Premier League 2012-2013

[Terry]

So he's changing his philosophy and principles after 3 games? I'd find that slightly concerning.

"But he insisted he had altered some of his methods, citing as an example that he no longer does the crouch-and-point thing on the touchline"

Revolutionary, let the good times roll.

Well - at least for now - despite a dodgy manager - we're above you lot - oh and yes - so are Everton

[BaaBaa.]

Yep, you've got all those results when AVB was still squatting and pointing, imagine what he could achieve now he's evolved to standing and pointing?

[GLCQuantum]

Top four finish again.

[Dahling]

In a short address in front of a packed press conference, the Portuguese said he was disappointed that his energetic, pressing mode of football was unsuited to the Premier League.

... the ‘project’ had already failed to prove it could produce a top four finish this season – seen as a minimum requirement after the success-laden years the club enjoyed under Harry Redknapp.

“My philosophy from day one was to create a better defensive shape while varying our creative sources; I now know this approach is flawed,” said AVB. “The three trophies won at Porto were clearly flukes,” he added.

AVB went on to set out his vision for the rest of the season: “It’ll be 4-4-2 all the way from here on in. I have already instructed Michael [Dawson] that I want him to get the ball forward as quickly as possible. Adebayor will be our primary target – his role will be to run around a bit.”

But he insisted he had altered some of his methods, citing as an example that he no longer does the crouch-and-point thing on the touchline.

Also present, Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy gave his head coach a vote of confidence. There was, though, a qualification to that support: “The Board and I have worked hard to wrap up transfers early this summer in order to give André a settled squad. ”

Sources within the club suggest he may have lost the dressing room after failing to publicly state that any of them deserve pay rises. This comes after similarly divisive actions such as banning the use of Beats headphones on match days and slashing Tom Huddlestone’s calorie intake to just 5,000 per day.

Sounds an awful lot like a piss-take to me. Are you guys sure this press conference actually took place?

[BaaBaa.]

Top four finish again.

That would be like 3 whole times, exciting stuff.

[Terry]

Sounds an awful lot like a piss-take to me. Are you guys sure this press conference actually took place?

Well spotted that man...........
Got some folks going tho.............................

[BaaBaa.]

Sounds an awful lot like a piss-take to me. Are you guys sure this press conference actually took place?

Well spotted that man...........
Got some folks going tho.............................

[Arcadian]

Sounds an awful lot like a piss-take to me. Are you guys sure this press conference actually took place?

Well spotted that man...........
Got some folks going tho.............................

Me included for a while, bit too close to the truth for some though, don`t you think?

[BaaBaa.]

Just seen this little nugget in the financial fair play rules.

UEFA Financial Fair Play

Exemptions - Clause 6

UEFA are able to take into account the importance of a club to the competition and use discretion when ruling on a major club from a big media nation.

[caller]

Well BaaBaa, your club is certainly getting a lot of attention in the papers at the moment! Another interesting report, seems authoritive based on the detail, on the formation of a 'technical committee' to oversee the playing side of things - or thats how I read it?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... ittee.html

The comments beneath the article are, as ever, entertaining. This one seemed to have a ring of truth about it:

So, two years in as owners, FSG have still not determined what corporate structure they want, are now on their third manager, have put their most expensive player ever on loan, made a mess of using a £16m pound signing as a makeweight in a deal that he did want to participate in, have made a documentary just about to be released about life at LFC and still lack a CEO?

[Terry]

An interesting one from

http://thisisfutbol.com/2012/09/blogs/c ... ung-talent

Though young Steven Caulker’s rise to fame has been pretty rapid, he sure seems to be collecting a fairly impressive list of credentials. Consider this: he’s now got a whole season worth of Premier League experience under his belt (thanks to his time at Swansea City), has participated in an Olympic tournament and has been a big part of the England U21 set-up (he even grabbed a goal in a recent international against Azerbaijan.
Best of all, he’s looked assured and professional throughout. He looks like he belongs and he looks a lot better than his age may suggest.
So why then, do Tottenham continue to rely on William Gallas? The Frenchman has had a prestigious career and comes complete with bucket loads of experience. The fact is, however, for all the positive aspects of his game, his age looks to be taking its toll. At 35-years-old, he’s starting to look increasingly shaky at the back. It’s getting to a stage where I have to hold my breath every time he’s on the ball, or dives into a challenge.
Whilst I think Jan Vertonghen has looked fairly solid, I’d rather see Tottenham look at their youth options, key amongst which is Caulker. Yes he’s only 20-years-old, but I believe he has more to offer this Tottenham side than Gallas. Giving him a role in the side would also help Spurs build towards a promising future.
Of course, it’d be a gamble. Andre Villas-Boas is currently under a lot of pressure and if he did bet on Caulker, only for the youngster to disappoint, then his job could be at stake. On the flip side, however, it’s hard for Tottenham’s start to the season to get much worse. As things stand, Tottenham look rather brittle at the back. Whilst they can soak up a certain degree of pressure, they’re prone to crack when it matters most and this has cost Spurs points during their first three games.
Some may argue that Michael Dawson should be granted a starting role. However AVB sets up his defence to operate with a high line and Dawson’s lack of pace could cause him to struggle. Caulker’s youth and vigour, however, could be just the ticket.
Tottenham have a real talent on their hands here. He’s one of the best young defenders in the game. Surely it’s time that they start to unlock his potential?

Thoughts - tend to agree with this................

[blue05]

Give youth a chance but sparingly at first, few league cup games, sub appearance against the lower order and build the lads confidence up.


If he is 20 then he should be ready for thr step up, most great /good players have broken into the first team by 20

so my vote is yes and if he is any good drop him for the Everton game and get gallas back

[BaaBaa.]

Well BaaBaa, your club is certainly getting a lot of attention in the papers at the moment! Another interesting report, seems authoritive based on the detail, on the formation of a 'technical committee' to oversee the playing side of things - or thats how I read it?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footba ... ittee.html

The comments beneath the article are, as ever, entertaining. This one seemed to have a ring of truth about it:

So, two years in as owners, FSG have still not determined what corporate structure they want, are now on their third manager, have put their most expensive player ever on loan, made a mess of using a £16m pound signing as a makeweight in a deal that he did want to participate in, have made a documentary just about to be released about life at LFC and still lack a CEO?

Sounds to me like the old bootroom, (without intimidating and questioning other managers)

Its also what Rodgers said he wanted when he took the job.

I'm used to it mate, we are open targets for anything we do, all clubs have a structure in place.

Anything we do is ridiculed, it's a backroom staff of our newly employed City scouts.

No doubt we need a CEO based in Liverpool, FSG are learning as they go along. But they aren't our previous leveraged buy outers.

[BaaBaa.]

[BaaBaa.]

In light of today's events and "The biggest cover up in British history" this is a must read.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/ ... de-1318730