A Big Weekday

A big day at the top of the league. I am here until I get bumped off. Hope to have some company

Worst Video of the Year?

If you haven't seen this version of U2's "One" from a recent Bank of America hoe-down, you must. I nearly wet myself the first time I saw it. There is a lesson here - baldy corporate pricks should really stay away from rock 'n' roll. Surely the U2 lads still have an ounce of self-respect and integrity left to muster a law-suit in reaction. Anyway, enjoy.

Footie Trivia Question of the Week

Since you're all probably still feeling woozy from all that turkey overindulgence, a simple one for this week:

"Which Premiership manager has the most appearances for his national team?"

The Big Showdown

An hour and a half to go and I am already nervous. COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!!!!!!

Tiswas Day

Another day of footie! The big one is tomorrow but there is still plenty to keep an eye on today. Iceland's new favorite team needs a win at home against The Blades. The Arse could struggle at The Reebok without TH14. Can Leeds win way down south? I will be here. Hope to have some company.

Separated at birth?

Last year at some point, I commented on how uncanny the resemblance between Lee Carsley of Everton and L-O-B's Steve Caldwell was.

I've just finished watching the CL Highlights show and another uncanny resemblance came to me. Not physical resemblance necessarily but next time you get a chance, watch Benfica's Miccoli and see if you don't see an echo or two of that Nocito magic in the way that this guy is always there or there abouts with a cool finish. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will concur.

Leeds Clinch Ehiogu Loan Signing

Leeds sign Middlesbrough's former England centre-back Ugo Ehiogu on loan until January.
This should help the horrible Leeds defence. I am surprised Wisey didn't get anyone else. I think the loan window shuts today.
Your thoughts GatorBob

Happy Turkey Day!

More Champions League Action

No Champions League action on ESPN2 today - shame - but I'm monitoring the matches as usual from my LOB bunker here in Jax. I didn't hear from any Gooners or Mancs yesterday, surprisingly, but if you're around today, do drop in for a cuppa and a chat about the footer, won't you?

The Rutles on VH1 Classic Rock

While I was surfing around the cable system tonight I hit on VH1 Classic Rock who were showing Eric Idle's classic Beatles spoof "The Rutles." Brilliant stuff. I nearly pissed myself when Idle in full Alan Whicker mode was trying to narrate a bit while the camera kept moving away into the distance. Good memories. They'll be repeating it again, along with a cool doc. on the history of Top of the Pops tomorrow at 8 p.m. Time to set the VCRs, eh lads?

Champions League Gameday 5

It's that time again - time for the wealthy elite to strut their stuff on the Champions League stage. It's crunch time too - down to the last two matches of the group stages with several sides, including current champions Barcelona, with a lot left to do. Join me if you're round and about the telly or computer - or both!

Trivia Time

OK, what's the difference between Mrs. Ramsey, Mrs. Banks, Mrs. Cohen, Mrs. J. Charlton, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Styles, Mrs. Ball, Mrs. R. Charlton, Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Hurst, Mrs. Hunt, and Pickles the Dog?

The Onion

Sometimes the Onion is just so dead-on.

This is hilarious.

Read it here

Trivia Time

What current Premiership player has played in a London, Manchester, Liverpool and Madrid derby?

Another Big Saturday

All the big wigs are on display today. Should be an interesting day.
I am here to follow every game on the computer while watching United on the tellie.
Hope to have some company.
UWS

MLS Toronto Expansion Draft

Did you see who Toronto selected? Here's the list. Bob's Revs lost Cancela and DCUnited lost the up and coming Dyachenko. Picking both the slack-jawed O'Rourke and the the dead-weight(emphasis on weight) Kotschau should ensure plenty of hijinx in the tundra next year.

Here's the full list.

1. Paulo Nagamura, Los Angeles Galaxy.
2. Danny O'Rourke, New York Red Bulls.
3. Jose Cancela, New England Revolution.
4. Adrian Serioux, Houston Dynamo (a steal)
5. Nate Jaqua, Chicago Fire.
6. Rod Dyachenko, D.C. United.
7. Jason Kreis, Real Salt Lake.
8. Tim Regan, Chivas USA.
9. Ritchie Kotschau, Columbus Crew.
10. Will Hesmer, Kansas City Wizards.

RIP Ferenc Puskas 1927-2006

Ferenc Puskas has died at the age of 81 today. He was a little before our time, but even the grainy images of that 6-3 hammering that his "Magical Magyars" handed out to England at Wembley in 1953 should be enough to prove to our generation that he was one of the greatest in football history. He took part in the epic 1954 World Cup final which Germany eventually won 3-2 and was an integral piece of the brilliant Real Madrid side of the late 50s and early 60s. All hail the Magical Magyar!

England vs. Holland Live!

England kick off in less than an hour against Holland in a friendly that might just be a bit more important than friendlies usually are. Steve McClaren is under the cosh after only gaining one point from six in the last two internationals. An impressive show today would certainly shore up his bona fides, whereas a bad result might have Fleet Street baying for his blood. Join me for the festivities if you can.

Micah to Start for England!

Micah Richards has been tapped by Steve McClaren for his England debut tomorrow against Holland. Here's the starting eleven:

Robinson; Richards, Ferdinand, Terry, A Cole, Gerrard, Carrick, Lampard, J Cole, Rooney, Johnson.

That looks like a straight 4-4-2 with Richards, Rio, Terry, and Cashley across the back, Carrick in the holding mid role, Gerrard and Lamps again bunched into the midfield (hopefully with Stevie swinging wide right), a welcome return for Joe Cole on the left and Roon and AJ up top.

Your thoughts?

The Ambiguously Gay Duo?

In light of the spray-painted vandalism of Cashley's gaff, I was looking for a picture of the pack of teacup Chihuahua dogs that he's now installed around the perimeter. YIKES.

Footie Trivia Question of the Week

With the England friendly against Holland coming up on Wednesday, I thought I'd use the trivia question this week to revisit past England glory. Very simply:

"Who are the top seven England goalscorers? How many goals did they score?" (Hint: after the top four, the last three are all tied on the same number of goals.)

Good luck, lads!

MLS Cup Final

Hel-looooooo! Anybody out there? My guests have scarpered and now I can watch the second half. Anybody?, Hello?

Sir Trev's in the Paper!

The ageless (look at the photo and tell me he's aged along with the rest of us-not) Johnno's interviewed in today's (Sunday, 12 December) Washington Post.

It's an excellent piece, and I love your response about helping American children in poverty. Well said Johnno.


Read the article online HERE

Sunday's Alright Too!

Saturday's Alright for Fighting

Another Saturday has rolled around again and although the big match - Arsenal vs. Liverpool is tomorrow morning - there are plenty of matches of interest today. Those lucky people at Setanta have the goalless Newcastle game on now, while FSC will be broadcasting Everton vs. Villa at 10. Join me if you're round and about.

SMIFFY TO ELLAND ROAD??

Leeds have joined Cardiff in the chase to secure Manchester United striker Alan Smith on loan.

Would you want him back Robert?

Bellamy Penalty Miss

In case you've missed it, Craig Bellamy can't buy a goal these days. This is from Liverpool midweek Carling Cup win over Birmingham and is quite a quality penalty miss. He does the cheeky stutter step move, the Brum keeper goes, leaving the left side wide open and Bellamy merely passes it back to him. Enjoy!

England squad for the Dutch

Big Macca has announced his squad for the oh-so-important friendly with Holland this week and everyone but the tea lady has been included. Too much deadwood for my taste - I'd certainly like Phil Neville, Jermaine Jenas and Stewart Downing to be shown the door at this point.

Here's the squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Chris Kirkland (Wigan), Ben Foster (Man Utd)

Defenders: Gary Neville (Man Utd), Phil Neville (Everton), Micah Richards (Man City), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Ledley King (Tottenham), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Wes Brown (Man Utd), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea)

Midfield: Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Man Utd), Scott Parker (Newcastle), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Darren Bent (Charlton), Andrew Johnson (Everton).

Your comments, gentlemen?

Old British Adverts Archive on YouTube

This guy's collected quite a few good ads including a cringe-worthy Subbuteo one.

Click!

Adu at ManYoo?

After some off-again, on-again chatter, ManYoo suits have admitted that they've asked Freddy Adu to come for a two-week trial. Any thoughts, Dave?

Alexi and Me

Calling Sir Trev... time for your expose "If You Knew Harkesy Like I Know Harkesy..."

Read the Alexi article here

Election Night Special!

Hello, good evening and welcome to Election Night Special. There's tremendous excitement here at the moment and we should be getting the first results through any moment now.

I'm bunkered in here in my election night special pod - live streaming Air America, five pages of maps and polls up on the Net, PBS coverage in the background. It's a big big night.

You all know what's at stake -

In the House - the Democrats need 15 seats to recapture the majority.

In the Senate - the Democrats need 6 seats to recapture the majority.

And I'll go out on a limb already and predict that the Democrats - though they like to throw these things away - will do both. I'll predict 25 seats in the House swinging to the Dems and exactly six Senate seats.

How about the rest of you?

Carling Cup, Fourth Round!

Ah, the Carling Cup, we hardly knew ye. No 4th Round Leeds vs. ManYoo fixture, sadly, but there are plenty of other matches of interest today. Half an eye may be on the midterms today, but all respect should be paid to the traditions of the League Cup, right Sir Alex? Oh, go on you Shrimpers!

Aaron Lennon vs. John Terry in training

Not one for the man-marking is John Terry.

Footie Trivia Question of the Week

The fourth round of the Carling Cup comes up this week (sadly, no Leeds-ManYoo fixture - sigh), so here's a fitting footie trivia question for you:

"What are all the names that the Football League Cup has gone under since its founding in 1961?"

Good luck, lads!

MLS Eastern Conference Final

Yes, it's the big one, lads. My New England Revolution boys led by former Liverpool great Stevie Nichol vs. the Darth Vaders of the league - D.C. United. Gooner's at the match so it's all Revolution all day long here at LOB. Any of you Premiership elitists out there watching? Go on, then, give it up for the Revvies!

BIG SUNDAY

Two big London derbies on tap today. I am sure you could figure out what way I want the games to go.
Arsenal have been on the road but come on you HAMMERS!!! As for Spurs, they have failed to beat Chelski since the Premiership started. It has to end soon.
I will be on the blog until I get kicked off!!!

Saturday's Okay

It's another Saturday morning with an intriguing program of Premiership and Coke matches. KC is trying to drag me off to the yoga but I'm putting ten men behind the ball in resistance. Wish me luck, lads! And join me in watching Liverpool vs. Reading, won't you?

Just for David

Funny stuff spotted by David.

What's with Thierry?

I finally had a chance to finish watching the Arsenal-Moscow game late last night after returning from Gville. And one question came to mind as I was watching - "What's with Henry?" Now TH-14 has never been known to stick his head in where it might get kicked; but even by his standards, he was far too casual in front of goal. He should have buried at least two of his gilt-edged chances. To say nothing of Rosicky!

Another Managerial Tantrum "Bring yer @%&*ing Dinner!"

Strong language alert. You all seemed to enjoy the Harry vid. This one's unbelievable.

Chelsea vs. Barca Highlights

We don't need no stinking ESPN2! We have the LOB! Here are the goals from yesterday's match along with some lightening paced Spanish commentary for those of you wanting to test your linguistic skills. Shame that they don't include some of the argybargy too because apparently UEFA are investigating the behavior of both sides since there were 10 yellows handed out (Chelsea received six of them and will get an automatic fine for that) and John Terry has come out arguing that Barca were looking to get Chelski players booked. Erm, how about Drogba, John? Enjoy!