The Round Ball Game

[Zucchini]

By the way, I notice the Women's World Cup has started?

Video of some terrific goals now showing on BBC home page

[LeMartinPecheur]

Having watched the second half of the 2015 Champions' League Final, I notice it was one of those games that never ended. I do not refer to the 5 minutes of added time that was extended by a further 2 minutes, but I do refer to the fact that the game apparently is still in progress, with no final whistle. The Barcelona team ran off the pitch to celebrate as the clock continued to tick away, but the game was never restarted.

I may be pedantic to me nation this, as the result was not in doubt, but another football match that ended in similar chaos was the 1966 World Cup Final. After Geoff Hurst's 3rd goal, the match was never restarted, but although this technically put England 4-2 ahead, we now know that England's 3rd goal did not fully cross the line, and the 4th was probably scored after the final whistle. (Geoff Hurst thought so, and had to be brought back on to the pitch later to be shown the scoreboard. In any event, the match was never restarted after G.H. netted the ball.

Possibly they adopted the excellent approach of American Football where if the match is clearly unwinnable for one team in the closing seconds they kinda give up and the winners turn their attention to pouring iced water over their Chief Coach? As ever, an excellent precedent from our cousins across the pond - I think we should follow it

[johncorrigan]

Sad news around on the troubles being faced by former international Kenny Sansom.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/kenny-sansom-homeless-suicide-arsenal-5837774

[gurnemanz]

So sad to read this. He was one of Crystal Palace's greatest, forced to leave for Arsenal in 1980, it was rumoured, mainly due to gambling debts.

[johncorrigan]

So sad to read this. He was one of Crystal Palace's greatest, forced to leave for Arsenal in 1980, it was rumoured, mainly due to gambling debts.

Indeed, gurnie. Had me thinking of the great Jim Baxter, described as a Manager's dream on the pitch and a Manager's nightmare off it. I used to work in a Glasgow pub on the south side of the Clyde. Sir Alex, as he wasn't then, had a pub up at the Toll and across the road was 'Baxter's', and the tales of the shenanigans that emanated via cleaners and staff were legend in the area and Slim Jim, as he wasn't by that time, was at the centre of most of the drinking and gambling. Elegant talent, wild life, sad demise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqhNqNtCinM

[eighthobstruction]

....Steve McClaren......Phwatttt!!!!!

[antongould]

....Steve McClaren......Phwatttt!!!!!

Steve will save us as so many have before......

[cloughie]

So Stu not good enough for the new owner. Sorry to see him go as he has done a very good job, for most of the time with limited resources. I just hope that the post has been carefully thought through and a proper replacement is appointed soon. Gray's 16 month tenure was in keeping with current trends one of the longest in the Championiship - being sacked just when he was to have the resources to make a difference is harsh, but unsurprising in today's game.
PS As usual no mention on BBC1 Breakfast sport coverage this morning, the Prem filter having been applied.

[Alison]

That's all a bit miffing Cloughie.

[teamsaint]

So Stu not good enough for the new owner. Sorry to see him go as he has done a very good job, for most of the time with limited resources. I just hope that the post has been carefully thought through and a proper replacement is appointed soon. Gray's 16 month tenure was in keeping with current trends one of the longest in the Championiship - being sacked just when he was to have the resources to make a difference is harsh, but unsurprising in today's game.
PS As usual no mention on BBC1 Breakfast sport coverage this morning, the Prem filter having been applied.

disappointing news. And yes, this stuff really should be covered properly on National sport bulletins.

[EdgeleyRob]

Steve will save us as so many have before......

I think that's a good appointment.

[EdgeleyRob]

So Stu not good enough for the new owner. Sorry to see him go as he has done a very good job, for most of the time with limited resources. I just hope that the post has been carefully thought through and a proper replacement is appointed soon. Gray's 16 month tenure was in keeping with current trends one of the longest in the Championiship - being sacked just when he was to have the resources to make a difference is harsh, but unsurprising in today's game.
PS As usual no mention on BBC1 Breakfast sport coverage this morning, the Prem filter having been applied.

Very harsh on SG,not at all surprised by the BBC non coverage of the story.

[Beef Oven!]

....Steve McClaren......Phwatttt!!!!!

You didn't see that Comin'!!!!!?????

[EdgeleyRob]

So Stu not good enough for the new owner. Sorry to see him go as he has done a very good job, for most of the time with limited resources. I just hope that the post has been carefully thought through and a proper replacement is appointed soon. Gray's 16 month tenure was in keeping with current trends one of the longest in the Championiship - being sacked just when he was to have the resources to make a difference is harsh, but unsurprising in today's game.
PS As usual no mention on BBC1 Breakfast sport coverage this morning, the Prem filter having been applied.

Not Allardyce next then cloughie http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33126643

Keep a look out for the fixtures please Edge.

Not the worst start for your team Alison http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33156147

Sorry about the citeh pic at the top of that page

[teamsaint]

Not Allardyce next then cloughie http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33126643



Not the worst start for your team Alison http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33156147

Sorry about the citeh pic at the top of that page

Hurrah. New fixtures out.
How are the forum teams doing in the window?
Saints have snapped up a young spanish striker, Juanmi, for a modest, ( by PL standards) fee. Looks a decent prospect and should fit in with our policy of having young hungry players who we can sell to Liverpool for vast profits.

Clyne and Spiderman seem likely to go, and also Toby Unpronounceable, one of the best Saints Centre Halves I have ever seen .

Who are forum members hoping to see come in to their squads?