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Thread: FOOTBALL - The Close Season

  1. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by SS View Post
    This is the kind of delusionary stuff that keeps Liverpudlians going.

    London would categorically not be a factor if Spurs and Manchester United went for the same player. No player on earth would sign for Spurs because they're in London in that instance. Same with Manchester City.

    It becomes a factor when two clubs of a similar standing want the same player.
    Hmmm. What if United and Chelsea wanted the same player? United are a bigger club, but I reckon 50% of players would take Chelsea simply because they wanted to live in London. Alexis Sanchez was massively swayed towards Arsenal over Liverpool because London has specialist Chilean schools for his kid/s. London is it's own city state in so many respects, it just doesn't compare with our great Northern cities, and Spurs have been the beneficiaries of this to some extent.

    United are a club that exist in it's own universe, and they attract the best players simply because of who they are. Even though the city of Manchester has had a huge say in the clubs culture and the make up and attitude of its fan base it wouldn't matter in this day and age if they were based in Manchester, Carlisle, Exeter or York, they are a club that players want to play for. City on the other hand just pay massive wages, and this is a big equaliser when you're competing with London clubs. So, I don't think it's a great example.

  2. #27
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gray77 View Post
    Hmmm. What if United and Chelsea wanted the same player? United are a bigger club, but I reckon 50% of players would take Chelsea simply because they wanted to live in London. Alexis Sanchez was massively swayed towards Arsenal over Liverpool because London has specialist Chilean schools for his kid/s. London is it's own city state in so many respects, it just doesn't compare with our great Northern cities, and Spurs have been the beneficiaries of this to some extent.

    United are a club that exist in it's own universe, and they attract the best players simply because of who they are. Even though the city of Manchester has had a huge say in the clubs culture and the make up and attitude of its fan base it wouldn't matter in this day and age if they were based in Manchester, Carlisle, Exeter or York, they are a club that players want to play for. City on the other hand just pay massive wages, and this is a big equaliser when you're competing with London clubs. So, I don't think it's a great example.
    Swings and roundabouts really. Today I think many would pick Chelsea, a couple of years back United. I think the London factor is influential in specific contexts, when two clubs of similar standing want a player for instance or when a player specifically wants to be in London, but in the main, money and status are more important. Sterling and Suarez didn't want Arsenal because of London IMO, put it that way.

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    Quote Originally Posted by SS View Post
    Swings and roundabouts really. Today I think many would pick Chelsea, a couple of years back United. I think the London factor is influential in specific contexts, when two clubs of similar standing want a player for instance or when a player specifically wants to be in London, but in the main, money and status are more important. Sterling and Suarez didn't want Arsenal because of London IMO, put it that way.
    Sterling maybe does. He is a London kid and I think he would jump at Arsenal or Chelsea both for the CL football and to be back in his home city, but conversely I don't think he'd want to play for Spurs. Suarez wanted out because Liverpool had just finished 7th and he didn't think they were a very good team.

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    Just seen a leaked memo from Rodgers to the transfer committee and we are looking at getting 27 players all of whom are needed to replace the 27 we already have.Thats how our transfer policy works.
    Learned comment from The Don

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    Quote Originally Posted by Reacher View Post
    Gray returning seems to have given this forum some impetus. Hopefully we can get everyone back contributing as it's by far the best forum on here in my opinion.
    I've just read today's debate back and thought I'd like to second this point.

    We've all been debating on this thread for four/five years or so I reckon now. It has its highs and lows, quiet times and busy times but it stays consistently good natured and genuinely informative. We've all gone through good times and bad on here - we've read and discussed as DD experiences City reaching levels I bet he never felt possible; United have gone from the top to lower to growing again; Spurs obviously CL and then the usual peaks and troughs; even Gray and Newcastle have gone from genuine CL contender to real downers and Liverpool are similarly well represented and have had fantastic ups and demoralising downs.

    Despite all of this, we're all pretty much still here, still debating. It's a cracking thread and by a country mile, the best one on here. Today has been another example of it - different views but presented articulately and easy to understand.

    Long may it continue.

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    Quote Originally Posted by SS View Post
    I've just read today's debate back and thought I'd like to second this point.

    We've all been debating on this thread for four/five years or so I reckon now. It has its highs and lows, quiet times and busy times but it stays consistently good natured and genuinely informative. We've all gone through good times and bad on here - we've read and discussed as DD experiences City reaching levels I bet he never felt possible; United have gone from the top to lower to growing again; Spurs obviously CL and then the usual peaks and troughs; even Gray and Newcastle have gone from genuine CL contender to real downers and Liverpool are similarly well represented and have had fantastic ups and demoralising downs.

    Despite all of this, we're all pretty much still here, still debating. It's a cracking thread and by a country mile, the best one on here. Today has been another example of it - different views but presented articulately and easy to understand.

    Long may it continue.
    Great post, spot on. My thoughts exactly. It really had tailed off of late and I take on board DD's comments of it being quite Utd focused due to three of us on here being Utd fans. I for one would welcome general football chat as it's nice to hear others opinions.

    Between us we can generate enough chat to take us through the close season easily.

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    Yeah, good stuff, enjoyed the craic today. I'm disappearing again for a few days so will speak to you next week. Hope the Cup Final is a good game and a good way to end a disappointing domestic season.

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    I agree with Reacher, I'm sick of talking about United

    When we're good again though, well that's a different matter entirely

    It is a good thread though. Reacher - pick an NFL team and get on that one too, you might like it

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    Quote Originally Posted by SS View Post
    This is the kind of delusionary stuff that keeps Liverpudlians going.

    London would categorically not be a factor if Spurs and Manchester United went for the same player. No player on earth would sign for Spurs because they're in London in that instance. Same with Manchester City.

    It becomes a factor when two clubs of a similar standing want the same player.
    As a Liverpool fan I'd concede to you on this point. This was proven by the Alexis Sanchez transfer to Arsenal. It was jumped on by our fans when the club put out he wanted to live in London.
    This was nonsense as Arsenal and Arsene Wenger seen in modern day football as a more lucrative club in recent seasons.
    I still don't believe FSG though really pushed for his signing but accept the point SS is making.

  10. #35
    In The North Stand With All The Old Folk DD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gray77 View Post
    Hmmm. What if United and Chelsea wanted the same player? United are a bigger club, but I reckon 50% of players would take Chelsea simply because they wanted to live in London. Alexis Sanchez was massively swayed towards Arsenal over Liverpool because London has specialist Chilean schools for his kid/s. London is it's own city state in so many respects, it just doesn't compare with our great Northern cities, and Spurs have been the beneficiaries of this to some extent.

    United are a club that exist in it's own universe, and they attract the best players simply because of who they are. Even though the city of Manchester has had a huge say in the clubs culture and the make up and attitude of its fan base it wouldn't matter in this day and age if they were based in Manchester, Carlisle, Exeter or York, they are a club that players want to play for. City on the other hand just pay massive wages, and this is a big equaliser when you're competing with London clubs. So, I don't think it's a great example.
    United and Chelsea are of a similar standing. United might be signficantly bigger in the grand scheme of things but players aren't interested in that. To a South American with little knowledge of English football beyond the last 15 years, Chelsea and United are the biggest two clubs in English football. They don't give a stuff about the snobby historical factor that seems so important to English fans.

    Chelsea would be in pole position for any player right now, and the London factor has a massive say in it.
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  11. #36
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    I agree DD. Personally if this South American was choosing a club over here at present he would go,

    Chelsea
    Arsenal
    City
    United
    Liverpool

    In that order. Tradition and history isn't a massive factor

  12. #37
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    Quote Originally Posted by retro74 View Post
    I agree DD. Personally if this South American was choosing a club over here at present he would go,

    Chelsea
    Arsenal
    City
    United
    Liverpool

    In that order. Tradition and history isn't a massive factor
    Given that Utd match or pay more than anything City offer, I would be surprised to see a player choose City over Utd.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Reacher View Post
    Given that Utd match or pay more than anything City offer, I would be surprised to see a player choose City over Utd.
    Equally, Arsenal.

    No way a player chooses Arsenal over United. Not a chance.

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    Great performance by Arsenal in the cup final on Saturday. Hammered home how poor Liverpool performance in the semi final was against a poor Villa side.
    BBC have done well for the old trophy this season. Hope this continues as it's a brilliant competition and deserves respect.

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    Only saw bits of it between the rugby but it looked like Villa could not even get the ball off Arsenal

    I stopped watching the FA Cup for the most part about 7 or 8 years ago when I didn't get a ticket for a semi final with Watford. Watched it on TV and there were hundreds of empty seats. Not even sure who has won them since then but I did read that Arsenal are now the most successful side in the comp

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    This is a good article on Utd's debt. It has increased but with much lower interest repayments meaning even more cash available to spend.

    http://andersred.blogspot.co.uk/2015...nited.html?m=1

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    Quote Originally Posted by Reacher View Post
    This is a good article on Utd's debt. It has increased but with much lower interest repayments meaning even more cash available to spend.

    http://andersred.blogspot.co.uk/2015...nited.html?m=1
    I'm no expert on economics but that reads to me like Utd have basically increased their debt to release extra money and pushed the repayment length back.

    Now, for me and again not an expert, I ask myself why a company making the money Utd do, don't just pay it off ? Why would they want to extend and increase the debt ?

  18. #43
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    Quote Originally Posted by SS View Post
    Equally, Arsenal.

    No way a player chooses Arsenal over United. Not a chance.
    Stu's right. No player would choose City over United now. Five years ago possibly, when we could pay much more than others, but not now.

    As for Arsenal over United, well I'm not so sure. The London factor comes calling again here. Plus I do think Arsenal are very credible title challengers for 2015-16. They also offer Champions League football and average 60,000 at the gate.

    City fall well behind the United, Chelsea, Arsenal trilogy in order of appeal now, but are probably some distance ahead of Liverpool or Spurs (for now!) - unless you're name is James Milner obviously!
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    Quote Originally Posted by Reacher View Post
    This is a good article on Utd's debt. It has increased but with much lower interest repayments meaning even more cash available to spend.

    http://andersred.blogspot.co.uk/2015...nited.html?m=1
    I follow him on Twitter and he's never shy in bashing the club for its moves financially. In sure he's had run ins with Gill too in years gone by. So if he's saying it's good news then I'm inclined to believe him.....there's absolutely no rose tinted glasses where he's concerned.

    I did read the article but it meant little to me, I can see the headline figures and that's enough for my understanding. We've gone from spending 70% of our ebitda on servicing debt to 10% meaning more cash to put into the team whilst also reducing interest payments. I can live with that.


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    More good news for United supporters, Rodgers staying as Liverpool manager

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    Quote Originally Posted by retro74 View Post
    More good news for United supporters, Rodgers staying as Liverpool manager
    Yes he is busy today drawing up a list of free transfers.
    Learned comment from The Don

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    Quote Originally Posted by Scouse Don View Post
    Yes he is busy today drawing up a list of free transfers.
    Milner and Ings on free transfers is pretty decent, but they should be seen for what they are, decent players who will not be the difference between 6th place and a sustained challenge for 3rd or 4th. It's were Liverpool spend their money that will make the difference. If they are daft enough to go after Benteke for the reported £32.5m buyout fee then they will be back where they were last Summer, blowing huge wads of cash for players who are not good enough. Interesting Summer ahead.

  23. #48
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    They'll probably end up with Charlie Austin (or Lambert mk2 as he will be known if they do get him)

  24. #49
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    Quote Originally Posted by retro74 View Post
    They'll probably end up with Charlie Austin (or Lambert mk2 as he will be known if they do get him)
    cant argue with 18 goals in the prem for QPR !
    Learned comment from The Don

  25. #50
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    Quote Originally Posted by retro74 View Post
    They'll probably end up with Charlie Austin (or Lambert mk2 as he will be known if they do get him)
    Austin seems to be a step down from the likes of Ings and Benteke for some reason, but as Don says 18 goals for QPR is decent.

    I reckon he might end up at Newcastle, where he'd be assured a start every week and would be more within our price range of around £10m. Ings will go to Liverpool while Benteke I reckon will stay at Villa for another 12 months.

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