The English Football Thread

[robsblubot 3,595]

8 minutes ago, LAM09 said:

Agree to disagree. Most of the top CF's excel because of their physical presence while he exceeds elsewhere (understanding of the game, movement, etc).

 

sure.
For the record I do agree his reading of the game is excellent as well, that's the mental aspect for me. I was referring to his linkup play, and ability to beat players in tiny spaces.... like Ronaldo 9 and Benzema used to do. I don't see that in his game.

[LAM09 7,100]

2 minutes ago, robsblubot said:

sure.
For the record I do agree his reading of the game is excellent as well, that's the mental aspect for me. I was referring to his linkup play, and ability to beat players in tiny spaces.... like Ronaldo 9 and Benzema used to do. I don't see that in his game.

He only turned 25 a few months ago and hasn't played alongside elite players, so those are aspects that he could certainly improve on with more quality around him.

[NikkiCFC 8,528]

Smells like Newcastle vs Spurs final. Two teams without a trophy for decades. Still better option than other two semifinalists.

[robsblubot 3,595]

19 minutes ago, LAM09 said:

He only turned 25 a few months ago and hasn't played alongside elite players, so those are aspects that he could certainly improve on with more quality around him.

Yup he likely deserves a shot at an elite club, which brings my other point: Newcastle may have "elite" owners, but they are far from an Elite club; not only the lack of investment, having some very glaring weak links in their starting XI, but also the way they play. Isaak (as well as Gordon) thrive in that counter-attacking style, but it can be very different at a top club especially one which sees a lot of possession.

Still, agree that he deserves that shot based on what he's been doing.

[robsblubot 3,595]

that was great press by Newcastle tho. And Arsenal D line has been very shaky today.

[Laylabelle 9,754]

Least can say we went out to a finalist...

[Fulham Broadway 17,810]

You saw the other cheek of Arse - quite tetchy, Rice, Havertz etc when it wasnt going their way. Pleased for the Barcodes

[Special Juan 28,864]

Mate of mine came who is a geordie fan came in and watched the game with me last night....I told him that it would be a walk in the park for Newcastle and he kept saying no chance. I said to him as good as Arsenal are or have been, they lack mass amounts of game management and don't have the mental capacity to turn up at a hostile St James Park and win and go through. There is only one team in this country who could have turned that round last night and that's Liverpool, because as well as facing a very aggressive side like Newcastle the atmosphere at St James's is immense, Arsenal where never going to conquer that and the crowd and Newcastle got right under their skin.

 

[Vesper 31,179]

Populous unveils Wrexham AFC stand that will "emerge organically from the ground"

https://www.dezeen.com/2025/02/04/wrexham-afc-populous-kop-stand-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney/

The planned stand's facade will be formed of red brick, arranged in a perforated lattice to allow inward and outward views, and "dissolve the boundary between the stand and the public". According to Populous, the use of brick is a nod to traditional Ruabon red brick used throughout the area, which has led the city to be nicknamed Terracottapolis.

"The physical design of the facade at the back of the stand takes inspiration from the local brickwork and the city's 'Terracottapolis' nickname, to link it to the generations of fans that have visited the ground in the past," said Populous global director Declan Sharkey.

"The angled planes and carved form of the brick facade echo the strata of coal and slate seams that represent the industrial heritage of the local area, with the feeling that they have emerged organically from the ground they stand."

Once complete, the Kop Stand will incorporate a mix of hospitality and accessible seating areas. Its structure will be adaptable to ensure future expansion if required.

Its brick facade will be laid with the same flemish bond that is often used around Wrexham, "creating a signature brickwork pattern for the club that is rooted in the area", Populous said.

Adorning one corner of the brickwork will be two dragon motifs, referencing the club's crest.

Inside, the Kop Stand's seating is being designed to amplify sound from fans towards the pitch and "reinforce the atmosphere within the STōK Cae Ras". It will also incorporate a player tunnel, allowing spectators to welcome the team as they enter the pitch.

"We have designed the new Kop Stand to be both authentic and unique in its approach to hosting Wrexham's passionate fans," said Sharkey.

"To do that we involved our team of audio consultants to maximise atmosphere."

Completing the project will be a public plaza, positioned by the rear brick facade, designed to be enjoyed by fans as well as the wider public outside of match days.

According to Populous, it will feature a memorial to the Gresford Disaster – a mining accident in 1934 in which an explosion and underground fire killed 261 workers.

"The distinctive design of the new Kop Stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham – rooted in the local community creating a timeless, authentic piece of civic architecture that complements other landmarks," said Wrexham AFC CEO Michael Williamson.

"It will provide an iconic landmark standing at the gateway to the city giving it a true sense of place."

Populous is currently working on stadiums around the world, including one for Italian football club AS Roma that is "inspired by classical Roman architecture".

Several are being designed to host games during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, an event that has recently come under fire for human rights violations. The designs include a 92,000-seat stadium in Riyadh and a 47,000-seat stadium in Al Khobar.

The visuals are courtesy of Populous. 

[KEVINAA 130]

 

🇪🇸Valencia's ex-president on Gary Neville:

"That Englishman we had, he was honestly the worst coach I've ever seen in my life."🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[LAM09 7,100]

15 hours ago, robsblubot said:

Yup he likely deserves a shot at an elite club, which brings my other point: Newcastle may have "elite" owners, but they are far from an Elite club; not only the lack of investment, having some very glaring weak links in their starting XI, but also the way they play. Isaak (as well as Gordon) thrive in that counter-attacking style, but it can be very different at a top club especially one which sees a lot of possession.

Still, agree that he deserves that shot based on what he's been doing.

I remember when he was another one of those FM wonderkids and made the move to Dortmund. It seemed like he'd be destined to join RM after a few years in Germany, but it didn't pan out that way. He's shown to be more of a late bloomer in today's world of football (peaks are expected in early twenties, which is crazy). 

With regards to Newcastle, I completely agree. Their investment, or lack thereof, has been weird at times, particularly after gaining the "holy grail," which was a CL position. I realise that PSR has a tight leash on what they can and cannot accomplish, as shown last summer.

Meanwhile, if you look at what Villa is doing, they are trying to stay at that level. If Rashford's move is a sign of things to come (offering wages of £300kpw+), they could become a serious title contender.

[Laylabelle 9,754]

1-0 Liverpool Gakpo

[Fulham Broadway 17,810]

Tel on

getting nice reception from the friendly scousers

[Laylabelle 9,754]

Liverpool Newcastle final it is..unless something drastic happens from now.

Hopefully Newcastle can win this one..

[Fulham Broadway 17,810]

Theyve gone all Spursy, who'd a thunk it ?

[Stats 7,230]

If the result stays how it is and Liverpool progress, the Aston Villa and Liverpool game which was scheduled to be on 15th of March will instead be rearranged for the 19th of February which is a bonus for us as this is three days before we play them on the 22nd of February and we have a whole week's rest. This is due to the Carabao Cup final scheduled to take place on the 15/16th of March.

[Laylabelle 9,754]

1 minute ago, Stats said:

If the result stays how it is and Liverpool progress, the Aston Villa and Liverpool game which was scheduled to be on 15th of March will instead be rearranged for the 19th of February which is a bonus for us as this is three days before we play them on the 22nd of February and we have a whole week's rest. This is due to the Carabao Cup final scheduled to take place on the 15/16th of March.

3-0 Liverpool it's done and dusted so hurrah rest!

 

[Fulham Broadway 17,810]

You can see why spuds fans protest every game about Levy

[NikkiCFC 8,528]

2 hours ago, Stats said:

If the result stays how it is and Liverpool progress, the Aston Villa and Liverpool game which was scheduled to be on 15th of March will instead be rearranged for the 19th of February which is a bonus for us as this is three days before we play them on the 22nd of February and we have a whole week's rest. This is due to the Carabao Cup final scheduled to take place on the 15/16th of March.

 

2 hours ago, Laylabelle said:

3-0 Liverpool it's done and dusted so hurrah rest!

 

We all know which team will look more tired in that game 😫 

[Special Juan 28,864]

Spurs were never ever going to win that game, and Redknapp was right, there wasn't a single Spurs playing stood in that tunnel last night that thought they were going to win and progress.

Mentally weak as fuck