ES Soccer Thread

[Forehead]

Here's a not too tough question ... since the English Premier League was founded in '92 (21 years), 45 teams have participated. Seven teams have been there all 21 years. Can you name them?

Just a guess, I won't cheat and look, but I going to say Manchester City isn't one of them, I'm pretty sure they're fresh on the scene with all the oil money. I'd guess the following seven.

Man U
Chelsea
Arsenal
Liverpool
Aston Villa (they've been bad the past few seasons but historically in the top half, I think)
Tottenham
Everton

Just looking at the Premier League table (again, I'm convinced Man City isn't one of the seven) these are the seven teams that jump out at me, though I had a hard time deciding between Everton and Fulham for the last spot.

[Corcaigh]

Just a guess, I won't cheat and look, but I going to say Manchester City isn't one of them, I'm pretty sure they're fresh on the scene with all the oil money.

Man City had a great history but fell all the way to Division 2 in the 90s.

As Oasis were big Man City fans, there was a funny version of Wonderwall at the time with lyrics about how bad they had become.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

..... though I had a hard time deciding between Everton and Fulham for the last spot.

Everton are the second longest current serving top flight club, having come back up in 1954. They split Arsenal (1919 onwards) and Liverpool (1962 onwards.). Everton also hold the record for most seasons total in the top division in England at 107; followed by Aston Villa (99) and Liverpool. (95.).

You were spot on on the 7 clubs to play in every 'greed-is-good' league season the past 20 years.

Hail.

*Edit* I hope to Hell FSG are just doing their 'due diligence'so to speak and covering all options in speaking to Martinez; and it's a smokescreen for either AVB or the dude at Madrid he learnt his trade under.

If they aren't, they either have SERIOUS big ones; or their dumber than the average Dallas fan. I like Martinez' potential a lot, but he's got nottin' like the experience to tackle the ego's in that dressing room.

[MartinC]

*Edit* I hope to Hell FSG are just doing their 'due diligence'so to speak and covering all options in speaking to Martinez; and it's a smokescreen for either AVB or the dude at Madrid he learnt his trade under.

If they aren't, they either have SERIOUS big ones; or their dumber than the average Dallas fan. I like Martinez' potential a lot, but he's got nottin' like the experience to tackle the ego's in that dressing room.

I don't think you have a shot at the 'Special One' though he would be just what you need. What about Guardiola who is now out of contract from Barcelona? Again you might not have a shot at him but he would have the credibility to come in and command the dressing room.

I tend to agree with you about Martinez that he lacks the big club experience.

Whoever gets it needs to do a clear out and I wonder if there will be the budget to do that.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

I tend to agree on Mourinho. Although if there's one thing that would attract his ego in England it's restoring Liverpool to greatness. Pep would probably have been a better option if they'd hung fire on Kenny until Christmas, and then approached him if things had been as bad. Taking him on his word, it would appear he's determined to take a decent break before he gets back into it.

The most realistic choice I see is Villas Boas. They want (and need) a name that will boost spirits, impress players, excite fans, and will realistically promise a return to the CL and to the top rank of European football, and generally instil hope for the future. The disgraceful way he was treated at Chelsea aside, he ticks all the boxes and gives them the young, long term guy they been seeking. Let's not forget he was the most sought after manager in Europe last summer after all he'd achieved in such a short spell.

Anything else (a 'lesser' name like Martinez or Rodgers for example) would see a rebellion, which is the very last thing the Americans need right now.

Time will tell on the finance's, but they can't be questioned for all they've spent thus far since day one. There was a lot of rumors that the money would be well cut back this window; but then your neither gona' publicise what you have for fear of driving up prices; and after the profligacy Kenny showed for little return, I'm not sure I'd of trusted his judgement with a big kitty again either.

Whomever they decide, they'd better make the right choice for all concerned. Biggest decision this football clubs faced in MANY a long year.

Hail.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Time for Bayern to join Liverpool, Madrid and Milan at Europe's top table and bring ol' big ears back to Munich for keeps!

GO MUNICH! Make the rent boys SUFFER!

Hail.

[RichmondRedskin88]

Man such bull****. There's a watch party downtown but I can't like freakin walk after that douche took me out during the basketball game a few days ago. (My bud from Germany and I both like Man Utd and Bayern so we root them and then when the times for the two teams to face off he goes for Bayern while I represent Utd). Go Munich!!

[Skinz4Life12]

Is this televised?

[bushwack]

Is this televised?

On Fox starting at 1 PM, even though the game doesn't start until 2 PM.

[Skinz4Life12]

On Fox starting at 1 PM, even though the game doesn't start until 2 PM.

Thanks man

[Forehead]

West Ham United up 1-0 at the half. 45 minutes away from Premier League promotion. Up you Hammers!

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Congrats Forehead.

Can't personally stand Allardyce, and Blackpool is a much easier game being just up the road; but I'm happy for you. Enjoy.

Hail.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Ryan Bertrand? Making his European debut and 9th appearance for Chelski in the biggest game on the planet? SERIOUSLY?

Di Matteo's first mistake in his last game as manager. Hopefully it won't be his last of the night. (And not laughing TOO hard at Torres playing a bit-part from the bench yet again.).

Hail.

[ixcuincle]

Facepalm at Fox using NFL music for soccer.

---------- Post added May-19th-2012 at 02:11 PM ----------

On Fox starting at 1 PM, even though the game doesn't start until 2 PM.

It's 2 PM and the game didn't start yet.

---------- Post added May-19th-2012 at 02:16 PM ----------

FOX does a poor job of soccer compared to ESPN. ESPN has intellectuals such as Chris Fowler and Bob Ley doing halftime. ESPN has Ian Darke and Macca Not that impressed with FOX pregame, but I do like Martin Tyler.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Martin Tyler's been one of the top soccer commentators for decades. Have FOX got the SKY feed? Not watching on SKY in the UK, but he'd normally get the gig for them.

Hail.