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#281903 Transfer Rumours 2015/16
Andy Cav
According to the EPFL website, the Turkish window is still open today. I really hope it's BS and I'd expect them to get short shrift from Arsenal, but it might still be possible.
#281270 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
Not for me to defend Bristol City, I find it hilarious that their tax dodging chairman is trying and failing to throw his money about, however I can assure you that Bristol is definitely not out in the back of beyond. It's on of the core cities in England and is very comfortably linked to Birmingham, London & Cardiff via the M4 & M5. Unfortunately, with the refurbished stadium, the money they have behind them and the populus of the area, City should be in a position to challenge the midlands clubs in the Premiership sooner rather than later...
I think you've got the Cotterill effect and the wage issue. City are quite happy to play Billy Big Bollocks with a transfer fee, but I'm not sure they can compete when it comes to the wage packet. Steve Cotterill is a grade A moron, like an unfunny version of Ian Holloway tbf and I don't think a player with true Premier League ambitions would consider Cotterill the right man to develop under.
#270523 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
Good signing is Monkey. He'll be happier up north and he'll continue to be a consistent performer in the Conference. I'm a little disappointed to see him leave, but I await to see who will replace him.
#261308 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
#236102 Barclays Premier League 2014/15
Andy Cav
Still very obvious that we're down on quality across the board when vs. Chelsea/Man City, but we've got enough about us to be up there with United, Tottenham and Liverpool at the end of the season. Thankfully Wenger has come out and said he's actively looking for a physical presence and a leader at the back in the John Terry mould, very positive to hear, but the reality will be seen this month. Although this would go down horribly with Arsenal fans and players, I'd stick a vote in for Shawcross being a proven option in this league. Wenger highlights Cahill as being a possible John Terry figure in the future, but if anything I could see that with Shawcross; wears his heart on his sleeve, definitely doesn't duck out of a challenge and leads his defence.
For the summer; replace Giroud, possibly with Cavani, Carvalho would be lovely and one out of another defensive option possibly in replacement of Mertesacker or revisit the goalkeeping situation depending on the 2nd half of the season.
#235972 Ched Evans
Andy Cav
His high-profile position is completely inciting "mob rule". It has done no favours for the alleged victim, it has done no favours for his re-integration into society and it has done no good for anybody who has commented on it from a public perspective. Oldham wanted to sign a professional footballer who would improve their side, due to this decision and the personal profile of the target, members of the club's staff received abuse and death threats and one has been forced to tender his resignation. How are death threats directed at innocent parties any better than anything Ched Evans has or hasn't done since leaving prison? Gordon Taylor referenced the difference in what was presented at the time to the factual truth of the Hillsborough tragedy; he in no way suggested Evans' innocence, just that his protestations of innocence could still be ruled correct.
The truth is that both of these incidents were without malice and were cases of poor judgement that the media and the mob-rule reaction has caused the results of both to be blown way, way, way out of proportion.
Ched Evans maintains his innocence and during his appeal process would be, rightly, advised to keep quiet and not (in his mind) wrongly implicate himself. The conviction is not in any way cut and dried, hence the website. Drink was involved, drugs were involved and someone who had previously similar incidents with people of similar sporting profile. The accused, whilst in a relationship, had sex with a clearly intoxicated woman in a pre-booked hotel room, after and in the company of his friend who had done the same. What is entirely clear, is that Ched Evans did not have sex with a woman who said no, there was no force or violence involved; there is simply a very, very grey area over whether consent could be made and whether the woman could remember more than she claims and is taking advantage of a situation she didn't pursue,
#175367 Group D - Costa Rica, England, Italy, Uruguay
Andy Cav
I'm not interested in Hodgson leaving, there was a lot of positivity around the squad before the tournament and we have some really exciting attacking players who unfortunately didn't have the experience or the nous to beat Uruguay or Italy. I think we've been let down in defence, our back 4 isn't good enough and like has already been said, we don't have a strong defensive midfielder.
I'd like to see Welbeck move on either this year or next and try to establish himself as a striker, he's got the movement and the raw talent, but he's far too inconsistent and not creative enough for the wing. I'd also like to see Rodwell at a Southampton or a Swansea, he could be our 2016 DM alongside either Wilshere or Henderson. Rooney to captain the side and take on some responsibility and Gary Neville to be mentored into the head coach role for 2018, I genuinely think he could do the job, just not yet.
#173346 Group B - Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Andy Cav
#173345 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
Andy Cav
#173259 The Venues
Andy Cav
As much as I hate to say it, Bristol City could comfortable deal with a 44,000 stadium in the current climate. Rovers took over 40,000 for the league 2 play-off final a couple of years ago and City are underwritten by a billionaire. A bit of investment and infrastructure in place and Bristol should have 1 Premier League team and could support 2. We're a million miles off that at the moment I grant you.
#131779 The Interview
Andy Cav
I'll post mine later if this proves popular.
#93885 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
Andy Cav
According to late reports today, you're absolutely right...it would be £14million.
#93884 Susie Fantasy Football
Andy Cav
#93883 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
Not quite sure, rumours suggest a local resident with the backing of the Gloucester Road traders, fronting for the Green Party.
#93637 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
Andy Cav
Hence the one that got away. I'm not sure he even wanted to go to Ukraine, but I suppose the wodges of cash on arrival probably sealed that deal.
#93636 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
The judicial review would be into the process and the legality of the council's decision.
#93625 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
We've also been served notice of a potential judicial review into the proposed re-development and sale of our stadium. If it falls through, that will mark our 6th failure at a modern new ground since we left Eastville Stadium in the 80's.
...Bah!
#93620 Barclays Premier League 2013/14
Andy Cav
To be a marketable and merchantable brand, it would suit them more to have success on the pitch, but to do that they'd need serious investment and how do they get that? By becoming a marketable and merchantable brand. Hey-ho the spiral continues, but this could open more doors for them, faster.
#93618 The Armoury
Andy Cav
Arsenal are a talking point in the Fabregas deal because of a transfer clause (oh no, not another one) that gives them dibs on his next move. Now Fabregas doesn't fall totally in line with what Arsenal are looking for as he's yet another talented and creative central midfielder, more attacking that not, but not to be interested in this potential move would be foolish at best, downright stupid at worst. The boy loves Arsene Wenger and Arsenal and you can't afford to turn your noses up at world-class players, even if they don't fit the exact blueprint.
If Fabregas was really available, his history at the club and all comments attributed to him indicate that we'd be in with a fighting chance of getting him and what a psychological blow it could be to beat United to their number 1 target...how have Arsenal and Wenger responded to Man United's very public pursuit of him? With complete public dis-interest. It may not be exactly the move Wenger wants to make, but by showing such little interest in Fabregas, Wenger runs the risk of pushing him closer to the United entrance...providing Barca agree to sell that is. Complete dis-interest is how Arsenal seem to have approached the whole transfer window, dithering about on any deal they're involved in and whilst keeping their eyes very much on a player who's attitude stinks, doesn't want to be in England and won't be available straight away...Ludicrous.
#93616 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
Andy Cav
If we'd have got in earlier and actually made a bid, it wouldn't have been £35m. While we dithered, Napoli sold Cavani and found themselves flush, Madrid saw the doller signs and up went the price. The original quoted costs were around the £25m mark, leaving Arsenal 2 months and £15m richer to bolster the rest of the squad.
What - Central Defender.
Why - Djourou, Squillaci and Miquel have all left during the summer. Vermaelen is once again unfit and out of form.
Likely Candidate - Ashley Williams - £10m
Outside Candidates - Toby Alderweireld - £5m, Mamadou Sakho - £??
Comments - More than likely Williams is still on the table, but I wouldn't expect anything to happen before deadline day. Surprisingly Alderweireld and Sakho haven't been linked recently, despite previous interest and the fact that both are seemingly on the market at a reasonable price.
What - Defensive Midfielder.
Why - The technical and versatile defensive midfielder is a growing trend, rather than the non-Wenger friendly Essien version. Most people will still say Arsenal need some muscle in their core...but most people have been saying that since Paddy Vieira said au revoir.
Likely Candidate - is there one?
Outside Candidates - Luis Gustavo - £15m, Matthias Ginter - £6.5m, Marouane Fellaini - £23.5m
Comments - Ginter seems to fit the Wenger bill more than the others, Gustavo is the most freely available and Fellaini is the proven Premier League product. Where it all goes wrong: Links to Fellaini have all, but evaporated; Ginter's price may be more than Wenger is willing to put up and as a 19 year-old, is not the finished product to inspire a title tilt; Gustavo has suitors at Chelsea, amongst others and Arsenal don't do bidding wars...or competing against any club in any way.
What - Creative, Versatile Midfielder/Forward.
Why - Arsenal created the 5th most chances in the Premiership last season, whilst Cazorla, Wilshere and Walcott are dangerous in behind the front-man, Podolski and Gervinho leave a lot to be desired.
Outside Candidates - Julian Draxler - £??, Cesc Fabregas - £??.
The Ones That Got Away - Bernard - £21.5m, Stevan Jovetic - £22m.
Comments - According to the papers, Arsenal have been front-runners in both the Bernard and the Jovetic deals at some stage. Jovetic had been linked since February and Bernard over the last month, but as with the Higuain transfer, dithering over other things has lost us these guys at fees potentially half that of the much talked about Suarez non-deal. Draxler has signed a new deal with Schalke and when it does come time to move, the vultures circling will be much bigger and badder than Arsenal. Fabregas on the other hand, is the public face of all Arsenal's efforts this summer.
If the papers were correct I would have pushed the boat out for:
Williams - £10m
Gustavo - £15m
Jovetic - £22.5m
Higuain - £25m
Total Spend - £72.5m
#91862 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
Leicester
Promoted:
Reading, Bournemouth (play-offs)
League One Winners:
Wolves
Promoted:
Brentford, Preston (play-offs)
League Two Winners:
Chesterfield
Promoted:
Fleetwood, Oxford, Bristol Rovers (play-offs)
Those are my picks...not so sure I'll be a-wagering with that lot though.
#91858 Transfer Rumours 2013/14
Andy Cav
On the face of it, I can't see who benefits from this transfer. You'd have to think there's a release fee in there.
- Spuds are now struggling in the center of defence with only 3 recognised/senior players.
- Cardiff shell out another £8.5million plus the wages on a single player. QPR much?
- Their squad still doesn't look much cop for this division.
- Caulker gets guaranteed football, not that he was out of things at WHL, but at the risk of relegation.
#58440 English Premier League 2012/2013
Andy Cav
#58439 English Premier League 2012/2013
Andy Cav
On the ball I'd agree with you, but he spent a large majority of the first half running into space off the ball and was never tracked. Whether he "did next to nothing" or not, it was a show of tactical naivety that ended with 2 goals scored by runners who weren't tracked...one of which was Bale, who although didn't rip us to shreds, scored.
#58401 English Premier League 2012/2013
Andy Cav
Abysmal defending, coupled by a complete lack of ability for anyone to track a single run from Bale. Midfield looked tidy (good performance from Ramsey I thought) and Giroud is fine, but limited.
#58107 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
#58084 BetThread
Andy Cav
Me
£5 - Oldham vs. Sheffield United - WIN - £12
£5 free - WIN - £690
St. Mirren vs. Celtic - WIN
Rangers vs. East Stirling - WIN
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona - WIN
Man United vs. Norwich - WIN
Everton vs. Reading - WIN
Stoke vs. West Ham - WIN
Sunderland vs. Fulham - WIN
Hull vs. Birmingham - WIN
Wife
£5 - Bristol Rovers vs. Burton - WIN - £12
£5 free - LOSE - £0
Chelsea vs. WBA - WIN
Man United vs. Norwich - WIN
Liverpool vs. Wigan - WIN
Southampton vs. QPR - LOSE
Everton vs. Reading - WIN
#34286 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
Confirmed and I am delighted. Until the end of the season with a rumored approach for Andy Tillson as his number 2. I genuinely believe this is the right appointment and that he can bring some passion back to the Mem.
Some good times when he was in first time around, not least outplaying Huddersfield and falling just short of Division 1 football. The football wasn't the most riveting, but that's not what this is, this is pure and utter results.
#33728 The Lower League Thread
Andy Cav
Whoever comes in needs to do a job and do it fast. I really don't mind if it's a troubleshooter or a long-term appointment, we just have to avoid the Conference.
#32622 The Armoury
Andy Cav
Brilliant shot-stopper, fantastic reflexes but there's more to it. He's got the potential to be fantastic, but he's a maturing player, just not the finished product.
Bear in mind that at no point have I actually said he's a bad player. I haven't even criticized him, but there are better goalkeepers in the league and he hasn't cemented his place in the United team...that's Ferguson saying that, not me.