2024-25 English Premier League discussion

Someone finally swallowed their pride:

Or, priming him up for a transfer. He’ll be worth more if he is seen actually playing (or not, if he has another hissy-fit after a poor showing).

Arsenal plays at Tottenham on September 14 when I am in London but those tickets are likely unavailable. Still haven’t seen a game in the Spurs’ stadium. Will ask my SIL if we can return to Craven Cottage to see West Ham at Fulham

And, now it spills into the important area of soccer:

Mun U loom to SoFi as the World-Class stadium. Wants to be like it.

So, Artificial turf, too small for soccer, threaten to leave if the public doesn’t pay for it? Oh, and let’s get rid of that pesky pro/rel that keeps team accountable.

Former United striker Andy Cole, who was part of the contingent in L.A. for the game against Arsenal, said: "Manchester United fans and everyone in the north of England deserves a truly world-class stadium, and SoFi set the standard to aim for.

“I don’t draw this comparison lightly, but you can see a parallel with the opportunity back home in Manchester. A new or redeveloped stadium at Old Trafford could be the focal point for revitalisation of the surrounding area.”

Uh, no stadiums don’t do that. They remove profits from the economy and into the hands of their owners, who may or may not be local and may or may not keep the profits there to be multiplied in the local economy.

I hate it when people say the above. The north of England should have higher priorities than a “world-class stadium”.

If the club is willing to finance the stadium on its own, I don’t see a problem…aside, perhaps, from questioning the wisdom of investing so much given how Man U has fared over the past few years.

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That is a big “if”?

I see them threatening to move to Handforth.

I agree that’s a big if.

If that’s not the case…then I’d agree that the government has better things to spend money on than a new stadium…especially if other clubs start wanting to upgrade to similarly modern stadiums.

I believe the local council put £22m up to help build Etihad Stadium 20 years ago. That doesn’t seem too horrible. But with the ESPN article suggesting that replacing Old Trafford would run north of £2b… While Man U is “my team”, that seems like an excessively large investment to try to foist on the public. If the club wants the money spent, the club should find the funds…and that seems excessive given how the club has fared since Sir Alex retired.

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Glazer will never put up that kind of money personally for a stadium IMO

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Man City caught… showing up late for opening kickoffs and second-half kickoffs.

Ref should just start the match / second half on time when this happens. That will put a stop to this quickly.

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This was a good interview with Sven.

Back in the 90s, the amount of hate he got from the tabloid press in the UK was horrific.

Have to agree with him about the press being the likely culprit behind England’s international woes. The talent is there, but the mentality is not. No manager on the planet will be able to fix that.

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The 00s rather than the 90s. He became England manager in 2001.

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Let’s see if these changes come out positive or what.

Sure, show what the Referee has decided on the stadium screens afterward. I mean, we get multiple views at home.
What I don’t think is needed is the Referee getting on a public mic. Stadium won’t be able to understand it, though they all mostly speak the same English. And, pipe that in more directly to the home audience like the NFL, not simply opening the stadium mics to hear second-hand the Referee’s decision. Referees officiate the game for the players, not for the entertainment of home viewers or stadium fans.

But, why fucking Twixter ferchrissakes?? No, there is no need to use that platform for serious issues, ever.

Ah, Jamie Vardy, never stop not stopping:

Spurs fans looking forward to seeing Vardy on their home turf undoubtedly.

Spurs totally outplayed Leicester yesterday so it was a disappointing tie thanks to Vardy.

Spurs started last season with a tie and went undefeated until the 10th game: had 28 out of a possible 30 points in those matches. However they faltered, as usual, after some key injuries.

How can you just not appreciate Vardy? He came from nothing, was unheralded, hit high notes, stayed with Leicester, went down to Championship and still played, and then comes back up and scores.

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I have always wonder if he would not have hit higher notes at another team. If I remember correctly Arsenal offered him a lot to move and he declined. OTOH a man who understands his limits and sticks to his comfort zone is a wise man.

So, last week we got seven matches on the old-timey cable and older-timeyer OTA.
This week: one.
Good thing I got the Peacock, but I’ll probably only watch one. The $3/mo subscription comes with plenty of commercials.