Leeds Utd secured promotion back to the Premier League last night and I for one cant wait to see Bielsa in the Prem and Leeds playing his style of exciting, attacking football. He’s a full on crazy cat too! How many other top flight managers live in a flat over a sweet shop or go shopping in Morrisons in their work tracksuit? The Prem will be a more colourful place with him I’m sure.
I’m a life long Man City fan and we’ve crossed swords many times down the years but Leeds have always been a big club with strong support and I feel they deserve their place at the top table.
I’m a stoke fan and although the last couple of years have been bad and I would love us to get back up I think the premier league has gone downhill last couple of years, I hardly ever watch it, I think the championship is more exciting and VAR has ruined the prem this season, it’s a joke and I would scrap it.
In a previous incarnation, I used to be focus puller for the Steadicam that ran the touch line for Premier league on Sky and Elland Road was without doubt, the most hostile and offensive ground I had to go to (apart from Millwall in the Cup once or twice) They are certainly a colourful lot, but no fun to obstruct their view for 90 minutes!
I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Elland Rd for a match but I’ve fond memories of their travelling fans visiting Maine Road and the post match fun and games behind the Kippax as both sets of fans made their way out of the ground.
I’ve not been since the 90’s, during that time it was definitely one of the more intimidating grounds I went to, mind you a lot were around that time . Worst were Burnley, Wolves and Birmingham for trouble of the away games I went, and I went a lot during that period. Some of the violence was unreal especially stoke v Birmingham.
Based on the fact that Norwich won the championship last year and finished bottom this year and also Villa looking like they will be relegated then I think they will struggle. It’s a big step up in quality week in week out. On the other hand they may surprise a few people and do well like Sheffield Utd and Wolves etc.
I think they’ll do OK - mid-table seems a reasonable shout and I’d be really surprised if they went straight back down. A few key signings but keeping the same core team will work wonders - especially if Bielsa gets some favourable loan signings from his wee pal at City.
But, let’s talk about the big news in the super-soar-away West region of the 6th tier in Scotland as the Talbot start their new life in the pyramid!
What a crazy night in the championship, Luton and Barnsley survive (Barnsley beating Brentford away) Charlton, Hull and Wigan down, WBA up and craziest of all was the Potters spanking Forrest 4-1 giving Swansea a helping hand into the playoffs with a 6 goal swing on goal difference after they beat Reading 4-1 !!!
slightly tenuous re-hash of an old thread but Its good to see Eddie Howe on MOTD2 tonight. (Leeds were on too! ) Interesting insights from an ex manager. I always liked him as a manager and followed Bournemouth as a result. Shame he’s not managing at the moment but if he fancies doing a bit of punditry thats fine by me! Any Cherries out there? What are your opinions of him and his (long) time with you
Mods - Maybe could we change the title to a more general football (Soccer) theme? If we all promise to behave? I couldn’t find another general soccer related thread. I know the one about politics religion and football but we’re a fairly level headed lot around here…arent we?
) Interesting insights from an ex manager. I always liked him as a manager and followed Bournemouth as a result. Shame he’s not managing at the moment but if he fancies doing a bit of punditry thats fine by me! Any Cherries out there? What are your opinions of him and his (long) time with you