By Pippinu -
August 7th 2009 @ 12:44am
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A disappointing start to the A-League season
It’s been well-documented that the pattern of the A-League in its first four years has been one of alternating fortunes for the Victory and the Mariners. When the Victory are up, the Mariners are down. And vice versa.
This helps explain my sense of déjà vu in watching the opening game of the A-League. There was much about last night’s game that reminded me of our title defence from two years ago: Hernandez struggling to get into the game, and given his normal high standards, displaying quite a few poor touches.
Crosses from good positions that went nowhere; amateurish first touches and passes completely missing the mark.
And to top it all off, the Mariners getting some early points on the board, despite a dour game plan with very little to recommend it.
Indeed, when the Mariners walked out on the pitch, I thought they were wearing their training shirts. The match certainly possessed the quality of a pre-season training run.
The ungainly Simon, despite possessing poor ball skills, was on the spot to score the first goal of the new season. A harmless set piece landed in a nest of Victory defenders, none of whom were capable of providing what should have been a regulation header to safety.
The ball trickled out to a thankful Simon, who actually failed to drill it, but rather applied a shank of such lollipop proportions that it dipped under the bar.
The second goal was even more comical. The less said the better.
I have previous expressed the concern that one injury to either Muscat or Vargas will send the Victory reeling, and my worst fears have materialized after only the first match (once again, parallels with Milicevic injuring himself in the first game two years ago).
So early in the season, and the parallels with two years ago are quite eerie.
A meager 18,000 attended, and that may well be the most disappointing aspect of the opening night.
I would have expected close to double that under the circumstances.
It’s a bit of a concern, because that quality of game will not get the football aficionados parting with their money. Equally, apart from Richmond supporters, I can’t imagine too many AFL fans being attracted either.
I then had a sudden, terrible thought: what if the Mariners make it to the grand final again, playing like that?
It just doesn’t bear thinking about.
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(136)
melbvictory87 said | August 7th 2009 @ 12:59am | Report comment
why would you want to go when if your not a member you get the worst seats possible in the stadium. im not surprised how pathetic the attendance was and im so angry that they ruined the game for me since they made level 1 members only. i sat on level 3 bored, no atmosphere nothing.
David V. said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:04am | Report comment
Melbourne were poor, sure, but there’s a longer season and more time to make up lost ground.
Ben of Phnom Penh said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:35am | Report comment
Pip, it is probably not best to post blogs immediately following your team’s loss. There are 27 games in all, this is just one. That said a close season is a good season and this game has signaled that there are no guarantees and everything will be hard fought.
tifosi said | August 7th 2009 @ 6:02am | Report comment
pip one game does not make a season. i expect MV to be up there at the end.
Also 18,000 on a thursday night is a good crowd. We all knew the first two months of the season would be a battle for the crowds.
Cant wait for the new rectangular stadium to open though, then the scheduling can be much better.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 7:51am | Report comment
It’s true that it’s not wise to post immediately after a game.
As for the long season – you guys are underestimating our problems in defence – about which I have posted many, many times prior to last night – and my worst fears have materialised – with Muskie out, we have zero cover in the centre of defence – that’s the season gone already.
Brickowski said | August 7th 2009 @ 12:36pm | Report comment
With Musc*&t in you had nothing at the back, so you’ve not really lost anything……
I was kind of hoping for 0-0 last night, but I’ll take a victory loss (?) anytime. A poor season is on the cards and I couldn’t be happier.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 12:53pm | Report comment
Bricks
you can really make something of this season (if you don’t go broke paying Aloisi’s inflated salary).
md said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:14pm | Report comment
Hah – SFC is owned by 3 (yes, count them, Trat, Ramsay, Lowy) billionaires and a hollywood actor. Pretty sure they can cover JA’s wage.
Cheers
md
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
but business acumen remains open to question – in Melbourne we actually cover our costs via football revenue
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 7:54am | Report comment
As for the crowd – look – two doubles in the space of three years – all players retained – the start of the title defence on a Thursday night – and we get the 2nd lowest crowd at the Dome on record – I repeat – the 2nd lowest crowd ever.
I can tell you all now – it’s a real concern.
albatross said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:01am | Report comment
That’s twaddle and you know it.
The crowd for a Thursday night fixture for what was expected to be a lay down misère against what a team touted as one of the worst in the league was, I feel, terrific.
Even the most ardent sports fan would have pause for thought about shelling out for such a contest.
How much coverage was in the Hun?
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:06am | Report comment
Then how do you explain the increased membership which after all is paying out for the whole season not just one midweek game with little publicity in the middle of winter. Pleeeease. MV will have 20-22,000 members this season and TBH with the new stadium coming they probably couldn’t have too many more.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 8:00am | Report comment
Tifosi
some have pointed to the Thursday night as being a reason for the low crowd – I don’t buy it – in Melbourne at least, Thursday night as traditionally provided very big crowds to footbal games.
MV87 has provided one good insight into what might be happening – with the usual tensions between MV members and the Dome management far from resolved.
It’s true that a move to the Bubble Dome next year might change things completely – but in the meantime, we’re in for a long, painful season.
Bill said | August 7th 2009 @ 8:10am | Report comment
What month next year is the bubble dome expected to be opened?
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 8:58am | Report comment
Latest news says March 2010.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 8:38am | Report comment
It will be open in time for the start of the next season.
Brian said | August 7th 2009 @ 4:11pm | Report comment
does that mean Melbourne’s ACL matches will be at the bubble? will Australia v Oman also be at the bubble? Seems weird they’re building it just in time for the Melbourne Storm
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 8:56am | Report comment
A little hysterical Pip but some concerns about last night are valid..
MV membership is up by about 4,000 on the same time last year and are at 17,000 (last years final total was 17,600). There was a long snaking que of people waiting for memberships outside when we walked in with hour an hour to go…not the best way to do things IMO. Many people were unable to go (my son and mates included) because of their own training (Thursdays being the most popular night for training). Many youngsters didnt come because of the school night and later kick off and the crowd of just under 19,000 was comparable to the Bulldogs crowd there on the weekend when they had a milestone game for one player (19,000). Midweek, limited publicity (none on the news channels last night at all???), winter and the game live on Fox with the other reasons listed above mean that last nights crowd was an exception.
The fact that MV started so sluggishly and there touch so poor was a real concern coupled with the injury to Muskie. The Jackal was down as was just about every other player…Berger tried hard but his final ball poor. Well done to CCM for taking their 2 chances but next time there will be a different MV performance.
The overall standard was low but it was 1st game of the season and certainly MV can improve 100%.
In summary nothing to get overly concerned about yet but some warning signs for sure.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:15am | Report comment
MV
took their two chances?
That’s very generous of you!!
AndyRoo said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:03am | Report comment
I think this season will be a tale of two halves this year because of the small squads. Melbourne are going to have a slow first half now with Muscatt gone but will stil make the 6 easily by the end of it and who want’s to play against them in the finals.
Mariners should get worse as the season goes on as the other teams get into their grove and stop beating themselves. But I am glad they won this one as it should spark some good form early.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Perth are slow to start too but finish strongly.
There is much less difference beween the teams this year I feel. Nix and Fury are the worst and Nix are good enough to finish 5th. Fury keep upgrading, Williams and now Steffanuto are good gets.
I like the idea of mid week football but 8 pm seesm to late. Put it at seven and people can have a couple fo drinks after work and then go. Anyway bring on the new stadium it looks fantastic.
But please someone sign Bosnich, I want too see him play in the A league again.
Gaz said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:17am | Report comment
Bozza is on his way to Gold Coast as we speak, should be on the bench tomorrow.
Redb said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:17am | Report comment
Pip,
Agree the crowd was poor. I would have thought about 25,000 given they’re the reigning premiers and it was the first game of the season.
Contrary to what MVDave has said the build up has been bigger this year than last years in the press. The Herald Sun and of the course their sponsor The Age gave them good coverage including two liftouts.
Radio SEN have featured interviews with Melb Victory and A League folk all week and part of last week – I’ve heard Simon Hill, Ernie Merrick, Archie Fraser and the new kid who won the ‘Foxtel Football’ star thingy?
Also seen reports on Ch 9 news, Foxtel,etc.
On balance, Thursday nights are not great, but a one off with the hype of the first game is usually enough. eg: Carlton V Richmond start of 2009 – crowd of 76,000 on a Thursday night.
Comparing to Bulldogs is illogical, that is 1 club out of 10. Melb Victory ARE futbol in this town.
New stadium at 31K is starting to look about right afterall and will enable Melb Victory to fixture games head to head with the AFL on a Friday night instead of Thursday. That has a sting in the tail though as cross AFL support will be reduced.
The other factor for me is the FFA have got it wrong fixturing a nothing side from the Central Coast of NSW who hardly inspire any rivalry. Roar v GC – definitely has some spice, but Melb v Central Coast – yawn, should have been Adelaide or Sydney, but probably Adelaide given the FFA would want to start strongly in Sydney this year.
Now Melb Victory have lost their first game some momentum from bandwagon support will be lost. Pip your right to be feeling a little flat and not just becuase MV lost.
Redb
Brickowski said | August 7th 2009 @ 12:43pm | Report comment
I don’t understand this part:
“should have been Adelaide or Sydney, but probably Adelaide given the FFA would want to start strongly in Sydney this year.”
Are you talking about Sydney getting a good start with crowds or points? Either way it makes no sense as we are away this weekend in NQ, and had we been at etitard last night it would have been an absolute embarrassment for ‘victory’.
Redb said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:04pm | Report comment
I wasnt aware Sydney were playing away from home first round – but that just backs up my belief the FFA stuffed up the opening round. (apart from Bris v GC).
For the opening round you would want a good matchup first up in Sydney and Melbourne.
Redb
AndyRoo said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:21pm | Report comment
Sydney playing away is ok since it’s at Fury (for their first game)
Redb said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:23pm | Report comment
Why not give the Gold Coast hosting rights for their first game?
AndyRoo said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:37pm | Report comment
rolls on floor laughing
Well the thinking is that they can fit more at Suncorp, which does suit me and I am going….but..
The whole Palmer Boycotting (then not boycotting), tellingthe fans to stay at home, Miren refusing to promote the game and Frank talking to the cardboard Miren is all part of the drama that eventuated from the FFA deciding not to let Gold Coast start with a home game
It has been an ongoing point of debate for 3 weeks in Football circles. You lucky AFL fans got to miss out on the circus.
whiskeymac said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:35am | Report comment
i wondered who wld blog first on the game =)
well maybe the crowds were also low because it wasnt a so claled publicity friendly glamour tie? if it had been Sydney or Adelaide first up maybe there would have been the crowds. as it is having the oft-maligned central cost play the first game (and take all three points… and break their ‘09 “duck”). Am hoping, like others, that MV’s fans will turn up in numbers for the rest of the season. am also hoping that CCM continue to shock the comp. as they do every year.
Art Sapphire said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:35am | Report comment
Oh Pip – its all doom and gloom for you after one game.
Here is some analysis from last night I have posted some of these comments on other posts this morning but it needs to be said again.
Merrick is the worst manager to ever win 2 championships. If Merrick persists with Brebner and Broxham in midfield again I will personally take my 5 year membership card and make him swallow it whole.
The Melbourne public deserve better. I wish to congatulate the people who did not turn up to last night’s game. They had better things to do like washing the dishes and taking out the garbage.
The worrying sign is that most squads have improved and we have remained static. We have no defensive cover and it will be interesting to see how the team plays without Muscat for the next month.
Merrick better pull his finger out because a repeat of season 3 will be the best thing that can happen to the 2nd melbourne team in regards to attracting fans who want to see good football.
Anyway, its only one game, lets see what happens against the Roar next Saturday.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:45am | Report comment
Art
you know I’ve been harping on about our lack of defensive cover for weeks now – but who would have thought we’d feel it barely an hour into the season!!
Kemp to partner Vargas!!
C’mon mate – you must know this is looking every bit like the disaster of two years ago.
We can write off the season now – and look forward to the bubble dome.
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:39am | Report comment
BTW Just on the crowd…the current HAL average gate for 2009-2010 season is 18,900…yes a whopping 50% increase on last season
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:46am | Report comment
Every cloud has a silver lining!!
AndyRoo said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:47am | Report comment
First game of the season should be one of your best crowds though.
They did an A league preview on OneHD Thursday Night Live… only counted about 10 mistakes in the 6 or 7 minutes. They really needed to get someone in like they do for the Rugby League segment.
AndrewM said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:41am | Report comment
Melb don’t have a chance this year. They have one of the worst sides IMO.. I watched the game last night and apart from Hernandez and Muscat it looks quite thin..
Kemp is a poor player. They have no other decent midfielders.. I think this is Merricks last season and the Victory should employ a european coach.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:49am | Report comment
Victory fans have never quite taken to Kemp – but he did have a better season last year.
However – who in their wildest dreams would have imagined that he would have to cover for Muskie in the middle of defence for a month??!!
Ernie – get onto the blower to Leijer or Kisnorbo – NOW!!!
Pay whatever it takes – just get one of them here now – or the season is dead before it has begun.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 9:59am | Report comment
AndyRoo
once again – I would have expected a much bigger crowd for the opening game – considering it’s coming off the back of two doubles in three seasons.
To end up with the 2nd lowest attendance figure ever at the Dome is a massive worry.
It basically means that the Victory has failed to consolidate the massive support we know it has.
Put it this way – if you can’t consolidate your support after winning all the silverware of offer – you aren’t ever going to consolidate that support – that’s reality.
Art Sapphire said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:03am | Report comment
The big problem is perception. Victory might have 20k as rusted on support but if they want to see larger attendances at their games they need to put out on the park attractive football teams.
No one will want to watch a team with Brebner and Broxham in the middle of the park. They don’t offer anything.
Next week I hope to see Celeski, Ward and Sukha starting the game.
Actually, Ward did very well when he came on last night. He supplied the best 2 crosses of the night.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:10am | Report comment
Art
you’re right about Ward – two excellent crosses in the space of 10 minutes or less.
I don’t want to bag Berger too much, he did well to get into good positions – but it’s no use getting into good positions 10 times – and delivering 10 woeful crosses (which is what he did).
Kemp delievered half a dozen terrible crosses as well.
Really it was just ugly all round.
And let us all be honest – CCM were just as ugly – maybe uglier!!
Consider these facts:
1. Possession was 64-36 in favour of MV.
2. CCM only had two real incursions into the MV box all night – resulting in two lucky goals!!
3. They had more trouble holding onto the ball than us – which is saying something!!
Tony has described CCM’s game plan on another thread, so no need to labour it here – but it’s a very ugly game plan and it does zero credit to the league as a whole.
Phutbol said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:22am | Report comment
Leaving aside the crowd figure, which I think is not anything to get too upset about at this stage. I would suggest its a little disingenious to say the Mariners didnt play well. They were rank underdogs (i dont know of anyone who tipped them), and they played a tactically astute away game and got the points. Ok, the goals werent great (although no-one to blame for the second but Vargas – you could see Moss mouth the words “What for Roddy?” after the deflection), but they were rock solid in defence, choking off virtually every attack MV tried. I think the stats were 47 times inside the Mariners box and didnt look a threat all night. Well organised and managed IMO.
Having said that, MV will be fine. Light in central defence sure, but they still have great attacking firepower. They will just have to score more than they leak
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:30am | Report comment
I just wrote on another thread, when a team only has 36% of possession (most of it of extremely low quality) – it’s a bit far fetched to all of a sudden cast them as tactical geniuses.
It was ol’ fashioned numbers behind the ball and plenty of physical challenges.
It’s hardly earth shattering stuff.
Phutbol said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:57am | Report comment
When your 2- up after 15 minutes it stands to reason the opposition will dominate possession to try to square up.
I thought the 55-45% stat for time in opposition half was more telling.
albatross said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:15am | Report comment
MV 0 – 2 CCM
DiCanio said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:37am | Report comment
Pip how self serving do you want to be.
Give some credit to the Mariners for taking the points from that game.
If they are as bad as you beleive they are and they beat MV. What does that say about Archie and friends.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:39am | Report comment
DiCanio
it’s a reminder from two years ago – ugly football wins silverware.
AndyRoo said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:41am | Report comment
The crowd was dissapointing there is no way of spinning it otherwise.
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:12am | Report comment
As someone who watched the odd game of NSL with a few thousand people standing in virtual 3rd world conditions as recently as 5 years ago l disagree. It was a crowd bigger than the NRL average, comparitive to several weekend AFL games at the same venue recently and well above last years HAL average. It is low for MV standards due to the reasons l listed above in another post.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:49am | Report comment
C’mon Dave – we should be getting at least 50% more for the opening of the season as reigning champ.
But I admit, with the new Bubble Dome, we’re just as likely to fill it on a permanent basis, which would be pretty neat.
Midfielder said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qqy7zWsyMw
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:45am | Report comment
Mid
I thought you might have put up clips of the two goals – but I can understand if you don’t want to do it – to claim victory on the back of two goals like that – I’d be embarassed too!!
Midfielder said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:49am | Report comment
Pip
Read my article next week … BEWARE THE MARINERS…. we are a lot fooking better than people think …. and almost everybody underrates us…
But as is our chant from day 1.
No Body Rates Us
We Don’t Care..
http://www.kickoff.com.au/modules/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1659&g2_serialNumber=1
Kazama said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:08am | Report comment
Most disappointing aspect of the match for me was the crowd – looks like Thursday nights are a big no for the A-League. Well, that and having too many Melbourne players in my fantasy side.
Hands up everyone else who had Melbourne as their powerplay.
Melbourne were very poor last night and deserved to lose. As for the Mariners – well, being totally honest it was not a particularly entertaining game to watch, quite dull actually. Strange to say that considering how much I’m supposed to enjoy Melbourne losing. But, the Mariners came with a plan and played it to perfection and deserved the points. It wasn’t exactly jogo bonito but I wouldn’t call it anti-football either; and they certainly looked better than Melbourne going forward. I think McGlinchey is a real find for them. Melbourne clearly rate him, as evidenced by Muskie’s attempt to break his ankle soon after he set up Vargas for the second goal. Amazing the refs still let his thuggery go unpunished.
Let’s keep in mind it was only the first game of the season, a bit rash to bring the knives out for the league, the players and the managers just yet.
Will be interesting to see what happens tonight down at Hindmarsh. Maybe I’ll be back here with my own dummy spit tomorrow.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:34am | Report comment
Is it too rash to proclaim the end of Melbourne’s season??
Kazama said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:40am | Report comment
It’s one game mate. You played badly, you lost. It happens. Chelsea smacked ManYoo 5-0 early in the 1999/2000 season – ManYoo romped to the title, 18 points ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea finished 5th.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:47am | Report comment
Kaz
but I said only two days ago (and more than once), if one of Muskie/Vargas get injured, we’re stuffed.
Now you tell me – can Kemp truly fill in for Muskie at centre-back??
Kazama said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:55am | Report comment
I doubt it. Don’t recall him maiming anyone while he was playing here for AU / City. But at least you won’t have to put up with his atrocious crosses.
Also you’ll be able to see if you were right or not about being stuffed.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 12:12pm | Report comment
Good point – if he’s in the heart of defence – that’s one less person putting in terrible crosses.
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 12:17pm | Report comment
Kaz
Whats the news for tonights game? AU to play with one up front again or have a go and try to score some goals? Confident?
Kazama said | August 7th 2009 @ 12:27pm | Report comment
We’re playing 4-3-3 tonight, which is really 4-5-1. Viddie on radio the other night said we’ll play 4-4-2 but only once Owusu is fit enough to start. He’s recovering quicker than expected and will be on the bench tonight. We’ll probably line up something like this:
————–Galekovic——————
Alemao—Fyfe—Cornthwaite—Jamieson
———Reid——–Hughes————
————–Pantelis———————
Dodd—————————-Cassio
————–Cristiano——————–
I’ve tipped us to get the points. I think on paper Perth are a better side but it’ll take some time for all those new signings to gel. Also they’ve only beaten us once at Hindmarsh, and that was back in season 1.
Will be interesting to see what the crowd is like. I’ll be there, and I’m bringing six with me, so at least seven will be in attendance tonight.
Ben of Phnom Penh said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
I think you are right with the line-up Kazama. I’d like to see Shin get a run at some stage as I’m keen to see (or in my case hear) how he goes.
Kazama said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:39pm | Report comment
They had Shin starting as the AM in the Tiser today. I think he’ll make an appearance at some stage, particularly if Perth are ahead.
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 12:37pm | Report comment
Kaz
Cheers. Hope its a great game so Pip wont give up on HAL just yet
BTW
Pay TV figures for last night were reasonable with 73,000 average and 138,000 peak for it to be no 1 on the night for a sports channel (2nd was AFL teams). Not sure if that is just metro figures.
eh said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:00pm | Report comment
just metro figures! what about numbers of real men who watched it?
melbvictory87 said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:05pm | Report comment
what do you mean? we just said 18k and 128k viewers
The Link said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:42pm | Report comment
If those figures are true that’s approx 1/2 of the viewers for a typical NRL/AFL game on Pay TV.
If accurate more akin to Super 14 or NRL Toyota Cup game, with no other code on that night.
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:58pm | Report comment
Now lets compare tv viewers for the WC vs the RLWC…oh what about the EPL vs NRL thats more like for like, what about football in general around the world vs RL oh yeh dont want to go there! You have advantage in a couple of states in Oz football has the rest of the world.
BTW MV are more popular than MS are or ever will be in Melbourne. Therefore mine’s bigger!
My point was that the figures are good for the 1st game of the season for football and they are much improving…if they continue then around half a million peolple in Oz will have seen some HAL this weekend. Your comment was about as useful as tits on a …
AndyRoo said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
MV Dave
He is simply stating the truth. And it’s nothing to be ashamed of. The A league if 5 years old was considered a nothing comp for TV and has pleasantly surprised fox.
They paid big money for Super 14 and in Australia the A league is competing with it.
It’s a very good result but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
I would be exstatic with half of the money AFL and NRL get for the pay tv rights for just the A League
The Link said | August 7th 2009 @ 5:15pm | Report comment
MVDave, paranoid tripe. You stated that the figures are good. They are not in the Australian context. In fact tyhey are poor.
There’s nothing in my comments comparing world cups or overseas leagues.
Dear god stop the press Football is bigger than Rugby League around the world
melbvictory87 said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:23pm | Report comment
yes and 15k people attended a rugby league world cup semi final. so i really need to say more
Gibbo said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:42pm | Report comment
a good gag gone awry…
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:42pm | Report comment
…do you mean the sort who don’t each quiche??
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:01pm | Report comment
…bloody hell, these replies are all over the shop, I don’t know who’s responding to what!!
AndyRoo said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:48pm | Report comment
He wants to know the regionals numbers. People from the Central Coast are classified outside of Sydney.
Also people from Regionals are called real men becasue their late’s are made of full cream milk!
I think the A league is normally a little lower than Super 14 but gaining on it. Which is pretty good considering the TV deal Rugby get. The pay TV deal the FFA get is mainly based on the Socceroos appeal so if the A league can beat Super 14 and keep growing then there’s a good call for the A league to get decent money in it’s own right rather than carried by Timmy Cahill and Co.
The Link said | August 7th 2009 @ 5:19pm | Report comment
AndyRoo, a bit different since the deal is done at a SANZAR level for S14.
I don’t mind the A-League, I get out to the odd game. I wish it well.
Lets not kid ourselves on where its at though.
The Link said | August 10th 2009 @ 3:08pm | Report comment
Pay TV figures from last week
1 LIVE: NRL WESTS TIGERS V SEA EAGLES Fox Sports 2 Mon 19:05 317 317 1,355 675
2 LIVE: NRL SEA EAGLES V RABBITOHS Fox Sports 2 Sat 17:30 251 251 1,329 548
3 LIVE: NRL BULLDOGS V RAIDERS Fox Sports 2 Sat 19:30 206 206 1,545 585
4 LIVE: NRL SHARKS V EELS Fox Sports 2 Sun 14:00 197 197 1,215 410
5 LIVE: CRICKET: ASHES: DAY 2 SESSION 1 Fox Sports 3 Sat 20:00 194 194 1,499 711
6 LIVE: AFL WEST COAST V ESSENDON Fox Sports 1 Sun 16:31 191 191 1,225 608
7 LIVE: CRICKET: ASHES: DAY 1 SESSION 2 Fox Sports 3 Fri 22:00 190 190 831 648
8 LIVE: CRICKET: ASHES: DAY 1 SESSION 1 Fox Sports 3 Fri 20:00 171 171 1,235 598
9 LIVE: CRICKET: ASHES: DAY 2 SESSION 2 Fox Sports 3 Sat 22:00 158 158 812 625
10 AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL FOX8 Tue 19:37 152 206 1,067 510
11 LIVE: AFL ESSENDON V BRISBANE LIONS Fox Sports 1 Sat 19:00 149 149 1,503 615
12 NCIS TV1 Sun 19:30 142 158 1,299 695
13 LIVE: AFL WESTERN BULLDOGS V WEST COAST Fox Sports 1 Sat 14:00 134 134 1,112 433
14 FAMILY GUY FOX8 Tue 18:45 134 176 966 1,057
15 LIVE: CRICKET: ASHES: DAY 5 SESSION 1 Fox Sports 3 Mon 20:00 134 134 1,383 644
16 LIVE: AFL: ON THE COUCH Fox Sports 1 Mon 20:30 132 132 1,455 231
17 LIVE: AFL MELBOURNE V RICHMOND Fox Sports 1 Sun 13:01 122 122 1,162 396
18 LIVE: NRL SATURDAY PRE GAME SHOW Fox Sports 2 Sat 16:55 115 115 1,239 219
19 THE SIMPSONS FOX8 Sun 20:30 112 120 1,344 1,745
20 WANTED Showtime Sun 20:30 110 133 1,218 440
21 DEADLIEST CATCH Discovery Channel Wed 20:30 108 108 1,175 393
22 LIVE: CRICKET: ASHES: DAY 4 SESSION 1 Fox Sports 3 Sun 21:00 108 108 1,232 351
23 LIVE: CRICKET: ASHES: DAY 2 SESSION 3 Fox Sports 3 Sat 00:40 104 104 401 247
24 LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT TV1 Fri 19:35 98 108 1,172 1,006
25 S.W.A.T. TV1 Sun 15:30 97 156 1,144 567
26 FUTURAMA FOX8 Tue 18:20 97 127 877 974
27 LIVE: AFL TEAMS Fox Sports 1 Thu 19:30 96 96 1,280 219
28 PROJECT RUNWAY AUSTRALIA: EP 5 Arena Wed 20:30 94 134 1,171 286
29 LIVE: FOOTBALL: A-LEAGUE MELB V C COAST Fox Sports 3 Thu 20:00 93 93 1,250 339
30 TV1′S CASH TRIVIA CHALLENGE TV1 Fri 20:25 91 106 1,212 351
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:01pm | Report comment
Here are the goals for those who haven’t seen them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V0QR8wCW4I
First goal: Simon absolutely shanks it from point blank, but with Moss on his knees, it lollypops over him and just sneaks in under the bar. And to think the commentators were mentioning him in the same breath as Dukes – give me a break.
Second goal: McGinchley’s shot is about to miss the goals by a good 20 metres, until Roddy’s foot gets in the way.
It just goes to show that arse will always beat class.
Chris said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:09pm | Report comment
The way Vargas played last night Pip, you might actually be better without him! When he’s good he’s good but when he’s bad he’s woeful and brings the whole team down.
Cry as much as you like, Melbourne 0 Mariners 2, and they never looked like losing that match, last I checked playing defensively isn’t outlawed in the laws of the game. Melbourne were very slow too, playing the ball slowly around the back looking for an opening while 2-0 down with 10 minutes left isn’t exactly exciting (or intelligent) either.
Muscat will be a big loss, but can’t say much about it yet really.
whiskeymac said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:14pm | Report comment
hmmm well Pip
The video’s prove it. you are right. Melbourne’s defence is crappy and even if the goals were more ‘arse than class’, and let’s face it goals are likely to be more of this standard than 30m pinpoint shots or 20 pass build ups – these are the types of goals defences must deal with, then maybe their season will unravel before it’s started.
do they normally play well without Muscat? going to be hard for them.
Prob best to start looking into 2010 Heart membership (or just hope they can put it behind them as first day nerves and play well next time).
md said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:25pm | Report comment
Pip,
You guys looked outclassed at the back. By the CCM. I mean, come on – Nigel Boogard, who possesses all of the ball control of a young spaniel, dribbles right 70 yards and gets a shot off. Admittedly the shot was crap, but still. Ouch.
Could this be the season that MV really pays the price for its re”tard”ed recruiting policy? It might have been the undershirt, but Carlos looked a bit, well, heavy last night too.
The OG couldn’t have happened to a nicer thug. Oooh how I
laughed…
Looked good going forward in the second half though. Don’t tear up the season ticket just yet.
Cheers
md
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:38pm | Report comment
md
the point is that most of the CCM has the ball control of Boogard – this is the painful truth – the Mariners are on their way to a top two finish looking and playing as ugly as sin, just like two years ago – this is what I’m trying to tell people – why is no one listening???!!!
Redb said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:43pm | Report comment
Pip,
You are also a shite stirrer from way back. MV lost move on.
The opening game of any season is going to feature rusty players.
Redb
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:47pm | Report comment
So why dont you just lie back now Pip and tell us all when this issue became a problem for you…talking will help and you will feel better. Then watch tomorrows game with SFC and you will see there is really nothing to worry about at all for MV this season…a slow start by MV gives the competition some added interest. Its where you finish thats important not where you start
md said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:05pm | Report comment
I think you are over-estimating both the CCM and the Victory.
Pretty sure other sides won’t get sucked into playing head-tennis against them the way the Victory did. Before you get too uppity though, you have to acknowledge that a huge part of the MV game-plan has always been out-balls for Archie to run onto. Archie aint 27 anymore though, and the younger CCM backs ate him up. The MV’s lack of a short game, or a driven cross, meant that they played to the CCM’s strengths. It was MV’s one dimensional game that cost them the match. I doubt anyone else will make that mistake.
Perhaps we should just sack all the Scottish coaches.
Cheers
md
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:14pm | Report comment
Well, it’s hard to reach such a conclusion on the basis of last night’s game:
1. Carlos, perhaps the best playmaker in the comp, was completely shut down (but in truth, even when he was in space, he showed poor touch, with only a few exceptions)
2. To be honest, the possession count of 64:36 actually contradicts pretty much everything you have written.
3. There was a 10 minute period where in the first half where a stack of long balls were played to zero effect.
4. I estimate that Berger got into a good position to cross the ball around 10 times – that shows a bit more width than people would normally think of MV – but each of his crosses were crap. Kemp wasted about 6 such opportunties as well with crap crosses. So that’s our wing backs getting into really good crossing positions on about 16 occasions – that’s actually a very good number – of course, the final product was crap.
5. MV did manage some interplay between Arch, Danny and Carlos in parts of the 2nd half – but let’s be honest, by that point, CCM had 9 blokes p;ermanently camped in their box.
I mean – if MV”s game was one dimensional – how do you describe CCM’s game???!!!
md said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:28pm | Report comment
1. Agree re Carlos, but shutting the playmaker down is hardly a revolutionary tactic for an away team and usually creates opportunities for others on the home team. This time it didn’t. Nobody else stepped into the role for the MV.
2. Not much of that possession was effective possession. The CCM were hardly going to chase the game 2:0 up.
3. Yes. There were also periods of the game that involved 5 – 10 headers seemingly in a row.
4. Yes. That was my point about not being able to find a driven cross. I remember one good one, which a Mariner managed to head over his own goal.
5. What happened for the preceding 70 minutes though?
6. A typical away team performance that Melbourne didn’t have the art to undo.
Cheers
md
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:31pm | Report comment
Let us also not forget 26 CCM fouls – quite a high number – giving a further indication
of what they are truly about.
Contributed to the general ugliness of last night’s game.
Art Sapphire said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:33pm | Report comment
Pip – get a hold of yourself. One loss and you are ramlbing like someone in need of medication.
That is why no one is listening to you!
Why are you so convinced CCM will finish in the top 2. The way I and most sage pundits see it is that if we keep playing like we did last night, MV we will be joining CCM in the bottom 4.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:36pm | Report comment
Art
all I can say is that you’ve only just come across me this season, and haven’t had the displeasure of hearing me ramble on in the previous few seasons!!
As the Barbie movie goes: This is me!!!
Midfielder said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:51pm | Report comment
Pip
Please ……….. read my article next week when I sent it in…. Like you guys played long balls most of the night … in fact MV played more long balls than the Mariners….
BEWARE THE MARINERS …………
NO BOBY RATES US
WE DON’T CARE
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:05pm | Report comment
Mid
possession was 64:36 – so how could we have played long balls all night??
I’ve mentioned that our two wing backs had 16 crosses from excellent positions (they were crap crosses – but that’s another matter again)
If the Mariners had played well, and crafted two wonderful goals – I would have been the first to congratulate you!!
Brickowski said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:49pm | Report comment
“possession was 64:36 – so how could we have played long balls all night??”
Did you even watch the game? 4 or 5 passes between the defence and DMs and then a diagonal or straight ping up the field, even my wife commented on this.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:51pm | Report comment
sorry Bricks – if a team has 64% possession, that clearly, by definition, it can’t be playing a long ball game.
That’s Logic101 (your wife is still catching up on her sleep – what about you helping out every now and then – stop being such a slacker!!!)
Gibbo said | August 7th 2009 @ 4:05pm | Report comment
who’s boby and why doesnt he rate you?
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 1:55pm | Report comment
Dave, Dave, Dave – I have a long memory, and my memory of two years ago is crystal clear:
1. MV starts its title defence with an injury to a centre-back, in opening minutes, season goes from bad to worse; and
2. CCM wins a premiership playing some of the ugliest football you are ever likely to see.
I’ve seen it all before, and we’re heading down that same track – you can’t argue with fate.
eh said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:00pm | Report comment
just a lame joke regarding “metros” – so yes, quiche eating types.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:04pm | Report comment
well – at least you admitted it was lame!!
melbvictory87 said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:29pm | Report comment
we really need nick ward and celeski to play. bit harsh on berger tho i thought he did well. also need to add i do believe thursday is a mistake as i forgot most kids have training or school
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
MV87
Berger did well up to a point – but if you put in 10 of 10 crappy crosses – well – we just have to call it like we see it.
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:31pm | Report comment
Pip
Just to cheer you up…from FFA website,
“Melbourne Victory surges towards membership record Friday, 7 August 2009
Melbourne Victory took a significant step towards setting a new membership record on Thursday, with the club surpassing last season’s total of 17,225 and closing in on its previous best of 22,600, which was set in 2007/08.
Over 4000 Melbourne Victory fans signed up as members in the two weeks leading up to the club’s season opener against Central Coast Mariners on Thursday, with a further 300 joining at Etihad Stadium on match day.
Memberships in the North and South Ends of Etihad Stadium have been hugely popular, with priority access to seating at the new Melbourne Rectangular Stadium also providing a great incentive for members.
Melbourne Victory General Manager of Marketing, Membership and Communications Trent Jacobs said with over 4000 new members this season and limited quality seats available, members from last season yet to renew are urged to do so as quickly as possible.
“The retention of Melbourne Victory members over the past five years has been phenomenal and really shows that our club has become entrenched in the hearts and minds of Melbourne football followers,” Jacobs said.
“The response from our members this season has been particularly pleasing as we track towards our membership record of 22,600.
“Our Premium A and C seating categories have had a particularly strong response this season, which I’m sure is a result of high expectations, but also supporters recognising that the best way to guarantee a seat in the new Rectangular Stadium is to buy a seat now.”
The club’s new Reward and Recognition Program has also proved successful, with plenty of loyalty fulfilment items, including scarves for Silver Members and caps for Blue Members, on display at Etihad Stadium on Thursday.”
feel better?
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:33pm | Report comment
Dave
to be honest – I don’t really feel better….
md said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:36pm | Report comment
That means there were about 800 non-members there last night.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:38pm | Report comment
In one sense – that will become the norm at the bubble dome – 30,000 fully paid members, and 1,500 seats available to the public before the start of the season.
With a little luck, there’ll be no room for the Cove, and we won’t have to worry about hosting you lot (and all the police presence that normally entails).
Redb said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:38pm | Report comment
Bullies should win
melbvictory87 said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:29pm | Report comment
well to be honest maybe a tiny bit, im not as upset as i was yesterday. honestly we really need the new stadium, i mean reallllllly need it and they have to change the seating restrictions. and tbh i know 5 people that didnt go last night. 2 had work, 1 had family dinner and 2 had their aniversary.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:39pm | Report comment
I’d like to see us make 100 posts by cob today.
Art Sapphire said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:44pm | Report comment
I personally know another 5 people who would have turned to the game had it been played on a normal matchday.
Some people lead busy lives or have other commitments. I would not be too worried about the turn out.
But as I said before, non-members are more likely to come if we play attractive football.
The same applies in Sydney, hence their rubbish crowds over the last few years, only they have a lower membership base than MV.
md said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:52pm | Report comment
If I wanted to start a conspiracy theory, I’d point out that Sydney has no Thursday or Friday night games this year and nearly all games are on Sunday arvo, when we usually get a crowd. Smart, no?
Redb said | August 7th 2009 @ 2:56pm | Report comment
smart yes.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:09pm | Report comment
I have no problem with the FFA drawing up fixtures to maximise crowds (as in the SFC example).
I’m sure they would have thought that an MV game on a Thurs night at the Dome to start things up would have drawn well (I would have thought it as well).
Maybe 8pm is a touch too late – probably could have done better there.
In hindsight, it might have been a mistake matching them with a crappy team like CCM.
Realfootball said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:17pm | Report comment
I thought before the game that 20K would be a good turnout, and 19K was close. Thursday night, the Mariners. Killer combo. And it was a tedious game, orchestrated by two dull, unimaginative coaches, featuring one team of thinly disguised thugs and another containing far too many players over the age of 30. Yes, the Victory have retained their squad, but it is an old squad, and neither Thompson nor Allsop have the pace they had 2 years ago. They will stuggle to break down opposing defences down as long as the other teams keeps Hernandez under control. How on earth can a pro player like Berger not manage to get in one successful cross all night? It just beggars belief. I was so disappointed with the way Melbourne played. I know is untouchable in terms of his record, but just how good a coach is he?
Realfootball said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:18pm | Report comment
Merrick was missing in the last sentence of my above post, of course. He was missing last night too.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:26pm | Report comment
Real
you’re right – it is an old squad (especially at the book-ends).
Look – the next time another coach manages two doubles in three years, we might revisit this question – but my guess is that it will be a long time coming.
melbvictory87 said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:34pm | Report comment
i want viteslav lavicka, i agree with craig foster and its about time our game moves forward. we need top class european coaches not merricks, bleibergs and mckinna’s. look at japan, they seemto be flying, why are we lagging behind
Gibbo said | August 7th 2009 @ 4:22pm | Report comment
i’m quite happy with the whole merrick/muscat long term victory plans. means i’ll feel very comfortable making the switch to Heart.
You’re slightly unbalanced though Pip.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 4:33pm | Report comment
Gibbo
maayte – if I were any more balanced – I’d have to cancel my therapy sessions!!
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 4:37pm | Report comment
111 posts – I think my work is done today.
Art Sapphire said | August 7th 2009 @ 4:42pm | Report comment
Wrong Pip – of the 112 posts – 38 of the post are yours.
Thats 33% of all post. Pretty impressive work there Pip.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 5:05pm | Report comment
Art
I pride myself on my work rate.
The Bear said | August 7th 2009 @ 5:26pm | Report comment
Pip, if you are still licking your wounds…i must agree that it was plenty of long balls…infact Muskie rocketed a few amaaazing long balls early in the game, tbh. Lots of Victory possession, too though, but mainly damage control possesion, in their own half!! Anyway, Mariners played the most intense game i have EVER seen so far in the HAL…World class, infact. Tactically Ernie was having a parylitic fit… Ward was the only sub he got right, imo. Brebner and Broxham. Yes history IS repeating…not in a good way, i agree. Brebner just had no quick thinking/acting expression…actually i thought Broxham did pretty fookin well, all things considered he’s is still a young fella.
Not a good start, but perhaps better concede a game like that now, listen to Ernie describe how disadvantage they were to cop an early goal or two, and then medicate yourself with something stronger than forum venting. May i suggest yoga, meditation, etc…
lol. no seriously… ; )
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 5:38pm | Report comment
Bear
if CCM is world class – heaven help us.
In case you’ve forgotten, here are CCM’s two comical goals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V0QR8wCW4I
A point blank shank from Simon and a long range effort from McGinchley that was going nowhere fast till it struck Vargas.
In fact, these were the only two times CCM got anywhere near the MV goal!!
World class??!! Cut it out Bear!!!
It was an atrocious game (from both sides), and an ugly game in the extreme.
The only reason CCM didn’t concede more than a very high 26 fouls is because:
1. Breeze paid plenty of advantage (and good on him for that); and
2. he got sick of blowing the whistle every 30 seconds!!!!
Did CCM string more than 3 passes together at any stage??
The Bear said | August 7th 2009 @ 5:51pm | Report comment
World class intensity PIP.
MVDave said | August 7th 2009 @ 6:02pm | Report comment
Hey Lancelot
You jumped in with the mine is bigger than yours and state the bleeding obvious…mine was a comment on improving tv figures for football which are a fact nothing to do with RL. Dont worry you can sleep well that RL has more tv viewers in NSW and Queensland than football, whoppeeee. Next time try to bring something constructive to the discussion.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:27pm | Report comment
huh???
Joe FC said | August 7th 2009 @ 6:14pm | Report comment
There’s another 134 games plus finals to come, it’s a bit early to be slashing wrists.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 10:26pm | Report comment
Joe
I”m not sure about that – with Kemp about to partner Vargas in the middle of defence for about five matches – sounds like the perfect time to slash my wrist!!!
Midfielder said | August 7th 2009 @ 11:34pm | Report comment
Pip
Bear is right and I understand you … your like evertbody else … save Bear … but …. http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/MrCelery/NoOne.jpg
Pippinu said | August 8th 2009 @ 12:58am | Report comment
Mid
if there’s one thing the A-League doesn’t lack it’s intensity.
Plenty of intensity to spare.
But a bit of skill with the ball wouldn’t go astray!!
(Jamo showed a bit tonight)
jimbo said | August 8th 2009 @ 10:13am | Report comment
Pip,
why all the gloom and doom about the A-League?
Anything to do with MV losing.
A-League crowds so far this season average 16.5K which is up 40% on last season’s 12.5K.
Happy days Sunshine!
The Bear said | August 8th 2009 @ 10:33am | Report comment
For Pip’s benefit i wouldn’t be surprised if the eds chopped the “headline” up a bit. Jimbo, I admit it seems pretty inflamatory as it stands, lol.
Pippinu said | August 8th 2009 @ 11:17am | Report comment
Jimbo
as Ben commented above, it’s not best to post a blog up so soon after a loss like that.
A bit like chapter one of the universal coaching manual – don’t talk to players straight after a match that you have lost if you are still full of angst.
Bear
re the headline – I initially sent it in as: “The Rollercoaster continues” (referring to my opening para, where Victory and Mariners have a history of alternating their good and bad seasons).
I can imagine the editors woudln’t have found that title too exciting, and in any event, it probably assumes a fair bit of knowledge from the reader – and probably only those who have followed the A-League form the first or second year would know of this topsy turvy pattern of both teams.
jimbo said | August 8th 2009 @ 12:14pm | Report comment
Midfielder,
every year everyone usually tips the Mariners to finish out of the finals, but underestimate them at your peril.
The new signings looked good too.
Look forward to the SFC v CCM games – they usually produce top games with plenty of goals.
Pippinu said | August 8th 2009 @ 2:33pm | Report comment
Simon epitimoses the CCM way – smash, crash, get at the end of it by hook or by crook, high foul count, risk yellows, whatever it takes…
Midfielder said | August 8th 2009 @ 2:50pm | Report comment
Jimbo & Pip
Jimbo thanks you sound like you have been to the SFC & Mariner games … often very good games…
Pip … watch for my article submitted next week called Beware The Mariners … hopefully mods don’t change the title or to much of it… but we played a high tempo pressing game (very European actually)… we held our shape all night and it was MV who played most of the long balls … and yes MV may have kept the ball most of the night but it was in their half …. Most people have predicted we will come last … they are in for a very rude shock… more to be explained when I submit …
jimbo said | August 8th 2009 @ 3:34pm | Report comment
Mid,
Always good games to watch and this was a great one with nine goals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKkrxNGODkc
just an hours drive up the expressway to the lovely Central Coast and Bluetongue Stadium Gosford.
One of the best CCM v SFC games was the 3-2 win at SFS with Michael Bridges playing and Hutchison scored 2 great goals for CCM.
That’s when I though the A-League had really turned the corner and stepped up in class – great game, great goals, great atmosphere.
I think we’ve had the wood on you lately – can CCM win a Golden Toilet Seat?
Looking forward to seeing SFC against God in a couple of hours.
David V. said | August 9th 2009 @ 12:55am | Report comment
As I write this, Theoklitos is having a nightmare of a debut.
David V. said | August 9th 2009 @ 1:27am | Report comment
Make it 5 BEFORE half time.
jimbo said | August 10th 2009 @ 12:24am | Report comment
Let in 7 in a 7-1 loss for the canaries.
Blame Pim Verbeek for the exodus to play in a “superior European competition”