That Soccer Thing
Global soccer news brought to you from a unique perspective
2010 FIFA World Cup Commercial: United
Jun 5th
ESPN 2010 FIFA World Cup: United
Narrated by Bono of U2
Soccer Equipment, Jerseys, Cleats, and more
Sep 30th
I””ve always been into collecting various soccer memorabilia, even if it”’’s just a t-shirt or training top. I just love having an array of gear from all across the world. With that being said, I decided to take my business to an up and coming soccer merchandise retailer SoccerPro.com.
What I got was a slick Liverpool Training Top that I think will work great for training and/or excercising in the cold Northern-Californian weather. The ClimaCool technology allows me to sweat, but still keeps me warm enough. Can””t wait to hit the track with this.
SoccerPro.com is a leader in providing great products, relatively low prices, and speedy delivery. I couldn””t be happier with the service, and I look very much forward to sending any future business I have to them. If you””re looking for quality soccer merchandise, look no further than SoccerPro.com
Interested in training tops? Just what you need.
U.S. Taxpayers Now Sponsor Manchester United
Sep 17th
Manchester United, the richest club in the world, currently have a £56m sponsorship with American Insurance Group (AIG). With the near collapse of the insurance giant, many were speculating what could happen to that massive sponsorship with United. Amidst the speculators, a spokesman for the Glazer family said “business will continue as usual”.
Because the Federal Reserve saved the drowning AIG, the U.S. taxpayers are now essentially sponsoring the Red Devils.
If I was Manchester United, I wouldn”t worry. If anything were to happen with the AIG deal, a number of firms would be happy to step in.
Red Rift – Supporters to Protest Hicks & Gillett
Sep 12th
Liverpool FC fans plan to protest their American owners when they face Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday. Hicks and Gillett have had anything but a warming experience at Liverpool since they first set foot on grounds last March. Not only do I support this protest, I feel it’s necessary to try all we can as fans to keep the game as pure as possible.
A statement by Spirit of Shankly sums up their intentions:
What we need on Saturday is two resounding victories. Firstly, a march on a massive scale that tells the world that Liverpool has had enough of Gillett and Hicks.
A march of passion, a march of anger, a march of Red solidarity that roars its message loud and proud: enough is enough, go now.
Ultimately, when it comes down to it, the fans control the pace of the club. The fans decide how far their club will reach. A clubs success is directly intertwined with fan support, yet Hicks and Gillett seem to simply not get it.
I say, march on Liverpool fans. They need to know they are ruining your passion.
Politics aside, this fixture looks to be a thriller, per usual. Supposedly, Gerrard and Torres are fit to play. Can Liverpool hold it together and play as a unit, or will the Red Devils slowly but surely chip away with that deadly, constant, pressure?
Deadline Day for EPL
Sep 10th
Monday 1st September 2008: The day that changed the EPL. (Again).
I’ve just about caught my breath from the unbelievable events that unfolded on that incredible day. Having awoken to breaking news of some Middle Eastern rich guys / Royal family taking over from Dr. Thaksin at Man City, the realisation began to set in that World football really does have a new super-power.
And whilst my plans for the day seemed to meander off-course, as I stayed gripped to the Sports News channels, I can only imagine what happened to the days of the guys at the helm of Chelsea, Man Utd and Real Madrid!
As the day went on, news filtered through that Man City were linked to one star name of world football after another. At the same time, in a top-secret headquarters, the designers working on the new ‘Football Monopoly’ board game were tearing up their rulebook, dismayed that Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim was in fact, playing out their fantasy board game in real life!
Of course, by midnight, the blue half of Manchester landed one of the greatest forwards in the world. And the transfer window puffed out its cheeks as it slammed shut for a well deserved four month break.
So what impact will Abu Dhabi’s pound notes have on the EPL and world football in general? Well, firstly, Man United fans will have to think twice when gloating about being the ‘biggest’ club in Manchester! (Although no amount of money can buy you history…) Secondly, Arsenal and Liverpool fans will have to re-assess their ambitions for the forthcoming seasons unless their club owners find deeper pockets, as there is no room for five super-powers in the top four.
But of course, the one group who will experience the most significant change will be the Man City fans. Have they considered the impact of the take-over on their ticket prices!?
The reason that I offer no (sensible) predictions is because in reality, nobody knows. Nobody knows if
the Abu Dhabi consortium will continue to invest in the club for the forthcoming transfer windows - not the next few, but the next five, six and seven transfer windows. Nobody knows if Mark Hughes has the ability to gel a team of superstars together. Nobody knows which club will be the subject of the next take-over, demoting Man City to second or third on the football rich list.
All we do know is that a sleeping giant has been awoken, and I know many Man city fans – that is one angry giant. Too many years have been spent living in the shadows of Man Utd for their liking. We also know that for the rest of the Premiership, the gap just got wider. Man City will drive the standard of the big four to the next level, and the rest of the teams will just have to tilt their necks back that little bit further. They will have to look up in awe of force of the top boys, and wait to see which team will become the next football super-power thanks to another super-rich spender.
By Rob Bloom
http://mywriter.co.uk
Best of MOTD’s 2 Good 2 Bad
Sep 4th
I love watching the 2 Good 2 Bad segment of Match of the Day. I’ve found a couple of videos highlighting the best of those lighter moments in football today. Enjoy
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Sir Alex’s New Right Hand Man – Mike Phelan
Sep 3rd
Manchester United have appointed Mike Phelan as the new assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson. As a former Red Devil himself, he is very familiar with the dynamics of the club. He brings with him much experience, a stellar understanding of fundamentals, and sound coaching ability.
Phelan’s History
- The bulk of his playing career was involved with Burnley, Norwich City and Manchester United.
- He was primarily a defensive midfielder and right back.
- He was Norwich City captain from 1987-1989
- In 2002, Phelan was inducted into Norwich City’s Hall of Fame.
- In all competitions, he scored 21 goals in 485 appearances.
- Whilst playing for Manchester United (102 caps), he earned 1 cap for England.
- From 2001-present, Phelan was United first team coach.
The appointment comes after Carlos Quieroz left the club to become manager of the Portuguese National Team.
See Ya Later Chelsea, Manchester City Now Holds the Key
Sep 2nd
When I say ‘key’, I mean an assload of cash.
In a recent interview conducted by English newspaper The Guardian, Manchester City “figurehead” Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim was quoted saying the club is willing to fork over an unimaginable sum of £135m ($240m) to cross-town rivals Manchester United for the rights to Cristiano Ronaldo.
When I said there was a new bigshot in England, I seem to have made an understatement. As it is, recent signing Robinho will make a staggering $300,000 per week at Manchester City. That easily makes him the highest paid footballer of all time.
Abu Dhabi United Group, who took over Manchester City but a few days ago, are still relatively mysterious. Let’s take a look at what they’re all about.
Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) are a United Arab Emirates Company, being part of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. They’re figurehead, Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, is an enourmous publicity entrepreneur, who also has a hand in many real estate ventures. The investment group is said to be worth £600-800 billion.
What I think Will Happen in January
Manchester United have already released a statement saying the same thing they told Real Madrid, that is that Cristiano is not for sale. Unfortunately, in today’s world, EVERYTHING is for sale. It’s going to be hard for the Red Devils to pass up $240 million for a player who doesn’t necessarily want to be there in the first place. And believe me, they know that. As far as Real Madrid? They can’t even come close to the amount of money Abu Dhabi is ready to put up. What football super-giants?
This offer stirs up the already enourmously complex Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga.
Some Memorable Quotes by Abu Dhabi
Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious,”
Real Madrid were estimating his [Ronaldo] value at 160 million dollars but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more; I would think 240 million (dollars) (135 million pounds).
But why not? We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Chelsea Outbid by Man City – Robinho Heads to Manchester
Sep 1st
It’s been confirmed that Manchester City have outbid Chelsea FC for the rights to sign Brazilian winger Robinho. The deal, which is said to be worth £32.5m, comes as quite a surprise when considering the seemingly endless pockets Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has. With Dubai’s UAE taking a majority stock holding in Manchester City FC, there seems to be a new bigshot in England.
Chelsea were almost certain they would sign the Brazilian star, even going so far as selling Chelsea kits with Robinho’s name on it. Roman was outbid, and now must scramble to fill in the gaps he would have hoped to fill with Robinho.
Robinho will bring with him blistering pace and goal scoring accuracy. He played for Real Madrid 101 times, scoring 25 goals.
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Roman Pavlyuchenko Heads to White Hart Lane
Aug 30th
Spartak Moscow and Euro 2008 star Roman Pavlyuchenko has agreed to a deal with Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £14m. After a thrilling display of skill in Euro 2008, it was only a matter of time before the best league in the world would take notice of the 26 year old Russian national.
Roman has all the tools to succeed in the fast paced, high intensity English Premier League. With Robbie Keane’s exit to Liverpool, and Dimitar Berbatov set to make a probable switch to Manchester United, Pavlyuchenko will look to make an immediate impact to fill in the gaps left by two great footballers.
The deal comes after Tottenham were reportedly short £6m to seal a deal for fellow Russian commrade Andrei Arshavin.
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