Oblivion

Who's the new guy, Echoes FC? Member of this forum?

Possibly a team where your forwards are all-round guys who can head and shoot, a strong midfielder of the Essien-type that can cover you when you're marauding up front, a winger that cuts in to make a 3-man attack and a box-to-box guy that can link with the forwards. I guess its kinda like building a team around a winger, just that you're using a fullback instead. Probably means that his defensive qualities are less stellar than others.

Alves requires an entire team to be built around him. Thats the reason he's doing so well at Sevilla. He's the main attacking conduit for the side. Do you think he'll get the same kind of freedom here?

Ok, when we signed Lamps 6 years ago, where would you have placed him? Top 500? So that means he was only a squad player right? Currently, he's probably in the top 20 worldwide. What does that tell you? These young guys in the reserves can become top players in the future, they just have to be given a chance and work hard. Its not everyday you find a Rooney or Messi in your academy, which is why these players are so highly coveted. Lassana Diarra was supposed to be the natural replacement for Maka. Robben was supposed to be the next big star, capable of reaching Zola-esque heights in terms of talent and popularity. But then they got big-headed and started whining, leaving in the end. We had youthful talent, which, for one reason or another, were mismanaged (not necessarily by the club, mind)

Hope this alleviated you of your boredom.

surprised? no. disgusted? yes. no right minded chelsea fan should want anything other than a win. I was one of the minority that chose Grant out, finish second, but only because there wasn't a Grant out finish first option. Thats what I really want and am peeing myself silly over the run-in to Utd at the Bridge in 2 weeks. To be honest, I'm sure the posters who voted like me did it because there wasn't a third option: we'd win the league but a better manager comes in to replace Grant. Given that we couldn't choose that, the next best thing for me was to give the upper management a slap in the face, teach 'em not to mess with managers at will.

3-1. Confidence is a lot higher now, and 2-1 isn't a bad scoreline. We weren't completely outplayed in Turkey and the defeat was more our own doing rather than the skill and tactics of the opponent. I don't see how we can NOT win this tie. Away goals though, is another thing

That might actually happen.... Derby are the quintessential English football team (emphasis on "football team")

Ok seriously, WHAT ARE YOU ON? Great game for Boro. They never gave up and ran Utd for all its was worth. One thing missing from the MU midfield was a strong Mikel-type player who just gets his foot in and plays the ball. Boro, on the other hand, gave a hard-working, combative display. Alves looks good (to be honest, was somewhat sceptical about him) as was O'Neill. Aliadiere.....whats so good about him anyway? All in all, a good performance, one we should make the most of by winning our game next weekend, and hope that Arsenal can still do it at OT Utd's next match is at home to the Arse and away to Rovers. Thats a potential 4-6 points loss. 4. to. 6. points. If things go our way, by the time they visit us, it may no longer be a "must-win" game. just a "don't lose" game. Better for us, right?

Horses for courses I guess. With Essien and Mikel in front of JT and Alex, there was pace and power to burn. I am guessing that those 2 midfielders were charged with stopping Benjani and Ireland's deep runs. That way, Alex and JT could use their vision and experience to mop up. With a bit of luck, that strategy actually worked. However, City are a team on the up, and by this time next season, such a trick may not work so well. If they purchase the equivalents of Rooney and Hleb, we will need real pace on our side to balance things.

From what I observed. Alex looked solid when dealing with high passes and long balls from midfield. Very aware and made key interceptions. However, our defense looked really slow and susceptible to dribblers. This is something we have been very susceptible against since losing a certain Frenchman in defense. All in all, I was impressed with him (alex) and feel that he has bedded in well in England

Ledley King

Bloody hell. Oh well, Moos appears to have joined the ranks, so here's hoping he brings a new dimension to the league. Though to be honest, its tough for him. I gave him 3 seasons to bring the team up, but the chances of his team weakening over the last 2 seasons is quite high, so there'll be a lot of ground to make up for. Anyway, there are many gaming sites on the internet. Someone must be doing some intensive research to block all these websites. Either that, or they monitor you're "activities" and block the "sites with addictive elements"

Ehem ehem.....does this mean that two-time champion BruceForTheNoose just got hung? Where's Loz? Bet he must be doing the happy dance in front of his monitor How on earth did the site get blocked? I mean, there are worse things on the internet

Apparently there's a new guy, who's team is going by the name of Osgood Osgood. Demographically he's from France. But his name is English (Keith John). Anyone else Michael?

Heard that Moos wants in. Still interested eh? We can start the first round of official matches next Friday. I has a friendly with loz (assuming some of you also have friendly games) this Friday, so round 1 next friday would be good

The closest one on the list for me is Zlatan, simply because he's a one-man strike force. His footwork and ball skills are what this team need make up for the loss of DD's brute force. Also has good shooting range and awareness.

Djimi Traore Dwight Yorke (never got going after the treble season) Eidur Gudjohnsen (career seems to have gone flat the last 2.5 seasons) Chris Sutton

1. MAR30 - Middlesbrough (h) 2-0 (W) 2. APR05 - Man City (a) 1-2 (W) 3. APR14 - Wigan (h) 2-0 (W) 4. APR19 - Everton (a) 1-1 (D) 5. APR26 - Man Utd (h) 2-1 (W) 6. MAY03 - Newcastle (a) 1-2 (W) 7. MAY11 - Bolton (h) 3-0 (W)

Unfortunately evissy you are right. Grant has never been good at flexibility and experimentation. However, if you are concerned about Nic not being able to do the shadow striker role, then put Kalou or better yet, Joey cole. Yes thats it, put Cole as the shadow striker and use Kalou on the wing. Chimbonda/Hutton, neither of them are decent defenders so his speed and trickery should get us many a free kick in that area.

I would play.... ......................Carlo Ferreira......Carvalho......Terry......Cole ......................Essien ..............Lamps.......Ballack .................Anelka.................Joey .......................Drogba This formation requires Anelka to play of Drogba's shoulder and Joey dropping from the left. Drogs basically patrols the back line, harassing the defenders, while Nic goes deep and gives Zokora and Jenas hell. This formation has an added advantage of switching to a 4-4-2 with Essien going RW and Joey sticking to the left side and Nic/Drogba upfront alongside each other. Subs Hilario Alex Maka Mikel Kalou

I guess there goes my free 42 points. Damn. Anyway, my change report overall was +6. Is that good?

Andy Gray is a professional, neutral commentator (I love this thread)

Frank Lampard can only score from deflected shots Joe Cole never helps the team defend A striker's goal record in his home league is a true symbol of his worth (now you know that's been said before)

So what's the plan for the new season? I challenged a few teams (yours included Michael) for friendlies, but would also like to know if there are going to be new teams joining us, as well as the a lower league for the newbies/less active ones?