Well the article said that the owner is wanted in Hong Kong for laundering 59.7M pounds. I think the issue is more that these rich assholes just don't want to pay out any money that comes in. It happens all over the place--a billionaire in the US (like Merritt Paulson of the Timbers) says he (somehow) doesn't have 50 million to build a stadium and gets the city to pay for it out of its tax fund. Lying, sleazy bunch of assholes.
Spector hasn't played three game since his injury, anyone know how bad it was and how much longer h is expected to be out?
Spector is still out - he didn't make the bench for Birmingham as they drew today. Birmingham are definitely not making the direct promotion spots, as they are 11 points out of 2nd with 3 games to go. However, they have a pretty good 5 point cushion over the 7th place team, meaning they are very likely to make the promotion playoffs.
that would be pretty shocking if that happened. teams are closing that gap though. I think Villa did just enough this year but they really, really have to sort it out this summer in a big way. Theyre playing that dangerous game West Ham played where they teetered on the brink a few years and didnt do anything about it, and then they were finally undone. If they dont get fixed theyre destined for the same fate.
Wont get sucked into the troll. McLeish leaving Birmingham was the best thing that could be done for that club. One of the worst managers around and yet Villa hired him. If McLeish stayed with Birmingham, I don't even think he could have gotten them promoted again. As much as I hate to say it, I think Birmingham has a decent change to be promoted although West Ham will be a tough opponent in the playoffs.
^^this. I'm just hoping we don't have a Pompey-style meltdown in our future. Chris Hughton has done an amazing job with zero funds to work with, and I could hardly be mad at him if he jumped ship to a more stable situation
I thought about whether, if we had relegation in the US, I would want DC United to be in the same league as NYRB and I realized that I would want them to go down to the lowest league and stay there forever, so I see where you were coming from. As a neutral fan it would be fun to have AVFC and BCFC in the same league though.
With the ownership problems currently going on in Birmingham, it may be a real possibility. Villa may join Birmingham soon considering how Lerner keeps cutting wages and hiring bad managers. Soon it'll only be West Brom in the EPL.
Eh I have a better one [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM4X20545gY"]Aston Villa 5 Birmingham 1[/ame]
Birmingham City ended the season in 4th place with a win today and qualified for the promotion playoffs. Birmingham will travel to 5th place Blackpool for the first leg of their playoff semifinal on Friday, May 4th. They will then host the return leg on May 9th (a Wednesday). Spector update:
Wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't play till next season. He may get a game or some sub minutes before season's end assuming Small Heath beats Blackpool.
Spector is starting in CM in tonight's promotion semi-final second leg. Birmingham are at home against Blackpool who lead 1-0 from the first leg.
Here is a nice interview with Spector by Sean O'Conor at NSC http://www.noshortcorners.com/2012/05/spector-no-regrets-as-blues-aim-for.html
Birmingham drew the game 2-2 and lost the tie 3-2 on aggregate. Spector will be playing Championship football next season - assuming Birmingham's financial problems don't lead to them "doing a Rangers."
Spector and Birmingham City take on Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday in a friendly. GOL TV will carry the game starting at 11 am eastern.
Somewhat insubstantial injury update: http://www.birminghammail.net/birmi...than-spector-injury-situation-97319-31512843/
Spector scored in Birmingham City's 3-2 loss to Coventry in the Capital One Cup. Here are highlights from the game, including his goal -> http://www.socceroverthere.com/?p=10011
ah...memories of the 2 goal game against Man U. Get yerself to a club that let's you be an attacking middie, Jon!