UK Pre season thread

[Hibs4Ever]

Just scored a hat trick for Newcastle against Hartlepool. Hopefully he can have an injury free season and continue this form

[Scram]

C'mon the Duffer. If there was ever an Irish player I hoped would make a comeback to his best form it's Damian. Just looking at him, you think he's the runt that made it.

[NeilMcD]

http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1347346,00.html#continue

[GavinZac]

It's a promising sign if he's rediscovered his scoring touch.

They only won 4-1 too, it's not as if everyone was scoring goals for fun either.

He was playing against a league one side, so his performance means nothing, right?

[SkStu]

cheese pizza, chicken fingers and lots of sleep - a recipe for success.

[tetsujin1979]

Saw the goals on Sky Sports News. Duff seemed to be playing off the right, and got the assist on Guthrie's goal.
Goals on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lyoA_hRfFs
Keegan's reaction here: http://www.skysports.com/video/0,20285,12606_3839197,00.html

[beautifulrock]

key it would seem is that Duffer has been able to get a full pre season in, certainly it looks like and as KK pointed out his weight is down and he actually looks fit. Fingers crossed he will find some form.

[tetsujin1979]

Anthony Stokes set up Roy O'Donovan and scored the final goal in Sunderland's 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon.

Stokes and O'Donovan came off the bench at half time, along with Graham Kavanagh. Andy Reid started the game, and was substituted at half time

Any chance we can get this merged with the Damien Duff thread?

[irishultra]

Nice finish by O'Donovan.

[FootballsKing]

Daryll Murphy started the game and was largely nowhere to be seen and outclassed.

Stokes was excellent by all accounts a goal and two assists, the best ive seen him play in some time, sent the left full up the creek without a paddle for O Donovans goal

[elroy]

Was duffer not transfer listed earlier this summer?? What he needs is a good clear run injury free for him to have any chance of getting back to his best?

[tetsujin1979]

Was duffer not transfer listed earlier this summer??
He was linked with West Ham, but I don't think he was ever transfer listed. Newcastle have a small squad at the moment, and I don't see them selling many players before the transfer window closes

[third policeman]

He was linked with West Ham, but I don't think he was ever transfer listed. Newcastle have a small squad at the moment, and I don't see them selling many players before the transfer window closes

I was hoping Celtic would cash in on McGeady and buy Duffer, Finnan, Scholes and McFadden - give us a core of experienced players for The Champions League. Would have been a nice bit of business, but instead we get Samaras:eek:

[shakermaker1982]

I was hoping Celtic would cash in on McGeady and buy Duffer, Finnan, Scholes and McFadden - give us a core of experienced players for The Champions League. Would have been a nice bit of business, but instead we get Samaras:eek:

Scholes??? :D

Duff needs to wrap himself in cotton wool for the next 3 months........touch wood because we'll need him on form if we have any chance of qualifying.

[third policeman]

[quote=shakermaker1982;985406]Scholes??? :D


Yeah. I reckon he's achieved what he wants at UTD and will probably struggle to hold down a regular place this season. But its not going to happen. He'll probably end ou playing for Sunderland when he's 47 and Keane has guided them into the Vodkat Laegue.

[eirebhoy]

Sunderland highlights:

m2fVhCjre24

[shakermaker1982]

[quote=shakermaker1982;985406]Scholes??? :D


Yeah. I reckon he's achieved what he wants at UTD and will probably struggle to hold down a regular place this season. But its not going to happen. He'll probably end ou playing for Sunderland when he's 47 and Keane has guided them into the Vodkat Laegue.

I'd say Scholes has 1 more season left in him and then he'll retire for good. Man Utd wouldn't let him go just yet - he will play in all the big games if fit with Anderson playing in the rest.

[kev mcq]

Saw the goals on Sky Sports News. Duff seemed to be playing off the right, and got the assist on Guthrie's goal.
Goals on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lyoA_hRfFs
Keegan's reaction here: http://www.skysports.com/video/0,20285,12606_3839197,00.html

:confused: No he didn't. Whoever passed the ball to guthrie was wearing white boots and it wasn't much of an assist anyway, a 2 yard pass from a free. Worldbeating stuff

[tetsujin1979]

:confused: No he didn't. Whoever passed the ball to guthrie was wearing white boots and it wasn't much of an assist anyway, a 2 yard pass from a free. Worldbeating stuff
sorry, got it backwards, Guthrie got the assist on Duff's goal

[Razors left peg]

[quote=third policeman;985412]

I'd say Scholes has 1 more season left in him and then he'll retire for good. Man Utd wouldn't let him go just yet - he will play in all the big games if fit with Anderson playing in the rest.

If Scholes was going to play for anyother club after United he would probably play for Oldham.Think he said earlier in his career that he would like to finish his career there since he supported them as a boy

[minty]

scholes def has another 2 seasons with united left in himand then probably head to sunderland when he's past it

[zenokelly]

I only saw the last few minutes of the Orlando Pirates - Man U match, but Dean Saunders gave MOTM to Darron Gibson.

It will be interesting to see whether Fergie keeps him at Old Trafford or loans him out this season. I think that this is the season that will decide whether his future will be at Old Trafford or not. I think he has a decent future from what I've seen of him, a good passer of the ball.

[theworm2345]

Garry Breen scored for Hereford United :)

[rambler14]

I only saw the last few minutes of the Orlando Pirates - Man U match, but Dean Saunders gave MOTM to Darron Gibson.

It will be interesting to see whether Fergie keeps him at Old Trafford or loans him out this season. I think that this is the season that will decide whether his future will be at Old Trafford or not. I think he has a decent future from what I've seen of him, a good passer of the ball.

Gibson had a brilliant game. His passing range was fantastic. Other than that I thought Wes Brown and Carlos Tevez were very good.

It was Paul Parker who gave him Man of the Match not Dean Saunders.

[eirebhoy]

McGeady gave Luke Young a tough game tonight. Beat him a few times to set up all of Celtic's chances in the first half. Not so good in the 2nd though.

[tetsujin1979]

O'Dea was badly at fault for Middlesbrough's goal though, awful back pass beyond Balde to let in Aliadiere

[theworm2345]

Jon Macken had a brace for Barnsley

[zenokelly]

Gibson had a brilliant game. His passing range was fantastic. Other than that I thought Wes Brown and Carlos Tevez were very good.

It was Paul Parker who gave him Man of the Match not Dean Saunders.

Sorry, Dean was doing the Liverpool game, my mistake:p:p

[dr_peepee]

I only saw the last few minutes of the Orlando Pirates - Man U match, but Dean Saunders gave MOTM to Darron Gibson.

It will be interesting to see whether Fergie keeps him at Old Trafford or loans him out this season.


I read he's going to Sheffield United on a season long loan...

[co. down green]

I read he's going to Sheffield United on a season long loan...

I think its likely that he will go out on loan this season

Fergie's latest comments (http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB0 69%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=6614415) on Darron Gibson.

"Darron Gibson went to Wolves last season and injuries, as well as a family bereavement, derailed his time there. He needs to get football – he’s a big, powerful lad with good feet and he has a chance".

[tetsujin1979]

Shane Long scored the winner in Noel Hunt's debut game for Reading against Lerkils IF in Sweden: http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1351841,00.html
Stephen Hunt was a second half sub, no sign of Kevin Doyle

[co. down green]

Shane Long scored the winner in Noel Hunt's debut game for Reading against Lerkils IF in Sweden: http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1351841,00.html
Stephen Hunt was a second half sub, no sign of Kevin Doyle

Doyle picked up an injury (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide2/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer/08/07/19/manual_180826.html&TEAMHD=nationwide2) against MK Dons

Says he's staying (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/football/teams/r/reading/7528197.stm) at Reading

"I cannot predict the future, but unless the manager sells me I will be here."

[tetsujin1979]

Anthony Stokes got 2, Roy O'Donovan and Daryl Murphy got one each in Sunderland's 4-0 win over Cobh at Turner's Cross: http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=15304&fixture=1087&t=3

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Alan Judge played in the starting line up on the right wing for Blackburn and was widely seen as the only positive on Blackburns's messages boards after our resounding 4-2 win on Saturday - appears to be full of running and apparently skinned our left back a couple of times. Still only 19, midfielder/forward with 7 in 15 for the reserves last season might see him edge through this season. Keith Treacy also came on as sub.

From Wolves perspective, Foley and Keogh were up for MOTM displays - Kevin Foley was meant to have been excellent having kept Pedersen out of the game, Keogh was lively scoring a poachers goal (something his game needs more of) and even Stephen Ward appears to be winning over his knockers having a good game at left wing where he is preferred for his strength, aerial threat from set pieces and ability to join in with the forwards - seems a lot more mobile this season having watched him against Wrexham - although is more a natural striker (would be good to see him progress like Jon Walters though.

Roll on next weekend.

[tetsujin1979]

Saw the first half of Newcastle's 1-0 loss to Mallorca. Given didn't play at all. Duff started on the left. Took a while to get into the game, as did most of the Newcastle team, but there was a lot of the old Duff-style play, taking on opponents with the ball, beating them, and trying to get in crosses. Unfortunately they were playing with Alan Smith up front alone, so the crosses weren't much use. He moved in to the centre as the half progressed, and finished in the outside right position towards the end of the half. He had one decent chance to score when he collected the ball on the far corner of the penalty area with his back to goal, turned and shot wide. Didn't see the second half, but according to the official site, he played the full 90 minutes.
According to my Newcastle following friend, he had the best chance of their 1-0 loss to Doncaster, when he beat half the team, got clean through, and shot straight at the keeper.
Incidentally, that was Newcastle's third 1-0 loss on the bounce in pre season. And their first game is against Man United at Old Trafford. Could be a long season for the Geordies.

[zackmorris]

Yeah, Judge seems to be impressing at Rovers and has featured in all the pre-season games and he seems to be impressing paul ince:

http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10303~1357614,00.html

[seanfhear]

Sunderland highlights:

m2fVhCjre24
excellent video but I could not understand a word those mackem commentaters were saying.

[youngirish]

Yeah, Judge seems to be impressing at Rovers and has featured in all the pre-season games and he seems to be impressing paul ince:

http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10303~1357614,00.html

Good news. It would be nice to see Judge, S Reid, Duff, Nolan and Treacy all playing in the Blackburn first team by the end of the season. Stranger things have happened.

[musicinmouth]

Apparently Darren Gibson scored a 30-yard screamer for United against Peterborough United tonight... United won 2-0.

Also, Owen Garvan scored for Ipswich when they lost 5-3 against West Ham... Think he signed a new contract there today too. And Alan Lee scored for them too.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04082008/58/premier-league-friendlies-united-posh.html

[co. down green]

Apparently Darren Gibson scored a 30-yard screamer for United against Peterborough United tonight... United won 2-0.

Also, Owen Garvan scored for Ipswich when they lost 5-3 against West Ham... Think he signed a new contract there today too. And Alan Lee scored for them too.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04082008/58/premier-league-friendlies-united-posh.html

Nice goal from Gibson (http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6615356&page=1)

Goal HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh-QLBxFg8k)

[rambler14]

Goal HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh-QLBxFg8k)

What a goal!:eek:

John O'Shea was captain:eek::D

[mackannovic]

http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10303~1357614,00.html

[eirebhoy]

Celtic v Man City on Setanta Ireland at 7.45. A few Irish players likely to feature.

[eirebhoy]

Celtic v Man City on Setanta Ireland at 7.45. A few Irish players likely to feature.
O'Dea has probably been Celtic's best player in the first half (not much competition though). Himself and partner Cuthbert are doing really well.

[Irish_Praha]

Apparently Given made a few outstanding saves last night against PSV. Good to hear he is back on form. Hope he can put his injury troubles behind him and that we can rely on him for the next two campaigns.

[tetsujin1979]

Daryl Murphy was among the goals as Sunderland trounced Athlone 6-0: http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=15393&fixture=1084&t=2
Anthony Stokes played as well, and hit the bar, Liam Miller started and was substituted at half time.

[tetsujin1979]

Glen Whelan took the corners that led to both Stoke's goals in their 2-2 draw with Osasuna. Rory Delap scored the second, but apparently he didn't know too much about it!
Match report on Stoke's site here: http://www.stokecityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~1361806,00.html

[dr_peepee]

Good news. It would be nice to see Judge, S Reid, Duff, Nolan and Treacy all playing in the Blackburn first team by the end of the season. Stranger things have happened.

I don't want to see duff anywhere near Blackburn. I'd like to see him away from Newcastle but Blackburn are at a fork in the road now that can go either way. There are stabler clubs that could provide a more productive offering for him (and by ascotiation, us)

[Bungle]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7549022.stm

wilson in the portsmouth squad and gibson in the man u squad for charity shield.

[rambler14]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7549022.stm

wilson in the portsmouth squad and gibson in the man u squad for charity shield.

I'm looking forward to see the Da Silva brothers in action i've heard great things about them especially Rafael.