There was an article on Planetfootball today about how Timmy wants to aviod a possible row with club vs. country in Jan. The article said he could miss a league match against Wolves and a Cup match because of W.C. qualification. I thought this was odd because I remember reading that we didn't start qualification until June.
"row" yeah no kidding...to me he's still a DISTANT third...however...even if he WAS first...Well gee Tim, it's only the World Freakin Cup we're talking here...
The possibility of Brad's current [lack of] form lasting through the entire EPL season (which probably won't happen).
The fact he has 9 shutouts for a little club called Man United, beating out World cup winning goalie Fabien Barthez for the spot in the process might help.
He has fewer saves all season than Keller had against Manchester City. (give or take a few) Think maybe that defense has anything to do with it?
http://msn.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,7-1110414,00.html After a little research the game against Wolves that he mentions is on January 17 But then I read this. http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=46131 "The U.S. will begin qualifying play with a second round home-and-away series against a Caribbean nation on consecutive weekends in June" Well, Man U's last scheduled match is on May 15 against Aston Villa so I don't think this story is a big deal.
http://www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,53-1110414,00.html Bastardicus, commander of the armies of the north.
I had been assuming (and had read other indications on these boards) that in the first round of qualifiers, we wouldn't be calling in our top-flight european players. Seems like a wise idea considering there's no reason to create club v. country issues (such as this very one) when we're going to be up against the likes of some very weak competition. I'm sure Adin Brown or Zach Thornton could do just fine against St. Kitts/Nevis, Granada, or whichever other tiny island we play.
The reason I posted the thread was to figure why it was written if we don't start qaulififcation until June. If we do in fact start in June, then there's no club vs. country issue. I was just wondering if this was a "real" article or one that was a fabricated to create a little stir, which planetfootball has done a time or two.
there shouldn't be club v. country issues in June unless they're MLS club v. country issues. And that hasn't been a big problem in the past.
SAF does get a little bitter if he feels his players are playing too many matches because of national team duty. But with qualification starting in June, we should really avoid that, at least for now.
Well that was before CONCACAF decided to change everything at the last second. Now we no longer start in January, but now we face tougher competition. Our qualifying campaign starts (and hopefully doesn't end) in June. I also think you generally get a lot more leeway from managers with a Goalkeeper than a field player as there's less issues regarding fatigue and such.
Yep, beat me to it. If you want to make points with Fergie, avoid the international games if you possibly can. Seems to me that international duties have helped push some out the Old Trafford door. But, I guess when you consider the big money involved and possible impact on the season, an argument could be made..........
You guys are really reaching now....all he said was if there is a clash between club/country he would rather Bruce and SAF figure it out....he never said anything about being number 1....just relax!
Try the link in the post before yours. It explains the new qualifying system, which still has to be approved by FIFA.
Agreed. Bruce picked Tony Meola during the road match against Barbados, leaving Brad and KK with their club teams.
And he came up with a huge save in the 60th minute or so to keep us in it. Sure, we eventually won 4-0, but it was getting awfully dodgy.
if we assume that we can beat st. kitts etc. with out second stringers, we may go the way of the u.s. olympic baseball team in mexico yesterday. they're the defending champs and they've been booted out of the big dance.