The beautiful game...English style.

**Marty** · #**981** 12-04-2011, 07:28 AM

the unique open nature of the FA cup is that there is no seeding further than the later entry (from Round 3) of teams from the top two league divisions, the draw therefore is entirely open and arbitrary. Such a drawing system has ensured the cup's survival as the longest running knock out team competition in the world, often allowing smaller clubs to pull off long cup runs and lesser teams to compete for lucrative European competition places usually only secured by the top Premiership squads.

Nick_Bradley78 · #**982** 12-04-2011, 07:30 AM

Even my local team Millwall made it to the final a few years back thanks to that.

**Marty** · #**983** 01-02-2012, 07:29 AM

sad day for Merseyside football fans from both sides of the Park today with the announcement of the death at only 46 of former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archiv...blue-september

In his most recent interview, for the Everton website's cancer awareness month in September last year (linked above), Gary spoke about his own shock at being diagnosed with cancer and the importance of getting checked regularly. I know a lot of people back home (my Everton mad sister for one) who were personal friends of Gary's, both red and blue, and at the risk of setting off Boris Johnson it's certainly a sad day for my football mad hometown.

Nick_Bradley78 · #**984** 01-02-2012, 08:10 AM

I saw this sad news earlier Marty, far far too young and a real talent in his prime.

**Marty** · #**985** 01-05-2012, 04:48 AM

http://www.worldsoccer.com/columnist...f-sepp-blatter

Decent little piece on one of the true friends of the beautiful game, a few premiership managerial teams could learn a bit about growing a pair where FIFA is concerned from Uli Hoeness.

Nick_Bradley78 · #**986** 01-05-2012, 05:38 AM

Amazing isn't it, if you ran the books of a company like Fifa does, or were in political office you'd be in prison. For a very long time, but because its Fifa, it just gets shrugged off. Surely interpol or someone should have a look (though they've probably been bribed as well).

Matt Fapresto · #**987** 01-06-2012, 01:39 PM

Arsenal has confirmed the comin' back of Thierry Henry! Robin is no longer so lonely

rosy · #**988** 01-06-2012, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Fapresto

Arsenal has confirmed the comin' back of Thierry Henry! Robin is no longer so lonely

yessssssssss...good news

sschweiger · #**989** 01-08-2012, 07:21 AM

We saw a "machine" in The New Orleans Saints & Drew Brees last night! The Lions couldn't stop them, and I don't think anyone or anything will be able to stop them, including the Packers, the Pats, the Ravens & the frozen tundra of Green Bay! Just my opinion! The SuperDome has to be experienced to be believed!

**Marty** · #**990** 01-25-2012, 05:38 PM

why is there a post about what seems to be table tennis or something in a football thread?

anyways, nice to know that the tabloid headline writers in Britain still know how to beat a good pun to death post NOTW, sure references to Moan City and Robert Moancini will abound at the newsagents this morning, awful wordplay aside, they may have a point however.

Chris92 · #**991** 02-05-2012, 09:17 PM

Anybody catch the ManU/Chelsea game today? What a fantastic comeback by the Red Devils! And you can't forget Mata's goal for Chelsea.

***Nancy*** · #**992** 02-05-2012, 09:22 PM

On SUPER BOWL SUNDAY?

rosy · #**993** 02-05-2012, 11:01 PM

whatabout the arsenal? 7 beautiful goals..

Matt Fapresto · #**994** 02-05-2012, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosy

whatabout the arsenal? 7 beautiful goals..

Three goals and a wonderful assist from Robin van Persie again. I hope they can continue the good shape

rosy · #**995** 02-06-2012, 05:48 AM

Three goals and a wonderful assist from Robin van Persie again. I hope they can continue the good shape

me too.... is he a countryman of yours?

a wonderful footballer,

Matt Fapresto · #**996** 02-06-2012, 10:58 AM

me too.... is he a countryman of yours?

Yes, we're both from the Netherlands. Van Persie is one of our best players. Since 1998 I'm a big fan of Arsenal. They play very attractive football, hopefully they will win a prize this year..