The Football.....

[No Ta Doctor]

Modern day football. Money buys success.
I fully expect 2 of those 8 to be out next round and the usual suspects to play out the quarterfinals.

Jonathan Wilson has an interesting take on it.
Basically, yes, money buys you the best players to play strong pressing muscular football that the rest of the continent can't cope with, but you play that all season against even mid and lower table teams that contest every ball and the continent doesn't, so by March you're knackered and they stroll in and nick the silverware.

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...as-power-faces-reckoning-with-european-giants

 

[No Ta Doctor]

I see that Bodo/Glimt sneaked into the play offs too - that must be amazing for such a small club

Definitely one to avoid in a knockout. Astroturf? In the Arctic? In winter? No thanks!

 

[T4tomo]

Definitely one to avoid in a knockout. Astroturf? In the Arctic? In winter? No thanks!

although to be fair their away record is marginally superior to their home record in the league phase, its not like they just snuck thru due to the home advantage

 

[No Ta Doctor]

although to be fair their away record is marginally superior to their home record in the league phase, its not like they just snuck thru due to the home advantage

Yeah, it was more a comment on the nature of knockout football, and not wanting nasty surprises like the bounce of a ball on astroturf or having to adjust to sub-zero temperatures. We played them last season and they were tricky, not just because of the astroturf. They're also in pre-season at the mo, which is a bit of a double edged sword - their compatriots Rosenborg used to feed off the big names in qualifying (their mid season in the summer) because they were already up and running, but I think that with no season games they'll just be focused and well trained specifically for whoever they draw.

 

[Accy cyclist]

How poor of the FA to block such an intended good deed!👎

FA block Crystal Palace from refusing Macclesfield gate receipt money | The Standard https://share.google/a4VY4rGJMLlMnrUc3

 

[Pblakeney]

How poor of the FA to block such an intended good deed!👎

FA block Crystal Palace from refusing Macclesfield gate receipt money | The Standard https://share.google/a4VY4rGJMLlMnrUc3

Accept it then make an equal charitable contribution?
Ridiculous, but a work around.

 

[AndyRM]

Accept it then make an equal charitable contribution?
Ridiculous, but a work around.

That's what Arsenal did with Sutton a few years ago.

The rule being there does make sense when you think about it, but the FA never do themselves any favours when it comes to their alleged support of lower and non league football.

 

[No Ta Doctor]

That's what Arsenal did with Sutton a few years ago.

The rule being there does make sense when you think about it, but the FA never do themselves any favours when it comes to their alleged support of lower and non league football.

The potential for bribery would be enormous if it were allowed. There should maybe be a fund for lower league clubs that Prem/Championship clubs could donate to for this sort of situation.

 

[AndyRM]

The potential for bribery would be enormous if it were allowed. There should maybe be a fund for lower league clubs that Prem/Championship clubs could donate to for this sort of situation.

Exactly. It's all well and good getting emotional about it (which I totally understand), but it's a rule for a reason.

 

[MrGrumpy]

I wonder, I really do wonder at times. Liverpool's Szoboszlai attempted to back heel the ball to his own keeper in the penalty area. He scuffed the ball and gifted Philips, Barnsley, a tap in. It happens.

The Barnsley manager, Hourihane, described this as "disrespectful." Come on, you're making yourself look a real pratt with that remark. It was a f*** up. A player tries to be just a bit too clever, showboat, and it goes wrong on him. We've all seen and enjoyed those moments. It has nothing to do with respect.

Arne Slot had the right opinion, "weird" and "I prefer to keep my opinion to myself and speak with Dom." In other words Dom is going to get a bollocking!!!

All the Barnsley manager has achieved is to make me laugh at him. Why does the game have to be this way?

Watched the game and your player was trying to be smart arse with the attempted back heel , if it had been another top EPL side no way would he have done it . Is it disrespectful , well I guess it could be seen as that . Barnsley manager maybe could have kept that private , I'm sure Arne would be saying something anyway to the player .

 

[StuAff]

3-0 against WBA, biggest Pompey win since New Year's Day 2025 (!), first goal for Conor Chaplin since his return, first for Alli, second in two for Adams, four clear of the drop zone. Despite yet another injury (Bishop), good stuff all round. Fingers remaining crossed.

 

[PaulSB]

Watched the game and your player was trying to be smart arse with the attempted back heel , if it had been another top EPL side no way would he have done it . Is it disrespectful , well I guess it could be seen as that . Barnsley manager maybe could have kept that private , I'm sure Arne would be saying something anyway to the player .

First he's not my player. I'm not a Red. Second I made it clear the player was trying to be too clever, showboating.

Equally the Barnsley manager made himself look stupid with his lack of respect comments.

I find it hard to see what your problem is?

 

[PaulSB]

3-0 against WBA, biggest Pompey win since New Year's Day 2025 (!), first goal for Conor Chaplin since his return, first for Alli, second in two for Adams, four clear of the drop zone. Despite yet another injury (Bishop), good stuff all round. Fingers remaining crossed.

Yes, a big win for Pompey and with this, and all the other results, going our way we desperately needed to beat Hull. Predictably we f***** up

The side were booed off. I think the "manager," a loose description, headed straight down the tunnel.

My money is on Sheffield Wednesday to get their second win of the season on Tuesday night. Rovers are dreadful, absolutely dreadful.

Watching Ismael's body language and hearing his post match remarks it's clear he isn't in the slightest bit concerned. He clearly doesn't give a monkey's.

 

[StuAff]

Yes, a big win for Pompey and with this, and all the other results, going our way we desperately needed to beat Hull. Predictably we f***** up

The side were booed off. I think the "manager," a loose description, headed straight down the tunnel.

My money is on Sheffield Wednesday to get their second win of the season on Tuesday night. Rovers are dreadful, absolutely dreadful.

Watching Ismael's body language and hearing his post match remarks it's clear he isn't in the slightest bit concerned. He clearly doesn't give a monkey's.

Pompey certainly aren't out of the woods, but I think they'll be OK again. Recent form (the Bristol City game notwithstanding) clearly supports that. 16th, as last time, or better isn't out of the question. For Blackburn to survive, they'll have to find a team or two to be less bad than (Wednesday look doomed on points if not form). On the plus side, plenty of candidates for the drop- certainly everyone from Leicester down, and the neighbours aren't safe yet....

 

[Dorset Boy]

Proper game of 2 halves at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea come from 0-2 at HT and being booed off, to 3-2 up deep into stoppage time