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England's coming to America and to a stadium near you.

http://www.thefa.com/England/SeniorTeam/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2005/03/England_USATour_Announced.htm

I'd think Beckham and Owen wouldn't be there with their Real commitments. : :arrow: comments?

Falc, come out if you can snag a couple tickets. :

Were I Jose Mourinho,
I would have a
Throne of gold
And sit in the dugout,
A crown atop my head.
“Don’t you know who I am?”
I would hiss at any
Impudent official.

And after any match
Like last night’s match
I would look at the press,
My crown just so,
Present my palms and
Smile and say,
“Who are you
Who dared to doubt me?”

Well again, I told you so. Joe Cole was MOTM in his first competitive England start. A clinical finish to open the scoring and he was the creative force the entire match. The expression on Dyer and Hargreaves' faces when they appeared as subs for Beckham and Gerrard said it all. The left flank is Cole's to lose. Beckham was horrible and needs to be dropped. He has no place in the side imo. Cole and Lampard create more than enough on their own and the prospect of some real width on the right with either SWP or Dyer would create more space for Cole and Lamps. Gerrard needs to play in a strict holding role as he is not needed when he have Cole and Lampard out there. Gerrard must have given the ball away needelessly 4-5 times and was not involved in any of the goals. Bravo SGE for finally given Cole his due. Your next assignment is to bring Beckham back to reality by benching him for this Wednesday. He offers very little these days and can't even seem to strike a fk the way he used to.

Yeah, gotta agree with you, G. Joe Cole was outstanding today, by far the man of the match. He's really matured this season; even when Mourinho criticised him for not working hard enough or even staying in his designated position, he responded positively, won his place in the Chelsea XI and now looks the best player in his position for England.

He's always been talented, G, and yeah you told us so. But when you first mentioned Joe Cole, he wasn't the same player he is now. He was lazy and obstinate and very very inconsistent.

For now, Joe has earned his place in the starting eleven for his country, and therefore his inclusion against Azerbaijan should not be in doubt. However, 1 game does not make a player, and there are others on the sidelines waiting to take his place if he reverts back to his old ways.

Let's not get carried away, it was Northern Ireland. But I too was very impressed and am quietly optimistic that Joe Cole has finally solved our dilemma on the left side of midfield

Unbelievable. Anybody see the fight between Newcastle teammates Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer today? I saw pictures and it looked like some serious punches were thrown. What a joke.

[From an e-mail sent to me by a 'Pool fan:]

Marko will finally get some sleep:)

So farewell Cardiff. This will be the last FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium. A few high-profile English fixtures remain in this splendid gaff by the Taff, such as the Commmunity Shield, a visit by Sven's men, the League Cup and probably next season's FA Cup semis, but the end if nigh for the English invasions across the Severn to the land of dragons and choirs. We should say farewell with a heavy heart.

The Cardiff experience has been fun, apart from the M4 resembling a car park organised by Baldrick, Trial and error over many visits threw up some short cuts, including back-trebles through the Valleys and another detour skims the Severn and batters the suspension on cattle grids. But the Millennium was always worth the hassle.

There have been some memorable moments at this memorable ground. Michael Owen's astonishing late brace for Liverpool against Arsenal. The look of joy on Steve Gibson's face as Middlesbrough lifted the League Cup. The dynamic performance of Cesc Fabregas in the Community Shield. And the deafening noise the Birmingham City fans as they clinched promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs.

To feed the rapacious monster that is the new Wembley, all games will have to be held in the money-pit the FA are digging in north-west London. Even the FA Cup semis will be staged under that expensive arch, so lessening the special nature of the final and condemning Northern fans to make often illogical treks south.

Cardiff finals were more than just a match. It was all about fans enjoying kickabouts by the walls of the castle, basking in the sunshine, finding welcome places to eat and drink in the streets and arcades and then filling a terrific ground designed with supporters and atmosphere in mind. The fans are so close to the pitch that an amazing amount of intimacy is invariably generated.

The Liverpool fans with their banners always made an impressive vista. Southampton's relish of a rare day out was palpable. I bumped into one Hampshire couple resplendent in Southampton colours - scarves, shirts, face-paint, banners, the ST. Mary's works - and they were not even attending the game. They hadn't managed to get tickets but their son had so they drove him down. They just wanted to sample the atmosphere outside the ground.

The Welsh have been particularly hospitable in staging an annual, eve-of-final media match. They hosted it with typical style, laying on limos and the use of Ninian Park, and they certainly took it seriously, never holding back with the quality of their media team. We were all journos with the odd classy ringer in Gordon Hill, Ralf Little or Tony Gale. Before one game, we were waiting in the tunnel for the Welsh reporters to emerge. The first out of the home dressing room was Neville Southall &...followed by Kevin Radcliffe, Ian rush and Mark Hughes. Some spine!

We lost, inevitably, Hughes scoring a screamer, and I was booked 'for being English', according to the chuckling referee. The Cardiff public always turned out impressively to support the match, helping raise funds for a local hospice. I'll never forget shouting a couple of times at Ralf, only for some watching kids to mishear. They thought we'd sneaked in Raul as a ringer.

We meet again, probably for the last time, on May 20 at Merthyr Tydfil FC. I will miss the limos, being nutmegged by Rushie and the sight of our right-back almost suffering scorch marks from Andy Legg motoring past him so often.

Every party comes to an end some time. The Cardiff carnival for the English is almost over. So farewell Wales, and thanks for the memories. Now, how do I find my way past the stacking traffic on the North Circular Road en route to Wembley?

Not sleeping, Bineaz, was a good e-mail. It's a shame to see the finals go; I thought at least they could let us keep SOME events here. Obviously the FA Cup and play-off finals should be at Wembley, but we could have the league cup and other fixtures like the community shield. But alas no.

I'm surprised they have problems with the M4. I've travelled on it countless times and almost never had a problem with the traffic until I get to the Heathrow Airport, West London area, where it often slows down considerably. It's nowhere near as busy around these parts.

It is a nice city on sunnier days like today though; the amount of continental tail in the centre today was at record levels. The guy is also right to point out the pleasant eateries and bars in the streets and victorian arcades

Forza Cardiff. Wembley is going to be a great stadium, but as it's not in the city centre, there isn't a great deal to do there.

marko,

I'm not sure who the auhor is, but the article appeared in FourFourTwo.

Cardiff sounds like a nice enough place.

The England roster for the match against the US:
Robert Green Norwich City
Scott Carson Liverpool
David James Manchester City
Sol Campbell Arsenal
Matthew Upson Birmingham City
Wes Brown Manchester United
Gary Neville Manchester United
Ashley Cole Arsenal
Phil Neville Manchester United
Glen Johnson Chelsea
Jermaine Jenas Newcastle United
Stewart Downing Middlesbrough
Michael Carrick Tottenham Hotspur
Joe Cole Chelsea
Shaun Wright-Phillips Manchester City
Alan Smith Manchester United
Peter Crouch Southampton
Andy Johnson Crystal Palace
Jermain Defoe Tottenham Hotspur

Glazer takeover of ManU.

Well, the club will be in shambles shortly. We knew this was going to happen. Did the club hire bankers to advise on a defense, no. Instead of a poison pill, the club staged protests at racetracks. Well it was nice having a nice transfer kitty each year. It will be nice to renew the Leeds United rivalry in Div 1 in about 6-7 years.

England Colombia. I'll be at Giants Stadium for the match. Too bad this is pretty much an England B squad.

gunit,

would you like to indroduce yourself...

Bineaz, its Grami . My old logon won't work...

OK Grami. Enjoy the match. Did you get your boy a # 10 England jersey yet?

My mom's going to Italy in a few weeks, that's my request (for an Italy kit).

Too bad the Azzurri won't venture past the eastern time zone.

So that yank got a hold of Man U!

Gunit,

Word is Beckaham won't be at Chicago against the US, but will be part of the sqaud for the Columbia game. His elsest kid really wants to see the bridge his dad biought him. :P

Bineaz Either that or see the place where he was conceived and named after. I guess they went with Brooklyn because bathroom floor of Peter Luger Steakhouse is probably copyrighted and would draw a lawsuit.

Who knows, maybe Brooklyn wants his dad to buy a Premiership professional football club?

...bathroom floor of Peter Luger Steakhouse is probably copyrighted and would draw a lawsuit.

LMAO

You were there giving pointers I bet.

The Wall Street Journal

Glazer Nears Man. U. Takeover
As Fans Vow to Launch Rebellion
May 13, 2005

It's been a sour season in Old Trafford. First Manchester United, one of the world's wealthiest and best-loved soccer teams, crashed out of the Champions League round of 16 in March, losing to AC Milan. Then Man U. lost England's Premiership for the second straight season -- Man U. is in third place, well behind Chelsea and Arsenal.

But yesterday was the most painful day for fans. Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer increased his stake in the club to 56.9% and is well on his way to taking over the club. Supporters of the club are bracing themselves for Mr. Glazer to increase prices of tickets and merchandise and use the club's incomparable brand as a cash cow.

British columnists are sounding the alarm bells. The Independent's James Lawton calls May 12, 2005, "the blackest one in the history of English football." And Daily Telegraph soccer writer Henry Winter sums up the philosophical objection: "Glazer does not care about Charlton Athletic, Middlesbrough or Tottenham Hotspur; he does not even know them. He just wants to make money, and he has realised that United can divert many of football's rich revenue streams into Old Trafford by negotiating their own television contract."

Why not welcome Mr. Glazer, when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has rejuvenated Chelsea since purchasing the club? Because the American is overstepping his means, taking on huge debt to buy the club. "Chelsea are indebted to Abramovich," Mr. Winter writes. "United are now in debt because of Glazer."

That's why Man. U. fans' opposition is practical and understandable, despite its occasional portrayal in the U.S. as mere anti-Americanism. In the Independent, David Conn projects the likely woes awaiting fans, including more-expensive prawn sandwiches at Old Trafford and the fear that Mr. Glazer will look to go alone in selling TV rights, "which would earn more for United, but fundamentally damage English football."

Fans are vowing to fight back. Some gathered outside the stadium last night and burned Mr. Glazer in effigy. Mr. Conn broaches a constructive option fans may take: form their own club, FC United. "Their will, and abilities, should not be underestimated," he writes. The more-destructive possible action is what the Guardian's Kevin McCarra calls "a scorched earth policy" of tearing down the team's finances by boycotting merchandise and tickets until Mr. Glazer is forced to sell at a loss. Mr. McCarra warns, "There are Manchester United supporters who love the club deeply enough to kill it."

St. Petersburg Times columnist John Romano, who knows the Glazers' NFL club well, has some words of introduction for Brits wondering about these sports invaders: "They will not be swayed by emotions. They do not care about public perception. They do not worry about hurting feelings. They may have invested a decade in the Bucs, but they have no sentimental attachments to Tampa Bay. These are people who usually buy low, always sell high and think Bambi's mom got what she deserved. Know this, too: They will make money. Lots of money. Either the Glazers will have complete control over what may be the most profitable sports franchise in the world, or they will have some British soccer fans willing to pay anything to force them out of the country."

I would only be giving pointers to Becks on the menu and the best way to get back to Manhattan after dinner. Leon, Glazer has close to 71%. I am so angry at the Man U board. They are completely inept. They did nothing about the agent 's fees scandal, Ferdinand's missed test, and did zero a year and a half ago when Glazer first had interest in buying the team. They could have hired some bankers to devise a takeover defense but they instead relied on the word of 2 Irish race horse moguls to protect them. What a bunch of clowns, I mean honestly what are they thinking? Football is a business which is not friendly to leverage, just ask Lazio. Glazer is betting on being able to secure his own TV rights, if that doesn't happen the club is doomed. If it does happen, he will sell shortly afterwards. Course if he does get TV rights, he is going to fundamentally kill the mid to low table teams in the EPL. It is indeed a dark day

Gunit

My guess, right or wrong, is that Fergie would probably call it quits if Glazer takes over.

Are the English upset that Glazer is American or are they upset that no English businessmen are stepping up for the ManUTD?

This whole Man U/Glazer thingie is just a bit of tongue & cheek National rivalry. But Glazer got a $400 million dollar stadium built without having to pay a cent himself. A new stadium which is making him even richer. he got it because he treathened to move the team. I hope he does not do anything like that. He is at least better than having another russian businessman buying the team. LOL

He has also made the team very heavily indebted. I hope it works out for the best. I do very much still love the boys in red.

I think, it is not a matter whether he is Russian, American, Japanese or whatever else. The problem is he is not English, I think.

I don't think nationality is much of a factor, aside from the fact that a foreign owner is obviously less likely to be a genuine fan, and thus have the good of the club at heart.

The problem is that Glazer CANNOT afford the club, and has absolutely NO interest in football whatsoever. I really don't think rivalry between English and Americans has anything to do with it. I'm surprised if foreign media are painting such a picture as you'd only have to speak to a few supporters to dispel it.

However, that's not to say that Shareholders United aren't themselves a little silly. They keep holding these banners up saying "United: Not for sale" well it's on the stock exchange so of course it is for sale! They themselves buy up shares on a monthly basis, so they can hardly complain if someone else does. I own a few shares myself, albeit privately and not through SU. I bought them quite cheaply so stand to make an unwanted profit lol.

Glazer may well take it off the exchange altogether, but that won't help matters. He is unlikely to invest heavily in the playing squad (it isn't even certain that he'll back the planned ground expansion), and he is buying the club for his personal gain. That is the problem. If he's only looking for a personal profit, then the club itself will suffer and the days of breaking transfer records for players are over.

I don't think reasonable United fans, like myself, would have ANY problem if a foreign billionaire happened to be a United supporter and he bought the club. He'd be far more likely to have good intentions. Chelsea certainly aren't complaining at Roman, because Roman himself knows he cannot possibly make a profit out of Chelsea. He is no Chelsea fan, but his expenditure has not hurt the club, only been to its benefit, no matter how someone might spin it.

Aside from this, it was pleasant to send Southampton out of the Premiership today. I haven't forgotten their fans arrogance in light of some heavy defeats they gave us in the 90s. They will remain a nothing team, and it warmed my heart to see them relegated. Goodbye "Saints"

oh well..... cross your fingers and hope for the best.

He has to make it work

If Glazer is foolish enough to think that all he needs to do is own the team and it will make money, then he is a fool. Manchester United is a very marketable team because it is a winning team. It does not need to take the Galactico approach of Real Madrid but if the team becomes a middle table EPL side, then Glazer's value will go down. This is not the NFL where there is guaranteed TV money and limited competition. There are so many clubs, not only in England but throughout the world (well, mostly Europe) that compete for marketing $$$ in football. So if Glazer wants a cash cow with MU, he needs to ensure that it is a winning side.

Why not welcome Mr. Glazer, when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has rejuvenated Chelsea since purchasing the club? Because the American is overstepping his means, taking on huge debt to buy the club. "Chelsea are indebted to Abramovich," Mr. Winter writes. "United are now in debt because of Glazer."

I am not sure what is meant by this statement. If it means that Glazer has to take on debt to takeover the shares, then there should be some regulations that will prohibit this from happening. If the club has picked up debt to fight Glazer, well, that is another matter. But then Glazer as owner is stuck with the debt. I guess he makes it up by charging more for prawns then

Manchester United fans have not given up trying to stop Glazer

By STEPHEN WADE, AP Sports Writer
May 15, 2005

AP - May 12, 1:40 pm EDT

LONDON (AP) -- Some Manchester United fans are still trying to stop Malcolm Glazer's $1.47 billion takeover of the world's richest soccer team.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner was expected to announce Monday that his shares in the club topped the 75 percent mark needed for complete control of the team. His company, Red Football Ltd., told the London Stock Exchange at the close Friday he owned 74.81 percent.

At the critical 75 percent threshold, Glazer could take the club private.

The fan group Shareholders United is calling for a boycott of Manchester United sponsors, and is planning demonstrations at the FA Cup final against Arsenal on May 21.

``We won't do anything that endangers safety, but they may have to draft in the army to police the match,'' said Oliver Houston, a vice chairman of Shareholders United.

Reaction to Glazer's takeover has been mostly negative. Fans fear Glazer will sell Old Trafford stadium and raise prices. They also oppose foreign ownership.

Glazer told the stock exchange Friday he would borrow $490 million to fund the buyout. He also said the bid includes $503 million of his own money, and another $509 million to be generated by issuing preferred securities to large investors.

``His plans are far too aggressive for the club and are doomed to failure,'' said Sean Bones, another vice chairman of Shareholders United.

The group said in the last few days its membership has grown from 20,000 to 30,000.

``I think it may take one or two years, but I do think Glazer will be defeated,'' Bones said.

Bones also is asking fans to boycott the club's large sponsors: Nike, Vodafone, Anheuser-Busch and Audi.

``We want to split the club from the brand,'' Bones said. ``We feel Malcolm Glazer has bought the brand, but not the football club.

``We don't want him here. He won't be given a chance. We don't like Malcolm Glazer, we don't like what he stands for.''

Meanwhile, assistant Manchester United coach Carlos Queiroz said manager Alex Ferguson has no plans to leave the club. The 63-year-old Ferguson, the most successful manager in English soccer, canceled a weekly news conference Friday and hasn't spoken publicly about the deal.

``Sir Alex is not considering his future. That's rubbish. I have spoken to him and he is fine,'' Queiroz said Sunday.

Glazer has at least one defender -- Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson. He termed reaction to the American's takeover ``hysterical.''

``I have watched with some distaste what has gone on outside Old Trafford,'' Gibson said. ``I can't see that it's football to burn an effigy of a man that no one knows and has never met.''


Updated on Sunday, May 15, 2005 11:23 am EDT

I think the only way to settle this dispute is for an English billioniare to buy the Yankees!

Buzz, Eugene I can't believe you guys are so way off. Glazer could be British royalty and it won't matter, he can't afford the team and his bid is heavily financed with debt. Falc, I understand what you are saying, Glazer intends to make money but in my opinion the only way to make money would be to somehow get Man U its own tv rights. That would bring a windfall of cash, unfortuantely it would kill mid to lower table EPL teams so I am completely against it. What else can he do, increase marketing? Man U have done that to the fullest and have also disposed of their biggest marketing tool to Real Madrid. In terms of winning, Man U have never been farther from winning the EPL title. They are getting worse. Some big buys are needed and when you have big interest payments due each year, that is difficult to do. He probably has debt covenants on the amount he can spend on players to begin with. If he cannot renegotiate the TV deal., don;'t surpised if there is a sale-lease back of Old Trafford and a bunch of players are sold off, before Glazer dumps the club altogether.

Marko, I am so furious with MAn U's board. We knew this day was coming and they did nothing about it. Who is on their board, I wouldn't be surprised if its a bunch of ex-footballers plus some dumb attorney.

don't you mean some dumb accountant G-

Bineaz, no attorneys are the preferred choice when it comes to jotting down board minutes without really paying attention. Seriously I didn't mean it like that, there are smart/dumb attorneys to the same extent of every other profession.

Bineaz, by the way in the words of Joe Peschi "I don't shine shoes no more, I guess you didn't hear"

LOL -- no insult to me G-

I don't mean to rub salt into the wound, but a 'pool fan sent me this:

An open letter to ManU fans from Malcolm Glazer.

Dear Soccer fans

As you all know, I've been looking to buy the United's of Manchester for a little while now. I've also heard that some of you may not be too happy about me using, sorry, buying the club in order to reach new heights and also, that I may not be a fan. Well fear not, as I'm writing this personal letter to let you know that I'm a genuine fan of you blue devils.

I began rooting for the United's back in 1992 when our little Malcolm JR was practicing those Soccer home runs out in the yard. I loved the way you turned defense into offense, and the way that Bobby Shearer used to top half it into the goal bag. Oh man, that play was hot. My son tells me that you even out-zoned your City rivals Southampton in the 4th quarter of the FA World Series. As for your current team, that Rude guy is awesome!!!! I see a profitable future at the United, with the young talent of Cristiano Rooney (man, that guy can dance!) and Peter Shilton giving us hope in defeating the evil Russian tyranny which assaults the freedom of our beloved Soccer.

With the marketing potential of those Neville brothers and that Pearce dude leading the team, we can all look to achieving our beliefs of a better future. Especially when I add Alexei Lalas and Cobi Jones to the starting 15. Now to you, the fans. I've been to see the United's play once before, and the respect you pay your team in silently admiring the play out on the pitch was overwhelming. Because of this, I've just purchased a new £45 million mansion in the Manchester to be close to you guys. And more good news is I'm planning to add an extra 10,000 seats through corporate boxes so more genuine blue devils can experience the play.

What's with the prawn sandwiches I had to eat when I was there? Well, rest assured, it'll be super size prawn baguettes when I take charge. I can't wait to come over to the Manchester isles, as I love the country, especially the beaches and the hot chicks. I hope you can all see my vision of this future, with new shirt sponsors (Dunkin Donuts) and new team name (The Manchester Gloom) I'm sure things are looking bright. Further good news for you guys is that I've just agreed a partnership deal with McDonalds, who will help in promoting the Manchester brand. This will involve re-naming the stadium to 'McTrafford' as well as an exciting launch of Manchester Gloom plastic fan toys in every happy meal. Cristiano Rooney will be the face of this campaign and during this, he will be marketed globally as Roonald McDonald.

TOUCHDOWN!

Take care dudes.

Malcolm Glazer
Majority Owner

Bineaz, I must say that is quality.

Yeah, a good bit of satire -- I did a little edit job to change "offence" and "defence" to the Amrican English, which makes more sense (also shows it was a Brit that composed it).

I liked especially Christiano Rooney.