If you have anything to say on any subject, mail us at theeditor@football365.com
The Best And Worst
Time for a little question to open up some sort of debate in the Mailbox.
Simple question, who have been your respective clubs best and worst signing?
I'm a Villa fan and best is Paul McGrath, worst is Bosco Balaban.
Paul (Surely should have gone back to the European Cup winnign team for best!) O'Sullivan
Pipe Down Carlos
Has anybody else had enough of Tevez whining? For f*cks sake Ferguson - I wish he had kept him just so we don't have to listen to all that dribble every day.
I don't know what's bloody worse. Him whining now, or when he eventually signs for Man City and he starts going on about it's his dream move and that he's always wanted to play for Hughes since he was a nipper making a cup of tea.
Phil, (I get enough whining from my girlfriend so don't want any more from others), Liverpool
...Poor Carlos. How you must have suffered. Two Premier League titles, A Champions League Winners Medal and a World Championship medal. That must have pissed you right off. My heart bleeds.
Maybe if you actually did what you were paid to do, ( score goals ), then you might have played more games. Even your lack of killer instinct in the box didn't stop you playing a decent number of games, compared with the other two main strikers. Even Macheda had a bigger impact on the title run in.
How about " I didn't perform when I had the chance, but I will knuckle down, train hard and improve next season and take my chance ". You Carlos, are nothing more than a bottler. Please don't write in saying playing is more important than winning medals. That is bollox and only proves that rather than be an integral part of a title winning squad, he wants more money.
Obviously I might be wrong and the guy might have zero ambition and can't hack it at a high level.
This may sound a tad like sour grapes but why do we keep signing Argies. Veron, Heinze, Tevez. All gash. Hopefully we'll give Aguero a miss ( Is he Argentinian ? ). Eto'o, Ashley Young and Joe Cole please.
Nez. ( Tevez is a prick ), Horsham
The 'Rich Liverpool Myth', Busted
I've just finished reading this morning's mailbox and although it was particularly uninspiring (clearly nobody's too bothered about the England u21s getting played off the park by Germany), there was one email that caught my attention. Stewie Griffin's quip about "Hard-up Rafa Benitez"
splurging £17 million on a right back demonstrates a seemingly common opinion that Rafa is moaning about nothing when it comes to Liverpool's finances. Obviously Liverpool can't be doing too badly if they can (over)spend that amount on a mere defender. However, I feel that Stewie, along with many others, is missing the point.
Sure, there aren't many clubs who could afford to spend that amount of money, certainly not anyone outside the top 4 and Man City (future top 5?), but that is irrelevant. I doubt Benitez in particularly concerned about the spending of those outside this bracket, as those clubs are unlikely to be Liverpool's rivals anytime soon. However, the two clubs who were closest to the Reds last season have been spending this sort of amount on players for years. Indeed, I can't recall anyone batting an eyelid when Chelsea spent a similar amount on Bosingwa last summer, a man in an identical position to Johnson. This contrast demonstrates the financial gap between Liverpool and both Chelsea and Man United (not to mention Man City now), and it is the reason that the squads of Liverpool's rivals have included a greater number of top quality players in recent years.
Compare the most expensive player in each position from Liverpool's squad with those from Man United and Chelsea's and I think you'll find a distinct difference. As a quick example, United's most expensive defender cost them in the region of £30 million, whilst prior to the Johnson signing Liverpool's was at around £7 million. This gap is telling, and is the main reason United (deservedly) won the league last year at Liverpool's expense. So in conclusion, yes Liverpool have a lot of money, but inarguably not as much as their main rivals. This is a problem when you're trying to overhaul a team that is already superior and which continues to outspend you.
Al (if this afternoon's mailbox is as boring as this morning's, then I've got a chance), Moscow
SA: Not So Safe
Dear Will O'Brien,
I was relieved of £90 worth of Rands and a Casio ¿ watch after dark (04:00am) in Cape Town by three knife wielding youths. It's not the security haven you make it out to be.
David (though they did give me my wallet back after taking the cash. Perhaps that's what he means) McCulloch
...Brandon's hard-sell on South Africa has me suspicious.
"Crime is an issue but so long as you head the warnings and stick to the safe areas (ask the locals, they will tell you) and are aware, you will be fine!"
Ask the locals? Aren't they the ones who are reported by TIME to be involved in perpetuating most of the crime in SA?
Are we sure he isn't one of them...writing in to a large readership to push a bunch of unassuming foreigners to visit and get robbed of their cash, watches, as well as cameras?
Zulifkar 'I'm even more afraid' Khan
...Good email from Brandon Hallas' this afternoon. But I just want to make one point.
"Our existing transport network was the best in the 3rd world"
That's abit like me saying...
"I was the smartest kid in my div class at school"
Jav, Solihull
ps. I havent heard 'div' in years
...To Brandon Hallas, Proudly South African, hey man, bigging up your companies efforts in the building of the stadiums is very admirable, you might get a pay rise if you carry on writing these letters.
The building of the stadiums in South Africa have come along very well considering the duration of time that the civil contractors had in finishing them off, I'll give them that. But, the truth of the matter is that accommodation and transport for the massive amount of fans that will be travelling to SA for the World Cup is just not good enough and no amount of private taxi firms and bed & breakfasts will alleviate the problem. Stating that SA's public transport is the best in the 3rd world is no way of assuring fans that it is suitable for a major event like the World Cup, you sound like a travelled man with a job title like yours so if you have been to any other African, South American or Asian countries, you should know that taxi, bus and train services are pish and are aimed at the lower classes (probably get slated for that term). As for the private B&B's you mention.....these fans are travelling from all over the world spending a lot of money in doing so, do you really think they want to crash in a tiny house with an old South African couple when they could be propping up a hotel bar mixing with other fans discussing the games they have watched and their teams chances.....(it might just be me with that view)
At the end of the day, South Africa will hold the World Cup to best of their capabilities which unfortunately just won't be good enough for the majority of expectant fans.
It is a beautiful country though......just "mismanaged" at the moment.
John Siliwoniuk
But They're Cracking Hosts In Other Ways
In response to Brandon Hallas, where he states "Crime is an issue but so long as you head the warnings and stick to the safe areas (ask the locals, they will tell you)....you'll be fine"
Great advice. I was in Nov / Dec 07, flying from Nelspruit Kruger to J'oburg. The airline I was flying with was grounded by the Govt (an engine had fallen off a plane the day before we were due to travel - google it if you don't believe me). A friendly local who was meant to travel on the same flight put us up for the night in his nearby home until we could sort alternative transport. Cue a BBQ, flowing beer, ridiculously attractive women, and near offence when we offered some Rands to cover the cost of our stay.
Fantastic experience.
Oh yeah, this is a football site. Erm, what's been happening. Go USA?
Colm (hang on a minute, he could have been an axe murderer!!!!), Dublin
The Location Might Be A Hint For This One
Just thought I'd write in to respond to Robert Vard's short sighted attack on Stuart Pearce. He just took our u21s to an international final, where is half-time teamtalk as you describe was made irrelevent by a goalkeeping error which he could not control, even more so given Joe Hart was suspended. He moulded our lads into an efficient unit that played good passing football and he showed leadership in giving these groups of young players the belief that they could go out and play.
I could go on, but your assessment of Pearce was surely only printed because of the 'slow day' for the mailbox. Pure stupidity.
Thomas, Nottingham UK.
The Future Ain't Too Bright
After the U21's match against Germany, I have to wonder if we are ever going to get our youth system correct. This U21 generation looks technically awful. Don't get me wrong they are good athletes and try hard but they seemingly can't keep hold of the ball or penetrate a team without using the pace of Walcott. What also worries me is the complete lack of forwards coming through the system. Gabonlahor looks okay but other than that we are struggling. Theres hope that Sturridge might step up but the lad is showing a complete lack of ambition. Why would you choose to join Chelsea and sit on the bench all season?! No hope for him if he thinks thats good for his career.
Mark, Windsor
Prediction Time Already?
At this early stage of the transfer window its hard to gauge what team will end up with what players, But I thought I would give my predictions for 2010, based on well my ability to see in the future
Premier league final table
Chelsea - Carlo will prove a diamond, will only strengthen an already good side, with the Russian prepaid to dig deep for a superstar
Liverpool - Will worry about Man Utd to much to see the real competition from Chelsea, need another top draw player
Man Utd - Transition season with the loss or Tevez and Ronaldo, plus an ageing stars scholes, neve, giggs and VDS
Arsenal - Will be a lot better at home, but will struggle away against the (smaller) sides
Man City - A better squad than last year, all the money in the world, but just can't attract that superstar that will take them to the next level. See Kaka & Eto
Everton - Will be hard to beat, Yakubu and Arteta will feel like new signings, Not enough resources to compete with the Sky 5
Tottenham - A Better start and a decent cup run, although not sure Harry is the right man
West ham - Zola is building something special at the hammers, needs to keep hold of upson and green however to cement a top 8 place
Aston villa - Replacing G Barry will be a big ask, A cup is the best they can hope for
Blackburn - Fat Sam will turned Blackburn into the most hated team in the league, but will be impressive at home
Fulham - Last years heroics by Mark S will not be repeated again
Birmingham City - Are spending money, although unsure on the quality of signing
Stoke - Will be good at home, but teams will work out their game plan sooner this season
Bolton - Megson will build ugly to keep the trotters up
Wolves - Doyle will prove a good signing although will ship a lot of goals
Sunderland - Stevie has a job on his hands with their 45millions players, will be a difficult season
Burnley - Will surprise a lot of people at turf moore
Wigan - right manager, wrong time, Losing Valencia will be a big loss
Portsmouth - No manager, no stars, no sol and no hope
Hull - the Brown effect will mean every team will want to beat Hull
League Cup - Man City
FA Cup - Arsenal
Uefa Cup - Aston Villa
Champions League - Inter Milan
World Cup - Brazil
I hope the title race goes down to the last game of the season for once and that my b
Paul (mystic) Rushen EFC
Football Teams As Political Countries
Arsenal - France. Still a big player on the international scene but in recent years has become the perennial bridesmaid. Enjoys the quality of life/football but is unable to really dictate matter in the larger scheme of things. Retains the ability to but perhaps there is too much emphasis on one man who seems to constantly miss the important events...
Aston Villa - Australia. Big fish in a small pond. Have enjoyed the new regime much more than the previous. Have the set up. Have the finance. Have the leader. But can they achieve the impossible?
Birmingham - New Zealand. Living in the shadows of their larger neighbour for years. Would love a relative period of stability after the turmoil of the last few years. Has an opportunity to develop to the level required.
Blackburn - South Africa. Had an all too brief moment in the sun due to it's enigmatic leader. Since his tenure have strived to regain that reputation. Under the current regime things could change. Need to embrace all aspects of the population however..
Bolton - Mongolia. Dull. Lifeless. Dwindling population. Enjoyed a period of relative prominence, largely due to the tactics of one individual. Since his departure have failed to grasp the public's eye.
Burnley - Switzerland. Harmless. Have their endearing qualities but ultimately will never gain the power they crave. Happy with their lot however and content with their leader.
Chelsea - Pakistan. Trying hard to be one of the big boys, but has upset a large percentage of it's supporter base through its over involvement with foreigners. Striving to consolidate it's position on the world stage but finds it tough to find friends and allies. Fears of a revolt from within and financial collapse refuse to go away.
Everton - Japan. No attack, last campaign of any note 1942. Big player financially in the 1980s, however struggling a bit these days
Fulham - Italy. Strives to be a big player. Ego of it's owner could stand in it's way however. Loves the good life possibly too much due to the lifestyle of it's people. Distinct lack of firepower has been a problem for years..
Hull - Somalia. Came out of the blue to grab the headlines last year with their plundering raids on various other countries possessions. But is time running out for them or can they continue to defy the odds in the face of adversity?
Liverpool - Germany. Used to be the big player in the international arena. Have suffered for years as a result. Tendency to self destruct. A strong history but still attempting to regain that top spot. May just do that, but with foreign aid.
Man City - Palestine - A team currently looking for recognition. Had been on the periphery for many years before the late 00's. Funded by rich Arabs who are determined to prove their worth and seriousness. May be hindered by their current leader.
Man United - USA. Bullies. Arrogant and motivated by greed. Have become the foremost leader due to a combination of industry, luck and planning. Very strong ruler who loathes to admit defeat. Shows no signs of weakening despite various setbacks.
Portsmouth - Iran. Have had a summer of discontent and revolution. What the future holds for this enigma remains to be seen. Will it be a stable democracy or will they succumb to yet another tyrant? The loss of individuals to the West must be stemmed however.
Stoke - North Korea. Capable of upsetting just about anyone and don't care who. Are content with themselves and their senile leader. The development of secret weapons caught everyone off guard last year and others have begun to combat against it.
Sunderland - India. A sleeping giant, not a contender at the moment but with a huge supporter base. Likes to think it's opinion is worth plenty, yet is largely ignored by non fans. Local derbies can be a bit fiery.
Tottenham - Canada - Appear to suffer from delusions of grandeur. Have strived to force their way in with the big boys but have failed despite their unlimited resources. See themselves as the chosen ones and better than their neighbours but in reality suffer from an over inflated sense of self. Big promise but no substance.
West Ham - England. Unwanted leader and looking for direction. Used to be a power but way back in the day. Would love to have kept it's prized assets but outside circumstance dictated otherwise. Has the potential and keeps producing but changes need to be made.
Wigan - Israel. Still a relative upstart in the larger scheme of things. Trying to create a market for themselves in a hostile environment. Their main enemy comes outside the borders of their religion (rugby/Palestine). Still continuing due a combination of luck and astute management/leadership.
Wolves - Iraq. Years of turmoil and unrest. Could finally be on the brink of solidarity and stability. Have come on wonders in the last year but doubts still remain about it's citizens and leader. Is it all too much, too soon?
FK
Football League: This Is Your Time
May I suggest that the way to beat the summer mailbox doldrums is to encourage lower league supporters who usually don't get a look in to write in with their opinions. I'm sure we'd all love more information on up and coming and interesting players, club loyalty, crazy moments, etc. Is there any doubt that in the era of "plastic" and international supporters of Prem teams the real long-suffering fans are to be found in the Championship and below. Give them a voice. (And can you tell me what League One team is referred to in parentheses.)
Mark (...and Smith must score!) Trotsky
And As If By Magic...
As a Stockport Fan, I'm sad to lose JG, but we're currently imploding and Jim is a casualty, he's a big loss. I liked him as a player and he's been superb as a manager. Well done Motherwell, you have picked a really good manager in JG. He's his own man and will serve your club well. I'll be looking out for your results, have a great season.
Terry Lamb
Quack
Kaka had his medical at Real Madrid ahead of his big money move and the Doctor described him as being in 'perfect condition' and 'a fine specimen'. Hopefully for the Madrid Team and their fans it wasn't the same Doctor who passed judgment on Michael Owen or Jonathan Woodgate when they signed!
Hunch, Finchley, AFC
Cue Slap Bass
Has football gone to sleep? Well, as a Spurs fan with zero transfer activity even to really speculate about I am reminded of a message left on Seinfeld's phone by a monotone George Costanza.
"Hey....It's George....I've got nothing to say"
Jon, Winchester
