Michael Ballack: Der Kaiser Mk 2

Replies: Thanks Tallery. Things have improved actually.

Ballack extends stay!

"I'm delighted to announce to all Saint's fans, that I have successfully negotiated with the board on a extension to my current contract. My current contract was to run out at the end of this current season, but now it will go up to the end of the 2015-16 season. I would like to thank, firstly the board for firstly offering me the Southampton job originally and now for wanting to keep me at the club. Obviously my job must be going well. I would next like to thank the players. If it wasn't for their brilliant performances, I would not have been offered an extension, they are the best group of people I have ever worked with, and I am delighted I get to keep working with them. Finally, I would like to thank the fans, for supporting our club through the bit of a bad patch we had through January. I hope we can turn it around and also add the Capital One Cup to the clubs Trophy haul. Thank you Southampton football club."

Michael Ballack addressing Southampton fans.

Back to winning ways!

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Southampton fans will be happy that the team have put the dreadful January behind them and have pushed forward into a brilliant February. Unbeaten, with Manager Michael Ballack finishing third in the manager of the month award and Luke Shaw and Callum Chambers coming first and third respectively in the young player of the month award. This is vital form heading into the Capital One Cup final against Everton.

V.S. Hull (AWAY)
Rodriguez 24, 54
Jay Rodriguez

V.S. Chelsea (AWAY)
Rodriguez 16, 84
Oscar 20
Eto'o 42
Wanyama 52
Ba 59
Jay Rodriguez

V.S. Arsenal (HOME)
Osvaldo 34
Cazorla 36
Adam Lallana

V.S. Everton (HOME)
Hughes 3
Osvaldo 15
Pienaar 80
Will Hughes

V.S. Sunderland (AWAY)
Honda 33
Hughes 86
Artur Boruc

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Chelsea and Manchester United may currently be holding the top 2 places, but watch out for Tottenham, Manchester City, Arsenal and even Southampton who could catch up the duo who have won all but one of the league titles since 2004. Liverpool have begun to find some form under Guus Hiddink, but still remain in relative trouble. New boys Cardiff sit in 14th a place that bluebirds fans would love to end in. Time is running out for Crystal Palace. 9 points adrift with 11 games to go and only 4 wins all season. Ian Holloway is running out of time and luck.

This month two players have been awarded the player of the month award:

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Luke Shaw played fantastically and it showed in winning the young player of the month.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/POM2_zps246b3f90.jpg
Jay Rodriguez may not have scored this month after the four against Hull and Chelsea. But, two man of the match awards, and brilliant performances any way, mean that he joins Shaw as player of the month. Jay has also been linked to the England squad, something Ballack has said "I'm baffled he hasn't already been picked"

Southampton win Capital One Cup! Club heading to Europe!

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/COC4_zps724fa3fb.jpg

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http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/COC5_zpsc374ccee.jpg

Wonderful work to win the Capital One Cup, Europa League football next season will be a great experience for the club!

@Neal: Thanks Neal. It hopefully will, but I can still aim for top 4 currently. Only 3 points of Arsenal in third as of latest draw with united.

Time to do an update of a different style cause I forgot to take a screenshot of the table for March, and have already headed through April. March was another unbeaten month for us. A 3-2 Capital cup win was followed by wins against West Brom (2-1), Stoke (2-0) and West Ham (5-0), with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United thrown in.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Manager_zpsfe7e3dcd.jpg

Not quite first, but still good.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Player_zpsf99daacb.jpg

Luke Shaw again proves his worth.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Teamoftheweek29th_zps204ce89a.jpg

This happened the week we beat West Ham. A week were all 20 teams played. The other two both play for Swansea! Never had this happen before.

Champions League Race is on!

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Southampton's mismatch form is still enough to keep them in the champions league race. Defeats to Swansea and Tottenham were not enough to keep the Saint's out of the race for 4th.

V.S. Crystal Palace (Home)
Guedioura 40
Honda 66(Pen), 90 (Pen)
Keisuke Honda

V.S. Swansea (Away)
Gibbs 22
Tate (O.G) 50
McKay 79
Kiean Gibbs

V.S. Tottenham (Away)
Soldado 79
Fonte (O.G) 83
Osvaldo 90+3
Victor Wanyama

V.S. Liverpool (Away)
Osvaldo 14,89
Rodriguez 16
Aspas 18
Ramirez 88
Billy Sharp

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At the bottom, it is simple to predict what would happen. Hull and Crystal Palace have been relegated back to the championship, with West Ham to join them after two seasons, if they can't win against Tottenham. But, the race for the champions league is on. Manchester United and City, Arsenal and Southampton are fighting for two places, with Chelsea already there, and Tottenham all but assured.

MANCHESTER UNITED 3rd
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/United_zps7fb55b42.jpg

The title may be out of David Moyes hands. But, securing a champions league place may not be needed, with them playing Atletico Madrid and not Man. City in the final. They may however miss out on both places, so hard work is needed by the champions.

Prediction: Win, Win. 77 points.

MANCHESTER CITY 4th
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/City_zps637de73e.jpg

This looks an easy run in. Sunderland and West Brom should be easy wins ahead of the FA Cup final against Arsenal. They could have had two finals, had they not lost 3-1 in Madrid.

Prediction: Win, Win. 74 points.

ARSENAL 5th
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Arsenal_zps79af2b14.jpg

Another two games that you would expect the Gunners to win, ahead of their FA Cup final against City.

Prediction: Win, Win. 72 points.

SOUTHAMPTON 6th
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Southampton_zps257057d1.jpg

The Saints already made it to the Europa League beating Everton in the final. Can they go that one step further? We say no. Although, they should win their games comfortably, they will be kept out by the others winning their games.

Prediction: Win, Win. 72 points.

One week to go!

With 2 Champions League places and 1 relegation place to be sorted out, as well as the title, the penultimate games of the season, gave plenty to think about.

Saturday

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The early kick off was not good for Manchester City. A victory would have put them in pole position for next seasons champions league.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/1weekArsenal_zpse0227052.jpg

Arsenal too lost ground after they could only draw with Norwich City. The players probably had the mind on the FA Cup final.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/1weekSouthampton_zpsfece7b3b.jpg

The Saints meanwhile edged into pole position for 4th spot, but to qualify for the Champions League would need United to win and qualify via the league.

Sunday

The top two took to the field in London, with 2nd place Tottenham needing to win at West Ham, and hope Cardiff could beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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Cardiff did their bit, beating Chelsea in a game that many Cardiff fans would have enjoyed.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/1weekTottenham_zps6a025877.jpg

But for Andre Villas-Boas, he just couldn't win the game, as his side lost out on the title, in a few minutes. West Ham were two up in 8 minutes thanks to Carroll and Maiga, who both scored again, to leave Tottenham 6 points behind Mourinho and Chelsea, who have won their 4th crown in 10 seasons.

Monday

A win would not only give United a place in the Champions League, but leave the 4th spot for someone else, with the Champions League final against Atletico still awaiting.

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Despite rumours at the beginning of the season that Louis Van Gaal or Ryan Giggs would replace Moyes, the Scot has bought them back to the Champions League, and has the possibility of winning the Champions League in his first season.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/1weektable_zps2321048f.jpg

West Ham must win to stay up, but only if Steve McClaren's Baggies don't win. Tony Pulis' side have won the last two games and would be up for beating Liverpool. Fulham are still technically in danger, but only if 21 goals can be caught. Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini and Arsene Wenger will be wary of missing out on Champions League football, with Manchester City having won the title only 2 years ago, and Arsenal having had a season out of it under Wenger. But, for Southampton and debut season Ballack, a champions league place would definitely be over stepping their expectations and would be their highest ever finish in a premier league campaign.

Last Day
Arsenal V Stoke City
Chelsea V Hull City
Crystal Palace V Tottenham Hotspur
Everton V Norwich City
Manchester United V Aston Villa
Southampton V Newcastle United
Sunderland V Cardiff City
Swansea City V Fulham
West Bromwhich Albion V Manchester City
West Ham United V Liverpool

Did the Saints do it?

The final day of the season had Arsenal, Manchester City and Southampton were all fighting for the champions league place, but who stole it?

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/FinalDaySouthampton_zps770d6ec3.jpg

Southampton couldn't beat the Toon. Dejan Lovren had a header ruled out late on, but would this end the Saint's dream? West Brom hosted Manchester City, a win for the Baggies would relegate West Ham, who beat Liverpool 2-1. A win for City, they would take Europe from Arsenal and Southampton......

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/FinalDayCity_zpsd0078190.jpg

So far so good for the Saints, but for City, the dream was over. They will have to play in the Europa League. But for West Brom, they stay up. West Ham are relegated back to the championship after 2 seasons back in the top flight. Over to the Emirates, where only Arsenal could stop the Saints Champions League hopes.......

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/FinalDaySouthampton_zps770d6ec3.jpg

Marko Arnautovic is Southampton's hero, as he scores to break Arsenal hearts. The Saints willl play in the champions league next season, and not the Europa League.

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England 2014 Squad

Goalkeepers
Fraser Forster-Celtic
Joe Hart-Man. City
John Ruddy- Norwich

Defenders
Ashley Cole- Chelsea
Gary Cahill- Chelsea
Leighton Baines- Everton
Glen Johnson- Liverpool
Joleon Lescott- Man. City
Ryan Shawcross- Stoke
Kyle Walker- Tottenham
Phil Jones- Man. United

Midfield
Theo Walcott- Arsenal
Jack Wilshire- Arsenal
Frank Lampard- Chelsea
Steven Gerrard- Liverpool
James Milner- Man. City
Michael Carrick- Man. United
Ashley Young- Man. United
Lennon- Tottenham
Townsend- Tottenham

Strikers
Sturridge- Liverpool
Welbeck- Man. United
Rodriguez- Southampton

Cut from squad
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Phil Jagielka
Jordan Henderson
Jack Rodwell
Wayne Rooney- Injured
Wilfred Zaha
Andy Carroll
Jermaine Defoe

YES! Can't believe you made the Champions League, brilliant result for the Saints

2014-07-22 19:43#185790 Neal : YES! Can't believe you made the Champions League, brilliant result for the Saints

We got a lot of lucky results at the end. I mean City losing 5-2 to Sunderland and Arsenal blowing it against Norwich, and then not capitalising on us not winning against Newcastle.

Also, just for lols, proof that Atletico just can't win the Champions League:
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/CLF_zps0b8aa5b8.jpg

2013/14 Premier League Awards!

Manager of the year: Jose Mourinho
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Manageroftheyear_zpsc05a6450.jpg

Footballer of the year: Juan Mata
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Footballeroftheyear_zps779645c0.jpg

Player of the year: Robin Van Persie
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Playeroftheyear_zps59db1f20.jpg

Young Player of the year: Oscar
http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/Youngplayeroftheyear_zpse9fec511.jpg

Golden Glove: David De Gea
http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/mewshiny99/media/FMSCOUT/GoldenGlovr_zpsc4ce83ed.jpg.html

Making the CL is a brilliant achievement, congratulations mate!

World Cup 2014: Group A and B!

The World Cup this year was a phenomenal tournament filled with shocks aplenty. But, who won the world cup? Lets find out. Starting this episode with Group A. Host's Brazil met with Cameroon, Ukraine and Costa Rica in the first group. Many believed Costa Rica would be sent home packing, but shocks keep happening.

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Brazil got their campaign to the perfect start as goals from Fred and Osvaldo put the Cameroonians in their place. The African's failing to live up to the name of the side who 24 years earlier were beating defending champs Argentina.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game2_zpsf193b819.jpg

Elsewhere, Costa Rica showed what pure team work can do as they snatched three points from Ukraine. Ruiz and Sabano putting the likes of Yarmolenko in their place.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game3_zpse4f8c0d3.jpg

Fred put himself up to 3 goals for the finals as Ukraine were sent back to Europe, with out a point so far in two games.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game4_zpsfa444311.jpg

Costa Rica battled to another 3-2 win, to knock out Cameroon as well. The side making it to the knock out rounds for only the second time.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game5_zps45f07d34.jpg

Costa Rica put the icing on an amazing group stage by holding Brazil to a famous draw. An unbeaten group for these two teams then.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game6_zps06f30ddd.jpg

Ukraine at least avoided bottom of the group, a win 1-0 against Cameroon means the Africans take that honour in group A.

Group B saw Argentina in a fairly winnable group, South Korea, Croatia and Egypt.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game1_zps00dc8ea8.jpg

Egypt obviously didn't read the script. Even with ten men, they held on to beat the Argintine side, with Messi not at his best.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game2_zpsfa4e5cce.jpg

Croatia got themselves off to a great start, as they beat South Korea. Former Arsenal man Eduardo winning the game.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game3_zps45667e1f.jpg

Argentina may be slipping out of the world cup, after they could only get a point against Croatia, who could top the group.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game4_zps22e7bbe1.jpg

South Korea have Yoo to thank for keeping them in the world cup for at least 1 more game. With just three points seperating Argentina and Croatia, who will go through?

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game5_zpsfdbe8bd9.jpg

Egypt's hopes were dashed when Croatia thrashed them 3-1 to win the group. The result opened up the group for Argentina or South Korea to sneak through.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y452/mewshiny99/FMSCOUT/World%20Cup%20Group%20A%20and%20B/Game6_zps319f9303.jpg

Sergio Aguero's brace destroyed the hopes of Egypt and South Korea, sneaking through. Argentina didn't deserve a place in the last 16, but they still made it.

So far the last 16 reads as this:
Brazil V Argentina
Group C Winner V Group D Runner Up
Group E Winner V Group F Runner Up
Group G Winner V Group H Runner Up
Group H Winner V Group G Runner Up
Group F Winner V Group E Runner Up
Group D Winner V Group C Runner Up
Croatia V Costa Rica

Replies: Thanks Jack. Title race is on in my view. Signed up a quality striker. SCHURRLE!