Man United - 17th EPL Championships

Manchester United confirmed their tag as the favourite to win the 2007/2008 English Premier League championship by toppling Wigan away with goals coming from the boy wonder, Cristiano Ronaldo and the veteran, Ryan Giggs.

With this win, Man United has claimed their 17th English championship.

Man United opened their account to reclaim their championship via a penalty shot by Cristiano Ronaldo. It did send Chris Kirkland the wrong direction.

On the 80th minute, Ryan Giggs who came on as a substitute for Park Ji-Sung, was fed with a through ball by Wayne Rooney right inside the penalty box. With his cool composure, he slotted in the goal that confirmed the championship.






All the hype from Chelsea that they would overtake Man United on the last day of the season came to naught when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home. Their misery was compounded when their captain, John Terry, was stretchered off. Let's hope that he doesn't come back for the UEFA Champions League final on 21 May to be held in Moscow. Wahhhhhhhhh, how come you have such thinking on another human being .................... for now, I'm a Man United supporter. Couldn't care less about his health ............. hehehe

Just one more win will cap a remarkable season for Man United. I could still recall the last 3 minutes of the 1999 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Football fans from other clubs kept their distance from me to avoid further berating from me ..... hahaha. Personal experience - I can find many anti-Man United people on this face of the earth. You seldom hear of anti-Liverpool, anti-Chelsea or anti-Arsenal people but you can bump into many anti-Man United anywhere. Due to jealousy on Man United's success?

I think the sales for today's Star newspapers would be quite bad as the headlines on the front and back pages highlighted Man United's success with big pictures. Anti-Man United people would definitely curse such publicity for such a club. That's my club for the last 26 years.
Tags: Manchester United, Man United, Man U, English Premier League, EPL, Football, Soccer, UEFA Champions League, Chelsea

Favourites for Champions League Final

With the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals to be played next Tuesday and Wednesday night, football fans have cast their votes in selecting which of the probable two teams that would line up in Moscow, Russia for the finals. Here goes:-

Out of 79,133 football fans' votes, Man Utd's the favourite to be featured in upcoming finals. If that's the case, it will be the first all-english teams finals.

Tags: Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Football, Soccer, UEFA Champions League, Moscow

Arsenal's End of Season Dinner Dance

ARSENAL F.C.
End of Season Dinner Dance

Starter
Egg on Face
Seasoned Hash
Frogs legs (past their best)
Spanish Surprise (well beaten)

Main course
Humble Pie
Chump Chops
French (has) Beans
Manager's Beef (not rare)
Catch of the Day - (gutted)
NB: everything is imported, nothing is home grown.

Dessert
Sour Grapes (may be hard to swallow)
Fruitless Tarts
Raspberry Fools
Hard Cheese

Drinks
Bitter
Little Spirit
French Whine
Cabernet Empty 2008
Champagne - sorry none ordered
STRICTLY NO DOUBLES OR TREBLES

NB: drinks should be consumed from glasses as there will be no cups this year.

Guests are asked not to get HAMMERED

Guest speakers: Steven Gerrard & Rafa Benitez - 'What it's like to win the European Cup'

Please note that the club’s European Tour for the season 2008-09 is not guaranteed.
Tags: Arsenal, Dinner Dance, Steven Gerrard, Rafa Benitez, European Cup

Man United in Champions League Semis

This was Carlos Tevez's header that sent Manchester United through to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and will face Barcelona at Nou Camp first on 22 Apr 2008.

AS Roma couldn't break down Man United's defence even with a gifted penalty. Man United played with a 4-5-1 formation which is quite defensive with only Carlos Tevez playing upfront.

I predict that with Man United's hot form and hot players, they will overcome Barcelona and meet Liverfool in the finals to be held in Moscow, Russia next month.

Man United is on form right now and when you can't beat them or worry about their domination, you destroy them by buying their best player. Real Madrid has sounded that they would place a bid of £100million (more than RM630million) for Cristiano Ronaldo. This amount is similar to an oil production plant which could produce 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Work that figure out at the current oil price of US$112 per barrel.

Man United knew that they have to place a higher price on Ronaldo's head in order to keep him at their club. Rumours are flying around that he would be offered a £140,000 per week salary package plus many other benefits. Will he accept that package or try out Real Madrid's offer?

Reading: Reports claim record Ronaldo bid - Skysports
Reading: Ron Hijack Threat - Sport of the World
Reading: Ronaldo will laugh all the way to the bonk - News of the World
Tags: Manchester United, Man U, Man United, Man Utd, Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo, UEFA Champions League, AS Roma, Barcelona, Nou Camp, Liverpool, Football, Soccer

Football Bookies in Asia

When it comes to a major football tournament, I would get to see many people putting bets on matches being played on that night or nights to come. Heard of friends' offices that organised betting pools for a particular match or bet on tournament winner only.

During those same period, I have seen football bookies sitting in restaurants accepting bets via phone calls openly. Curiously, I did ask them what was the bet like for that match that we were watching. Many ways of betting quoted by him. Didn't place any though but he did ask me "want to bet or not?" ........... haha. Friendly guy anyway, maybe need to as to maintain good public relation.

The Interpol are getting ready for the coming Euro 2008 that would be held during June/July 2008 and the crackdown on football bookies were discussed in their Global Conference on Asian Organised Crime in Singapore recently. "Football bookies, here we come" - that could be Interpol's theme for 2008.

Wondering whether Interpol was involved in the on-going African Nations Cup? Benin's coach, Reinhard Fabisch, has publicly announced that he was approached by an African representative on behalf of a Singapore based syndicate. Later, his team lost 1-0 to Mali. Were his players on the take?

Have you placed any bets for the African Nations Cup? With Euro 2008 coming, I'm sure many one-off gamblers who are football fans would be placing tons of monies. As for me, would be grabbing lots of titbits in anticipation of those late night matches and maybe pop in lots of vitamin B.

It was such menace that made me lost interest in Malaysian football. Since the massive crackdown in the 1990s on dozens of players in the main local league, I have gave up hope on Malaysian football. With the pathetic display by the Malaysian football team in international matches, I found it hard to even read about it.

Somehow, Asian bookies tend to be at the forefront when major football tournaments are being organised.

Reading: Interpol cracks down on football betting - Stars
Tags: Football Bookies, Match Fixing, Interpol, Asian, Asian Bookies, Bookies, Bets, Gambling, Betting, Betting Syndicates, Football Betting, Football Gambling, Football, Soccer, Euro 2008, African Nations Cup, Malaysian Football, Reinhard Fabisch

Chelsea Blasted FIFA

Chelsea has sounded out that the ridiculous African Nations Cup being played at Ghana in the month of January/February 2008 as being crazy. Their Chairman, Bruce Buck, has blasted FIFA to deal with the tournament's schedule.

Why oh why Chelsea? Why the sudden call for a change of dates? Can a club which has a rich owner change another continenent's tournament schedule just to fit one club? How come Chelsea felt that brunt of this tournament?

One conclusion - you guys don't have a balanced team in this case. Harry Redknapp, the manager of Portsmouth did mention the same issue as Portsmouth will lose the services of at least 5 African players. You have contracted the players without proper planning of future tournaments that could affect your team's selection. Arsenal will lose 2 players too. Hopefully Man Utd can capitalise on this.......hehe!

Next time, hire only players who are not full international players and you won't have to deal with such an issue. So, if you have been lousy with your planning and purchases, don't try to shift the blame to others.
Tags: Chelsea, Bruce Buck, Harry Redknapp, Portsmouth, FIFA, African Nations Cup, Ghana, Africa, Football, Soccer

Buying an English Football Club

Any interest in owning an English club in one of the world's hottest football league? It's still not too late.

The members of a football fans' website called MyFootballClub website has actually gathered together in an unprecedented move to buy a majority percentage of an English football club by the name of Ebbsfleet United.

The forum members of the MyFootballClub website, numbering to 20,000 each contributed £35 to a fund which made up to £700,000.

With this deal done, the 20,000 members have an indirect ownership of Ebbsfleet United (formerly known as Gravesend & Northfleet), which plays in the Blue Square Premier League. Their indirect ownership don't just stop there. Each of the 20,000 members has a say on the club's future transfers, player selection, all major decisions and an option to buy all the club for a fixed price in future. You can still join their business venture - click here.

Maybe this idea could also work in Malaysia to overcome the unsuccessful Malaysian football situation.

Reading: Unique takeover as fans website buys club - Soccernet

Tags: Football, Soccer, Business, English Football Club, Ebbsfleet United, MyFootballClub, Blue Square Premier League, Gravesend & Northfleet

Jose Mourinho is Gone

Wondering how are Chelsea fans feeling right now after enjoying 3 years of good football.




With their flamboyant manager, Jose Mourinho, leaving Chelsea abruptly it may dampen the motivation level amongst the players. I'm really looking to this coming weekend's match between Man Utd and Chelsea. What will Avram Grant implement with him being put in charge of the team temporary.

Jose issued a statement yesterday in view of his departure from Chelsea. If you read the statement, you will note that he didn't thank Roman Abramovich or even the management. He did mention that he was proud with his work at Chelsea.

He thanked the club supporters and players and most incredibly, his children's school teachers. What has the school teachers got to do with Chelsea???

Chelsea, Chelsea........... I sms'ed' a friend of mine, die hard Chelsea fan - "My condolence, Jose Mourinho has been sacked" early yesterday morning. Till now, no response from him ..... hehe

One of Malaysia's best football pundits, Serbegeth Singh aka Shebby, still dare to predict that Chelsea will beat Man Utd at Old Trafford this weekend. Let's see.
Tags: Chelsea, Jose Mourinho, Roman Abramovich, Football, Soccer

Arrival of Mega Stars in LA

With David Beckham and Victoria Adams appearing in Los Angeles owing to David's football career with his new team, Los Angeles Galaxy, it has turned Los Angeles into a paparazzi gathering once again.

His wife was also known as Posh Spice in the Spice Girls' team may well enjoy the publicity that she's getting now. Looks like Spice Girls would be launching a world tour again.

W Magazine has paid an undisclosed amount just to get the couple to pose in their August 2007's issue. Considered as new American Idols by now?

Even in yesterday's friendly football between LA Galaxy and Chelsea, where Chelsea won 1-0, David's 2nd half appearance was the main highlight.

And the following superstars (that were sighted) appeared at the LA Galaxy's football stadium trying to understand the frenzy being caused by David - Eva Longoria / Katie Holmes / Jennifer Love Hewitt / Drew Carey / Brian Grazer / Arnold Shwarzenegger / John Hurt / Ray Winstone. Some were said to be watching their first football/soccer match in their life.

Reading: Beckhams begin their American invasion - MSNBC

Reading: 20 things you didn't know about The Beckhams - NY Daily News

Tags: David Beckham, Victoria Adams, Victoria Beckham, Beckhams, Posh Spice, Spice Girls, Football, Soccer, W Magazine, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Galaxy, Chelsea

MySpace Man Utd

In a bid to reach the masses, Manchester United has even created a official website under MySpace at www.myspace.com/manutd.

In the said MySpace, you could see the friends added with their many pictures. You could view Man Utd fans' pictures in their favourite jersey. You could give your view on the happenings in Man Utd, e.g. their recent signings.

Facebook and Friendster next in line???

Tags: Manchester United, Man Utd, MU, Football, MySpace, Facebook, Friendster

Malaysia Tour Game Called Off

Manchester United regrets to announce that it has not been possible to resolve the difficulties over the proposed game in Malaysia on 27 July.

The Club was honoured to be invited by the Malaysian Government to play in the game to mark the country's 50 years of independence and regrets the fact that it will not be able to play in front of thousands of its fans in the country. The Club is currently considering a number of options and will make an announcement as quickly as possible on any alternative arrangements.

David Gill, Chief Executive, said: "It is very frustrating that the Club was not previously aware of the legally binding contract between the Asian Football Confederation and the Football Association of Malaysia preventing such games in July." The Club believed that all the relevant permissions for the match had been secured some months ago.

Manchester United has no desire to go against the wishes of the world governing body, FIFA, and as a result, reluctantly has to withdraw from the fixture. "I have written to Ministers and the Crown Prince to express our disappointment. I hope that the strong relationship that has been established between the Club and the Malaysian Government and people will continue and that we will be able to return in more agreeable circumstances in the future."

Tags: Manchester United, Man Utd, Asia Tour 2007, Football, David Gill, AFC, FAM, FIFA

Man Utd - Asia Tour 2007

23/05/2007 13:12, Report by Press Department
Club statement on Malaysia match

Manchester United has had a series of meetings today with the Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) concerning the planned match in Kuala Lumpur on 27 July 2007.

This match is a key element of the Malaysian Government’s celebrations of its 50 years of independence and presents a marvellous opportunity for us to play in front of our many Malaysian fans. Unfortunately new information has come to the Club’s attention today concerning the FAM’s agreement with the AFC to act as host for the Asian Cup, which means the Club cannot play the game without the official approval of the AFC.

The Club hopes that the issues can be resolved by the relevant parties to ensure that this celebration match can take place as planned.

A further announcement will be made in due course.

Reading: United's Malaysia Trip in Doubt - Sky Sports

Tags: Manchester United, Man Utd, Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry, Football Association of Malaysia, FAM, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Asian Cup, Football, Kuala Lumpur

Chelsea Business Tactics

These are examples of how a typical transfer occurs within Chel$ki:-

Typical Transfer no. 1
Mourinho: Hmm...that player that I saw the other day, lets buy him.
Russian Mafia Spy: That was a documentary on Franz Beckenbauer, the West German football legend.
Mourinho: Yeah, yeah spare me the details, offer him some cash so he will play for us.
Russian Mafia Spy: He retired from football like 30 years ago...I doubt he will be for sale
Mourinho: In that case, lets buy another German that begins with a B.
Russian Mafia Spy: Hmm...Ballack?
Mourinho: Sure, whatever, what have we got to lose anyway? Money? (laughs insanely)
Russian Mafia Spy: (laughs maniacally) Good one.

Typical Transfer no. 2
Mourinho: I received some shocking news yesterday. Apparently we are not at the top of the tables in the Premiership? THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!
Russian Mafia Spy: Its been like this the whole season, Man Utd were on top since the beginning...
Mourinho: WHAT!? Why was I not aware of this?
Russian Mafia Spy: Erm...I can think of several reasons, but thats not the point, we need to solve this problem.
Mourinho: Hmmm this should be simple, lemme just check my FIFA 07 on my PC and see which players are the most valuable...lets see...Rooney? Nah he will f*** all the 'Chelsea Pensioners'. Messi? Nah silly name. Hey check this guy out, Salomon Kalou is rated quite high! Lets buy this player!
Russian Mafia Spy: ...He's on our team already...
Mourinho: Fine then... I'll check some good players from the last few seasons... What about this guy?
Russian Mafia Spy: Erm... how long ago have you gone back?!? Jurgen Klinsmann is from ages ago! He just retired from coach of Germany!
Mourinho: Oh.
Shevchenko: Lets buy Kaka, I played with him in AC Milan and I think he is a great player.
Russian Mafia Advisor: Or, how about we get someone who is 10 years older. Either that or we buy a Cole.
Mourinho: I like your thinking Oudya Nickabollockov! Hmmm what about this Pele fellow?
Everyone: *silence*
Tags: Chelsea, Chelski, Jose Mourinho, Roman Abramovich, Russian Mafia, Football, Funny, Humour, Business Tactics

English Premier League Champions

At long last, after a tough fight with Chelsea in the English Premier League 2006/2007 season, Manchester United capped a marvellous season with their 16th league title. (left pic sourced from Man Utd website)

Liverpool still holds the record of 19 league titles. Not far to catch up with them.

Season finale will be the prestigious FA Cup final this coming Saturday, 19 May, against the nemesis, Chelsea.

Wish I was there in the massive celebration. Painting the city in red.
Tags: Manchester United, English Premier League, FA Cup, Chelsea, Liverpool

AFC Criticised Man Utd's Asian Tour

Just when Manchester United has announced that they would be touring Asia in the month of July 2007, the Asian Football Confederation's ("AFC") President has criticised Manchester United 's plan and Sepp Blatter (FIFA's President) joined the bandwagon as well in hitting them.

Why the criticism? The AFC Asian Cup competition will be played in the month of July 2007 also and various matches will be hosted by Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. The AFC Asian Cup finals will be played in Jakarta, Indonesia on 29 July 2007. Co-incidentally, Manchester United was due to play a Malaysian IX selection on 27 July 2007. AFC has stated that Manchester United's tour is in conflict with AFC Asian Cup in July 2007 and will affect the mood in the competition. Moreover, AFC claimed that the Football Association of Malaysia has signed an agreement which states that no competitions will be promoted or organised during the month of July. That's sad.

In the first place, the finals will be played in Jakarta and Manchester United's match in Kuala Lumpur will be played 2 days before the finals' date. Do AFC mean to say that if Manchester United do not come to Malaysia, all the Malaysian football fans will fly over to Jakarta to watch the finals? How does a match in Malaysia affects the whole Asian Cup?

In actual fact (really hope that the AFC's President reads this), even if the finals is held in Kuala Lumpur on 29 July 2007, I won't watch the finals also. It's totally different class. Another nerd that has made comments without thinking how it could really affect the Asian Cup finals. And he can become the President???? Protests and criticisms, published widely in local newspapers, came in too from many football fans in response to AFC's comments.

Reading: AFC Slam Man United - The Stars
Reading: Man United chief 'sad' at AFC over Asian tour - ESPN Soccernet
Tags: Manchester United, AFC, Asian Football Confederation, Asian Tour, AFC Asian Cup, FIFA, Malaysia, Football, FAM, Football Association of Malaysia

PFA Team of the Year

Unbelievable strength/character that Manchester United has shown lately in the English Premier League build up towards the end of the season. Below is the Professional Footballers' Award (PFA) Team of the Year 2006/2007 that saw the whole defence taken by Man Utd's 5 players with 3 midfielders occupying the midfield slots as well.

Tags: Manchester United, English Premier League, Professional Footballers' Award, PFA

Man Utd - Asia Tour

Really glad to hear that Manchester United has arranged for a number of fixtures to be played at Asia during the coming summer break.

Next question, will I be in Malaysia on 27 July 2007??????? That's really heart sick.

Tags: Manchester United, Football, Soccer, Asia Tour 2007

Why Man Utd Will Be EPL Champion?

Why Manchester United will be the English Premier League's 2006/2007 Champion? Just look at the pictures, that were taken during the Thaipusam festival in January 2007. Sorry to disappointment other EPL teams' fans but with such dedication in carrying a kavadi bearing Manchester United's emblem, divine help is definitely helping Manchester United all the way. Treble dream again?

Tags: Manchester United, English Premier League, Football, Thaipusam

Manchester United's United Opus

The ultimate present for soccer fans might be the the massive United Opus which celebrates the history of the Manchester United soccer team. The 850-page book is a limited edition of 10,000 each signed by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton. The book even includes a list of the top players to ever play for the team. Each book weighs over 75 pounds and sells for around £3,000.The United story has been told before - but never with such passion, such depth, such stunning imagery, and certainly never on such an extraordinary scale.

Tags: Manchester United, United Opus, Collection, Limited Edition, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton

FIFA World Player Gala 2006

Shortly after being judged as the best in World Soccer and Ballon d'Or, Fabio Cannavaro was yet again chosen as the best again for the FIFA World Player but the latest recognition was awarded by the world football body i.e. FIFA. The gala was held in the Zurich Opera House where the commemoration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was celebrated as part of Monday evening's entertainment to mark the 250th anniversary of the Austrian composer's birth.

FIFA Women's World Player went to Marta, a Brazilian. (source: FIFA)

Tags: Sports, Football, Soccer, FIFA, FIFA World Player, Zurich Opera House, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Fabio Cannavro, Italy, Marta, Brazil