The Soccer Thread (IV)

MLS Insider just posted this pic with the twitter caption: Alan Hopkins & the 76ers Samuel Dalembert: one of these guys plays hoops.

 

Here's an interesting one: Egypt's coach Hassan Shehata said his players would be selected as much for the piety as their skill.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/01/14/world/AP-ML-Egypt-Soccer-And-Islam.html

 

That explains a lot. If you can't qualify for the World Cup (since 1990, IIRC), you've gotta curry favor with the masses somehow.

Can't help but think Shehata, much like the only other local coach (Nigeria's Amodu Shoaibu), is out of a job if he doesn't win the whole thing. For all the talk of helping develop the game in Africa, it seems local coaches operate with a much shorter leash than the imports.

 

Harry Redknapp booked on tax evasion charges today.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8459969.stm



"I know what you're thinking: 'Did he win six games, or only five?' Well, to tell you the truth in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But, being this is the Premier League, the most powerful league in the world, and could blow your wallet clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk? " DirtyHarryRedknapp

 

In connection with his time at, of course, Portsmouth.

Where, meanwhile, the £7 million in TV money has been appropriated by the Premier League for distribution to the club's many, many creditors. Was reading earlier that Lens are considering recalling Aruna Dindane, who's been on the transfer market equivalent of an Aaron's Rent deal, so that they can try to sell him to a club that actually has a chance of paying them any money. (Pompey still owe them for Belhadj as well.)

Dindane has been one of the first-choice wingers/strikers, despite showing a remarkable sense of creativity in figuring out ways to miss gilt-edged chances. But so desperate are Portsmouth that it now seems likely they will recall David Fucking Nugent from loan at Burnley.

 

Another one bites the dust at QPR, Paul Hart lasted only five games.

 

They should just get on with it and hire my boy Stevie Gallen.

 

Another step closer to my ascendancy to the job. Loftus Road, here I come!

 

Just cancelled Setanta, which I subscribed to so I would have access to every Liverpool game.
Sorry, can't justify $15 a month to watch Liverpool hand away 90th-minute leads. It's happened too many times this year.
That'll save me maybe $100 before next season. Then, we'll see.
I've never seen a weaker performance by a Liverpool player than Degen offered on the right wing today. It was a disgrace how many times he got knocked off the ball. I understand there are injuries, but Rafa seems almost to be trying to get fired. A midfield of Degen, Lucas, Mascherano and Fabio Aurelio. Really?

 

Meanwhile, Sunderland has become Surrenderland. Chelsea 4-0 Sunderland at 37 minutes.

Not able to see Spurs-Hull, but it sounds dreadfully dull based on the Soccernet chat.

 

Not a bad idea.