Riise Thunderbolt Puts Icing On Cake

Red's Second Half Blitz Demolished Spurs:

Anfield

LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 Tottenham

Scorers:
LIV - M. Gonzalez (63min), Kuyt (73min), Riise (89min);

A mind boggling miss from Spurs midfielder Jermain Jenas proved to be the turning point as Liverpool marched on to their 2nd win in a row at Anfield. The Spurs right winger was put through by Edgar Davids and he was right infront of the goal before slicing the ball wide and both hands on his head, unbelievable. Then Liverpool went on to score from the next wave of attack and never looked back since.

The first half was cagey at best, but both teams were able to create some chances, or I should say half chances. Liverpool's zonal marking in set plays were put into doubt once again when Murphy's free kick was sent in and Ledley King was unmarked, but there was little contact with the ball.

Another controversial decision by the referee in this match, as King blocked off Gerrard's shot. Replays showed that he did intentionally used his arms to block the shot, but referee Howard Webb.

Second half was one way traffic, as Liverpool piled on pressure and used their width wisely. Steven Gerrard and Mark Gonzalez seemed to have gotten the license to roam for the second half as they bombed forward and as a result, they put crosses after crosses in and the partnership of Dawson and King were threatened.

After Liverpool found the way to open Spurs up, they scored with a little bit of fortune. Gerrard's dummy left Assou-Ekotto chasing shadows and his cross should've been converted by Bellamy. He seemed to be unaware of the cross, but made contact with the ball. It hit the post before rebounding for Mark Gonzalez to smash home his first Premiership goal for Liverpool.


The chronic lack of width in the Spurs midfield costed them and they struggled to get any hold of the game. Their passing were slack and lose possesion far too easily. The strike partnership between Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe seemed to be isolated up front and even their pace could not shrug off Hyypia and Agger's marking.

But give credit to Liverpool for their attacking play in the second half. It was entreprising and Dirk Kuyt yet again, worked his socks off. Xabi Alonso looked to be back to his best form with him sitting deep and spreading the play. Gerrard's cut in from the right caused a lot of problem for Assou-Ekotto and showed England why he is easily the man to play on the right-wing.


Something I've noticed recently is Sissoko's role in the team. He used to sit infront of the back 4, shielding the play but currently, but Benitez seemed to have given him the right to go forward in search of his first goal for the club.

The subsitution of Garcia was also the key to the victory. His unpredictable movement and running near the Spurs back 4 were effective and the assist from him to Kuyt was excellent. Kuyt, played onside by Assou-Ekotto, controlled the pass beautifully before smashing the ball past a hapless Paul Robinson.


Tottenham's misery were complete when they allowed Riise to venture too far forward and he launched his favourite thunderbolt beyond Robinson's reach. Game over. A fantastic win for Liverpool and Spurs suffered yet another defeat.

Thanks to GettyImages for providing the pictures.

Drogballs

Drogballs' Post Match Comments:

A good win for Liverpool, considering that Tottenham is certainly no pushovers and a very tough team to beat. The starting line up was not very surprising albeit the inclusion of Sami Hyypia. Rafael Benitez must have had the mid-week game against Galatasaray in mind as he set out his team. The line up that Martin Jol put out must have surprised many as well, with Keane and Defoe up front. Both thrive on space because of their speed and acceleation.

Liverpool controlled the game quite well, more so during the second half when they had total domination in midfield and they really did came out all guns blazing. They did start off well for the first 10 or so minutes, but gradually as Tottenham grabbed hold of possesion, they started to push forward and caused some problems to the Liverpool defence.

What on earth was Jenas thinking there, slicing the ball wide from only metres away from the gaping goal. Tottenham will surely look back at that miss and thinking what it could've been. Liverpool replied to that immediately with their own miss of the season with Bellamy starring in it. Good work from Gerrard on the right put him through but he missed it when it's easier to score. Luckily, Gonzalez was on hand to smash home.

Then Tottenham started to lose shape and players morale dipped. Luis Garcia was subbed on and was very active throughout. His assist to Kuyt's goal was brilliant and hats off to Kuyt, he took the ball down very well with his first touch and a very good finish from the Dutch.

Riise finished off Spurs with his trademark strike. It was an exciting game and the rythmn of the game was good. Spurs were again disappointing and didn't manage to put up a fight. But it could have been oh so different, if only Jenas took his chance.

Liverpool Player Ratings:

Reina 7 - Confident.

Riise 8 - Did alright defensively. Scored a great goal.
Hyypia 6 - Unconvincing. Looked shaky and poor positioning.
Agger 7 - Alright defensively, but wasted lots of possesion with his desire to go forward.
Finnan 8 - Offered lots of width and worked well with Gerrard on the right.

Gonzalez 8 - Showed some moment of brilliance and put in some wonderful crosses.
Sissoko 7 - As usual. Tackled and challenged well. Lost the ball too often.
Alonso 8 - Back to his best. Good passing.
Gerrard 8 - Finally able to impose himself on the right. Good energy level.

Kuyt 8 - Worked his socks off and got the goal.
Bellamy 7 - Will be disappointed by that miss.

Tags: Liverpool, Tottenham, English, Premiership

Weekend Previews, Man !

23/9/06 Saturday Fixtures:

Anfield

LIVERPOOL vs Tottenham Hotspur

Both team started really slowly this season, already dropping points and Spurs are currently near the bottom of the table. Liverpool meanwhile, will take the 2-0 win over Newcastle in mid-week as a launch pad to kick start the season before it is really too late.

Spurs have a terrible record at Anfield in recent years, only won one of the last eight meetings. Liverpool will be without Harry Kewell who is back home in Australia while Riise is still nursing the ankle injury. Pennant is doubtful after missing the mid-week game. Meanwhile, Spurs will be without their summer signing, Dimitar Berbatov. Therefore the 'big man-small man' combination will definitely feature Mido and either Keane or Defoe.

Drogballs' Prediction: Liverpool 1-0 Spurs. Spurs wouldn't want to lose this, but I can see the Reds nicking it.

City of Manchester Stadium

Man City vs West Ham Utd.

City's under pressure boss, Stuart Pearce have dismissed claims that his side is currently in a crisis despite 13 defeats in the last 16 games. It's a horrendous record, but 'Psycho' is confident that his side will bounce back. But West Ham will be in the way of their revival, therefore Man City will have to at least grab a draw from this.

The Hammers on the other hand, despite of adding the two Argentinians into the squad, seemed to lost a little bit of form and will want to kick start their engine once again. The visit to City of Manchester stadium is not going to be easy, ask Arsenal. But with the quality of the players, they could get a draw out of this.

Drogballs' Prediction: Man City 1-1 West Ham.

Riverside Stadium

Middlesbrough vs Blackburn

After getting dumped out of the Carling cup already, Boro boss, Gareth Southgate will have to ring changes and bring in the big guns for this game. Blackburn on the other hand, will look to build on their impressive win last week and get their first away point of the season.

Drogballs' Prediction: Boro 1-1 Blackburn

Emirates Stadium

Arsenal vs Sheffield Utd.

It's hard to imagine the Gunners have yet to win at their home ground, but understandably, the 'New Stadium Syndrome' will stop pretty soon and there is no other better time than after a morale boosting 1-0 win over bitter rivals Man Utd last Sunday at Old Trafford. Arsenal have been playing well, but not putting their chances they created into goals. Sheffield could be in for an onslaught here. The 2-1 home loss against Reading highlighted that they're not good enough just yet.

Drogballs' Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Sheff. Utd. I could've predicted a higher score, but let's keep it a bit more respectable before it backfires and I becoming a fool.

Villa Park

Aston Villa vs Charlton

Villa, enjoying a wonderful start to the season with Martin O'Neil, will welcome Charlton to Villa Park today with much confidence after narrowly beating Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup tie. Charlton have been pretty poor this season, losing 4 of their 5 games.

Drogballs' Prediction: Villa 2-0 Charlton

Craven Cottage

Fulham vs Chelsea

A corresponding fixture last season left a bitter taste in the mouth for the Chelsea fans and players alike, after losing the game and losing a man as well. Chelsea will want to build on their 1-0 victory over Liverpool last week and go on a roll. But they will be without the service of German captain, Michael Ballack, after he got suspended for stamping on Momo Sissoko.

Drogballs' Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Chelsea. A repeat of last season's victory is unlikely for Fulham.

JJB Stadium

Wigan vs Watford

Drogballs' Prediction: Wigan 1-0 Watford

Madejski Stadium

Reading vs Man Utd.

Both teams started decently, but there were mix fortunes last weekend, with Reading winning and Man Utd losing at home to Arsenal. Gary Neville made a battlecry earlier this week, claiming they must beat Reading. Reading meanwhile have impressed the pundits with their flowing style football and a couple of in form players.

Drogballs' Prediction: Reading 1-3 Man Utd


24/9/06 Sunday Fixtures:

St. James' Park

Newcastle vs Everton

Newcastle have a fairly decent start to their season, but will certainly look back at the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Everton's bitter rivals, Liverpool. They will be without Steven Taylor for this game. Everton on the other hand have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, but finally dropped points after a 2-2 draw with Wigan at Goodison Park last weekend.

Drogballs' Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Everton

25/9/06 Monday Fixture:

Fratton Park

Portsmouth vs Bolton

A wonderful start to the season for Portsmouth and how many people actually predicted that they'll do that. They have yet to drop a point or even concede a single goal so far and is the most in form team at the moment. Bolton meanwhile, struggles to kick start their season and will definitely be affected by the news about the 'bungs' taken by manager, Sam Allardyce. And Allardyce's insistence of bringing the matter to court will also cause some unrest in the camp.

Drogballs' Prediction: Portsmouth 2-0 Bolton

Are We An Evil Empire In The Making?

Was clicking around at Liverpoolfc.tv and saw our CEO, Rick Parry's column. Once I saw that picture of his, it reminds me of....

Senator Palpatine! "POWERRRRR UNLIMITEDDD!!"

There you go. If he's really Palpatine, who's Vader?

Just kidding of course, I hope he doesn't read this blog. Or he's gonna hate me for this....

Team Of The Season So Far?

Football365 did one and some interesting points. But here's my team:


Goalkeeper - Brad Friedel (Blackburn)

They picked David James because he kept quite a lot of clean sheets so far, but by merit Friedal should be the one here. I know, he conceded quite a far bit of goals, but from what I've seen, those goals are pretty much none of his fault and how can anyone actually forget him for saving two penalties in a match?

Left-back - Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)

Massively under-rated player and the only reason why he's not in the England squad is because he's not playing in a big team. If I'm not wrong he played as a left winger for Villa, but we all know he's capable of playing at the left back position. So far so good for the Villa captain.

Centre-back - Sol Campbell (Portsmouth)

Left Arsenal and left everyone thinking whether he's past it already or not. But so far from what I've seen, he's still very much capable of playing at the top flight. One of the reasons why Portsmouth is struggling to er, concede a goal.

Centre-back - Joleon Lescott (Everton)

He does look a wee bit like those people from Star Trek isn't it. But whatever, he's a pretty good defender and his presence in Everton's defence alongside Joseph Yobo is definitely the reason why Everton have such a good start to their season.

Right-back - Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham)

I know, he's a left back. But can't seemed to think of any of those right backs that actually performed well. Anyway one of the finds of the season so far and I've been pretty impressed by this player. Excellent going forward and a pretty good left foot, he will definitely be in the squad for months to come.

Left Midfield - Ryan Giggs (ManYoo)

Need I say more? When everyone said at of the season that ManYoo have a bunch of 'past-it' midfielders in Scholesey and Giggs, both of them hit back at their critics with some brilliant performances, especially more so for Giggs. At the age of 32, he still showed much hunger for the game and although he doesn't posses the lightning speed anymore, h's still a very smart footballer that makes you think that speed might not be everything.

Central Midfield - Mikael Essien (Chelsea)

A man brought to replace the ageing Claude Makelele, Mourinho seemed to be changing his approach a little from what we've seen him in the past and moulded him into a great box to box midfielder. Cut out all his dirty challenges, he'll come good. Maybe more than good..

Central Midfield - Tim Cahill (Everton)

The rise and fall of Everton depends very much of the form of those Aussie. If he's off form, Everton will most likely go into a slump. But when he's on fire, he's pretty much unstoppable. A very hardworking midfielder, he scores important goals and his goal instinct actually make him a special player.

Right Midfield - Sean Davis (Portsmouth)

Sorry for playing him out of position, essentially he's a central midfielder of course. But anyway let's not care about this, let me give you an interesting fact. Out of the 9 goals Portsmouth scored this season, 4 are his works. It's nice to see an English midfielder doing well since people like Lampard and Gerrard are as we all know, struggling to find form.

Striker - Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Ah, the person everyone loves to hate, including me, named after him of course. But he has been immense this season, cutting out all his bullsh*t and concentrating on just his game and how much have Chelsea reaped from his 'revival'. The goal he scored against Blackburn is an example. He could've gone down by Ooijer's challenge like a sack of sh*t, but he kept going and scored a well deserved goal. The one against Liverpool? Pure class.

Striker - Andy Johnson (Everton)

To me, the best buy so far this season. Went down with Crystal Palace and everyone just wrote him off saying he's just like the Marcus Stewart of old, one season wonder. Of course, managed to hit back at his critics with some wonderful performance and the style of play which he incoporates is special. The way he just run into channels, from the left right into the middle, dragging everyone along, it's a nightmare for defenders, just ask Hyypia and Carragher, right?


Subs: Tim Howard (Everton), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Leon Osman (Everton), Cesc Farbregas (Arsenal), Bobby Zamora (West Ham);


What's your take on this team? Surely everyone have different opinions on this. So let me here from you alright. Drogs out.

Henry Is A Closet Liverpool Fan !

IN ANOTHER life, Thierry Henry might well have worn a different red shirt. "A kid asked me on Wednesday if I would have liked to play for another team," the Arsenal and France striker said yesterday. "Straight away I said Liverpool.

"First of all, I would have loved to play with Steven Gerrard and second I like the club and their fans. There's something about Anfield that you can't explain.

"I love it when you step out of the dressing-room and you see the Kop, the scarves, and [hear people] singing You'll Never Walk Alone. Just that, that would do it for me.

"Obviously it can never happen because I love Arsenal too much. There can never be a possibility of playing anywhere else in England."

Much of the reasoning for that could be down to the guidance of Henry's compatriot, Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager who celebrates ten years in charge on September 30.

Henry cannot envisage the 56-year-old wanting to call it a day, saying: "I don't know if he can live without football. Thankfully for us, that's just him. This is his life."

Referring to Wenger as the most influential manager in England over the past decade, Henry said: "It's like when you see Ajax playing — they have this tradition of passing the ball and that's what Arsene has brought. Now we have an identity and people now recognise Arsenal by the way we play.

"Sometimes that's not enough for everybody and also for us because it doesn’t always bring you silverware. But that's the way it is.

"He said we were going to go a season unbeaten and he said it a year too soon. Everybody laughed. I remember that so well. When we lost that first game everyone said 'oh yeah?', but the year after [2003-04] we did it. He always says this kind of stuff and sometimes he’s the only one who thinks like that."

Henry was speaking at the launch of the Impact Art initiative for the Willow Foundation, the charity set up by Bob Wilson, the former Arsenal goalkeeper, that arranges special days for seriously ill young adults. Henry has donated his £27,000 prize for winning last season’s Golden Boot to the foundation.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2369645,00.html


Drogballs: Hey Henry! Not too late! You're only 30 and have much to offer to..*cough* Liverpool *cough*. Anyway I'll relay your message to Stevie and ask him to stop passing you the ball.......oh wait a second....

Tags: Thierry Henry, Liverpool, Arsenal

"Wonder Goals" ?

After Xabi Alonso's outrageous goal last night, many of you I'm sure, are interested to see more so called 'wonder goals'. So with the help of my friend over at SoccaCritics.com, he helped compiled a list of videos which are seriously, out of this world. But nothing is impossible in football they say...

But before showing you the videos, here is the goal Xabi Alonso scored against Luton Town earlier this year, from inside his own half. The fact that the goalkeeper went missing from his goal might take the gloss away from this goal, but check out his tongue in cheek reaction. Oh and Gerrard's 'HEY PASS TO ME, LA! Oh nevermind...' reaction.



Okay, so now let's start with some goalkeeper who scored goals from goal kicks. Their opposite numbers must have been red faced, as red as a baboon's buttocks I presume..





Then another incident in the German Bundesliga. Schalke 04 playing against Bayer Leverkusen. Some might know that Lervekusen's keeper, Hans Jorg-Butt is a penalty taker and in this instance, he was the penalty taker. So he was overjoyed, running around celebrating his goals with his team mate. Then watch what happened next...



How about some Top 10 'Keeper Blunders?



And does this keeper take 'bungs' ??



Well, maybe some buns and a few burgers would do...I presume..

Tags: Alonso, Luton, Goal, Funny, Humour, Blunder, Goalkeeper, Score

An Assist & A Wonder Goal. Alonso Inspires Reds To Victory

While Kuyt Got His First Goal:

English Premiership

LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 Newcastle Utd.

Scorers:
LIV - Kuyt (29min), Alonso (79min)

An assist and a goal. The perfect way to shut the critics up that has been on Xabi Alonso's back for the past few weeks, claiming he's out of form and should be dropped. But he put up a BRILLIANT show last night to help Liverpool get back on track with their title ambition hanging by a thread after back to back defeats by Everton and Chelsea. Liverpool obviously were still not at their best, but this is the best we could hope for, that is effectiveness and killing the game off fast. They nearly failed to do that, but eventually finished it off with Alonso's record breaking 70 yards strike, a goal which eclipsed the previous record own by David Beckham.

In a match between two teams which often created classics, last night's one will no doubt be yet another one of those games where people will look back and then followed by a little smile. It wasn't a total demolition, but the results is just what everyone was looking for and of course, Dirk Kuyt getting his first goal for Liverpool with his first Anfield start.

But seriously, what a goal. The teamwork and the substance of the goal was of the highest standard. A through pass from Xabi Alonso 30 yards away, he threaded a perfect ball for Steve Finnan the over-lapping full back. That pass tore the Newcastle defence into shreds and all Finnan needed to do was place a wonderful cross into the penalty box and Kuyt slid in for his first goal since joining Liverpool last month.

Before that goal, Liverpool controlled the game well and basically dominated it without breaking much sweat. Luis Garcia and Bellamy both went close on couple of occasions but just couldn't apply the finishing touch.

Newcastle, being really poor in the first half, have to come out of their shell and attack Liverpool. To be honest, they did created several problems for the Liverpool defence in the second half, with couple of penalty claims while Martins and Ameobi did cause some problems for Carragher and Agger with their physical presence, but both stood tall and Reina was seldom threatened.

Bellamy and Kuyt SHOULD have killed the game off earlier in the game, but once again wasteful and the chances went by. Bellamy himself was put through on goal after Steven Gerrard blocked a clearance from Peter Ramage and the loose ball fell behind the line of defence. Using his demonic speed, he sped forward with the ball and could only hook the ball wide with Harper closing him down well.

Kuyt had two brilliant chances and could've grabbed a hat trick for himself if only he was more confident. Luis Garcia made his wait past two Newcastle defender before cutting in a cross from the left. Kuyt was well positioned, but placed his shot wide. Many fans must have had their hands on their head when Kuyt missed another sitter when Aurelio placed a perfect cross for Kuyt and he could not direct the ball into the net.

But the game was truly over when Liverpool got their second, from an OUTRAGEOUS effort from Xabi Alonso. He made a brilliant tackle on Scott Parker outside his penalty area and then promptly moved the ball couple of yards infront before hitting a long range killer that left Steve Harper red faced. He was back-peddling and slipped at the vital moment, letting the ball bounce and right into an empty net.

The Kop and Anfield roared into cheers and a collective sigh of relief. Now Liverpool will finally move into the top half of the table and will be on 7 points. Next up, Spurs.

Drogballs

Drogballs' Post Match Thoughts:

Let's put the wonder goal aside, the performance is not too bad for me, but I still feel there's much room for improvement. I missed the way we imposed ourselves in home games last season when we just basically, suffocated opponents and the free flowing football. I feel that the movement and link up play were there, but still need time to fine tune and gel with each other due to the large number of new signings in the squad.

Defensively we were alright although we were under much more pressure from Newcastle after half time. The ventured out an our midfield began to lose its shape a little, allowing the brilliant Scott Parker to run the show while Gerrard was subdued, lacklustre and tired. Xabi Alonso seemed like he has gotten back his best form once again after a rough patch with a wonderful assist and an amazing goal. Sissoko made a nuisance of both himself and Newcastle at times. He tackled and challenged the ball, but then let him and his team mates down with his usual poor passing.

Luis Garcia was another bright spark last night with a good performance. He was unlucky not to have a goal after he controlled a long pass wonderfully and smacking the ball past Harper but hit the post instead.

Kuyt and Bellamy worked really hard, but I still think they need to be more clincal than this. It might not do with their technical ability, but if we're to mount a serious title challenge, we cannot afford to miss like they did last night.

Creativity was there and we created lots of chances. until we actually finishes off those move, the chances are nothing. So Kuyt has finally gotten his goal, so he has no excuse about the pressure and lack of confidence already. It's vital we take our chances and kill teams off before it's too late.


Reina 7 - Not playing volleyball, eh. Nothing much to do.

Finnan 8 - Solid defensively, offered width with his runs and got an assist.
Carragher 7 - As solid as ever.
Agger 8 - The real deal, man. Real deal....
Aurelio 6 - Some poor crosses and control. Had a better second half.

Gerrard 7 - A few good passes here and there but went missing.
Alonso 9 - MAN OF THE MATCH.
Sissoko 7 - Worked hard, tackled and challenged, but lose possesion far too cheaply.
Luis Garcia 8 - Great game for the little lad.

Kuyt 8 - Good goal, but could've scored more.
Bellamy 7 - Offered the pace we lacked so much last season. Should've scored as well.

Tags: Liverpool, Newcastle, Premiership

I Don't Even Need To Write A Report....

Just Watch This Goal..



My word. THAT HAS TO BE ONE OF THE GOAL OF THE SEASON. And the fact is, this goal has finally beaten the record held by David Beckham as the furthest one, inside his own half, estimated 70-75 yards (64 METRES) out. Fantastic, Xabi Alonso as they say, trains shooting from half way line and you could see that.

GET IN THERE SON!

Tags: Liverpool, Newcastle, Xabi Alonso, Scorcher, Premiership

More On Liverpool

'Emergency' Board Meeting

Radio City have reported that Liverpool have called on an urgent meeting but was unclear whether it's a board meeting or just regular shareholder's meeting. They too reported that THREE offers for takeover are tabled and one of them is none other than Steve Morgan. Another speculated bid is from American millionaire, Robert Kraft.

Liverpool FC Chief Executive, Rick Parry has denied that they are facing a 48 hour deadline to decide the future of the club's stadium plan.

More to follow, stay tune...


Liverpool vs Newcastle Preview

Finally, a game at Anfield, after three straight away games right after the International break. How unkind have our fixture list been. I tell you, we have really tough games comin up fast and furious, from now all the way to December, or you should say, Christmas. Bolton and Blackburn away, then Manchester United. So tonight, we'll be hosting the Geordies Toon Army and hopeful that we'll break the current form and stop the rot. Or this will probably be the worst start in our club history.

Newcastle will be without the outstanding Shay Given for this game as he 'met an accident' over the weekend, that is he caught Marlon Harewood's knee in his stomach. That'll certainly be a great news for the Liverpool camp, as Steve Harper will set to deputise. Shola Ameobi is doubtful as doctors have warned Glen Roeder that he should not be starting too many games due to his reccuring hip injury. Kieron Dyer is back to full fitness, but might not be in the starting elven that managed to beat West Ham 2-0 away over the weekends.

Liverpool meanwhile, MIGHT start the same team for the first time in over 90 games. But Rafa Benitez is holding his cards close to his chest and who knows, he might just spring another surprise.

The encounter between Liverpool and Newcastle will certainly not be a dull one, as the previous two games reaped 6 goals and this two teams guarantee classics, so it'll definitely be an interesting game for the fans ad neutrals alike. Come on you Reds, there is not a better time to bounce back than NOW.

Drogballs' Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle.

'Bung' Busters Report

To be honest, I'm still quite confused over what happened after BBC's latest revelation on the behind the scenes wheeling and dealing between agents, clubs and managers. I'm trying to get more information or even watch the program itself, but it doesn't seemed possible at this time. Anyway let me summarise the program with a few points.

How 'Bungs' Work (With Sarcasm Of Course!):

Scenario 1:

Agent X: You might want to sign Y, he's quite sh*t, you know.
Manager A: So why would I want to sign him?
Agent X: Because I'm giving you 350k to sign him.
Manager A: Done deal. I'll sign him for that.

Scenario 2:

Manager B: I want that that player. How much is he?
Agent Z: Nope, according to the club, he's not for sale, brother.
Manager B: Here's 350k. I hope it helps.
Agent Z: Oh, sure. He'll be at your club in no time.

Right, so you got what bung is? Maybe that's how it works on the surface, but roughly you'll get the damn idea, right? Anyway the revelation have alerted the English FA, LMA (League Manager's Association) and even the Cosmopolitan Police in England. The FA have decided to go into deep investgations and the following teams/players will be affected.

Illegal Approaches:

• Frank Arnesen - Chelsea Director of Football
• Liverpool FC
• Newcastle United FC
• Harry Redknapp - Portsmouth Manager

Of course all of them have refuted the claim. But the investigation will still be under way.

Illegal Activity With Agents/Managers:

• Sam Allardyce - Bolton Manager
  
• Craig Allardyce - Big Sam's son
• Peter Harrison - Player Agent
  
• Charles Colleymore - Player Agent
• Kevin Bond - Player Agent

FA Chief Executive, Brian Barwick have asked for an immediate investigation and said that it is vital for the integrity of the game and will do it for all the supporters.

I for one, am disappointed by the name, Liverpool, showing up in that list. If we're guilty, then I think we should be punished. I won't go on a defensive because I'm a Liverpool supporter and I love Liverpool. If we're found of any wrong-doing, then we deserve it.

But let's not be hasty in making conclusions. We'll have to wait for the results of the investigations before we could say anything more about this matter.

Tags: English, Premiership, Bungs