---------------------------------
[32] Ince goes into one, again
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
As Paul Ince says: "According to some people gambling ruined our chances at Euro 2000
but I find it ridiculous to be honest. It's obviously one of the players has gone to
the papers - so not only
do we have a coward in the camp we also have a mole as well. It's cheap and pathetic
to say these things. It's sad too. Everything should stay within the squad and no-one
should break ranks. For England players to go squealing to the papers, well, it's not
exactly brave is it?"
Yes, but what the mole said is also the truth - whilst all the players protest their
innocence, etc and then say 'who us' it hardly needed the mole to break the story
anyway, as the press corp for Euro 2000 quite clearly (and SKY got TV shots) of Owen,
Shearer and Keegan playing cards and not leaving the team bus when they arrived in
Belgium.
---------------------------------
[31] Utd aim to beat the elements
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
For United have covered the Old Trafford pitch to protect it from all the shite
weather we've had this past week or so. The covers will be taken off tonight to allow
the Ukrainians to train but then go back on until our vital game.
---------------------------------
[30] More bizarre UEFA goings-on
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
UEFA have told United they can finish no higher than second place in their group -
even if we beat Kiev. Champions' League rules for separating sides which finish level
on points use a number of criteria, the first being the points each club has taken
from the
others and stuff like best toilet facilities.
If United win and rivals PSV Eindhoven or Anderlecht draw in Holland it will the
Belgians who win the group with United second. If the PSV - Anderlecht game ends in a
draw (and United win) the clubs would
each be on ten points. Anderlecht would have won seven of these from games involving
the three level sides - six at home and one in the draw at PSV. They would top United
would be second with six points, PSV third with four. And if you understand all that
you need to get out more often!
---------------------------------
[29] Antwerp on their former star Chadwick
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
Royal Antwerp secretary Paul Bistiaux said: "Luke is going to be a star - of that
I have no doubt. I knew it from the very first day he joined us.
He is so talented and skillful, he can play on either side and he never
gives the ball away. The way he rushes at defences reminds me of Ryan
Giggs - he is United's new Giggs.
I pleaded with Sir Alex to let us have an extension but it wasn't to be. We
knew he had to go back sooner or later because he was too good a player for
us"
That's honesty!
---------------------------------
[28] Another player puts himself in Utd shop window
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
This time Belgium striker Emile Mpenza, playing with Bundesliga club Schalke 04 said:
"Man Utd is my dream club"
---------------------------------
[27] Kenyon take note
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
Worth making a point of to Peter tonight as Real Madrid members approved a record $167
million budget
, the largest budget in the history of Spanish football at the
first general assembly called by new president Florentino Perez.
The budget of 32,000 million pesetas ($167.2 million) for
the 2000-2001 season was approved by a comfortable majority of
658 votes to 153.
Perez reiterated the financial situation at the club whose
debts he said amounted to 46,625 million pesetas ($243.5
million), but assured members that measures were being taken.
He said the club's short term financial future had been
secured by a merchandising deal with Spanish bank Caja Madrid
worth 13,000 million pesetas ($67.9 million).
The president outlined other measures which include
controlling the rights over the use of players' images, the
renegotiation of the club's sponsorship agreement with sports
firm Adidas and more effective marketing and sale of club
merchandise.
"What I want is for Real Madrid to be the richest as well as
the best club in the world," he said.
And, despite all that they will still spend a mountain of money on players in the
coming year!
---------------------------------
[26] Becks ref in cock-up?
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
Danish side Haderslev have made an official complaint on Monday
against the famous ref, Kim Milton Nielsen, after he
apparently provoked one of their players during a match.
In the second half of Sunday's 4-2 away defeat to Brondby, Haderslev
midfielder Mads Bro Hansen believed he was denied a clear penalty.
But when he protested to Nielsen, the official is alleged to have replied:
"I don't care. I am not going to referee any of your games next season
anyway" - the implication being that Haderslev were going to be relegated.
"I did not say anything like that," claimed Nielsen who sent off Becks in France - and
who refs the Leeds game tonight, one where Barca are alleged to have paid Milan dosh
for a favourable result. Worried Sheep? You should be!
---------------------------------
[25] It is a small world yah
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
For Clayton Blackmore has joined League of Wales side Bangor City - and guess who
plays for them? Rhondi Giggs - Ryan's kid brother.
Small world - but I wouldn't want to paint or decorate it.
---------------------------------
[24] Fergie continues praising Butt
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
So we should imagine that is him definitely playing on Wednesday then!
"By
nature, Nicky has a ball-winning attitude about him. He's recognised that himself, but
as the years have gone by he has
developed other parts of his game that have made him a very competent
performer. He was one of the first youngsters we brought through into the
senior team but he has maybe dropped behind some of the others in terms of
profile and international status.
United fans build up their heroes very quickly.
They have an image of a
Manchester United player sometimes but winning leagues is not just about the
players they like. It's a team game, where players like Nicky and Dennis
Irwin play vital if unnoticed roles.
Nicky is like Paul Scholes in that he's a low-profile type. They don't go
hogging the headlines or anything like that. Their attitude is great"
---------------------------------
[23] More from Silvestre
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
"It's not possible to attack, attack, attack like we do at home when you are
on your travels, but I think teams fear the way we play at a very high
tempo.
I was in the Inter Milan team that played United in the Champions League
quarter-final the year they won, and we were frightened of United. We feared
the quickness in their game"
---------------------------------
[22] Good Derby Day cause
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
As Fabien Barthez, Wes Brown, Nicky Weaver and Shaun Goater, Sir Alex Ferguson and
Dennis Tueart all attended the 'Manchester City
United Against Racism', initative, a bid to raise public awareness and to encourage
people to report incidents of racism.
"We don't choose our teams on the countries they come from. We choose them for the
people they are, and this
is something we're delighted to be involved in.
I was surprised at the level of racism when I came down from Scotland,
because there just wasn't any where I came from. But now, you have so many
black and Asian players in the League. That's a good thing.
United and City carry the spirit of the city in many ways. We're the
leaders in a lot of things. It's a lot easier to draw people's attention to
things like this if we get involved.
But I don't think it's such a problem in the game any more" said Fergie
Fabien Barthez: "My best friend is Arabian, and a lot of my
team-mates are black. I don't care if a man is black, white, yellow or
green, that's how I am. I don't think there is a problem in football.
But it is good that the two clubs come together in this way. We won't like
each other when we play, but as soon as the game is over, we are friends
again"
Well, don't know about that last point but good to see this iniative.
---------------------------------
[21] Peace at Beeb?
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
As reports suggest that United will hold imminent peace talks with the BBC after
Fergie's ban on interviews. There is currently a 'non-compliance'
order at Old Trafford to do interviews with the Beeb after Fergie took
exception to recent comments written in Match of the Day Magazine and that fat twat
Alan Green but Peter Kenyon is scheduled to have talks with BBC football
chief Niall Sloane on Thursday as a United spokesman said: "It's being dealt with as
we speak and should be
resolved in the next few days."
Just make sure that still nobody is allowed to talk to Green!
---------------------------------
[20] This time the player speaks
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
After hearing earlier German, Cottbus manager Klaus Stabach speak saying that a deal
for their defender Kevin McKenna to us was on the cards, it could all in fact be down
to upping his transfer fee as the player himself has said: "I enjoyed myself on loan
at West Ham. Right now I'm just waiting
to hear. There's not really any news to say. I'm just waiting to see what
Energie does."
---------------------------------
[19] I name that man
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
The player that Royal Antwerp apparently want on loan is our 19 year old, John O'Shea.
It'll be his choice alone if he goes to Belgium.
---------------------------------
[18] Cos City want a massive striker
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
As George Weah takes the captain's armband at Marseilles, and City already miss him,
Willie Donachie was at Oakwell on
Sunday to watch Wimbledon beat Barnsley, apparently checking on Fatty Arbuckle
himself, John Hartson. Massive man, massive!
---------------------------------
[17] Fergie on Nicky Butt
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
The Sun quotes Fergie. "It kills me to leave Nicky out of the team. The only reason I
have to is because he is up against the four best midfielders in Europe. I rate him
very highly. In fact, if I put him up for sale tomorrow I would have 15 clubs on the
phone right away. I never have any worries about Nicky. By nature he is a ball winner
and a very competent all-rounder"
---------------------------------
[16] Carr talk grows?
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
Stephen Carr faces "Make or break" final contract talks with Spurs where he says
"they have to show me a little respect" which could possibly alert Fergie who has
already shown an interest in the right-back.
---------------------------------
[15] Share price goes giddy up
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
On the back of Friday's Nike deal, Utd's price rose 17 to 249 yesterday - and big
rises to come we'd bet in the coming months.
---------------------------------
[14] Fergie holds hands up
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
"I think we have ourselves to blame in some respects and I take some of the criticism
in the sense that I played a weakened team against PSV, but for the best reasons. When
you manage a club with the number of games you have, you have to have another outlook
about what's your next game.
"You have to see the big picture and in the situation we were in at the time we had
the Arsenal game on the Sunday, which I felt was very important. If we had managed to
win that game we would be sitting in a very good position in the league, but we lost
it and played very well.
Nonetheless it was the right motive in terms of freshening the team up and using the
players that we've got and hopefully come the end of the season it will be justified."
---------------------------------
[12] More from Giggs on Steve
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
But, although I do not like to make similarities, he is just like Brian with what he
knows and the innovative ideas he has.
"From the start it did not matter how big a named player he was dealing with. He was
not frightened to speak his mind.
"Some people may have been intimidated by coming into this club. But he bedded in
quickly and every player can see exactly why the gaffer took him on. He has never been
overawed, which could have been a problem. The problem for most players is if training
is mundane, but Steve makes it really enjoyable - which is one of the best things he
has going for him.
"He mixes things up and always keeps us on our toes with what he asks us to do. Steve
is very talented, but there is always a danger that United might go for a bigger name
because it is a hell of a job."
---------------------------------
[11] Wenger backtracks
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
Obviously Wenger read the RN web site and had second thoughts:
Wenger originally planned to field a weakened side against the Ukrainians but has had
a change of heart. So experienced performers like Ray Parlour, Kanu and Martin Keown
will be in the line-up - while Thierry Henry will partner Sylvain Wiltord in attack.
---------------------------------
[10] Giggs joins Fergie in backing Steve
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
Giggs told the Daily Star: "Clearly there are legitimate claims for Steve McLaren
becoming Alex Ferguson's successor because he has impressed so much since he has been
here. The thing about Steve is that he is incredibly ambitious and he demands the same
from his players. He is always looking for the same commitment, both physically and
mentally, and he is always challenging us to be better.
I always thought United would struggle to replace Brian Kidd. Brian's
knowledge of the game was second to none and he had the respect of all the players.
That is a very difficult thing to do because there are always conflicts of interests
because some players like a coach and some don't. But Brian was liked by all. When
Steve arrived there were a few raised eyebrows because nobody really knew a lot about
him. From the start it did not matter how big a named player he was dealing
with. He was not frightened to speak his mind. He has never been overawed, which
could have been a problem."
---------------------------------
[9] Not counting chickens but
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
wanted to let you all know anyway.
In response to requests made by fans to UEFA regarding the ticketing
arrangements for the 2000/2001 UEFA Champions League Final at the Giuseppe Meazza
stadium in Milan, UEFA have stated that it will not sell any tickets for this match as
this responsibility lies with the host association, in this case the Federazione
Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC). There will be further details in March - oh, so that's
the usual chaos then!
---------------------------------
[8] Hey Mickey you're so fine then?
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
"Last season there was a bit of a problem in defence early on and we
weren't comfortable. The trouble this time isn't just a defensive
thing, it is the whole team"
Mikael Silvestre opting for collective responsibility ahead of the fall on ones sword
approach.
---------------------------------
[7] Eleven days and counting
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
The continuation of the top song that originated via Jonathan Deakin on the
m-u-f-c.co.uk site.
Since city beat United my true love sent to me
European Champions
11 years of glory
---------------------------------
[6] More on Canadian signing
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
On the rumours that we are ready to sign Canadian defender Kevin McKenna from German
club Energie Cottbus. Cottbus manager Klaus Stabach added: "Manchester United know
what we would like to receive. We're definitely looking at a six-figure sum and a
decision could be finalised in the next few days."
---------------------------------
[5] And tomorrow is the night
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
When you can buy issue 72 of Red News with the much talked about Norman Whiteside
interview. Available outside the ground before the Kiev game on Wednesday,
predominately from sellers on Sir Matt Busby Way, you can obtain it for £1.50 (or that
price + s.a.e to the above address).
Remember the web site and fanzine have differing content - so get both all the time.
Below extracts from the Norman Whiteside interview, only available in issue 72 of Red
News!
RN: You also said when we had that drink that your Utd mementos like all the shirts
you swapped, etc, were all in black bags in your loft
NW: They’re still there.
RN: Have they got moths yet?
NW: Well I've not looked at them since. I've got my United shirts and boots and all my
international jerseys and stuff and even my United tracksuits like I wore in the Cup
Finals - they're all in bin liners in the loft. They're named like - it just says
'jerseys' or whatever but no I’ve not had them out. I mean I've got a nice room here
where I could display them but I didn't get round to that type of thing. I mean that's
probably something I'll leave to the kids...Then I've got international caps and stuff
I can leave for them you know. It's more for them really.
I've got the happy memories that will do for me. I've got the videos. I don't even sit
down with my kids and watch vides or anything. They just wish I was playing today so
they could meet bloody David Beckham and people like that! That's all they're
interested in! (laughs).
---------------------------------
[4] Tonight's the night
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
IMUSA announcement...
For the first time ever the Chief Executive of Manchester United plc will attend a
meeting of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association (IMUSA). Its no
exaggeration to say this is a historic moment for IMUSA. (link:http://www.imusa.org)
http://www.imusa.org
Peter Kenyon will be the guest of IMUSA tonight (Tuesday 7th
November). This is an opportunity to put questions, face to face, to the man who can
actually do something about it. If you ever complain about anything at Old Trafford
you should be there. What's happening with Fergie after 2002? What can be done to
improve atmosphere? Ticket prices? Ticket distribution? Away ticket allocations and
pricing? Safe standing? Whatever gripes or positive suggestions you have.
There is no better opportunity to get your opinions/ideas across to him. These
meetings are usually a good "social" too - as anyone who went to the Fergie meeting
will know. Alcoholic beverages are available at the bar.
Although, as always, the meeting is for IMUSA members only - non-members are
encouraged to come along and join on the door (its still only a fiver a year - or less
for concessions).
The special guest meeting starts at 8 PM. (There will be a truncated 1 hour (7 PM
start) IMUSA members/committee meeting beforehand. Therefore the planned meeting on
Thursday 9th November is cancelled.)
LOCATION:
Upstairs function room at O'Brien's pub, next to Stretford Arndale, Chester Road,
Stretford. Across the road from Stretford Metro station. Also there is a mini-cab
service for those non-drink-drivers to get home/elsewhere.
---------------------------------
[3] More team news
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
With Paul Scholes suspended it's now wait and see for Nicky Butt to get a full Tuesday
training session in. Butt missed Sunday's session as he had treatment on a foot injury
which kept him out of the squad at the weekend.
If we win and PSV Eindhoven and Anderlecht - who both have nine points - draw in
Hollandwe would finish as Group G winners. Also this statto talk does my head in -
let's just do our part and forget about worrying about others.
---------------------------------
[2] Fergie wants US to do a Coventry
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
"I think it is going to be a great night and every United fan walking to that stadium
knows that the end result is going to be a victory for us. They have got to play their
part too. I know I keep going on about our support but there is a difference. At
Coventry on Saturday it was absolutely magnificent. The 3,000 or so who were there
were behind the team the whole way. If we can multiply that by 20 times there is no
chance of us losing a game at Old Trafford."
And has something to do with the non-Exec, clued up hardcore support (also blissed up)
that always turns up at Coventry.
---------------------------------
[1] Fergie on our vital game
---------------------------------
Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2000 by bar-knee:
Sir Alex Ferguson on the game marking his 14th anniversary in charge at Old Trafford.
"We have to win our next game. We have come a long way from then, but even when I
started I knew my first game was an important one because the nature of this club is
to win matches. We have an expectancy which means you have to deliver and I have been
proud of what the players have been able to achieve over the years. This is another
test for them, a challenge which I hope they will relish and I know they will."
