Any UNT English Premier League fans?

ChristopherRyanWilkes · December 5, 2013

Slow day at work and just curious to see if there are any people on here that follow the EPL. What club do you support, and what got you into it? I had a buddy who was a huge EPL and Liverpool fan who got me into it during the world cup a few years ago. I started supporting Tottenham Hotspurs a couple years ago because I was a big fan of Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey(Texas guy and team USA). By the way for any fans, Trinity Hall Pub at Mockingbird Station shows a lot of EPL games.

Censored by Laurie · December 5, 2013

F.O.Y.S.

I'm an Arsenal supporter...have been since around '02 after watching and falling in love with Thiery Henry in the '02 World Cup. While in school, it was more of a passing interest, but since moving to New Haven and finding a strong supporter's group at my local pub, I now follow Arsenal and the Premiership more intently than any of my other rooting interests.

I'm ALWAYS up for discussion of the beautiful game...Premiership, Champions League (oops...why would you Spurs be interested in discussing that?), USMNT...anything.

Coffee and TV · December 5, 2013

Trivially followed Everton ever since they signed Joe Max Moore way back when. First EPL team to sign an American outfielder at that time. Been a 'fan' since 2004/2005 and I'm stoked the way NBC Sports has taken over the broadcasting. Every single week my club is on TV and I love that.

Was worried when Moyes left that it might not work and I was really hoping Martinez would be the guy to take over. So far Brilliant Bob is doing an excellent job and already has 1 more win at Old Trafford than Moyes did. Think if we don't stumble and keep playing well then we'll get to play in UCL or Europa next season. Onwards and upwards.

Censored by Laurie · December 5, 2013

Trivially followed Everton ever since they signed Joe Max Moore way back when. First EPL team to sign an American outfielder at that time. Been a 'fan' since 2004/2005 and I'm stoked the way NBC Sports has taken over the broadcasting. Every single week my club is on TV and I love that.

Was worried when Moyes left that it might not work and I was really hoping Martinez would be the guy to take over. So far Brilliant Bob is doing an excellent job and already has 1 more win at Old Trafford than Moyes did. Think if we don't stumble and keep playing well then we'll get to play in UCL or Europa next season. Onwards and upwards.

Brilliant victory yesterday. Hopefully there's still a bit of a hangover for your Sunday visit to the Emirates.

Champion's League might be a stretch for your squad...that means climbing above Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and/or City this season...and given the fact that Lukaku's 8 league goals is TWICE as many as the Chelsea striker troika of Torres, Ba and Eto'o have netted combined, it would surprise me at all if Mourihno recalls Lukaku to the Chelsea squad in January. It would be a high task to finish top 4...maybe even top 5...if Kone or Jelevic is leading your line.

oldguystudent · December 5, 2013

Holy crap this hurts my head.

Would be interesting to see college football do something like this. Like Bottom SEC teams get tossed to American Athletic. Bottom American Athletic get tossed to Sunbelt. Bottom Sunbelt gets tossed to FCS, etc.

ChristopherRyanWilkes · December 5, 2013

F.O.Y.S.
I'm an Arsenal supporter...have been since around '02 after watching and falling in love with Thiery Henry in the '02 World Cup. While in school, it was more of a passing interest, but since moving to New Haven and finding a strong supporter's group at my local pub, I now follow Arsenal and the Premiership more intently than any of my other rooting interests.
I'm ALWAYS up for discussion of the beautiful game...Premiership, Champions League (oops...why would you Spurs be interested in discussing that?), USMNT...anything.

Haha, I have a very good buddy who is an Arsenal fan and we are trying to make it a tradition to make it up to Trinity hall and watch them play each other. Good times.

Coffee and TV · December 5, 2013

Brilliant victory yesterday. Hopefully there's still a bit of a hangover for your Sunday visit to the Emirates.
Champion's League might be a stretch for your squad...that means climbing above Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and/or City this season...and given the fact that Lukaku's 8 league goals is TWICE as many as the Chelsea striker troika of Torres, Ba and Eto'o have netted combined, it would surprise me at all if Mourihno recalls Lukaku to the Chelsea squad in January. It would be a high task to finish top 4...maybe even top 5...if Kone or Jelevic is leading your line.

But if there's any year to make Champions League, it's this year with Man United being down. I know Lukaku is on a year-long loan and everything I've read seems to indicate he either can't, or at least won't go back to Chelsea without a substantial fee. Chelsea isn't hesitant to spend the dough but I really don't know if they'll pull the trigger and call him back. I hope not.

Green Mean · December 5, 2013

I adopted Arsenal last year but I really haven't had as much time devoted to the EPL like I should have but now that the EPL games are being shown on NBC and NBCSN I should be much more in tuned.

oldguystudent · December 5, 2013

Do English Premiere League matches frequently end in either 1-0 victories or 0-0 ties like the World Cup?

Censored by Laurie · December 5, 2013

Do English Premiere League matches frequently end in either 1-0 victories or 0-0 ties like the World Cup?

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013 Status Home Score Away TV Venue FT Arsenal 2-0 Hull City Emirates Stadium (60,017) FT Liverpool 5-1 Norwich City Anfield (44,541) FT Manchester United 0-1 Everton Old Trafford (75,210) FT Southampton 2-3 Aston Villa St. Mary's Stadium (29,814) FT Stoke City 0-0 Cardiff City Britannia Stadium (25,014) FT Sunderland 3-4 Chelsea Stadium of Light (40,652) FT Swansea City 3-0 Newcastle United Liberty Stadium (20,457) FT Fulham 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur Craven Cottage (24,128) FT West Bromwich Albion 2-3 Manchester City

The Hawthorns (22,943)

The fixture list from yesterday...one (boring) 0-0, one (thrilling) 1-0.

The style of play in World Cup matches is far different than what you'll find in the premiership...and there is far greater over-all quality game in, game out watching big league club football than international.

Cowtown · December 5, 2013

Been a Gooner since the mid 90's when Bergkamp was on the team.

He is one of, if not the best striker in the history of the club and while there is a virtual video library of his Arsenal goals, this one may be his greatest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtXo-8tThAg&feature=player_embedded

Censored by Laurie · December 5, 2013

Been a Gooner since the mid 90's when Bergkamp was on the team.

He is one of, if not the best striker in the history of the club and while there is a virtual video library of his Arsenal goals, this one may be his greatest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtXo-8tThAg&feature=player_embedded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IicmCu47pMo

my favorite Bergkamp goal.

Censored by Laurie · December 5, 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85RBtrvpQ2g

And...maybe...my favorite Arsenal goal.

mattmartin817 · December 10, 2013

Been a United fan since the age of 10. My club soccer coach was a Manc and introduced us to the greatness that was Georgie Best, Sir Bobby, Cantona, et al.

Been a rough season so far, but I have faith that Moyes can turn it around...eventually. Will be interesting to see what winter transfer window brings. Glory glory.

Peacock · December 10, 2013

There are a few MG/EPL fans I know of... in fact 97-03 and I have tried out a few EPL songs and chants at games. I am tweaking this EPL Chant Classic http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OGAgLqxvbnI&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DOGAgLqxvbnI for when Marshall Comes to town.

meanrob · December 10, 2013

Been a Gooner since the mid 90's when Bergkamp was on the team.

He is one of, if not the best striker in the history of the club and while there is a virtual video library of his Arsenal goals, this one may be his greatest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtXo-8tThAg&feature=player_embedded

Didn't watch this but my guess it's that brilliant spin move goal he scored against my Newcastle.

ChristopherRyanWilkes · December 16, 2013

On this note are there any MLS fans out there too? Would like to make it out to more FC Dallas games, but at the risk of sounding douche-y I think MLS is just way too "Americanized." Would like to see them switch to a single table format at the very least, and a promotion/relegation system as a pipe dream. I know there are many barriers to this but I think MLS has a lot of potential going forward and seems to get a boost during the world cup years, so we will see how attendance is this year.

Green Mean · December 16, 2013

On this note are there any MLS fans out there too? Would like to make it out to more FC Dallas games, but at the risk of sounding douche-y I think MLS is just way too "Americanized." Would like to see them switch to a single table format at the very least, and a promotion/relegation system as a pipe dream. I know there are many barriers to this but I think MLS has a lot of potential going forward and seems to get a boost during the world cup years, so we will see how attendance is this year.

Admittedly I've never been to an FC Dallas game but I've heard they're really fun. I'm going to make it point to go to same games this season but nobody that I know is ever interested in it lol.

I've heard the Sidekicks are fun as hell as well and they usually sell that place out. I inquired about their ticket prices and it was not very cheap.

Coffee and TV · December 16, 2013

On this note are there any MLS fans out there too? Would like to make it out to more FC Dallas games, but at the risk of sounding douche-y I think MLS is just way too "Americanized." Would like to see them switch to a single table format at the very least, and a promotion/relegation system as a pipe dream. I know there are many barriers to this but I think MLS has a lot of potential going forward and seems to get a boost during the world cup years, so we will see how attendance is this year.

Season ticket holder for years now. I've never been a snob to MLS because it was what made me buy into soccer in the first place. EPL is mostly just an offseason afterthought in my mind. Can't wait for March 8th.

Coffee and TV · December 16, 2013

Admittedly I've never been to an FC Dallas game but I've heard they're really fun. I'm going to make it point to go to same games this season but nobody that I know is ever interested in it lol.

I've heard the Sidekicks are fun as hell as well and they usually sell that place out. I inquired about their ticket prices and it was not very cheap.

Be prepared for a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards show type of atmosphere if you go to a Sidekicks game. I'm a little snobby towards indoor soccer but the Sidekicks make the experience so much worse.

Edited December 16, 2013 by Coffee and TV

ChristopherRyanWilkes · December 16, 2013

Season ticket holder for years now. I've never been a snob to MLS because it was what made me buy into soccer in the first place. EPL is mostly just an offseason afterthought in my mind. Can't wait for March 8th.

Who do you think will be the next coach? I see you're a SMU soccer fan, are you disappointed with how Hyndman turned out?

ChristopherRyanWilkes · December 16, 2013

And I love MLS, just would like to see it compete with the European league and at the very least Liga MX in the future. I think pro/rel makes for an interesting season, I think MLS needs to also git rid of the salary cap system. I don't mind the playoffs though to determine the champion, I'm still an American and I enjoy my playoffs.

Coffee and TV · December 16, 2013

Who do you think will be the next coach? I see you're a SMU soccer fan, are you disappointed with how Hyndman turned out?

Putting that in my sig is more a dig at the uber anti-SMU people this forum has. There are no other choices for Men's Div 1 soccer in the state, and University Park is 30 minutes closer than Frisco for me. I'll catch a game or two a year, but I'm hardly a hardcore fan.

That being said, I'm only slightly disappointed in Hyndman, he brought in some incredible talent and if not for an own goal in 2010 we'd have a MLS Cup on our shelves. His biggest problem was his stubbornness to change things up when he wasn't getting what he wanted out of his best players: Brek Shea, David Ferreira, Fabian Castillo. And butting heads with others: Pearce, McCarty, Hernandez.

My dream would be for Oscar Pareja to come back, but it's not gonna happen right now. He coached FCD's youth team after he retired but he's building something in Colorado and doesn't want to leave that. My best hope would be Ferruzzi then. He played in the league, he's been an assistant 10 years now, and he's very much got the player's respect. I think he's due for a promotion.

And I love MLS, just would like to see it compete with the European league and at the very least Liga MX in the future. I think pro/rel makes for an interesting season, I think MLS needs to also git rid of the salary cap system. I don't mind the playoffs though to determine the champion, I'm still an American and I enjoy my playoffs.

We do compete with Liga MX on the pitch although the quality isn't quite there yet. RSL almost won CONCACAF Champions League in 2011, and I know LA got to the semis last year. The EPL has 100 year head start on us and just loads and loads of $$$$. There's simply no competing with it in the near future, it is the league worldwide. La Liga might have Barca and Real Madrid, but top to bottom it doesn't come close to the EPL.

The salary cap: well, the DP rule and some other wacky rules can get you around that cap, but if you've got a good coach that knows how to work the system (like Vermes did with KC this year), you don't need loads of money. The salary cap and single entity structure is still there to ensure that MLS isn't NASL 2.0 with teams folding left and right. Even with their own stadium Columbus loses money every year, and FC Dallas is barely in the black.

ChristopherRyanWilkes · December 16, 2013

Putting that in my sig is more a dig at the uber anti-SMU people this forum has. There are no other choices for Men's Div 1 soccer in the state, and University Park is 30 minutes closer than Frisco for me. I'll catch a game or two a year, but I'm hardly a hardcore fan.

That being said, I'm only slightly disappointed in Hyndman, he brought in some incredible talent and if not for an own goal in 2010 we'd have a MLS Cup on our shelves. His biggest problem was his stubbornness to change things up when he wasn't getting what he wanted out of his best players: Brek Shea, David Ferreira, Fabian Castillo. And butting heads with others: Pearce, McCarty, Hernandez.

My dream would be for Oscar Pareja to come back, but it's not gonna happen right now. He coached FCD's youth team after he retired but he's building something in Colorado and doesn't want to leave that. My best hope would be Ferruzzi then. He played in the league, he's been an assistant 10 years now, and he's very much got the player's respect. I think he's due for a promotion.

We do compete with Liga MX on the pitch although the quality isn't quite there yet. RSL almost won CONCACAF Champions League in 2011, and I know LA got to the semis last year. The EPL has 100 year head start on us and just loads and loads of $$$$. There's simply no competing with it in the near future, it is the league worldwide. La Liga might have Barca and Real Madrid, but top to bottom it doesn't come close to the EPL.

The salary cap: well, the DP rule and some other wacky rules can get you around that cap, but if you've got a good coach that knows how to work the system (like Vermes did with KC this year), you don't need loads of money. The salary cap and single entity structure is still there to ensure that MLS isn't NASL 2.0 with teams folding left and right. Even with their own stadium Columbus loses money every year, and FC Dallas is barely in the black.

I wish there was more interest in the CONCACAF Champions League, I think the international tournaments are really interesting. I like watching the Club World Cup, and will obviously be watching the UEFA tournaments. Obviously I know we can't compete with EPL but I do think MLS is entertaining nonetheless.

Cowtown · December 16, 2013

No its his goal against Argentina.

Full sprint, under a 50+ yard long ball, like a WR running a post. Over his shoulder, First touch kills the ball, second touch cuts it left, 3rd touch goal.

Its the 1st touch that is so freaking unbelievable.