Fixture Musings, And Why Modric Is Scum
Jun 18th, 2011 by 'holic
The release of the fixtures has put into sharp focus the need to hit the ground running in August, and hopefully with all transfer business having been concluded.
After a gentle loosener at Newcastle, where we should just about secure the points providing we can score five by half-time, we are into the serious business of two Champions League qualifiers, Liverpool at home, and Manchester United away, in under a fortnight and before the transfer window has closed.
Next check was where we are playing after the Champions League group stage matches, assuming of course we are in there. The first two are followed by trips to Blackburn and our friends at the dirty end of Seven Sisters. I sighed, but then saw only home fixtures following the remainder, although we are at the bus stop in Fulham immediately before matchday four, so it is a fair bet that will be moved at the whim of Sky. No real complaints on that score then.
December and January will test the squad to the full with potentially fifteen matches if we progress in the Beer Cup. Talking of which should we reach the Final of that competition for the second consecutive year the home leg of the North London derby will be shunted, as it is scheduled for the same weekend.
So to the end of the season. Re-arranged games may yet disturb what looks an astonishingly comfortable run-in if we should be in contention. As things stand our last six matches, although they do include Chelsea at home, also pit us against Wolves, Stoke, and West Brom away, Wigan Athletic and Norwich at home. The word OPPORTUNITY jumps out at me in bold print, and yes, I know. You don’t have to remind me!
So Is There A Difference – Modric and Cesc?
OK, so I know we are outwardly chuckling at the discomfort of our neighbours, but I for one am heartily sick of players showing complete and utter disregard for those who pay them, and those who invest far too much emotional attachment in them from the stands.
“Is there a difference between Modric and Fabregas?” asked a friend earlier today. I think there is an important distinction to be made. Last summer both North London clubs attempted to secure the future of their marquee players with offers of extended contracts on much improved terms.
We all know Cesc will one day return home, just as soon as Barca find the money to buy him. He has an emotional investment of his own in Catalunya. He has however given us exemplary service since he arrived eight years ago. He has maintained a dignified, if frustrating, near-silence as Barca’s vulgar attempts to lure him have become more embarrassing and desperate. He knows it will happen though, and did not come to an agreement with Arsenal on an extension to his current contract, which he shows every sign of honouring if Barca don’t do the right thing and pay his market value.
At the same time Modric, just two years after Tottenham had taken a punt on his fragile potential, happily signed a six year extension in return for a massive increase in Levy pounds. Twelve months on the ungrateful wretch flutters his eyelashes not in the direction of his homeland. No, this avaricious little shit is cutting a lustful glance at Roman Abramovich, or perhaps more accurately, his wallet.
I don’t care who he plays for. He is simply the latest, and the most high-profile example of the sort of character currently bleeding football of the millions that would be better invested within the clubs, and within the game. Financial sanity will have to prevail soon, surely? These obnoxious mercenaries must be starved of the riches they snatch with little or no loyalty in return.
152 Responses to “Fixture Musings, And Why Modric Is Scum”
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What I particularly like about the Modric quotes (which incidentally are way more inflammatory than anything Cesc or Nasri have ever said) is the way he casually says that he’ll never hand in a transfer request ! Of course not, just do effectively the same thing verbally and secure all those bonuses. What a world…
ps. 1st drink. Shah…
Sanity will never be a part of the game while UAFA and FIFA are run by greedy corrupt inept people who only want what is best for them not us. Until we get rid of the one’s at the top there will never be a wage cap etc. which is what we need.
Everything you say on the Modric situation is right and what I have been saying myself(Spurs fan btw). I am happy at Levy’s statement and hope for the sake of all clubs and all fans, he stands by his words. Even if it means Modric rotting for a yr or so in the revs. Its time our clubs were taken back from the players demands. Whatever happened to players working to win a cup. Now days they sign on to receive a medal
I agree with your coments. I am a lifelong Spurs fam that is becoming more and more resentful of these players and the way a contract is not worth the paper it is prinyrd on
Hey Holic I doubt sanity will ever prevail in this. Like Flammini I think Arsene was not convinced and lo and behold with 2 years left on a contract a player plays out of his skin. Levy’s statement was standard bargaining fare if you ask me. Having a cheap bottle of plonk followed by oodles of Peroni and looking forward to Fathers Day beers…nearly as good as a football weekend…nearly
Modric is scum, I guess it’s true. It does take one to know one.
I would like to point out Wilshere’s tweeting doesn’t help matters. I don’t like our players commenting on other players regarding transfers its bad enough when Barca players do it.
The main difference between Modric and Fabregas is that one of them has sat around stagnating at a club winning absolutely nothing for six years (even Barcelona now say he’s worth less to them), while the other one is sensible enough to decide that two or three years is long enough to go without a serious trophy and he needs to go somewhere else to win something. Poor old Fabregas’ “loyalty” has brought him nothing.
Spurs fan here well said on loyalty players today laugh at the likes of our own Mabbutt or your Tony Adams players who would have run through brick walls for our club,todays players would ask for a cheque before even looking at the wall
There’s absolutely no difference between fabregas and modric. Fabregas wants to play for barca but knows he’ll sit on the bench because he isn’t good enough to oust xavi and iniesta so he’s not over doing the transfer talk. If barca come knocking he’ll go, but they won’t pay what you want, so for now he’ll bide his time getting a game for the goonies.
I too find it hard to foresee a time when player power is kept in check, it’s just gone too far and been allowed to fester for too long unchecked. I guess a unilateral wage cap agreed upon by all clubs over Europe would go some way but it just would never happen in a free market economy. To all the sp*rs fans here at least Levy seems adamant in not letting him go as Wenger was with Fabregas last (and hopefully this!) season.
I think clubs should have a hefty fine situation in place that punishes a player whenever they or their reptilian representative speak about moving to/playing for any other club whilst under contract. I fail to see why Modric blabbed publically over this? was he trying to force the issue through having already been told no by Levy therefore making his position at sp*rs untenable? Or is he just as most other footballers which is utterly ungrateful thick pieces of loyalty free shit?
God, it stinks in here.
Yes, there is a difference – Modric is a simpering LWC.
Spurs fan here. Totally agree with you, we’ve got to put a lid on this avarice behaviour, it us ruining the beautiful game and turning it ugly. I maybe a Spurs fan but a football fan first.
i think modric is very overrated,,not the only 1 for spurs either(bale,dawson,lennon,) bulldog face is always bigging up his own players because they played 8 CL games,,id say luka isint worth a penny over 12m,,,and goes for the WHOLE spurs squad
Nice provocatively titled piece ‘Holic 🙂
In truth , some of ours , even legends of the club , have said their piece in a tabloid , when they think the grass is greener . I don’t really see what can be done whilst the likes of Abramovich and the mob at Man City stalk the game .
Oh and Sir Cecil @9 , I think you’ll find Captain Fab has an FA Cup Winners medal , and a World Cup Winners medal glistening on his sideboard .
Oh , and he plays Champs League football every year , the absence of which is why I think you’ll find Filthy Lucre Modric is on his way .
Enjoy your thursday footie .
Chin Chin .
I was going to comment on the few sad comments from Spurs and Arse fans having a dig. No need right now, this was a good artical and was due decent discussion. But then I lost track due to the total lack of knowledge and sense that the clearly blinkered Irish Gooner typed. Fool!
Come on gents. Let’s keep this to the issue. There was a time when players were used and underpaid, but then the money was circulating between the clubs.
Nowadays the players are taking it out of the game and giving varying amounts of commitment in return. We had it with Adebayor, now it’s Modric, and of course who can forget Rooney playing the system to the full last season.
All of them cunts, regardless of the colour of the shirt.
Oh, and Sir Cecil, apart from an FA Cup Winners medal six years ago, and the small matter of a World Cup winners medal last summer, Cesc also has a Champions League runners-up medal. Don’t let facts get in the way of your blind hatred, fuckwit.
Nice post Holic – you seem to have lots of LWC fans following the blog!! That’s Newsnow for you – mention their players in your title and see what you get!
Fixtures
First thing that sprang out – we are away to all top four first and LWCs – only big five fixture at home v liverpool – let’s hope our away form remains good as last year.
Champions league qualifiers between two big games.
Manure – six home ties after cl games – wtf
Manshitty – six away ties after cl games – lol
Surely computer could work out that it would be fairer if each team in cl had 3 home ties and 3 away ties after these games!
Beware the easy run in!!
Suprising clarity from both Spurs and Arsenal fans. Cesc is much more passive aggressive that Modric, and I hope as a Spurs fan that he is persuaded by Levy and Redknapp (of he isn’t in jail!) that one more season is at the very least due.
Thanks David. We may have profound disagreements, but I think fans of both clubs, all clubs in fact, should be as one on this issue.
@ morgan ,,,,,bale won the PFA award with 7 goals 1 assist,,that is pathetic,arshavin had 11 assists 8 goals,,no question who the better player is ,,,but arsh was criticised,,,show me 1 single player in the history of spurs who was half decent(besides campbell)who was worth more than 50m,,,thats right you cant,,how much did we pay for sol?spurs are a second tier team,FACT!!!!!!,,,,enjoy thursday nights you fool,cesc has a FA cup medal,EURO CHAMPIONSHIP medal and a WORLD CUP WINNER medal,,more medals than the WHOLE spud squad id say ,,, go put on spurs greatest night in their pathetic existence ,,,a 4-3 LOSS at the san siro!!!!!!!!!!!
Irish Gooner, you cannot say Modric is worth only 12m. And I would risk it to say anyone on here would agree with me, Spurs or Arse fans. Dont be the typical bitter rival fan who cant admit to the other teams players being of a high quality. It just makes you look pathetic
Oh and he had a hell of a lot more than 1 assist by the way
Holic- see what happens when you add the word scum to your title, we’re on their Newsnow feed!
@ morgan , if a player who has 4 assists and 4 goals all season is worth more than 12m the manager is talking shit to his own fans,,modric is average and nothing more
I don’t see why the term ‘mercenary’ is used as an insult. Yes, they have no loyalty and they are in it just for the money but they also put their lives on the line. Maybe you should blame those who hire mercenaries. Modric signed a six year deal – but let’s be honest, it is in Spurs’ interest to extend that deal also. By giving players new deals, they protect themselves from losing the asset on a free transfer whilst also rewarding those who have performed well. As a club, players signing new deals sends the right message. Also, only the most deluded of fans would have really believed that Modric would see out the 6 years. He was always going to leave. Whether it is now, or next year, it doesn’t really matter.
Regarding Cesc, it is essentially the same. When he put pen to paper on the 8 year deal, no one seriously thought he was going to see it out.
Players owe it to themselves to earn as much as they can and play at the highest level they can. If you were a player, would you give a shit about fans, especially shit fans like the Arsenal fans? We boo our players, jump on them for the slightest of mistakes, ironically cheer and don’t sing or make enough noise. Also, once these players retire, they leave professional football with no qualifications to speak of and must live off whatever they earned in their careers. Fans won’t be paying their wages when they retire (although I’m proud to say that as a club we look after those who have represented us – compare how we treated Charlie George to how Chelsea treated Charlie Cooke).
People should stop getting so emotional when players want to leave – I support Arsenal Football Club and I back anyone who represents us. Once they leave, my attitude is ‘Thanks for the memories’ and depending on the nature of the separation I would wish them luck, or not.
if Modric, Cesc or any other player left his childhood club to join another, then why cant they leave spurs, arsenal or any other club in pursuit of their ambitions in whatever form that made them leave their first club. why should we hold them to ransom with this loyalty thing when managers move freely as well. It’s a job where they earn a living
@ morgan ,,,bale had 1 assist,,,FACT,,,pathetic
Last comment I bothering with you I Gooner. You have so many fans of both teams talking sense then you talk compleete rubbish. Bale had more than one assist and was class last season, esp as he played a lot of it injured. Modric is a world class act that you dont see each week. The whole speed and control of the game goes thro him. All these pundits and managers know a little more than you. Saying that so does my cat judging by the fact you think Campbell is the only good player to ever play at The Lane. It is sad when someone makes out the are a football fan but have no knowledge of the game. I am happy to admit you have a selection of good and great players. I pity the likes you you who cant see that in anyother team but his own
I think Irish gooner is a bit of an eejit
Jackster, I think you could be right. Baring in mind, for one thing he thinks he knows facts. Yet I know what my own eyes saw. And he is calling players pathetic that the rest of the football world rave about.
gaya, you miss the point.
I have no problem with Cesc going to Barca if they meet the requirement of compensating us the market value for his services. He has served us long and well, and he has not signed up for more money since Barca let it be known they expected him to come for nothing.
Ratboy signed a six year extension a year ago, and thinks he is worth an out against the express wishes of his employer.
Care to rethink?
Quite drunk right now and I haven’t yet taken in the drinks before mine, so maybe points have already been made but I have to admit to thinking “I hope they stand by his words” when Levy said that none of their key players are for sale at any price. Footballers must, at some point, understand that they can’t just fuck off as soon as the going gets a bit tough or their agents whisper sweet little nothings in their ears about being the best thing since sliced bread. For me it stinks to high heavens when Modric bangs on about Chelsea “having ambitions” (read: a bottomless wallet of blood money) and about a player having a short career and whatever, there seems to be almost no players anywhere these days that have heard the word “loyalty”. So fucking what if you win a bazillion trophies as a bit-part player? Ask Hleb how happy he feels about the La Liga, Champions League and Copa Del Rey trophies he “won” while at Barca… they could have signed me and I would have contributed just as much as Hleb did. And I would have tried to score own goals at every opportunity, because I don’t particularly like that bunch of muppets.
*reads a few of the previous drinks*
Well, that didn’t change much, now did it? I am still quite drunk. Had planned a quiet night in wathing telly but then a mate called me and said I was wanted down the boozer. Well, I just had to go, hadn’t I? In any case we had a great few hours, and I ended up slightly inbebr… inerbi… inebd… inb… eeh, not particularly sober.
Anyway, whatever. Have a good night, y’all and see you tomorrow!
I’m not going to contribute much to the debate here as I feel its all been said. However, i’d just like to say its a pleasure to find a mature discussion on this topic (even across the seven sisters divide.) Yes holic, please god let sanity prevail soon. Hard to see it tho eh? Being stuck at the girlfriends parents today, I made the mistake of joining in the “debate” at le grove (first and last time!) Of course my attempts to encourage sanity there were met with the obligatory bile and abuse from the kiddies. More worrying is the extent that fans buy into the notion that everything would be solved for us if we would just pay the players the obscene wages they demand and the ridiculously inflated transfer fees clubs want. Football is completely bonkers at the mo and I worry about the future consequences
Steve @ 27
some good points in what you say. Shame, then, that you then have to include the bit about “us” being “shit fans”.
I don’t know you or how you behave at matches, and would not assume to pass comment on the matter.
I would be grateful, in return, if you would not describe me as a “shit fan”. I can assure you I am anything but. That goes, clearly, for a whole load of regular contributors to this blog, and others who give a lot of their time and money to get behind a team that, it must be said, has let them down rather badly for some time.
Even some of the visiting Spuds didn’t only come on here to sling insults.
cant believe im saying this but im siding with morgan over irish gooner, what?? before u say anything irish gooner, im born and bread islington and a staunch and knowledgeable arsenal fan. dont be blinded by hatred, its petty, makes u look ignorant and gives us a bad name. Im sorry but bale IS better than arshavin, or at least he is more fitted to the epl and while some might say isn’t a fair judgement, its all that matters as thats where we play. I’ll leave it there before i piss anyone important off..
Goonieholic. I still don’t see the difference. They both want out because they want to win things. End of story.
Lars,
My commendions I can not write anything so cultured while pissed. Am just about able to read posts but yours by far makes the most sense …or does it
@stoney
Without any biast at all, i think the point here with cesc and mod is that cesc has pretty much always wanted to return to his homeland where he learnt as a child, where his friends and family are and yes, where he can win things, where as modric clearly is more concerned about the bigger paycheck.. utd want him aswell remember and surely if u only wanted to win titles u would think they would be the best place to try..
If some sanity in football does not prevail soon, fans will have been driven away from the game by prices they simply cannot afford – as many have been already.
As stadia empty and interest is lost, TV money will decline and players will have the financial issues settled for them by a game gone bust.
All the top clubs meet regularly, and with the exceptions of Man City, Chelski and, in a totally different sense ourselves, they are all as good as broke.
It has to be in everyone’s interest to simply refuse to play this wage game any longer. Even Man City and Chelski’s. Which titles will be left to buy when there is no opposition left to play against ?
None so blind as those who will not see.
Irish gooner is soo right.. I don’t get why people big up players like bale and modric so much, modric doesn’t seem to score much doesn’t seem to assist much, he has a good touch and does not give the ball away much but I see that week in week out with jack wilshere, who is much younger and more agressive, as for bale he had a good night in the San siro, apart from that when ever I see him play he’s pritty crud
@tGoOn.
So you don’t think fabregas would demand a pay rise to go to barca and a pay off from arse for making them an extremely tidy profit? I wouldn’t be fooled by all the sentimental bullshit. As for modric’s motives how can you be so sure he’s doing it for money and not out of ambition? You’re differentiating between the two based on supposition and not fact just the same as the author of the article.
Bale better than Arshavin? Lord have messi!!!!
As a Spurs fan with loads of goon mates I am heartily sick to death of players greed strangling the game. What started out as responses to the article has turned into stuff you see in a kids playground – grow UP ffs. The game we love is like our politicans corrupt from the FIFA top downwards. Are we both happy to see the premiership turn into an ego trip for billionaires? There will never be another Nottingham Forest coming up and winning the biggest prize in footie. The romanticism has gone from football. I have a lot of time as a Yid for Wenger – he supported me in introducing mini soccer. What you cant see is that the Premiership is in danger of becoming like the Jocks premier league. Same teams every year winning the league due to a minority of clubs with billionaire chairman. The only way football will survive is if there is a cap on players wages and on transfer signings.
I now cant afford to take my kids to WHL. I’ve been priced out so take them to watch the local club instead. Premiership? Not for families anymore.
@SouthendYid
Well said mate. Less and less youngsters do go to premiership games now and it’s because the greedy players have forced clubs to charge prices that are through the roof to cover their huge wages. This will be my 20th season as a season ticket holder at WHL. My first season 91/92 cost £205. This year it was £817. I’m no mathematician but that’s not in line with inflation. Just a few quid short of a 400% increase. Disgraceful. It’s the name on the front of the shirt that matters to the fans. It’s the name on the back that matters to the players.
Well done ‘holic, I don’t think I’ve seen such a civilized conversation between Spurs and Gooners. I agree wholeheartedly with what you’ve said- I think Modric is bang out of order (not happy about Wilshere’s comments either), but I am pleased with what Cesc has came out with. I do feel a little bit hypocritical about it though. I mean, most Gooners are really happy with the idea of Samba possibly coming in, but lets not forget that he signed a contract extension with Blackburn only six months ago. In his defense he has said very little publicly, but my point is that sometimes were not as quick to criticize when the player is talking about how he ‘dreams of playing for Arsenal’. I also don’t like to get into the whole ‘holier than thou’ argument either- it’s easy to say they should all bleed for the shirt, but we’re not being offered stupid sums of money to support some one else either.
As I said, I agree with your take, I’m just being devils advocate.
On a side note- I think while Bale is a fantastic winger, he is underrated. His assists numbers are low, but to be fair, most of his crosses that led to goals were knock downs to VDV via Crouch. I do rate Modric as a player though, he was the best Spurs player by a mile IMO when we played out an entertaining (albeit frustrating) 3-3 draw.
Up the Arse
Sorry Spurs fans- I meant to say Bale is overrated. It is impossible for him to be overrated.
Players are ruining the game. Every single one of them is a greedy money grabbing cunt, as holic so eloquently put it. Steve, you are talking arse. It’s because these players are driving Bentleys at the age of 20 having achieved fuck all and putting in fuck all effort that the fans are pissed off with them. I dont want to sing for these fuckers who 2 years from the end of their contract will start looking at the clubs I despite with a glint in their eyes. I want to sing for a Tony Adams, a Dennis Bergkamp, a Martin Keown..players who want to play, want to win and see it as their responsibility to deliver. As for your ludicrous argument about wages..do me a favour. Do you really thing Rooney was concerned about being on the breadline at 45 when he blackmailed and slated the whole of his club for the sake of even greater riches?
What really pisses me off is the likes of you and i are paying for all of this. I for one am getting fed up of it and i’m seriously considering throwing in the towel and taking my kids to a smaller club in the lower leagues.
in reply to that muppet, sir cecil, you said cesc overstayed at afc, but you missed the point he plays champions league football every season, so go back to your little corner and shut it.
HOLICS!!!!
I’ll reply later after I read everything but I just have to publish this link, it’s one of the funniest things I’ve heard in the last year or two.
http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/weekend-sports-breakfast/blog/2011-06-18/caller-modric-better-fabregas-according-football-manager
For everyone asking what the difference is.
Imagine you were a teenager playing at your favorite club but deep down you know you won’t make it so you move abroad to a different club.
You fall in love with that club and give it your all but your favorite club will always be your number 1, after all you grew up supporting that club.
One day, that club you support wants to buy, and not only that, it’s the best club in the world that guarantees you silverware, wouldn’t you wanna go?
I know that if I would be playing somewhere and AFC would wanna buy me I’d go in a heartbeat, even if AFC isn’t the best in Europe, it’s the team I SUPPORT.
I don’t really have to explain how strong a feeling for a club you support is, do I?
Cmon man he just wants more money. WHo doesn’t want more money? Really now.
Can’t believe Irish gooner thinks Modric is worth £12m. If he means that should be his value, then yes, but not if you compare it to today’s over inflated prices.
how can Henderson go for £20m and Modric be only worth £12m. And by the way I’m a born and bred gooner.
As much as I like this blog and its optimistic nature,i can’t let this one pass.I agree with your views but there was no mention of Samir Nasri’s behavior in this article or in the previous ones.So how does modric’s behavior merit almost a full article?He is scum lets leave it at that.There is no need to talk about it when we’re facing a similar situation.
Why make a thread about Modric? Stop being so obsessed with us. Forever in our shadow. Stay mad faggots. COYS!
greg listen to yourself.who’s obsessed with whom?every year a different spuds player comes out with ‘we’re better than arsenal’.it’s all you ever talk about.50 years and counting.
Forget the names of particular players and look at the principle.A football club offers a player a contract, he happily signs it,the club honour it and if they did,nt the authorities and players would be screaming.However the treacherous gold diggers of players just think they can forget their responsibilities when it suits them and snake their way out to what they think are pastures greener.I am a person who believes there are things which have to be honoured and a contract which was freely entered into is one of those things.The whole game of football is in danger of imploding because of the greed and selfishness.How anyone can actually believe that the game,the standard of football,the behaviour of those in the game or its sleazy image is better than the football of years gone by is beyond any reasonable person.Finally when you read the comments of Irish gooner it makes you realise why the world is the way it is,this person is a fool and exactly what is wrong with the modern game not a real supporter/fan but an extremist without a cause so he turns to football and poisons it with his blinkered extrmist ignorance.
Nasri in simply negotiating a new contract ,or he will be sold or leave i 12 months.He is entitled to do this.
Modric is entitled to say he wants to leave also.But the way to do it is to put it in writing.
We as fans though should channel our love towards RVP.Now he does have class.
Greg, What can I say?
Midas, can you not see the difference between the situation of a player who signs a six year contract and openly demands a move a year later, and one who has not signed any extension whatsoever and is in a position to negotiate his (admittedly greedy) demands to commit further?
If you look further back I made the true comparison with one of ours. Adebayor did a press conference where he professed his undying love for Arsenal in front of the British journos, then went next door with the continentals and fluttered his eyelashes at Milan big stylee.
@ col. Well said
Good article ‘holic! Didn’t realise there were so many ‘normal’ Spurs fans?
Modric will go to Chelsea methinks. Spurs are holding out for more money – bet they get it. I also agree if Barca come up with the necessary cash, then take it…
I just don’t want things to drag on…
hleb was a better player then modric when he was wit us.modric gud player but redknapp defo bigs him up bigtime.same as hleb he cant shoot
Totally agree with ‘Steve’ (Comment No. 27)! When will football fans of all persuasions stop indignantly applying these shameless DOUBLE STANDARDS? Until fans acknowledge that ‘self-interest’ is both a human and business imperative; equally indulged in, I might add, by clubs, players and FANS alike! Taking the ‘moral high ground’ to justify antipathy towards any player who’s honest enough to admit their position is typically irrationally blinkered, not to mention, hypercritically ‘self-serving’!
@ morgan & tgoon,,,when you the say the WORLD of football,,,your watching to much sky sports news,,,sky made it their mission this year to blow smoke up bales a-hole,,and spurs,,,,their commentators during matchs are obviously pro spuds ,lpool,utd, and chelsea while being anti everything arsenal,,,arshavin is a far superiour player than bale,,,,the hard numbers dont lie,,,do yourselves a favour and turn off sky,,,they try to lie to millions of viewers each week,,,they hand pick their darlings(bale,rooney) not to mention that a fool like ray wilkins is now a PUNDIT awell as g neville,,are these men impartial ,,,,fuck no,,,but they believe what they say goes,,,you have been brainwashed into thinking some players and teams are better than they are in reality,,,
64n youcanthandlethetruth. Yes it is blinkered to not expect a degree of self interest, but football in it’s very nature is blinkered. Is it not blinkered of us to choose a team to support and hate all others? Is it not blinkered that we elevate people who are good at kicking a ball around to superhero status? Is it not blinkered that when a group of random people we have never met lose a game, it affects our mood for days?
Football HAS to be blinkered to work in its present form.
It seems at the moment that the fans are being asked to remain blinkered, to keep shelling out, to keep singing the songs, buying the shirts, travelling for hours to watch the games, whilst the players can keep remove the blinkers and take whatever they want.
Hey Lars , when your hangover clears , check out the Anders Limpar doc over on ” A Cultured Left Foot ” . It’s in Swedish so it will mean more to you than me . I just sat back and enjoyed the goals .
The one sentence in English in the whole thing made me laugh out loud . Talking about the robust tackling he received when he first arrived at Arsenal , Anders described it thus ;-
” Welcome to England , you fucking Swede . ”
SuperSwede – Legend
@jeffers #66,
All the ‘blinkered’ attitudes and actions that you infer are the everyday cut and thrust of football support are certainly at the more emotionally irrational end of the spectrum upon which all choices of how an individual conducts themself in the support of their team lie.
As someone who admits to being a, now involuntary, ‘hostage of my emotions’ when it comes to my reaction to wins or loses in certain games, to certain opposition! Or to being overcome by resentful feelings of antipathy towards one of our ‘better’ players expressing a desire to explore pastures new! I am simply saying that in the choices we make in how we support our respective teams and their playing personnel, we should adopt a resonable sense of perspective! Thus recognising that: ‘hating’ opposing fans; elevating your best players to ‘deity’ status and ‘beating up the missus’ because your team lost means you’re (Fans of this type of persuasion in general!) probably getting the balance wrong!
IRISH GOONER: In the second half of the season bale was infact doubled up on when he played. He was also the victim of late tackles a lot. He did assist more than once over the course of the season. However, an assist is only an assist if the player your passing it to scores a goal. When your strikers score a paltry 16 goals between 3 of them all season and your manager constantly plays crouch upfront as a lone striker its easy to see why bale didn’t have more assists. Maybe it would be fairer to compare chances created of which I can assure you bale would score highly in. Unfortunately the spurs strikers mainly due to having crouch upfront alone have been poor. So bale had crouch 80% of the time to put the ball into and arshavin had van persie. It was the end product that was spurs downfall not the service in.
fair point holic.One thing is clear.players can learn from the way cesc has handled the transfer speculation.one can only imagine the frustration he must have felt during our end of season collapse.
I can’t believe we’ve even been linked to joey barton.The stuff the media come up with..
Seems the bar is open again!
tabs@67: thanks for the tip about the Limpar documentary. I knew about it, but hadn’t seen it. It was shown as a part of a series where famous Swedish ex-athletes competed against each other in various events until only one remained and was crowned what would translate to “Champion of Champions” (I’m sure there is some similiar show on British TV). Limpar reached the final, where he was completely outclassed by Ingemar Stenmark, the former slalom skier who was once so good that they actually changed the rules to stop him from winning the world cup every season.
The pictures at the beginning with Limpar in the Swedish national team was from a friendly game just prior to the World Cup in 1990, and it was also the break-through game of one Tomas Brolin who later went on to be known as a proper donkey at Leeds – brought there by none other George Graham, if memory serves me – and Crystal Palace. He was not the same player then that he once was, he broke his ankle in 1994 and at that point he really was a world-class player.
I have to say I agree with previous posts. Samir to me is the same as Modric.
Quick hello to all the still visiting Spuds.
How are the sales of those watches going fellas ?
You know, the ones commemorating your defeat to Real Madrid.
If you haven’t seen it today, may I commend the completely bonkers Arseblogger to the house. Never thought I would laugh at anything to do with Joey Barton. Please don’t let this rumour be true – there must be other players we could sign to kick the oppo a bit.
Hello ‘holics,
Monday mornings suck.
I wonder if world would be a better place if there were three Sundays, two Saturdays and a single Friday.
I bet it would 😉
Trev @ 73 🙂 🙂
Morning ‘Holic & ‘Holics,
There’s a lingering pong in here, now let me see….
Windows open? Check.
Boot scraper by the door? Check.
Carpet cleaner at the ready? Check.
Medicine cabinet locked? Check.
Added security for the HT Mk II construction? Check.
Windows showing signs of drool? Check.
The odd delusional visitor? Check.
Oh how I love our engagements with all things Lilly White. How long before another poor sould deprived of winning the league for FIFTY years comes out with that old classic ‘forever in our shadow’?
It’s a real boost to start the week with a big, hearty laugh esp. when the sun is shining 🙂
PS: Great article ‘Holic. The differences between the Cesc and Modric situation are clear for all to see.
@ 51 Snir Geuli
That is so bloody funny, As for the topic on hand we all know that money is ruining the game……..players have cared less and less about the club they play for whilst they have demanded more and more for it.
But Mr Wenger has ploughed his own furrow here by signing young players for ridiculous sums of money in the hope they eventually come good, and the record on that front has been pretty poor.
Save football and buy season tickets to the womens league 😉
Snir @ #51,
I agree with DID – that’s a classic link. Maybe, just maybe, in Championship Manager the LWCs might be able to cast the smallest of shadows around their public convenience in N17. However, it would never stretch the length of the Seven Sister Road.
Great find, you get the Spotter’s Badge to keep for the rest of the week 😉
Morning All ,
It started with a train crash
when Dr Z got distracted by a Girl from Sainsbury’s
But the boys weren’t beaten , and went to work . The result was the most up to date Football Special in the World and it had
All the Bells and Whistles you would wish forl
It was designed for only the best supporters in the World , and through the close season , there was but one question on their lips
Oi ‘Holic , Where’s the Ht Mark II ?
The cuisine on offer , was good …
If a little retro …
Sweeties were served up by Dr Z’s blonde squeeze from Sainsbury’s
Good Lord !
But it was both the quality and the quantity of the liquid refreshment which drew the Arsenal hordes in and …
It wasn’t a surprise who led the charge to the Bar
The new CMC came into it’s own
Especially when TS left the key lying around
There was a crèche for the 2014-2015 Squad …
But some were unhappy to be missing out on the Beer
There were Games Rooms …
for the morally upright
And a “ Sport “ Carriage
For the not so well behaved
All Gooners were welcome
Even if your scarf was homemade and you hadn’t quite got the colours right
Some less fortunate souls were barred from entry
it was too much for some
Whilst others consoled themselves that Dr C would soon be Home 🙂
COME ON THE ARSENAL !! THE HAPPY TRAIN WILL SOON BE HERE .
Taken for a test drive at the weekend and returned to the depot for some major re-configuration, tabs, particularly to guard against our LWCs from the other end of the street.
But you’re right, it will soon be here 🙂
Sorry chaps for the meaningless post at 80 , every other line should have linked to a pic .
Huge difficulties getting onto the site here – gremlins left by the spuds ?
tabs
Thanks for the report, it further brightened up my day.
Keys returned and received with thanks.
Have you been on the sweeties yourself? 🙂
… and yes, accessing the drinks has been spudtacularly difficult this morning. I blame it on the lingering pong messing with the bits and bytes.
Look forward to seeing those links. No doubt, well researched….
zico
Have we agreed on the inaugural journey yet? Still the shores of lake Superior? SV has been quiet lately though….
Hey TS , have you been having any problems getting into the Bar ?
Gutted about the post at 80 – as a piece of conceptual Art it was right up there with Tracey Emin 🙂
Always on the sweeties TS
The timetable is the least of our worries, TS, after the infestation over the weekend.
Each applicant will now have to be measured up for their own bio suit.
SV – has obviously opted for a vow of silence until we “sign someone”. 🙂
TS – thanks – glad it’s not just me .
Think the Guv’nor needs to get the Shake and Vac out .
Dr Z – appreciated your zero tolerance to spuds in the bar earlier in the drinks 🙂
Dr. z @ #87,
Good idea re Bio-Suits. We could use the one I deployed at N17’s largest public convenience earlier this year as the blueprint but an upgrade needs to be considered e.g. auto O2 injection system should we make a deal to sign any current LWC players or if King Twitch escapes a jail sentence. We could call it the 50th Anniversay Model 😉
tabs @ #88,
Shake & Vac tabs? We need pulling through with barbed wire mate, as the StoreyDad used to say 🙂
Was a family do at the weekend in Bedford, hosted by the dark side of the family. We had this very conversation. All good stuff.
tester…
It started with a train crash
when Dr Z got distracted by a Girl from Sainsbury’s
nope , i give up
Somebody attempting image tags, perchance? 😉
Don’t ask me mate. I haven’t a clue what works and what doesn’t.
😉
Apparently bold does, but strikethrough doesn’t.
What about italic
That’s ok.
Hotlink protection I expect. I have to code the videos in behind the scenes when I add them to the drinks…
Afternoon Esso. I have no doubt you put ’em in their place 🙂
Afternoon…. Jack Warner resigns. Just how long until Blather’s 😉 position is untenable?
Give Modric SOME credit: Just because someone has enough sense to get out of White Hart Lane doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all about the money.
Of course, if he does go to Chelsea, then he’s still scum. Just not Scum with a capital S anymore.
Afternoon ‘Holic,
Did you anticipate such an influx of new visitors when you posted you latest blog?
Nice one & cheers 😉
Good point Uncle Mike @ #97.
You can only go on playing football in a crumbling dump for so long without the smell getting right up your nose 😉
Rude not to…. pints, anyone?
tabs @ 88 – didn’t see the point in trying to reason with marshmen. I assume they have all crawled back under their respective rocks?
Yes please Dr.C. We can toast the common hope that Blather’s reign is close to being over-thrown. Cheers!
zico @ 101,
You know what they say about tempting fate? Was rather surprised that our pet Spud Cusop was strangely quiet after that post….
The clean-up operation was thirsty work, BTW but nothing that disinfectant and elbow grease couldn’t solve.
Right then, a pint of elbow grease and TCP for TS, please barman!
Zico will no doubt have pint o’ heavy, and I’ll stick to Southern softie lager.
Heh Dr.C! I trust you were offered more appealing beverages on Father’s Day?
Holic , thanks for the tips and i will try again at some point . Unfortunately i am to computer logistics , what the majority of Spuds are to rational debate .
Dr C – A nice cold one , please , i think Lars tab is still open .
Dr Z@101 – Here’s hoping .
TS @89 – Just add the upgraded Bio-Suits to your ” to do ” list , i think we should incorporate increased armoury into the suits .
Locate , identify , and Destroy .
Just how much credit does Lars have behind this bar??
Shame about the new Chelsea boss …. he was on my future wish list. I guess that just leaves Pep. 🙂
Back from the shores of Lake Superior where Bigfoot Canadiensis is in training to take over the GK post should SZCZ falter in any way.
Good to hear ‘nasri. Depending on inaugural journey of HT Mk II we could give him a lift back to the Ems though he’ll probbaly have to travel in the Noah Car or whatever we’re calling it these days – it’s the one with the animals in and where Dr.C is prohibited from entering.
Don’t worry – Nanny won’t share me with anyone!
So she’s a ‘one man goat’ then?
TS, Not sure the NC is big enough for this the BC, whether Dr. C is in there or not!
tabs @ #106
Take a gander when you’ve got a mo.
http://mvl.mit.edu/EVA/biosuit/index.html
Over specified? No links to radar or weapons systems either. The model, however, could be used to good effect in any number of roles in the HT Mk II 🙂
Since I was away the Nasri transfer talk seems to have dampened down a bit but I was able to ruminate on a possible name change should the cheeky little bastard bugger off after all. Despite almost a week in the woods it looks like the best I came up with was (drumroll) behind the 8 ball but not nabbed by bigfoot (or a convenient acronym of bt8bbnnbb). No wonder nobody is paying me a large salary to sit around and do nothing … 🙂
Russia’s Usmanov raises Arsenal stake to over 29 pct!!!
Things are certainly getting interesting on the ownership front, not that he will get much more than the 30% he’s after, nor do I think that Stan will sell-on to the Russian gun-runner, however for me I don’t see it as a bad thing @ all, as I’m lead to believe that @ 30% it give him automatic rights to the financials each year so he can play politics with the board, this is something I have concerns about in the future the way Stan keeps everything in house with rest of his empire….
Once again a member of the HT Executive proves that the recruitment policy is based on sound principles.
An extra pint of Heavy for TS for finding not only THE suit, but the model to sell it to the travelling masses. I’m pondering whether to include this as standard at Club level or whether there is an opportunity here.
Nas @ 114 – here’s hoping he signs a new contract then 🙂
zico,
I think we should explore the possibilities. Protection for all from spud, manc, chav, or mutant germ warfare, etc. We should Arsenal-ize it a bit too before moving into volume production 🙂
Always open to exploring the possibilities TS, especially if it means getting the girl out of the suit 😉
Seems our bar has returned to (ab)normal again, or it will when tabs turns up.
I was thinking the very same thing Dr.z esp. when posting that link. We’ll see how tabs responds but it feels like the certifiable have been let out for yet another evening.
God only knows what we’ll be doing when the footie starts in anger.
Hey ho, that extra pint o’ heavy will help 😉
‘nasri @ #114, I think he’ll stay now! 🙂
Catalan@107: apparently it’s massive!
Storey@113: great job finding that bio-suit, just what we need should the train ever have to venture into worlds unknown.
Pint of Boddingtons, please.
Excellent work TS , lets go into mass production .
I think as regards Arsenalisation , i think the baby romper currently being sold in the Arsenal shop should be used as the industry standard .
Dr z , bearing in mind the weekend influx , they must be provided for all happy travellers .
Club class requires heavy weaponry . How about this ?
http://www.notcot.org/post/8464/
Allow me to put that on your tab Lars 😉
Actually the suit reminded me, in a strange way, of those silver get-up that you don in those ice bars that originated(?) in the nordic region.
Mmmm, as you can prob tell, I’m feeling the need to self medicate. I’ll remove the anti-LWC chains and un-lock the CMC for all 🙂
Heh – I knew we could rely on agent tabs!
Your post makes me feel nearly (ab)normal.
Take your pick from the CMC, old son.
I’ll fetch my pipe 🙂
Hooray
tabs its a winner – Peruvian Anti Riot Suit (PARS) – which just happens to be the nickname of my hometown football club.
Could it get anymore surreal? Actually, don’t even think about answering that.
PARS & BS-FUMES (Bio Suit – Future Undergarment Mandatory for Ecstatic Supporters)
Nurse? The injection please….
DrZ , i think it could be the very thing which might rejuvenate the Dunfermline textile industry 🙂
Well obviously, it could.
Good stuff TS 🙂
Storey@124, they did originate from the nordic region – from a small village in the north of Sweden, to be precise. It started with a guy who built a whole hotel made of ice and it moved on from there. People were saying he was mad and how it would never work but it became a massive success, and he then expanded the business to include ice bars and stuff.
http://www.icehotel.com/uk/ICEHOTEL/
Fantastic Lars! Another certified member of The Mad Hatters Tea Party joins us in the bar. No wonder the spuds are nowhere to be seen tonight 😉
See , we’re not mad , this time next year Rodders , we’ll be millionaires 🙂
*takes another tug*
tabs, I think you should consider writing another one of your dialogues, I’ll set the scene if I may….
9AM tomorrow morning. Head of marketing called into Ivan’s office for a de-brief on the temperature of yesterday’s blogs.
Over to you maestro…..?
Lars, Does the HT go to ICEHOTEL?
It does now !!!! 🙂
Peruvian Anti-Riot Suit is cool but I wouldn’t want to be on the losing side. 🙂
Lee @ 115 – sorry to ignore your very valid post about the boardroom (the real boardroom TS!) – Usmanov has just bought an expensive privilege to look at the accounts I believe.
Whilst he can afford it, I’m like you, I think there could be an agenda of mischief, not particularly well hidden, either.
Definitely an expensive privilege, I agree. Sophisticated Stan and his advisors must surely be well versed in (real!) boardroom politics. This is not an unforseen scenario and with 67% share-holding under what circumstances do KSE need to worry assuming they behave correctly?
Just askin’ guys….
It just means that the tabloids will make non-stories into the usual “boardroom crisis”, especially if things on the field are not going as we would like, and generally pandering to the Office boy’s audience.
I think the further we keep Usmanov away the better, but that’s just my personal opinion.
zico, agreed 100% about Usmanov.
TS @135 ,
Head of Marketing : You wanted to see me Ivan ?
Ivan : Yes indeed , the fans … … , how are they reacting to the latest developments . We must keep a handle on supporters opinions .
H of M : Understood Sir . Arseblog doesn’t want Barton or Defoe .
Ivan : But they’re being shown round London Colney as we speak …
H of M : He called Barton a sociopathic thug …
Ivan : Fuck , and Defoe …?
H of M : … a poxy-little midgety twat-faced thundercunted shithouse gimp-featured donkey-wanking puke-box of enema bits
Ivan : Oh Dear Lord … thats our incomings buggered … still on the bright side , we’ve managed to flog Clichy
H of M : Ah , Sir , I er meant to mention …. Yogi Warrior wants to keep him , says you’d be mad to sell him
Ivan : Jesus , my head hurts , I hate this job , dare i ask what those cunts at Le Grove are saying ?
H of M : Just being their normal twattish selves Sir
Ivan : *groans* Where’s Arsene ?
H of M : Out for the count Sir
Ivan : What do you mean , out for the count ? We’ve got a full blown crisis going on here
H of M : We can’t raise him Sir , since he had a bash at the Californian last week
Ivan : My God , where did he get it ?
H of M : Goonerholic , Sir .
Ivan : Ah Goonerholic , they’re normally pretty supportive , what are they saying ?
H of M : They’ve just developed a Peruvian Anti-Riot Suit Sir . Quite useful actually Sir , I’ve got one here
Ivan : Right , strap me in , its time to meet the fans . Oh and ….
H of M : Yes Sir ?
Ivan : Bring me my pipe
tabs,
F*ckin’ A! 🙂 You should have your own show mate.
*wipes away tears, gets back to his pipe*
Cheers TS , *takes another big lungful* 🙂
tabs – genius
we’re not worthy.
Mos def.
Oh but you most definitely are Dr Z 🙂
I`ve just had one whole glorious day (well almost) of on and off listening to spuds fans on the radio bemoaning their plight. Of course Levy was, as usual, making a cock of himself by saying that there was no way that Modric would be allowed to move, with Harry holding him to that, and saying that the spuds could match his ambitions. What a load of desparate p****s they are.
With Cesc, I think its now time he went, and if Barca can be made to pay £40m or thereabouts it would be a good bit of business. If we could assure Nasri that he would be playing in his preferred position he would more likely agree to a new deal, although I still believe he will sign an extension.
TS & Zico,
I’m no great lover of the man (usmanov) myself but the fact that Stan still contrives to tell US very little, + some little snip-its I’ve read (if true) about the complete financial secrecy framework he operates in, he could easily us US as a cash cow for his other ventures, as the glazers are with ManU.
So as I say for me Usmanov’s political games could keep us informed of Stan’s investment in & around the club, personally I stopped trusting all money men many years ago, because they all have an agenda & the way he has already put-up prices is NOT the greatest start in my book.
Lee @ #149
What’s to love? 😉
If Usmanov can be ‘used’ to keep KSE ‘honest’ then that benefits our club. Usmanov’s past seems to be darker than Stan’s but we can only speculate as to their various agendas at this point. My personal opinion is that we’re in reasonably safe hands for the time being but let’s see what unfolds…
You can certainly trust them both to do what they they think is best for their respective buisnesses.
I have a 1985 centenary year jersey holic but its from when I was 12 so unless you’ve turned into yoda it wont fit…personally I get dissapointed when I dont see the umbro logo on them..loved that word..I must be so far off topic at this stage I could be on the wrong blog…
Brilliant idea, ‘holic. You are a genius 🙂