Black and White

Michael Owen is now a Magpie.

(No, he hasn't joined Collingwood.)

I have my doubts about the success of this move.

Shearer will have to drop back a bit from his current role as he can hold and shield the ball. Owen can't do this to save his life. How well Shearer takes to this is anyone's guess. And there's also Luque to consider - what's his role with Owen around?

4-3-3? Souness doesn't have the personal wherewithal to pull that off. Not to mention that he doesn't have the personnel either. You see, besides not scoring, the Geordies have a knack for conceding goals too.

Owen needs Newcastle more than Newcastle needs Owen. Newcastle needs a solid backline. Hell, they just need to play as a team - somewhat like what they did against United for a short while during the game. Unfortunately, Owen doesn't solve these problems.

Which brings me to this. Why didn't Owen return to Liverpool?

My hunch is that Benitez really isn't keen on having him. Plain and simple. Yes, Owen is a Red, through and through. Yes, the fans would love him back. Yes, Gerrard would want his old mate around. But Benitez is the key. He is plain not interested in what Owen can offer.

Okay, what Owen can offer is another issue entirely. I've always held that he does nothing more than run fast (though that's diminishing with age) in a straight line. Perhaps, Benitez shares that view, and would rather spend his Champions League windfall on more versatile talent.

got hope?

so, is anyone planning to watch melbourne victory? is bad football better than good aussie rules? will dwight yorke get it on with (insert a currently-in-the-news busty australian babe's name here)?

a-league

hmmm, there's even a new zealand team to stoke the tribal embers...

what a time to be in melbourne.

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epl fantasy league. what's happening dudes? my fourteen year old brother is trashing all of us. and get this: he doesn't really watch football... (or maybe he pretends not to be interested when i am watching football)

adrian loo would absolutely love this site. full of insight and oozing wit from one of the world's best. after all, he does own a premiership medal.

Phil Neville, defensive destroyer, midfield marvel and bi-annual goalscorer, is set to join David Moyes Everton after a memorable United career.
Thank you Phil for more than a decade of wonderful service, a true professional.. 8 league titles, 5 FA Cups and the glorious Treble (not Mickey Mouse) of '99.  

United agree Ballack deal for 2006

According to the Guardian, "the preliminary details of a free transfer have been provisionally agreed for him to sign a pre-contract agreement at Old Trafford next January".

Will remain skeptical until I see it reported elsewhere. Seems very tentative to me.