The dearth of English talent......

Taking a look at those players that were eligible to play for England’s U-21 those who either played or made the match day squad numbered only 35% (7 out of 20) saw any match time.

Out of that 35% that played, 57% were from Manchester United, roughly 29% were from Liverpool, and final piece of the pie was Steven Caulker at Swansea. Manchester United also boast the highest ratio of English players in their squad out of the ‘top 4′ teams from last season.

This compares very unfavourably with Spain, Germany and France. No wonder Capello is bailing out after next year – he won’t have players available for a squad come the next World Cup!!!!

FFL Season 2011/12 Week One

Well what can I say? An outstanding debut. The lad has settled in immediately and looks like he will be a big hit this season. Well done Gary Neville...........













Aside from Gaz Nev's brilliant Sky Sports debut there was very little to shout about on the opening weekend of the Premier League. Putting aside Monday night's bitter blue wankathon against the might of Wales (results and points added to week 2) FFL managers will be busy looking at transfer possibilities - injuries, players left out, suspensions..............

Fabregas has gone - thank fuck for that. What will three-time champion McNick do?
Vidic is out for three weeks - over to you Sid
Ferdinand was always only ever going to play a maximum 20 games -DP?
Poor Rafael - another one who is out for a while. McNick? Lucky 8 transfers this season eh?
Gervinho (what a spam head) and Sturridge both suspended -no attack for me for two weeks!
No Luiz for Chelsea - what will Stathi do who also has Kolarov and Milner.
Etherington has fucked his shoulder - what will Rico do?
And finally Carrol - Harry rumour has is that new Sunderland signing Wes Brown was arrested after the match as he was suspected of leaving with £35m in his pocket!!!!

Anyway, here is the first table of the new season.

Diff			Total Points
	1st	Don	9
1	2nd	Nick Ach	8
1	3rd	Sid	8
2	4th	Theo	7
3	5th	James	6
3	6th	Rico	6
3	7th	Mike	6
3	8th	Stathis	6
6	9th	Nick Ath	3
7	10th	Harry	2

DP is quickest out of the traps and with points from Monday's game (Clichy and Dzeko) it looks like Don is intent on making it three FFL titles. But take note, Aguero's 8 points and other city clean sheets leave the table very differently after Monday!

Harry has the dubious honour of having the first negative player points courtesy of Foster's -1.

It's a long season. A marathon, not a sprint. Some managers will be over the moon with their teams, others sick as parrots. But, most will take it one week at a time.

'Till next week, your August / September chairman

Pieri

PS - one transfer from me. Osman OUT, Larsson IN (James you were right!!!!)

Interesting transfer data..........

taken from:

http://www.sportingintelligence.com/2011/08/12/arsenals-net-spending-of-48m-in-a-decade-puts-them-9th-in-premier-league-120802/


Arsenal fans frustrated by lack of activity in the transfer market know their club have not been big spenders in recent times but might be shocked to realised their net transfer spend over the past decade places them only ninth among the 20 clubs who will contest the Premier League in 2011-12, which begins on Saturday.
A year by year assessment of net spending shows Arsene Wenger has spent only £47.6m net in the past 10 years, or £467.9m less than Chelsea’s net spend in the same period (£515.5m).
Year by year net spend for each club is in the table below.
Chelsea have been the No1 spenders followed, in order, by Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Sunderland come next, with Aston Villa and Stoke both outspending Arsenal.
On the one hand this indicates Wenger has worked miracles to make his side top-four contenders (and title winners) during the period. On the other it shows Arsenal are not matching their peers in outlay and haven’t for some time.
At the bottom of the table are Blackburn Rovers, with net income of £42.5m over the 10 years – making them the only club with no net spend.
Manchester United are ranked only fifth primarily because of the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, which netted them such a bumper sum (£80m) two years ago.
Without that freakishly large chunk of income for one deal, United would be No3 in the list below, behind only the Abramovich-backed Chelsea and the Sheikh-fuelled Manchester City.
All transfer sums have been sourced from the transfermarkt website; while 100 per cent accuracy in such matters is never guaranteed, using the same source for all clubs over a long period at least brings some degree of relative consistency.

http://www.sportingintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/PL-decade-spending.jpg

Week 41

There was only going to be one image if Theo won. Congratulations TC !! You are this year's FFL Champion. I'm sure you're all shook up. But didja ever get one of those days boy, ever get one of those days, when it all went right from 4.00pm til night, didja get one of those days!! Congratulations also go to our own Scottish Bravehart McNick who made a valiant fight until the end. Further respect is due to Mr Marneros, who with a scratch side managed to avoid relegation position ahead of Rico.

Its been a pleasure being chairman, but there is more chance of Gary Glitter being made patron of Child Line than me doing it next year!

Signing out

The Chairman

Week 40

At the end of last season, these two clowns said the only player worth keeping was Scottie Parker. They made Zola's life hell and there was not a spare minute when one of them was not spouting shite. Unfortunately, this Gold is Ratners and anything they touch turns to shit. Stick to what you know boys!!



As the football season draws to a close only two major honours are left, the Champions League Final and the winner of the Fantasy Football League 2010/11. Theo is fighting McNick in the final furlong with whip in hand and a five point lead. One player could clinch it for either on the final day with a hatrick or a brace. At the bottom Stathis has overtaken Rico in our own relegation dogfight. This weeks Dave Whelan is John with 16 points, the "Stan" Gold and "Ollie" Sullivan combo are Rico and me with two points.



No Transfers

The Chairman

Week 39

Well the seesaw world of McNick and Theo continues. An astute purchase by Ossie Junior sees his purchase of Pennant yield 5 points quicker than he can get a mobile phone vibrating up his arse (allegedly). In this week of Twitter allegations Theo is this weeks Imogen with 11 points whose super injunction prevents her from naming play away Ryan Giggs, Donald is this weeks Jemima Khan with -1 (Clarkson??? Jumped up petrol head who looks like Mr Ben in a curly wig???Its just wrong girl and you should deny it!!!)



No Transfers

The Chairman

Week 38

Oh well Jose. You're not so special after all. If you had beaten Barcelona you would be claiming that you had beaten one of the best ever sides and you deservedly one. When you lose its because Barcelona get decisions. Graciousness would make you special. Move on to the next big club where you have loads of money or prove you are indeed really Special and come to Spurs and work miracles !!

If this seesaw between McNick and Theo continues guess who will be the winner in the final week? Well for now McNick regains a 5 point lead. This weeks Pepe Guardiola is McNick with 18 points. This weeks Jose Moaning-Maether-Ho is Theo with 4 points.



Transfers

Theo brings in Pennant for Richardson.

The Chairman

Week 37

Mighty things come in mini packages. Our two mini packages continue to battle it out week in week out as the lead seesaws again. Theo leads by 9 points thanks to his Dutch minivans (Persie and der Vaart). His score of 26 points was still not worthy of the top spot. This weeks mercurial Messi was Mike with 28 points as Torres finally remembered where the goal was. Donald slips even further away as his zero points leaves him as this weeks Jimmy Krankie.




Transfers

Donald brings in Hernandez for Berbatov. As requested the current players list.



The Chairman

Week 36

Its tighter than a gnat's chuff at the top and the bottom. McNick takes the lead again, however, Theo has a host of points from mid-week. Hold on to your chips as it be a rocky ride til the end with the Two Fat FFL Slags battle it out for top spot. The bottom is even tighter than a virgin's daughter with 6 points separating the bottom three. James is this week's Billy the Fish with 17 points. Mike is this week's Norbert Colon with an arse squeezing zero.



No Transfers

The Chairman

Week 35

Its all to play for at the top and the bottom. Theo is back on top, but McNick scored heavily in mid-week so has points for week 36 already lined up. James is this weeks Ballabriggs with 22 points, Rico is this weeks Muffin the Mule with 3 points.

Transfers

McNick bring in Valencia for Hitzlperger

The Chairman

Week 34

Message from the grave. Sender Robert Pershing Wadlow. "Peter, giants like us were not meant to play football, you clumsy wanker !!"

As we approach the final few weeks it is McNick reaching new heights. He strides passed Theo to take the lead (Congratulations on your fourth title McNick!). John is this weeks Jolly Green Giant with a highly impressive 32 points. Theo with -2 is this weeks "Crouch-ing Tiger Hidden Circus Freak"



No Transfers

The Chairman

Week 32

A day in the life of Jay Spearing.

Jay and his girlfriend search the floor for some brekkie .

Jay tries to flog some hookie gear on the way to the game. Typical scally !!

Jay showing solidarity with fans in Liverpool scarf.

Jay takes some time out to have a photo with a Liverpool fan. " Its the fatsies, she's eaten all the pies."

Jay celebrates winning the most dubious penalty ever for the scousers. "I tricksies them ", he was quoted saying after the game. "I won the preciousssss !"

Post match celebrations down at Gandalf's nightclub where Jay does a regular dj spot.

In pensive mode, Jay at home composing his memoirs.

As the two hobbits McNick and Theo (well they are both short and hairy!!) battle it out for the precioussss coveted FFL ring, Nick has the honour of being Throdo to Theo's Samwise Gamgee with 15 points to 13. Nick was helped in part by Jay Spearing (the only living human who could turn Medusa to stone !!) whose dodgy pen was tucked away by the other Liverpool rose Dirk Kuyt. Orc of the week is John with -1.

Tranfers

TC and DP both went for Smalling, Donald with Djourou and Theo with Dunn. Both have the same value. Theo gets Smalling as his transfer was made earlier, last week Tuesday.

The Chairman

Week 31

Ode to Fat Frank

Frank, Frank where have you been this year

I've missed your goals, my points are bare

With your lucky touch and your mate Rick O'Shea

Its not the same when you joucey fat bastard don't play

Very little points this week with Fat Frank boosting me jointly with John on 10 points as this week's Christine Bleakley smashers. Donald is this week's Coleen Rooney's plaything with -1.

Transfers. McNick : Bentley out , Hitzlperger in. Stath ran out of transfers so his purchase of Duff did not go through.

The Chairman

Week 30 Update

Apologies boys. I missed out an FA Cup game of major significance. Additional points for the City Villa game have now been added. Hart 3, Richards 3, Kolarov 3, Lescott 3, Boatang 3, Y Toure 5, D Silva 3 and Friedal -2.

No change in the top two. McNick is still the top storm trooper with 24 points and due to my 8 point increase and James -2 means that James alone is Jaja Binks with -1 points.

The Chairman

Week 30

In a week when the Empire Strikes Back, Dirk Darth Maul was the leader of Emperor McNick's forces. A storm trooping week of 21 points sees the three times champion come in touching distance of a not so young Theo Skywalker whose 13 points keeps him holding his grip. Donald Vader remains the other dark force in touching distance hoping that the dark side can provide a third title for himself. This weeks Ewoks are Sid James (what a Carry On) with a point each.

Transfers

DP brings in Parker for Fellani. Stathis brings in Ba for Kolou and Duff for Huddlestone.

The Chairman

Week 29

Crime watch. Have you seen either of these two complete twats? Ashley Cole should have received an ASBO for shooting a kid with an air rifle. Any other scally would have. The monkey boy Rooney should have had a ban for the fore-arm smash last week. But guess who was the ref and his accomplice. Yes, it was Mark "Whatever I can possibly do Sir Alex" Clattenburg. If either of these appear in a match you are attending please sing heartily in acknowledging their cuntitude as its seems that this is the only punishment they will receive!!

Donald, strikes back. Not with an air rifle but a steady nine points to cut down Theo's lead. John is this weeks Obafemi Martins with 16. The wig wearing referee sponsored by MUFC is me with -2 points.

Special mention for Stathis who has jumped out of the relegation spot with a team full of our arse shavings!!

No transfers this week.

The Chairman

Ever more inventive ways to con the ref!!!

This is ridiculous.................

Another trick for Drogba to learn

Forget Sky Sports.............

You may sometimes be amused, infuriated, pissed off or downright disappointed with the likes of Charlie Nicholas, Paul Merson and 'The Nose' (Phil Thompson) spouting their opinions during Soccer Saturday but I give you the definitive 'wearing your heart on your sleeve' football panelists.

Courtesy of Sky Italia this is taken from the Spurs - Milan Champions League match.

Highlights:

Fast forward to 4:30secs - when Spurs score
Fast forward to ::05secs - disallowed Milan goal

Sit back and enjoy..............



More here

Week 28

I'm sure this is Diego Maradonna moonlighting as a Libyan dictator !! We'll the Libyan's do have a 7% stake in the Old Lady. (That's Juve not Diego's missus)

As many parts of north Africa demand democracy, we see a little man with a steely determination for a second title start to lay down the law on the FFL this year. He has not gone in with the heavy guns yet but is eking out a lead on his closest rivals.

This weeks Freedom Fighters were John's team with 13 points. This weeks Mad Dog Gaddafi's were James with another big fat zero. James could find himself being overtaken by Stathis who did not attend the auction. The ultimate humiliation in FFL terms. In fact its the equivalent of going down to the third flight in English football after having one the European Cup !!

No transfers this week.

The Chairman

Week 27

If you look closely, the little rat with his hand around Joe Jordan's throat is wearing a Respect armband. He also has a Big C which is 10 times the size and 10 times more appropriate!! That's Cunt not Cancer just in case there was any doubt.

This baby eating Scot would have sprinkled that little shit on his porridge !!

In a week that saw Theo not react to provocation of his closest rival, there was very little movement. He was this weeks Joe Jordan with a dismissive 9 points in the face of confrontation. Mike has the unwanted title of this weeks Psycho Italian Pensioner Basher with zilch.

There were two transfers this week. Donald brings in Djourou for Dann. Theo gambles on Richardson for Petrov.

The Chairman

Xavi: Move, Receive, Pass

What a footballer.
















Good article here.

Highlights:

"If I go to Liverpool’s ground and someone puts the ball into the area and Carragher hammers it out of play then the fans applaud. In the Nou Camp you would never be applauded for that."

“He [Scholes] can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.”

Sums up the mentality of British football beautifully.................

Was only a matter of time.............

Won't be just his face twitching in the dock

Week 26 Update

Due to irregularities in the transfer market, we have a Sid Sports exclusive. McNick has acknowledged a bid for a Liverpool player when he has three in his team already. The three players are legitimate due to transfers to Liverpool. However, he cannot purchase another.

The implications are as follows.

DPs bid for Meireles is accepted. McNick's second bid for Bentley with Cole beats Theo's bid with Petrov.

To summarise

DP has Meireles for Milner.
McNick has Bentley for Cole.
Theo has J. Shit for his efforts

All other transfers stand.

The Chairman

Week 26

Nick Ath makes a bid for Luiz (Chelsea) with Evans (Man U) going the other way

We have news from DP who counters McNick's bid with Dann (Birmingham)

Confirmation has come through McNick's bid at 4.9 has been accepted.

Breaking news, Theo has fallen out with Petrov as he has under performed in this star studded team. He wants Bentley to replace him.

Hold on, we have received a heads up that McNick also wants Bentley if his bid for Mereiles is unsuccessful.

DP has come in for Mereiles with Milner, however, again McNick has thrown in Joe Cole (4.6) which Liverpool have accepted as opposed to an unhappy Milner (4.4)

With McNick successful for Mereiles, the chain of events sees Bentley head to Theo for a late medical before signing. Again DP misses out.

Rumours are circulating that Sid is looking to offload Chamak with Suarez his first choice followed by Saha if the Suarez bid is unsuccessful.

It looks like we have another bid for Suarez. Our sources confirm that an offer has come in from Pieri using want away Cry Baby Balotelli going the other way.

We have received confirmation that the Pieri bid has been accepted (6.8). Pieri has been busy with two other make or break transfers. His love for the scouse community sees him bring in Liverpool's Kelly for Everton's Coleman. He also takes a punt on Sessegnon (Sunderland in case you were wondering) for Ramires.

Now back to league action. DP joins Theo on top spot with a blockbusting 26 points. Yes, its Tevez again showing more punch than a Northampton granny in a robbery. This weeks Mr Wenger is Pieri with zero points.

Transfer summary
Nick - Luiz for Evans and Meireles for Cole
Theo - Bentley for Petrov
Sid - Chamak for Saha
Pieri - Coleman for Kelly, Ramires for Sessegnon, Balotelli for Suarez

The Chairman

Week 25

As the transfer window hots up, Liverpool fans celebrate the departure of Nando with the customary Judas ritual !!

No offence but Chelski will never be a bigger club than Liverpool. Fact !

Theo finally heads the table again after grinding away at McNick's lead. The top three teams are separated by seven points as the race for the title hots up. DP is this weeks Sergio Aguero with 11 points. McNick is the two faced two headed Carroll/Torres monster that showed as much loyalty to their team as Jordan to her hubbies, with 1 point.

No transfers this week, but I'm sure there will be plenty of activity next week. In fact, I bid for a player this week only to find that he was not on the list yet.

The Chairman