Football (Soccer to those across the pond)

[Ursa major]

As has been predicted:

The Irish broadcaster Setanta Sports has gone into administration after failing to make a number of payments to sporting organisations.

The administrator Deloitte said that it would shortly cease broadcasting to customers in Great Britain but would continue to operate elsewhere.

They said they would immediately stop collecting subscription payments.
About 200 employees involved with the British operations will be made redundant, the firm said.

Setanta will continue to broadcast in Ireland.

Setanta International and Setanta Ireland have not entered administration.

BBC NEWS | Business | Setanta goes into administration

[Grimward]

Meanwhile, wonder of wonders, the US National team upsets Spain 2 - 0, ending their 35 game unbeaten streak. As noted elsewhere, I guess I should demonstrate little faith in them more often...they certainly seem to respond well!

[Ross]

Very surprised about that result Grim.

USA were absolutely awful against Brazil and fully expected them to get a good pasting against Spain. Congrats on the 2-0 win though.

[Ursa major]

Newcastle United: Does anyone ever leave for good?

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is heading a consortium that is set to launch a £60m takeover bid for the Magpies, BBC Sport understands.

Alan Shearer has been lined up to carry on as manager at the club, who were relegated to the Championship in May.

Owner Mike Ashley was asking for £100m but BBC Sport understands Shepherd's offer is likely to be accepted.

Shepherd sold his Newcastle shares to current owner Mike Ashley two years ago as part of a £134m deal for the club.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | N | Newcastle | Shepherd in £60m Newcastle offer

[Lenny]

One wonders how much Shepherd got for his shares two years ago - he could be making a very tidy profit here. Even more if Newcastle bounce back a have a good couple of years in the Premiership again.

---

Any Hibs fans? If so, how good is Fletcher?

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | H | Hibernian | Fletcher in Burnley switch talks

The wire has fallen quiet about Mears, so I think Fletcher could be Coyle's first signing this season! We've also been linked with Kilgannon and Jermaine Beckford. Wikipedia states that Beckford is in talks with Sheffield United, though.

Either way, we'll see.

EDIT: Watching the BBC video in the Fletcher article, he looks like a player who lurks and finishes what he is given, rather than creating his own chances. To be honest, I'm not totally sure we need him. Sure, we've got a few players who can get the ball up to Fletcher, but we've also got a couple who already do what Fletcher does...

[Tillane]

Originally Posted by Lenny

One wonders how much Shepherd got for his shares two years ago - he could be making a very tidy profit here. Even more if Newcastle bounce back a have a good couple of years in the Premiership again.

I think the figure that was bandied about at the time was around £55 million. Given that he's (again) chairing a consortium to buy the club back for just £5 million more than that figure, and I think we can assume he's quids in.

What worries me slightly (translation: terrifies me) is the fact that it was Shepherd who ran the club into the stupid amount of debt it was in when Ashley bought the Toon. Chances are, he'll do the same again. For all his faults, Ashley has at least gone some way to reducing that during his tenure as owner, and I'd hate to see that undone.

[Ursa major]

Meanwhile, down on the south coast.

Southampton have suffered a huge blow after prospective buyers Pinnacle pulled out of negotiations to buy the financially-stricken League One club.

Administrator Mark Fry is now battling to tie up a deal with another buyer.

Saints will start the season on minus 10 points after their parent company entered administration in April.

The Football League ruled that Pinnacle - which includes ex-Saints player Matt Le Tissier - must waive any right to appeal against the points deduction.

Pinnacle saw its period of exclusivity as bidders end on 19 June without agreement being reached as the takeover bid stalled over the 10-point issue.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | S | Southampton | Pinnacle pulls out of Saints bid

[mosaix]

Originally Posted by Tillane

I think the figure that was bandied about at the time was around £55 million. Given that he's (again) chairing a consortium to buy the club back for just £5 million more than that figure, and I think we can assume he's quids in.

What worries me slightly (translation: terrifies me) is the fact that it was Shepherd who ran the club into the stupid amount of debt it was in when Ashley bought the Toon. Chances are, he'll do the same again. For all his faults, Ashley has at least gone some way to reducing that during his tenure as owner, and I'd hate to see that undone.

I feel really sorry for the Newcastle fans. Shepherd coming back must be a real kick in the teeth.

[Grimward]

And, alas, the US lives the ultimate dream for a half before succumbing to the superior Brazilians. A good showing, though, and something to build on.....

[pyan]

Originally Posted by Ursa major

Meanwhile, down on the south coast.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | S | Southampton | Pinnacle pulls out of Saints bid

Meanwhile, down on the south coast, we shake our heads in despair, and wonder what on eath's going to happen next...

[Ursa major]

Man U wasn't on my list of places where Michael Owen might end up next season.

Michael Owen has left Bridgewater Hospital after having a medical ahead of a proposed free transfer to Premier League champions Manchester United.

It is believed Owen, who was smiling when seen leaving the hospital but refused to answer questions, is now on his way to Man Utd's training ground.

Owen, 29, is out of contract at Newcastle and has been linked with Everton, Aston Villa, Stoke and Hull.

But he looks set to be Man Utd's second summer signing after Antonio Valencia.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | M | Man Utd | Owen close to shock Man Utd move

[mosaix]

It will be a good move for Owen. If anyone can bring him back to form it is Fergie. But I wonder what the Liverpool fans think about it?

[Tillane]

I imagine they'll be hoping he continues his current run of...um...un-form.

[chopper]

sounds like fergie's gone nuts, if you ask me...

meanwhile wolves have bought andrew surman from southampton. i have mixed feelings about this: he's a damned good player, but its a shame saints have to sell him to keep breathing.

[Tillane]

Well, Owen's signed. And it would appear he's just ever-so-slightly deluded, too.

my fitness is high. A lot is made out of it but I certainly don't feel like I'm injury prone.

He has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, suffering with groin, ankle, thigh, hernia, metatarsal and knee ligament problems.

79 games in four seasons, and he reckons he's not injury prone. Oh dear. Oh deary, deary me.