Rooney to stay ! ?

Looks like a nailed-on certainty, expect an announcement any day now.

How do I know?

You know the old adages, 'Money talks' and 'The Bookies are always right' ?

Well, the betting on Betfair has just gone absolutely beserk, in favour of the 'To stay' option, so that can only mean one thing.

See the Rooney betting on Betfair as follows:

Go to Betfair, and follow the links:

'Soccer>Specials>Rooney to stay?'

'El nuevo Galactico de los Blancos?' and more of the 'old in-out.'

IN?

Savage: Steve Bruce's comment that 'Everybody has their price' , could well mean that we'll have our very own Alice Band wearer come August.

Tim Cahill, the Everton target who looked likely to sign for Palace is in temporary limbo. His agent's fee has been perceived as a rip-off by Palace and so the deal has stalled. Great!

Apparently we're interested in a Sturm Graz player [Ed Bosnar] who's available on a 'Netto.' He won't have far to travel for the interview.

OUT

Portsmouth's Chief Executive has confirmed that agreements have been reached 'in principal' [sic] for Unsy.

Good luck to him, it is delightful to see that he'll be plying his trade in the top flight for another year. I fondly recall a scene, last year, when my young lad made Unsy blush and giggle outside Bellefield. Excitable and boyish, my boy ran over to Unsy's car and screamed, 'There's only one David Unsworth!' repeatedly and at maximum volume, through the [no doubt shocked] player's open car window! Perhaps you had to be there...

Personally, his opening minute goal v Fulham [in Moyes' first match] will be my fondest recollection. I actually met him once, it was at Stuart Barlow's wedding; two modest, warm and friendly blokes. Unsworth is a gentleman amongst modern footballers; he should always be made very welcome upon his returns.

Tuning to the 'Surprise Sh/t-Stirrer of the Month,' according to local radio, it looks like the move to Fulham WILL go ahead for some £2m. I wonder what sort of reception he'll get when he meets up with the squad on Monday?
Duncan Ferguson: "I'll mark him!" perhaps?

Shake it all about

Duncan Ferguson's apparently snubbed the offer of a £500k kiss-off - that doesn't make him a bad fella. Attention will naturally now turn to the other giant amongst payees, Kevin Campbell. It's very unlikely that he'll differ from his erstwhile striking partner and so the only chance of such a move happening would be if it could be somehow combined with the interest from Leicester.

Moyes is again taking most of the squad for a week's training at altitude in Austria, near Graz. As usual the official site will be reporting on the latest news. There'll also be interviews and an Irvine Diary. Apparently there'll be chances to chat live with the players via the ToffeeTalk service too. The tour shall last from Sun. July 11th to Fri. July 16th The Official site's coverage of the Austria trip last year was superb.

Manchester United and Real Madrid appear to be ignoring the views of the red-topped scum, the diminutive sprinter and the proactive cronies, by stating that they're either in 'no rush' to acquire Rooney or that the required price is too much. Here lie ruses to drive the price down. Everton will no doubt continue to act admirably and accordingly, i.e. carry on with the current negotiations in the genuine expectation that the parties shall agree the much publicised 5 year deal. In saying this, it should be noted that there are opposing articles [here, here and here, for example] about the Real Madrid, Man U and Rooney affair. So we can all justify virtually any belief/conclusion at present. However, the presence of his 'good friend,' Beckham and the availability of an irresistable mountain of cash, must surely make Real's chances far greater than many of my learned fellow blues currently consider. Real do need to literally 'get real' though [yikes!]. I assume that they've run the rule over Everton good and proper; surely they require a Yobo more than a Rooney? I'll leave that one there, best not to tempt fate.

Thinking back to what I was like at 18, Rooney shall probably do whatever his Arl Fella and Ma and/or his bird tell him to do, or risk a [perfectly legal] slapping around the head and body. Quite right too.

No wai

Do the Thais have a July equivalent of April Fool?

Rooney talks open and 'Rad about the boy'

Rad about the boy

Stop press. Rooney talks open

Drinks all round in the Western Approaches tonight then?

Turning to the Rad.

After all that we've been through, is this what we get in return from you?

As a huge fan of the Rad, this public advice surprised me at first. But then, as is often the way for fools such as I, of a volatile temperament, I have, upon calm reflection, changed my view about it. To me, its simply a case of office politics and the boss should come down hard on it.

What has been said in public could have been said in private much more easily and effectively. So why is such advice being offered in front of the wild glare of the red-top scum? Is the advice pure and well-meaning or is there a darker reason, a big, whopping ulterior motive perhaps?

It's really simple to fathom you know. Come, let me take you to the real side ...

Rad is intent on a move and has been for several months at least. This Polish-Canadian who used to play in Belgium is obviously a natural born wanderer and perhaps he simply can't help himself? Above all else, agents are, as agents do and his agent will continually seek to maximise their incomes. Rad has been disappointed with his conditions and wanted a longer contract. The move to Fulham collapsed due to Everton's reasonable valuation being 'too much' and the requested 3 year Everton contract thence came from out of the blue. Sorted then? No, no, no. Everton's 3 year offer was still not enough [the money component looks the likely candidate]. Consequently, it looks like he has decided to take the important step of making his position untenable. In theory, these headlines will enrage the fans sufficiently to ensure that this want-away player can never be allowed to play for the club again. In business, if you can't use an asset what do you do? Sell it. Ipso facto a transfer becomes a nailed-on certainty.

The burning of bridges, the insults, the whole process of making your position untenable - it's so easy to plan and procure. Such a move often results with a player being labelled a dangerous liability; with the fans clamouring for him to be sent packing with the same velocity that sh/t pours through a goose's anus.

Economics aside, my feeling is that this possible attempt at manipulation, this apparent engineering of an exit on more favourable terms, is nothing other than a shameful political contrivance. Furthermore, to attack the club in this way, at this time, is unforgiveable. Such a right royal beaut does not deserve to ever wear a 1st team shirt again. If I were king, I'd do all I could to avoid selling and would stick him in the reserves. If anything else should happen, Moyes could be forgiven for throwing his oars into the sea and simply floating away into the sunset.

DO believe the hype.

These ProZone statistics are very interesting.

In particular, note:

"He clocks up 9.70 metres per second. And that's not too far off the pace of a sprinter like Maurice Greene who weighs in at just over 10 m/s."

Holy transfer request Batman

Tomasz Rad-sinks-three

Rad has rejected a 3 year deal. Serious stuff this. According to my spider senses, he'll now be out the door like sh/t through a goose. Sad, but hey, this is most definitely a business.

According the the official site, Radzinski decided to turn down the offer of a new three-year contract and has informed the club that he does not wish to sign

Mr Bent and Rooney are going to have a lot of work to do next season methinks.

Everton, Liverpool, Merseyside United.

Don't let the S*n catch you crying.
[One of Gerry Marsden's less famous tracks, ironic huh?]

You've got to be kidding?

Scousers are amongst the most clued-up people on the planet. Our standard-issue bullsh/t radar allows us to see around corners.

And some we sing as parodies, with lyrics allegorical

Have you ever seen the film 'Angels with Dirty Faces?' If not, get a grip of yourself and start thinking about addressing your mis-education. I digress. In this 1938 Cagney classic, Rocky Sullivan, a local boy made big-shot, basks in the absolute adoration of the local kids. Problem is, for obvious reasons, the kids have got to be taught to feel let down by him, to be made to want to let him go. In order for this to happen, his lifelong friend, the Priest, Father Jerry O'Brien, meets him on Death Row and suggests that he forces those who worship him, to turn against him. The following script extract [c. Warner Bros.] just about sums it up:

Scene [The Cell on Death Row, the night before Rocky's execution]

"This is a different kind of courage, Rocky ... not the courage of heroics or bravado. The kind that you and I ... know about... I want you to let them down. You see, you've been a hero to these kids, and hundreds of others ... and I want to prevent that, Rocky. They've got to despise your memory. They've got to be ashamed of you."

Note: the full script, from the final reel is here

People are alike all over. Can you dig it?

Just what exclusive bombshell lies at the end of this particular mini series is a source of much debate at the moment. I have my own [obvious] opinions; I may be wrong, I may be right. Father Time [he with the wicked jig], will surely draw open the curtains in due course.

There is one person in this scene who is completely innocent: an 18 year old lad who has the world well and truly at his feet.

In the meantime, remember, 'The Truth,' the Rooney exclusives, the apology, all of it, it's ALL about one thing and one thing only.

In other news, Simo's gone to Stoke, Hamburg are in for Grav and we're apparently trying to hold on to Osman. A fair amount of pent up demand but little action. Obviously, the money shots can't occur until the main script is completed and Rooney's medium term fate sealed. I expect either a flurry of small deals or absolute pandemonium to thence break out - much being subject to the size of the resultant kitty of course.

Everton offer Rooney a 5 year contract - but he seems adrift in a whirlpool

Everton - the admirable conduct continues

The club's announcement was issued today. No definite figures available yet, but it's likely to be set at around £40k per week.

Everton's behaviour throughout the summer has been immaculate. This statement of intent will surely serve to be the catalyst. THE slow dance of the summer shall now become a quick step. Unfortunately, it will not be to a pleasant tune. Instead, all will be in time and rhythm with the growls and yelps of the approaching, salivating Jackal pack.

Don't let The S*n catch you crying

He has thought about quitting I read in The S*n today. Show us a player, or anyone in training, or on an apprenticeship, or undertaking a University course, who hasn't had similar thoughts. Is this 'exclusive' headline really newsworthy?

'Take it from one who knows' my arl fella often says. Gazza was on Talksport recently and asserted that the chicken-feed deals, the relatively small-paying excursions, the sensational articles and features, you know the sort, are simply not worth the resultant kickback and should be avoided. He has concluded that, besides the football, it is only the big deals, the £multi-million boot and clothing sponsorships etc, that should be considered.

All in the game?

This whole S*n affair may be a clever ruse of course. After all is said and done, the most sure-fire way to make people fall out of love with you is to break their heart and burn your bridges.

By the way, I don't buy the S*n. I've been reading the Rooney articles online, for free. I recall my old English teacher telling me that if I didn't read the books that he had recommended, I couldn't very well go and criticise them ...

Shelter from the storm?

Some beauts think that Man U will somehow be a safer haven for Rooney and a move there would also benefit the national team, Sir Alex obviously being some kind of lion tamer. To these people, there is an obvious one word answer: Beckham.

Sun's turn now and some pre-season friendly info.

After Beckham expressed his upset with News International companies for their handling of the Rebecca Loos affair and pulled away from their clutches, The Sun [reviled by many on Merseyside for their disgusting behaviour at the time of the Hillsborough tragedy] has well and truly grabbed Rooney. He is featured in two high profile articles on their website today. If you don't wish to buy it, read them free, here and here. I am very alarmed that the deal with the NOTW has also extended to its sister. I shall be writing to the Echo in order to expand upon my misgivings and and to the club in order to suggest that some political training is offered. The true background and motivations relating to the Sun/NOTW deal will no doubt manifest as the summer progresses; is that an agent I see on the 'paydar?' Rooney and his girlfriend are not the glossy, Beckham-types and never will be.

For the first time, wherever it may lie, there is a justifiable fear for his future. I might have to suggest to my lad that he stand outside Bellefield with an appropriate and to-the-point banner.

For those who can't wait the following pre-season friendlies are on offer [see the listings at the top of this link]. Please check dates and times with the club before travelling. Latest news: According to the club site, we are to play a Serbian team too, on 16 July.

I had heard, from a usually very reliable source, that a game with Celtic was on the cards. The same fella knew of the plans for last year's Rangers trip, several months before it was announced by the clubs. I'd already been given a day pass for a repeat Glasgow trip this summer. Looks like fans will have to make do with a Sheffield Wednesday Tuesday instead [Tue. '03 Aug. @ 19:45].

Greecian 2004 - Greece are Euro 2004 champions

Good night Portugal, it's been average...

Respect should be forthcoming and Champions have got to be congatulated. There are three important reasons why the new Champions should be applauded. Accentuating the positives, besides the Greek team, the following were also seen to 'win' tonight:

[a] team-work in its most literal and purest sense
[b] extremely high levels of fitness
[c] the discipline that comes from absolute focus

Funny that, the same three attributes remind me of an Everton team that threatened Champions' League qualification not too long ago.

The sight of Ronaldo crying about being 'Kings of Nothing' will have appealed to the natural tendency to bask in schadenfreude** that many have a predisposition for. Memories of the footage of him laughing mischeviously with a team mate, after his high kick on the upper torso/head? of one of 'our' [English] players, prior to the penalty shoot-out, will have brought tears of joy to many a mind's eye.

So well done Greece, at the 11th hour, I have found that I quite like you after all ... now back to work you s0ds, there's an Olympic stadium in need of a roof.

The unbearable lightness of being

I felt the need to rubber neck and have just read the News of the World article [see link in earlier post] about Rooney's private life again. Aaargh - it's even more horrible the second time around! Why lad, why?

Inevitable transfer note. Well, the window is open.

Donning the 'Without prejudice, allegedly and strictly private and confidential' sandwich board ...

The Mancunian Behemoth is now rumoured to be backpeddling furiously over buying Rooney, citing price/value, due diligence, business pressures and other such corporate suit-speak.

Fancy Everton being so downright cheeky as to indicate that only a realistic price will be acceptable! If Utd do indeed let it be known to certain 'agents provocateurs' that they're putting their cheque book away for the summer, I expect that Fleet Street shall be none to happy come next week. A 'Rooney stays at Everton' banner is not, I repeat NOT the headline that the jackals have prepared. Make no mistake about that.

Ever the pragmatist, I'm sufficiently convinced to commence filling my boots on Betfair. 'Rooney to stay with Everton' looks a very good value bet, considering that the main players in the game are an 18 year old with obvious and natural parochial leanings, a £40 - 50m price tag, a broken foot and a plc sounding the retreat bugle. It's in the 'Soccer'>'Specials' section by the way.

--------------------------
** hopefully you won't feel patronised, but just in case, 'schadenfreude' is the pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.

His first 'bad move' of the summer?

Rooney is featured today in the News of the World. He gave them exclusive rights to things that should have remained private, imho. What really disturbed me, when I read the online article was the voyeuristic soap opera quality. Literary chewing gum, no pun intended. I'm amazed that the masses feel that they need to know such details. I read them because they were free and I wanted to blog about it, but I've forgotten them already!

Bad move lar; the return of daily contact with Moyes, in the safehouse of Bellefield, can't come quick enough.

Just my 2p.