The Chumpionship 2011/2012 Season

[Dan]

Anyone want to explain to me the Fulham sell to QPR of Bobby Zamora for 4 million pounds? I don't follow Fulham closely, but I thought he was one of their best players, and if that's the case, why are they selling him? Is he past his prime? Or are they struggling financially?

[lutz]

Anyone want to explain to me the Fulham sell to QPR of Bobby Zamora for 4 million pounds? I don't follow Fulham closely, but I thought he was one of their best players, and if that's the case, why are they selling him? Is he past his prime? Or are they struggling financially?

Injury problems and lack of goals? I don't know, I personally think Zamora is excellent. QPR clearly mean serious business.

I heard rumours last week that Brighton were looking to sign Michael Owen from Man Utd, wonder how that will pan out before the deadline tonight.

[Zafer Kaya]

Zamora supposedly doesn't get along with Martin Jol.  I don't know what the true story is, as there hasn't been some public incident like a locker room dustup or Zamora refused to play or anything. 

But it makes sense that for whatever reason given how Zamora's been in the window for some time that the two just weren't on the same page.  In which case it is probably better for both sides to go their own ways.

I don't think Zamora went THAT cheap.  His value was definitely down because everyone knew Fulham wanted rid, but it's not like they had to resort to just giving him away, either.  They also probably didn't get that much for him because Zamora's being a bit of a wanker.  If you want your wages doubled, then obviously your value goes down for other teams and they will be less willing to pay a high transfer fee.

[Zafer Kaya]

Like this lineup today.  And the bench as well.  I'm feel absurdly confident today.  I'm gonna say 3-0 Saints.

[Dan]

I've been emailing my g/f all afternoon about how excited I am. I thought Chaplow might be in the lineup but it's cool if he's still getting back to full strength. It's not cool if he's been bumped down the pecking order, but I doubt that's the case.

Plus Ipswich's goal in the 3rd minute against West Ham has helped.

[Rafe]

We were up Ipswich way over the weekend visiting friends, and I joked with my mate who's a season ticket holder there that he might get the coaching job if Jewell got the sack. What a turn up and a fucking great result that was, out of the blue. Certainly did your lads a favour, CR. Allardyce plays brutal football, glad the Irons got hammered.

[Dan]

The Birmingham City v SFC game is showing on FSP at 9 pm... so a bit of a delay but at least it's on TV.

[Cockney Rebel]

Insight Cable (Inshite) still don't offer FSP even as a premium so I won't get to see this as we're at Lewis Black tomorrow night and even if we weren't I think the broadcast would get drowned out at the pub. Bummer.

[Zafer Kaya]

Good to see Andrew Surman starting to do well.  He kind of got screwed over by Saints.  Took him awhile due to injuries and playing time issues but he looks like he's finally coming into his own. 

In other news, Theo Walcott got three assists, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored twice, and Gareth Bale got a brace as well.

[Dan]

Hah. If only we could have them all back.


In random news: I bought AOC in my FM2012 Handheld. He was upset that he wasn't getting 1st team action at Arsenal, and since we finished 3rd in the EPL last season (I use the reset cheat a lot - I'm ashamed) he was more than happy to come back to SFC. Interestingly...I bought him for $7.5 million and I think I overbid. SFC sold him for 12 million pounds and buy him back for maybe half that? Nice.



Alright: real Saints topic. I'm very excited that Nigel has already stated that Tadanari Lee and Richard Chaplow are starting tomorrow. I can't decide what's better: start Tadanari with Barnard, as he's back fit and probably needing some playing time, or to start him with Rickie Lambert as the Saints stated that was the pairing they wanted to make work (in his press conference). I know ZK is rooting for Tadanari Lee Barnard. Heh.  Also thinking SDR and Guly will get some playing time in this game, although I don't know for sure obviously.

[Cockney Rebel]

Very excited to have Chappers back on the pitch. In the two games I saw at SMS in November he was immense. I hope he's got his stamina back as he has the capabilities of almost single-handedly turning this season round again.

[Zafer Kaya]

I think Puncheon is better than Chaplow, but given his volatile nature along with the possibility of injuries/fatigue, Saints will need them both. 

To be honest, both of them have been better than Lallana this year.

[Dan]

@jordansibley states:

Saints Vs Millwall: Bialkowski, Richardson, Martin, Fonte, Harding. De
Ridder, Hammond(c), Chaplow, Lallana. Guly, Lee

On the bench for Saints tonight are: Davis, Lambert, Barnard, Jaidi,
Reeves, Ward-Prowse and Stephens



You know this means that when Barnard comes on for Guly ... ZK will get his dream lineup.

[Zafer Kaya]

I read a rumor that Saints could get Martin Kelly from Liverpool on a loan.  It sort of makes sense in that Saints need cover at central back and right back and Kelly plays both and could use some first team action.  But that would give the Saints a potential DC pairing of Aaron Martin Kelly.

There has to be a central midfielder somewhere out there with a last name of Morgan.  Nigel Adkins, make this happen.

[Dan]

If they get Martin Kelly, I feel like there has to be a viable defender with the first name of Kelly, too.

Millwall up 1-0. Poop.