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Community Forums => Betting Tips and Sport Discussion => Topic started by: The Baron on July 15, 2006, 01:37:28 AM



Title: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 15, 2006, 01:37:28 AM
Juventus relegated and docked 30 points next season.

Fiorentina relegated and docked 12 points next season.

Lazio relegated and docked 7 points next season.

Milan stay in Serie A but are docked 15 points.

All clubs banned from European competition.

Transfer fest for the best clubs in Europe! :D


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Watertight on July 15, 2006, 01:44:09 AM

Transfer fest for the best clubs in Europe! :D

And the not so best clubs in europe. I wonder what will actually happen with Juventus next season , starting on -30 points they have to win 10 games before they can even think about surviving in serie B haha .Think Capello will bring a fair few over to real madrid.
       In my opinion i think this is going to be horrible for english football , clubs will take these stars and neglect their younger players. Look out for Big sam at bolton snapping up the +30 year old footballers and getting a season out of them . :D


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 15, 2006, 01:58:39 AM

Transfer fest for the best clubs in Europe! :D

And the not so best clubs in europe. I wonder what will actually happen with Juventus next season , starting on -30 points they have to win 10 games before they can even think about surviving in serie B haha .Think Capello will bring a fair few over to real madrid.
       In my opinion i think this is going to be horrible for english football , clubs will take these stars and neglect their younger players. Look out for Big sam at bolton snapping up the +30 year old footballers and getting a season out of them . :D

Good post. I think it will aid some clubs in the chance to overhaul Chelsea though, as Chelsea have done their transfers.

Mourinho must be fuming. Could have had Shevchenko for £15m but he spent £30m! PMSL!  :D


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: I, Zimbra on July 15, 2006, 03:16:44 AM
Mourinho must be fuming. Could have had Shevchenko for £15m but he spent £30m! PMSL!  :D

Does Abramovich even care, though? I have visions of that being the equivalent of me trying to remember how many 10p pieces I gots from grocery shopping...


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on July 15, 2006, 08:37:42 AM
Nedved for Spurs.

Please!!!  ;tk;


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Karabiner on July 15, 2006, 08:59:37 AM

Transfer fest for the best clubs in Europe! :D

And the not so best clubs in europe. I wonder what will actually happen with Juventus next season , starting on -30 points they have to win 10 games before they can even think about surviving in serie B haha .Think Capello will bring a fair few over to real madrid.
       In my opinion i think this is going to be horrible for english football , clubs will take these stars and neglect their younger players. Look out for Big sam at bolton snapping up the +30 year old footballers and getting a season out of them . :D

Good post. I think it will aid some clubs in the chance to overhaul Chelsea though, as Chelsea have done their transfers.

Mourinho must be fuming. Could have had Shevchenko for £15m but he spent £30m! PMSL!  :D

What have Chelsea FC and Garry Bush got in common ?


They both pay double the going rate  ::)


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on July 15, 2006, 09:38:41 AM
rotflmfao

 ;goodvevil;


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Rooky9 on July 15, 2006, 09:52:45 AM
Nedved for Spurs.

Please!!!  ;tk;

Exactly how many players does one squad need?! I'm sure Tottenham have about 30 defenders and Midfielders and  three strikers!

Cannavaro and Toni for NUFC please! LOL


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 15, 2006, 12:46:13 PM
Nedved for Spurs.

Please!!!  ;tk;

Nedved said he is staying.

Juve are offering full wage and i imagine a big bonus to those who stay.

You have to feel for Didier Deschamps, manager for 6hrs and already got Juve relegated!

I imagine the sentances will be brought back after the appeals.

Looks like Capello will be taking Emerson for sure and probably Zambrotta over to Real Madrid.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Graham C on July 15, 2006, 01:43:44 PM
Whilst this is obviously the correct solution, I can't help but feel the gloss will be taken off  the Champions League for a season or two. 


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 15, 2006, 02:54:54 PM
Nedved for Spurs.

Please!!!  ;tk;

Nedved said he is staying.

Juve are offering full wage and i imagine a big bonus to those who stay.

You have to feel for Didier Deschamps, manager for 6hrs and already got Juve relegated!

I imagine the sentances will be brought back after the appeals.

Looks like Capello will be taking Emerson for sure and probably Zambrotta over to Real Madrid.

I can't see the punishments being reduced. I don't know much about Fiorentina and Lazio's involvement but I think Milan were lucky to get away with a 15 point docking and Juve were lucky not to go down to Serie C.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: thetank on July 15, 2006, 03:01:52 PM
So my question is....

Who will win Serie A next year?

and

Will enough people care? Surely this will hurt all the Italian clubs, even the innocent ones.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 15, 2006, 03:05:02 PM
So my question is....

Who will win Serie A next year?

and

Will enough people care? Surely this will hurt all the Italian clubs, even the innocent ones.

It's a toss up between Inter and Roma I feel. Probably Inter as they have the squad already.

This is so huge it's untrue.

3 new champions league replacements, which means Uefa Cup entrants replaced by lower mid-table teams.

The relegated teams stay up now as well and are joined by 3 promoted teams from below!

Serie B might even be more fun to watch!


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on July 15, 2006, 04:59:09 PM
Florentina got relegated for match fixing a few years ago. You would've thought they learned their lesson ::)


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: mikkyT on July 15, 2006, 05:03:25 PM
Whilst this is obviously the correct solution, I can't help but feel the gloss will be taken off  the Champions League for a season or two. 

Bit like when the English were banned for 5 years. One of the best teams the European game has ever seen was not able to compete in the elite competition. And still only two teams have managed to beat them in the number of champions cups won. And lets not forget that Manchester "never done anything ever" Utd get knighthoods for doing far less.....


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: thetank on July 15, 2006, 05:36:52 PM
Another thread tainted by scouse-ness ::)


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: mikkyT on July 15, 2006, 05:41:29 PM
Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly are two of the greatest managers ever to grace the terraces around the UK, yet they go without knighthoods whilst the likes of Busby, Charlton and Ferguson get them for naff all (Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 15, 2006, 05:47:16 PM
Whilst this is obviously the correct solution, I can't help but feel the gloss will be taken off  the Champions League for a season or two. 

Bit like when the English were banned for 5 years. One of the best teams the European game has ever seen was not able to compete in the elite competition. And still only two teams have managed to beat them in the number of champions cups won. And lets not forget that Manchester "never done anything ever" Utd get knighthoods for doing far less.....

Spot on.

How Furguson was Knighted but Paisley wasn't I'll never know.

3 European Cups to 1!

Also well said about the late eighties Liverpool team. They could well have challenged that great Milan side. Beat them? Probably not, but we'll never know....


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on July 15, 2006, 07:31:05 PM
(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed at MonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any football club ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals (Arsenal) 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Jim-D on July 15, 2006, 07:34:51 PM
(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed atMonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any clubs ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

You dont think his great coaching/managerial attributes made these players/team into the GREAT thing that they were?


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on July 15, 2006, 07:36:09 PM
(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed atMonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any clubs ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

You dont think his great coaching/managerial attributes made these players/team into the GREAT thing that they were?


err, no.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 15, 2006, 07:50:27 PM
So my question is....

Who will win Serie A next year?

and

Will enough people care? Surely this will hurt all the Italian clubs, even the innocent ones.

It's a toss up between Inter and Roma I feel. Probably Inter as they have the squad already.


Inter will do better than Roma given that Cassano may be moving to Real.

I actually think Milan will still win Serie A, as long as they can find a replacememnt for Shevchenko. They beat Inter last year by 12 points. The only problem being that the chance to make ground is harder given there are more 'whipping boys' in serie a now.

Milan may even still qualify for the UEFA cup, there is a problem with Empoli apparently and despite the huge points reduction they are just 1 off the UEFA spot now.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Jim-D on July 15, 2006, 07:52:30 PM
Is there any prices up yet for the serie A?

Be interesting to see what price Milan are


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 15, 2006, 08:05:24 PM
So my question is....

Who will win Serie A next year?

and

Will enough people care? Surely this will hurt all the Italian clubs, even the innocent ones.

It's a toss up between Inter and Roma I feel. Probably Inter as they have the squad already.


Inter will do better than Roma given that Cassano may be moving to Real.

I actually think Milan will still win Serie A, as long as they can find a replacememnt for Shevchenko. They beat Inter last year by 12 points. The only problem being that the chance to make ground is harder given there are more 'whipping boys' in serie a now.

Milan may even still qualify for the UEFA cup, there is a problem with Empoli apparently and despite the huge points reduction they are just 1 off the UEFA spot now.

Cassano has been at Madrid since Christmas hasn't he? I've definately seen him play in the white shirt. Was it a loan deal then?

I agree Milan still have a shot. Depends if any big names leave them though.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 15, 2006, 08:09:10 PM
(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed at MonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any football club ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals (Arsenal) 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

I think Ferguson is excellent but Nemesis has a point. Since that youth team got old/sold Man Yoo haven't won much have they?

Ferguson's transfer record isn't exactly as shrewd as Wenger's either.

Finally, do not forget the drink culture, bad diets habits etc of English football were rife under Fergie's Man Utd. It was Arsene Wenger who changed the way footballers look after themselves in this country. Ferguson just followed suit.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 15, 2006, 09:29:33 PM

Cassano has been at Madrid since Christmas hasn't he? I've definately seen him play in the white shirt. Was it a loan deal then?

I agree Milan still have a shot. Depends if any big names leave them though.

You may be right, i didnt follow too much last year. If he was on loan then certainly he will stay given Capello's now in charge.

I can't see the big guns leave Milan, why would they? They might not win the league this year but for the next 2/3 they are nailed on.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: NoflopsHomer on July 15, 2006, 09:51:29 PM
If Milan find a decent striker, I wonder what the odds are of them winnning the title...


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 15, 2006, 09:58:05 PM
If Milan find a decent striker, I wonder what the odds are of them winnning the title...

Trez is a likely target, as is Toni.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 16, 2006, 06:46:37 PM
If Milan find a decent striker, I wonder what the odds are of them winnning the title...

Trez is a likely target, as is Toni.

The man said decent! Trezuguet is the most overrated striker on Earth!

I think with Gilardino, Inzaghi, Tomasson and Kaka behind, they're not far off anyway!


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 16, 2006, 06:47:51 PM

Cassano has been at Madrid since Christmas hasn't he? I've definately seen him play in the white shirt. Was it a loan deal then?

I agree Milan still have a shot. Depends if any big names leave them though.

You may be right, i didnt follow too much last year. If he was on loan then certainly he will stay given Capello's now in charge.

I can't see the big guns leave Milan, why would they? They might not win the league this year but for the next 2/3 they are nailed on.

Some players at 28+ wont want a year without Champions League football.

Although to be fair Gatuso, Kaka and Gilardino are staying already.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 16, 2006, 07:01:25 PM

Cassano has been at Madrid since Christmas hasn't he? I've definately seen him play in the white shirt. Was it a loan deal then?

I agree Milan still have a shot. Depends if any big names leave them though.

You may be right, i didnt follow too much last year. If he was on loan then certainly he will stay given Capello's now in charge.

I can't see the big guns leave Milan, why would they? They might not win the league this year but for the next 2/3 they are nailed on.

Some players at 28+ wont want a year without Champions League football.

Although to be fair Gatuso, Kaka and Gilardino are staying already.

I disagree, most of the Milan players have already won the Champions league and i cant see them wanting to leave just becuase of 1 season without CL football. They are a great team and know they will be back.

Trez is a class striker, he just doesnt score the amazing goals, he is a poacher. He has 32 goals from 66 games for France (11 of those caps are as a sub). Henry is 36 goals from 85.

In club football he has played 244 games and scored 147 goals (60%). Again compare too Henry who has had 499 games and scored 245 goals (49%)

He wont win the 'goal of the year' award but he is always the fave for top goalscorer, people keep underestimating him and he just keeps firing in the goals.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 16, 2006, 07:35:28 PM

Cassano has been at Madrid since Christmas hasn't he? I've definately seen him play in the white shirt. Was it a loan deal then?

I agree Milan still have a shot. Depends if any big names leave them though.

You may be right, i didnt follow too much last year. If he was on loan then certainly he will stay given Capello's now in charge.

I can't see the big guns leave Milan, why would they? They might not win the league this year but for the next 2/3 they are nailed on.

Some players at 28+ wont want a year without Champions League football.

Although to be fair Gatuso, Kaka and Gilardino are staying already.

I disagree, most of the Milan players have already won the Champions league and i cant see them wanting to leave just becuase of 1 season without CL football. They are a great team and know they will be back.

Trez is a class striker, he just doesnt score the amazing goals, he is a poacher. He has 32 goals from 66 games for France (11 of those caps are as a sub). Henry is 36 goals from 85.

In club football he has played 244 games and scored 147 goals (60%). Again compare too Henry who has had 499 games and scored 245 goals (49%)

He wont win the 'goal of the year' award but he is always the fave for top goalscorer, people keep underestimating him and he just keeps firing in the goals.

I agree Milan will keep their players. 4 big guns have now said they will stay.

As for Trezeguet.... he NEVER turns up on the big stage. (Except one goal in Euro 2000)

Champions League? Useless.

International competitions? Useless.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 16, 2006, 08:47:08 PM
In fairness, the French strikers dont have a great strike rate in Intl. comps, all the goals come from midfield.

Champions League he has scored shed loads of goals, he has also scored in some very important serie A matches.

As it turns out it looks like Liverpool are going to get him!!! At least try to on a loan deal.

I hope they do so you can see what a great striker he is. The one man you want to have the ball in the area with is Trezegol


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Rod Paradise on July 16, 2006, 11:28:49 PM
(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed at MonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any football club ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals (Arsenal) 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

I think Ferguson is excellent but Nemesis has a point. Since that youth team got old/sold Man Yoo haven't won much have they?

Ferguson's transfer record isn't exactly as shrewd as Wenger's either.

Finally, do not forget the drink culture, bad diets habits etc of English football were rife under Fergie's Man Utd. It was Arsene Wenger who changed the way footballers look after themselves in this country. Ferguson just followed suit.

Remember Ferguson took a middle rank team to the top in Scotland & won a  european trophy with them before he even came to Man Utd. He didn't exactly walk into a successful side there either & had to bring the kids through to take the final step to the CL - and while he got a bumper crop through with Giggs Butt Beckham (sounds like a request ;) ) - the kids were youngsters when he took over and changed the youth system around.

I think 3 European trophies with 2 clubs is a not bad record for the knighthood (if you're going to give that kind of thing out for sports managers).

As far as the drink went - he came into Man U & that was the culture and it took him time to change it, but the worst culprits were away before Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 17, 2006, 04:31:43 AM
(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed at MonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any football club ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals (Arsenal) 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

I think Ferguson is excellent but Nemesis has a point. Since that youth team got old/sold Man Yoo haven't won much have they?

Ferguson's transfer record isn't exactly as shrewd as Wenger's either.

Finally, do not forget the drink culture, bad diets habits etc of English football were rife under Fergie's Man Utd. It was Arsene Wenger who changed the way footballers look after themselves in this country. Ferguson just followed suit.

Remember Ferguson took a middle rank team to the top in Scotland & won a  european trophy with them before he even came to Man Utd. He didn't exactly walk into a successful side there either & had to bring the kids through to take the final step to the CL - and while he got a bumper crop through with Giggs Butt Beckham (sounds like a request ;) ) - the kids were youngsters when he took over and changed the youth system around.

I think 3 European trophies with 2 clubs is a not bad record for the knighthood (if you're going to give that kind of thing out for sports managers).

As far as the drink went - he came into Man U & that was the culture and it took him time to change it, but the worst culprits were away before Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal.

Fair point about Ferguson but maybe the game has moved on from the late eighties and early nineties? Some managers can't change with the times. Clough couldn't. Dalglish couldn't.

It is also possible Ferguson stood out amongst an average crop. Now some of the best are in the EPL, Mourinho, Wenger, Benitez, even up and comers like Jol. In the past he had Wilkinson, Big Ron, Roy evans, Bruce Rioch and Kevin Keegan to deal with - bet he was shaking!

Anyway, I think the Knighthood is deserved I just think Paisley should have had 3! ;)

As for the drink culture you are correct of course, except that Arsene Wenger changed the Arsenal drink policy single handedly. The first thing he said on his tour of Highbury was "That bar will have to go!" - although it wasn't in the press as much as before, he was still "shocked" at the diet and drinking culture within Highbury. Liverpool still had the "spice boys" and Keano was still on benders long after Wenger had arrived. Arsenal players weren't. He is also responsible for the way we look at diet, training etc.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 17, 2006, 04:32:39 AM
In fairness, the French strikers dont have a great strike rate in Intl. comps, all the goals come from midfield.

Champions League he has scored shed loads of goals, he has also scored in some very important serie A matches.

As it turns out it looks like Liverpool are going to get him!!! At least try to on a loan deal.

I hope they do so you can see what a great striker he is. The one man you want to have the ball in the area with is Trezegol

He's coming to Liverpool? Oh well, there's another season out the window!  :D


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on July 17, 2006, 11:30:56 AM
(Ok, Fergie DOES deserve his knighthood. And I think things are different in the modern era. You couldn't get away with not giving fergie one even if he is scottish)

He is the luckiest manager alive.

How could he not succeed at MonopolyManchester United? Unrivalled transfer funds + best crop of young players to come through any football club ranks, EVER!

I mean, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, and Gary Neville would arguably walk into any team (at their peak), and then you have players like Butt and Phil Neville; established internationals, all for free.

Then, when a better manager enters the frame (Arsene Wenger) and defeats the mighty Monopoly United, he (Ferguson) just goes out and spends his rivals (Arsenal) 5 year transfer budget on 3 players!!!

I think Ferguson is excellent but Nemesis has a point. Since that youth team got old/sold Man Yoo haven't won much have they?

Ferguson's transfer record isn't exactly as shrewd as Wenger's either.

Finally, do not forget the drink culture, bad diets habits etc of English football were rife under Fergie's Man Utd. It was Arsene Wenger who changed the way footballers look after themselves in this country. Ferguson just followed suit.

Remember Ferguson took a middle rank team to the top in Scotland & won a  european trophy with them before he even came to Man Utd. He didn't exactly walk into a successful side there either & had to bring the kids through to take the final step to the CL - and while he got a bumper crop through with Giggs Butt Beckham (sounds like a request ;) ) - the kids were youngsters when he took over and changed the youth system around.

I think 3 European trophies with 2 clubs is a not bad record for the knighthood (if you're going to give that kind of thing out for sports managers).

As far as the drink went - he came into Man U & that was the culture and it took him time to change it, but the worst culprits were away before Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal.

Fair point about Ferguson but maybe the game has moved on from the late eighties and early nineties? Some managers can't change with the times. Clough couldn't. Dalglish couldn't.

It is also possible Ferguson stood out amongst an average crop. Now some of the best are in the EPL, Mourinho, Wenger, Benitez, even up and comers like Jol. In the past he had Wilkinson, Big Ron, Roy evans, Bruce Rioch and Kevin Keegan to deal with - bet he was shaking!

Anyway, I think the Knighthood is deserved I just think Paisley should have had 3! ;)

As for the drink culture you are correct of course, except that Arsene Wenger changed the Arsenal drink policy single handedly. The first thing he said on his tour of Highbury was "That bar will have to go!" - although it wasn't in the press as much as before, he was still "shocked" at the diet and drinking culture within Highbury. Liverpool still had the "spice boys" and Keano was still on benders long after Wenger had arrived. Arsenal players weren't. He is also responsible for the way we look at diet, training etc.

Good post.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on July 17, 2006, 03:05:15 PM
Benitez has complimented Zambrotta in the media - now THAT I would love!


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 17, 2006, 03:09:29 PM
Benitez has complimented Zambrotta in the media - now THAT I would love!

A very underrated player.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on July 17, 2006, 03:11:00 PM
Benitez has complimented Zambrotta in the media - now THAT I would love!

A very underrated player.

?

Underrated by who?


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 17, 2006, 03:20:35 PM
By a lot of pundits pre world cup


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 31, 2006, 10:49:27 PM
So Fiorentina and Lazio are back in Serie A, Juve have gone from 30 pts defict to 17. Milans penalty on last season is 30 not 44 points so they qualify for the CL.

Rumour also has it Milan are about to offer a bid of £85.5m for Ronaldinho (meets his release fee clause)


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Graham C on July 31, 2006, 10:56:02 PM
£85.5m

wow


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on July 31, 2006, 11:19:37 PM
So Fiorentina and Lazio are back in Serie A, Juve have gone from 30 pts defict to 17. Milans penalty on last season is 30 not 44 points so they qualify for the CL.

Rumour also has it Milan are about to offer a bid of £85.5m for Ronaldinho (meets his release fee clause)

Like trying to buy Rooney from Man U.

Absolutely no chance of Ron leaving Barca. Not yet anyways ;)


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on July 31, 2006, 11:31:13 PM
So Fiorentina and Lazio are back in Serie A, Juve have gone from 30 pts defict to 17. Milans penalty on last season is 30 not 44 points so they qualify for the CL.

Rumour also has it Milan are about to offer a bid of £85.5m for Ronaldinho (meets his release fee clause)

Like trying to buy Rooney from Man U.

Absolutely no chance of Ron leaving Barca. Not yet anyways ;)

Well if he wants to do so and Milan offer £85.5m then he will!


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on August 01, 2006, 01:06:14 AM
Why leave the best team in Europe for the 2nd best in Italy?

Not going to happen.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on August 01, 2006, 01:11:31 AM
Why leave the best team in Europe for the 2nd best in Italy?

Not going to happen.

Who are the best team in Italy if not Milan?

And where do they stand in Europe? I cant think of many better teams.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on August 01, 2006, 01:26:16 AM
Juventus WERE the best team seeing as even before the match fixing scandal they were the regular Italian league winners in the last 7 years or so. Now I guess you have to say Milan.

True there aren't many better than Milan in Europe but Barcelona are one of those few.

(Along with Liverpool who beat them in the European Cup final!)


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on August 01, 2006, 11:42:40 AM
Juventus WERE the best team seeing as even before the match fixing scandal they were the regular Italian league winners in the last 7 years or so. Now I guess you have to say Milan.

True there aren't many better than Milan in Europe but Barcelona are one of those few.

(Along with Liverpool who beat them in the European Cup final!)

Don't say silly stuff like that!

Milan with Ronaldinho would be better than Barca without him. They reached consecutive CL finals and really showed at the time they were europes best team. It won't take them much to get back to that spot. Excluding Chelsea of course who are just stupidly strong.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: JungleCat03 on August 01, 2006, 12:53:29 PM
Milan are a big club but barca have been better than them in recent times retaining La Liga and winning the european cup.

Now they have lost shevchenko and possibly kaka, there would seem little point in him joining a currently inferior club, unless they offered him a massive salary hike.

 I think the transfer rumours are just that, rumours and groundless speculation as is inevitable every time the season approaches.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on August 01, 2006, 01:57:48 PM
Juventus WERE the best team seeing as even before the match fixing scandal they were the regular Italian league winners in the last 7 years or so. Now I guess you have to say Milan.

True there aren't many better than Milan in Europe but Barcelona are one of those few.

(Along with Liverpool who beat them in the European Cup final!)

Don't say silly stuff like that!

Milan with Ronaldinho would be better than Barca without him. They reached consecutive CL finals and really showed at the time they were europes best team. It won't take them much to get back to that spot. Excluding Chelsea of course who are just stupidly strong.

The average age of Barca in the semi final Vs Milan was 25. The average at Milan was 32. Mlan have an entire rebuilding process to do whereas Barca are on the up not even at their peak yet.

Milan would be better with Ronaldinho but if you had both teams without him Barca would still win IMO.

So again I see no reason for him to move.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on August 01, 2006, 02:03:32 PM
So again I see no reason for him to move.

$$$


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: The Baron on August 02, 2006, 02:01:28 AM
So again I see no reason for him to move.

$$$

Fiar point, but how much more do you need than £110 p/w?! I tell ya, when I was a lad....


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Nem on August 02, 2006, 03:15:34 PM
Barcelona are a bigger and more prestigious club than Milan.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Rooky9 on August 02, 2006, 06:37:38 PM
and the spanish culture is far closer to Brazilian than Italian is... 


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on August 02, 2006, 07:33:11 PM
and the spanish culture is far closer to Brazilian than Italian is... 

I can't think of many Brazillians who have found it hard to adapt to Italian culture.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: mjrevie on August 03, 2006, 11:58:13 AM
and the spanish culture is far closer to Brazilian than Italian is... 

I can't think of many Brazillians who have found it hard to adapt to Italian culture.

I agree with you flushy but still think the style of game in spain is more suited to brazilians.

Also, if Ronaldinho stays at Barcelona for say another 5-7 years, they win another european cup, maybe 2 and win the league a few times, I think Barca fans would say that Ronaldinho is the greatest Barca player of all time. There would be something special abuot saying your the greatest player of all time for the most iconic football club in the world (and that includes Man Yoo!!)? The question is, why leave, and i dont think $$ is enough of a reason.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Royal Flush on August 03, 2006, 03:28:51 PM
and the spanish culture is far closer to Brazilian than Italian is... 

I can't think of many Brazillians who have found it hard to adapt to Italian culture.

I agree with you flushy but still think the style of game in spain is more suited to brazilians.

Also, if Ronaldinho stays at Barcelona for say another 5-7 years, they win another european cup, maybe 2 and win the league a few times, I think Barca fans would say that Ronaldinho is the greatest Barca player of all time. There would be something special abuot saying your the greatest player of all time for the most iconic football club in the world (and that includes Man Yoo!!)? The question is, why leave, and i dont think $$ is enough of a reason.

Money is a big issue, a footballer has 15 years to earn enough money to set him up for life. If Milan offer enough and Kaka stays, he may well wish to join them.


Title: Re: Italian Serie A Scandal
Post by: Rooky9 on August 03, 2006, 06:55:50 PM
and the spanish culture is far closer to Brazilian than Italian is... 

I can't think of many Brazillians who have found it hard to adapt to Italian culture.

because there hasnt been many there..Ronaldo, didnt like it.. suppose Emerson and Adriano seem to.

none of which change my first statement!  ;D