Football Focus

[Ted Max]

I also don't think that Ronaldo sees this as an opportunity to better himself. I imagine he is motivated by money and his vanity. It's all about him and he doesn't care who's toes he stamps on in getting what he wants.

In this case, I agree, really. I did say "maybe" he sees this as an opportunity to better himself :)

The point stands, though, that players move around clubs for whatever reasons - lifestyle, money, veneration, vanity, trophy hunting etc etc. The depth of hurt fans feel when it happens still surprises me, though, given that all teams are constructed around similar moves, at whatever level.

[atila the gooner]

Ted Max said "Ronaldo's a skilled professional who can choose to work where he wants."

Skilled profesional, yes, acting in a professional manner that does him credit, or within the constraints of the contract he has with his current club, NO WAY.

Of course he has the right as an individual to choose where he wants to play, what he shouldn't do is to tell anybody who is prepared to listen, that he would be honoured to play for a rival club. I can't imagine too many captains of industry conducting themselves in such a manner while under contract to a single company. What we mustn't lose sight of is the fact that he IS contracted to Man U at present, regardless of his preferences he has a contractual obligation to Man U, or has he conveniently forgotten about that. I think he will go, and to be honest Man U fans should say good riddance, you don't want him turning into an Anelka, or even worse, god forbid, a Casley Hole.

[Ted Max]

I agree, he doesn't seem to be behaving very well. And I too have agreed with Annasfield that his motivation is, likely, suspect.

Fulfiling your contractual obligations? It's a nice idea! (and yes, I know that some do, and they are the good guys)

I'm not arguing in favour of mercenary selfishness, merely saying the ire it provokes in modern football still surprises me. That's good I suppose, as it means not everyone's as beaten down and cynical about the thing as I am.

[Sandperson]

Perhaps given Man Utd's position at the top of the market, you're not so used to it happening to the club you support. But for most fans it's a normal part of life, and usually one they can accept as part of the process.

This statement felt a little patronising but I know how easy it is to misconstrue these things. AtG has summed up what I should have said really. The Anelka-Cashley analogy should send shivers down most fans spines. I am resigned to Ronaldo going, I am not sure how I will feel if he stays and I am still disappointed and I'm not sure how professional or respectful towards the fans and the club he has been. I don't think they are mutaully exclusive, we have lost players and had players move on who still get clapped and sung about when playing for other teams because as fans we realise that they treated us with respect and were wholeheartedly committed to the club while they were there.

On another subject I have two good friends one of which is a Hibee and the other a Jambo so now I see why you are so cynical....:))

[DaveR]

Ted

Most fans don't begrudge a player a move when it will provide an opportunity to play at a higher level, get international recognition etc. Also, as Annasfield pointed out, it's the way you do it.

If Ronaldo came clean and said he wanted to go to Real, but that he was grateful to United, club and fans, for helping him to get where he is, the reaction would be a lot different.

As to the importance of money, I still think for the majority of players trophies come first - these days, the two usually go together!

[atila the gooner]

Provisional Fixtures for season 2008/09 to be publised 10am Monday 16th June, I wonder if we'll get Everton or Boro in early part of the season as we always seem to.

[ratty]

We had Derby away first game of season last year - hoping for something a bit more exciting this time - ooooh of course, we have Man Ure in the Charity Shield....

Did I mention we won the cup?????? :p

[david_carnell]

Carling Cup 1st round draw is already out.

Leeds have been drawn away against the mighty titans of Chester. That'll be us out then :(

[SimonM]

Sheffield United v Port Vale....that'll pack 'em in...

[Ladygooner]

Can anyone confirm that the premiership fixtures for next season are out tomorrow?

[Annasfield]

Yep 10 am. :)

Would be nice to have our first game at home. Hasn't happened for a while.

[atila the gooner]

West Brom @ home first game, get in!!!

[Keef]

No home draw Anna,we're at Sunderland. I never actually understand why people get excited about the fixtures coming out, in fact it's quite hard to get excited about the season at all until xmas.

[Ladygooner]

Very important as far as I am concerned! Have to plan my hairdresser and holidays around home fixtures!

[Keef]

lADYg >:D<

Pompey away to Chelsea, then home to Man U for their first 2 games. I would think that's a good thing. Get them both out the way, and maybe pick up an unexpected point or 2, can't lose really.

[Annasfield]

Of course it's exciting!! The season ended ages ago and it seems like the next is a life time away. Was really hoping for a home game as I doubt i'll get a ticket for Sunderland. Boo!

Where's Jah lush these days anyway? My mate at work (spurs ST holder) friend's friend is convinced that they've already secured Villa. Not sure he's seen this:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/giz_19/torresvilla.jpg?t=1213481753

;-) :))

[ratty]

Keef Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> lADYg >:D

> Pompey away to Chelsea, then home to Man U for

> their first 2 games. I would think that's a good

> thing. Get them both out the way, and maybe pick

> up an unexpected point or 2, can't lose really.

Similar to last season when we played the big 4 in one month andc got 3 draws and a loss. Hopefully beat Chelsea (slow starters), Beat Man U at Home again and get a draw at Everton!

[atila the gooner]

http://bl142w.blu142.mail.live.com/att/GetAttachment.aspx?tnail=0&messageId=e5a1f543-d943-44fb-97fa-491cfcfbac85&Aux=4

Do you think I look good in this

[SeanMacGabhann]

I've seen Mr Lush outside the Black Cherry a few times in the last week or two - but postings wise I have no idea..

I don't get excited at the fixture list but come the first televised games of the season I am UP FOR IT!

[Keef]

Jah has been away from his computer the last couple of weeks. He will no doubt be back soon...

[Jah Lush]

Sooner than you think.

[SeanMacGabhann]

come on Jah - a BIT more fanfare than that please!

Good to have you back sir

[Jah Lush]

Thanks Sean, I still fit shit though and I'm in constant pain. Holland have been the best and most entertaing team so far along with the Spanish and I expect the Dutch to win their group with maximum points. They have plenty of good players in reserve who are good enough to beat the Romanians who have been pretty dull.

[Keef]

Thread especially for Euro 2008 here Jah.

Good to have you back sir.

[SimonM]

I see both Birmingham v Sheffield Utd & Chester v Leeds are to be shown live on Sky! >:D