Official Premier League 2010/11 thread

[Matt]

Always thought he was the weakest of the 1999 midfield myself, but there we are. Hopefully Giggs will fuck off soon as well. As others have said, he was a football man though, which is more than you can say about most players, so respect for that but at least I won't get pissed off with the amount of times he should've been sent off but wasn't any more.

[DavidMarrio]

Sad to see such a great player retire, it's not hard to admire the talent he has. Quite possibly the best passer in the prem, it's not a surprise that so many past players called him one of the best of his generation.

Crap at tackling haha but just so good in the midfield sad to see him retire but he might as well go out on the top having won the Prem. Good attitude off the pitch kept to himself, family man etc. Shame England missed the boat with him in a sense.

[Pesci]

Always thought he was the weakest of the 1999 midfield myself, but there we are.

Arguably weaker than Giggs and Keane, but Beckham? Really?

[Matt]

Always rated Beckham highly, I know many would disagree but for me, at his best, Beckham was the best passer and crosser of the ball of the generation, Scholes was brilliant at the 30 yard through balls but Beckham could the ball on a spot from 50-60 yards. Plus Beckham would always run his bollocks off, which I respect.

[TCO]

Glad to see Scholes bow out now, it's time really.

I'll always have the utmost respect for him depsite hating the club he played for. He's a model professional in every sense of the word and at one time arguably the world's greatest in his position. Top player.

[Hobo]

Always rated Beckham highly, I know many would disagree but for me, at his best, Beckham was the best passer and crosser of the ball of the generation, Scholes was brilliant at the 30 yard through balls but Beckham could the ball on a spot from 50-60 yards. Plus Beckham would always run his bollocks off, which I respect.

I always thought his crosses and set pieces were really all Beckham had. Especially as he got older.

And just thinking about Beckham's famous goal against Wimbledon, Xabi did it twice and from further out. [/liverpoolfan]

[EddieG]

Beckham did it twice too.

[Colly]

David Batty did it a few weeks after Beckhams first, which makes him the winner because he's David Batty. Sadly youtube denies all knowledge of this happening...

[Liam]

Fuck Scholes. There, I said it.

To be honest, of course he was a good player, but his tackling was atrocious, all too often cynical, and seemed to get the 'lol, Scholes can't tackle, what a silly boy' response from all and sundry, when other players have been pilloried for being 'dirty' for much less.

I'm glad he has retired, as he annoys me more than pretty much any other footballer.

[Lineker]

Watch "Scholes the Goals" tonight on SS1 at 9:30 for all of Scholes' 100 Premier League goals.

[METALMAN]

I'd rather watch paint dry.

[Hobo]

Beckham did it twice too.

Xabi beats him still. He scored from 71 yards against Luton.

And 68 against Newcastle, which is the current Premier League record.

[IAceI]

I'm massively non-plussed by Scholes retirement. He was hardly playing anyways so I'm hardly going to notice a difference, and anything he has done recently has been entirely inconsequential.

He had some great passing and vision but was a dirty bastard (although I don't know how intentional).. I'll sleep the same tonight as any other night despite his retirement (pretty badly as per usual!)

[Matt]

David Batty did it a few weeks after Beckhams first, which makes him the winner because he's David Batty. Sadly youtube denies all knowledge of this happening...

David Batty wins even if he didn't do it, because he was David Batty.

Edit: I suppose he still is David Batty

[MDK]

Not sure if this should go in here but Big Ham is the Sammers new boss. Er, Big Sam, Hammers boss.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13583587.stm

[Matt]

Great appointment, one of the few managers that could get them back up at the first time of asking.

[IAceI]

Oh I bet the West Ham fans will love that. I know I do!

[MDK]

I was hoping they'd go with someone useless that'd keep them in the Championship for a season and give Orient enough time to get promoted AND FINALLY we can have a proper East London derby.

[Lineker]

Edwin van der Sar will be given a testimonial by Ajax on August 3rd.

[Summers]

The Club can confirm that, by mutual consent, Gerard Houllier has stepped down as manager of Aston Villa with immediate effect.

The 63-year-old took charge in September 2010 but suffered a dissection of the descending aorta in April 2011.

He was unable to take charge of team affairs for the final five games of the season and doctors have advised that he will require further time to recuperate.

The Club and Gerard have agreed amicably to this resolution and the search has begun for a new manager in order to prepare the team for the coming season.

"I would like to thank Gerard for his considerable efforts over the past nine months and for the dedication, commitment and work ethic he has demonstrated as Villa manager," said chief executive Paul Faulkner.

"We regret the circumstances of Gerard's departure and, naturally, we wish him well in his continued recovery.

"I know I speak for everyone associated with Aston Villa in expressing our hope that Gerard will return to full health as quickly as possible and we wish him all the best for the future.

"As a Board we are very conscious of the need to ensure that the Club is prepared fully to meet the demands of the new season and, to that end, we have already embarked upon the process which will lead to the appointment of a new manager.

"We will update when appropriate and until such time as we can make an announcement there will be no further comment from the Club on this matter."

Gerard Houllier said: "I am extremely disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa next season.

"My health has improved considerably since I was taken ill on April 20. I now intend to take the next few months to concentrate on recuperating fully before I may return to football.

"I was very much looking forward to the prospect of my first full season as Villa manager and returning for pre-season training to prepare for the campaign ahead, a luxury that I did not have last season.

"I have been extremely touched by all of the messages I have received and by the reaction of people throughout the world of football.

"I am very grateful to the Villa fans for their genuine concern and encouragement and to the fans of clubs up and down the country for their kind sentiments.

"I would especially like to thank my assistant manager, Gary McAllister, my staff, the players and all at Aston Villa for their support and, of course, for their efforts in securing a very positive end to last season.

"It has been an honour to manage this great club and I wish everyone connected with Aston Villa every success for the future."

Click to read the full statement. Exciting times ahead.