*Official* English Football Season 2014-15

[Ikki]

If Benteke's got any sense he'll steer well clear.

Yeah, better to stay at Villa.

 

[Uppercut]

I'd be really surprised if Benteke happened. Origi and ings already arrived and he's not a Rodgers type player at all. Also I've not heard anything to suggest it's being considered, although I might just not have been paying enough attention.

 

[GIMH]

I'd be really surprised if Benteke happened. Origi and ings already arrived and he's not a Rodgers type player at all. Also I've not heard anything to suggest it's being considered, although I might just not have been paying enough attention.

Been talked about locally but I think mainly ex-players saying they'd like to see him sign up.

 

[Ikki]

I'd be really surprised if Benteke happened. Origi and ings already arrived and he's not a Rodgers type player at all. Also I've not heard anything to suggest it's being considered, although I might just not have been paying enough attention.

He's definitely a Rodgers type player as it's clear that Rodgers wants a good target man which is why we were after Costa, Bony, Lambert, and now Benteke. His Swansea also played with Graham and I think he generally likes a 4-3-3 with a player who is capable of playing with his back to goal and combining with oncoming players. The good thing with Benteke is he is also pretty fast for his size and is more mobile. I wouldn't be surprised to see Origi on the wings either.

Generally, there's no sure way to know if the club has a serious interest in a player but this is one of those where there have been too many stories and connections made for it to be nothing. Believe it or not, going by forums/internet, the sounds are that most Liverpool fans don't want him. I think it's a bit stupid; he's a 1 in 2 goal scorer; and the forwards that are clearly better aren't gonna come to Liverpool.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

There is some degree of uncertainty with Ings as he is young and has time on his side but I really can't see him making the grade at anything above a mid-table club.

Welcome to Anfield.

 

[Uppercut]

He's definitely a Rodgers type player as it's clear that Rodgers wants a good target man which is why we were after Costa, Bony, Lambert, and now Benteke. His Swansea also played with Graham and I think he generally likes a 4-3-3 with a player who is capable of playing with his back to goal and combining with oncoming players. The good thing with Benteke is he is also pretty fast for his size and is more mobile. I wouldn't be surprised to see Origi on the wings either.

Generally, there's no sure way to know if the club has a serious interest in a player but this is one of those where there have been too many stories and connections made for it to be nothing. Believe it or not, going by forums/internet, the sounds are that most Liverpool fans don't want him. I think it's a bit stupid; he's a 1 in 2 goal scorer; and the forwards that are clearly better aren't gonna come to Liverpool.

Out of interest I hoked around to see where the story was coming from. Tony Barrett (generally reliable on Liverpool) reported that they bid £20m, which seems to me far below what Villa would consider, and the moderately-truthful Independent is reporting that the gap between valuations is too big for there to be any real chance of it happening. Could be that it doesn't happen for the reason Baines to United didn't happen: he was just worth far more to his current club than he would be to anyone else.

 

[duffer]

Abou finally released. Hopefully he's saved his money, who's offering him a contract?

 

[sledger]

Someone will surely have him on a pay as you play deal at least.

Such a shame though. Looked like such good player when he really hit stride. That game where Arsenal beat Liverpool at Anfield, when Podolski and Cazorla scored, he totally bossed it. I remember thinking that maybe he had finally come good, but alas.

 

[Cabinet96]

It's not actually confirmed yet, but you would expect it to be in three or so weeks. My guess is he'll continuing training at Arsenal and pick up a pay as you play contract at the club if he ever gets into a position to regularly play first team football again.

 

[cpr]

So McLaren in at Newcastle, which I think is a good move for them. He has an ability to galvanise a lower/underperforming team, and drag them up. When the expectations aren't too high, such as Boro, Twente (first spell), Derby first season, he does really well..... Its when the pressure comes (England, Wolfsberg, latter Twente/Derby) that his team flounder.

Still, for Newcastle, the ideal man to drag them back up the table, then replace him when they are ready to try for Europe again. If only Ashley doesn't give him a silly contract that can be extended for up to 8 years......

 

[Uppercut]

He's just an average manager, no better no worse. He's perfect for their strategy of keeping the club in the premiership at minimum cost so Ashley can make money.

The much more interesting appointment is Bilic at West Ham.

 

[Cabinet96]

AC Milan are going to meet Jackson Martinez's £25.5m release clause apparently. More good business from Porto.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

The new Plymouth manager is Derek Adams. Never heard of him, but at least he's not Steve McLaren. Newcastle fans reaction ranges from underwhelmed to completely gutted.

 

[cpr]

Not seen any of my Geordie mates react yet, having said that, most committed suicide during the Carver reign

 

[Lillian Thomson]

I've only got one personal Geordie friend. He was on a high yesterday when his wife gave birth to their first child. This news has spoilt it.

 

[Cabinet96]

I think Alan Pardew FC (Newcastle and Palace's points totals under him combined) finished 7th this season. Remember when everyone was desperate for him to be sacked?

 

[cpr]

Well those stats look pretty, you've got to remember that not only did Alan Pardew think Shola Ameobi was a Premiership striker during his time at Newcastle, but then went on to sign him for Crystal Palace. That to me says the above is nothing but blind luck

 

[Cabinet96]

They're getting Cabaye apparently.

 

[cpr]

Well Cabaye saying he'd play for Pardew again doesn't necessarily mean Palace are in a position to sign someone from PSG, considering he played more than half their games last year and only signed 18 months ago for £20m. I'd be surprised if that one went through.

 

[sledger]

Got to give Pardew his due, unfortunately. Bloke's an utter turd, but it's impossible to say he's not done a good job over the last year or so.