http://blogs.soccernet.com en-us Copyright 2012 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:39:21 +0000 Three games in a week just to keep the boys sharp. And opposition coming from football's broad spectrum. So how will the Whites end the week?... http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/lets_get_busy.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/lets_get_busy.php Random Fulham Thoughts Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:39:21 +0000 So, where do we start with that one? The post-match analysis was all set to be oh-so easy at half-time. No goals, few chances, no heavy tackles and no eye gouging. Or at least not from what I saw. It was a Clasico that had struggled to get out of third gear. Understandable, perhaps, given it's the last trophy on the wanted list of both Jose Mourinho and Tito Vilanova this season. Something clicked in the second half, though.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/realmadrid/archives/2012/08/classic_clasico_leaves_few_clu.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/realmadrid/archives/2012/08/classic_clasico_leaves_few_clu.php El Clásico Sat, 25 Aug 2012 08:52:06 +0000 Just like watching Brazil...but we're not talking about the team in the yellow shirts. The return of those black shorts meant the kharma and the Whites were back on song at the Cottage.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/canaries_on_a_plate.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/canaries_on_a_plate.php Random Fulham Thoughts Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:28:10 +0000 Our five year wait for European football ended tonight with a 1 v 1 draw in Athens against Atromitos. It was 38C during the day in the Greek capital and the temperature barely dropped approaching the 2000 local kick off time. Alan Pardew surprised a few by including Papiss Cisse in the starting XI. There was a shock start for 212 year old Steve Harper too, 16 months since he last started a game for the Mags. Before the game he joked that some of the lads have started calling... http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2012/08/newcastle_draw_in_athens_heat.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2012/08/newcastle_draw_in_athens_heat.php Match Reports Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:06:15 +0000 We make our long awaited return to European football this coming Thursday evening with a tie in Athens against Atromitos. Unbelievably it is over five years since we last competed in continental football when we were eliminated from the UEFA cup last 16 on away goals by AZ Alkmaar under the management of Glenn Roeder in March 2007 (we blew a 3 goal lead in the tie!) At the time we were used to it and many of us took it for granted - oh how we've missed it! So,... http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2012/08/we_make_our_long_awaited.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2012/08/we_make_our_long_awaited.php Match Previews Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:15:37 +0000 Newcastle lineup: Krul, Simpson, Perch, S.Taylor, Santon, Tiote, Cabaye (Anita 71), Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Ba (Obertan 85), Cisse. Tottenham lineup: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Bale, Sigurdsson (Van der Vaart 68), Livermore, Sandro (Kane 85), Defoe. Premier League football returned to a sunny St James' Park on Saturday afternoon and it was a dream start to the season for the home side with three points bagged. There had been fitness doubts surrounding Ben Arfa and Cabaye before the game but both players were in the starting lineup. Coloccini missed... http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2012/08/newcstle_2_tottenham_1.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2012/08/newcstle_2_tottenham_1.php Match Reports Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:12:40 +0000 It was a case of different season, same problems as Stoke snatched a draw from the jaws of victory against a side who had rarely threatened to score all afternoon.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/stokecity/archives/2012/08/deja_vu_1.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/stokecity/archives/2012/08/deja_vu_1.php Match Reports Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:19:11 +0000 The big question on the opening day was could Sunderland, after their less than impressive pre-season, make an impression against a potentially demoralised Arsenal? The North Londoners seem to be making a habit of selling their best players, and have moved their captain on in each of the last 3 seasons.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/sunderland/archives/2012/08/stalemate_at_the_emirates.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/sunderland/archives/2012/08/stalemate_at_the_emirates.php Match reaction Mon, 20 Aug 2012 02:02:06 +0000 Javi Martinez is probably, more-likely-than-not, coming to Munich early next week. With all the reports and counter-reports, I'll try to sort you out.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/bayern/archives/2012/08/not_if_but_when.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/bayern/archives/2012/08/not_if_but_when.php Rumors and Speculation Mon, 20 Aug 2012 01:16:31 +0000 SSV Jahn Regensburg and FC Bayern Muenchen are the last two teams to match up in this first round of DFB-Pokal matches. There have been a surprising amount of upsets thus far: Newly promoted Bundesliga squad (and Bayern's opening opponents next weekend) SpVgg Greuther Fuerth were taken down 2-0 by third-division Kickers Offenbach. Thomas Rathgeber (28th min., penalty) and Lars Bender (90+ min, and no, not that one) completed the scoring for OFC.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/bayern/archives/2012/08/mir_ham_koa_angst_vor_bayern.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/bayern/archives/2012/08/mir_ham_koa_angst_vor_bayern.php Previews and Reviews Mon, 20 Aug 2012 01:01:31 +0000 I remember being dismissive when West Ham lost at Villa Park on the opening day of the 2010/11 season; "It's only the first game, Avram Grant will sort things out..." He never did, of course, and the Hammers were relegated with barely a whimper. So, I'm not going to be using the same argument following West Ham's 1-0 win at Upton Park as there was much to admire about the Hammers' display and, you sense, a drawing of a line in the sand. The three points and the victory were... http://blogs.soccernet.com/westhamunited/archives/2012/08/west_ham_1_aston_villa_0.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/westhamunited/archives/2012/08/west_ham_1_aston_villa_0.php Match Reports Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:46:04 +0000 The atmosphere at Old Trafford has been one of enthusiasm and excitement since Robin Van Persie signed on Friday. Fans will be hoping that translates onto the pitch. However, the chances of Everton rolling over to give United an easy victory are zero. The Toffees share all of the grit and determination of their manager David Moyes and have previous when it comes to making United hurt.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/everton_vs_united_preview.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/everton_vs_united_preview.php Sun, 19 Aug 2012 09:00:09 +0000 Hi guys! Just a brief note to let you all know that this Barcelona blog has been moved to ESPN FC. Thank you for all your support over the years, you make it all worthwhile. Click here to access the latest on Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and the rest of our Camp Nou stars. Looking forward to your comments and thoughts. Força Barça!... http://blogs.soccernet.com/barcelona/archives/2012/08/we_have_moved_to_espn_fc.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/barcelona/archives/2012/08/we_have_moved_to_espn_fc.php Opinion Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:17:28 +0000 It's been a vibrant sporting summer in London but now the Olympians have left the stage let's celebrate the return of the national game. Time to rekindle our love affair with Fulham FC and reconnect with our ever-growing army of international fans. Are you ready to rumble?... http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/bring_on_the_whites.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/bring_on_the_whites.php Random Fulham Thoughts Sat, 18 Aug 2012 08:32:26 +0000 In this glorious summer of sport, English football’s long tarnished image has suffered at the hands of British athletes performing heroic deeds, many for a fraction of the money thrown in the direction of what is often perceived as grasping, indifferent under achieving playboys. But is this right? Last year’s Premier league campaign was reckoned by many to be one of the finest seasons on record, highlighted by a nail-biting final day that had even the most lethargic and neutral armchair supporter, up and pumping the air in excitement. Ok... http://blogs.soccernet.com/westhamunited/archives/2012/08/another_crucial_season.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/westhamunited/archives/2012/08/another_crucial_season.php Blagg's Burblings Fri, 17 Aug 2012 23:54:28 +0000 The signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal has sent a ripple effect through the rest of the league and, before a ball has even been kicked, Fergie has struck the first blow in this season’s title race. Whether or not the Dutchman proves as prolific as he did last season, his impact on Manchester United’s squad can already be felt.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/shaking_up_the_team.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/shaking_up_the_team.php Thu, 16 Aug 2012 23:08:22 +0000 Beware of false dawns? No need to remind Villa fans of the need for caution and patience as the new Premier League season approaches. Expectations have been firmly grounded after two bitterly disappointing campaigns – the last of which was just about the most dismal nine months of football many a Villain can remember – and yet there is no denying the welcome feeling of genuine optimism around the club.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/astonvilla/archives/2012/08/the_lambert_project.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/astonvilla/archives/2012/08/the_lambert_project.php Premier League Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:07:49 +0000 Robin Van Persie’s transfer to United has been confirmed by a reluctant Arsenal, as Fergie finally gets his man. Reports put the final fee at £23m, less than the London club had hoped for but still a healthy figure considering Van Persie was keen to leave and out of contract in 12 months.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/fergie_gets_his_man.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/fergie_gets_his_man.php Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:35:51 +0000 Tito Vilanova is about to face one of the toughest challenges ever in world football during his debut season: Succeeding Pep Guardiola, the most successful coach in over 110 years of Blaugrana history.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/barcelona/archives/2012/08/barcelona_201213_new_season_ne.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/barcelona/archives/2012/08/barcelona_201213_new_season_ne.php Opinion Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:23:24 +0000 ... http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/archives/2012/08/barca_prepared_to_shell_out_no.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/archives/2012/08/barca_prepared_to_shell_out_no.php The Rumour Mill Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:24:23 +0000 follow me on Twitter at KBrodieLFC I understand, after hearing from ESPN, that this is my last blog. Sorry to tell you that I did not get sacked as I know many of you were hoping for that...first of all I can't get sacked for something I was not paid for! second of all, espn is moving away from these types of correspondent pages so it wasn't about me (at least that is what I'm telling myself).... http://blogs.soccernet.com/liverpool/archives/2012/08/my_last_blogwalk_on.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/liverpool/archives/2012/08/my_last_blogwalk_on.php Reds talk Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:47:07 +0000 ... http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/archives/2012/08/kompany_wants_company_and_gues.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/archives/2012/08/kompany_wants_company_and_gues.php The Rumour Mill Tue, 14 Aug 2012 07:15:54 +0000 I've never understood why City picked up Samir Nasri. City already had David Silva and needed a good backup rather than another starter. Occasionally Nasri shined last season, but invariably at the expense of James Milner, which seems a complete waste. And then I watched the Community Shield and simply put, Roberto Mancini is a very smart manager.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchestercity/archives/2012/08/mancini_gets_creative_1.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchestercity/archives/2012/08/mancini_gets_creative_1.php Match Reaction Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:52:53 +0000 Not a wholesale revamp of the Fulham squad, rather an in-house revolution as to how we bring you all that's great about following the mighty Whites... http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/all_change.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2012/08/all_change.php Random Fulham Thoughts Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:00:06 +0000 This week I will not be writing about: - Mike Ashley or any other billionaire’s investment; - Rangers having paid their Scottish football debts in full; - The ever clearer links between Celtic and Harper MacLeod, the lawyers investigating Rangers over dual contracts; - Black being called up for Scotland; - The woeful European efforts of the SPL sides (with the notable exception of Celtic, well done Bhoys) - The predictable “sell out Saturday” damp squib; - What happened to the original SPL trophy over the summer; - Charles Green’s... http://blogs.soccernet.com/rangers/archives/2012/08/this_is_a_new_dawn_this_is_a_n.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/rangers/archives/2012/08/this_is_a_new_dawn_this_is_a_n.php Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:21:37 +0000 If we compare English and Spanish football, there is no question: The Premiership is more direct, physical and pacey than La Liga.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/barcelona/archives/2012/08/cesc_fabregas_must_step_up_to.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/barcelona/archives/2012/08/cesc_fabregas_must_step_up_to.php Opinion Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:09:15 +0000 ... http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/archives/2012/08/van_remains_parked_in_north_lo.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/archives/2012/08/van_remains_parked_in_north_lo.php The Rumour Mill Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:19:23 +0000 The start of any season brings out the doom-mongers and the shameless optimists in equal force. In some ways, last season could not have ended more horribly. All of the major trophies ended up at the truly despicable clubs and our heroic effort in the league was left unrewarded.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/season_preview.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/season_preview.php Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:24:24 +0000 Premier League football is back! Even the Euros and Olympics weren't enough to stop me pining for a competitive Newcastle game. Last season was one of the most enjoyable in recent years. We started off strongly and spent the majority of the season in the top 6 - who would have thought that we would be in with a chance of a Champions League spot right up until the final day of the season? We ended up with a 5th placed finish and a return to European football. Marvellous. So... http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2012/08/season_preview.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2012/08/season_preview.php Toon Talk Sun, 12 Aug 2012 20:22:07 +0000 Some 18 months ago I did a podcast, here at Soccernet, where I was asked about the players I would be interested in should I be given the keys to the vault. One player I identified as a major target was Everton's Jack Rodwell who I believe is one of the great upcoming talents in the English game.... http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchestercity/archives/2012/08/city_get_rodwell.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchestercity/archives/2012/08/city_get_rodwell.php Transfer Talk Sun, 12 Aug 2012 15:55:09 +0000