Match fixing. Thirteen away, No Diaby & a posh new site……

Morning Gooners,

Reading the papers brings such good news doesn’t it?

The stories about match fixing only confirms what I have always believed to be true, as long as you believe what is written of course.

One story in particular relates to an old Champions League match between Liverpool and Hungarian side Debreken.

Debreken’s goalkeeper, Vukasin Poleksic had been banned for two years back in 2010.

The reason being that he’d not declared that he had been approached by a criminal group before his side played Florentina in 2009, a team in the same group as Liverpool that year.

Debreken went on to play Liverpool and suggestion is the goalkeeper was supposed to let in at least three goals but no matter how hard he tried, he failed and Liverpool won that game courtesy of Dirk Kuyt who scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory!

The investigating body has now said that 150 games have now been declared as ‘fixed’.

What I would like to know is how can blatant fixed games go unnoticed by European governing bodies?

Why has it taken so long to deal with it?

Why is the English FA not looking deeper into what goes on here?

Surely now that this story is out, all Champions League winners will have to have their titles stripped of them?

One game can make the difference to the final outcome of a competition and now that its confirmed that 150 games were fixed, the winners have no credibility at all. Remember Lance Armstrong with all his Tour de France medals? Well they have all been scrubbed out with one wave of the arm.

Chetaing is cheating, regardless!

Liverpool are not being investigated, they are supposedly clean as a whistle, but I remember Bruce Grobbelaar, he was convicted of match tampering. Whether any games he was involved in are now under investigation I don’t know. Maybe they should be?

I may be biased but when we had Robin Van Persie sent off in a Champions League clash with the mighty Barcelona for a second yellow card offence for simply taking a shot after the whistle had gone, makes me think that perhaps that game also should be investigated along with a few others involving the Catalonia side!

I always the same question when the same old clubs keep winning trophies too and in the Premier League alone, there has been some absolutely diabolical decisions given to those victorious clubs along the way.

Would I dare say that our referee’s are corrupt in the Premier League? No, not until its been proved but certain teams seem to get a lot more favorable decisions than others, so why hasn’t the FA investigated that?

Head in the Sand I would say or perhaps they know? That wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Today, PFA chief executive, Gordon Taylor has called for players to speak out should they be approached to fix matches:

I believe the game is clean in this country. We always have to be careful and vigilant, but I have seen no evidence in recent times of anything corrupt. 

We have to protect the integrity of the game, but I would back the English game over some of the other leagues in world football.

Germany and Italy are considered to be major football nations, but they have had their own problems with match-fixing scandals in recent years.

Why do most believe that the English game is squeaky clean at the top?

It’s international night, or more like useless friendly night. What really is the purpose of these fixtures I do not know. The Champions League knock-out stage is just around the corner and the last thing players really need is a pointless fixture to be added to an already busy schedule for some. We have thirteen on duty tonight, thankfully Diaby isn’t one of them!

Hopefully managers will be sensible and realise that there is no need to overplay anyone, well our players of course. The rest of the PL club players can play ninety minutes and extra time if they so wish….

Finally, and it is finally, the club have woken up and designed a new version of their website.

Posh eh, but much better. Maybe it cost an arm and a leg and that’s why we didn’t sign another player in January….

That’s it for another day….

Written by Steve Palmer

0 thoughts on “Match fixing. Thirteen away, No Diaby & a posh new site……

  1. ozgunner10 says:

    morning Steve – happens at so many levels in so many sports now and always revolves around that word ‘money’

  2. rico says:

    Morning all.

    Good read Sp, thank you.

    Lee posted this on the last post:

    Arsenal moved to Highbury from Plumstead in 1913, and it is exactly 100 years ago today that the decision to move was revealed in the Islington Gazette.

    See http://www.blog.woolwicharsenal.co.uk/archives/5334

    On Thursday, 100 Arsenal fans will be celebrating Arsenal’s 100 years in Islington at a special reception organised by AISA and hosted by Islington North MP, Jeremy Corbyn. Many of the supporters attending have unique and special stories, including one fan whose great-grandfather was at the very first match played at Highbury v. Leicester Fosse!

  3. rico says:

    Hi Oz, doesn’t it just….

    I really hope the game in England gets looked at though, not so much the players but those who officiate it and above….

  4. stevepalmer1 says:

    Just think we could have been where Haringay dog track was, wouldn’t have any trouble getting a snack down Green Lanes would you.
    Rico you tidied that up quite nicely we’ll call this a joint effort. 🙂

  5. ozgunner10 says:

    agree rico – never understood why they picked players – the ref can change a game in a instant and make it look perfectly innocent ever time 🙂

  6. arnsam says:

    the premier league no doubt is involved. watch man u games against the big teams(mike dean, or howard webb, and now some atikinson) those red cards against opponents and the penalties not to mention the offside goals against even small clubs….

  7. devilgunner says:

    Blimey……..I am highly impressed Sir SP. That is a damn fine article. I am with you 1000%.

    Good Morning my Esteemed Fellow Gunners.

    I can assure you that if the game in England is examined the Europol will unravel a cockroach lair…….a whole can of worms.

  8. rico says:

    I think so arnsam but no-one wants to take a look at it do they…

    Hi devil. Do you think they will look at it though?…

  9. ray parlour says:

    Ive said it for years! any sport where financial gain is huge, has the chance of being nobbled by betting syndicates! if not the clubs themselves?

  10. devilgunner says:

    It eventually will come out to the surface. I wonder if the the FA will have the balls to relegate them……….unless it is involved itself.

  11. devilgunner says:

    Not if its known worldwide Ozzy mate. I can assure you that the same situation occurred in Italy and Malta and many heads rolled. Even the most powerful ones.

  12. devilgunner says:

    The game is littered with corruption. Yes even the EPL. Everywhere in the world. Even small states and FA’s.

  13. rico says:

    Rp, many here think the same…

    If it’s the officials Oz, they are ‘managed’ by the FA aren’t they so surely they’d have to be in on it?

    I don’t understand why no-one has had the courage to investigate before now…

    It’s not as if things are clear to see each week.

  14. ozgunner10 says:

    very powerful and angry people behind these organisations i think it fear for more than the law to be honest – if you get into the wrong group your life quickly goes from bad to worse, as it does for anyone standing against them more often than not

  15. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to the Lady of the House and all my fellow Gooners in the House.

    If the Premier League clubs, players, and officials are cleared of match fixing. The FA must initiate a review of the competency of their officials as some of their decisions, if not bought and paid for, must be due to criminal incompetence. Will it happen? Only slightly more likely than Tony Clueless/Pubis being invited to join MENSA.

    Isn’t it nice to have something other than our board, manager, owners, and/or team to moan/whine about. It’s a nice change of pace.

  16. rico says:

    I’m waiting to see what happens once Fergie retires…..

    Hi Cg, it is isn’t it, that’s international weeks for you. Lets hope the manager and the team don’t give us more to moan about on Saturday evening…

  17. Bob John says:

    I have a friend from Liverpool who had an Everton season ticket for years. He always maintained that Liverpool were corrupt. Said they were known as ‘The Brown Paper Bag Club’ from where refs used to get left monetary gifts! Apparently started when Bill Shankley was peed off when they were knocked out in euro cup semis by Inter Milan through corrupt officials.Decided to get in on the act!

  18. W.A.T.H says:

    That does not surprise me one bit Bob John, we all know the italians been at it for donkeys years…!

    Afternoon all… good article SP….

  19. EastSidePaul says:

    Hey guys, I know its wouldn’t be a popular move but i would bring Nasri back to Arsenal. Not for £200k a week mind you. But the guy is a fantastic player. I would like to see him come back this summer along with 4 other first team players. Namely I would like to see.

    Asmir Begović
    Mats Hummels
    Étienne Capoue
    Samir Nasri
    Stevan Jovetić

    Nothing there that isn’t possible, nothing Cavani esq.

    ——————–Asmir Begović ——————
    (GK)

    Sagna——Hummels—-Vermaelen—–Monreal
    (RB) (CD) (CD) (LB)

    Cazorla——-Nasri——–Capoue——-Podolski
    (RM) (CM) (CM/DM) (LM)

    ————————-Wilshere——————–
    (AMC)

    ————————-Jovetić———————
    (CF)

    Subs:
    Szczęsny – (GK)
    Mertesacker – (CD)
    Koscielny – (CD)
    Arteta – (CM)
    Oxlade-Chamberlain – (CM)
    Walcott – (??)
    Giroud – (CF)

    I would also take the captaincy off Vermaelen, seems to really be hampering his performances this year. Keep that team together for 3-4 years and I think there isn’t much we wouldn’t win in that time.

    Would just like to see some changes.

  20. potter says:

    Large amounts of betting cash = Corruption.
    You only have to look at the half time adverts on Sky to see the influence the betting industry is having on our game, There is always someone looking for easy money and bookies rarely go broke.
    We all want a straight game but most of us suspect it isn’t. From Mike Riley down there are question marks over referee appointments and some of their sometimes incredible decisions.
    Hopefully as they did with Peter Swan and the Sheffield Wednesday scandal , the people involved will be thrown out of the game, but I fear that their replacements will be being probed for debt and other problem circumstances as the appointments are being made.

  21. Canadian Gooner says:

    ESP – It’s nice to dream, but I can’t see us spending the amount of money that would require. Also, I don’t want $amir Na$ti back. Let him sink into obscurity like his buddy Flamoney.

    I like to see us clear out the deadwood (Senderos, Squillaci, Santos, et al) and I’m sure we will buy two or three experienced players this summer. The supporters wont accept any players who ‘show promise’.

  22. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers CG,

    No Na$ri for me either ESP let the mongrel go elsewhere and feed his greed.

    As you say Potter huge money = corruption

  23. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Afternoon everyone ….
    Anyone who likes their football histoty – ESP, Young Bob John or Potter only have to think back to the 60’s and it was rife ..

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_British_betting_scandal

    That was to do with betting ….

    But it’s been claimed that Leeds Utd tried to force results at the back end of the season by the other sides taking it easy … which backfired loads of times for them as Leeds were similar to Arsenal nowadays in that they were always the nearly men ….

    Saying that Leeds were cheated by a Greek referee in the 1973 cup winners final v AC Milan … watch the game … in fact watch the 1975 European Cup Final and Leeds were again robbed by the referee … The referee IS always the main man …

  24. Will XL says:

    So Liam Brady reckons that within the next 18 months at least 6 players from the youth setup will be in the first team.

    I patiently await the day.

    Which 6 do you think he sees as shoe-ins?

    Gnabry, Akpom, Eisfeld would have to be in the picture. The rest would come from Aneke, Bellerin, Yenaris, Meade?

  25. eastsidepaul says:

    Ha I had a feeling bring Nasri back would not be popular, my preferred choice would be to see Cesc back, but I figured that was beyond unrealistic!

    Re Nasri leaving. I’m aware the fans like to continually suggest that he like many others left solely for monetary gains. But I can’t be sure that is the only reason for them leaving. I mean was Nasri left te club he was one of the best midfielders in the league, I’m sure a lot of clubs had enquired about him, City obviously didn’t want to miss out so gave him, literally, an offer he couldn’t refuse. I think mosts have us would have chosen City under the same circumstances, more money than you know what do to with, and a team of superstars would of course are going to win trophies, money and medals, try turn that down.

    I remember when Nasri was at Arsenal all he wanted to do was play through the centre, which Wenger decided would not happen and played him on the left for the majority of him time with us, that must have also been a major contention, and another reason he decided to leave.

    Another topic is one I like every other fan can only speculate on. The idea that Nasri sat with Wenger and discussed what the future held for the Arsenal team and the direction in which the team was going, and that Nasri didn’t like Wengers plans (Like so many of us at the moment) and decided it would be best to leave. Now we’ve all heard the same story with RVP, that he sat down with Wenger and talked about what needed to happen to make Arsenal a competitive team once more, he didn’t like what Wenger had to say, and the rest is history. Once again we’ve all heard the rumors (And thats all any of this is, just rumor) that RVP suggested players he would like to see come into the club, and was told it wasn’t happening. Same goes with the story that he was willing to stay once Cazorla signed but Wenger forced the sale to United though (Really hope that one isn’t true).

    One last paragraph. I read a lot of the blogs out there and am always keen to hear new ideas on what is going on at Arsenal, to try a piece together a story that gets more complex every week. Two interesting theories I have seen put forward, which I have always been hesitant to discuss here as I sure many would take offense to, are the ideas that perhaps 1) – Wenger no longer has “the bottle” to compete anymore, and enjoys life without the stress of nail bitting finishes of the final weekend will we won’t we scenarios. That once we’re out early people don’t expect much, and that has to be easier.
    2) – Wenger doesn’t bring in big players because he can’t manage big players with big egos. I know people will turn around and suggest Henry, Vieria .. etc.. Non of which where big players when they arrived, but where big players when they left. One big player he did buy however has our beloved little russian AA. He came a star, was very outspoken about how the club was been run… and well.. look at him now.

    Anyway sorry for the essay, and as I’ve said before I was Wenger’s number one fan for many years after 04, and even still now am worried a small bit about what will happen to the club after he leave, but there is just nothing happening right now..

  26. Will XL says:

    Saw the link to the interview on that nasri link. I would be ecstatic if we could put out a home grown team capable of competing.

  27. eastsidepaul says:

    On the subject of match fixing, as Steve mentioned in the article, that match against Barca never sat right with any of us, the sending off was something that I haven’t seen replicated since.

    Now I have seen players been yellow carded for kicking the ball away after the whistle, but well after the whistle is blown, RVP was booked and sent off for striking a ball a split second after the whistle went, in a stadium which I doubt he was even capable of hearing a whistle in the first place!

    One thing I remember is watching United place the week after in the Champions League and Hernandez not once but twice kicking the ball after the whistle had gone, with more time in between than RVP with not even a finger wagging.

    I’m not one for conspiracies but that game just screams a fix to me.

  28. tsGH says:

    Hi all,

    A super post sir SP. ( Said in the best AW accent as in ‘a super signing’) lol

    On a serious note I think you have a point. But then I would because I love conspiracies and as Rico said earlier I can not also wait for Rednose to retire so that all the dirty laundry will be hang out… 😉

  29. stevepalmer1 says:

    Afternoon all, thank you for your comments. Looking at some of your comments has given me the idea that games are rigged, too many bad decisions to be mistakes. I wonder if Wenger knows the leagues are fixed and realises that if your not part of it you are not going to win anything. If that were the case all you can do is to finnish as high as you can. The times i have watched what we call important games and a decision is made which ultimatly favours one team. Van Persies sending off definitely put the game in Baca’s hands Lens Leymans sending off in the first few minutes in the final certainly went against us. Too many incidents that have changed results to be incidental. What one of our punters said about how many betting firms on sky tv. Have you ever noticed the odds for next scorer at half time has that named player ever scored the next goal i have never seen it yet. No wonder they have old Actors trying to get you to bet anybody else couldnt keep a straight face.

  30. agirlagunner says:

    A really good piece, SSP. Far too many decisions go the way of Fergie’s lot for it to be coincidence…

    As for Nasri, I will finish your 2:22 rico with “now he can DIE in it.”. 😀 He had a truly spectacular spell for us when Cesc was out; he never again managed that form. Plus, he has talked trash about us. I find that unforgivable.

  31. tsGH says:

    Just to add to the conspiracy, when fergie said 2/3 seasons ago after they lost to Blackburn that their performances when they play on MNF is very poor, I have noticed that the manures play less times on Monday night compared to their ‘rivals’.

    Their record/stats playing on Monday night is far worse than ours as we are habitually half asleep when we kick of at 12 o’clock. 😉

  32. tsGH says:

    Oh didn’t realise it was the one and only Lady Rico’s birthday…. Happy Birthday and have a good one. :d

  33. rico says:

    😆 agag, I thought it was ‘lie in it’…

    Was the big one too agag, I felt hurt 😉 😉

    Not today Ts, back in Jan when I was away….

  34. rico says:

    And don’t they usually have a home fixture after their CL match Ts, where as we so often have to travel…

  35. agirlagunner says:

    Nah, for Nasri, we take that extra step. 😛

    I realized rico, when you were out that it was probably your turning 30 party. 🙂 😛 Happy birthday! Hope you had a fab time and new Hunter boots (which, by the way, a lot of fashionable girls in NY were wearing. )

  36. stevepalmer1 says:

    Sorry Rico didn’t realise you were 70 and i missed it 🙂
    Thanks Agag, we know the score don’t we.

  37. rico says:

    😆 agag. Had a fab time thanks, I did get new boots, and a pair of Vans. Tredy eh ….

    No probs Sp….

    I wish Lee….

  38. GooneRed says:

    Regarding THAT Farcelona game,
    People often forget this but on top of the RvP (RvJudas) red card for kicking the ball away less than a second after the whislte (someone timed it and it was under a second), on top of that in the 1st half there was a bit of handbags stemming from something between Alves and RvP – In the resulting fracas 2 barcelona players, I believe Biscuits and Alves had 2 Arsenal players by the throats in a choke hold. These were blatant red cards that the ref saw yet didn’t even have a word.

    I’ve always believed Yoonited 2 Arsenal 1 (49 unbeaten streak ended) was fixed too.

    These 2 were really blatant at the time to anyone that a) isn’t a moron or b) someone trying to kid themselves that out game is clean.

  39. agirlagunner says:

    I hope those trendy shoes take you places, rico. 😉 🙂

    Hiya, ginge. 🙂 🙂 Hello, Lee. What is “yocal”? 😛

  40. Gonerjoe says:

    I am not saying Gervinho should have won it but I was thinking H Webb he’s been out of this world for Manu over the last couple of years. I think jack is of the same opinion.

  41. rico says:

    Gj, I as being ironic.

    Webb was born up that way, he’s bound to be a Manc fan. His performances certainly suggest that don’t they…..

  42. Gonerjoe says:

    Rico
    Normally I just read. started to blog on sites I like here,arsenal arsenal and 7 am kickoff because I am convinced that Arsenal have had the rough end of the stick when it comes to officialdom. Therefore I have come to the opinion that no matter how much money Arsenal spends we will not win anything until this is changed. This upsets me

  43. rico says:

    Glad you found us here on HH then Gj… we are a friendly bunch 🙂

    I’m not sure really, we used to win things and Fergie and the FA was the same back then, but the club is different now. We have a different owner, no DD, and a manager/owner who either won’t spent because there is no money, or simply chooses not to spend because he is stubborn….

  44. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Great post Steve.
    It is very difficult from the outside to prove anything, but anyone thinking there is no match fixing or corruption of other kinds in the PL is naive.
    Money…..it really stuffs everything!!

  45. Gonerjoe says:

    Rico
    Thanks for the welcome just back in from a walk that is true about we used to in the early days of Wenger because it was only fergie now it’s the money teams and I think things are even more corrupt. All we have to do is look at the suspect decisions against man city and Chelsea recently.

  46. rico says:

    I’m off for the night folks.

    Have a good one and catch up tomorrow….

    Stay safe all………

    Night Night…

  47. Canadian Gooner says:

    ESP – Re your 1:48 p.m. I don’t think Arsene has lost his bottle to compete. You only have to watch his body language and reactions during a game to see that he does NOT like to lose. Also, he could have left on several occassions to higher wages and much larger transfer funds than he has at Arsenal.

    As for point #2 – I think we would have heard more on this from some of our departing players that have crticised the team. I think his stubborness has become sheer obstinancy.

  48. Gonerjoe says:

    Adam
    I just don’t rate him I don’t think he’s a footballing centre back thats just me. I could be wrong

  49. rico says:

    Evening Adam and CG, just about to log off…

    Gj, how come you say it’s a shame we missed out on Cahill and then say you don’t rate him?

  50. Scott from Oz says:

    I am with GJ on Cahill…..totally over rated.
    I reckon opinions on players who play in positions we are weak in instantly look better when we are linked to them.
    Cahill is a decent player, but that’s all.
    We have enough “decent” players.
    On Nasri, he can get fucked…pardon the french…
    Oops, pardon the pun….
    He went for cash.
    He got it.
    He has now got splinters in his fat arse.
    3 sensational months does not make a player world class.
    Stay there and rot, you bastard.

  51. Gonerjoe says:

    It’s good to know Scott I am not out here on my own. jacks just got man of the match against Brazil now if the fucking (more French ) refs would protect him from rotational fouling England will have a great player for years include Theo in that.

  52. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – I’m in total agreement with you regards $amir Na$ti, Both in English and en Francais.

    Well I have things to do. Have a good day Scott and good night to the rest of you.

  53. tembo says:

    messi didnt deserve the award cristiano, pirlo and iniesta deserved it much more shows how farcical it is. just like 2010 when snjeider should have won it.

  54. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening, just watched the England game, and i would disagree with what you say about Walcott. Personally i felt he did some good things tonight but he still runs like a blind man down an alley. But what really gets up my nose is that he never makes a challenge in the air or on the ground. I have to say that i dislike Rongkey but he gets stuck in and fights like fuck for the ball. Jack Wilshere i agree with he was outstanding a 94 minute display of british bulldog spirit chopped down one minute and throwing himself on the line the next, when you talk about hard grafters Jack gets my vote every time. If theo who i believe is getting better, ever grows a pair we will have another outstanding player in our midst.
    As far as Cahill is concerned he had a solid first half but i felt the team suffered with the substitutes, he seemed under a lot of pressure and had very little help which resulted in a mistake but looking at his face told me it really hurt him. My only regret is Wenger didn’t fancy him.

  55. HunGooner says:

    steve

    I think he is more useful on the wings, has the pace to run past the defender and cut a pass inside. I agree that he is not challenging for balls enough, and I don’t think he would get many balls in the middle due to that, and also his finishing is not good enough he should have scored the one before the goal. I would have Baines over Cahil.

  56. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hi HG, we beg to differ then, 🙂 I like Theo but i dont like it when he picks the ball up on the wing passes it back and cuts inside leaving the guy on the wing alone why the hell doesn’t he stay and help him, give the player an extra option, Theo for me is still a work in progress his need for a central roll will eventually ommit him from the team.

  57. Scott from Oz says:

    The best i have seen Theo play was second half v Spuds last season.
    He seemed to be playing in between a wing and CF.
    He was sensational that day.
    On Cahill, i am knocking the guy and he would have added depth to our squad, but he is not as good as people made out, and that hype was just due to the fact we are troubled in central defence.
    My opinion is that, apart for the last month or so, Merts has been a great buy.
    We never seem to have two of our guys in top form at the same time.
    Kozzer, Vermaelen can be nearly world class in stretches, but disgracefully bad at others.
    Merts highs and lows aren’t as contrasting as the others, but he is definitely in a rut atm.
    If we ever get the three of them on good form, defensive problems won’t be an issue….especially when Capoue joins in 🙂
    Do i take it Jacks injury woes are well and truly behind him?
    Credit to our medical team…yes or no???

  58. HunGooner says:

    That’s alright I read its OK to differ here 🙂 However I have to agree with the last comment 🙂 It seems sometimes that he is attempting to set himself up for glory rather than putting the team front, indeed he should stay wide provide support and try to cut inside from the flank. This also leaves us exposed to a quick counter if the ball is lost there…

  59. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening Scott, Merts for me has steadied the back line some what but his lack of pace is a weak link that has hurt us and will in the future too. I agree that if all three of them are on top of their game with Sags and Gibbo or our new guy Snatcho we will have some defence.HG he is trying to impress he knows that he needs to up his game and i must agree i see him as a winger myself

  60. HunGooner says:

    Scott

    I’d say “yes”. And credit where it is due. The cautious approach was taken and he was not rushed back to the team. He could have suffered a major set back if his recovery was rushed…. did it worth the wait? 110% !

  61. Scott from Oz says:

    HG, best wait an extra month than come back one day too soon.
    Yes, they have done a great job.
    Steve, Merts must be used the right way, and in the right games…agree there.

  62. HunGooner says:

    steve, no doubt he is a winger. Personally I would be more impressed if he crosses, cuts balls to the danger area rather then he scores, oh and one more I’d never want to see him taking free kicks ever again 🙂 Good night!

  63. allezkev says:

    Top post Sir Stevo…

    To me, the role of the England U21’s, is to provide players for the senior team.
    Once those players are in the senior team, imho, they have left the U21’s behind.
    So for Stuart Pearce to want to demote Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain back to the U21’s, for the U21 Championship. I can only see that decision as solely a selfish one on his behalf. And an attempt to win that tournament to enhance his own feeble reputation, rather than a decision that will ultimately benefit England…
    In essense, Pearce is putting his own ego, before that of the job that he is supposed to be employed for.

    An interesting thought (well it is to me)???
    Does anyone out there think, that Pearce would be holding down a job in the EPL or Championship, if he wasn’t in his ‘jobs for the boys’ position with England???

  64. allezkev says:

    The news/rumour, that Wenger made a late bid for Capoue, just makes me smile.

    Utter amaturish transfer policy….

    Why not make Toulouse a bid they can’t refuse you idiot.
    Because you have next to no chance of getting him now…

    Forget getting him next summer, he’ll go to a club that does serious transfer business, and we’ll be left listening to another raft of shit awful excuses…

  65. allezkev says:

    I’ve not read that news, that Liam Brady suggests 6 players from the Academy, could be in the first team in 18 months time.
    Did Brady include Gibbs and Wilshere in that assessment?

    If not, then my 6 would be; Gnabry, Akpom, Bellerin, Olsson, Hayden and Eisfeld.

  66. allezkev says:

    That’s not to say that the likes of Afobe, Aneke, Yennaris, Meade, Martinez, Miquel and Toral won’t or can’t be around the squad. And hopefully they can and will be.

    But not sure if they would be on a regular basis?!

  67. Scott from Oz says:

    Lee, he is one guy i reckon will stay.
    Don’t build a side around him though…..it sets a side up for a fall.

  68. stevepalmer1 says:

    Good point there Scott, and don’t give him the armband either as thats a sure sign he’s off. Sorry morning all.

  69. rico says:

    Morning all….

    They wouldn’t sign the contract Lee 😉

    Seriously though, that’s a good question. There should certainly be one in Wilshere, OC and Walcott’s and maybe even Monreal.

    Apparently there was one in Squilli’s but no other club would pay a fiver …..

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