William Gallas: Should He Stay Or Should He Go?

The day it all came crashing down!

On that faithful day in February 2008 do you remember where you were?

I do! I was in my college abode, going home, home (i.e. to the parents) for the weekend because I had a terrible chest infection.  So there I was, plonked in the couch waiting for my drive – feeling sorry for myself. My housemates felt sorry for me too and said to make me feel better I could turn on Sky Sports and watch Arsenal play while I waited.

Oh, how I wish I hadn’t….

The first bit of commentary I heard was “And we have come to the decision not to show that injury again, it’s so horrific.”

Cue the footage of Eduardo lying on the pitch.

The day only went from bad to worse. Just when it seemed Theo was coming of age, we gave away a penalty that wasn’t which saw our Captain go mad – Gallas was on the halfway line (instead of giving some sort of encouragement to our keeper) kicking the hoardings, shouting and I reckon didn’t even see the penalty hit the back of the net. Gallas then planked his arse on the pitch and Le Boss had to go soothe him into the dressing room after the game.

*Poof* went the three points! *Poof* went Eduardo’s season! *Poof* went our season! *Poof* went Gallas’ time as Captain.

Of course that’s not to mention Gallas’ book where he ripped many of his teammates to shreds – not least Samir Nasri.

Back then, many would have understood if Wenger sold him to the first taker. However, he instead stripped him of the armband and what emerged was a much more mature, more driven Gallas. He became the leader he never was for us as Captain. Toure and Gallas never saw eye to eye. Toure left and Gallas formed a far better partnership at the back with Vermaelen.

Now though his contract is up and we must ask ourselves, is he worth keeping. Should Wenger stop this over 30s nonsense and give Gallas more than a one-year-deal or is it time for Gallas to move onto pastures new.

The simplest way to do this is look at the pros and cons.

Pros:

  • Gallas is experienced. We need experience.
  • He knows what it feels like to win the EPL. We need that winning mentality in our squad. When you win once, you have an even bigger urge to do it again.
  • He has been one of our most consistent performers over the last season and a half.
  • Despite his tantrums, he has become a real leader in the squad. Arsenal lack leaders.
  • He pops in with his fair share of important goals.

Cons:

  • He has become very injury prone (His calf injury could rule him out of the World Cup). Considering his age, it is taking him longer to recover. It is best for Arsenal that he moves on and Wenger is forced into signing a new center back much in the mould of Tomas Vermaelen – mid 20s, experienced, tough, nicks some goals, committed.
  • He is not well liked by the squad – Samir Nasri has openly said so and nothing has been done to refute this statement. Adebayor was causing problems and the squad seemed happier after his departure – would the same happen if Gallas were to leave?
  • He has no problem scoring goals where the ball was “passed” via two handballs and I think tha….. 😳 wrong post 😛

There are many reasons why Gallas should stay or go.

Personally, I think Gallas has been a top defender for us and has formed a good understanding with Vermaelen. However, his injuries do worry me. He has been getting them increasingly over the last two seasons and can no longer be relied upon.

The best situation would be for Gallas to sign a contract extension at the Grove while Wenger also brings in another top class defender so we have three international class center backs. However, this is Arsenal and as I don’t see that happening it might be best that Gallas goes on to pastures new and forces Wenger’s hand into the signing of a new CB.

William Gallas – Should He Stay Or Should He Go? Well, if he goes there could be trouble but if he stays there could be double.

152 Responses to William Gallas: Should He Stay Or Should He Go?

  1. GunnerPete's avatar GunnerPete says:

    Goooooooooo ….asap.

  2. andy's avatar andy says:

    Nice arguments Irish, summed up perfectly at the end. Ideally we keep him as a back-up but unfortunately we all know that if he does stay then we have our defensive signing for the season.

  3. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    let him go! i want new blood…

  4. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    who was it who said gallas to roma done deal a few months ago…. ive forgotton now…. papers are picking up on this story now…
    i definately heard it here first. someone mentioned ranieris agent was at a dinner or something and got talking.

  5. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I’m of the same thinking as you Andy.

    He’s a good player to have around but as I stated I do think he’s too injury prone and if he stays I don’t see Wenger making the big defensive signing me need.

    I also think Gallas wants one last signing on fee.

  6. skarpetek's avatar skarpetek says:

    go go go…

  7. Irishgunner's avatar Irishgunner says:

    I should have put in a poll 😕

  8. You can still put one in if you want

  9. Sorry, morning all

  10. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I created one and tried to put it in but it wouldn’t work 😦

    How did you do the fancy smancy one yesterday Peaches?

  11. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Also word is Theo is not going to the World Cup but suppose we’ll find out soon.

  12. Goonerpower's avatar Goonerpower says:

    Go go go go. Can’t stand him and wish we never got the little dick weed. If there is a god please kill him lol. Bit harsh but you get my drift.

  13. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    cant say id be surprised if theo was omitted – irish

  14. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Neither would I tommy – I watched the England games against Mexico and Japan and he didn’t do enough to warrant a place and in all fairness to Capello he gave him a lot of minutes to stake a claim.

  15. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    that equals no arsenal involvement…. me sir is supporting RVP this year!

  16. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    thats if he aint a crock

  17. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    arshavin has been pitiful fullstop!

  18. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    this town is looking like a ghost town

  19. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I’m going for Holland too – think if they can get well into the knock out stages RVP can be top goalscorer

  20. LB's avatar London says:

    So come on and let me know…..should he stay or should he go.

    Excellent post Irish, really enjoyed it.

    I would like him to stay and share the spot with Djourou. I would also be comfortable with Silvestre as the under study for Vermaelen, with Sol acting as the the belt and Bartley as the braces. If any one of these leaves I would want to see back up bought.

  21. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Cheers London.

    Honestly I’m not happy with what we have. I don’t see Gallas getting through a full season again and I’m not happy with Campbell or Silvestre playing for a prolonged period and its a waiting game to see how Djourou will react to being out for all but a full season.

  22. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    nice one london – i think he has to buy, just from our defensive record with injuries. gallas gets injured a lot, djourou has had a long spell out, vermaelen’s injury was i bet due to having to overplay…. with djorou and gallas not reliable and campbell been like “old”, well i think there is no option unless they have got to the bottom of why we get injured so much or theyre gonna like rebuild our players in wolverine stylee….

  23. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Emile Heskey, striker, 58 caps 7 goals. Rene Higuita, keeper, 68 caps 8 goals. Jose Luis Chilavert, keeper, 74 caps 8 goals… (BBC)

  24. Erfan's avatar Erfan says:

    He MUST goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

  25. Erfan's avatar Erfan says:

    we need one Another NO10

  26. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    I don’t know about Billy G 😉 actually he should go.

    But here you go, this could be the last time any Gooners want to here this

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfj3yImBLuk&feature=related

  27. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    The only one left in this is Arsene Wenger. A bit sad really 😉 A classic case of pictures painting a thousand disappointments, if you ask me. Its just the same each year, & its a real bummer IMO

  28. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I’m giving up on the poll – can’t get it to work 😕

  29. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Hey irish

    I got Setanta on again last night for the World Cup warm ups. Is it also the paddy hurling finals?

    Your mate Kevin Rudd is a dead man walking by the way 😆

  30. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Hiya GG9

    The hurling is just starting up again. Wexford vs Galway was a good game but the Tipp vs Cork was meant to be the big one but turned out to be a damp squib. That was the 1/4finals – Cork have the honour of playing Limerick next – we’ll get hammered 😦 Our team went walkies at the end of last season after they fell out with the manager.

    Ah poor Kevin Rudd – he has lovely hair :mrgreen:

  31. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    IMO Gallas should stay.

    We often talk about mentors in the team for the kids coming through and WG has a PL Winners medal.

    The man is a quality defender, but I can seee the other side of the coin. Given the choice of WG or Hangelaand, I would go with the latter. He dominates the box so much better than WG.

  32. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Manners Raddy…….

    Fine post Irish. Love the musical theme.

  33. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Cheers Raddy.

    Its sitting on the fence but I’ll be happy if he stays and happy if he goes and we bring in a very good replacement – if that makes sense.

  34. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    How did JT’s dad escape with a suspended sentence for supplying cocaine?

  35. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    He’s JT’s dad!!

  36. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Hi Irish,

    Excellent post 😉

    If we buy a CB with enough experience to go straight into the side, and Sol gives us another year – Gallas goes, if we don’t, we should try to keep him but not for the ridiculous wage he is demanding.

  37. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Thanks Rasp 😉

    I think everyone is thinking along the same lines.

  38. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    The word on Sky Sports is that Theo has been left out – I’m not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing?

  39. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    That was the rumour going around this morning and a lot of the journos are agreeing.

    It’ll be tough on him I reckon but it should encourage him to really get his head down and work hard and get back into the squad.

  40. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Midfield 8: Lennon, SWP, Cole, Milner, Carrick, Barry, Gerrard, Lampard

  41. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Just confirmed that Theo is definitely not going.

    The above midfield 8 is from World of Arsenal.

  42. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Yes Irish, it could affect him either way. Hopefully it’ll make him determined to prove them wrong. I honestly believe that taking him to the last WC damaged his development.

  43. LB's avatar London says:

    Wow, how this affects him is going to be very, very interesting.

  44. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Hi London,

    I think he needs to grow some nuts! I hate it when a player looks pleadingly at the ref when he’s tackled, they should be busting a gut to get back and regain possession.

  45. Poor Theo, he’s bigged himself up and now Capello has dropped him. I’m sure Arsene will have encouraging words for him like he did for Nasri.

  46. andy's avatar andy says:

    I’m with you BR on the Hangeland thing. I totally agree that we dont have enough winners and WG is that but if you believe the rumours he’s not well liked or respected by the younger players so i’m not sure what he can teach them.

    I am surprised about Theo not going, gotta be better than Lennon ?

  47. London – are you still about? You taught me how to do the cedilla and the accents on the e on my lap-top and for some reason I’m now getting crotchets instead any ideas?

    This is what I do, press NumLk then Alt and Fn then the number combination.

  48. ChärybdÏß1966's avatar charybdis1966 says:

    Hi all, I think it’s a good thing Theo has been left out. To my mind he always seemed more bothered about playing for England than us and a bit of humility will do him good, after getting an undeserved £60k a week contract, buying his girlfriend a new Ferrari, being selected by Wenger when he doesn’t deserve a starting place and generally getting far too much adulation for his achievements to date to warrant.

    Perhaps Capello is bringing a bit of realism to his career now – play well you get picked, if you don’t its bench time.
    Maybe he’ll concentrate less on writing kiddie books and try harder when he plays for us now?

  49. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Laurent Koscielny is looking like the only possible other signing before the WC starts. It would strengthen our bargaining position with Gallas and Sol if we recruit another CB. Unfortunately he’s not the top-class we would prefer 😦

  50. Max's avatar Max says:

    He is a top class defender . But he is gone because wenger had given him a deadline to sign the extention and he did not.

  51. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Hi chary – harsh but true 😉

  52. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Theo’s made himself look a bit silly by saying that ‘he deserves to go this time’ – obviously Capello doesn’t agree.

    I’ve already had 2 texts from crowing spud fans 😦 maybe they’ll make a DVD of Theo being rejected?

  53. ChärybdÏß1966's avatar charybdis1966 says:

    Hello Raspers, I feel Theo got into a comfort zone from being an automatic selection for us. Hopefully being omitted will give him that spark of anger to play like a man possessed next season and allow him to say to Fabio “You can shove that selection decision up you’re a**e”!

    Also, he’s one of our players he won’t be injured pre season – as long as he keeps away from our training staff, these people are the ones who got 3 of our team injured BETWEEN league games this season.
    I feel simialrly for Nasri – bags of potential but too lazy to do it away from home(and I’m not talking in the John Terry sense.)

  54. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    True chary,

    On a slightly different subject, am I the only one that think it is a bit sick that Arsenal are reporting transfer rumours on the official site? It’s as if we’re that stupid to think what they report hasn’t been sanctioned by the club? They are quoting The Sun as saying we want to buy Gourcuff, how pathetic is that? We can go to a million other sites if we want to read transfer bollox 👿

    http://www.arsenal.com/news/transfer-links/transfer-linked-gourcuff-cole-and-powell?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+%28News+Feed%29

  55. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Yes Rasp it is stupid – “transfer bollox” is exactly what it is and should have no place on an official club website.

  56. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    😆 That Heskey seems like he’s going again.

  57. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    i dont believe that you are on your own about that Rasp.
    the majority of blogs i read are of the same opinion too, arsenal should not be adding to the rumour mill or condoning it.
    Mind you there are plenty of people who think that once a rumour is printed on the arsenal site then that means we definately are’nt after them. So if Gourcuff is on it, then that means we aint after him and cesc must be staying LOL 🙂

  58. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    All I can think is that the inclusion of Heskey highlights the completely different perspective top managers seem have on players compared to the fans. I would have rather had Bent or Walcott.

  59. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I think after his year Bent deserved to go – take Rooney out of England’s frontline and its hardly imposing.

    Defoe blows hot and cold, Crouch is Crouch and goalkeepers score more goals than Heskey!

  60. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    WHAT???

    http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/aaron-ramsey-signs-new-deal-with-arsenal

    This is his THIRD time signing a contract – one when he signed, another last summer and another one NOW.

    WHAT???

    😯

  61. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Well that is a disappointment. I only watch England to see the Arsenal players.

    And having seen SWP & Lennon play for England, it is a shock. And an even bigger shock to Theo. But he has hardly lit up the season, has he?

    The idea of watching a team with the mediocrity of Heskey, Lennon , Crouch, Johnson etc is too much to bear.

    Thankfully, we have France, Holland, Denmark, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Spain etc to watch.

  62. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I’ve decided on the Dutch as my team.

    RvP, RvP, RvP :mrgreen:

  63. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Bent = 3rd highest scorer in premiership
    Walcott = starts for Arsenal, has a decent goals per game ratio for England
    Heskey = can’t get in the Villa side and can’t hit the proverbial barn door

    Having said that, I am beginning to think that being left could be the kick up the behind Theo needs.

  64. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I can see why Capello didn’t take Theo but can’t see why he’s taking Heskey 😕

  65. ChärybdÏß1966's avatar charybdis1966 says:

    While I’m disappointed with Theo’s season to take Heskey INSTEAD of him is complete lunacy. Was it the walley-with-the-brolley who was the last England manager to rate Heskey? If so I can see things turning sour for Capello very quickly.

  66. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Its a bit shit though to be left behind and see SWP go – he’s just as bad.

  67. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Australia 1-0 Denmark

    How’s it going Big Raddy 😆

  68. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    Afternoon all a brief visit.

    I am not entirely surprised at the exclusion of Theo. Maybe he will come good, but if the National coach has to pick the best 23 available, one could have doubts about others, especially King(who never even trains) and there is an argument that neith lennon, SWP otr Walcott have had a consistently good season.

    I wonder how many of the established players in the squad influenced Capello, because in most of the matches that Theo played, he was on many times starved of the ball.

  69. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Hi kelsey,

    That’s a very good point. Theo need the ball threaded through to run on to and it seems that either the England players aren’t good enough to see the pass or it was deliberate.

  70. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    another conspiracy theory or maybe it’s the truth 🙂

  71. kelsey – you took the words right out of my mouth, I was pondering whether other players were influential. I’m sure Rooney gets to say who he wants to play with 😳 Heskey???????????????

  72. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Rooney did try and pass it wide to him a couple of times – that I noticed.

  73. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    ITS GERMANY 1 ENGLAND 0 IN THIS ROUND OF 16 GAME AT THE WORLD CUP 2010. THERE IS 2 MINUTES LEFT ON THE CLOCK. ENGLAND DESPERATELY NEED SOMETHING FROM THE BENCH TO CHANGE THIS GAME.
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    SUB FOR ENGLAND: EMILE HESKEY 😳

    Better luck next time lads.

  74. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    Now we await the effect it will have on theo, give him time to think, have a holiday down in Puero Banus, and then hand in a transfer request because he wants to join Madrid 😉

  75. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I feel this needs to be repeated:

    Emile Heskey, striker, 58 caps 7 goals. Rene Higuita, keeper, 68 caps 8 goals. Jose Luis Chilavert, keeper, 74 caps 8 goals… (BBC)

  76. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Why do I get the feeling you are taking some sadistic pleasure out of this irish? 🙄

  77. ChärybdÏß1966's avatar charybdis1966 says:

    As the Spuds will no doubt put out a DVD showing Theo’s failure to make the England squad should we not do a double DVD for Huddlestone and Dawson’s omission?

  78. ChärybdÏß1966's avatar charybdis1966 says:

    Well said Maire !

  79. ChärybdÏß1966's avatar charybdis1966 says:

    ..I meant about the goalkeepers who’ve outscored Heskey.

  80. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Chary – Would really have taken Bent. He’d provide strength up front and can find the back of the net.

    Surely its a tad embarrassing for a country like England to have Heskey as one of the best four strikers going to the World Cup?

  81. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    I can only think that Capello doesn’t think of him as a striker, but as a ‘striker’s assistant’

  82. ChärybdÏß1966's avatar charybdis1966 says:

    Heskey’s inclusion reminds me of a man Shitty supporter I once knew – she loved watching him play purely for the comedic value of seeing him fall flat on his face whenever he tried a bit of skill or do a “shinner” or a “fresh air kick” whenever he tried to shoot at goal.
    She would always smile, her bright blue eyes would light up playfully and start rolling and the laughter would start whenever she thought of Heskey attempting to be a footballer.
    She’ll be one England fan who’s happy at his inclusion even if it is not for footballing reasons.

  83. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    And Ledley King over Dawson? Are they completely nuts??

    King was a disaster against Mexico. Vela turned him time and time again. King has no pace, cannot train is extremely prone to injury and is half the player he was.

    SWP over Johnson when at club level SWP is a bench player. Why?

    Heskey over Bent? We have a big man in Crouch , do we need another who is terminally goal shy?

    As to Theo, I guess he disappointed in training.

    I think this is one of the most disappointing squads ever.

  84. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    And Denmark went down to GG’s lot…..

    Even with the reserves out , we should beat Oz.

  85. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    3rd Grouch…..

    The ball.

    How can UEFA allow such a thing to happen. All the GK’s and strikers are complaining. How can they introduce a new ball just for this tournament. It is farcical.

    Why haven’t the teams been using the new ball over the past season?

    Just another money maker which is the detriment of the spectator and the players.

  86. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Capello is a good manager though – maybe there is no harm in trusting him?

    I mean look at what Trapattoni has done for us with a very average bunch of players. We went through the whole qualifying series without being beaten and it took a French squad packed full of class on paper to beat us in extra time by dubious means – we did that with a midfield of Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews. No disrespect to the players but it’s hardly Iniesta and Xavi….

  87. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    On paper the Aussies don’t look much but on their day are a tough unit. I went to see them play Ireland last October and they were very good – Cahill was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch.

    The new football is meant to add to the excitement 🙄

  88. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    I agree with you irish re: the septics, they will be very tough opposition for England – I’d settle for a draw

  89. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    We shall see.

    But enough of England. Let us wish them well and concentrate on more important matters.

    Gallas. We have read from many that WG and TV make a superb CB pairing, but the evidence would prove otherwise. They were in partnership for all 4 defeats against MU & the Chavs.

    Perhaps WG is not the right man to partner TV and as I said in an earlier comment, a bigger more commanding but less skillful CB may be the answer

  90. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    That sounds like an argument for Hangeland Raddy.

    The stats (aarrgghhh) also proved that TV became less efficient defensively in the latter half of the season, but that may be because the need to win was accentuated and he ventured forward more.

  91. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    ” BBC Radio 5 live’s Chris Waddle: “A few of the players left out – the likes of Dawson, Parker – have had really good seasons but not been around the England squad enough and probably paid the price for that.”” – But Carragher gets to go? 😕

  92. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Looking at the England squad I realise how good a squad we have at Arsenal.

    Only Hart, Rio JT,Lamps Stevie G and Rooney would get into our squad.

    And only Hart, JT, FL, and Rooney into the first team. Mind you, adding those 4 would make us almost invincible!

  93. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    I would love us to sign Hangeland but he is coming 29. And with AW’s policy for over-30’s I cannot see it happening.

    Hangeland is another FC Copenhagen player we should have signed. And Simon Kjær, Christian Poulsen, Agger (though he played for city rivals Brondby) are others. Of course, our Danish 52 came from FCK.

    Plus Roy Hodgson took FCK to the CL before leaving.

  94. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Do you think Wenger will try and sign this CB from Lorient and keep Gallas?

  95. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Laurent Koscielny is hardly top class, we should aspire to someone better in the same price bracket as TV

  96. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    like mertsacker

  97. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Never heard of him before although I don’t think I’d heard of Vermaelen pre he been linked to us either.

  98. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Koscielny that is not Mertesacker.

  99. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Mertesacker is better

  100. tommystout's avatar tommystout says:

    i got you irish:-)

  101. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    😀

    If Koscielny turns out to be another Vermaelen he’s more than welcome 🙂

  102. ChärybdÏß1966's avatar charybdis1966 says:

    Another summer transfer window and Ramsey signs another contract –it’s that time of year! Will Wenger unveil Rambo as being “like a new signing” now as well as when he returns from injury?

  103. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    I couldn’t see anyone else offering to buy Ramsey until it can be seen how he has reacted to the injury. This seems like a very odd time to give him a new deal – we don’t know what we are getting?

  104. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Only 6’1″. Hope he can jump like TV !

  105. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    These are not good signs. We’re trying to get Koscielny on the cheap as he’s in the last year of his contract, Chamakh was on a free and Ramsey’s been given a new contract ……… sounds like penny pinching to me 😦

  106. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Easy Rasp.

    Early days yet

  107. kelsey's avatar kelsey says:

    I must be seeing things. I am sure i read last week on a blog that Hangeland was signing for us toady.Must have dreamt it.

  108. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Clint Eastwood … 80 yesterday.

    I remember him as Rowdy Yates in Rawhide!

  109. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Penny pinching so we’ve enough for a star player 😉

    Clint Eastwood is 80 😯 – better director than actor imo. Not as cool as Christoper Walken though nobody is …. except maybe Johnny Depp.

  110. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Walken cooler than Clint??? Wash your mouth out woman……

    Perhaps it is a man thing, but I think Depp is vastly over-rated and if it weren’t for the brilliance of computer generation Captain Jack would be just another pretty boy actor. I have yet to see him give an outstanding acting performance.

    But any man who can keep Vanessa Paradis happy must have more than a pretty face…..

  111. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    😯

    Oh my goodness – Raddy….I….I….oh dear……

    Christoper Walken, Johnny Depp two of the five celebrities I actually love and you don’t like them 😦

    And ah Vanessa keeps him happy not vice versa although she is cool. I love her too – she’s another of my five “I love those celebrities” people. Her music is great and so is “Girl on the Bridge”

    You might have guessed but JDepp doesn’t necessarily have to act very well in films – he just needs stand there so I can stare ……. emmmmm Johnny Depp – Chapter 13 on the Chocolate DVD HOTTEST movie scene EVER.

  112. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Christoper Walken is cool, END OF:

  113. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Damn the first video didn’t come up – you’ll have to click on the link.

    Its him doing Lady Gaga’s Pokerface. Ahhhh Lady Gaga she’s great too.

  114. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Hi irish,

    I don’t understand your 5:51?

    BTW you’re both wrong, Steve McQueen is the coolest actor of all time 😉

  115. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    I meant we’re been mean when it comes to signing a CB so we’ll have massive bucks for our new star midfielder 🙂

    Well, I wouldn’t say Christopher Walker is the coolest actor of all time cos he has made some awful films but the guy is a “dude” – I’d have a pint with him.

    Five celeb people I’d love to have a pint with:

    Christopher Walken
    Johnny Depp
    Vanessa Paradis
    Stefani Germanotta AKA Lady Gaga
    Garth Brooks

  116. criochnaithe's avatar irishgunner says:

    Actually ….. speaking of a pint, that’s a smashing idea.

    The sun is somewhat shining I think its time for some drink.

    Laters all 🙂

  117. BTW rasp you’re wrong – Marlon Brando has to be the coolest actor closely followed by Frank Sinatra 😉

  118. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Nah, Brando was an early advert for botox and Sinatra far too smarmy, Steve McQueen every time followed by Cary Grant

  119. Actually I had Cary Grant in my list too but I didn’t want to look greedy – Sinatra was smooth not smarmy

  120. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    Evening all. Bet Theo is not a happy bunny today. Still at least we get him back rested with something to proove

  121. dandan's avatar dandan says:

    OOPs sorry another good Article Irish, time to let William go I think

  122. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    No.

    Fred Astaire is the coolest guy ever.

  123. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Evening dandan,

    Even though I think Theo has been disappointing in his recent performances I’d probably still have taken him, just to increase our attacking options. It appears to me that Fabio has selected players to cover for other players who aren’t fully fit = Upson to cover for King and Ferdinand, he probably should have taken Dawson who is fully fit.

  124. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    I feel most sorry for Parker who was apparently fantastic in training, never got a chance in a game and unlike Theo will be too old for the next WC.

  125. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Closely followed by Sir Michael Philip Jagger

  126. Raddy – he’s not cool he’s a slob 😳

  127. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    IMO Parker is a good solid pro. Nothing more. I do not believe he is good enough for Arsenal nor England.

  128. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Fred Astaire a slob? Hardly.

    We all have different heroes.

    To me Jagger has been cool for over 50 years which takes some doing.

    Same with Keef…..

  129. Actually I have to say I’m pretty disgusted by some of Capello’s decisions – I have majored on being a frustrated England manager for about 40 years so I’m quite experienced at this – Ledley King!!!!!!! how many minutes is he going to play – what on earth did Michael Dawson do wrong?

    Emile Heskey instead of Darren Bent – Rooney must’ve been worried Dazza would score more than him!!!!!!

    I can understand the reticence over Theo as he hasn’t really hit any kind of form this season but if the other *ankers played him in ever, there might be a chance to see what he could do – oh well at least he can set the next Euros alight 😉

  130. Not Fred Astaire Raddy

  131. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Fred Astaire was a bit too camp 😳

    I think Capello was swayed by the look of disgust on Rooney’s face when Theo didn’t cross the ball exactly onto his toe. Even Harry Redknapp said Theo should have gone.

    Capello’s been far too conservative, what will we do if Rooney gets injured?

  132. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    I’m surprised at you Raddy. Do you believe every team should be packed with stars and no workmen. I think if you look at every great team (England 66, The Invincibles) you will find players like Parker who allow the others to shine.

  133. Exactly rasp if Rooney gets injured he has no plan B – Crouch and Heskey 😆

  134. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Rasp. I agree. We need water carriers. I just do not think Parker is good enough.

    Barry on the other hand is …

    As is Alex Song

    Fred Astaire, camp! Next you will be telling me that Graham Norton is gay

  135. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    Problem is that England have no decent forwards apart from Rooney.

    Gone are the days of Lineker, Beardsley, Shearer, Wrighty etc.

  136. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    😆 Raddy

  137. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    Actually they had a very good debate on 5Live this morning on the Townsend/Parry show asking people to compare this England team with the 1990 side with Gasgoine and Lineker, and the majority of callers thought the 1990 side was better.

  138. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    They were in almost every area.

    Just compare the GK’s….

    I have been thinking about cool footballers and two stand out. Firstly, Thierry is one of the coolest men on the planet, but out-cooling even TH was Bobby Pires. That man oozed cool !

  139. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    I’m off.

    Got an appointment with Mr Charles Dickens.

  140. LB's avatar London says:

    Pires……definitely the coolest footballer ever, I used to love the way he wagged his finger when he scored……very, very cool.

  141. gnarleygeorge9's avatar gnarleygeorge9 says:

    BR

    You’ve got a foot in every camp, England Denmark, UK, GB, Europe, its going to be hard to get one over you @ the World Cup. But in a game where our Boss was still sorting out who to put in his final 23 squad, Oz casually slipped past The Danes, & we were still only in 3rd gear.

    Imagine if Oz actually took footy seriously!!!

  142. Erik the Red's avatar Big Raddy says:

    LOL GG.

    We put out our U-17 Ladies reserve team, get beaten 1-0 thanks to an offside goal scored whilst our girls were off making the sandwiches for the after-match social.

    and the Aussie gives it large !!

  143. rasp – when you’re there, I can’t open aol at the moment and thats where andy’s post is still sitting. I’ve created a poll and left it in drafts.

    Walking the dog, back in a bit 😉

  144. Rasp's avatar Rasp says:

    No peaches because I can’t get into AOL, I don’t know the passwords etc?

  145. Morning all

    Theres a NEW POST

  146. SharkeySure's avatar SharkeySure says:

    Very good point :

    4. At 5:39pm on 01 Jun 2010, mcsen10 wrote:
    Well, he has really paid the price, for agreeing to play for both the under 21 and the senior squad. Wenger told him he would burn out.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/5395815/Theo-Walcott-inclusion-in-England-Under-21-squad-leaves-Arsene-Wenger-simmering.html

  147. Footballer William Gallas really doesn’t need defending despite what some people are saying – his football continues to speak for itself. He rocks!

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