Thetownend.com

I know there's a few on here still interested in the national side, and as we approach the season's end, my thoughts have turned to the summer....and what a train wreck it is.

Given the way Spurs have imploded...is this a sign that Redknapp has the job, or does it show he's not up to it. If not Redknapp, then should it be Pardew, on the basis of likely being the highest finishing English manager.

Or should it be Pearce for the tournament and then appoint for the next WC campaign?

If not Pearce, as he's also doing the GB Olympic team....how about Hoddle as a man who knows his way around a major finals....or maybe Woy as a safe pair of hands?

Do we even have any credible strikers atm given injuries suspensions and complete lack of form....I've struggled to think of any?

I have never felt so indifferent toward the national team, I've surprised myself at just how disinterested I am.

To be honest Reg I've written off the summer. The players weren't good enough even before the FA came and derailed the management with their incompetence in handling the Terry situation.

Its got to the point now where I am pretending that Olympic football really is a deserving sport to be in the Olympics, and should be our preferred team to support. That's how far the national game has sunk.

To answer the question a new man should be in right now, not fanny around until whoever they want decides its the right time to leave Tottenham.  

Of all the names mentioned, none of them fill me with confidence. At least 'arry might understand the English strength and get us playing football I suppose. Not sure what it is but he feels a bit too wheeler dealerish to be a success at International level. Obviously he could equally be the best thing since Bobby Robson, who knows. But as i say, if he doesn't want it now then move on to someone who does.

If it were up to me, forgetting the fact they'd never come, I'd go for Mourinho. But he's foreign and plays boring winning football and so no doubt would be crucified by the press before the last easter egg is eaten.

So on the list, in order:
 - 'arry. At least being the popular choice people will give him at least 3 weeks before moaning.
 - 'woy. At least he knows the international game.
 - Psycho. Bit busy with Olympics, but at least he knows the FA
 - Glenda. Probably been away from the cutting edge a bit too long.

I said to my mates a few weeks back when England were playing a friends how little I cared, I'd rather Swindon win the league than England the euros.

When it does eventually roll round il support my country and watch the matches, but frankly I don't care about England.

I think the FA will see how many people were calling for Redknapp when Fabio went and will appoint him. We won't win the euros and the fans will turn on him before the end of June. And the cycle will repeat for the WC

Steve Evans

I shed a tear or 2 when we lost the in Euro '96 semi.

Hopefully one day i'll care that much again about my national team, doubt it though

I cant believe people are thinking that Grant fucking Holt is the saviour to our striking problems.

Saying that, ill be down the pub getting lashed for the group games as per

Would they though?

Expectations arent that high, arguably getting out the group will be an acheivement.  That combined with a general lack of interest means that the Media would probably be the only faction calling for his head if we have a shocker of a tournament.

To say I've lost all interest would be an overstatement.  But I've no more interest in an England group game than I have, for example, for the FA Cup Final.  It's interesting enough as a spectacle.  Just feel that it's not got a lot to do with me.  Excuse for a few beers though, as tans says.

On the Contrary !

I am just as keen on England as I am Swindon.

Actually looking forward to being in a "Scottish Style" zero expectation situation.
I think the players will be under a lot less pressure this time, and this might just allow them to play abit of football.

They won't win it, but will exceed (low) expectations, rather than failing to hit (crazy high) expectations.

Personnally, i'd give it to Pearce, then 'Arry after the Euro's to build for the next World Cup.

I'm going to get shot down as a Xenophobe, but I think the England Manager should be English.
Just like the centre forward and the goalkeeper etc etc

Same as most on here, i'm rather apathetic toward the National team these days.
The last time I looked forward to an international tournament was probably the 2002 World Cup.

Obviously would like to see us do well, but we just can't compete with the likes of Spain, Portugal or The Netherlands.

Strikers i'd take would be Rooney, Defoe, Crouch, Bent & Walcott.

If 'Arry is in charge before the Euros, maybe he can use his wheeler dealer skills to bring in Van Persie and Ronaldo on loan.

England will never be anywhere near as important to me as Swindon. Not in a million years.

I like it when England do well but they rarely do and even though I watch England games and support England if they fail it does not bother me even 1% of how much Swindon failing to win games bothers me.

As for the manager.....I would love Stuart Pearce in charge but hes not anywhere near good enough yet to do that role, it has to be Harry for me.

Spurs fortunes seem to have failed since he was strongly linked to the job, whether or not he will be able to do a good job only time would tell....he is similar in many ways to Terry Venebales when he took over, a bit outspoken, a few dody deals in the past, common sounding cockney Spurs manager, not had a huge amount of success as a club manager but is steady and will get the job done.

Blimey, I thought I was one of only a few that had given up on England. Seems to be a majority.

There's only so many times you can believe the pre-tournament bollocks spouted by overpaid under-talented bozos about how they think they can win the Euros.

But I reckon I know why they perform SO badly - the players have no belief in themselves as Team England - they may say they do for public consumption but they have no confidence in their own (limited) ability.

They are so used to being fawned over by the media during the season, they just know they will be slaughtered when they underperform for England. They know comparisons will be made with so-called inferior players playing in a so-called inferior league - and they will be found wanting.

Living in Ireland I'll be supporting the Green Army!!

Think Bent is injured...I'd rather go with Welbeck and Sturridge. Don't want too many retreads who've been there and failed like Crouch and Defoe...although of course some experience is important.

For me it's not about whether or not we do well, it's abut giving it a good go.

The last tournament was a disgrace in that regard. I have also never disliked so many players on a personal level, the England team is full of horrible people that don't deserve what they have.

Couldnt much give a shit about England or international football really!  Give me league 2 and the Town any day ..... Though it is quite funny going watching people go through the same old cycles before, during and after every tournament ....  We'll win it ... We'll get to the semis ... blah blah blah ..... Then England come up against far more technically superior players, who keep the ball forever and the England players run around like England rabbits ... Go out in the group stage ...... There after follows a national audit in which the end concesus is the failure is blamed on the failure to develop a national academy, or too many foreign players, style of play in the premier league being unsuitable for international success.

Where the truth is really the players are shite!

Next one I will give a stuff about is the world cup when India qualify :-)

Give me a choice of seeing England in the Euros or the cricket team in the Windies - well, there's only one winner there!

Went to Barbados ages ago and really want to return to see the England Test match.

I've fallen out of love with England after the last world cup. I want England to do well, but have so much dislike for members of the current squad. A Cole = Cunt, Terry = Cunt, Lampard = Cunt, Rooney = Cunt, Gerrard = Cunt. Yes, they are top players, but they give so much more to their clubs and they are complete twats. They were the 'golden generation', but really fucked it up

I'm looking forward to a new generatin of england players who can capture the nation's immagination and play with great passion regardless of results.

I will watch the euros with beers in handk but wont be expecting much. I dont care who the manager is, its all kind of fucked up now, damage done.

Which is why in the thread starter, I said "I know there's a few on here still interested in the national side"

It was these posters I was hoping to get some debate going with like Batch and NBR....trying to get some clarity on the current situation.  Supporting England isn't compulsory, before Italia 90, it was something done by the proper football fan, not every man, woman and their dog.

So, you're bemoaning the fact that the game has opened up the hoi polloi.

For God's sake, even women go nowadays!!

Enough to make you splutter into your G&T!

I'll watch the games once the euros are here and expect to see the same old tried,tested and failed players go out on penalties under Redknapp's guidance.
Nothing will change as the media and fans demand immediate results which will and has done nothing for the long term benefit of the national team.
Needs a total overhaul and change of ideas which won't happen

Not really...as you say, you've given up on England, like so many others on this thread. I'm just saying that's not particularly a problem, more a return to how things used to be.

Shan't be watching, don't give a toss about the bunch of cunts

I watch every game but cant say im overly fussed if they win or not, would much rather watch Swindon!

Id take Rooney, Crouch (his international record is rather good), Bent if fit, Defoe and Welbeck. Hope whoever is manager also takes Oxlade-Chamberlain, better version of Walcott IMO

The thing is, though, it isn't how things used to be. The people on this forum are football fans - just the sort of people who would have been chomping at the bit when an international tournament came along.

Nowadays, it seems your average England supporter is Mr (and Mrs) Average who drag along little Gerald to get his face painted.

Ah, for the days when those hairy-arsed Jocks wrecked the goals at Wembley!

I'd genuinely forgotten about the Euros this summer.

It will be interesting to see, but I'll hazard a guess that the face painters and car flag flyers will be notable for their absence this summer.

Until we get to the quarter finals, if we do that is.

Why, didn't Norway qualify ? :)

Think the FA have as well....

Just what are the timings of the Euros and Olympics?

Nope and I will be living there during the Euros so presumably there will be fuck all coverage!

And you still won't miss much!

I'm looking forward to the month long football, not so much englands participation. It's the toughest, and best, international tournament there is - a world cup without the chaff. Euro 2008 was a great tournament

Agreed. England being there is a bonus.

I'm with Dave and Costanza... looking forward to the tournament as a whole

Very different at away games.

Yeah, a fucking big 'whole' that England are going to fall into.

UEFA and FIFA must really have to rack their brains to come up with such dreadful venues for such large tournaments.

I mean, Qatar, FFS.

I spent a year in Aden (now Yemen) in the 70s and believe me 10 minutes of 5-a-side would kill you (that's if the locals didn't)

I'd take the youngsters and remove all traces of the golden generation. I'd leave Rooney at home for being such a stupid cunt getting sent off. Maybe when people stop mollycoddling the imbecile will grow up - if not, then he stays out. Lets use this as a warm up for Brazil 2014 ( if we qualify ).
As for manager, I'd take a caretaker and appoint after the Euros. Who the fuck wants to start with failure. I'd take Curbishley, a good coach and no axe to grind with anyone. Tell him he's got a few weeks before and his wages will be dependent on how far he gets. If he somehow wins the thnig then he gets the job. 

loved going to bulgaria away!

Not since Portugal and Germany, people only seem to travel now for the 'caps' and to say 'i was there' rather than support the team. Also a totally different set of people go when games are on easyjet routes compared to more inconvenient places.

Im going over for the France game and heading to Krakow for the QF weekend, with a couple of train journeys if England are still in it. Cant say i am overly excited about it at the minute, have been losing interest for a few years and starting to pick what games to do. Nearer the time, when the season has been over for a few weeks, I will probably be itching to go to a game so that will help get me interested. Bar Poland away in October this will be my last couple of trips (apart from if we every play Ireland/Italy/Serbia again).

I understand people will be saying why go if you are losing interest. Well I didnt go to SA as I couldnt justify the cost (thankfully) and there use to be 15/16 of us that use to travel, who over the years have stopped going for a variety of reasons, like being unable to relate to the players, having families, trips not as enjoyable as they once were. We said this will be our last tournament as we hope what people see as not the most inviting place, a hassle to get around, not expecting anything from England etc will actually make the trip. Also cant argue at the cost of the tickets, for the France game, conditional QF and conditional Final, £112 all in, with fees (conditional, only get them if England are there, if not a refund)

Depending which way you look at it the FA had done a fantastic job in their aim of making it a more family orientated environment, but in my opinion they will regret going too far that way and leaving the working class fan out. The initial buzz over the new Wembley has now lost its appeal, crowds are going down. Even for the family, watching England won’t be the in thing sooner rather than later. It will go back to 1000’s of free school tickets being handed out. If true football fans cant get excited, how can the hanger on's.

It wont happen, but for the Euro’s it would be great if they did bomb out all of your Terry’s, Lampards, Coles, Ferdinands and only select players like your Parkers, Kevin Davies who appreciate what they have and give everything regardless.

Bugger the football, I assume there will be a stunners competition?!

I will watch whatever games I am about for, and hope, like many that the old guard are left at home so that the next generation can be given some tournament experience without any great expectation.

Right now I would go for Pardew as manager, not because of what he has done at Newcastle, more because I like the way he handles the media.

I had forgotten there was a tournament, which doesnt bode well....

In terms of manager I hope Redknapp gets it just to see the red top media tie themselves in knots over it - how will all his mates in the press manage to juggle their Harry love in with slagging him off when the prima donnas fail to deliver!

We need a manager with passion - Paolo for England!

Pleasing to see that priorities have not been neglected.

I bloody hope so I have been building a squad and team spirit for this since the last euro's... its been a strugggle

Wise words

Looks as though it'll be Woy then, the F.A have approached West Brom to ask for talks.

It won't go down well.

This is what happens when you make certain demands about what an England coach should be.

He is the most 'experienced' candidate and he's English.

Strange, unless it's to do with 'Arry's history

Interesting....poor Woy, he doesn't deserve this.

Great choice - now all we need are a few decent players.

Exactly.

Not sure where we're going to get them from

Let's hope Woy blows em out

Genuinely think Woy is a better option as manager (at international level) than 'Arry. Wouldn't fancy his chances considering Harry has many cheerleaders on Fleet Street that are unlikely to ever be behind anyone else

If we are really lucky, Gerrard might quit international football!

The current meltdowns going on are stupid.

Is there a better man out there for the job? probably not.

Roy has done well everywhere apart from Liverpool, so why everyone is so against it - I dont know...

Roy has history of building teams that overachieve, we need that..

He didn't do very well at Bristol City  :)

I dont see how anyone can prefer Harry Redknapp to get the job. Hodgson has won more trophies as a managet, has more experience in international football and in leagues abroad and he has a better win percentage as a manager. Why would anyone want Harry to get the job on that basis?

Peoples ignorance of what Hodgson has achieved actually shocks me

you and me both.

seen you fighting the losing battle on facebook.

Cos Arrys a geezer. A tactically inept one at that. In Hodgson the FA have made the right choice but will suffer as he did at Liverpool cos he ain't the majority of fans first choice and it certainly won't be popular with Arrys chums on fleet street.

Poor Woy. Just when he was getting his career bang on track post Liverpool he finds himself lumbered with England.

Bit of a shame though as I was looking forward to the red tops explaining Arrys tactical ineptitude this summer.

So that's another plus point in his favour then.

Let's be honest, it's not the manager who's the problem is it? It's the primadonna tossers on the pitch that are the problem. Poison chalice, wouldn't be at all surprised if they're turning to Hodgson because Redknapp's "made it known" he's not interested.

I have a few Spurs supporting friends and they are gutted. They all had hopes of getting rid of Harry and bringing in Mourinho.

that is called deluded

He's 64.  Not too much of a further career needed, especially at £2m per year. Next World Cup should do nicely.

Hodgson's track record knocks Redknapp's into a cocked hat.

If he could take Switzerland to the last 16 at USA '94 sure he could do a perfectly good job with England.

Sadly the press have set the tone today.  Woy is on a hiding to nothing here I am afraid.  Sad as he is the right man especially next to the tactically inept Arry.

Am I alone in thinking with Woy incharge I hope England do a bit better than I would have done with Arry in charge?

about a week ago expectation was going to be pretty low, i.e great if we can get out the groups. I think if pearce or arry were manager, the press would be like 'yeah he dont the best with what little time/prep he had' yada yada now that woy is in charge the press will jump he at first chance, bit harsh really.

Poor old Woy, failed before he's started in the eyes of certain areas of the media.

The only way of turning that around is through results, but I am not sure the players are up to it.

I feel sorry for Hodgson, because he's not such a big name and not the first choice the media are going to get on his back from day one if things don't go right.

People who say he didn't do well at Liverpool? the fans just wanted Kenny he was fighting a losing battle at Liverpool. If Roy was given the funds Kenny has been given Liverpool would be in a lot better position.

Good luck to Roy, happy for him. West Brom must be gutted he's turned them into a top 10 side, they're going to struggle to find a manager to replace him.

You are better of without 'arry, he is a crook & talks shite

Didn't know Flint was that way inclined  :eek:

Keep 'arry at Spurs so he can keep giving us players. We may not get Bostock next season if 'arry leaves them.

Looking at Hodgson's very impressive international and domestic management record, I'm surprised he hasn't been given the job before.

I'd imagine their are 2 main features that FA find appealing....namely he's relatively cheap, and shouldbe controversy free.

This makes Woy a safe pair of hands....think there is also a realisation that we've fallen a long way behind other nations in terms of infrastructure, and I'd imagine this will be part of Woy's wemit.

Just been reading up on Roy's career, as I don't know loads about his foreign exploits. Very interesting reading. Here's are his major successes (adapted from Wiki)


Halmstad - Allsvenskan (2): 1976, 1979
"His success with Halmstad in 1976 is considered one of the biggest surprises of all time in Swedish football. The year before, Halmstad had struggled against relegation, and before the 1976 campaign began they were almost universally tipped for relegation."

Malmö FF -Swedish football champions (2): 1986, 1988
    Allsvenskan (5): 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
    Svenska Cupen (2): 1985–86, 1988–89
"Due to his successful time at Malmö, Hodgson is still highly appreciated by the club's fans who have unofficially named a section of the new Swedbank Stadion "Roy's Hörna" (Roy's Corner) His period as manager of the club is seen as one of the best in the club's history!"

Switzerland
"Hodgson took the Schweizer Nati to the 1994 World Cup, losing only one game during qualification, from a group that included Italy and Portugal. The Swiss took four points off Italy, who went on to make it to the World Cup final and lose only on penalties."

Inter Milan - UEFA Cup Runner Up (1): 1997
"Inter had finished 13th and sixth in the seasons prior to his arrival. After a terrible start to the season, Hodgson was brought in and guided the club to seventh place in the 1995–96 season, qualifying for the UEFA Cup. The 1996–97 season saw Hodgson leave Inter after 14 wins, 13 draws and five defeats in Serie A, with Inter placed 3rd in the league"

Copenhagen - Danish Superliga (1): 2000–01
    Danish Super Cup (1): 2001
"Hodgson moved to Denmark and became manager of FC Copenhagen, where he proved an instant success, taking a team that had finished seventh and eighth in the two previous seasons, and winning the Superliga championship in the 2000–01 season – the club's first championship since 1993"

Fulham - UEFA Europa League Runner Up (1): 2010
"In the 2008–09 season, Hodgson led Fulham to unprecedented success, guiding his side to seventh place in the Premier League, the club's highest ever finish, and ensuring qualification for the new UEFA Europa League. Fulham went on to eliminate holders Shakhtar, Italian runners-up Juventus and German champions Wolfsburg. The victory against Juventus was especially memorable as Fulham came back from 4–1 down on aggregate to win the tie 5–4. On 29 April 2010, Hodgson guided Fulham to their first major European final in their 130 year history, winning the home leg 2–1 to gain a 2–1 aggregate victory over Hamburg in the Europa League semi final"

Individual - LMA Manager of the Year (1): 2010
"In May 2010, Hodgson was voted the 2010 LMA Manager of the Year by a record margin"

I'm sure what came out in Harry's tax trial had the FA thinking what else is Harry hiding. Yes, he got off (don't know how considering there was £200k in a Monaco bank account, which no-one paid tax on), but what else could come out.

Roy was on a hiding going to Liverpool when he did, as the club was in a mess with the Yanks infighting and no-one seemingly was willing to pay the £300m to pay the banks off, and Dalglish was in the background wanting the job himself. He's done well at Fulham (got them to the Europa League final) and got West Brom into mid-table without spending a lot of money.

I would've given it to Roy anyway, but the London press are seemingly all out to get him already.

Though Coxy may think about signing a new contract when/if Roy moves on.

All the dodgy dealing...unproven i know has come back to bite Harry,the FA know something we dont i reckon.
His health would have been a major factor also.

Saw BBC news interview Harry. He didn't seem impressed haha.

Roy or Harry, I don't care.  As long as we win that's all that matters.

Press Conference at 4 .... Poor Woy .... In the job for a few hours and will get fed to the hounds AKA The Fleet Street Mob!

I dont want them to win.  I was looking forward to Harry getting the gig then England being shit then watching who everyone decided to blame. 

The chances of failure with Arry were higher than with Woy!

Done deal.

4 year deal!

Potentially taking him to Brazil '14.

Makes sense to me.

(assuming we qualify) that'll be the tournament he'll should be judge on

as for the euros, just get the players to do their best...

Meh.  I really struggle to get excited about the England team these days.

true, i't's just something different to moan about durring the summer months

For whatever reason since we lifted the title on Saturday I've started to look forward to the Euros.

I shall sit back and enjoy the competition.

England need stability in the management level, Stuart Pearce is coming through and learning the ropes even if hes not up to the main job now I would guess he would be in with a chance after Roy leaves.

We have nothing to lose with Hodgson, hes one of the most experienced English managers in the game if not THE most experienced English manager and with the press and fans calling for an English born manager then he fits the bill perfectly.

He has managed at the World Cup in 94 and the European Championship Finals in 96.
He has managed in the European Cup, UEFA Cup and Europa League.
He has managed at international level with Switzerland and Finland so knows what is expected of a national team manager.

Obviously the best man for the job, the only place he has failed really was at was Liverpool and they are a notriously difficult club to manage despite vast amounts of talent. He turned Fulham and West Brom into viable solid Premiership sides too.

Now its down the the players to turn it on under his guidance.

If Stuart Pearce is ever ready for the 'main' job I'm getting a Scottish passport

Oi Bernstein, how hard is it to pronouce 'Roy'?

Woy

I like Woy.  I am 100% behind the appointment. 

Looks like Roy is going to be taking England into Euro 2012, World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016.  Fingers crossed I will be celebrating my 30th with a massive piss up in France in 4 years time after England win the tournament.

Good appointment.

Best of luck to the bloke.

I liked the South Africa question (which he dealt with)...

"So Roy... moving to South Africa during the 1970's eh? Tsk!"

Welease Woy

Good appointment for England IMO. Hopefully he can get the best out of them, cant say im that fussed if he doesnt though, losing interest in England.

Looking forward to the Euros though, hope for some quality games to wet the appetite for next season!

A good point was made on a friend's wall on Facebook...

It shows the character of a man who has a speech impediment to learn 5 languages and speak them fluently.

I really hope it works out for him and England.

Hodgson. Redknap or whoever it dont change the fact that the players are shite.

Playing for themselves not their country. Hope he's got the gonads to leave Gerrard, Lampard, Terry et al behind.

I fucking hate the whole Team England project - couldn't care less

Are you English ?

Well he won't need English as the likes of Terry cannot understand it anyway.

Hope Roy does well.. Not really for the team's sake, but for his sake..

hope he does the business-that would really piss Liverpool fans off.

The media backlash that they didn't get their Arry love in?

Actually quite pleased in some ways, but fear the vitriol he will face.

He will have to give up his advertising career though....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhnKjR0ESPs

Dropping Gerrard his first move :D

Good luck Woy,you are going to need it. The gutter press already all over it.
I hope he has the bollocks to oust the Chelsea mafia and other failed players. Harry wouldn't have for sure.

And dropping Terry/Ferdinand his next move.

Hope he does well.

If the News of the World was still going I'm sure there would be a sunday headline saying he tag teamed a couple of brasses with Gareth Southgate or something soapy tit wank

And so it begins...

[url width=600 height=765]http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/571338797.jpg?key=640816&Expires=1335912907&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=dYdD1p5jM4CcZ9OXNwVN5~-tGCmSLUNVGkl0Yp4s~o0L5u3jyB8oCbBrnkg~5GgMYKQD3FsKazjOPCVJh-tiiiwjQMZ0w8YRJxXv5V05btkeoPZtq~o55LAIj8NhUp-2gPyFXMNd9K8lO7UYjPapEPp69Jngu~ypZk76tpi~bck_[/url]

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/hodgson-hits-rock-bottom-201204305176/

Roy always comes across as a decent chap - why the hell he wants the England job fuck knows!

I used to love international football and the whole getting behind England (Italia 90 was my halcyon days) - but just can't be arsed with England anymore. Just feel as if some (if not most) of the players think that they're God's gift and all they need do is turn up and the fans will support them.

Would love to see Roy pick 'unfashionable' players, maybe even Championship players - ones who actually give a flying F about wearing the Three Lions rather than the self-centred media-courting hasbeens that make up a significant proportion of the current team...

Need to drop Terry, Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard to start.

Good luck Roy - stay strong against the media whores.

Good Luck Woy, international management experience and he's English...could be just what the doctor ordered so to speak!

The sun is a truly horrible organization

It's all a bit Mike Bassett - people wondering why he was appointed, a bit of despondency about the team going into a major tournament...

A semi-final finish wouldn't be too bad at all given the players available to him. Although some would still moan...

They'd get an 'airport' welcome back if they got to the Semi-Finals.

if they can get out of the group stage and i think anything can happen - except beating holland, spain and germany  ;)

It might appear funny at first to some, but using the whole front page to take the piss out of someone's speech impediment is beyond disgraceful. Can't believe so many people buy it, they're as much to blame for encouraging this style of journalism as Murdoch is for printing it.

Agreed - not particularly edifying to see the most read newspaper in the UK being quite so rude about his speech impediment. Perhaps I've not got my finger on the pulse of the UK - but I don't think it is acceptable.

There was a time that I found papers like the sun absolutely loathsome. Then I had the epiphany it's the cunts that buy that shit that are really to blame.

I assume the headline just says 'WOY' or something similar?

Nah they've written a 4 page spread on him with all the r's weplaced with w's.

I saw the front page earlier and thought that was bad enough, can't believe they've done a 4 page spread in that style. Just another example of their juvenile reporting style, thinking they're being humerous when actually they're quite offensive!

It's not often I like to paraphrase Gordon Brown, but the Sun really has just descended from the gutter to the sewer.

They should be ashamed.  (But they won't be.)

Jesus wept!

I go along with this...if you dont like it dont buy it. It was worth buying when Sam Fox was around....

i hope he does well, doesnt seem the kind of bloke who likes a clique, might be wrong, as some have said get rid of the ego's, glad that rednapp never got it, it really would have been a job for the boys & his son then, good luck roy & fuck the sun

Fola's caught a few there

To be fair, it is the Sun we are talking about so its not exactly beyond the realms of possibility.

Apparently the PCC have had a lot of complaints about it, and the FA has told the Sun they're a tad upset.

Cowwect.

The BBC has it as over 100 complaints. Wow. Or that be Ror.

I went to St Ives in February and got talking to a guy in the hotel bar we were staying in.
He claimed he was an ex professional footballer (Harry Kirk was his name) and said he played for Chelsea and also played with Mike Summerbee at Manchester City.
I've googled him and cannot find any reference to him playing for either Chelsea or Man City.

Anyway, he told me this story about when he was coaching in Sweden and Hodgson had just started his coaching career and wasn't really a big name, but had just won the Swedish league title.
Apparently, Harry Kirk was in a hotel bar with Alan Ball and they were winding Hodgson up about clubs he had played for, and apparently Alan Ball ripped into him saying he was full of shit and they were generally taking the piss out of him.

Several years later, Harry Kirk bumped into Hodgson in Milan (when he was at Inter) and asked if he could possibly get him 4 tickets for the match that evening for him and three VIP's that he was with. Hodgson said that would be no problem and said 4 tickets would be at reception for him prior to kick off.

He (Kirk) apparently turned up at the ground with these 3 VIP's and was handed an envelope by the receptionist. All that was in the envelope was a letter from Hodgson saying something along the lines of "If you think i'll give you 4 free tickets for tonights game after the way you spoke to me all those years ago in Sweden, you can go and fuck yourself".

Whether this is true or not, I don't know, but it was an interesting story nonetheless.

He also claimed he is Neil Warnock's best mate and worked with him at QPR and is now his chief scout at Leeds United.

My guess is that 'Harry' was pulling your leg.

Well, he's lying about the chief scout thingy for starters.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds_United_A.F.C._personnel

Oh yeah, i've no doubt he was talking shite, me and my missus were doing our best to avoid him for the rest of the stay as he kept on collaring me :)
He was telling me all sorts of crap, about how he used to be a millionnaire then lost a load of money due to the recession.
He said he was in the middle of writing a book, he also gave me his telephone number and said if I ever needed cup final tickets or anything to give him a call.
He even wrote:
Harry Kirk
Leeds United AFC
Telephone number

He did buy me a double Dalwhinnie though.

Hmm, maybe not that much shite:

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/harry-reveals-secret-french-ingredient-in-united-s-winning-run-1-2139362

(Please don't ask me to explain why I spent time looking for this as I have no sensible explanation)

Nonetheless, even if he was everything he claimed to be doesn't mean his anecdote is any more likely to be true.

Why would you admit that Roy Hodgson made you look a cunt?

Interesting.

Good find, Mr D.

I support England almost as fervently as I support Swindon.

They provide similar emotional roller coaster rides.

I am currently feeling that England have little chance of success at the Euros.

I am viewing the Euros as a welcom football interlude between us going up as fucking Champions and kicking our forst ball in League 1 next season.

I think Roy is a good appointment and wish him well.

I want him to be brave and say "Fuck it" for the Euros and use the tournament as part of his team building exercise for the next World Cup. The England heriarchy need to accept that a fair proportion of the current crop of 'Stars' are either not up to it or too full of themselves to be at their best for their country. Drop the piss taking wasters, take a punt on some of the up and coming youngsters and build a squad for the future.

Log on to Waccoe and see if they know him.