Top2Bottom: The Game Thread

[Striker475]

Six points between 11th and relegation, yikes. Still anyone's game in the Prem by the sounds of it.

KUTGW GCB/Andy!

[hamilton162]

Sitting in 11th, was expecting worse considering our poor squad. Hopefully Puckett can nick a few players from Championship clubs in January

KUTGW Andy

[19992008]

Oh for Goodness sake, we are so clearly 19th

[SJ234]

2nd place \o/

[conners]

will be very suprised if blackthorn arent 19th, or if the manager hasnt been sacked

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

Boreham Badgers are only five points clear of relegation trouble but they have scored the same number of goals as they have conceded – a more prolific strikeforce or a meaner defence would lift Joe Tompkins men up the league. One man who cannot be accused of failing to hit the net on a regular basis is their star man so far – Allessandro Del Piero has 14 goals and a rating of 7.39 from 18 appearances. Victor Valdes has made 23 appearances and kept a clean sheet in the Badgers best win of the season, a 4-0 home thrashing of Isle of Man Metros. However, a run of five games during late September and October saw the Badgers fail to win and slide down the league table. A worry as January approaches is the interest of Essex Eagles in Niko Kranjcar who has made 19 appearances; Thomas Sorensen has no appearances and could leave for Discworld or Queensland Origin. One man who will be missing for 3-4 months though is striker Benni McCarthy who has a torn calf.

The Essex Eagles sit in fourteenth place in the Premier League and are nervously looking over their shoulders with the relegation zone only 4 points behind. The goals and performance of Carlos Vela – 7.22 and 10 goals in 18 games – as well as the consistency of 30 appearance man, Henri Ilunga, mean that Jack Browne’s men are clear of trouble for now but could be sucked in if they don’t improve. Philippe Mexes’ torn calf keeps him out for another two months and he is a big loss to the Eagles whose defensive problems were shown in their 4-0 defeat at Discworld recently. However, they can trouble the best in the division as their 4-1 thrashing of Essendon showed. No players are looking set to leave so the Eagles will look to improve their side in January.

High expectations on the Isle of Man but poor performances led to one of three managerial casualties in the opening half of the Premier League season. Igor Smith was sacked on November 8th after a 3-1 home defeat to rivals Saffron United and the man chosen to replace him was Spaniard Javier Aguirre. Three straight wins recently – including a revenge 2-0 win at relegation rivals Saffron United - have seen them move out of the bottom three and two points clear of the relegation zone. The goals of Luca Toni – 12 in 24 appearances – are sure to play a major role in helping them survive as will the three main players – Julio Cesar (26 appearances), Paul Konchesky (26 appearances) and Daniele De Rossi (7.23 rating). No transfer news so far mean it could be quiet in January.

[whitehead.10]

Loving these updates atm

Can't wait to hear how things are settling down in the championship - Personally i predict - Fanghunters to be top and myself to be in 5th place

[JB]

14th. Not brilliant but won't lose any players.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

Manager Sirus Lannock must be having sleepless nights wondering how to stop the goals flying into his teams net! They are 16th and a point clear of relegation trouble at the moment but they seem to have problems with their tactics as they are another ‘all or nothing’ team who either win or lose but have only drawn once. And when they lose, they lose heavily. Halfway through the season and Athletic have already conceded an amazing 52 goals – no wonder Chris Kirkland wants a move away as he cannot get a game in front of goalkeeper Rene Adler. Their goal difference of -28 could prove vital at the end of the season if it doesn’t improve. A 3-1 win over Saffron United – a rival at the bottom – was a plus point but a poor start where they won none of the first five games meant they were in deep trouble from the start. They have suffered some real hammerings – Northern Extreme, Tibbolini, Steel Panthers, Queensland Origin, London Titans, Coedpoeth United and Welsh Wizards have all beaten them by three goals or more. Considering their start and their hammerings, 16th is not a bad effort!

Saffron United boss William Knoppers has led his side to just four victories so far and only goal difference keeps them out of the relegation zone in 17th place. 9 goals in 25 games means that Djibril Cisse is making a decent contribution whilst Sebastien Frey is playing regularly in goal (26 appearances). Their star man is Giorgio Chiellini whose rating of 7.11 is the highest at the club: not a great one if we’re honest. They have been disrupted by injuries with Michael Ballack and Savio both suffering torn calf muscles that are keeping them out for 3 and 4 months respectively. They haven’t had many heavy losses though – their worst was a 3-0 defeat at Didsbury Dynamoes – which suggests a couple of good signings should see them climb the table. A 3-2 win over Tibbolini – relegation rivals – after being 2-1 down was vital recently and they will hope for more wins as they head into the New Year.

Goal difference places Tibbolini into the relegation zone and they face a fight to survive in the Premier League this season. 11 losses is simply not good enough at this stage of the season particularly considering the golden touch of Samuel Eto’o who has scored 19 goals in 26 appearances and has a rating of 7.51. With Stefan Radu, he is the player considered most important to manager Mike Bassett with 26 appearances each. A 3-2 win at home to Steel Panthers was well deserved recently but a 4-0 defeat at London Titans and an embarrassing defeat to the whipping boys of Sheffield Wednesday – their only win – show why they are so low down this season.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

A very eventful start to the season at Didsbury with three managers, a 19th placed team and only 3 wins that leaves them 6 points short of 17th placed Saffron United and safety – they have a mountain to climb in the second half of the season. November 1st was the day that Matt Ferguson became managerial victim number 1 as chairman Hermann Schermann fired him after a 2-1 home defeat to Isle of Man Metros. His replacement was a huge name – Arsene Wenger – but he lasted only 8 games amazingly. With seven defeats and one win to his name, Wenger was sacked after a 1-0 home loss to Essendon on December 13th and his replacement is Rafa Benitez – not a great start for the Spaniard with two defeats so far! He’d better get the team winning quickly or else Hermann will be firing another one! 13 goals in 21 appearances from Zlatan Ibrahimovic should lead to better results but his rating of 7.34 and the presence of Iker Casillas in goal (29 appearances) has failed so far to produce the wins needed. There are some signs of discontent amongst the reserves with Boaz Myhill unhappy (just 1 appearance) and QPR interested in Daniel Jones.

Bottom of the table are Sheffield Wednesday. They look certain to be relegated and have only one win over Tibbolini.

Here is the league table and player stats so far:

Championship to come tomorrow as well as Cup information as well.

And find out which managers might be next to join Matt Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Igor Smith on the managerial merry-go-round.

[conners]

a lot better than i expected. LOL@ 52 goals conceded

[PluckaDuck]

The defence has been very, very good as expected, but we are simply not scoring enough.

18 goals in 18 games for a team in 9th place is simply not good enough. We need a good striker to start converting these good defensive performances from draws into wins!!

[Thefanghunter]

Sweet, hope I haven't been fired.

[joetheref]

Badgers just above the relegation zone, hope we can hang on and stay up

[super_lampard]

Damn sacked The team are not doing that badly though, hopefully a new manager will freshen things up

[Guest roberto922]

3rd \o/

kutgw

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

It’s looking tight in the Championship with 19 games remaining in the season and the top five – unsurprisingly – made up of the five ‘Top2Bottom’ teams. Norwich City occupy sixth spot and will hope to complete a miracle in Play Offs should they make it whilst Coventry City – conquerors of Blackthorn Athletic in the League Cup – are in the relegation zone along with Barnsley and Preston North End.

The top three in the Championship are separated by just 2 points and it looks set to be a 3-horse race for automatic promotion whilst the remaining two ‘Top2Bottom ‘ teams look unlikely to challenge unless there are some mistakes made up in front. They look set to take their place in the Play Offs and hope for a lottery victory!

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

Manager Zac Smith has led Melbourne to the summit of the Championship as they embark on the final bend of the promotion race. Just 2 points separate them from the 2nd and 3rd place teams and it looks set to be a tight finish between them. However, few would back against Melbourne if they can maintain their current record of being undefeated against the other four ‘Top2Bottom’ teams in their division – in five games so far, they have won three and drawn two – with their only defeat of the season coming at Norwich when they were beaten 3-2 by the Canaries. 18 goals from Sergio Aguero in just 26 games have seen him lead the way for Melbourne as their best player (7.43) whilst Gigi Buffon has kept goal in 31 games to highlight his importance. One player who looks unimportant however is Cacapa who looks set for a January move with Charlton a possible destination.

After their opening day defeat to Joga Bonitos Juniors (3-4 away), Fanghunters – under the guidance of Samuel Yates – have gone 26 games unbeaten and currently occupy the second promotion spot on goal difference. A goal difference of 48 highlights their impressive record in front of goal where Gabi Agbonlahor has struck 15 goals in 28 games whilst Steven Gerrard (7.37) is the man pulling all the strings in midfield. Pepe Reina is the player with most appearances at 30 and he has kept plenty of clean sheets including one in the 5-0 home win over Derby County recently. Andre Ooijer (Cardiff?) and Mike Pollitt (QPR?) could make a move in January after no appearances so far this season but the big loss would be that of Kaka. With Didsbury Dynamoes and Essendon both sniffing around the Brazilian, Fanghunters will be hoping to get through January as soon as possible with their star man still at the club.

One team hoping for a move for Kaka will be Joga Bonitos Juniors who are challenging the top two for the automatic promotion spots. At the moment, goal difference is keeping Joga Bonitos out of the top two and they are the side in the top three with the worst recent form – after 8 games, they still retained a 100% record in the league but have wobbled since then. The low point of their season came in a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest which ended their fine start and defeats since to Melbourne and Fanghunters could be costly come the end of the season. Gonzalo Higuain and David Suazo are rattling the goals in with 16 and 15 respectively and Sylvan Distin has made 31 appearance although Andy Dawson is getting the headlines with a fine rating of 7.42 so far. Suazo is currently suffering a fractured cheekbone (one month) and John Utaka is out with cruciate ligaments (three months remaining) whilst there could be transfers out as well. Andy Wilkinson (one appearance – Cardiff?) and Tomas Kuszczak (no appearances and unhappy) could see them leave but the big loss would be Distin who is interesting Didsbury Dynamoes, Boreham Badgers and Gnome’ania United as January approaches.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

Out of the other two sides, Canadian Mighty Squirrels – under the guidance of Ricky Nakano – look most likely to challenge for automatic promotion although they would need big results against the top three and a slice of fortune – they currently trail the top two by 7 points and are 9 points from top spot. Four defeats have been damaging – all against ‘Top2Bottom’ rivals and a 1-4 defeat to Fanghunters was hard to take. Indeed, they have failed to win any of their games against their four promotion rivals and this needs to change if they are to go up – automatically or in the Play Offs. A 4-0 win over Preston at Deepdale was the highlight of the season and the goals of Robbie Keane and Emanuel Adebayor (both have 15) could be key to any chance of a challenge. Tim Howard and Michael Essien are key members of the first team (31 appearances each) and Massimo Ambrosini (7.37) has been their star man so far. Tomas Rosicky remains injured for another three months (hamstring) and two fringe players – Barry Robson (unhappy, no appearances) and Henri Lansbury (Preston or QPR?) – are the only two showing signs of leaving in January.

Hanns Joerchel and his VfB Rammstein trail Canadian Mighty Squirrels by two points and are nine points from the top two – a promotion challenge is unlikely unless it is via the Play Offs – they are 13 points clear of 7th place. However, like the Squirrels of Mighty, they will not win the Play Offs unless they learn to beat the other ‘Top2Bottom’ teams who they have not beaten yet. A 7-0 thrashing of Preston at Deepdale was impressive but a home defeat to Crystal Palace (2-1) shows their vulnerable side that has led to 4 defeats. Carlos Tevez is their star man (7.49; 22 goals in 28 games) and Brad Friedel is the first name on their team sheet with 31 appearances. Luke Young (hamstring) and Wilfred Bouma (ankle) both have a month and a half on the sidelines but there could be some movement in January with Carlos Marchena (26 appearances – Didsbury?) and Claudio Marchisio (11 appearances – Essex? Blackthorn?) looking likely to leave.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

Here is the league table and player stats so far:

Sorry for the recent delay. Things cropped up (again). That time of the year! League Cup and European competitions still to come. Maybe tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

LEAGUE CUP ROUND-UP

When we last looked at the League Cup in Round 3, we left members of the Joga Bonitos Juniors club taking bets on the League Cup – maybe some people are getting quietly confident as they enter the last sixteen. Fifteen ‘Top2Bottom’ sides made it into Round 4 with all five Championship sides through as well as Cardiff City – even Joga Juniors would agree that they are the darkhorses! Already out were Blackthorn Athletic (Round 2 against Coventry City) as well as eight others – Essex Eagles, Inland Valley Hawks, Isle of Man Metros, Northern Extreme, Queensland Origin, Essendon, Saffron United and Coedpoeth United – who fell to other ‘Top2Bottom’ sides in Round 3.

ROUND 4

Cardiff City’s hopes of shocking the world came to an abrupt end in the final League Cup tie ever to be played at Ninian Park as their neighbours, Welsh Wizards, humbled them 4-1 to make the Quarter Finals. There was a comfortable away night in store for Fanghunters who knocked fellow Championship side, VfB Rammstein, out in the all Championship affair by 3 goals to nil. London Titans disposed of the Steel Panthers 2-0 and Gnome’ania United’s home advantage could not prevent them falling to Discworld 2-4. Another Championship side crashed out – Canadian Mighty Squirrels – as Tibbolini snatched an extra time win at home by 3-2 and Melbourne became the third Championship side to fall as they lost on penalties at Boreham Badgers after a 2-2 draw. Premier League leaders New Bloc had their League Cup hopes ended at Didsbury (3-2) and the final Championship side – Joga Bonitos Juniors – could get a little more excited as they beat Premier League side Brennan United 2-1 at home.

QUARTER FINALS

DRAW: Fanghunters vs. Welsh Wizards; Didsbury Dynamoes vs. Discworld; Tibbolini vs. London Titans; Boreham Badgers vs. Joga Bonitos Juniors

Only one tie was settled in the regulation 90 minutes as Premier League side Welsh Wizards secured their place in the Semi Finals with a 1-0 victory at Fanghunters. A 2-2 draw at Didsbury was settled in extra time as the Dynamoes scored the important goal to beat Discworld by 3-2 whilst the 3-3 draw between Tibbolini and London Titans and the 2-2 draw between Boreham Badgers and Joga Bonitos Juniors could not be settled. Two penalty shoot-outs would be needed to determine the final two semi finalists. London Titans were cool from the spot to win past Tibbolini in their own backyard. Boreham Badgers were looking for a second successive penalty shoot out victory against the final remaining Championship side Joga Bonitos and it was the Championship side that crashed out on penalties to end Championship interest and leave the Badgers dreaming of Cup glory.

SEMI FINAL DRAW

The second placed team in the Premier League - London Titans have got to be favourites to lift the League Cup now and they will start the first leg of their Semi Final at home to the Welsh Wizards. However, the Wizards are also riding high in 6th place so they cannot be counted out and it promises to be an interesting Semi Final.

Boreham Badgers penalty successes are rewarded with a home tie with Didsbury Dynamoes in the first leg. Didsbury have been awful in the Premier League so far and are in deep trouble so new manager – the third remember – Rafa Benitez will be hoping for some respite in the League Cup. Boreham might be thinking their name is on the League Cup already but their 13th place position in the Premier League suggests that the League Cup Final underdogs will come from this semi final.

SEMI FINAL DRAW: London Titans vs. Welsh Wizards; Boreham Badgers vs. Didsbury Dynamoes.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

F.A. CUP ROUND 3 DRAW – TIES SET TO BE PLAYED EARLY JANUARY

Selected Ties

Swindon Town vs. Steel Panthers

New Bloc vs. Carlisle United

Crystal Palace vs. Tibbolini

London Titans vs. Chesterfield

Tranmere Rovers vs. Joga Bonitos Juniors

Essendon vs. Plymouth Argyle

Didsbury Dynamoes vs. Inland Valley Hawks

Fanghunters vs. Sheffield Wednesday

Welsh Wizards vs. Melbourne

Boreham Badgers vs. Coedpoeth United

Discworld vs. Isle of Man Metros

Gnome’ania United vs. Bury

Blackthorn Athletic vs. Weymouth

VfB Rammstein vs. Bournemouth

Huddersfield Town vs. Northern Extreme

QPR vs. Queensland Origin

Canadian Mighty Squirrels vs. Saffron United

Brennan United vs. Ipswich Town

Wrexham vs. Essex Eagles

[Thefanghunter]

Yaay, I get to play Wednesday. League looks good but very tight and sucks to be out of the cup.

[Striker475]

Top of the league, for now. Those T2B results are great though - five out of eight done without a loss is a great record. Hopefully we can keep the record up, maybe grab a win when the two close chasers draw and that extra 2pt buffer.

[joetheref]

Go Badgers , knew we wouldn't do too well in the league but going well in the cup

[SJ234]

Trophy chance \o/

[SnakeXe]

Poor showing in the League Cup for the Panthers, hopefully we can do better in the FA Cup

[MattFergie]

Badly failing in the league, but doing well in the cups

Hopefully Rafa will bring in some much needed experience (and better players)

[hamilton162]

Ipswitch in the FA Cup, sounds fairly straightforward

[Greasy Chip Butty]

MID-SEASON REPORT: December 31st

UEFA CUP

All five of the Premier League’s UEFA Cup entrants made their way into the Knockout Stages after winning their groups – although some were made to work harder than others to do so. London Titans were one of the sides that found it easy with four wins out of four over Dinamo Bucharest, Sampdoria, Feyenoord and Young Boys as they strolled to the top of Group A and will face Ajax in the Knockout Round. Tibbolini also won four out of four in Group C with AC Milan, Twente, Dnipro and Racing Santander all defeated as they made their way into the Knockout Round to face Valencia in February.

Not so straightforward for Blackthorn Athletic – struggling in the Premier League – but they still managed to win Group E on goal difference. An away draw with Benfica and wins over NEC Breda and Besiktas at home meant that they were safe despite defeat away at Stade Rennais and they will face Feyenoord in the next round.

Saffron United and Essex Eagles both won their groups with unbeaten records. In Group F, Saffron United beat Udinese and AEK Athens before drawing with Valencia and Standard Liege to seal a place in the next round where they will face Kayserispor. Dnipro await Essex Eagles after they won Group H with three wins over Galatasaray, Spartak Moscow and Honka as well as a 1-1 draw with Ajax.

The second knockout round could see a potential ‘Top2Bottom’ European clash as Tibbolini and Saffron United have been drawn together if they win their Round 1 matches. If London Titans beat Ajax, Hajduk Split or Sevilla await them and Napoli or Levski Sofia will face Blackthorn Athletic if they get past Feyenoord. The final team – Essex Eagles – will face the winners of the FC Zurich and Sporting Lisbon tie if they defeat Dnipro.

Knockout Round 1 Draw: London Titans vs. Ajax; Tibbolini vs. Valencia; Blackthorn Athletic vs. Feyenoord; Saffron United vs. Kayserispor; Essex Eagles vs. Dnipro.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

It was the same pattern as the UEFA Cup as far as the Premier League sides were concerned in the Champions League as all four entrants won their group stage. In Group A, Didsbury Dynamoes put their Premier League managerial worries aside as they topped Group A unbeaten with Shakhtar Donetsk in second place ahead of Marseille and PSV. Isle of Man Metros were defeated once but three wins and two draws saw them win Group C and qualify alongside Fenerbahce with Bayern Munich and Bordeaux crashing out. Discworld won Group E with six wins out of six games as they destroyed their group. Slavia Prague and Celtic went out with Werder Bremen qualifying for the Knockout Round a long way behind The Discs. Finally, in Group H, Queensland Origin won through with four wins although two defeats made them worry a little. Panathanaikos join them in the next round with Schalke and IFK Gothenburg heading out.

The Knockout Round 1 draw sees the four sides drawn away in the first leg after winning their group. They face teams who qualified in second place. Didsbury Dynamoes face a trip to Villarreal whilst Isle of Man Metros have a tough trip to Roma. Panathanaikos await Discworld in the next round whilst Queensland Origin face a trip to Germany to face Werder Bremen.

All of the next UEFA Cup and Champions League ties are scheduled for February.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

December 31st 2008

MANAGERS UNDER PRESSURE?

It’s a massive January ahead for several Premier League managers as their underachieving sides seek to start their climb up the table. With the transfer window opening and squads to be strengthened, the managers under pressure will be looking to weave some transfer magic as well as improving their form and with the FA Cup set to kick off, there is opportunity to gain some respite from the pressures of the Premier League.

Can Mike Bassett perform a miracle?

Despite their qualification for the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup and their Quarter Final place in the League Cup, Mike Bassett is in a precarious position at the club due to his team’s position in the relegation zone. With an FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to come, Tibbolini will need to continue to do well in the cup competitions if Bassett is to survive as well as put a string of results together in their four Premier League games to move them away from the drop zone. Can Bassett perform a miracle?

Sirus Lannock needs to find the key to consistency.

Blackthorn Athletic have been conceding goals for fun in their defeats in the Premier League but have actually posted some good results in amongst their league fixtures. A League Cup exit at Championship Coventry in Round 2 and a poor league start heaped the pressure on Lannock (very insecure) immediately but a good UEFA Cup record and results in the Premier League that have kept them out of the drop zone – somehow – mean he is hanging on to his job. An FA Cup tie with Weymouth should guarantee progress in the FA Cup but they need to stop getting thrashed if Lannock is to make the end of the season.

Spicy at Saffron for William Knoppers?

Another manager who is thankful for his UEFA Cup results is Saffron United’s William Knoppers whose position at the Saffron Stadium is now very insecure thanks to a terrible season in the Premier League so far. A League Cup Round 3 exit didn’t help and an away FA Cup tie at Championship Play Off contenders, Canadian Mighty Squirrels, in Round 3 will not be easy. Knoppers needs to find some form if he is to survive and a few new signings are probably the order of the day as well.

Eagles flying not so high – Hit the road, Jack?

Essex Eagles and their manager, Jack Browne, are another side with UEFA Cup results to thank for keeping them out of too much trouble with the board. The Eagles are in the bottom half of the Premier League table and Browne could be in trouble if form doesn’t improve soon. An FA Cup tie with Wrexham should be easy but Premier League results are definitely needed if Browne’s very insecure position is to be improved.

Magnus: Poor starter so he’s finished?

Despite a perfect six out of six record in the Champions League to qualify for the knockout stages, Discworld manager Magnus Vestergaard is under severe pressure thanks to poor Premier League results. The board at Discworld clearly believe that tenth place is not good enough and there is a lot of pressure on Vestergaard to improve that position quickly. His very insecure position could also be helped with an FA Cup run but a home tie with Isle of Man Metros could prove a problem.

Hunt-ed out at the Origin?

Rumours also suggest that Karmichael Hunt is starting to feel the pressure from the board of Queensland Origin. The team who – technically – hold the Premier League title are currently down in 9th place, well below expectations it seems. Champions League progress and a tie with Werder Bremen in the Knockout Round 1 has helped to ease the pressure but his position is suggested to be insecure right now. He will be hoping for a better run of form in the coming weeks and months as the FA Cup starts (Round 3 away at QPR), Champions League continues and the Premier League heads towards a climax.

Managers stable @ Essendon, Didsbury, Isle of Man, Gnome’ania, Fanghunters, VfB Rammstein and Canadian Mighty Squirrels.

Managers secure @ Steel Panthers, Joga Bonitos Juniors, Melbourne and Boreham Badgers.

Managers very secure @ New Bloc, Coedpoeth United, London Titans, Inland Valley Hawks, Welsh Wizards, Brennan United and Northern Extreme.

[Guest roberto922]

Very Secure \o/

[Greasy Chip Butty]

December 31st 2008

Schedule for January:

JAN 1: Transfer Window Opens

JAN 3: FA Cup Round 3

JAN 5: FA Cup Round 4 Draw

JAN 7: Premier League (Game in Hand)

JAN 7: League Cup Semi Final, First Leg

JAN 10: Premier League (20), Championship (28)

JAN 14: FA Cup Round 3 Replays?

JAN 14: Premier League (21)

JAN 17: Premier League (22), Championship (29)

JAN 21: League Cup Semi Final, Second Leg

JAN 24: FA Cup Round 4

JAN 26: FA Cup Round 5 Draw

JAN 31: Premier League (23), Championship (30)

FEB 2: Transfer Window Closes

We’re now back on track and everything is up to date. On with the show!

[19992008]

LOL Come on Tibbolini! Mike Bassett needs to make sure he gets us out of the bottom 3 and fast. Pleased with the cup runs so far though KUTGW

[super_lampard]

Through to the next round of the champions league, but Roma will be tough

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Please copy and paste into the thread with some answers.

Team Name: <here>

Manager Name: <here>

How do you feel about your start to the season?

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on?

[MattFergie]

Team Name: Didsbury FC

Manager Name: Rafa Benitez

How do you feel about your start to the season?

League = horrible

Cups = surprisingly good

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

To finish mid-table, and to win a cup

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on?

To sign - some quality defenders, and a support striker for Ibra, possibly Maxi Rodgriguez

Get rid - no-one...yet

[rancer890]

Team Name: Canadian Mighty Squirrels

Manager Name: Ricky Nakano

How do you feel about the start of the season?

League - disappointing but optimistic for the future

Cup - content

What are your hopes for the rest of the season?

Promotion to the Premier League.

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on?

To sign - improve depth on the bench

Get rid - the aging bench players

[hamilton162]

Team Name: Brennan United F.C.

Manager Name: John Puckett

How do you feel about your start to the season?

Things have been going fairly well in the league, and we've got a relatively easy draw in the FA Cup. But going out early in the League Cup was a disappointment considering that we wanted to try and win it.

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

To have a good cup run and to secure a top-half finish after bringing in some top class players in January.

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on?

There's no-one in particular i'd like to see come in or leave, just general strengthening in every position and getting rid of dead wood that will enable us to achieve our targets of a top-half finish and a run in the FA Cup

[SnakeXe]

Team Name: Steel Panthers

Manager Name: Stix Zadinia

How do you feel about your start to the season?

Seems like we're playing the kind of football I want us to play - plenty of goals at both ends, plenty of entertainment for the punters! If we can just get a few more of the 4-3s to go our way, then I'm sure you'll see The Steel challenging for the European places come May.

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

Hang on to our players in January, bring a couple in (probably in defense), and keep the results flowing.

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on?

I'd love to see us sign a commanding centre-half to order the rest of the defense around. They're good players, they just need some leadership. I'm sure we could tempt away some of the Championship teams' star players...

[joetheref]

Team Name: Boreham Badgers

Manager Name: Joe Tompkins

How do you feel about your start to the season?

I'm slightly disappointed with the performances in the league so far, I think everyone in football knew it was going to be a tough season but we haven't been playing well. However I am encouraged by our League Cup run, to be 1 round away from Wembley is a great feeling for myself and my players

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

I think we should be able to go on and get tot he final of the League Cup and give us a chance of qualifying for Europe, we also need a few more good performances in the league to try and break out of the relegation battle

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on?

I think the midfield could do with some strengthening but apart from that I am fairly happy with the players we've got

[Northerm Lights]

Team Name: Northern Extreme FC

Manager Name: Kodaly McMaster

How do you feel about your start to the season?

We had a really good start to the season and have done well to maintain a high league position. Disappointed not to have a better run in the League Cup but you cant win 'em all!

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

We're 10 points behind New Bloc so we need to win the game in hand and start making inroads to the gap. If we are as strong 2nd half of the season then Europe could be a real possibility! Of course we'll also be looking forward to the magic of the FA Cup

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on? We bought so many players before the start of the season i'm not sure there is any money left to sign anybody else! ideally another defender and look at replacing Van der Sar - he's not getting any younger!

[conners]

Team Name: Blackthorn Athletic

Manager Name: Sirus Lannock

How do you feel about your start to the season?

I can see a lot of similarities between us and wigan athletic. We are trying to play the beautiful football and we are neglecting our defence. I am glad we have qualified for the uefa cup knockout stages and we should overcome weymouth in the fa cup

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

Survival is the main priority, for the club and the manager. Stop losing 6-0

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on?

We could do with some defenders, maybe poach some of the T2B players that arent featuring

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Welcome to SPORTS.tv

January 3rd 2009

It’s FA Cup 3rd Round day here on SPORTS.tv and we’re following all the main stories of the day on the most romantic day of the football season. It’s a massive day for the minnows of Chesterfield, Bury, Weymouth, Bournemouth and Wrexham as they take on Premier League or top Championship sides and there are many other sides looking to cause upsets as well. There are several all-Premier League ties and it is a massive day for Mike Bassett, the manager of Tibbolini, as he takes his side to Championship Crystal Palace in a game that he simply must win or else the sack is likely.

First – some transfer news, the first of this transfer window. Brazilian international striker and former Arsenal player Julio Baptista has joined Steel Panthers on a free transfer. The free agent has 41 caps for Brazil and makes his move to join Panthers who currently sit 8th in the Premier League. Could this signing propel them into the hunt for Champions League football next season?

Live football today comes from Selhurst Park. Can Tibbolini defeat Championship Crystal Palace and make the Round 4 draw or will the Eagles cause an upset and push Mike Bassett nearer the exit door?

F.A. CUP ROUND 3

VS.

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TEAM NEWS and PRE-MATCH

Crystal Palace start with a lone striker – Fernando Morientes – and a five man midfield with two anchor men as they look to keep things tight and frustrate Tibbolini. 442 for Tibbolini as they start with Franco Di Santo and Samuel Eto’o up front and Arjen Robben out wide on the right hand side. Tibbolini are the 4-7 favourites to win the game and the London Football Daily is predicting that they will overcome Palace today and secure a place in Round 4.

14 MINUTES

A quiet start to the game and the first attack of the game comes from the lime green shirted Tibbolini. Andrea Pirlo’s free kick from the left is turned across goal by Stefan Radu but Palace clear it from danger for a throw. Brunt’s throw finds Eto’o whose shot is saved but defender KHALIFA CISSE picks up the ball and drills it past Speroni to make it 1-0.

CRYTSAL PALACE 0-1 TIBBOLINI

20 MINUTES

Confusion in the Palace box as Paddy McCarthy heads the ball up in the air in his own six yard box but Franco Di Santo’s header drifts harmlessly over the bar.

23 MINUTES

Another chance for Franco Di Santo as he is found by Pirlo on the edge of the box and turned the defender before smashing the ball over the bar from 16 yards.

25 MINUTES

Great cross from the right hand side by Arjen Robben is met by the head of Samuel Eto’o and crashes off the Palace crossbar before falling at the feet of Chris Brunt who fires over but should have done better.

33 MINUTES

A second goal for Tibbolini following a steady build up and capping a dominant first half display so far. Chris Brunt’s teasing cross from the left evaded everyone but ROBBEN controlled on the right, cut inside and drove the ball into the far corner to make it 2-0.

CRYSTAL PALACE 0-2 TIBBOLINI

36 MINUTES

Almost an immediate response from Crystal Palace after a substitution. Morientes went off and Demba Ba moved into the lone striker role and immediately he picked up the ball on the halfway line before setting off running at the Tibbolini defence. A 25-yard strike flew just over the crossbar with Renan beaten.

42 MINUTES

A third goal in the game and probably game over as Tibbolini strike again. Brunt released down the left again and his cross is glanced home by FRANCO DI SANTO from six yards.

HALF TIME: CRYSTAL PALACE 0-3 TIBBOLINI

50 MINUTES

Good move from Crystal Palace as Demba Ba finds Arda Turan and the Turkish wingers long range shot has to be turned over the crossbar by Renan in the Tibbolini goal.

54 MINUTES

More good work from Palace and again it is Arda who turns and shoots from the edge of the box – Renan is beaten but the ball fizzles just over the bar. The goal kick is headed back forward by Paddy McCarthy and Arda slips Demba Ba in on goal. His shot forces a good save from Renan.

57 MINUTES

Crystal Palace are now dominating the game and another good move gives Danny Butterfield chance to curl the ball towards the far corner but his shot goes agonisingly wide, clipping the post on the way.

64 MINUTES

Despite their domination of the second half, Crystal Palace fall further behind. A free kick on the edge of the area and ANDREA PIRLO smashes the free kick into the top corner of the goal from 20 yards.

CRYSTAL PALACE 0-4 TIBBOLINI

68 MINUTES

Another long range effort for Crystal Palace as Shaun Derry hits the ball goalwards from 25 yards but again the ball goes just over the crossbar.

71 MINUTES

Danny Butterfield’s left wing corner finds Demba Ba at the far post but his free header goes just wide of the post. How have Palace not scored in this game?

74 MINUTES

Finally! NEIL DANNS is found in the box by Arda and he turns the defender before placing the ball past Renan and into the bottom corner of the goal.

CRYSTAL PALACE 1-4 TIBBOLINI

81 MINUTES

Substitute Stern John outpaces and outmuscles Maicon to latch onto a long ball from the goalkeeper, Julian Speroni. In on the goal but John fires it straight at Renan who pushes it away for a corner.

88 MINUTES

Another chance for the Trinidad and Tobago striker Stern John as he turns on the edge of the box after receiving the ball from Arda on the right hand side but again his shot is straight at Renan and out for another corner.

91 MINUTES

Nigel De Jong – substitute for Tibbolini – tricks his way into the Crystal Palace defence to hit a shot at Julian Speroni who saves well but the ball falls straight at the feet of SAMUEL ETO’O who tucks the ball into the gaping goal for his 20th goal of the season.

FULL TIME: CRYSTAL PALACE 1-5 TIBBOLINI

Man of the Match: Khalifa Cisse (8.0)

Based on the chances, Tibbolini deserved to win but the scoreline of 5-1 flattered them. Crystal Palace completely dominated the second half and created several good opportunities that on a different day could have led to a potential fightback. Tibbolini took their chances when they came and it ensured a comfortable victory and a passage into the 4th Round and maybe keeps Mike Bassett in his job for a little while longer.

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Let’s head for the ‘vidi-printer’ and see what the other FA Cup ties have been producing today:

Time       Comp   Score                                   Scorer
01 mins:   FAC3   Blackthorn Athletic 1-0 Weymouth        D.MURPHY
01 mins:   FAC3   Essendon 1-0 Plymouth Argyle            L.MESSI
01 mins:   FAC3   Welsh Wizards 1-0 Melbourne             J.OBI MIKEL
02 mins:   FAC3   Didsbury Dynamoes 1-0 Inland Valley     K.JONES
03 mins:   FAC3   Gnome’ania United 1-0 Bury              D.ASHTON
04 mins:   FAC3   Gnome’ania United 2-0 Bury              C.BELLAMY
04 mins:   FAC3   Huddersfield Town 0-1 Northern Extreme  C.SEEDORF
04 mins:   FAC3   New Bloc 1-0 Carlisle United            T.HENRY
04 mins:   FAC3   Tranmere 0-1 Joga Bonitos Juniors       R.TAYLOR
09 mins:   FAC3   New Bloc 2-0 Carlisle United            J.MASCHERANO
09 mins:   FAC3   VfB Rammstein 1-0 Bournemouth           C.TEVEZ
10 mins:   FAC3   Gnome’ania United 3-0 Bury              C.BELLAMY
11 mins:   FAC3   Wrexham 0-1 Essex Eagles                M.BALOTELLI
13 mins:   FAC3   Blackthorn Athletic 2-0 Weymouth        J.ROBERTS
13 mins:   FAC3   Essendon 2-0 Plymouth Argyle            S.LARSSON
15 mins:   FAC3   Swindon Town 0-1 Steel Panthers         D.DROGBA
16 mins:   FAC3   Essendon 3-0 Plymouth Argyle            L.MESSI
17 mins:   FAC3   Wrexham 0-2 Essex Eagles                M.BALOTELLI
21 mins:   FAC3   Blackthorn Athletic 3-0 Weymouth        H.BEN ARFA
21 mins:   FAC3   New Bloc 3-0 Carlisle United            J.MASCHERANO
21 mins:   FAC3   VfB Rammstein 2-0 Bournemouth           MAXWELL
22 mins:   FAC3   VfB Rammstein 3-0 Bournemouth           KEIRRISON
24 mins:   FAC3   Blackthorn Athletic 4-0 Weymouth        H.BEN ARFA
24 mins:   FAC3   Gnome’ania United 4-0 Bury              C.BELLAMY
24 mins:   FAC3   Wrexham 0-3 Essex Eagles                T.WALCOTT
25 mins:   FAC3   Essendon 4-0 Plymouth Argyle            G.SPEED
25 mins:   FAC3   Huddersfield Town 0-2 Northern Extreme  D.ALVES
25 mins:   FAC3   QPR 0-1 Queensland Origin               C.DAVIES
28 mins:   FAC3   Tranmere 0-2 Joga Bonitos Juniors       L.SUAREZ
30 mins:   FAC3   Huddersfield Town 1-2 Northern Extreme  P.REECE
30 mins:   FAC3   VfB Rammstein 4-0 Bournemouth           KEIRRISON
31 mins:   FAC3   Welsh Wizards 1-1 Melbourne             MAXI RODRIGUEZ
32 mins:   FAC3   Fanghunters 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday     R.VAN NISTELROOY
38 mins:   FAC3   Canadian Squirrels 0-1 Saffron United   D.CISSE
39 mins:   FAC3   Huddersfield Town 1-3 Northern Extreme  A.CASSANO
39 mins:   FAC3   London Titans 1-0 Chesterfield          RAUL
40 mins:   FAC3   VfB Rammstein 5-0 Bournemouth           C.TEVEZ
41 mins:   FAC3   Tranmere 0-3 Joga Bonitos Juniors       D.DE ZEEUW
42 mins:   FAC3   Discworld 0-1 Isle of Man Metros        TUNCAY
43 mins:   FAC3   Blackthorn Athletic 5-0 Weymouth        J.ROBERTS
44 mins:   FAC3   Brennan United 1-0 Ipswich Town         G.PANDEV
44 mins:   FAC3   Discworld 0-2 Isle of Man Metros        D.DE ROSSI
44 mins:   FAC3   New Bloc 4-0 Carlisle United            D.BENTLEY

HALF TIME: No major shocks in the offing at the moment. The ‘Top2Bottom’ teams look set to defeat their lower league opposition and the only teams heading out are the ones playing each other. As it stands Discworld, Canadian Mighty Squirrels and Inland Valley Hawks are heading out and Welsh Wizards and Melbourne are level and will sort it out in the second half.

Time       Comp   Score                                   Scorer
46 mins:   FAC3   QPR 0-2 Queensland Origin               D.HEALY
49 mins:   FAC3   Swindon Town 0-2 Steel Panthers         D.DROGBA
51 mins:   FAC3   Fanghunters 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday     C.RONALDO
52 mins:   FAC3   Boreham Badgers 1-0 Coedpoeth United    A.DEL PIERO
52 mins:   FAC3   London Titans 2-0 Chesterfield          D.FORLAN
53 mins:   FAC3   Gnome’ania United 5-0 Bury              D.ASHTON
53 mins:   FAC3   London Titans 3-0 Chesterfield          S.KALOU
54 mins:   FAC3   OFF: Brett Emerton (Inland Valley)
55 mins:   FAC3   OFF: John Taylor (Bury)
59 mins:   FAC3   Fanghunters 3-0 Sheffield Wednesday     KAKA
59 mins:   FAC3   Swindon Town 0-3 Steel Panthers         S.DOWNING
59 mins:   FAC3   Welsh Wizards 1-2 Melbourne             MAXI RODRIGUEZ
61 mins:   FAC3   Discworld 1-2 Isle of Man Metros        D.BERBATOV
63 mins:   FAC3   Boreham Badgers 2-0 Coedpoeth United    R.PAVLYUCHENKO
63 mins:   FAC3   Wrexham 0-4 Essex Eagles                ANDERSON
66 mins:   FAC3   Brennan United 2-0 Ipswich Town         M.CARRICK
66 mins:   FAC3   London Titans 4-0 Chesterfield          N.BARAZITE
69 mins:   FAC3   Brennan United 3-0 Ipswich Town         G.PANDEV
72 mins:   FAC3   VfB Rammstein 6-0 Bournemouth           KEIRRISON
75 mins:   FAC3   OFF: Rob Clarke (Bury)
79 mins:   FAC3   New Bloc 5-0 Carlisle United            R.TADDEI
81 mins:   FAC3   OFF: Jack Osborn (Huddersfield Town)
83 mins:   FAC3   Brennan United 4-0 Ipswich Town         A.TYMOSCHUK
83 mins:   FAC3   Canadian Squirrels 1-1 Saffron United   M.ESSIEN
84 mins:   FAC3   Welsh Wizards 1-3 Melbourne             S.AGUERO
86 mins:   FAC3   Fanghunters 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday     S.GERRARD
86 mins:   FAC3   OFF: Akos Buszaky (QPR)
87 mins:   FAC3   OFF: Maxwell (VfB Rammstein)

FULL TIME: All the ‘Top2Bottom’ teams who played against lower league opposition made their way into Round 4 with little worries. Melbourne knocked out the Welsh Wizards, Didsbury saw off Inland Valley Hawks and Discworld’s fightback against Isle of Man was in vain. A late leveller means that Canadian Mighty Squirrels get another chance albeit away from home in a replay against Saffron United – a game that will be live on SPORTS.tv.

We’ll be live with the FA Cup Round 4 draw soon on SPORTS.tv – stay tuned.

[Thefanghunter]

4-0 vs Wednesday, solid. And stable manager, though with the expectations i'm not too suprised.

Team Name: Fanghunters FC

Manager Name: Samuel Yates

How do you feel about your start to the season?

It's been a bit below what I was after, but i'll take it, things are going to plan after all.

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?

We need to stay in the promotion places and not lose any players from our first team so we can make an impact in the premiership. I'd like to take the title of this league I only heard of when I signed for the club as well.

Any player you'd like to see your manager sign in the transfer window? Any player you want moved on?

I'm prepared to move on most players outside of the first XI and we need a new striker or two maybe. Otherwise, i'm content with my side.

[MattFergie]

'Mon the Dynamos

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Welcome to SPORTS.tv

January 5th 2009

Welcome back to SPORTS.tv for the FA Cup Round 4 draw. It’s over to Wembley Stadium for the draw where the ‘Top2Bottom’ teams will be hoping to draw the lower league sides rather than each other to give them a greater chance of making Round 5. There are three replays to take place within the next week between Millwall and Yeovil Town, Hartlepool United and Darlington and Canadian Mighty Squirrels and Saffron United which will determine the last three guaranteed names in the 4th Round. Some names to watch out for – other than the ‘Top2Bottom’ teams - are:

Blue Square Premier League side, Oxford United.

League One sides Yeovil Town or Millwall.

North-East rivals Hartlepool United or Darlington.

Watford, Norwich City, Derby County, Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Preston North End, Blackpool, Barnsley and Swansea City from the Championship.

So, it’s over to the draw.

Watford vs. Isle of Man Metros

Millwall or Yeovil Town vs. VfB Rammstein

Joga Bonitos Juniors vs. Norwich City

Fanghunters vs. Derby County

Boreham Badgers vs. Oxford United

Bristol City vs. Gnome’ania United

Canadian Mighty Squirrels or Saffron United vs. Tibbolini

Nottingham Forest vs. Northern Extreme

Hartlepool United or Darlington vs. New Bloc

Brennan United vs. Burnley

Queensland Origin vs. Preston North End

London Titans vs. Blackpool

Melbourne vs. Barnsley

Blackthorn Athletic vs. Essex Eagles

Didsbury Dynamoes vs. Steel Panthers

Swansea City vs. Essendon

[JB]

Great updates Andy

Will post the thing in a second.

[Thefanghunter]

Derby, R5 here I come.

[joetheref]

A nice win against Coedpoeth and a game v Oxford in the next round