The Fizzy League Thread

[OwlsFan]

I was surprised ( and pleased ) and with other results going for us, maybe the Hornets will have turned the corner.....Wednesday should have enough in the locker to be safe

Wednesday now in the bottom 3 and Hornets get stuffed at home by QPR.

Watched the Coventry vs Ipswich yesterday and the Sheff U vs Palace game. Both reasonable quality matches with some Irish interest. Garvan isn't a bad player and having regard to our lack of decent midfielders may well get his chance sooner rather than later.

[Sligo Hornet]

yet another good three points away for the Hornets.We are rebuilding the stadium at present and wouldn't it be great if it was closed for the rest of the season ( 2 points from last 21 at Home );)

[kingdom hoop]

Very satisfying Christmas for QPR, the best of three wonderful pressies being the 4-2 win at Watford. In your face Hornet! :D

Nerves over relegation are beginning to abate, hopefully the arrival of loads of new players over the past two days (and more to come tomorrow) will help secure a mid-division finish, and, way more importantly, better than Wednesday by one agonising goal. :)

The division is always hustle and bustle, but this season seems particularly Christmas Eve on Grafton Street esque. Not at all beyond the bounds of possibility that half the teams could either get relegated or promoted. Here's hoping QPR can 'do a Sunderland' and win a trip to Wembley in May. :p

[OwlsFan]

Yes, noticed QPR getting 2 or 3 players from their London bigger brothers during the transfer window. Whether they prove to be any good is another matter.

Very topsy turvy division and a good run from any of the teams in the lower half could see a play off place. Equally, a bad run could spell doom with no team from about 10 down safe.

[OwlsFan]

I see Ray Wilkins is worried that the family club that is QPR may be ruined by the 5th richest man in the world taking a 20% stake. I'd say the fans would be really worried about that :rolleyes:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=LFKUYUXLU2UPFQFIQMGCFFWAVCBQ UIV0?xml=/sport/2008/01/04/sfnqpr104.xml

[jebus]

Still think QPR won't be a force until next season when they have a summer spending spree, but if you win this bet Hoop it will be down to Wednesday's sloppiness more than anything I feel! :0

[OwlsFan]

Championship teams acquitted themselves well in the games I saw. Burnley played some nice football, Stoke mixed it with Newcastle and Wednesday should have won at Derby while QPR restricted Chelsea to only one goal.

[Sligo Hornet]

I see Graham Kavanagh is linked with a move to Watford......how was he at Hilsborough Owlsy?

[OwlsFan]

He was good. They wanted to extend the loan but Sunderland wanted him back and Kavanagh said he preferred to fight for his place in the Premiership. :o Not sure he'll suit the Hornet's long ball game.

[jebus]

Wednesday just turned down a bid for Whelan and Yoann Folly from Plymouth. Apparantly Plymouth didn't even spell Folly's name right in their faxed offer :o

[Sligo Hornet]

Marlon King gone to Fulham for £5M:(.....even though we didn't NEED the money ( apparently they are paying him £40k a week so can see why HE wanted to go )

[OwlsFan]

I think he is a Championship player. The sort who would get you up but wouldn't keep you there. Makes me wonder about Hodgson's judgement, a man much touted for the Ireland job.

Bad loss for Watford and could cost them millions in the long run but my eyes are on the other end of the table.

Big Sheffield derby this weekend. One of the biggest genuine derby games in England.

[Bluebeard]

I think he is a Championship player. The sort who would get you up but wouldn't keep you there. Makes me wonder about Hodgson's judgement, a man much touted for the Ireland job.

Bad loss for Watford and could cost them millions in the long run but my eyes are on the other end of the table.

Big Sheffield derby this weekend. One of the biggest genuine derby games in England.

I'd still take him for Ireland - big difference between international management and club management. Hodgson was never a great club manager, and so on these Islands, he will be looked upon as a nearly man - yet in Europe he is lauded for his international work. A bit of luck and he'll be sacked by Wednesday and he'll come here for his sins.

[Sligo Hornet]

I'd still take him for Ireland - big difference between international management and club management. Hodgson was never a great club manager, and so on these Islands, he will be looked upon as a nearly man - yet in Europe he is lauded for his international work. A bit of luck and he'll be sacked by Wednesday and he'll come here for his sins.

Is working part-time at Hilsborough as well?......no wonder he looks so tired!;)

[Bluebeard]

Is working part-time at Hilsborough as well?......no wonder he looks so tired!;)

Sacked (by Fulham) before Wednesday, I meant.

Tough he could well be doing part time there too - he already looks ten years older.

[jebus]

Maybe it's just my blind faith in the Owls but get on Wednesday to win 3-1 this weekend. In Robson We Trust

[dublin_owl]

Maybe it's just my blind faith in the Owls but get on Wednesday to win 3-1 this weekend...

:eek: I'll have some of what you're on jebus...

.. I mean, we'll score at least five and I can't see where United would get a goal from! :)

[OwlsFan]

"If you don't f*****g bounce, you're a Blade. There's only one team in Sheffield". Can't say I enjoyed it until the final whistle. Too nervous. Whelan Sky's man of the match.

Jebus, I told you Spurr is useless. Almost cost Wednesday two goals and couldn't pass to one of his own players if his life depended on it.

Unted haven't scored in their last 3 away games so what does Robson do? Start with one man up front :rolleyes: When he changed it to 2 up front, 2nd half was much different but luckily Wednesday survived.

[kingdom hoop]

Happy for ye today (just for today :D) lads.

Comforting to see the bottom three being cut adrift a little as well. Chances are it'll be those three you'd think. Leaving Wednesday and QPR free to fight it out for 11th, oh the joys. :D

Do we think Robson will be with United much longer? What self-deprecating loser talk he came out with today;

"We didn't have any drive about our game. We were playing in the comfort zone. There was no real purpose in our game. (surely your fault for not formulating a purpose, even for the big derby, Bryan?)

We're over halfway in the season now and we felt things were coming together nicely, but maybe we're not good enough to get up there. (maybe you're the problem Bryan?)

Maybe the expectations at the start of the season were too much for the players to take on board because the league table doesn't lie." (hmmm, maybe. or maybe it's your job to temper expectation and relax the players?)


Excuse the sarcasm, don't know what came over me. We shouldn't be complaining about him anyway I suppose. :)

[OwlsFan]

Familiar words from a man who is about to leave by "mutal consent" if the Blades can afford the mutual consent :D

[OwlsFan]

Carlsberg don't do scoreboards but if they did....hang on a second they do!!

http://i27.tinypic.com/8yi7bm.jpg

[jebus]

I'll admit Spurr had a stinker against United, but I still don't think he's as bad as you have him Owlsfan, nor do I think he's as good as some sections of the press make him out to be.

Heart in the mouth time for much of the second half of Saturdays game though, but what a goal from Tudgay!! :) As I said before the game, In Robson We Trust

[Plastic Paddy]

For all you Owls and Blunts, I found this in the Guardian's sportblog section. Barney Ronay calls it right, I think.


That the Steel City derby is a proper city derby
Just look at the numbers. A 30,484 attendance for a lunchtime kick-off. Only four bigger crowds anywhere in the country (one of them at Leeds United). Eight players on view born in Sheffield or a product of either club's academy. A 28-page match supplement in the Sheffield Star. And a decent game between one team at least making attempts to play attractive attacking football and another managed by Bryan Robson. It hasn't been a particularly happy time for either club. Wednesday will probably just about stay up. United will either wangle a play-off spot, or this time next year Robson will be making enthusiastic noises about the vacant Kuwaiti national team post ("It's a massive challenge"). This was a game apart. Brian Laws whirling a Wednesday scarf around his head like a middle-aged divorcee gyrating to I Will Survive after 15 WKD Blues - what's not to like?

:ball: PP

[Sligo Hornet]

MARLON KING has been told he may have to quit the game in three years due to the condition of his knee.

The 27-year-old underwent a stringent two-day medical at Craven Cottage at the weekend after Watford accepted a £5m cash offer for the 11-goal striker.

Tests and scans revealed King has a deteriorating problem in his right knee and it understood that the problem is inoperable.

In November 2006, King underwent complex surgery to repair a small tear in his meniscus but upon closer inspection, the surgeon discovered there was piece of cartilage flapping and a bit of bone had come away. The operation sidelined King for six months.

In light of the results of the medical, Fulham asked Watford to drop the asking price and renegotiate the deal on a year-by-by installent basis. The Hornets rejected the proposal and are understood to have made it clear King has no future at Vicarage Road.

Fulham may even end their interest altogether after signing Erik Nevland yesterday (Monday), leaving King in limbo.

As a long time Watford fan I can only say this is one big **** up!

Watford give a £25k a week contract to a bloke with a ricked knee.

Then, they try and sell him for £5m.

The buying club finds the problem during a medical, and quite understandably doesn't want to pay that price for dodgy goods.

What do Watford do? Try to blame the player and then say they don't want him back.

Who at the club is responsible for giving what must be one the most lucrative contracts in its history to a player who has a career-threatening injury?

This mess is of Watford's making - King wanting to go is all part of football.

But handing out fat contracts to injured players with no chance of a sell-on fee is utterly shambolic.

It's the sort of major error people in other walks of life lose their jobs for.

[Plastic Paddy]

I don't think Graham Simpson's programme notes for the Charlton match have done the club any favours at all in this regard SH. The notes were naive in the extreme and totally unprofessional. Reminded me of Gerald Ratner's comments regarding the lack of quality in products sold in his shops, and we know what happened there.

Watford have two choices here as Marlon obviously wants away; either take Fulham's reduced offer (with Collins John as part of it) or hang on to MK until the summer and punt him then. Irrespective of which path is followed the club loses out and at least part of the blame for this must go to GS.

:ball: PP

[OwlsFan]

Another 90th minute goal conceded and Wednesday teether on the brink with Preston beating league leaders WBA. Irishmen score for pleasure against the Owls.

Will be a long season.

[cheifo]

I see Mick has signed Kevin Kyle on loan from Coventy.Did'nt he just sign two strikers a couple of weeks back(Ebanks and Edwards) and he already has Keogh,Elliot, Eastwood,Boothroyd and Stephen Ward.Whats gan on Mick?:eek:

[NeilMcD]

I think he is a Championship player. The sort who would get you up but wouldn't keep you there. Makes me wonder about Hodgson's judgement, a man much touted for the Ireland job.

Bad loss for Watford and could cost them millions in the long run but my eyes are on the other end of the table.

Big Sheffield derby this weekend. One of the biggest genuine derby games in England.


Surely is record with international teams should carry much more weight on your suspicions that King may not be a great signing. Ferguson signed Verson and Wenger signed Francis Jeffers so not all managers get it right.

[OwlsFan]

I can only judge Hodgson on what I have seen of him and that's his time with Blackburn and Fulham. Wasn't impressed with the former and so far (albeit very early days) not impressed with the latter. It will be a tough job to keep Fulham up but there is a fair bit of dross down there (Wigan, Derby, Bolton, Birmingham) so it's not an impossible task.

[NeilMcD]

Owls fan, there is more to life than English football.

[OwlsFan]

Owls fan, there is more to life than English football.

As one who spent 20 years going to Milltown, I am aware of that but since I was about 5, I have followed English soccer with scrapbooks, pictures on the walls etc etc of Wednesday and Irish players. Wife made me take them down recently ;) (and the pictures as well boom boom).

I don't follow football beyond that except in Scotland (Raith Rovers) and used to follow Ards in Norn Iron. Italian, French, Spanish, German etc football = very little interest I have to admit.

[Sligo Hornet]

Bad result saturday for Wednesday Owlsy......but Ipswich would "Eventually" have won away....very surprised by Scunthorpe (and pleased ) beating Charlton......almost as surprising as Watford winning at HOME!:D

[OwlsFan]

90th minute goal conceded mid week to WOlves and lose at home to the only team who haven't won away since last April! The joys of supporting the Owls.

Saw the Watford game live. Wolves probably deserved a draw.

[Plastic Paddy]

Three-nil says otherwise, OwlsFan. If your auntie had balls, etc., etc. :D

Let's hope Ipswich feel like "eventually" changing home habits too this coming Saturday SH. The 'Orns would be well and truly back in business if they do.

:ball: PP

[OwlsFan]

Three-nil says otherwise, OwlsFan. If your auntie had balls, etc., etc. PP

Yep, Wolves lack a cutting edge. They play some nice football but can't stick the ball in the net on a regular enough basis.

[jebus]

Did I hear right that Kavanagh is signing on with us full time once his loan deal ends Owlsfan?

[OwlsFan]

Disappointed to see Bryan Robson sacked by the Blades. I was hoping they'd hang on to him until the return Sheffied derby ;)

ANother season of stuggle for Wednesday. Down in the bottom with mighty Colchester and Scunthorpe. Hope Kavanagh's injury isn't too bad.

[jebus]

Disappointed to see Bryan Robson sacked by the Blades. I was hoping they'd hang on to him until the return Sheffied derby ;)

ANother season of stuggle for Wednesday. Down in the bottom with mighty Colchester and Scunthorpe. Hope Kavanagh's injury isn't too bad.

Ditto, I'm worried Blackwell might actually do something with them. Not looking too hopeful for ourselves though Owlsfan, there's not much fight in the team from I've seen and heard, we do need someone like Kavanagh to sort the midfield out to be honest so hopefully that injury isn't serious

[OwlsFan]

Forget your Champions League tonight. 6 pointer at Hillsborough as Owls take on Coventry. A must win game.

I see that great ex-Wednesday favourite, Nigel Pearson, has taken over at Southampton.

[OwlsFan]

Back to watching Champions League tonight. Wednesday's game against Coventry is off due to a frozen pitch :rolleyes: Pity, as Coventry would have been on a downer after their drubbing by WBA.

[BandofHorses]

lose at home to the only team who haven't won away since last April! The joys of supporting the Owls.



it was worse being at it!

i hope we sign sahar today and its not some more media spin.

[OwlsFan]

it was worse being at it!

i hope we sign sahar today and its not some more media spin.

My God! Another Owl. Welcome and commiserations ;).

[Sligo Hornet]

I feel somewhat isolated as a Hornet amidst the kindred Owls.:eek:...especially as we are battling for points at the other end....I was hoping you played tonight as I also thought you would be best placed to beat Cov......really hoping you stay up ( just in case we don't make the northerly exit door, as somehow the Hornets always seem to win at Hilsborough );)

[BandofHorses]

My God! Another Owl. Welcome and commiserations ;).

Cheers for the welcome Owls Fan and Sligo Hornet. I hope to be able to contribute to the all areas of the fizzy league thread not just confine it to the (frustratingly crap) owls!

[kingdom hoop]

May I also extend a welcome to the oddly, yet nicely, named BandofHorses. :)




i hope we sign sahar today and its not some more media spin.

Ah just to brighten spirits I'll say Sahar was a resounding success during his spell at QPR earlier this season. Rumours that he was a cantankerous Israeli (there's a first) who went crying to mama any time his shin pads got a caressing are entirely unfounded.

By the way BandofHorses there's a thread in the Ireland section (one of the sticky/important ones at the top) called Irish Abroad where we keep tabs on our flighted Earls. Any scouting reports would be most appreciated. (I just presume, ignoring your location thing, you live in England as you said you were at Hillsborough recently. ie don't assume this is an all expenses paid invitation from Trap to go watch a few matches. Owlsfan is really, and truly, Trap and he'll decide who merits such tasks.)

[OwlsFan]

Chris Coleman now appointed as manager of Coventry. Haven't checked but the highest casualty rate among managers must be in the Championship where they go down like flies. Wednesday had a big chance to collect 3 points off them last night except for Jack Frost intervening. Next time they meet up it will be more difficult.

As for the Hornets always seem to win at Hilsborough, yep them and just about every other team in the league except Sheffield United ;)

[BandofHorses]

May I also extend a welcome to the oddly, yet nicely, named BandofHorses. :)
Ah just to brighten spirits I'll say Sahar was a resounding success during his spell at QPR earlier this season. Rumours that he was a cantankerous Israeli (there's a first) who went crying to mama any time his shin pads got a caressing are entirely unfounded.
By the way BandofHorses there's a thread in the Ireland section (one of the sticky/important ones at the top) called Irish Abroad where we keep tabs on our flighted Earls. Any scouting reports would be most appreciated. (I just presume, ignoring your location thing, you live in England as you said you were at Hillsborough recently. ie don't assume this is an all expenses paid invitation from Trap to go watch a few matches. Owlsfan is really, and truly, Trap and he'll decide who merits such tasks.)

Cheers for the welcome kingdom hoop.
i dont live in sheffield, i just waste my money travelling over to see them every now and again! (to be honest its always a good trip regardless of the score :))But cheers for the heads up on the thread.

With regards to Sahar - great to hear he ripped up the championship with QPR, cus it looks like he will definitely be signing!
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sportheadlines/Sa...join.3800425.jp (http://www.thestar.co.uk/sportheadlines/Sahar-on-way-to-join.3800425.jp)

all i can say is i am very very worried this season.....

[BandofHorses]

there's a takeover afoot at wednesday....

[jebus]

there's a takeover afoot at wednesday....

There's always a takeover afoot at Wednesday

[kingdom hoop]

Big game on Saturday week big for our big bet Jebus!