**OFFICIAL CLUB SOCCER THREAD**

[Skjellyfetti]

Yeah, sbnation has been writing about a cfb promotion/relegation system for awhile now. It would be awesome in theory, but... of course... would never happen.

Relegation already happens in college football; it's just done in a stupid, messy and disorganized fashion. The process of relegation in college football is what you now know as "conference realignment," a shadowy process managed by boring men in blazers eyeballing spreadsheets of television homes in closed board rooms.

In order to bump up to a better league, you have to win and present a nice business opportunity for the league in question, and then after that you're in for life no matter how badly it goes. (You're welcome, Duke and Vanderbilt.) [...]

Since that welfare gap is on the way, let's go ahead and embrace it. Conferences need not go anywhere, but instead would have have affiliated subconferences. The Big Ten contracts out to the MAC for their second division, while the Pac-12 turns the Mountain West into theirs. The Big 12 grabs Conference-USA, while the SEC turns the Sun Belt into their kickass redneck rec room. The ACC turns the Big East into theirs, and if that sounds like an insult to the Big East, you really should take a long hard look at the Big East's current membership.

http://www.sbnation.com/college-footbal ... -2013-2014" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bandl]

I'm learning who the "good players" are...so there's that

Oh, so you're following just about any team other than the JOOS?

[clenz]

I'm learning who the "good players" are...so there's that

Oh, so you're following just about any team other than the JOOS?

We have good players....we just sell them off every year...

Something about being cheap and Jew seems to fit there.

It's also how my Minnesota Twins work...

[clenz]

Don't know if any of your buy kits, but have any of you used this site http://www.footballjersey2u.com/index.p ... 9Emp_ldXT8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ?

Thinking about pulling the trigger on one.

[bandl]

Oh, so you're following just about any team other than the JOOS?

We have good players....we just sell them off every year...

Something about being cheap and Jew seems to fit there.

It's also how my Minnesota Twins work...

As long as you understand how it works.

So here's how I think the Totties season is going to work out:
They will come out the gate at a mad clip, staying within the top 2 for about 10 weeks.
Then they will get demolished 6-0 by one of the Big 4.
They will slip down to 5 or 6 over the next few matches.
Then they will demolish a top 4 5-0, giving themselves false hope.
Then they'll lose 4 out of 5 games to chumps like ManU, QPR and Leicester, dropping down to 8 or 9.
They'll go in a panic and sell their best player, just because. And they'll use the transfer money to install new toilets in the visitor locker room.
After the installation, they'll go on a tear and claw their way back up to a top 4 spot, giving themselves hope for the CL.
But they'll lose their last two matches to Hull and Everton, only to end up a point out of the CL race and in 6th place overall.

Tis a shame.

[Grizalltheway]

I'd wear my Bayern jersey more often, but I'm sure everyone assumes I'm a bandwagoner, even though I've been following them for ten years, have been to Munich twice, and visited their training ground last time.

[clenz]

I'd wear my Bayern jersey more often, but I'm sure everyone assumes I'm a bandwagoner, even though I've been following them for ten years, have been to Munich twice, and visited their training ground last time.

Have you seen the third kit they just announced today?

I'm a fan of it.

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/07/24 ... ird-shirt/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bandl]

I'd wear my Bayern jersey more often, but I'm sure everyone assumes I'm a bandwagoner, even though I've been following them for ten years, have been to Munich twice, and visited their training ground last time.

Why do you care what everyone ASSumes?

Why don't you have more confidence in yourself, son?

Why are you afraid of people and prefer isolation?

Why are you such a pussy that you have to walk around with a gun on your hip?

[Grizalltheway]

I'd wear my Bayern jersey more often, but I'm sure everyone assumes I'm a bandwagoner, even though I've been following them for ten years, have been to Munich twice, and visited their training ground last time.

Why do you care what everyone ASSumes?

Why don't you have more confidence in yourself, son?

Why are you afraid of people and prefer isolation?

Why are you such a pussy that you have to walk around with a gun on your hip?

Why do you smell like rotting barley?

[bandl]

Why do you care what everyone ASSumes?

Why don't you have more confidence in yourself, son?

Why are you afraid of people and prefer isolation?

Why are you such a pussy that you have to walk around with a gun on your hip?

Why do you smell like rotting barley?

Because I was drunk and pissed in the bag of barley instead of the toilet, DUH.

[dbackjon]

For you Bayern Fans - Official US specific fan website:

http://www.fcbayern.de/en/news/news/201 ... 170714.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

FC Bayern today launches a dedicated North American version of the official club website at http://www.fcbayernmunich.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Along with all the standard features of the FCB online platforms including FCB.tv, USA-based fans of Germany’s most successful club will be provided with custom content tailored to their specific requirements.



So you can put on your FC Bayern Jersey, watch their soccer games whether on their home field or an opposing field, and following along in English.

[Skjellyfetti]

We have good players....we just sell them off every year...

Something about being cheap and Jew seems to fit there.

It's because of all the times we've slightly missed CL than being cheap, imo.

When we finished 4th and Chelsea finished 6th and qualified for CL over us because they won the cup fucked us bad. Modric left... and, he probably would have stayed if we qualified. And, we probably would have qualified the next year as we were only a point off Arsenal.

Bale probably would have left regardless. Real Madrid was his boyhood team. They paid us a ridiculous amount of money for him and it was worth letting him go for what they paid.

[clenz]

We have good players....we just sell them off every year...

Something about being cheap and Jew seems to fit there.

It's because of all the times we've slightly missed CL than being cheap, imo.

When we finished 4th and Chelsea finished 6th and qualified for CL over us because they won the cup fucked us bad. Modric left... and, he probably would have stayed if we qualified. And, we probably would have qualified the next year as we were only a point off Arsenal.

Bale probably would have left regardless. Real Madrid was his boyhood team. They paid us a ridiculous amount of money for him and it was worth letting him go for what they paid.

From what I'm reading on the Bale transfer money though - granted from defeatist Spur fans - is that the money wasn't used well and Levy seems to have shit for brains

[Skjellyfetti]

From what I'm reading on the Bale transfer money though - granted from defeatist Spur fans - is that the money wasn't used well and Levy seems to have shit for brains

Well, it's hard to argue after last year that the money was used well... but, I think it's too soon to judge. A big chunk of our signings spent a large part of the season out injured - Chadli, Paulinho, Lamela, Chiriches, etc.

Levy sure as hell doesn't have shit for brains. Last year was a bit of a step back... but, it was a drop from 5th to 6th. Not some Man U type of plummet.

You have to remember - before Levy we were a midtable team. We qualified for the Champions League once... and now that is the goal. If we're not successful... we're deemed a failure. But, the fact is that Levy has us in a position to compete for a CL spot. We hadn't been in that position for a very long time before he was made chairman... and, if he were to be sacked or to leave... we'd be back to a regular midtable team.

The EPL is far more competitive and it gets increasingly so every year. Liverpool is competitive again (and, will still be with the loss of Suarez), Everton will be in the mix and could play spoiler. Manchester United will be much, much better this year.

We're not missing CL because Levy is an idiot. The new stadium and increased revenue bringing a larger transfer budget, better wages, etc. will certainly help our situation.

[clenz]

From what I'm reading on the Bale transfer money though - granted from defeatist Spur fans - is that the money wasn't used well and Levy seems to have shit for brains

Well, it's hard to argue after last year that the money was used well... but, I think it's too soon to judge. A big chunk of our signings spent a large part of the season out injured - Chadli, Paulinho, Lamela, Chiriches, etc.

Levy sure as hell doesn't have shit for brains. Last year was a bit of a step back... but, it was a drop from 5th to 6th. Not some Man U type of plummet.

You have to remember - before Levy we were a midtable team. We qualified for the Champions League once... and now that is the goal. If we're not successful... we're deemed a failure. But, the fact is that Levy has us in a position to compete for a CL spot. We hadn't been in that position for a very long time before he was made chairman... and, if he were to be sacked or to leave... we'd be back to a regular midtable team.

The EPL is far more competitive and it gets increasingly so every year. Liverpool is competitive again (and, will still be with the loss of Suarez), Everton will be in the mix and could play spoiler. Manchester United will be much, much better this year.

We're not missing CL because Levy is an idiot. The new stadium and increased revenue bringing a larger transfer budget, better wages, etc. will certainly help our situation.

Again...those aren't my words...that's what I'm reading.

People seem to think Paulihno, Lamela, Chadli, etc... should be sold for pennies on the dollar because they are just shit. It's comical and sad to read all at once. People are pissed at the signing for Vorm and Davies...seriously...

I realize it's the "message board" fans and they tend to be the most overreacting, but damn, you'd think Tottenham was fighting for a PL title every year, not for a top 7 finish.

Maybe it's the site I'm on.

The new stadium should help a ton, though I'm not sure it's "big enough". It's going to be 56-57K, which is a huge step from 38k. However, the club still wouldn't have enough seats to sell just season ticket holders as there's like a 40k wait list. I was hoping for a 70kish stadium that could be used for an NFL club. Either way the money that the new stadium project should bring in should make Tottenham a major player in the transfer marker.


I'm new to the fan-base, and an eternal optimist when it comes to my teams doing well, so I don't buy into a lot of the talk. If last season was a complete disaster and they were only 10 points out of CL it doesn't seem *that* far fetched that with a healthy squad, a new system that seems like it should work, and better players coming in this could be a decent year.

The issue, from my basic understanding, is the number of goals scored. Tottenham was +4 in GD last season, but Everton (5th) was +21 and ManU (7th) was +22. Surrendered 51 goals, by far the most in the top 8 with one of the better keepers in the world. Defense needs help, and hopefully Davies gives that.

[Skjellyfetti]

Yeah, I understand. I wasn't really responding to you - just that line of thinking.

I'd be fine with selling Paulinho and Chadli for sure. But, not for pennies on the dollar.

There are rumors that Juventus wants to buy Paulinho for 20 million pounds - which would be a profit from what we bought him for. I'd sell him for a decent profit for sure. We have a glut of midfield players.

Davies and Vorm signing was beautiful.

We locked up our LB position... our weakest spot... with one of the best young LB in the EPL, and got a decent backup GK... only at the cost of Sigurdsson and 3 million pounds. Compare that to Manchester United that bought a young LB of similar quality to Davies for 30 million pounds.

That's how Levy rolls and it's beautiful.




What sites do you read? I usually read cartilagefreecaptain.com for Spurs stuff.

[clenz]

The Fighting Cock and Glory-Glory.co.uk

Glory Glory is really some depressing shit.

[Skjellyfetti]

Bouchalakis vs. AC Milan. Just filthy. Dat swerve...

[clenz]

Bouchalakis vs. AC Milan. Just filthy. Dat swerve...

That is all luck and takes no skill though...just as flaggy



I haven't watched the full Tottenham/Toronto match but I've watched a decent amount of highlights. I'm really looking forward to Lemela this year. He looks like he wants the ball and is aggressive in his movements.

[bandl]

Bouchalakis vs. AC Milan. Just filthy. Dat swerve...

That is all luck and takes no skill though...just as flaggy



I haven't watched the full Tottenham/Toronto match but I've watched a decent amount of highlights. I'm really looking forward to Lemela this year. He looks like he wants the ball and is aggressive in his movements.

How to tell someone is a Tottie fan....they get excited when one of their players looks like he wants the ball.

[clenz]

That is all luck and takes no skill though...just as flaggy



I haven't watched the full Tottenham/Toronto match but I've watched a decent amount of highlights. I'm really looking forward to Lemela this year. He looks like he wants the ball and is aggressive in his movements.

How to tell someone is a Tottie fan....they get excited when one of their players looks like he wants the ball.

Given how he sheepish he was last year it's a big step

[Grizalltheway]

That is all luck and takes no skill though...just as flaggy



I haven't watched the full Tottenham/Toronto match but I've watched a decent amount of highlights. I'm really looking forward to Lemela this year. He looks like he wants the ball and is aggressive in his movements.

How to tell someone is a Tottie fan....they get excited when one of their players looks like he wants the ball.

You look like you want the ball, AMIRITE.

[clenz]

Lots of Tottenham transfer rumors right now...most of which have Tottenham and Aresnal as the favorites

Tottenham have today been linked with Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, according to reports in Italy.

27-year-old Benatia has been highly lauded in recent seasons for his performances in Serie A, and it’s no wonder that he’s managed to attract plenty of European suitors given his recent performances for his club.

Chelsea have also been linked with the Moroccan defender, and are said to be front runners for his signature.

http://purelyfootball.com/2014/07/22/me ... am-switch/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tottenham and the Gooners battlign for Schneiderlin.

http://www.givemesport.com/488583-arsen ... ry-package" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Reports have it that he prefers Tottenham, but Aresenal may be willing to pay more.

Tottenham are set to go all out for the transfer of Antoine Griezmann but face a firm battle for his signature with Monaco and Chelsea who are also keeping tabs on the French youngster, according to the Daily Mail.

Spurs have already bid for the Real Sociedad star but have been informed that they will have to match his £25m buy-out clause.

World Cup star Griezmann rejected a contract extension earlier this month and is now braced for an exit. His arrival at White Hart Lane would signal a major coup for Mauricio Pochettino.

The North London side have identified Griezmann as the long-term replacement for Gareth Bale, who joined Real Madrid last summer.

However, Spurs could easily be overlooked as Monaco can offer Griezmann Champions League football and much higher wages- which Chelsea can offer as well.

Spurs hope that goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who is the France national captain, will be able to convince the 23-year-old to join the Premier League side.

Griezmann has also attracted the attention of Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months.

http://purelyfootball.com/2014/07/22/to ... griezmann/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are going head to head for the loan signing of Shakhtar star Douglas Costa, according to the Daily Mail.

The playmaker, 23, is believed to be one of six Shakhtar players who have refused to return to Ukraine as the recent conflict continues in the area. Shakhtar are reluctant to sell Costa, one of their star players, and club owner Rinant Akhmetov has already stated that there will not be a ‘Clearance sale’. This might clear the way for Costa to leave Shakhtar on loan for this season, with Arsenal and Tottenham waiting.

Costa, himself, has said he doesn’t want to force a move as he doesn’t want to look like a mercenary. Costa has claimed that the players want to train in Switzerland to avoid the conflict, and they’re NOT looking for a transfer.

Nonetheless, Costa has attracted strong interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham who hope they can convince Costa to make a move to the Premier League. It is believed that the star is wanted on loan and it would see either side gain a player with Champions League experience.

Costa, a former target of Manchester United, has also attracted interest from Roma and AC Milan, according to the Daily Mail.

http://purelyfootball.com/2014/07/22/no ... tle-costa/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[clenz]

Liverpool have agreed a £20 million deal with Southampton for the signing of defender Dejan Lovren

Lovren will follow former team mates Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert through Anfield’s doors.

Speculation over the transfer of the 25 year old has been rife throughout the summer and BBC and Liverpool Echo journalists have confirmed this afternoon that the transfer has been agreed.

Lovren will complete a medical tomorrow and will join up with the Liverpool squad with their pre-season preparations.

http://purelyfootball.com/2014/07/25/li ... an-lovren/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.squawka.com/news/reports-dej ... end/147912

Southampton defender and Arsenal target Dejan Lovren will undergo a medical at Liverpool this week, as the Croatian prepares to end his stint on the south coast according to Ben Smith from the BBC. While James Perace of the Liverpool Echo reports a £20m fee has been agreed and that the medical will be in Liverpool.

Lovren has been heavily linked with a move away from the Saints, after the club offloaded a number of key players this summer. Manager Mauricio Pochettino was followed out the door by Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw. Dejan Lovren is now expected to be the next name out of the club after the Saints decided to accept an offer for their main man at the back.

Lovren was criticised earlier this month for making it adamant that he wanted to leave the Saints this summer, insisting at the time “his head was already at Liverpool.”

It seems Lovren has got his way and the centre-back will join the Reds on their pre-season tour of America. The deal is believed to be in the region of £20 million.

[bandl]

I had Lambert, Lallana and Shaw (and Rodriguez, until he got hurt) on my fantasy team last year. They are a big reason why I won. Bought them cheap and kept them on my roster. Which allowed me to buy other players throughout the season when they got hot.