The Soccer Thread (IV)

Former Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic striker John Hartson has testicular cancer that's spread to his brain.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8147852.stm

 

When I read that news this morning it was very disturbing. I feel bad for the guy and hope he really makes it through. I was never a big fan of him (for obvious reasons) however he was rather fair when doing the commentary during the halftime of a Rangers game on Setanta.

 

Saw him play once on a summer tour stop a few years ago. He was one of the few who actually tried that day.

Sad to see him in this situation.

 

This happened a few days ago, but I didn't see it posted, so Charlie Davies has apparently signed for Ligue 1 side Sochaux:

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/07/report-davies-headed-to-sochaux.html

(The link is just a report, but it was confirmed).

Should be a good step up for Charlie.

 

Man City is playing with Monopoly money, in transfer and wage fees.

I'd post a link, but just try teh googles. They're in on anyone and everyone who has even succeeded in the history of the game.

 

They appear to have Tevez.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8148839.stm

 

And working on Adebayor, John Terry (or Kolo Toure), Joleon Lescott from Everton and Xabi Alonso (who probably won't be sold). Already bought Roque Santa Cruz, too.

 

Apropos of nothing, I'd just like to thank Manchester United for ridding me of any dreams I had about covering the Premiership one day.

If other clubs at that level act like ManYoo, I'll stay here in the sticks, thanks.

 

Maybe if you cover a Championship League team, they're less jerky if they move up. Like ... snicker ... Newcastle.

 

Not the most accomodating?

Just plain dick-ish behavior?

 

Telegraph insists Alonso will be sold, but Rafa is asking 30 million pounds for him, and it's hard to see even gonzo-spending Real going for it.
I hate to see Liverpool's chemistry altered, but if my guys can get that much cash and Wesley Sneijder thrown in, I might be able to live with it. Be nice to see somebody that has a prayer of hitting the goal once in a while.

 

1) They have to pre-approve any special section we do, including any use of their logo.

2) They shot down our plan to run a special wrap-around preview on Monday's edition. "It could be commercialized" they say ... meaning if they don't get a cut, they won't OK it. Hell, they're already getting all ancillary revenue from the friendly except ticket sales (and 65,000 of the most expensive tickets this country has ever seen won't even come close to ManYoo's asking price, according to organizers).

3) They're going to be in town for three (3) days and have two (2) availability sessions -- one presser the morning before the game and the post-game presser. No access in the hotel, no access before or after training, and all interviews are subject to club approval.

I know the whole tour is one big exercise in Brand Exposure, but it'd be peachy keen if they'd at least act like they gave a damn about the locals. And yet the second they touch down, they'll receive a rapturous welcome that would make even Sukarno jealous.

If this is how they act in the Big Leagues, I'm plenty happy to stay in the minors -- maybe a nice MLS beat one day.