2016/17 Premier League & General Football Discussion

[Liquid]

PREMIER LEAGUE

Current Champions: Leicester City

Competing In Europe
Champions League: Leicester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City
Europa League: Manchester United, West Ham United, Southampton

New Teams
Came Up: Burnley, Middlesbrough, Hull City

Spoiler: All Teams

Arsenal
Bouremouth
Burnley
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Hull City
Leicester City
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Middlesbrough
Southampton
Stoke City
Sunderland
Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur
Watford
West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United

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CHAMPIONSHIP

Current Champions: Burnley

New Teams
Came Down: Aston Villa, Norwich City, Newcastle United
Came Up: Wigan Athletic, Burton Albion, Barnsley

Spoiler: All Teams

Aston Villa
Barnsley
Birmingham City
Blackburn Rovers
Brentford
Brighton & Hove Albion
Bristol City
Burton Albion
Cardiff City
Derby County
Fulham
Huddersfield Town
Ipswich Town
Leeds United
Newcastle United
Norwich City
Nottingham Forest
Preston North End
Queen's Park Rangers
Reading
Rotherham United
Sheffield Wednesday
Wigan Athletic
Wolverhampton Wanderers

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LEAGUE ONE

Current Champions: Wigan Athletic

New Teams
Came Down: Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic, Milton Keynes Dons
Came Up: Northampton Town, Oxford United, Bristol Rovers, Wimbledon

Spoiler: All Teams

Bolton Wanderers
Bradford City
Bristol Rovers
Bury
Charlton Athletic
Chesterfield
Coventry City
Fleetwood Town
Gillingham
Millwall
Milton Keynes Dons
Northampton Town
Oldham Athletic
Oxford United
Peterborough United
Port Vale
Rochdale
Scunthorpe United
Sheffield United
Shrewsbury Town
Southend United
Swindon Town
Walsall
Wimbledon

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LEAGUE TWO

Current Champions: Northampton Town

New Teams
Came Down: Crewe Alexandra, Colchester United, Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers
Came Up: Cheltenham Town, Grimsby Town

Spoiler: All Teams

Accrington Stanley
Barnet
Blackpool
Cambridge United
Carlisle United
Cheltenham Town
Colchester United
Crawley Town
Crewe Alexandra
Doncaster Rovers
Exeter City
Grimsby Town
Hartlepool United
Leyton Orient
Luton Town
Mansfield Town
Morcambe
Newport County
Notts County
Plymouth Argyle
Portsmouth
Stevenage
Wycombe Wanderers
Yeovil Town

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ENGLISH SUPER CUP

Current Holders: Arsenal

2016/17 Winners: Manchester United

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FA CUP

Current Holders: Manchester United

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FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP

Current Holders: Manchester City

2016/17 Winners: Manchester United

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FOOTBALL LEAGUE TROPHY

Current Holders: Barnsley

2016/17 Winners: Coventry City​

MANAGER WATCH

A log of all managerial departures from the top 92 because sackings are all too quick to happen these days.

Spoiler: All Clubs & Managers On The Opening Day

Arsenal - Arsene Wenger
Bournemouth - Eddie Howe
Burnley - Sean Dyche
Chelsea - Antonio Conte
Crystal Palace - Alan Pardew
Everton - Ronald Koeman
Hull City - [Vacant]
Leicester City - Claudio Ranieri
Liverpool - Jürgen Klopp
Manchester City - Josep Guardiola
Manchester United - Jose Mourinho
Middlesbrough - Aitor Karanka
Southampton - Claude Puel
Stoke City - Mark Hughes
Sunderland - David Moyes
Swansea City - Francesco Guidolin
Tottenham Hotspur - Mauro Pochettino
Watford - Walter Mazzarri
West Bromwich Albion - Tony Pulis
West Ham United - Slavan Bilic

Aston Villa - Roberto Di Matteo
Barnsley - Paul Heckinbottom
Birmingham City - Gary Rowett
Blackburn Rovers - Owen Coyle
Brentford - Dean Smith
Brighton & Hove Albion - Chris Hughton
Bristol City - Lee Johnson
Burton Albion - Nigel Clough
Cardiff City - Paul Trollope
Derby County - Nigel Pearson
Fulham - Slavisa Jokanovic
Huddersfield Town - David Wagner
Ipswich Town - Mick McCarthy
Leeds United - Garry Monk
Newcastle United - Rafa Benitez
Norwich City - Alex Neill
Nottingham Forest - Phillippe Montanier
Preston North End - Simon Grayson
Queen's Park Rangers - Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Reading - Jaap Staam
Rotherham United - Alan Stubbs
Sheffield Wednesday - Carlos Carvahal
Wigan Athletic - Gary Caldwell
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Walter Zenga

Bolton Wanderers - Phil Parkinson
Bradford City - Stuart McCall
Bristol Rovers - Darrell Clarke
Bury - David Flitcroft
Charlton Athletic - Russell Slade
Chesterfield - Danny Wilson
Coventry City - Tony Mowbray
Fleetwood Town - Uwe Rösler
Gillingham - Justin Edinburgh
Millwall - Neil Harris
Milton Keynes Dons - Karl Robinson
Northampton Town - Rob Page
Oldham Athletic - Stephen Robinson
Oxford United - Michael Appleton
Peterborough United - Grant McCann
Port Vale - Bruno Ribiero
Rochdale - Keith Hill
Scunthorpe United - Graham Alexander
Sheffield United - Chris Wilder
Shrewsbury Town - Mickey Mellon
Southend United - Phil Brown
Swindon Town - Luke Williams
Walsall - Jon Witney
Wimbledon - Neal Ardley

Accrington Stanley - John Coleman
Barnet - Martin Allen
Blackpool - Gary Bowyer
Cambridge United - Shaun Derry
Carlisle United - Keith Curle
Cheltenham Town - Gary Johnson
Colchester United - John McGreal
Crawley Town - Dermot Drummy
Crewe Alexandra - Steve Davis
Doncaster Rovers - Darren Ferguson
Exeter City - Paul Tisdale
Grimsby Town - Paul Hurst
Hartlepool United - Craig Hignett
Leyton Orient - Andy Hessenthaler
Luton Town - Nathan Jones
Mansfield Town - Adam Murray
Morcambe - Jim Bentley
Newport County - Warren Feeney
Notts County - John Sheridan
Plymouth Argyle - Derek Adams
Portsmouth - Paul Cook
Stevenage - Darren Sarll
Wycombe Wanderers - Gareth Ainsworth
Yeovil Town - Darren Way

26th September - Andy Hessenthaler (Leyton Orient, sacked) League Two
28th September - Warren Feeney (Newport County, sacked) League Two
29th September - Tony Mowbray (Coventry City, resigned) League One

3rd October - Roberto Di Matteo (Aston Villa, sacked) Championship
3rd October - Francesco Guidolin (Swansea City, sacked) Premier League
4th October - Paul Trollope (Cardiff City, sacked) Championship
6th October - Mickey Mellon (Shrewsbury Town, resigned - leaves for Tranmere Rovers) League One
8th October - Nigel Pearson (Derby County, sacked) Championship
19th October - Alan Stubbs (Rotherham United, sacked) Championship
23rd October - Karl Robinson (Milton Keynes Dons, resigned) League One
24th October - Paul Hurst (Grimsby Town, resigned - leaves for Shrewsbury Town) League Two
25th October - Walter Zenga (Wolverhampton Wanderers, sacked) Championship

5th November - Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Queen's Park Rangers, sacked) Championship
14th November - Russell Slade (Charlton Athletic, sacked) Championship
14th November - Adam Murray (Mansfield Town, resigned) League Two
16th November - David Flitcroft (Bury, sacked) League One
23rd November - Alberto Cavasin (Leyton Orient, sacked) League Two
28th November - Kenny Jackett (Rotherham United, resigned) Championship

1st December - Martin Allen (Barnet, resigned) League Two
14th December - Gary Rowett (Birmingham City, sacked) Championship
22nd December - Alan Pardew (Crystal Palace, sacked) Premier League
26th December - Bruno Ribiero (Port Vale, resigned) League One
27th December - Bob Bradley (Swansea City, sacked) Premier League

2nd January - John Sheridan (Notts County, sacked) League Two
3rd January - Justin Edinburgh (Gillingham, sacked) League One
3rd January - Mike Phelan (Hull City, sacked) Premier League
8th January - Danny Wilson (Chesterfield, sacked) League One
9th January - Robert Page (Northampton Town, sacked) League One
12th January - Stephen Robinson (Oldham Athletic, sacked) League One
14th January - Philippe Montanier (Nottingham Forest, sacked) Championship
15th January - Craig Hignett (Hartlepool United, sacked) League Two

21st February - Owen Coyle (Blackburn Rovers, sacked) Championship
23rd February - Claudio Ranieri (Leciester, sacked) Premier League

5th March - Russell Slade (Coventry City, sacked) League One
9th March - Graham Westley (Newport County, sacked) League Two
10th March - Alex Neil (Norwich City, sacked) Championship
12th March - Steve McClaren (Derby County, sacked) Championship
13th March - Warren Joyce (Wigan Athletic, sacked) Championship
16th March - Aitor Karanka (Middlesbrough, sacked) Premier League
30th March - Danny Webb (Leyton Orient, resigned) League Two

10th April - Marcus Bignot (Grimsby Town, sacked) League Two
15th April - Kevin Nugent (Barnet, sacked) League Two
17th April - Gianfranco Zola (Birmingham City, resigned) Championship
25th April - Dave Jones (Hartlepool United, sacked) League Two

4th May - Dermot Drummy (Crawley Town, sacked) League Two
21st May - Walter Mazzarri (Watford, resigned) Premier League
22nd May - David Moyes (Sunderland, resigned) Premier League
24th May - Sam Allerdyce (Crystal Palace, resigned) Premier League
25th May - Garry Monk (Leeds United, resigned) Championship

Sackings: 35
Resignations: 14

Total: 49

 

[Vegard]

Gundogan to City done. Great signing for City, if he can stay fit.

 

[Dennisch]

And Koeman is on his way to sign at Everton.

 

[ASH32]

Gundogan to City done. Great signing for City, if he can stay fit.

Exactly and he's currently injured and will miss the start of the season. £20 million is just loose change to clubs like Man City though so it's a gamble worth taking.

 

[daan]

And the first managerial sacking is...?

 

[Brend]

'Expectancy' will be the key word for the Premier League this coming year. What are Leciester 'expected' to do next year? What are Pep and Mou 'expected' to achieve in Manchester, will Chelsea be 'expected' to return to the top 4?

It should make for a fun season if nothing else.

Scottish football wise, I'm hoping for Aberdeen to continue growing as a club and playing well, likewise for Hearts. They both had a good season and if not for some bad patches in the season could have been a lot closer to each other than they ended up. For Celtic, I just want to get back into Europe and not be there merely to compete. I'm looking forward to seeing what Rodgers brings to the club and hopefully we can grace the CL again, otherwise do better in the EL too. Nothing is a given though, and there needs to be a lot of development in the team.

 

[lxmmy]

£20 million is just loose change to clubs like Man City though so it's a gamble worth taking.

For just £20 million that is a bargain for Gundogan, it won't a gamble as he has already established himself as a complete midfielder in the Bundesliga.

Chelsea have reportedly bid £20 million for Rudiger who has been solid filling into Castan's place and potentially could be the best young centre back.

 

[C-ZETA]

I suspect no outlet has predicted an 'orgasm' of a season yet, but with the undeniable potential of the season ahead I wouldn't put it past one person trying.

Anyway, some miles too early predictions, for fun. United and City's current predicament will likely result in a civil war, the winner being whichever team is the least laughable. Tottenham are likely to be there or thereabouts, Arsenal are as ever a good candidate for 4th place, I don't fancy Chelsea's chances under Conte and a new surprise package is likely to come up again, beating Liverpool. And what of Leicester? Well the best they can do is win the league again, because that's the highest they can finish. But actually I have a feeling they'll fight for a Champions League spot till late, but come up short.

The possible relegation battle is so difficult to call this year that I won't even try to predict a bottom three. One thing's for certain though; Sunderland, under a new manager, are going to come back from, oh I don't know, 15 points back, and survive. Because they can't stop doing that looking at their last few seasons.

 

[Dennisch]

And the first managerial sacking is...?

That would be Steve Evans.

@Liquid.

 

[Akmuq]

And what of Leicester? Well the best they can do is win the league again, because that's the highest they can finish.

Didn't know Michael Owen had an account here.

 

[Famine]

Eh?

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Ah yes, that new thread feeling!

A day of new managers today, Monk at Leeds (bad move Garry!) Pearson at Leicester and now Di Matteo at Villa, which has been on the cards since the new people came in a few weeks ago, surprised that Clarke has taken a assistant manager role after being the main boos in the last few years.

Owen Coyle is also the new Blackburn boss which seems like a good move but a petition was then started to have him sacked!

 

[Peasantslayer]

Eh?

So that's 2 Champions League winning managers in the 2nd tier of English football.

 

[C-ZETA]

Didn't know Michael Owen had an account here.

I actually saw a video yesterday where he said the only England player good enough to get into Barcelona's team was John Stones. What is wrong with him?

 

[Akmuq]

I actually saw a video yesterday where he said the only England player good enough to get into Barcelona's team was John Stones. What is wrong with him?

To be fair, Stones fits with the Barca style of play and is very similar to Pique. I don't think he's good enough now, but he's certainly not far off, and probably will be good enough if he keep growing to his potential.

Now that Barcelona are without a right back I guess Clyne and Walker would be able to get into the team, although all signs look to them signing Bellerin.

 

[lxmmy]

Now that Barcelona are without a right back I guess Clyne and Walker would be able to get into the team, although all signs look to them signing Bellerin.

Juventus are also looking to sign Vidal who acts as back up RB for Barca but I don't think they will go for Bellerin as he will cost in the region of £30-40 million but getting somebody like Mario Gaspar or Florenzi.

Barcelona have been rumoured to bid for Daley Blind. Replacement for maybe departing Mascherano?

 

[adamp93]

Loads of rumours tonight that Arsenal have triggered the release clause in Vardy's contract. I'm trying not to get ahead of myself but the thought of someone like him playing in front of Ozil is exciting.

 

[lxmmy]

Loads of rumours tonight that Arsenal have triggered the release clause in Vardy's contract. I'm trying not to get ahead of myself but the thought of someone like him playing in front of Ozil is exciting.

Even though he has been exceptional last season but I would rather see the money be invested into either Aubemeyang, Morata or Lacazette.

 

[Famine]

Hessenthaler stops interimming and takes over at Orient.

Meanwhile, at Cardiff, Russell Slade - who had stepped upstairs from manager to head of football - steps out completely after just a month.

 

[sems4arsenal]

Vardy to Arsenal all but confirmed by ITK Twitter people. Good business for me, less than 20 million is a gamble worth taking. Short term solution but hopefully a solution none the less.

 

[Famine]

confirmed by ITK Twitter people

Does not compute.

It's a moronic move for all three parties in any case.

 

[Akmuq]

ITK Twitter people are as reliable as the Metro for transfers.

 

[sems4arsenal]

Does not compute.

It's a moronic move for all three parties in any case.

In the know people with contacts to the club.

Is it for Arsenal though? 18 million seems decent to me.

@Akmuq depends on who you follow. it's the same guy who broke the Monreal and Xhaka deal before anyone else.

Edit: Vardy's wife semi confirming it as well. Never seen a transfer materialize from rumor to done so fast.

 

[lxmmy]

In the know people with contacts to the club.

Is it for Arsenal though? 18 million seems decent to me.

@Akmuq depends on who you follow. it's the same guy who broke the Monreal and Xhaka deal before anyone else.

Edit: Vardy's wife semi confirming it as well. Never seen a transfer materialize from rumor to done so fast.

It is quite a lot of money for a 29 year old who has only started to perform last season. Arsenal and Leicester have different play styles so it is quite a risk for all parties.

Stoke City have been rumoured for a £10 million move for Redmond. A great buy for them if they can get him.

 

[Famine]

In the know people with contacts to the club.

... on Twitter.

Is it for Arsenal though? 18 million seems decent to me.

It's moronic for Leicester - they'll lose a talisman.
It's moronic for Vardy - the weight of expectation means that anything other than leading the goalscoring charts as Arsenal march to the title at least and he'll be regarded a failure. Will Arsenal win the title in the face of Guardiola's City, Mourinho's United, the resurrected Chelsea, the stung by failure Spurs (and so on)?
It's moronic for Arsenal - they're paying through the nose for a 30 year old who's scored an average of 12 goals a season, even including two seasons in the Championship, of the back of a single quite good season.

It's not the kind of forward thinking you'd associate with Arsenal or Arsene. He's an old guy with a single decent season behind him over a relatively unremarkable career, one that probably has about 3 seasons left in it. How does a Vardy - an old-fashioned number 9 - even fit into Arsenal's system anyway?


Vardy has nothing to gain (he's already player of the season, Premier League winner and guaranteed for England) and everything to lose (his reputation, primarily). He ought to stay at Leicester for their first Champions League season - and then make his big money, one last colossal payday move to a megabucks club.

 

[lxmmy]

Sources are saying the deal will be done on Monday on the terms that Vardy will now earn 120k a week for 4 years. (He will earn as much as Sanchez). If this happens then I won't be happy as an Arsenal fan, we could of use that money to buy a younger striker who has a more prolific goal scoring record. Fingers cross that it is just fabricated.

 

[sems4arsenal]

It is quite a lot of money for a 29 year old who has only started to perform last season. Arsenal and Leicester have different play styles so it is quite a risk for all parties.

Stoke City have been rumoured for a £10 million move for Redmond. A great buy for them if they can get him.

... on Twitter.

It's moronic for Leicester - they'll lose a talisman.
It's moronic for Vardy - the weight of expectation means that anything other than leading the goalscoring charts as Arsenal march to the title at least and he'll be regarded a failure. Will Arsenal win the title in the face of Guardiola's City, Mourinho's United, the resurrected Chelsea, the stung by failure Spurs (and so on)?
It's moronic for Arsenal - they're paying through the nose for a 30 year old who's scored an average of 12 goals a season, even including two seasons in the Championship, of the back of a single quite good season.

It's not the kind of forward thinking you'd associate with Arsenal or Arsene. He's an old guy with a single decent season behind him over a relatively unremarkable career, one that probably has about 3 seasons left in it. How does a Vardy - an old-fashioned number 9 - even fit into Arsenal's system anyway?


Vardy has nothing to gain (he's already player of the season, Premier League winner and guaranteed for England) and everything to lose (his reputation, primarily). He ought to stay at Leicester for their first Champions League season - and then make his big money, one last colossal payday move to a megabucks club.

I know it's on Twitter but there are 3-4 genuine folks with contacts inside the club that give inside information (a controlled leak sort of speak).

I agree with all your points but his attributes are very suited to Mesut Ozil, he offers a plan B to Giroud and is probably more efficient in front of goal, Arsenal are still rumored to be looking for another wide forward with Walcott probably leaving, but I still agree it's a very short term plan but might pan useful (Arsene Wenger isn't going to last many more years either way so he can't afford another Project (plus Iwobi is being groomed).

As for the price, 18 million is nothing to Arsenal really (if they sell walcott they'll get most of it back) plus the amount of wages being freed by players leaving makes it worth the risk, he is 29 getting on 30 but so is Luis Suarez, and him being English makes him expensive by default.

Would I prefer Higuain or Aubamayang to him, of course but I think it's a better deal than 50 million for Morata.

 

[Fuzzy]

Very interesting regarding Vardy potentially moving to Arsenal.

Did kind of come out of nowhere, seeing a rival in Arsenal sign Vardy rather than someone like a Higuain, Aubamayang or anyone in that ilk, I'll settle with that in fairness.

Honestly thought if they were looking to bring someone in from Leicester this summer, would've thought it would have been Mahrez. Mind you, I suppose they could still get him if they want to.

 

[Famine]

Very interesting regarding Vardy potentially moving to Arsenal.

Did kind of come out of nowhere, seeing a rival in Arsenal sign Vardy rather than someone like a Higuain, Aubamayang or anyone in that ilk, I'll settle with that in fairness.

Honestly thought if they were looking to bring someone in from Leicester this summer, would've thought it would have been Mahrez. Mind you, I suppose they could still get him if they want to.

Arsenal need a young-ish and lethal striker to lead the line for the next 5 years+.

Or "Harry Kane"

 

[Akmuq]

I think Wenger is doing a Fergie and buying old players that can win him something before he retires in a couple of years and then leave Arsenal in the toilet.

Mourinho buying Zlatan is similar since he'll be gone in a couple of years.