*Official* English Football Season 2008-2009

[Uppercut]

Also reading that the 100m transfer fee was a stunt by Berlusconi to make it look truly an offer that can't be refused and the figure is probably a lot closer to Zizou's world record fee. Would make sense and if so I could definitely see Real trying to hijack the deal.

Pretty much all transfer fees are like that. Fans always think like "right, 30 million in the bank from Berbatov, we can afford to splash some cash". But really the figure is something like 5 million one day, 5 million every 26th Thursday for the next four years and an addition ten million when Berbatov completes 400 matches and 250 goals for United and they win three consecutive European Cups. I'd be surprised if the £107m figure was simply pulled out of Berlusconi's proverbial arse but that doesn't mean there'll be a single huge wire transfer the day Kaka jumps on a plane.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Funnily enough, from a reasonable source at the time (ie. not goal) apparently Robinho's fee to Real Madrid was paid in one lump sum of 30.whatever-million pounds.

Scary.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Speaking of WTF moments, Inter are currently down 3-nil to Atalanta after 40 minutes.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Hmm, blatant red from Konchesky there. Lucky to get off with a yellow.

 

[GIMH]

Belter of a goal earlier though

 

[Uppercut]

Funnily enough, from a reasonable source at the time (ie. not goal) apparently Robinho's fee to Real Madrid was paid in one lump sum of 30.whatever-million pounds.

Scary.

Ah, really?

Anyway, i wonder if anyone's mentioned to Kaka that he's on the verge of committing himself to living in the Realm of Eternal Rain.

 

[grecian]

West Ham have looked good today. Zola doing a great job in trying circumstances. Could of easily let the off-the-field chaos affect them on the pitch.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Ah, really?

Different circumstances tbf. Apparently the fee being paid lump is what got the deal done on such short notice by Madrid, instead of the usual fuddle-around followed by "whoops is it midnight already (face)" that happens all the time.

Anyway, i wonder if anyone's mentioned to Kaka that he's on the verge of committing himself to living in the Realm of Eternal Rain.

Seeing as though every person on the planet said it about Robinho, I doubt Robinho has forgotten to mention it to him.

 

[BoyBrumby]

An article in today's Observer does suggest that Berlusconi has pulled the £107m figure out of his arse:

The prospects of Kaká making a world-record January transfer from Milan to Manchester City appeared to be over last night after a highly placed source close to City's owner claimed widespread reports of a £100m bid were "absolutely ridiculous". Kaká himself is also understood to be deeply reluctant to join City – whatever the fee and salary package – unless there is a change of manager.

The adviser to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, City's billionaire owner, told Observer Sport from Abu Dhabi last night that media coverage of City's offer for the Milan player, plus reported £500,000-a-week wages, was wildly unrealistic – giving credence to growing rumours in Italy that the story has been hyped up by Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, in an attempt to earn good publicity when no move materialises and Kaká stays at the San Siro. First reports of the "£100m" bid appeared on a website owned by Berlusconi.

 

[PhoenixFire]

Apparently Madrid are prepared to match City's bid (wtf!). If they do, it's signed and sealed for Real.

I heard that they were putting in a 70m bid and around 180k a week, which would probably mean that it would still be more likely Real than Citeh.

 

[Tom Halsey]

Bent is gash.

 

[Barney Rubble]

Bent is gash.

Haha, indeed. Was convinced Defoe was gonna score today so not too downhearted, encouraged by Nugent's performance but still worried about our defending.

The game was worth it, though, just for the hilarious miss by Bent and the ensuing disbelief from Redknapp. Get used to it, Harry, he's a crock of ****, and flashing £15million at every team you can find isn't going to solve your team's serious problems.

 

[Uppercut]

3 points now separating the bottom 8 teams.

 

[GIMH]

Crazy in the Prem this season. Great to see.

 

[Johnners]

Quite a number of sites/newspapers reporting that Arshavin is close to completing a move to Arsenal. Have my fingers crossed that it's actually true, would love to see him play in the Prem.

 

[duffer]

After Eboue's horror show last weekend Arshavin can't come soon enough.

Also, apparently the new away kit for next season:

Feel like stabbing myself in the eyes.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Arsharvin's not a midfielder though, he's a second striker in the Robbie Keane mould. Don't see how you can play him, Ade and Van Persie in the same side unless you push Arsharvin onto the wing.

 

[duffer]

That's probably where he'll go ala Nasri or Pires. Or in Europe when we play 4-5-1 he'll be behind Adebayor. Have no idea why we havent tried Robin on the right like he plays for Holland but either way witout Cesc the side is crying out for creativity and he fits the bill.

Also, one of the theories I've read is that the board are crapping themsleves a bit about the market right now and have thus restricted the amount he has to spend. Add to this selling season tickets and corporate boxes for next season might be tougher with the team in a battle to qualify for fourth so they're going down the route of glamour signing rather than the big f*ck off centre back and holding midfielders we probably need just as much. Interestig times to say the least.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

RvP on the right? Seems odd as he's naturally left-footed. Don't watch much Int football so I couldn't say.

Some interesting facts on f365 at the minute. This one my particular favourite:

- Thomas Sorenson was credited with making twenty saves in the game.

That's epic. Feel even worse for him now.

 

[duffer]

Yeah, he cuts in on his left. He actually plays right sided striker a lot for us too with Adebayor drifting out left.