Comments on: Goodbye Mr McClaren

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:32:40 +0000

Sad but true.
But on the bright side, the current crop of U21 players have been excellent in thier recent U21 qualifying games which bodes well for the future. Now we dont have to worry about the inconvenience of preparing for a major championship next summer, perhaps some of this fresh talent might get a chance to play alongside the more established players. A little more youth and a major injection of pace could be the recipe for success.

That and a coach who prefers a little flair in his teams rather than one who can coach the ability to endlessly pass sideways across midfield.

I hope Beckham gets his 100th cap, but doubt if he’ll play any part in the next World Cup qualifying campaign.

By: Darren

Darren — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:28:19 +0000

Steve, I don’t suppose you saw the BBC’s line-up of pundits… Wright, Shearer, Lineker and Hanson. At half-time I’d have rather seen the three English guys warming up and getting their boots on than discussing how crap their ‘successors’ were. It made me realise just how great a player Shearer was, and I don’t think I’m being over-nostalgic by saying that he would never have turned in a half-arsed performance like we saw yesterday.

By: Ports

Ports — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:07:28 +0000

In his leaving speech Mclod said that this was the saddest day of his carear. No fool. That was yesterday.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:43:55 +0000

To add insult to injury, here in the US, it was pay per view, so not only did I have to suffer that horrible performance from a very poor England side but also had to pay for the pleasure of doing so.

Almost to a man, the team were awful. I will make the execption to Mr. Crouch who I thought battled through every minute and got his reward with a great goal. The team also looked a lot better when Beckham entered the fray. I will also name and shame the worst player on the pitch. Mr Carson I hear you shout…. No… Wayne Bridge. looked totally out of place. Is this the best left back we can muster?

I know there were a lot of injuries but with the strength in depth we have in the Premiership, surely we could have done better.

I am sure this will reignite the debate on Foreign player quotas in teams. I know football is a business and winning is everything but surely some National Pride must kick in sometime soon and make sure that some of our young talent gets a look in for thier clubs. Even as a Gunner, probably one of the worst offenders, I’d welcome 4 or 5 home grown players turning out for them every week.

So McLaren has gone and as far as I can see, there really isn’t a qualified candidate with a UK passport to take on the role. Will Jose be prepared to take the pay cut ?

By: Grant Norman

Grant Norman — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:16:54 +0000

I don’t get why the Israeli lifeline was unlikely. They have proved to be a capable team worthy of their points total in this qualifying campaign, and only just missed out on qualification. OK, their performance in England was abject but the arrogance of the media to suggest that an Israeli result against Russia was unlikely shows how little understanding they have of the world game. As you are an Arsenal fan Darren, I guess you can use that as an excuse

As for the “unbelievable” turn of events last night. Which of the 2 teams had already qualified? If I was a betting man I would have put money on a Croatia victory considering our injuries and the team selection.

McLaren out? He should never have been put in in the first place. Time for Mourinho.