The Rolling Football Thread 2017-18 (inc Russia World Cup 2018!)

[BelfastBloke]

As in previous years, footy fans please sign in with

1. Which team you support.
2. Which country you support, or will be supporting in the World Cup.
3. Which team(s) and/or countries you loathe.
4. How you are getting your kids to follow the correct team.
5. A thought on this season (Premiership/Championship/Champions’ League/FA Cup/World Cup/all leagues world wide.)

The Spanish press is not holding back:
www.theguardian.com/football/2018/mar/14/so-much-money-so-poor-spanish-press-manchester-united-sevilla-champions-league

Well played Arsenal, happy with the draw Belfast?

The Europa League draw, avoiding Atletico Madrid, is pretty good I think.

But I do wonder if we are going to hear any stories of Arsenal fans in Moscow being attacked by Russian fans.

Am I being alarmist?

Anyone watching England v Italy right now?

I know there are sexier international games on tonight, but it is interesting how the young England team are developing.

Leicester city.
England
None of my 4 children share my passion.
My niece comes with me to games and my nephew is a steward at the king power.
One son in law is Liverpool and one is Wigan.
Thought Manchester City had the title tonight but wasn't meant to be.
Brilliant game though!

Man city and Barcelona out of the champions league, didn't expect that.

Next Fat Sam out please

Me neither, was hoping Man City could overturn Liverpools 3 goal lead but they had a very poor 2nd half.

Sad CL exit for Buffon and Juventus last night.

Who would you like to replace Sam if/when he leaves?

When Sam leaves, not if! Positive thinking needed No idea about the next manager, I was very happy when Koeman was appointed as he is one of my favourite players but gosh he was such a disappointment. The names of Fonseca, Emery, Silva have been bandied about and they are fine with me. A manager who dresses like zorro, what is not to like..

What did you think about Kane claiming that goal?

Sorry when lol. I would like to see Silva given a chance next season, although I didn't agree with Everton trying to pinch him from Watford.

Personally I don't think Kane should have tried to claim the goal, its not really in the spirit of the team and he hasn't come out of it very well. Be interesting to hear Eriksons feelings on it.

Guess there are lots of happy Liverpool fans atm - Roma with the 2nd leg to be played at Anfield.

I agree that pinching managers mid season is unacceptable, I wasn't impressed with that either. Silva seems to be a good bet, he hasn't gone into another job so could well have been preparing for the new season on the quiet. But who knows what is going on, rumours galore on the forums.

I thought the twitter reactions re Kane were funny but it all comes across as rather desperate.

And indeed liverpool fans will be happy with that draw, hopefully their supporters will behave themselves.

Got that round the wrong way, Liverpool host Roma first. But yeah hope there's no more bad behaviour from their fans.

Arsenal Atletico will be a good match. No love lost between Costa and Arsenal.

So Arsene Wenger is leaving at the end of the season. How do you all feel about that?

I am awaiting the Wenger to Everton rumours

I wanted him out - it’s the correct decision - but of course I’m sad. I don’t think those two things are incompatible.

I love the idea of Veiria being the next manager but don't know if it's a good idea. While he's doing well at New York City FC, it's too big a step up.
We need someone who understands the innovations which are pushing football on at the moment. That's why I'm dubious about Ancelotti, even though he's won everything. Could he be a bit old and set in his ways, like Arsene became?

My 1st thought was Benetez (sp?) from Newcastle. My Arsenal supporter brother would like Jardim from Monaco.

Any thoughts on Joey Barton getting the Fleetwood Managers role?

You can have Fat Sam, Everton fans will happily drive him to London

I don't think Wenger leaving was a surprise, he probably should have left 2 seasons ago. But there is no doubt he was great manager for Arsenal. Hopefully he can finish on a high with winning the Europa League.

Anyone watching the Women's FA Cup Final right now?

The sound mix seems to be wrong; tricky to understand what the commentators are saying.

Is it something to do with Wembley not being full? The BBC should be able to cope with that anyway.

Quite an open, even game. Chelsea more skilful players but Arsenal more pressure at the moment.

Great farewell to Wenger and a good point for Huddersfield today.

I didn't watch the fa cup yesterday only motd, shame about the commentary.

So Stoke gone down, Wolves and Cardiff up

I was at the Wenger sendoff and it was great, emotional, and I was genuinely surprised that the stadium stayed full for the presentations after the game, after all the vitriol and division of the last few years.

The usual Wenger Out blokes a few rows behind made a few snarky comments about Wenger , but I blocked them out, and we all lauded Per Mertesacker retiring as Captain, and Alex Scott, the Arsenal Ladies legend, and Vik Akers, who retired as arsenal kit man after starting Arsenal Ladies and guiding them to so many trophies.

As Alex Scott left the pitch, everyone sang, “Tottenham Hotspur, she’s won more than you...”

Another great result from Huddersfield last night. Hopefully another year in Champions League will prevent a mass exodus of players over the summer.

Rooney seems to be leaving for MLS DC United for 12million

I wasn't too keen on him coming back but he didn't do too badly. Wish him all the best.

I am happy for Huddersfield, they were written off before the season even begun.

Yes I read that, think they want Everton to pay 50,000 p/w in order for it to go ahead. The Everton players are apparently discussing Silva to take over as Manager next season...

Who do you think will get the last CL spot? I'm going to say Liverpool but I don't think they will beat Real in the final (and I hope they don't after how their fans behaved at Man City)!