Paris Hilton.

Now Danielle Lloyd is caught up in nightclub 'catfight' over ex Jermain Defoe [Daily Mail]

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The Grab: 03.24.2008

Nice work from the team over at Sniffing the Touchline, with a little rundown of some truly classic (and by classic, I mean embarrassing) attempts at a second career by some footballers with delusions of grandeur. Call it a gross generalization, but I never thought athletes and music were a likely match, unless you're 7 feet tall with a lazy eye. [STT, Amazon]

Is keeping Michael Owen (as opposed to keeping his job) really one of the bigger concerns for Kevin Keegan? Or is it just another desperately planted story to keep Newcastle United relevant in the news? They did beat Fulham, after all. Money quote: "Michael's not going to stop scoring, he's not going to stop catching the eye and Michael is going to be wanted by other clubs." Good point, Kev. Let me know when he starts scoring. [Setanta]

If you can deny the fan's favorite because of potential religious connotations, can't you ban a kit simply because it's hideous? Well, apparently a vague cross is better than "hints of eagle claws" (or those streamers that gymnasts whirl about in the Olympics) and an eagle evocative of the Weimar Republic. [Reuters Blogs]

Bored with the minutiae of your own life? Take a a snooze with Willy in North London, albeit without the thousands of pounds a week you're watching pile up in your account. [Times Online]

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The Grab: 03.19.2008

I do love a good list, but this may as well be the top ten cars you'd buy if you were still 16. It is interesting how the Audi A3 made the list, considering just how plebeian it must seem to most players.

Top ten cars of Premier League stars [Telegraph]

And since we're on the topic of lists, here's another 5.94M reasons to hate Darren Bent, if you even think of him at all.

Football’s 50 highest earners - well done, Darren Bent! [The Spoiler]

Catching up with former Gunner Bobby Pires, and his feelings for the other side in North London.

Pires: I’d never wear Spurs shirt [Setanta Sports]

Wenger gets his culottes in a twist over Hleb's ice cream.

Angry Wenger accuses Inter of tapping up midfielder Hleb [Guardian]

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The Grab: 11.19.2007

Ach . . . mein kopf itchin'

Mad Jens Lehmann has lowered the hole he's digging for himself when he apparently resorted to the 'ol "I'll scratch my face/push up my glasses . . . but HA, with my middle finger!!!" in response to German fans' calls to replace him with the reserve keeper during Germany's 4-0 win over Cyprus.
Lehmann denies making obscene gesture to Germany fans [Daily Mail]

Wannabe Gunners owner, hardman of Uzbekistan and non-rapist Alisher Usmanov answers some questions put to him by a Guardian journalist, who surprisingly is still alive (as far as we know).
Usmanov's responses to Guardian questions [Guardian Football]

After Paul Jewell declined to return to Wigan Athletic, chairman Dave Whelan must have seen his side going down this term or at least in the near future, by appointing Birmingham City's gaffer Steve Bruce to take over the manager's post at the JJB. Whelan dubbed him "a very, very talented manager". Yeah, talented at bringing clubs up from the Championship. Brucie jumps about four spots down the table, but will more than double his salary at Birmingham.
Wigan welcome 'big signing' Steve Bruce [Daily Telegraph]

Remember that old, tired joke about there being only a handful of fruitcakes in existence, and that those few are simply being passed on and regifted at every opportunity? Well, the ladies at Kickette have stumbled upon a parallel theory regarding a handful of particular WAGs. Or am I getting this confused with the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? Whatever, it's more hos and man-hos stuff.
Three Wags, Many Players: A Study in Skankocity [Kickette]

Club footy fans, were you bored by this weekend's international break? As much as it was enjoyable to picture the entire England squad, biting their nails during Israel v. Russia and a few other Euros qualifiers to watch, it was a relatively ho-hum weekend for most. Or perhaps not . . . apparently there was some sort of championship match in Washington DC - ok, I'll stop bagging on MLS, but despite the thrilling comeback by the Houston Dynamo to win the MLS title for the second time in two years, several things remain evident:

1) Dave O'Brien cannot call a soccer game. At all.
2) Eric Wynalda doesn't improve much on number 1.
3) Julie Foudy. What the hell is she doing here?

We all know the fate of American soccer is dependent on money, most of which we hope will eventually come in the form of huge television contracts, ala the EPL, but ESPN is currently doing its best to kill this "growing" game in North America. Word is that one of the guys in charge of programming is a soccer fan (Anyone know about this? If so, drop us a comment). But what kind, I want to know? The guy who only gets up for finals, or the World Cup, "the greatest competition in the world"? The tool who wears a jersey because he happened to see a spectacular highlight of a mercurial striker on ESPN Deportes? And what's up with the stupid graphics to show how a goal was scored? Please, it's like when CBS was putting a blue line on the line of scrimmage during NFL games, which we can all see by where the effing football is. As much as I sometimes hate watching FSC's pre-match, during-match and post-match commentary/drivel (just go straight to the UK feed, please), they make ESPN look like a cable access program.
Sounds like dynasty [Chicago Tribune]

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The Grab: 10.31

An interesting piece on Afshin Gotbi, the Iranian-American tasked with managing Tehran giants Persepolis. The 43 year old assisted the US National Team, the LA Galaxy and Korea (with Guus Hiddink), and spent the majority of his life in the United States.
Meet the American who could lead Iran [Guardian Football]

You might want to think twice before you unbutton your pants in front of pubescent girls (not directed at you AC, but just a little advice). What does it say about the state of America's youth soccer when a coach decides to bare his ass because a game got a little chippy? More importantly, what does it say about the state of America when:

"Several of the girls and their parents were offended by the action Saturday and immediately called police"

Was the guy misguided, stupid and immature? Yes. But the police? Considering all the crap that you're going to see and go through in life, is this really worth calling the authorities for? "Bob, put down the bear claw, we got action over at the park!!!"
Soccer coach suspended after alleged mooning [SF Gate]

Who's going to host the 2018 World Cup? I'm hoping it's Benelux, because I just figured out what it stands for.
World Cup 2018: The Contenders [Daily Telegraph]

I hate to fall onto the Halloween-themed bandwagon, but here are 50 players who do their best to eschew the stereotype of footballers being vain, flamboyant, aliceband-wearing divers.
Halloween Special: Top 50 Scariest Footballers [Who Ate All The Pies]

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The Grab: 10.30

"I hope you fellas win for your sake. Mr. Davis is not as forgiving as I am"

Perhaps all is not well at Ashburton Grove, as World Cup and Copa America winner Gilberto has refused to play in central defense for Arsenal's Carling Cup clash with Sheffield United on Wednesday. Coming off of a hectic summer, the Brazilian has found it hard to break into his usual defensive midfield position with Mathieu Flamini playing so well, arguably freeing up Cesc Fabregas to be more of an offensive threat. Is Arsene Wenger's shallow depth beginning to crumble? Or is the much-loved Gilberto listening too much to what Jens Lehmann is saying? Both may be beginning their decline, but if this is the season for Arsenal to get back into some serious contention, the Gunners'll need them throughout the long season.

Gilberto facing Arsenal exit after bust-up with Wenger [Daily Mail]
Boys Being (Little) Boys [SMiA]

Phoenix Suns cager Steve Nash remains interested in owning Spurs, despite their perpetual bad luck and ability to shoot themselves in the foot. And it's not just the porous defense and attacking footie he likes, but the NBA play maker has been a Spurs fan his whole life. Thankfully he's had a great run of success in basketball to take his mind off of the constant foibles of his team. Unless Juande Ramos qualifies for Europe (the real one) sometime soon.

Nash would like to be Tottenham owner [Guardian Football]

In other Tottenham Hotspur news, new gaffer Juande Ramos held a double training session, interpreted in London as "cracking the whip" or "getting down to work" for the former Sevilla man. In other words, JR must have decided to teach the fundamentals of defending twice so it sticks this time around.

Juande Ramos cracks the whip at Tottenham [Telegraph]

While it's fair to say that many elements of European soccer have not made their way to our shores here across the pond (e.g., technical ability, fluent play, flair), one aspect that definitely hasn't is hooliganism (yes, even at Chivas v. Galaxy). Unfortunately, that can't be said for many things soccer-related (Posh, Green Street Hooligans), but former hoolie, RAF man, and distinguished hooligan-lit author Dougie Brimson fears for the US and Canada. I don't really see that happening here in North America, for many reasons, but primarily because nobody really gives a crap over here. Being an MLS fan is typically an afterthought (soccer-playing tweens, Beckham lovers in brand-new Brazil kits, parents in search of cheap family events), what with the Mall of America, Britney Spears, and Fox News all within the same continent to keep us rapt with awe. However, perhaps if the MLS changed from a plodding, sub par league to the style of English footie in the heyday of hooliganism (plodding, sub par), we may see the emergence of the American hooligan (see Oakland Raiders fan).

Ex-soccer hooligan urges tough line on violence [Reuters]

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The Late Grab:10.23.2007

The beautiful game, bringing people together as usual: Soccer mom charged with taking a chair to coach's head [Newsday]

Robbie and Ronnie's 40 jimmy hats and more scandals: Sex Scandals of Famous Athletes [Javno]

The original number 10 tells Juan Roman to play calcio: Maradona Tells Riquelme: You Must Go To Italy [Goal]

Hey, MLS fans, don't turn your back on the playoffs now that Goldenballs is out . . .that's right, Becks is back, this time bringing his, er, continental flair (read: lack of pace, poor tackling) to Canada: Beckham books new B.C. date [Canada]

Kolo Toure's only 26?: Q&A with Arsenal defender Kolo Toure [ESPN Soccernet]

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Boys Being (Little) Boys

If any of you watched the Newcastle v. Spurs match on Monday night, you'd be hard-pressed to believe anything Martin Jol says, especially when he claims that he and Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov aren't having problems. Perhaps upset at being named a substitute, DB had to be told three times to warm up before he got off the bench, and slowly at that. Once stretching, he looked to be halfheartedly going through the motions, while displaying a slightly miffed look of boredom on his face.

I could be wrong, reading something on his face that wasn't there, but the normally smooth and graceful striker didn't seem to play with much conviction. And can you blame him? A handful of long balls up to him, all alone up front? Spurs probably played about five minutes of clever soccer, but you can tell that Tottenham's lack of form, a previously-successful manager on his way out, and lack of any defensive shape has gotten the team down. Talk about giving up easily. I understand they miss Ledley King, but with the talent on this squad expectations are far from being met or even sniffed from afar. I used to think it was just a lack of a defense and a dodgy keeper, but with Marcus Bent, Berbatov, Aaron Lennon and the ever-tracking back Robbie Keane, you'd expect a lot more goals to go with all the ones they leak in.

Future so Dim for boss Jol [The Sun]

Mad Jens Lehmann is feeling the cold after being shunned by Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger. After two blunder-filled first matches for the club, Lehmann was pulled for Manuel Almunia, and since then the Spaniard hasn't been bad, giving up only four in ten matches. Lehmann's decided to pressure Wenger in the press, and up until now it's been little digs on Almunia here or there, or an obvious concern over keeping his Germany spot despite not playing between the sticks for his club. Here's the latest from Jens:

"It's possible that some day I'll feel like talking about the whole issue . . . But at the moment I'm just swallowing it all as part of the humiliation. That's something one has to take in. But I think -- and this is aimed at my dear manager -- one shouldn't humiliate players for too long."

I think Lehmann is perhaps one of the best keepers out there, and he's been instrumental in so many instances for Arsenal. But, being with Wenger as long as he has, it seems a bit stupid to go around publicly warning your manager, especially since the gaffer can't seem to do any wrong in the press at the moment (until he drops points to Reading). Listen Jens, you're 37. And a temper mental fool with a pretty high opinion of yourself. Given all that AW's done in the last two years, and all that the squad's lost (Robert Pires, Theirry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg), do you think he really believes he needs you? Just not having you between the sticks means Arsenal won't leak in another set piece goal because you decide to foul an opposing defender, a bigger detriment, in my opinion, than Almunia's lack of trophies.

Lehmann warns Wenger not to 'humiliate' him any longer [Guardian Football]

Can't we all just get along? Players and managers, that is. After being subbed off in the 70th minute of the Merseyside derby, Steven Gerrard has apparently made up with Rafa Benitez:

“I’m a local lad so the derby is really important to me and I would have liked nothing better than to play the full game and to be on the pitch when we got the winner.But as it turned out I was taken off and Lucas Leiva who replaced me played a crucial role in us getting the winning goal.I was hurt and disappointed at being taken off because, like I said, I’m a local lad and the derby means everything to me.”

Nothing of the above smacks of a spoonfed quote. No way, not at all. I'm not psychoanalyst, but the fact that only one short sentence confirms that Rafa's substitution may have been a wise one. The remainder of the quote is simply how much he values the derby because, if you didn't know, he's a local lad. Get over it Stevie. Who do you think you are, Jens Lehmann?

Liverpool’s Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard Kiss And Make Up… For Now [Caught Offside]

And finally, what is it with keepers? They're almost as bad as strikers, if not worse. Celtic keeper and Polish international, Artur Boruc, apparently doesn't shake hands with people he doesn't care for. That's a novel idea, if not unrealistic, since the world basically revolves around fake smiles and hollow handshakes. Money quote:

"I felt some pain in my fingers and I was afraid of my tendon, of getting injured . . . But, to be honest with you, I just don't shake hands with people I don't like. There is no obligation to do it."

Well, my fingers hurt, so I couldn't shake hands . . . . but now that you mention it, I'm totally against it. It's almost like he had to convince himself of his feelings (Rangers play too physical) throughout the interview. Can you imagine Lehmann, Boruc and Dida sitting around a table in a pub, lamenting how hard it is to be a keeper?

Boruc: I don't shake hands with people I don't like [Daily Mail]

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The Grab: 10.22.2007

Man City's Didi Hamann, a reinvigorated presence in the Citizens' positive run this season, has been banned from driving for six months, and fined somewhere around $14K for various driving violations. Nearly a year ago, the German crashed his Porsche into a fence in Cheshire. Of course, he had been drinking, and of course, he walked away from the scene, later claiming he wasn't driving and he wouldn't finger who was. Money quote:

Nicola Roberts, prosecuting, said a witness saw a man dressed in a dinner suit walking on the cycle way towards Wilmslow, waving his arms about and talking to himself. The witness continued and saw a car embedded in a fence.

Well, perhaps Didi was telling the truth. Waving his arms about and talking to himself? Obviously he was angry with the invisible friend that crashed his Porsche.

Hamann gets six-month driving ban [BBC Football]

Stephen Gerrard, Captain England, Jr. (to John Terry, that is), can turn a crap game into a screamer, a pile of meaningless words into an autobiography, and now a yellow card into a red. Or that's what Everton's Alan Stubbs thinks, after the Toffees lost to Liverpool :

'The referee went to book Tony Hibbert holding a yellow card, Steven Gerrard walked past him (the referee) and it changed to a red."

Referee Mark Clattenburg had a terrible game, missing a stone-cold red card, a potential penalty, and sending off two Everton men. So terrible, it appears that MC will not be officiating an EPL game this upcoming weekend.

Clattenburg omitted from Premier League rota [Guardian Football]

Bobby Pires had an impactful game when his Yellow Submarine met up with former Arsenal team mate Thierry Henry's Barcelona. Drawing two penalties in Saturday's match, the former Gunners midfielder has seen Villareal win six and lose two in this year's campaign, placing them in second place, ahead of Valencia on goal differential, and a point ahead of Barcelona. Henry's Barca continue to struggle, despite taking 18 points out of 24, simply because the fans don't see the fluent stuff that they demand with Deco, Messi, Ronaldinho, dos Santos and Henry on the same pitch. Pires tells us not to hate the playa, but the game.

Pires blames Barça for Henry's dull start [Independent]

The good ladies at Kickette give us the scoop on Claude Makelele's little bit of infidelity. What makes this piece special is the moron he's got representing him, who said:

“He’s denying it. But even if it was true, he’s going to deny it. They’re all at it, but when they’re caught they deny it. He’s going to be in trouble, though, because his wife is here and she’s very nice. She’s very sensitive.”

Uh, I know it's different in Europe, and that we're all puritanical, repressed sexual idiots like the Brits, but that ain't what you want to say. This is Claude Makelele, man. Take some more care in your client. He invented "the Claude Makelele" role for chrissakes.

Infidelity Files: Claude Makelele [Kickette]

In other Frenchie-got-caught-with-his-pants-down news, it's been revealed who Thierry Henry risked his marriage to Nicole Merry on. Whoa, you have to be surprised at this. You're Thierry Henry, arguably the most exciting footballer of the decade, living the high life, making ridiculous cash for almost every endorsement worth doing, and you cheat on your model wife with this? I mean, c'mon TH14, we thought you were the man, and you pull this Hugh Grant stuff with that chick? Claude Makelele just won mad props in the les Bleus dressing room.

Girl who could cost Henry £10m [The Sun]

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The Grab: 10.19.2007

Do you like Belgian or American? A little powdered sugar, or maybe some berries? There's the syrup . . . With his eyes just barely dried, Blues striker Didier Drogba toyed with his new waffle iron as he showed just what a man he is:

"it would be a little cowardly to leave at a time when the boat is rocking" . . . That was my way of showing how angry I was. But I wouldn't have been able to look my team-mates in the eye afterwards. I am someone who has always campaigned for solidarity, so I've decided to stay until next summer."

Or, perhaps he was about to embark down a road (ala Ashley Cole) that he didn't want to see all the way through. Why not score a few and demand some high wages at either of the only other clubs he'll consider:

"For me, there aren't 50 clubs who could stimulate this sort of passion, just four: AC Milan, Inter, Barça and Real."

Strangley, I've never felt Chelsea came even close to that quartet, but then again, another man's riches can certainly change that.

Drogba denies he'll leave Chelsea in January [Guardian Football]

England's loss to Russia (on a plastic pitch, no less!!! the injustice!!!) has spun the FA into crisis, so nothing else is new at Soho Square. Somehow, despite all the signs of mediocrity being there, Brian Barwick, et al are suprised by England's stumbling on the road to Austria and Switzerland. BB came out weakly yesterday in support of McClaren, claiming that his job was to prepare the squad to go out and beat Austria in a friendly, and Croatia in their remaining group game. Really? Pretty much everyone else seems to think his job was to take the "greatest players from the greatest league (not to mention the creators of the game)" to the Euros and possibly vie for, er, 3rd or 4th place. Anyway, possible replacements for the impotent McClaren are Cali-boy Jurgen Klinsmann, the Special One Jose Mourinho and former candidate for the post, Aston Villa gaffer Martin O'Neill. I thought I heard some vultures immediately after the full-time whistle in Moscow.

FA to make reluctant Jose Mourinho prime target [Times Online]

If you haven't checked out the excellent blog Culture of Soccer, definitely do so. David Keyes, an avid footie fan based in San Diego offers us his take on why soccer hasn't made the impact it has in the rest of the world on our democratically free, perfectly manly corner of the planet.

Is Soccer Un-American? - Part 1 [Culture of Soccer]

I'm not sure why this is surprising, since Jose Mourinho is a continental man. It looks like Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo aren't the only ones to teach us a thing or two about da ladeez.

Infidelity Files: Jose Mourinho [Kickette]

Beckswatch: It's been a while, with Becks' da becoming ill and all. But, we do know about Posh's skin issue, how the star was kind enough to buy his pop a place, and his return to fitness in last night's game against the New York Red Bulls. Well, if there is one thing that hasn't changed, it's the fact that the LA Galaxy, despite having the Honda Player of the Year (that's right, Honda!!! Player of the Year!!!) Landon Donovan, are still pretty much crap. [Daily Mail, Post Chronicle]

Beckham unable to deliver against the Red Bulls [ESPN Soccernet]

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The Grab: 10.18.2007

It looks like the Arsenal board are hoping Arsene Wenger can work his magic with the group of youngsters at Ashburton Grove, and quickly. According to chairman Peter Hill-Wood, they've extended a "lockdown period". Having Alisher Usmanov as the second largerst shareholder obviously doesn't sit well with Hill-Wood, et al, and the agreement means board members can only sell shares to "permitted persons"and must give fellow members "first option" until 2012. Most interestingly, however, was Hill-Wood's assertion that Wenger would make the ideal chairman to replace him. I'm sure there was some sort of discussion about this, but it's difficult to see a man who's so engrossed in the day-to-day of teaching football to trade in his tracksuit for a seat on the board. And this for a man who owns no shares (directly, that is) of the club. Then again, the gaffer'll be 60 by that time, but will he be ready to set his whistle down? In other Wenger love-festing, the club have also commissioned a bronze statue of the Frenchman.
Arsene Wenger viewed as future Arsenal chairman [Times Online]
Arsenal Commissions Bronze Sculpture of Manager Arsene Wenger [Bloomberg]

In other Gunners news, Dutch striker Robin van Persie is ruled out for about four weeks, after sustaining a knee knock in Holland's 2-0 Euro qualifying win over Slovenia. For many Gooners, we all know how good he is, but it's his fragility that's worrying. But, after missing a large portion of the season, RVP still lead the team in goals. The question now is how will Eduardo da Silva and Nicky Bendtner fare in the flying Dutchman's place?
Wenger Awaits Scan On Van Persie [Goal]

In Blues news, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba is quoted in France Football Magazine that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge, claiming the club is broken. Amassing a reputation as a diver in the EPL, despite being more Michael Essien-like that Michael Essien, the 29-year-old proved to be one of Jose Mourinho's best signings when he seemed to singlehandedly take control of games on his own. I always thought of him as a little bit traditional English centre-forward, but with some great ball control in close quarters. And, he got back to defend more in a match than Frank Lampard did in a single season. People in football, especially players, are fickle, but his statement can't sit well with owner Roman Abramovich and it seems that things at the Bridge are continuing to crumble.
Drogba to demand move [Sky Sports]

We look to footballers for entertainment and inspiration, but now perhaps we should look to them for relationship advice. Bob at the Offside tells us how Theirry Henry and Critiano Ronaldo can teach us a thing or two.
Relationship Lessons from Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo [The Offside]

Thankfully, the streets of London are safer today, after Sir Alex Ferguson's attacker was sentenced to 15 months in jail after he punched the Manchester United gaffer in the nuts. Kevin Reynolds, a 44-year-old "whose criminal record boasts a total of 146 convictions including many for violence, during nearly a quarter of a century of drink-driven offending", apparently accosted Sir Alex in London's Euston station.
Drunken beggar jailed for punching Alex Ferguson [Daily Mail]

-bl

The Grab: 10.17.2007

It's hard to follow Fat Sam, apparently. Who am I kidding? Did anyone out there really think Sammy Lee had a chance at Bolton? Especially when he claimed he was going to inject his own style into the overachieving team? Octogenarian midfielder Gary Speed was handed some coaching duties, and then resigned them to "concentrate on his playing" after being left out of the side for key matches. Apparently skipper Kevin Nolan and older-than-dirt Ivan Campo didn't get along particularly well with Allardyce's former number two. We all knew Bolton were carried pretty much by Sam Allardyce, and it would take a bit more of a complicated mind to continue their success after his departure to Newcastle. Perhaps it's not fair, but how do you trust the tactical mind of a man who is a bag of cliches with a headset attached?

Bolton Wanderers part company with Sammy Lee [Times Online]

Some Three Lions fans got a beatdown in the Moscow city center leading up to England's clash with Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium. Surprisingly, the police have blamed the England supporters for drinking excessively. Police representatives stated the obvious:

"British subjects who have come to Moscow to support their team against Russia
are not acting properly. There is the feeling that they have come to drink,"

Thankfully, it's cold enough to dull the pain of taking a few bottles to the back of one's head. The Times is reporting that there are more than 5000 police, ranging from Interior Ministry troops to riot cops, to handle the clash of the expected 4500 England fans. Who says England fans' rep doesn't precede them?

England fans beaten in Moscow, say police [Guardian Football]

I don't know how many of you out there pay much attention to the NFL, but it's hard to believe this story coming from the Daily Mail. Apparently there are rich American football owners who are willing to pay England rugby star Johnny Wilkinson up to $10M a year to ply his trade in the NFL. More upsetting has to be the fact that JW makes less in a year than Chelsea and England captain John Terry makes in two weeks. I'm sure Wilkinson can make some good cash in the States, and work the accent and quads for the ladies of America, but $10M? I'm thinking more like $250K a year instead.

American football woos kicking king Wilkinson - £5m a year and no hits [Daily Mail]

Despite enjoying hearing about England's chances on a plastic pitch about once every 15 minutes for the last week, I'll be happy once the international break is over and the real, meaningful stuff starts again. Here's what to watch for this weekend (all times Eastern):

Saturday, October 20
Everton v. Liverpool 7:30 am Setanta
Bochum v. Bayern Munich 9:25 am GolTV
Manchester City v. Birmingham City 9:30 am Setanta Xtra
Arsenal v. Bolton 10:00 am Setanta
Middlesbrough v. Chelsea 10:00 am Fox Soccer Channel
Bundesliga TBA 11:30 am GolTV
Aston Villa v. Manchester United 12:00 pm Fox Soccer Channel
Rangers v. Celtic 12:00 pm Setanta PPV
Scunthorpe v. Leicester 12:15 pm Setanta
Villareal v. Barcelona 2:00 pm GolTV
Reggina v. Inter Milan 2:25 pm Fox Soccer Channel
Espanyol v. Real Madrid 4:00 pm GolTV
Blackburn v. Reading 4:30 pm Fox Soccer Channel (delayed)
Roma v. Napoli 8:00 pm Fox Soccer Channel (delayed)
Chivas USA v. Houston 10:30 pm Fox Soccer Channel

Sunday October 21
Ajax v. NEC 4:45 am Setanta (delayed)
Southampton v. Cardiff City 8:00 am Setanta
AC Milan v. Empoli 9:00 am Fox Soccer Channel
La Liga TBA 11:00 am GolTV
West Ham v. Sunderland 11:00 am Fox Soccer Channel
Bundesliga TBA 1:00 pm GolTV
Juventus v. Genoa 2:25 pm Fox Soccer Channel
Atletico Madrid v. Zaragoza 3:00 pm GolTV (To Be Confirmed)
Boca Juniors v. Estudiantes 3:00 pm Fox Soccer Espanol
Nancy v. Sochaux 10:00 pm Setanta (delayed)

As always, check your local listings.

-bl

The Late Grab: 10.16

The excellent Arseblog vents about Barcelona's tenacious attempts to lure Cesc Fabregas back to the Camp Nou. Money quote:

Their ’sporting’ director, Mickey Burgerstain, spoke about Cesc yesterday to a Spanish newspaper. He seems to be under the impression that because of the way Cesc left the club when he was 16 that Barcelona would take some kind of moral stand and not pay a large transfer fee if they were to bring him back to the club. He said:

He is a great player but the circumstances of his exit make things
very difficult. We cannot pay a great amount for a homegrown player that decided
to leave us.

Oh, there I was labouring under the impression that a player’s past and previous clubs were completely and utterly irrelevant and that it was his current standing in the game, coupled with the length of his contract, that would decide his value. Silly me.

THERE IS NOTHING TO ADMIRE ABOUT FC BARCELONA [Arseblog]

It looks like BBC's Panorama wasn't satisfied with exposing Big Sam Allardyce as a bung-taker. Now they're continuing to target FIFA with a documentary on October 29, when the FIFA executive committee (Sepp Blatter and some miscellaneous lackeys) will meet to decide on the World Cup continental rotation policy. Investigative journalist Andrew Jennings is apparently “examining whether England can expect ‘fair play’ from Fifa” in bidding for the 2018 finals", somewhat akin to his exposing corruption in the IOC during London's bid for 2012. All this, of course, leads me to believe that England's chances of hosting the World Cup in 2018 are all but dead. Then again, that's what I said about England's chances of qualifying for the Euros this year, and now I'm convinced the Three Lions will slink in, only to dazzle us with their mediocrity.

Panorama ready with another Fifa probe [Sports Journalists' Association]

England skipper John Terry is most likely ruled out of England's crucial qualifier with Russia on Wednesday, after his knee locked up in training. The press have been told that the Chelsea defender has a bone chip floating around in his knee, in addition to a broken toe and cheekbone, further adding to his reputation as a brave knight battling for the pride of England. Well, I've seen JT play since he incurred the broken toe and I have to say he's been crap on more than a few occasions. Enter Sol Campbell to sub in and perhaps Jolean Lescott for the injured Ashley Cole and voila, this is the team that will show that "football's coming home" to Engerrland. And, everything's more than peachy surrounding the squad as long as you know you've got Phil Neville waiting in the wings to help out.

Football captain Terry blow rocks England [Agence France-Presse]

Spurs' vice-chairman Paul Kelmsley is set to resign, according to the Daily Mail. The property tycoon intends to step down to focus on his financial interests in the United States, and well, it is Spurs after all. How much heartache can one take? Actually, I've found very little worthy of news in this story except for the excellent pic of Kelmsley, Steve McClaren and Crystal Palace owner and chairman Simon Jordan. Jordan's Der Commisar-meets-Secret Service Agent-wearing drugstore shades-or could it be a Mme Tussaud's wax figure? has got to be the best Halloween costume I've seen in years.

Spurs chief to quit [Daily Mail]

-bl

The Grab: 10.12.2007

Barca continue their pursuit of Arsenal play maker Cesc Fabregas with renewed interest in the Spanish media. While the 20-year old Spanish international is signed to a further seven years at Ashburton Grove, you know he's probably making peanuts, especially when you consider the $270K per week Michael Ballack is making at Chelsea for riding the pine. Which makes it more crucial for the Gunners to grab some silver this year. If Fabregas continues his form, we could see Real Madrid and the Blaugrana to continue dangling some hard-to-refuse carrots in front of the youngster.

Of course we'd listen to an offer from Barca, says Fabregas' agent [Daily Mail]

In other Arsenal news, it looks like Alisher Usmanov is fighting for every scrap of stock in his bid to wield some influence in the Gunners' boardroom, if not to take over the whole club. The "Hardman of Uzbekistan" will scoop up less than 1% of stock from deceased shareholders. At some point, you have to expect Peter Hill-Wood to make some statement about how that's the only way he'll sell his stake to Roman Abramovich's buddy; that is, until next year when he'll walk away with a some tax-free cash. Stan Kroenke's response was to stroke his mustache and keep silent.

Alisher Usmanov to raise stake at Arsenal [Telegraph]

Could we see a swap for Michael Owen and Nicolas Anelka? Reports that Sven could bail out the elfin, permanently knocked England striker from the Geordie hell of Newcastle United. I'm sure Sam Allardyce's Benitez-like whining about little Mikey playing for his country haven't endeared him to Owen. And it's pretty obvious that the Incredible Sulk is itching to leave the Reebok after Sammy Lee's impotence at Bolton.

Sven Wants Owen at Man City [The Sun]

If you're looking for an entertaining read to get you in the mood for the Champions League season, check out Andy Brassell's All Or Nothing: A year in the life of the Champions League. Brassell spends the 2003/4 season, traveling to 8 countries and 18 stadiums, giving readers a glimpse of life for many teams in the changing atmosphere of the European Cup, and exactly how it affects Europe's domestic leagues, players and fans.

All Or Nothing: A year in the life of the Champions League [Book Site]

-bl

The Grab: 10.08.2007

It's perfect timing for Henk Ten Cate, who will most likely assume the No. 2 position under Avram Grant at Stamford Bridge. Despite denials, it looks like the only thing left is his contract to negotiate with the Blues, after Chelsea have agreed to a transfer of the Ajax coach from the 2nd place Eredivisie side. Apparently, Ajax fans have not been happy with HTC, after their club was dumped out of the Champions League in the qualifying round and quickly dispatched out of the UEFA Cup shortly thereafter. HTC should fit in well as a Number 2, considering he did a pretty decent job for Rijkaard at Barca the year the Blaugrana seized La Liga and the Champions League trophy, especially if he plays the enforcer role he did at Barca. Whether or not resentment grows because he's doing this under Avram Grant as opposed to a proven gaffer, remains to be seen.
Ajax coach Henk ten Cate set to take Chelsea assistant job under Avram Grant [SI.com]

Radamel Falcao can't seem to stop scoring. After netting a hattrick against Botafogo to send River Plate to the quarters of the Copa Sudamericana, the Colombian striker added one on Sunday to help knock Boca Juniors into third place in the Argentine Apertura. River still sit four places behind their porteno rivals, but Falcao is definitely someone to watch. As for Boca, held goalless in Sunday's match, perhaps it's time to look for a proven finisher, rather than the aging Martin Palermo.
Independiente lead cut to one point, River Plate beats Boca Juniors [IHT.com]

If you thought 2FST4U was clever, and you've got a few thousand quid to part with, why not show your love on yer motaah with a personalized plate. Now, I'm not sure why anyone would pay $8,000 for a WE57 HAM plate, but then again, I'm not sure why anyone buys a season ticket to see the Hammers. I'm guessing in England, you get to keep this plate for a while, because for 36,000 pounds sterling (about $72K) for a Gunners plate seems excessive when that could easily buy me a few pints and a pie from the Emirates.
Mad Drivers Bid for "WE57 HAM" Plate [Guardian Football]

I know you're all coming down from the er, euphoria of the Women's World Cup, but apparently chicks ain't good for footy. Or at least that's what Josef Szabo of Dynamo Kiev thinks, responding to a reporter after finally winning a match:

"Personally, I'm not ashamed because I see how in a short time they have made
very good progress, because I have taken them away from their women, from their
wives. We went to the (training) base, because women in football are a
scourge. They do not understand that men need to work, that they have a hard job
to do."

Well, I guess Jo-Jo wasn't watching the England hype during last year's World Cup. If that wasn't support from the England WAGs, what was it? You certainly can't blame them for the Three Lions' impotence, right?
Soccer-Wives, girlfriends to blame for Dynamo Kiev's form: coach [Reuters UK]

-bl