The English Football Thread

[Strike 7,474]

Wait Wtf? Ferguson may retire?

[Thomas Williams 166]

Saw this is an online Forbes article
http://b-i.forbesimg.com/zachslaton/files/2013/04/Top-Four-Odds.png

came from this article
http://www.forbes.com/sites/zachslaton/2013/04/19/projected-epl-table-with-5-matches-to-go/

It predicts the final position in the EPL based off current success, but also factors in the amount paid on players and also some sophisticated modeling that includes pythagorean expectations (if you are unfamiliar it was really successful with american baseball, it basically calculates the "luck of a team" based off the goals they score an allow. E.g. Manchester United had more points than they deserved mathematically, and therefore should lose some points over time as luck tends to balance itself out).

Anyway, it gave Chelsea a 90% chance of finishing top 4 a few weeks ago (week 33) when we were in a much more worrisome position imo, and I thought that prediction was bollocks- I thought we were looking at much closer to 50% considering our remaining schedule. Looking back now though, it seems Chelsea now have all but guaranteed a spot in the Champions league, so maybe all that math and such has something to it after all.

It also predicted United would start dropping points, but I feel that's more easily explained by the fact they don't care anymore, lol.

EDIT:
In his most recent article: This now means that Spurs only have a 41% chance of finishing in the Top 4 while Arsenal sit at 66% and Chelsea have a 92% :cfc:

[Danelka 209]

Benítez to be an interim manager at United until Fergie has his hip surgery done?

[NishC300 1,865]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/football-fergie-ponders-retirement-reports-223321982.html

Fergie could be retiring. Not sure what to make of these headlines but I think if he wanted to retire this would be the right season for him as he would retire as a champion.

Personally, I don't want him to retire. I want him to be the manager of United when United have their fall.

[Ollie 4,400]

My Dad's had a hip replacement and he's in his 50's, it was painful for him and he was suffering for a bit after the operation. It's one painful operation. A 70 year old Ferguson would really struggle to come back from this. I've got a bad feeling about this (Jose). I don't think Man Utd would pay £20m for Mourinho if we wont though... Hope not anyway. I don't think Jose suits them anyway.

Interesting story.

EDIT: HE'S GONE!

[Strike 7,474]

HE'S GONE! THE GUM CHEWING PRICK IS GONE!

[Ankit 3,176]

BREAKING Manchester United confirm Sir Alex Ferguson is to retire at the end of the season. More to come

[Ollie 4,400]

We ended Guardiola and now Fergie lol

[Strike 7,474]

United will hire Moyes. Out of contract. Free. Scottish.

They won't pay the money for Jose

[Fernando 6,585]

[xPetrCechx 13,570]

[Kojo 4,676]

Probably the most disturbing picture I've ever seen

It's fucking gollum in a Chelsea jersey.