marcus50bucks

The first and last part of your post is very, very harsh. He didn't blow it. It was injuries that stopped him from becoming the greatest player to step on a football pitch. I also think the number of serious injuries he suffered didn't help matters with this weight. Ronaldo's record is still phenomenal despite the injuries and very few players would have still been able to have such a remarkabale record if they suffered the same problems. Messi is a great player but for those who had the opportunity to see Ronaldo at around the same age will surely agree that he was on another planet compared to Messi.

Here's one for ya. The real Ronaldo at 21/22 or Messi at the same age, who is better? my personal preference is Ronaldo. That player without the injuries he unfortunately suffered, would have taken over Pele and Maradonna as the greatest player to step on a football pitch.

I hate doing this but I think we'll get 24 points. I think we'll drop points against Birmingham, away (draw) Man utd, away (draw) and Chelsea, home (draw). I think City (for me will be our main rivals for fourth spot) will get 23 points and will drop points against Fulham, away (draw) Man utd, home (draw) Arsenal, away (loss) which means both of us will end up on 72 points. Man city will get fourth on goal difference in my opinion.

I am pretty sure this used to happen a number of years ago. However, the reserve teams seem to be just full of youngsters nowadays. If we're not going to improve the number of games played in the reserve league then to make it more competitive fringe first team sqaud players should be used as well as youngsters.

I agree but unless the premier league get their fingers out their arses and revamp the the current reserve league system then the best way to challenege rising stars is to give them a chance in carling cup matches or send them out on loan to prem teams or championship teams.

Perhaps his idea is to blood these youngsters in during pre-season games and carling cup matches. Lets face it, the current reserve format is not competitive at all and there aren't enough games either under the current settings.

As I said in my last post how do you propose Rafa handles players like Sterling to ensure their talent is nurtued and are not set back?

I think you make some valid points, particularly the bit in bold. However, given the poor state of reserve team football over here, and under our current restrictions, how best do you think Rafa should handle players like Sterling to ensure that we don't set them back? I assume you think we should adopt Wenger's approach and blood these youngsters in during pre-season games and carling cup matches?

We need to keep this run going. We've also got a few players coming back from injury within the next few weeks, which hopefully bodes well for the rest of the season.

Try returning my calls then you tit. ;) Seriously though mate I will give you a ring tomorrow and we'll have a chat. You've given me sound advice over the years so I will gladly return the favour. I'm two weeks into my 6 weeks holiday so I can always come down your neck of the woods. Whenever I call though you are always at bloody work. I hope you haven't packed in uni fella!

Where did you here this from mate?

Surely your comment that Gerrard is the best right midfielder in the world is a typo error, no? Ronaldo from the filth is a much better player than Gerrard on the right.

Who was third of the 3 strikers, Crouch or Kuyt?

AS reporting the comments from Gil Marin (atletico director) -- EFE (LISBON) In declarations published by the newspaper "To Ball", Gil MarÃ*n assured that "every time it is more difficult to reach an agreement" with the Portuguese club, that increased the price of the crossing with the entrance of the Liverpool in the race to take control of the player. "We made several proposals, but we have our limitations. At this moment the only thing that I can say is that we are studying some alternatives ", said the delegated advisor. The Madrilenian club "does not stop" of the international Portuguese and maintains the "door opened" with the Oporto if an approach in the amounts took place, assured. Gil MarÃ*n recognized that they cannot reach the request of the Oporto, that the sport press number in 25 million euros, against the 22 which it offers the Athletic one of Madrid, although recognized that "Quaresma is really extraordinary Read the last paragraph mate. Anyway as you said earlier, the matter will be closed this week. btw anyone having problems accessing ynwa?

Sorry, I didn't explain myself properly. What I was trying to say is that Atletico bid 22m euro's, however porto wanted 25m Euro's, therefore what makes you think they will accept 22m euro's from us?

I thought Atlectico bid 22m euro's?

Where you getting such info from mate?

THE ATHLETIC WAIT TO CLOSE THIS WEEK TO QUARESMA The Athletic one wants to put point and end to one of the soccer soaps of the summer. The Portuguese Quaresma continues being the great objective for the play of band, although the Oporto does not yield. The club had it tied in December by 12 million but now will cost him practically the double one. The Athletic one begins the work tomorrow and will do it without various players that will be important for next year. Some because they are with their selections, like Omen or Forlán, and other because the negotiations with the clubs of origin not yet have borne fruit in agreement: Quaresma. The Portuguese continues being the great red-and-white objective. The Athletic one he intends along this week to close this incorporation, priority according to the technical body of the red-and-white club. In the Athletic one they understood that the only way to be able to bring to Quaresma was chilling possible the maximum thing its arrival. Nothing of haste. Although it have gone the Boy they have not thrown the house by the window by obtaining to Quaresma... if to throw the house by the window is not understood to pay 22 million euro. To there the Athletic one has arrived, although a series exists of bonus in the possible agreement with the Oporto by the ones that the acquisition would be able to go above the 25 that requests of start the Oporto. Without hurry. The exit of the Boy played against the Athletic one in this sense, since the fondness wants players contrasted to replace al forward. It arrived Forlán but the idea is to promote the play of band with Quaresma. Gil Marín negotiated with the Oporto, that itself not drop of the 25 million. The Athletic one had al done footballer in December passed through 12. ACE advanced the operation, what favored, at the same time, that was frustrated. In six months will have to pay almost the double one if wants to be done with its services. The sports direction handles a list with various players of band, but all they are to the wait of the yes final one on Quaresma. The Liverpool also wants him and there will be that to see who of the two is carried finally the cat al water. Quaresma is becoming the soap of the summer for the Athletic one. http://www.as.com/articulo/futbol/Atletico/espera/cerrar/semana/Quaresma/dasftb/20070708dasdaiftb_47/Tes/

AS & Elmundo are saying he's set to sign for Atletico

What site did you get this from fella?