Football (Soccer to those across the pond)

[pyan]

Yay! Finally, some sort of stability...

Swiss seals Southampton takeover


Swiss Markus Liebherr has completed his takeover of League One Southampton.

The Saints' future had been uncertain following the collapse of the proposed takeover by Matt Le Tissier's Pinnacle group on 30 June.

BBC SPORT: Swiss seals Southampton takeover

[Tillane]

Good news, Py. Leastways, I hope it is. Like you said, it should at least provide a little stability.

Hope the same is soon true of the Toon. (Now try saying that ten times fast...)

[chopper]

good. now just watch as Pompey implode this season!

[Lacedaemonian]

Originally Posted by chopper

good. now just watch as Pompey implode this season!

I think Newcastle have that covered already. I am not bothered about the Premier League, just concerned about the general welfare of my beloved club.

[The Ace]

This is too true to be funny;

A fire breaks out at Firhill and Ian McCall, shouts, 'Save the cups!'

An apprentice replies, 'It's OK boss, the fire's nowhere near the canteen.'

[mosaix]

Originally Posted by chopper

good. now just watch as Pompey implode this season!

I think you're right chopper. Pompey have relegation material written all over them.

[Lacedaemonian]

I would like to see Phil Brown get relegated with Hull.

[pyan]

Originally Posted by mosaix

I think you're right chopper. Pompey have relegation material written all over them.

Prophetic words, hopefully...

[Lacedaemonian]

Hull, Burnley and Wolves to get relegated. With Pompey, Wigan and Birmingham just surviving.

I think Newcastle will finish mid table this season.

I hope that Sam Allerdyce fails.

[chopper]

nah, our signings look like we mean business this year, Lace. there could be - just like with Hull and Stoke last term - a few shock results on the cards. don't forget we did manage to beat Man Utd back in 03, who says we can't do it again?

[mosaix]

Originally Posted by Lacedaemonian

Hull, Burnley and Wolves to get relegated. With Pompey, Wigan and Birmingham just surviving.

I think Newcastle will finish mid table this season.

I hope that Sam Allerdyce fails.

Wolves seem to be making some sensible signings. Mick McCarthy has his head screwed on right and I think they may be a surprise in the Prem. I think they may avoid relegation by a place or two.

Hull, on the other hand, are going to struggle I think. Once teams took them seriously in the second half of last season they hardly got a point and I expect that to continue. It may happen to Stoke as well.

Portsmouth are in ownership and management turmoil with experienced players leaving and none joining. Rumour has it that Distin, a stalwart in their defence, is off to Villa. Meanwhile the transfer window clock continues to tick. Unless something happens quickly, they will be in meltdown.

[chopper]

hmm. scratch one for the start of the season; Iwelumo's done his metatarsal while down under. meanwhile Crouch is heading for the door at Pomey, and Naughton's leaving Bramall Lane.

[Wybren]

They are saying some fella called Willie Wallace is going to be at tomorrows match, who is he and why are they whipping up excitement over it?

We also have a new signing Bob Malcolm, has anyone heard if he is any good?

[pyan]

Originally Posted by pyan

Yay! Finally, some sort of stability...

Um...and then we sack the manager...

Southampton sack manager Mark Wotte

• New owner wants to install fresh management faces
• Stewart Henderson in temporary charge of first team

Better now, if they really think he wouldn't fit in, than after two or three games, I suppose.

Southampton sack manager Mark Wotte | Football | guardian.co.uk

Originally Posted by Wy

We also have a new signing Bob Malcolm, has anyone heard if he is any good?

Well, I don't thinkyou'll find him boring, at least...

In May 2004, Malcolm was fined £5,000 after signing "FTP" (interpreted as **** The Pope) alongside an autograph for a fan. Anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth made Rangers aware of the incident which took place at a private club function.

In mid 2004, a warrant was issued for Malcolm's arrest after he failed to appear in court on a speeding charge, for which he was later fined £250 for speeding on the M74 motorway.

In November 2004, Malcolm was sent-off from the dug-out, and escorted to the dressing room by two police officers, for making what was reported to have been obscene gestures towards fans of rival SPL club Celtic F.C., during an Old Firm game. However, he did return to the bench later in the match.

On 28 December 2007, Malcolm was suspended by Derby County after he was charged by police with a drink driving offence, although he was playing for QPR at the time. The charge related to an alleged incident on the M1 motorway in Derbyshire the previous morning. He was bailed to appear before Chesterfield Magistrates Court on 16 January 2008. During this hearing the case was adjourned until 29 January, after the adjournment Malcolm admitted to being unfit to drive through drink, he was banned for driving for 20 months, which will be reduced to 15 months if he completes a drink-drivers' rehabilitation course, which he agreed to take during the court hearing. He said in an interview that he was upset following QPR's loss to Plymouth earlier that day, after a controversial penalty was given against QPR late in the game, giving the win to Plymouth.

Robert Malcolm

[Wybren]

Well then, this match tomorrow is certainly going to be interesting, Considering it is Celtic the match is against (first time the have been down under in 30 years)

That probably explains why he is playing in Oz then, looks like he might not be able to get signed in Europe...