Why? Firstly because it gives us something to talk about and secondly because it gives me something to carry on writing about as I have a sneaking suspicion that the summer will be very quiet at St James’ Park.
I can’t wait till the competition starts if I’m being honest. That’s why I’ve previewed some of the favourites for the competition. At this current moment in time the host nation are the favourites. If you check http://static.williamhill.com/world-cup-2014/betting/winner-odds/, odds for Brazil are currently 10/3 to win the whole thing.
Germany and Argentina are joint second favourites at 9/2 with defending champions Spain ranked at 11/2. Belgium are 14/1, Holland 16/1, England are 18/1 with Italy placed at 20/1. I personally think the winners will come any of those mentioned so let’s take a look at what they are about.
Brazil
The hype started when they beat Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup and with a squad packed with quality playing on home soil you can see why they are being tagged as favourites. A lot of their key players ply their trade in Europe so there is an understanding of how the stronger teams from Europe are likely to play and they face the physical side of things more often than perhaps they have done previously.
Neymar has the potential to be one of the best players on the planet but things haven’t got off to a good start for him at Barcelona and he looks a little bit lightweight for the European game. However his Brazil record speaks for itself with 30 goals in 47 appearances so he’s likely to be the guy they rely on for the bulk of their goals.
Argentina
The Argies are always in with a shout at major tournaments and they have one of the best players in the world at their disposal. Lionel Messi has been outstanding over the years for Barcelona but he has never hit those heights for Argentina scoring 37 times in his 83 caps. Not too shabby from the Captain but still a far cry from the 243 goals in 275 appearances he’s managed for Barca.
Spain
The strength of Spain is in the team itself and the way they play although being blessed with superb talent always helps. The defending champions have been a dominant force in recent years although there is a feeling that their star is on the wane. Their midfield engine room of Xavi and Iniesta isn’t getting any younger but they do still have some sublime options in the middle of the park like Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas to name just two.
Up front they may struggle. Fernando Torres has been named in their provisional 30-man squad which is a surprise while their record scorer, David Villa, will probably make his last appearance at a World Cup if he impresses enough. The other options are Alvaro Negredo, Fernando Llorente and Chelsea-bound Diego Costa, none of whom have been prolific at international level.
Belgium
They could go far in this tournament given the players at their disposal. In goal they have a choice of Simon Mingolet or Thibaut Cortois, both of who have had excellent seasons. In defence they have high quality with the likes of Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderwiereld, a strong midfield with the strength of Marouane Fellaini mixed with the flair and pace of Eden Hazard and Kevin Mirallas and power up front with Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke. If Marc Wilmots gets it right they could be a feature in the later rounds of the competition.
Holland
Runners up last time out, if Holland are to go anywhere near emulating that feat they’ll need big performances from their big players. Robin van Persie, as Captain and top scorer at international level, will need to find his shooting boots while Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder will need to be at the top of their game. However at the back they look weak.
England
First things first are getting out of the group. Roy Hodgson raised a few eyebrows with his decision not to take Ashley Cole to Brazil but Leighton Baines has had the better season. However, should anything happen to Baines then it will be up to Luke Shaw to deputise at a very young age.
Up front Wayne Rooney has rarely produced at a World Cup and is yet to register a goal in the competition which ratchets up the pressure on Daniel Sturridge, who has had a great season to be fair. I can’t see the Three Lions going much further than the Quarter Final with either Ivory Coast, Greece, Japan or Colombia lined up as second round opponents should they progress.
Italy
The Azzurri are in the same group as England and indeed eliminated them in the last European Championships. A spine made up of Buffon, Chiellini, Pirlo and Balotelli is not too shabby but it’s the gaps around them than should concern the Italians. Marco Verratti has been excellent for PSG this term allaying some fears about taking a player so young to such a big tournament but it will once again be how that domestic form can translate on the international stage.
So that is my quick round up of the favourites for the World Cup. There will always be a surprise package or two thrown in (anyone remember Greece, or Croatia?) so it’s important to remember that, but it’s also worth remembering that these sides are ranked more favourably for a reason.
Johno – If he was to be sacked for the run of form in the second half of the season, what did he deserve for the run of form in the first half of the season. You need to be fair when judging someone over a season.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – your defence of Pardew is blind mate. 12 points in 5 months this season and that’s acceptable?!.
I was at the WBA game at the end of 2010/11 season and it was a disgrace!. We steamrollered them in the 1st half and lay down in the 2nd half – I left SJP pissed right off.
The Euro season, our league form was terrible and yes Europa played its part but its no excuse for not being able to pick up TWO wins and achieve 10th spot or a further 2 draws/1 win from 8th.
You defend him mate, you can accept mediocrity if you’re ok with that. But for me, not achieving those few points is down to the manager IMO.
Sharpy17(Quote)
That is very true Stuart , and fair n vaild point.
Johno(Quote)
KK
Which other managers have got 49 points with Newcastle?
Which other managers have got 65 points with Newcastle?
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
KK
Again you use the wikipedia page as your points for game reference. It includes cup games, how you can allow Inter fucking Toto cup games into your argument I don’t know.
And you ignore Allardyce’s points per game, and allow Hughton’s Championship record to be included!
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Sharpy – Dear me, mate. Do you think them three wins you speak of would have taken us out of mediocrity? That’s funny!
In fact the only season we haven’t been mediocre since SBR was under Pardew. Although it also has to be said that we had a few mediocre seasons under SBR too.
But no, I wasn’t happy with the last few months of the season, but I’m intelligent enough to realise that it wasn’t all down to Pardew. There were things that happened that completely and utterly changed the dynamic of the dressing room – that should never be under estimated.
Stuart79(Quote)
Average as he may be, Pardew IS the best manager we have had in the PL era other than Keegan and Sir Bobby. He almost got us into the CL with Williamson/Simpson/Raylor/Guthrie all playing major roles for God’s sake.
KK uses contradicting devices – on one hands he compares Pardew to other managers based on their net spend but ignores that for others.
What are Cardiff/Norwich/Southampton/Stoke’s net spends during Pardews tine here ❓
What was our net spend under Souness etc, I wonder? 😕
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Finally perspective and sense.
Stuart79(Quote)
https://twitter.com/SirDanWilson/status/461116574318211072/photo/1/large
CC(Quote)
CC
I doubt KK will acknowledge that. Or the fact that in Shepherds reign we tended to spend a **** load.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Well I don’t care what position he got us to or how many poxy points either the football is fucking horrible to watch.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Since Steve Bruce took over at Hull, his net spend has been higher than Diego Simeone’s. Why hasn’t he been sacked 👿
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Johno@356, Says, Think Pardew has done a good job everywhere bar Charlton.
I think West Ham fans might beg to differ mate.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Stu – in numerous post match interviews at the back end of last season – after another game in which we played ***** football and were well beaten – Pardew repeatedly said ‘we need ONE more win’. We have to regroup, go again and get that ‘ONE’ last win ‘for the fans’.
The reality is that that ONE win secured his and the players bonus for a top 10 finish this season.
Pardew has no must win mentality. He sets his teams up to not loose the game rather than go out and win it (which rarely works).
The dynamics change in most dressing rooms in Jan – that doesn’t automatically mean season over.
But hearing Pardew speak you’d think it was – we’ve lost our best player, it’s going to be a struggle – yeah, that’s the kinda craic the players want to hear.
The dynamics may have changed, he may even have had to change his formation slightly – but he’s a PL manager FFS!. There was still enough in that squad to achieve even 20 points in the 2nd half of last season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Solano, Talking of Bruce, I thought his team played with real passion yesterday and were a credit to their City. It’s been a very long time since we played with such passion and spirit and that’s what irks me the most.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Sharpy@389 , Agree totally on that mate.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Kim , West Ham fans are more deluded than we are 😆
In my opinion winning promotion and fa cup final is a good job. I will fully admit my history of West Ham isnt the best but he did have to deal with thse boys from Iceland and strange dealings with Tevez and Marcehrino
Johno(Quote)
Kim
Yeah they can hold their heads up high for yesterday.
I actually think we did play with that passion in 11/12!
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Everton – 2010/2011
Bought:
Apostolos Vellios – 0.26m
Magaye Gueye – 1.23m
Sold:
Steven Pienaar – 3.17m
Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 1.06m
Joseph Yobo – 0.53m
John Ruddy – 0.53m
Lukas Jutkiewicz – 0.53m
NET SPEND: (4.3m)
KK(Quote)
Everton – 2011/2012
Bought:
Nikica Jelavic – 5.81m
Darron Gibson – 0.53m
Sold:
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – 5.9m
Joseph Yobo – 0.62m
Mikel Arteta – 10.6m
Jermaine Beckford – 3m
Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 1.5m
James Vaughan – 2.02m
NET SPEND: (17.27m)
KK(Quote)
4th in the Championship and play off final in his first season, Promotion in the 2nd, Cup final, European qualification and 8th in the league in his 3rd.
Left under a cloud but you cant say he didnt do well at west ham
CC(Quote)
Bought:
John Stones – 3.1m
Bryan Oviedo – 4m
Matthew Kennedy – 0.2m
Kevin Mirallas – 6.73m
Steven Pienaar – 5.1m
Sold:
Jack Rodwell – 13.2m
Joseph Yobo – 2.2m
Tim Cahill – 1.1m
NET SPEND: 2.6m
KK(Quote)
Everton – 2013/2014
Bought:
Aiden McGeady – 1.78m
James McCarthy – 13.5m
Centre Forward – 3.1m
Joel Robles – 3.5m
Arouna Koné – 6.7m
Sold:
Nikica Jelavic – 6.9m
Marouane Fellaini – 28.5m
Victor Anichebe – 5.2m
NET SPEND: (12.6m)
KK(Quote)
It really pisses me off that people keep saying its all Pardews fault we didn’t have a good second half of the season. For ***** sake, man! Look at what happened in the first half of the season. Did Pardew say on 1st January “right lads, we’ve been excellent so far but its time to start playing badly, missing chances, slack marking and generally stop passing to each other…
People need a reality check.
Stuart79(Quote)
Total net spend at Everton since Pardew joined = (31.6m)
Total net spend at Newcastle since Pardew joined = (20.1m)
It’s bullsh*t when some people claim Pardew has had it worse than other managers.
@solanostrumpet
@Stuart79
@Troy
I’m waiting for you guys to man up & apologise – that is unless you have another long list of Pardew excuses?
KK(Quote)
@solanostrumpet
Why ffs would you exclude cup games?
Are they not a priority??
Do they not count???
Are they not real????
We can exclude Chris Hughton if you want – nobody thinks he’s any better or worse than Pardew.
Sam Allardyce isn’t included because we were talking about permanent managers – 24 games is not permanent.
KK(Quote)
Stu/ST – pleased don’t blur my point with KKs. I’m not suggest that Pardew is our worst manager or any of that banter. What I’m talking about is margains. With a bit more effort, stronger mentality and at times a bit more grit – Pardews stats would be up there with KK and SBR – 8th, 5th, 10th, 8th. Under the circumstances he’s had to work that would have been a remarkable achievement.
Moyes basically achieved something similar at Everton, only his owner was skint rather than tight.
Moyes didn’t have loads of money to spend and he’s never had a squad full of superstars. But he had a team consistently in the top 7-8 thanks to a mental attitude that made them difficult to beat.
Sharpy17(Quote)
@solanostrumpet
‘KK uses contradicting devices – on one hands he compares Pardew to other managers based on their net spend but ignores that for others.
What are Cardiff/Norwich/Southampton/Stoke’s net spends during Pardews tine here :?:’
Are we seriously going to use Cardiff, Norwich & Stoke as a benchmark?
And haven’t all three of those clubs sacked their managers?
I also seem to remember Southampton finished above us…
You need start using your brain instead of letting your blind lust for Pardew/hatred for Ashley influence what you post
KK(Quote)
It’s black & white ffs!
Pardew has the lowest points per game of any permanent manager in the history of the premier league!
You can argue that other managers had more money or better squads but it doesn’t change the fact that he has the worst performance record.
And i seem to remember all of the other managers were sacked too. Why does Pardew get special treatment??
KK(Quote)
CC, It’s less how well they did and more how they played and the players he wouldn’t play and strange subs that drove West Ham fans up the wall.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Sharpy – Its impossible to look at seasons and “what if” and “if only”. Every club could do that and you would find our league position wouldn’t change. The clubs above us would have finished a couple of places higher too.
You end a season where you belong – it’s pretty simple. Yes, there’s always the exception to every rule but generally it’s the case.
Let’s not forget when SBR was manager there wasn’t City, Chelsea or Spurs realistically challenging for honours – the league is a lot stronger now but we have gone backwards.
Its hard to catch up Unless you’re prepared to spend big – or at least reinvest the profits from player sales like Spurs have.
Stuart79(Quote)
KK
I’ve been through this before. Jesus, okay I’ll explain it one more time:
Firstly – the Intertoto Cup isn’t a real cup. It shouldn’t be included.
Secondly here is a comparison on why they shouldn’t be included:
06/07, Roeder’s Intertoto & Uefa Cup run:
P14 W10 D3 L1.. Got to the Last 16, losing to AZ Alkmaar.
Points per game: 2.36
12/13, Pardew’s Europa League Run:
P 14 W5 D7 L2.. Got to the last 8, losing to Benfica.
Points per game: 1.57
Who did better? Pardew.
Who had a better points per game? Roeder.
If you don’t think this shows that their inclusion skewers your stats then I give up.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
“Total net spend at Everton since Pardew joined = (31.6m)
Total net spend at Newcastle since Pardew joined = (20.1m)
It’s bullsh*t when some people claim Pardew has had it worse than other managers.”
Don’t pick and choose clubs. What about other clubs in the league?
And I take it you ignored CC’s post @384 ❓
It’s too nice a day for this, I’ll leave the other bloggers to continue the wum battling.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Stu – I’m not saying it is ALL Pardew fault that we didnt have a good season half of the season. What I’m saying is that it is largely Pardew fault that we had such a bad second half to the season. We picked up a grand total of 12 points in that 2nd half mate and like I said before – there was enough in that squad to achieve 20 points. If Pardew himself doesn’t accept that then he shouldn’t be managing at this level IMO.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – What about the players? They’re the same ones who got the points in the first half of the season. What about them?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I’m sorry mate, but I think that Pardew is there and gets paid for more than just picking a starting 11.
If your satisfied with what he’s delivering that fair dos – I expect more from the bloke
Sharpy17(Quote)
@solanostrumpet – 407
You conveniently seem to have left out the other cups.
If the game is a competitive game, then it should be included of just picking & choosing to suit your argument.
However, just for your sake we’ll exclude the cups & use your stats.
Guess what?
Pardew’s points per game drops from 1.35 to 1.33!
Roeder’s drops too to 1.55 points per game.
So there you have it. Using your stats shows Pardew to be worse than what i was saying!!
NB – the reason the points per game drops is because excluding the cup games excludes 3 points for a win.
KK(Quote)
@solanostrumpet
We can look at other clubs the league.
You chose Cardiff, Norwich & Stoke – all have sacked their managers!
Southampton finished above us…
‘And I take it you ignored CC’s post @384 :?:’
CC’s link only looks at league games & excludes the cups.
I assume you both think cups are not important, thankfully we haven’t won a cup in most people’s living memory i suppose.
For arguments sake – Every manager on the link has been sacked, some are shown to have done better, others are shown to have done worse.
Why is Pardew a special case?
KK(Quote)
Stu – your deflecting the blame mate. It’s Ashleys fault, it’s the players fault – what about Pardew?.
I said it was largely Pardews fault – which means not all his fault. I again accept that the players could have performed better too. There is a grit and PMA that comes from a manager and coaching staff mate and we didnt play with that under Pardew.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Spot on sharpy17
Ashley does carry some of the blame. That’s why he needs to go.
Some of the players are at fault too. That’s why we need some new players.
Pardew & the coaches are the most to blame for the on field performances & they’re the weakest link – they should be the first to go.
It’s not like it’s Alan Pardew vs Mike Ashley – so why defend either of them?
KK(Quote)
KK
He is a special case because of your own arguments.
His net spend is worse than all the other managers we have had.
That means his league results should reflect that – according to you.
Pardew has had his squad weakened from Hughton’s and Shearer#s era. According to you and your net spend analysis.
That means that we should be doing worse than them (18th).
Again, according to you and your net spend theories.
🙄
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Really, I can’t be arsed to debate this anymore.
When we perform well its the players, when we perform badly its the manager. Even when we win some games some on here go away not happy because we didn’t deserve to win.
Hears a thought – why don’t people look at the situation with a little bit of balance.
The facts are that Ashley doesn’t give a flying **** if we slag him off, or boo him and we don’t get to hear from him and he’s never in a position where we can let him know what we think of him, unlike Pardew. So in my opinion the reason Pardew gets the unwarranted stick is because he’s the only person at the club who is visible to take it!
My god, no wonder people think we’re deluded. The vitriol that has been spat at Pardew at games, on social media and in general is a disgrace considering we have spent nowt and are well clear of relegation.
To get in the top 7 we would need to finish above Man Utd – really people expect that do they?
Stuart79(Quote)
Well whatever the points, net spend etc, he has us playing turgid stuff and is happy to accept mid table (at best)mediocrity, no ambition, no desire to win anything. If he was so bloody marvellous, why doesn’t he ****** off to a club where he was backed and he could realise his ambitions? There are hardly a line of suitors wanting him to manage their clubs. Wonder why that is? No, he is happy to stay put and accept the crumbs from his masters table. He is complicit in the goings on, doesnt he receive a bonus associated with players sold? I am continuing my own self imposed ban, and until we show some desire I will not spend another penny on the club as by doing so I would be complicit in prolonging the long slow death of NUFC. Quickest way to change things is to stop giving him money.
Geordie Deb(Quote)
Bravo Deb, well said and good for you girl.
kIMTOON(Quote)
I was under the impression people don’t want Pardew out in-case we appointed another numpty.
thats now switched to raising points in supporting him regardless 😆
Does he really deserve another chance? he was given one last season after nearly being relegated then showed true relegation form 2nd half of the season… 😯
But he’s here anyway 👿 so we’ll have to just get on with it as see where he takes us… hopefully high in the league and on a decent cup run…
mark(Quote)
Stu , this season was the perfect and probably only chance we’ll ever have of going above Manure, sadly the whole club blew it.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Mark ,You old optimist you. 😉
kIMTOON(Quote)
Have I missed something? Have I been watching a parallel Premier League?
I thought NUFC had been a bang average Premier League club over the last twenty years bar a season or two challenging for the league under KK and SBR. Might be me, maybe we have finished minimum of 6th every year, on a shoe string budget while entertaining the world with scintillating football.
Or we might have been just bang average – pretty much like we are now…
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – really?, coz I could debate this one all day!.
I’ve credited Pardew for wins we’ve had. I’ve said he had us playing some lovely football when he had a 3 man midfield. He fully deserved his manager of the season award.
But if you are wanting the manager to be credited when it’s going well, then you yourself have to be prepared to acknowledge his part when it doesn’t.
I’m not petty name calling or personally attacking Pardew at all.
I’m simply saying that things could have looked alot better with a little bit more effort during his time.
Yes the first half of last season excellent – but the season doesn’t finish in Jan. If you or he is suggesting that good start was solely down to Cabayes influence both on the pitch and in the dressing room, then what the hell has Pardew and his coaching staff been getting paid for?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
@kim 😉 enuf of the old 😆
I’m even think about purchasing a season ticket. there should be a few up since we’re losing 6% per year in sales..
mark(Quote)
thinking 😳
mark(Quote)
Debs – you’re dead right. Even if that meant dropping down to the Championship, you’d rather be at a club where your Chairman/owner backs you and you can get that club promoted (if you’re good enough), than be at a club where the owner has no ambition and holds you back or makes you look bang average.
Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it – look at Steve Bruce yesterday. Went to Hull in the Championship got them promoted and survived with games to spare and an FA cup final.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just remembered the Heed are at wembly later on today hope they get theselves a win .Would be great too see them in the football league .
AXEL(Quote)
If anyone has BT Sports then the Gateshead game is being shown on there at 3 bells
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – If Pardew had any professional integrity he would have resigned by now, but how many managers resign these days? Too much money involved.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – agreed. But I would actually less respect for him if he don’t I think.
As I’ve said (probably more than enough already 😆 ) he isn’t far away from achieving what Moyes did at Everton – and look at the accolades he got during his time there.
He needs more to make his job a bit easier, but we need more in the tough times – whether that’s Pardew or a new coach who can instill that stealy determination I don’t know mate, but with that we could achieve more with this group.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gateshead game on now BT sports. Build up at the moment.
kIMTOON(Quote)
How many of us are confident of beating the Scum next season ?
kIMTOON(Quote)
http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/de_jong_has_left_the_building_833177/index.shtml
kIMTOON(Quote)
KIMTOON by be the question should be how many of us are confident we will win a game next season ?
AXEL(Quote)
that should read maybe not by be 😳
AXEL(Quote)
http://www.themag.co.uk/the-mag-articles/yohan-cabaye-recommends-newcastle-united-remy-cabella/
kIMTOON(Quote)
Axel, I’m just waiting to see who comes in . Thing is we are constantly told that Pards has no say in transfers ,that being the case , if we royally **** up over the first few games then I take it he’ll be absolved of any blame as they aren’t his signings:-).
kIMTOON(Quote)
Kim – that’s what I mean about mental attitude. The scum under both DIC and Poyet looked more up for the derby games – a great hunger to win.
Maybe we have too many foreign players and Pardew & his coaching staff can’t get through to them in the same way. Maybe Pardew and his coaching staff aren’t good enough, I don’t know. But more than anything, I want to watch a Newcastle team who are breaking their necks to win – even if they don’t, so long as I can see they are giving it their all, then I can accept that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Richietoon got a Maths CSE grade 3 ?
I’d rather believe Joe Kinnear. 😳
Munich Mag(Quote)
Sharples@439, 2 things which seem to be particular to the “Pardew era” at the toon.
1 – we start way too slowly, other teams steam out of the blocks, the toon lethargically start games.
2 – quite often our teams can’t last the full 95 minutes…dropping off badly around 70 minutes..
I know people will look in at the number of late / injury time goals we have scored over the years, and think that is contradictory, but the way we have tailed off in some games has been shocking, a sign of bad tactics or poor fitness… or both…
Munich Mag(Quote)
What’s the heed score ?
Can’t find any links anywhere….
Munich Mag(Quote)
KIMTOON thats the problem , which half decent let alone good players will come when they will be paid a pittance and know the club can’t be arsed to try and win a cup . I could be surprised when the transfer window opens but i doubt it .
AXEL(Quote)
Munich – agreed mate.
The game hasn’t kicked off yet, but the build up is class. What footy should be about….. Come on the Heed!!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
I reckon we’ll bring in Cabella on a “Cabaye-like” deal. Spend 2 years at the toon, we’ll double your Montpellier wages, and when you prove yourself we’ll sell you on. Win / win for both of us.
It’s the only way us smaller teams with limited resources can attract upcoming talent 😳 😳
Munich Mag(Quote)
Come on the heed! Hopefully we’ll see some more determination than we’ve seen from Newcastle most of the season! 😀
Newkie(Quote)
Sharples, if I had of been living back on the tyne, I reckon I would have maybe went to Wembley with the heed… me being a glory seeker and stuff.
Imagine the following futuristic pub-quiz question……
“Put the following clubs into order…which of the north east big three have been at Wembley most in the last 10 years….. 1 – 5under1and, 2 – Gateshead or 3 – Newcastle United ?”
Howay the heed !!!
Munich Mag(Quote)
Newkie, that won’t be difficult mate….
Munich Mag(Quote)
Great build up, fingers crossed for Gateshead.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Big play off day in Germany too….
Gruether Fürt, one of Franconias finest, were in the first Bundesliga last year, against the Bundesliga “dinosaur” Hamburg SV, who have NEVER been outside of the first Bundesliga since it’s inception in 1963…
First leg – Hamburg 0 Gruether Fürth 0
Could be interesting … Hamburg have Van Der Vaart and A BUNCH OF INTERnationals in there line up, including Pierre-Michel Lasogga who the toon have been linked with. Wouldn’t touch him by the way…
Gruether Fürth are small time in comparison, with average gates of 16,000, but a canny footballing side…
Hakan Calhanoglu a young German Turk playing for HSV, now he would be a great signing for the toon…
Munich Mag(Quote)