Football (not Premier League)

[Dannie Boy]

Ex footballers to train as referees.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news ... -officials

About time, I've been advocating this for years as we so much incompetence with officials in the EPL, most who I'm sure have never played a competitive game in their lives.
Their lack of knowledge usually shows when they can't differentiate between a genuine attempt to win the ball and a deliberate foul, often dishing out unwarranted yellow cards.
Also since VAR was introduced that's a perfect place to sit a retired player as no age limit or fitness level required, just knowledge of the game.
It doesn't matter what level they played at, any experience playing will be better than the current officials. It will also give retired players from the lower leagues who don't make the millions prem players earn a chance to boost their income and keep involved in the sport.

I think your last sentence makes most sense as many ex top-level players probably wouldn’t want to get involved as refs, at least not at the salaries they earn, whereas lower level players still have the experience and would find the income as good or maybe even better than in their playing days!!

[Pagey]

Danny, the last sentence applies to the whole topic, I never suggested EPL players would referee, in fact I'm surprised so many of them travel the country to be pundits

[Dannie Boy]

I’m only posting this because it’s about a footballer from my home town of Dartford. Maybe not the greatest goal you’ll ever see, but definitely not something you see very often!!

The ball fell to Coulson whose huge clearance went all the way down the other end and trickled into the empty net to complete the first hat-trick of his career. Coulson, 31, joined Weston from Dartford last summer, and they are eighth in National League South.

https://x.com/toptargets/status/1906479058717647026

[Big Boy]

Interesting. When I asked the question a few months back why, with modern goalkeepers playing a sweeper position, often well outside of the penalty area, don't more long distance shots take place? The response was it was too far to kick a ball. This is living proof that it is possible. In fact my Thai team Ratchaburi have scored a similar goal this season, and almost scored another last Friday night, but it went just wide.

Great vision by Coulson. It was certainly no fluke - I'm sure he tried for it.

[caller]

^ I noticed the keeper was up for the corner, so a last minute chance. It's not so unusual for keepers to get caught out in such situations.

[Big Boy]

Yes. he was up for the corner in this instance, but keepers play so far outside of the penalty area throughout the game these days (in Thai football, at least) the goal is left totally unprotected for at least 25% of every game. Ratchaburi have taken advantage of this once this season, and almost a 2nd time last Friday. If Thai footballers could kick straight, many more such goals would be scored.

Goalkeepers playing as a sweeper is modern tactics, which they should be made to pay dearly for.

One of the biggest culprits is the Khon Kean keeper, who is a brilliant shot stopper, but if he isn't near his goal, he can't stop Jack Sh*t. Look where they are in the table.

[Dannie Boy]

Don’t know whether the pressure is greater if you’re trying to get promotion rather than avoid relegation - this report suggests the former!!

https://talksport.com/football/3112394/ ... th-argyle/

[Big Boy]

Yes, I don't know if it was AI enhanced, but the photos I saw of Wilder's face yesterday looked pretty messed up.

[thecolonel]

Stunning comeback by Man U in Europa League. A total of 5 goals scored in extra time. Bizarre

Tottenham won too

Chelsea lost at home in the Conference

Sent from my 2412DPC0AG using Tapatalk

[Dannie Boy]

Yes a good night for English clubs and despite Chelsea losing on the night, they’re overall score gave them a fairly comfortable win.

[Lost]

I had a Man u mocking post all set up ready to go when they went 4-2 down to ten man Lyon...

Guess I'll have to save it for the Spurs United final.

[pharvey]

I had a Man u mocking post all set up ready to go when they went 4-2 down to ten man Lyon...

Guess I'll have to save it for the Spurs United final.

You must be a bookies dream lost

[Lost]

I had a Man u mocking post all set up ready to go when they went 4-2 down to ten man Lyon...

Guess I'll have to save it for the Spurs United final.

You must be a bookies dream lost

Until Swansea, Cardiff (or maybe even Wrexham again one day) challenge for European trophies, you can sit yourself down buddy.

[pharvey]

^

[Dannie Boy]

At one stage yesterday it looked possible that Plymouth might move out of the bottom three, but the teams just above them also won or drew leaving Plymouth bottom despite winning 3-1. With two games left, it’s still possible for them to avoid relegation, although with their last game of the season against recently promoted Leeds, you wouldn’t bet your last shilling on that happening!!