The Fizzy League Thread

[jebus]

Now Wednesday are starting to perform it's time for the 5 or so Wednesday fans on here to crawl back out of the woodwork I suppose :D

What a win yesterday though, Southampton aren't even that bad. If we build off the back of this then who knows what we could do this season. I'm happy Laws has managed to turn things around, but any repeat of the disaster at the start of the season though and I think we should be looking elsewhere. Shame the filthiest United beat Stoke yesterday or we'd be ahead of them, but I'm confident Robson will do a job for Wednesday there :)

At the moment my predictions are Watford, Charlton and Wolves to go up, Blackpool, Preston and sadly QPR to go down, but who knows in this league

[OwlsFan]

Wolves are not scoring enough goals to be promoted. I'd say WBA instead of them.

[Stuttgart88]

Have to stay it's been an extraordinary recovery by Wednesday. Or rather it was an extraordinarily bad start given their excellent finish to last season. How close was Laws to being sacked?

[OwlsFan]

Have to stay it's been an extraordinary recovery by Wednesday. Or rather it was an extraordinarily bad start given their excellent finish to last season. How close was Laws to being sacked?


The Blackpool game at home. Word was, Wednesday lose, Laws gets sacked. They fell one behind as well (Wes Hoolahan I think) so Laws must have been getting his P45 ready but then hit back to win 2-1. Might happen yet though. As Jimmy Greaves said, "football is......"

[kingdom hoop]

Nice, I'd been half thinking of doing this.

I'd agree with you, Jebus, on Bryan Robson, hopeless manager. However such esteem I hold your opinion in is tempered by saying you think QPR will be relegated! I'll leave you off if you haven't read anything about the club for the past few months or saw the great performance in beating Charlton at the VAlley a week or two ago and by all accounts they should have easily beaten Palace at the weekend. Say a €20 - €50 bet on who finishes higher????

There are very positive vibes at the club at the moment, new Italian, D-E Canio, manager bringing attractive on-the-ground football coupled with a bit of the catenaccio appreciation for football (mind you squandered a lead very late on this Saturday to Clinton Morrison of all people). I like some of his comments, this one after Palace suggests he knows what problems exist; 'Some of the things we were doing I had specifically told the players not to do in training.' He's coming from a culture where managers rarely get time to produce the goods so it won't be a case of having time to build, he'll appreciate he needs to get it right this season.

New BILLIONAIRE backer (syndicate-ownership of which Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is a part) who isn't really day-to-day involved but given he's happy to throw some cash at the club and the fact his unbelievably charismatic partner Flavio Briatore (Renault F1 boss, and masterminded Benetton's global success) is more hands-on involved who gives a fiddlers. Some quality players opting to join the club over other options in the past few weeks, Scott Sinclair - the young Chelsea winger is in on loan after the whole Championship were chasing him, and Akos Buzsaky - Hungarian number 10 maestro signed from Plymouth for example, and given, as much as Roy Keane may hate the fact, QPR are based in London it should become increasingly attractive. There will be lots of signings in January, I wouldn't be surprised if Loftus Road becomes a little Italy given all the shenanigans there.

Being a QPR follower it's ingrained in you not to get over-excited but it really is hard not to have great hope for the future of the club. The new owners are astute, ambitious, successful businessmen, have an appreciation of the club and the fans, and are very attractive for any players looking at the club (especially if Flav keeps bringing supermodels, such as Naomi Campbell (http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2007/10/sport/naomicampbellAI_450x350.jpg), to the games.). Their strive for success attitude should seep into the club, no acceptance of being sub standard in any activities. All evidence bar the club's predisposition for ****ing things up seem to point at an upward curve. My range of jerseys should hopefully get an airing for once. :D No, in fairness to me I've never, even as a 10 year old, been ashamed to throw on the jersey, must be the beauty of the blue and white. ;) I've one savage jersey sponsored by Guinness, two of my very favourite things in the world in one, doesn't get much better than that. :)

On the relegation, it's going to be very close as usual, with no stand out candidate for relegation. I'm not sure about Glenn Roeder's ability to turn things round at Norwich, still, he should be better than Peter Grant, who openly admitted he just wasn't good enough for the job, while still in the job! The division is crazy though, even a third of the way into the season I wouldn't be surprised if fifteen teams either made the playoffs or were relegated. Given Palace now have Neil Warnock and Simon Jordan you'd really have to hope they go down! I really can't imagine, even with objective mind, QPR finishing lower than Scunthorpe, Blackpool, Barnsley, and of course Sheffield Wednesday over the course of the season.

[jebus]

I'll take that bet my good man, €50 says Wednesday finish ahead of QPR :)

[OwlsFan]

Bolton interested in Whelan – reports (Blast Gary Megson!!). One of Wednesday's few decent players.

November 13, 2007

Barclays Premier League strugglers Bolton Wanderers are interested in Sheffield Wednesday’s former Republic of Ireland under-21 skipper Glenn Whelan.

Whelan, regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Coca-Cola Championship, has long been mentioned as a possible target for Premier League clubs.

And Bolton boss Gary Megson has reportedly set his sights on bringing the 24-year-old to the Reebok Stadium when the transfer window opens in the New Year.

[kingdom hoop]

I'll take that bet my good man, €50 says Wednesday finish ahead of QPR :)

Brilliant. You're on!

Should add a nice bit of spice to the fizz of this thread. :)

[Sligo Hornet]

I'll take that bet my good man, €50 says Wednesday finish ahead of QPR :)


Can I have £50 that Watford finish ahead of QPR?;)

[kingdom hoop]

Can I have £50 that Watford finish ahead of QPR?;)

Once we're talking finish in the sense of when the final whistle goes on their seasons. In that case I'd be willing to bet upwards of €1,000 that QPR will finish ahead (using GMT) of Watford.

[Sligo Hornet]

Once we're talking finish in the sense of when the final whistle goes on their seasons. In that case I'd be willing to bet upwards of €1,000 that QPR will finish ahead (using GMT) of Watford.

Fair enough Hoopy.......things are about to change for the better for te "R's", you'll soon forget the pain of the last few seasons....still one of my favourite places to visit (win or lose ):)

[OwlsFan]

Watford and QPR though long term have no chance of establishing themselves as top half teams in the Premiership. Their grounds and fan base are too small and have too many giants on their doorsteps. I remember the great QPR team of the 1970s (or was it 80s) with Gerry Francis, Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh etc but that was an abberation. Most unlikely to happen again.

Wednesday at least have a solid fan base, not much competition from the Blades and with a bit of investment could again become an Aston Villa or Manchester City type mid table club but not much more.

[Sligo Hornet]

Watford and QPR though long term have no chance of establishing themselves as top half teams in the Premiership. Their grounds and fan base are too small and have too many giants on their doorsteps. I remember the great QPR team of the 1970s (or was it 80s) with Gerry Francis, Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh etc but that was an abberation. Most unlikely to happen again.

Wednesday at least have a solid fan base, not much competition from the Blades and with a bit of investment could again become an Aston Villa or Manchester City type mid table club but not much more.

The small fan base argument is not as relevant as it used to be......revenue through the turnstile is a small percentage of the toal received from TV.

[OwlsFan]

How do you end up following Watford? Elton John fan ?

I support Wednesday because my oldest brother decided to follow them when they were in the news because Derek Dooley had a leg amputated plus it was an interesting name. Even then most of the kids were Man U or Liverpool fans.

[Sligo Hornet]

How do you end up following Watford? Elton John fan ?

I support Wednesday because my oldest brother decided to follow them when they were in the news because Derek Dooley had a leg amputated plus it was an interesting name. Even then most of the kids were Man U or Liverpool fans.

Accident of birth...i.e. born there! ( though whisked back to home for cleansing shortly afterwards! ) As a Watford,Sligo Rovers and ROI supporter, at leat I can never be accused of being a "Glory Hunter";)

Your reason is both weird and funny:D

[OwlsFan]

Only decent Sligo Rovers player I can remember from my League of Ireland days is David Pugh. Have an affinity for Sligo though as my brother was born there during the year my dad (with family)was transferred at work to Strandhill. He was originally from Leitrim mind you so not far from home.

So you weren't living in Watford during the Graham Taylor "glory" years?

[Sligo Hornet]

Only decent Sligo Rovers player I can remember from my League of Ireland days is David Pugh. Have an affinity for Sligo though as my brother was born there during the year my dad (with family)was transferred at work to Strandhill. He was originally from Leitrim mind you so not far from home.

So you weren't living in Watford during the Graham Taylor "glory" years?

Yes I was......season ticket holder for over 30 years:eek:

[cheifo]

Ipswich could be a good bet for the championship this year if two things happen.
1)Jim Magilton spends his new found wealth wisely come the transfer window
and 2)they improve away from home.Must check out the current odds actually:)

[OwlsFan]

True. 100% at home and yet to win on the road. Certainly scoring a lot of goals

[Lionel Ritchie]

I'd agree with you, Jebus, on Bryan Robson, hopeless manager.

Surely there isn't a worse manager out there trading off a reputation earned entirely as a player?

I do sometimes still ponder what might've been if the guy could've only feigned even half arsed competence at Middlesbrough when Fergie was thinking of retiring and he was being touted as the logical successor.
He could've done 20 years worth of damage at Man U before they found him out.:(

[jebus]

Wednesday earned a plucky draw against QPR yesterday thanks to Lee Grant. Delighted for Grant as I haven't been that convinced by him, think he sometimes looks a bit nervous in goals, so a performance like that should do him the world of good. As for Kingdom Hoop's precious Rangers, well it looked like the club has turned a corner I think, I'll happily retract my prediction that you lot will be relegated this year, Wednesday are still going to win me that €50 though! :p

[OwlsFan]

Judging by what's happened at Derby, if I was a Championship manager I'd look to get to the play offs and lose and then I'd keep my job. Because, unless I am bank rolled like at Sunderland, my team won't progress in the Premiership and I'll be sacked.

[sadloserkid]

unless I am bank rolled like at Sunderland, my team won't progress in the Premiership and I'll be sacked.

Sunderland are making a good fist of proving that money doesn't assure you of survival by any stretch.

[OwlsFan]

Some interesting results last night. Watford's long ball game is starting to falter. Blades win away at Charlton and Owls continue their winning ways at home to Barnsley. Great run after losing the first 6 in a row :rolleyes: QPR still in a mess (sorry Kingdomhoop).

[kingdom hoop]

QPR still in a mess (sorry Kingdomhoop).

:) Thanks. Pity is often all I have to draw on!

Yeah, lost 3-1 away to brutish Stoke. Unfortunately the manly coal miners style out-muscled our delicate continental approach. Encouragingly, it was 2-0 at half time and then QPR went down to ten men after 47 odd minutes and actually dominated the game for 20 minutes, scoring a goal and going with a positive 4-3-2 formation that shows the manager might be quite decent. Alas, the defence is weak. Needs serious strengthening in the January sales. Hopefully Wednesday won't be too far adrift at that stage so QPR can mount a dramatic latter half of the season overtaking manoeuvre to agonisingly deprive Jebus of a €50 that he'd only waste on Owls Monthly, his toenails, or other such unworthy rubbish.

[OwlsFan]

Your new manager any relation to the great Paulo di Canio?

[kingdom hoop]

I'm afraid he's one of the D-E Canios. His grandfather is said to be of farming stock from back beyond Lyrecrompane, on the road to Knocknagoshel, near Dan Paddy Andy's Cross actually.




All places names are genuine Kerry places, however whether the De Canios of that air-ee-a are related is awaiting confirmation.

[OwlsFan]

Are you sure he's not one of the O'Cannios late of Aglish, Annagh, Ardfert and Ballincuslane with cousins in Ballinvoher, Ballyconry, Ballyduff, Ballyheige, Ballymacelligott, Ballynacourty, Ballynahaglish, Ballyseedy, Brosna and Caher and grant aunts in Castleisland, Cloghane, Clogherbrien, Currans, Dingle, Dromod, Duagh, Dunquin, Dunurlin, Dysert, Fenit, Finuge, Galey, Garfinny, Glanbehy, Kenmare, Kilbonane, Kilcaragh, Kilcaskan, Kilcolman, Kilconly, Kilcredane, Kilcrohane, Kilcummin, Kildrum, Kilfeighny, Kilflyn, Kilgarrylander, Kilgarvan, Kilgobban, Killaha and third cousins in Killahan, Killarney, Killeentierna, Killehenny, Killemlagh, Killinane, Killiney, Killorglin, Killury, Kilmalkedar, Kilmoyly, Kilnanare, Kilnaughtin, Kilquane, Kilshenane, Kiltallagh and nephews in Kiltomy, Kinard, Knockanure, Knocknane, Lisselton, Listowel, Marhin, Minard, Molahiffe, Murher, Nohaval, Nohavaldaly, O'Brennan, O'Dorney, Prior, Ratass, Rattoo and 4th cousins once removed on the outskirts of Stradbally, Templenoe, Tralee, Tuosist, Valencia and Ventry?

[Bluebeard]

I'm afraid he's one of the D-E Canios. His grandfather is said to be of farming stock from back beyond Lyrecrompane, on the road to Knocknagoshel, near Dan Paddy Andy's Cross actually.




All places names are genuine Kerry places, however whether the De Canios of that air-ee-a are related is awaiting confirmation.

Would he be anything to Michael, or "Mick" De Canio that bought the pig the other year?

[CollegeTillIDie]

I'd love to see Wolves go up and Sunderland come down ! :D

[OwlsFan]

I'd love to see Wolves go up and Sunderland come down ! :D

I'd love to see Wolves go up and Sunderland stay up after they sack their manager ;) Lot of Irish players at Sunderland whom I'd prefer to see making a career for themselves in the Premiership.

Keogh seems to have lost his place at Wolves or is he injured do you know?

[Sligo Hornet]

Another night of strange results!...glad we got back on winning ways:)

Just goes to show that Watford,( having only won once in 6 games yet remained top of the pile! ) and any of the other contenders, couldn't even compete with the like of Derby!!

If Watford win the league, I would prefer us to take half the money and stay put.

[OwlsFan]

Keogh seems to have lost his place at Wolves or is he injured do you know?

He missed a peno against Barnsley last night as Wolves lost 1-0. I think it was he but the commentators on Sky called the guy Key-oh so perhaps it wasn't he.

[Stuttgart88]

Sure was Andy Keogh unfortunately.

Plenty of Irish making an impact in that league. Clinton is on fire, JJ O'Toole 2 in 2 games, McCann, Best, Reid, Holland, Burgess and others on the scoresheet in the last week.

[shakermaker1982]

Andy Reid is too good for that division, I wouldn't be surprised to see Keane make a move for him in the January transfer window. Every Charlton match report from the guardian highlights how well Reidy is doing - fingers crossed he stays injury free and gets another crack at the PL.

[OwlsFan]

But why would he make it now when he didn't make it at Spurs? I think he's in limbo land between the two. Too good for one, not quite good enough for the other.


Sure was Andy Keogh unfortunately.

I knew that. Just slagging the way the English always pronouce Keogh ;)

[OwlsFan]

Watched Wolves vs Burnley today on Sky. Owen Coyle for Ireland manager ?? :D A lot of Irish on display and although it was a good game, none really impressed. Elliott in particular, despite scoring from a peno, was otherwise anonymous. Mahon did ok in midfield for Burnley who play good football and were the better side and won.

[OwlsFan]

Then watched Stoke vs Watford. One of the worst games I have ever seen. Wolves vs Burnley was different class compared to that game and Watford are top of the Championship :confused:

[shakermaker1982]

But why would he make it now when he didn't make it at Spurs? I think he's in limbo land between the two. Too good for one, not quite good enough for the other.

I think Reid would become the main man at Sunderland (as he is at Charlton) and I think this brings the best out of him whereas at Spurs he was just another player. It's like being a big fish in a small pond - some players prefer that and can thrive in those conditions. Take them out of that environment and they struggle (Reid at Spurs, Clough at Liverpool and Birtles at Man Utd). Reidy also did well for Charlton last season in the PL before injuries kicked in, I'm confident he has the ability to make a living in the PL if he stays fit and healthy.

[Sligo Hornet]

Then watched Stoke vs Watford. One of the worst games I have ever seen. Wolves vs Burnley was different class compared to that game and Watford are top of the Championship :confused:

I was at the game........couldn't disagree.....absolute dire!:o...shows the gap between the Championship and the Premier League has broadened substantially!

[OwlsFan]

Another home defeat for the Hornets and another last minute goal conceded by Wednesday. Sean Scannel did the damage. He one of ours?

[dublin_owl]

Apparently born in London, but has represented us at under 17 and under 18 level. Still only 17!

Initial reports about Frankie Simeks injury are not good either, and with Johnsons loan running out imminenetly and Richard Woood still out our defence is looking very frail :(

[Stuttgart88]

Another home defeat for the Hornets and another last minute goal conceded by Wednesday. Sean Scannel did the damage. He one of ours?Did you see his goal? Really clever chip/lob over the keeper from an angle.

[OwlsFan]

Did you see his goal? Really clever chip/lob over the keeper from an angle.

I saw it :( Does one ever admire a goal scored against the team one supports no matter how good? Clinton got the other one as well. Infamy, infamy, the Irish have it infamy!!

[Sligo Hornet]

Another home defeat for the Hornets and another last minute goal conceded by Wednesday. Sean Scannel did the damage. He one of ours?

:eek:God we were clueless.......no wins at home since October!.......only hope we will get enough points to STAY UP!:o

[OwlsFan]

God we were clueless.......no wins at home since October!.......only hope we will get enough points to STAY UP!

Still good enough to win away :(:(

[Sligo Hornet]

Still good enough to win away :(:(


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

[jebus]

Wednesday should have enough in the locker to be safe

Depends what happens regarding us possibly going into admin during January, if that happens and we lose the likes of Whelan, Spurr and Johnson we could be in big trouble. We need to start picking up points against the likes of Hull and we need to do it fast in my book (tomorrow in fact! :))

[OwlsFan]

Spurr!! The guy is hopeless. I'd be very sad to see Whelan go though. In fact if he goes, Wednesday will be relegated.

[jebus]

Spurr!! The guy is hopeless.

Why do people keep saying that?! I actually quite like him, although he hasn't come on in the last two seasons as I thought he would. Since you dislike him though Owlsfan you'll be sad to hear that we turned down a 500k offer for him from QPR :)