just seen some of sky's coverage of this "Moyes to United" headline, and it showed the net spend's since 2003 of about 8-10 clubs at the top. we came in at £179m, yet i thought we'd spent about 10-15m in the last 6 years. can someone explain where this figure has come from please?!
From someone's arse presumably, Roo. Even Transferleague, which omits some of our sales entirely, only has us down for £102m. Of course, they don't like to put wages into that equation, as that would make it very, very clear why certain clubs are where they are.
Absolutely right. Moyes going to United is an utter shock to anyone who knows, understands and loves football. It won't and cannot work. He'll be sacked inside three seasons (allowing for United to spout their bollocks about "giving the new man a chance to build his own post-Fergie dynasty"), and they'll be forced to spend big money to get in Mourhino. They are a public company, and their share prices (if not the demands of fans) will dictate them having to get in a big-name manager. United seem to be living in a bubble. This isn't the 70s. Long gone are the days when a Paisley or a Berkingshaw could almost be guaranteed a job for life, regardless of the performance of the club. There is a reason why every other major club in the world hires and fires its way to success, as United will learn at its cost.
Lol PNP! I was thinking last night. This retirement/appointment transition is going to be very interesting in the sense that united fans aren't used to losing. - (I'm not saying that united will. Moyes could well carry on where ferguson left off.) But if he doesn't, we're going to experience something very new. Well, I certainly am anyway and so will most other fans under the age of 30. United have won something every season and their fans have got so used to success over the last 20-25 years and don't really know what it's like to lose. Ok, they lose a few games a season, but it's been a long long time since they had a period without success. I see comments on Facebook and twitter from my friends over the littlest thing that doesn't go their way and they seem so bitter. - but to the point where they come across slightly aggressive because their so pissed off as they just aren't used to it and can't take it. It'll be interesting to see the patience of these fans if things don't go smoothly. 20-25 years of things going your way is a long time where one would get very used to it.
Success is always relative for football fans- I don't think Yeovil fans care much who are champions at present or who wins the Cup on Saturday. They are in a play-off final and can reach Championship level for the first time in their history. I remember when Utd were ridiculed, much as Liverpool are now. People talked about the glorious history- the Busby Babes, first English European Cup winners, league titles, Best, Law & Charlton- and proclaimed the club as the biggest in the world with the biggest support, yet the team were a laughing stock. As a kid, I went to Wembley twice in one season in 1983. I stood up on a train all the way to London for the League Cup final, stood behind one goal and saw none of the three goals, which were all scored at the other end, including Liverpool's winner in extra time. But just getting to a Wembley final and having the day out seemed fantastic! Can you imagine how most Utd fans (me included) would feel about finishing runners-up in the League Cup now? It got better when we went back in May and beat Brighton in the F.A. Cup final after a replay (I saw the mad 2-2 game), but winning that trophy felt like a monumental achievement then. Then beating Barcelona (with Maradona) 3-0 at an impossibly full OT in the CWC Q-F the next season after losing 2-0 in the away leg is still far and away my best memory- better than watching the 1999 CL final on TV. So if Utd don't have continued success under Moyes, then we'll adapt and enjoy it all the more when success does return.
The fans could be interesting. If you look at the length of the success they've had (circa 20years) and the fact most kids probably don't become that fanatical til about, say, 10, you are looking at most fans in the stadium under 30 not being used to not winning things. Not to mention the sheer amount of glory hunters they acquired in the 90s, you can probably add to that number too.
It'll be interesting to hear what targets the club set Moyes, anyone assuming he will be, or should be expected to deliver a treble doesn't understand football. I think its a cautious appointment and a sensible one, a big name will be expected to deliver...by the press! who have slated many a good manager, eventually making the club give them the boot.
Luke, I'm sure you'd cope. Although i can imagine the 40 odd trophies under Sir Alex's tenure might make it difficult to take. That's because your one of the sensible ones Luke who's obviously over 30 and has seen highs and lows. There's a **** load of fans my age who started supporting united in the early to mid 90's (like Spurm says) who are not going to know what's hit them if things don't go well. They'll make all these claims about how they are going to be patient, but it won't last long. They've never known what it's like. Its horrendous having to see their pathetic comments when they lose 1 ****ing game. it's like the end of the world! They would never last for a couple of months. let alone half a season or a season. I have to say, I hope that there is a slight decline as I'd love to see it in full flow!
And what do I read on the BBC gossip page... Since I'm here, I'll just say that Edinson Cavani and Radamael Falcao have both agreed to join Spurs this summer...
I'm not. I certainly can't remember Dennis Law relegating them with a back heel, his non celebration and then retiring from football. Nope, don't remember any of it. I said I don't .
