DB7

Thanks but no thanks. Apparently the celeb lifestyle and WAG missus has turned Crouch into yer typical egotistical footballer - think it's just a matter of does he go at Xmas or in the summer. He's a silly boy as Benitez has given him the opportunity to play in Europe and play regularly for England despite many (myself included) not rating him.

I'm surprised Chelsea never sold Sheva back to Milan and bought a replacement. They can afford to write-off the financial loss.

I always liked Crespo; wouldn't have minded him, but don't think he fitted in with Jose as most of the time he played a lone striker system (understandably Drogba).

batman

I thought Crespo was great ... when he and Droggy did play together they usually did OK, but Jose was a lone striker man. I remember when Crouch was on loan to Norwich he was not popular off the pitch with the locals. He had a bit of an attitude even then ... he was offered, by Norwich standards, a really good contract but turned it down saying 'I am a Premiership player and this club is not big enough for me'. A Chelski supporters website claims that Sheva had a huge row with Avram about Sheva not getting on the pitch in Valencia, and then playing second fiddle to Kalou yesterday. More power to Avram who apparently responded to this by saying 'They pay me to manage the team and do the best I can for Chelsea ... and that doesn't mean I have to pick Peter Kenyon's friends'.

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

David Brent

In the past if the Gooners had lost a two goal lead they would have settled for a point.
This young Arsenal team seem to now have bags of confidence and most importantly a new fighting spirit.

DB, do you think the Liverpool rotation system is to blame for the Pools recent poor performances? The reds defence looked very ropey in letting in Keane for those two Spurs goals.

Dave.

batman

Saw this on a news site and nearly had kittens!

latest news

GRANT LEAVES

Not Avram .... but Peter Grant, who has done a Jose and left Norwich City by 'mutual consent'.

Bats.

ps - Peter Taylor is looking for a job

I wish I had claws.

DB7

I hear your new coach is called Kate...

batman

Henk Ten Cate .... my wife's name is Cate!

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

orpheum

So is Neill Warnock!

Welcome To Highbury The Home Of Football

batman

Warnock's off to Palace according to Simon Jordan.

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

orpheum

well they both deserve each other.9 managers in 7 years surely some sort of record.Not even Tottenham can match that.

Welcome To Highbury The Home Of Football

batman

Apparently they are 'great mates' ..... they say like attracts like .

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

DB7

The big Premiership offer never materialised so time to swallow his pride?

Imho Peter Taylor is a very good coach, not sure about manager tho.

orpheum

Why doesnt Delia take the plunge and become the first manageress?

Welcome To Highbury The Home Of Football

Harleybloke

Warnock has to be the biggest moaning bleeder in World Football!

.....You couldn't hear it, if they were shooting at me with howitzers!

batman

Taylor is another one who has come a cropper at Leicester City .... several young managers have gone there with a 'big' reputation (eg Mark McGhee) and have been sacked, their careers never quite recovering. The only one who has escaped that curse seems to be Martin O'Neil.

There are rumours that Venables is to go to QPR. Perhaps Taylor, a Venables 'discovery' IIRC, may join him as coach.

Bats.

I wish I had claws.

DB7

I can understand the reasoning behind some sackings but too many clubs have unreasonable expectations and a revolving door policy on managers. Newcastle and Spuds are two of the worst, hardly any silverware of note for decades but demand CL football of their managers.

Ferguson is a case in point, during his early years I recall Ferguson Out! banners but to my lasting regret the board stuck by him.

The problem with Venables going to QPR might be that he's a bit too 'flash' and I'm not sure he's the appetite if they're to get back to to the top flight. QPR always reminds me of Kevin Gallen, saw him partner Fowler in an England U21 and was sure he'd have a big career ahead of him.