The Premier League 2012-13
BoxingFan
15 May 2013
Also, I've just googled Val Doonican, as I didn't know who it was. 
watson748
15 May 2013
BoxingFan, on 15 May 2013 - 05:36 AM, said:
I've already seen Mama and Texas Chainsaw 3D. Two of 2013's biggest cinema hits. 
I withdraw my previous statement as I realise I have never heard or either Mama or Chainsaw 3D.
.....nor did I know it was the year 2013.
BoxingFan
15 May 2013
watson748, on 15 May 2013 - 06:00 AM, said:
I withdraw my previous statement as I realise I have never heard or either Mama or Chainsaw 3D.
.....nor did I know it was the year 2013.
.....nor did I know it was the year 2013.
Don't watch Mama. It's shit.
Somebody gave me that warning, and I failed to heed it. It was indeed shit.
watson748
15 May 2013
Rio Ferdinand: Manchester United defender retires from England
England defender Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from international football.
The Manchester United player, 34, who won 81 caps, said he wants to concentrate on his club career.
"After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right to retire from international football," he said.
England manager Roy Hodgson said: "To have captained his country, and to play at three World Cups, marks him out among a very special group of players."
Ferdinand has not played for England since a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June 2011.
He was recalled by Hodgson for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro in March, but later withdrew because of a "pre-planned fitness programme".
Ferdinand helped Manchester United regain the Premier League title and was voted in to the Professional Footballers' Association's team of the year by his peers.
"I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career," added the former West Ham and Leeds centre-back.
"The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks, which bodes well for the future.
"I regard it as a great honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under-17s upwards.
"I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments."
On Thursday, Hodgson will name his England squad for the end-of-season friendlies against Republic of Ireland at Wembley on 29 May and Brazil in Rio de Janiero four days later.
In October, Hodgson denied telling London Underground passengers that Ferdinand's international career was over following his omission from England's Euro 2012 squad.
Hodgson, who insisted the move was a "footballing decision", did apologise after admitting he had discussed Ferdinand with members of the public as he travelled on the Tube.
Ferdinand's absence from Euro 2012 avoided a potential conflict with John Terry. The Chelsea defender was named in Hodgson's squad for last year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine as he awaited trial over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother, Anton.
Terry was cleared of the charge at Westminster Magistrates' Court in July, but was later found guilty by the Football Association.
Hodgson said he had been informed of Ferdinand's decision in a telephone call from the player.
"It is important to pay tribute to someone of Rio's stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level," added Hodgson.
"I appreciated the call from Rio to inform me of his decision, which clearly he had spent much time considering before reaching this point."
Ferdinand became the youngest defender to play for England when he made his international debut as a 19-year-old against Cameroon at Wembley in November 1997.
He played in three World Cups - 1998, 2002 and 2006 - but was ruled out of the 2010 tournament in South Africa because of a knee injury. Ferdinand also missed Euro 2004 after being banned for eight months by the Football Association for failing to attend a drugs test in September 2003.
Rio Ferdinand's England career
England defender Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from international football.
The Manchester United player, 34, who won 81 caps, said he wants to concentrate on his club career.
"After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right to retire from international football," he said.
England manager Roy Hodgson said: "To have captained his country, and to play at three World Cups, marks him out among a very special group of players."
Ferdinand has not played for England since a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June 2011.
He was recalled by Hodgson for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro in March, but later withdrew because of a "pre-planned fitness programme".
Ferdinand helped Manchester United regain the Premier League title and was voted in to the Professional Footballers' Association's team of the year by his peers.
"I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career," added the former West Ham and Leeds centre-back.
"The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks, which bodes well for the future.
"I regard it as a great honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under-17s upwards.
"I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments."
On Thursday, Hodgson will name his England squad for the end-of-season friendlies against Republic of Ireland at Wembley on 29 May and Brazil in Rio de Janiero four days later.
In October, Hodgson denied telling London Underground passengers that Ferdinand's international career was over following his omission from England's Euro 2012 squad.
Hodgson, who insisted the move was a "footballing decision", did apologise after admitting he had discussed Ferdinand with members of the public as he travelled on the Tube.
Ferdinand's absence from Euro 2012 avoided a potential conflict with John Terry. The Chelsea defender was named in Hodgson's squad for last year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine as he awaited trial over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother, Anton.
Terry was cleared of the charge at Westminster Magistrates' Court in July, but was later found guilty by the Football Association.
Hodgson said he had been informed of Ferdinand's decision in a telephone call from the player.
"It is important to pay tribute to someone of Rio's stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level," added Hodgson.
"I appreciated the call from Rio to inform me of his decision, which clearly he had spent much time considering before reaching this point."
Ferdinand became the youngest defender to play for England when he made his international debut as a 19-year-old against Cameroon at Wembley in November 1997.
He played in three World Cups - 1998, 2002 and 2006 - but was ruled out of the 2010 tournament in South Africa because of a knee injury. Ferdinand also missed Euro 2004 after being banned for eight months by the Football Association for failing to attend a drugs test in September 2003.
Rio Ferdinand's England career
- 1997: Makes England debut v Cameroon at Wembley
- 1998: Named in squad for 1998 World Cup finals but does not play
- 2000: Left out of Euro 2000 squad
- 2002: Scores first England goal in 3-0 win over Denmark at 2002 World Cup
- 2004: Banned for eight months after missing a drugs test
- 2006: Plays five games at World Cup in Germany
- 2008: Captains England for first time in defeat by France in March - loses out to John Terry in battle for permanent skipper role
- 2010: Terry is stripped of captaincy and Ferdinand is given the armband but injury rules him out of the 2010 World Cup
- 2011: Makes his 81st appearance in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland
- 2012: Left out of England's squad for that summer's European Championships
- March 2013: Recalled for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro before later withdrawing
- May 2013: Announces retirement from international football
BoxingFan
15 May 2013
Chelsea & Arsenal could play off for third in the Premier League
The Premier League has confirmed there will be a third-place play-off match between Chelsea and Arsenal if the pair end the season with identical records.
If Chelsea draw 0-0 on the final day of the season and Arsenal win 2-1, they will be level on points, goal difference and goals scored.
The play-off winner would automatically reach the Champions League group stage.
Possible permutations
Any of following score combinations would ensure Chelsea and Arsenal finish the Premier League season with identical records:
Chelsea, who are currently third and two points ahead of Arsenal, host Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while the Gunners travel to Newcastle.
The teams who finish in the top three of the Premier League automatically qualify for next season's Champions League group stage. The fourth-placed club enters the competition's third qualifying round.
Any draw for the Blues, coupled with Arsenal scoring two more goals in a one-goal winning margin, would also leave the London rivals tied.
Premier League rules state: "If at the end of the season... the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board."
But finding a date for the potential play-off could pose a problem with Chelsea set to travel to the United States next week.
The Blues are playing two end-of-season matches against Manchester City in St Louis and New York, while England also have friendlies on 29 May and 2 June against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
The Premier League added they would "have to find a solution".
The Premier League has confirmed there will be a third-place play-off match between Chelsea and Arsenal if the pair end the season with identical records.
If Chelsea draw 0-0 on the final day of the season and Arsenal win 2-1, they will be level on points, goal difference and goals scored.
The play-off winner would automatically reach the Champions League group stage.
Possible permutations
Any of following score combinations would ensure Chelsea and Arsenal finish the Premier League season with identical records:
- Chelsea draw 0-0; Arsenal win 2-1
- Chelsea draw 1-1; Arsenal win 3-2
- Chelsea draw 2-2; Arsenal win 4-3
- Chelsea draw 3-3; Arsenal win 5-4
Chelsea, who are currently third and two points ahead of Arsenal, host Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while the Gunners travel to Newcastle.
The teams who finish in the top three of the Premier League automatically qualify for next season's Champions League group stage. The fourth-placed club enters the competition's third qualifying round.
Any draw for the Blues, coupled with Arsenal scoring two more goals in a one-goal winning margin, would also leave the London rivals tied.
Premier League rules state: "If at the end of the season... the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board."
But finding a date for the potential play-off could pose a problem with Chelsea set to travel to the United States next week.
The Blues are playing two end-of-season matches against Manchester City in St Louis and New York, while England also have friendlies on 29 May and 2 June against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
The Premier League added they would "have to find a solution".
BoxingFan
15 May 2013
Jamie Carragher: Liverpool defender rues title failure
Comments (50)
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says his biggest regret is that he will retire having never won a Premier League title.
The 35-year-old is preparing to play his final match for Liverpool against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.
Carragher's career
"I've never won the league, that's a disappointment," the ex-England centre-back said. "I wish I'd won the title."
When asked why Liverpool had failed to pip Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea on a number of occasions, he added: "It's very simple. We weren't good enough. There's no fancy reason or excuse. The teams were better than us. A couple of times we were close, but Arsenal and Man United were better than us.
"If you look at everyone there's always something somebody hasn't done. There's always more that could be achieved no matter what you've done.
Carragher believes Alex Ferguson's retirement as Manchester United boss might give other clubs an opportunity.
"Everyone is looking at it to see how it will go; maybe it will give other people a chance to get in there if there is bit of uncertainty," he said.
Carragher is second only to Ian Callaghan in the club's all-time appearance table but he went on to say he had no regrets about his decision to retire, despite having re-established himself in the Liverpool side on the back of a string of impressive performances.
"People keep asking me how I am feeling but I suppose the answer will come after the game." he said.
Play media
Cannot play media. You do not have the correct version of the flash player. Download the correct version
Liverpool's Jamie Carragher announces retirement from football
require( { baseUrl: "http://static.bbci.c.../desktop/" }, ["empswitch"], function(empswitch) { empswitch.init(); });
"I am just concentrating on that, hopefully getting a win and then I can look back at it and give a better answer," he said. "I've not reconsidered it. I've had a few chats with the manager since making my decision, more about the season than anything else.
"But the more I've been in the team, the more I've wanted to stick with my decision and go out playing. I have been fortunate that since the announcement I've got myself back in the team. It's better than staying another year and maybe being in the stand or on the bench."
Carragher, who is going to be a television pundit, went on to reveal when he had decided this season would be his last: "I made my mind up about 12 months ago, the end of the season. I was in and out of the side with Kenny (Dalglish). I was thinking about it in the summer but I had a year to go and a new manager coming in.
"I knew then it was always going to be my last season."
Comments (50)
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says his biggest regret is that he will retire having never won a Premier League title.
The 35-year-old is preparing to play his final match for Liverpool against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.
Carragher's career
- Made his debut against Middlesbrough in January 1997 at the age of 18.
- Scored on his Anfield debut later that month against Aston Villa.
- Has made 723 appearances for Liverpool, the second-highest behind Ian Callaghan's 857.
- Won two FA Cups, three League Cups, two Community Shields, one Champions League, one Uefa Cup and two Super Cups.
- Made his England debut in April 1999 as substitute against Hungary.
- In 2007 he retired from England duty, but returned under Fabio Capello for the 2010 World Cup.
"I've never won the league, that's a disappointment," the ex-England centre-back said. "I wish I'd won the title."
When asked why Liverpool had failed to pip Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea on a number of occasions, he added: "It's very simple. We weren't good enough. There's no fancy reason or excuse. The teams were better than us. A couple of times we were close, but Arsenal and Man United were better than us.
"If you look at everyone there's always something somebody hasn't done. There's always more that could be achieved no matter what you've done.
Carragher believes Alex Ferguson's retirement as Manchester United boss might give other clubs an opportunity.
"Everyone is looking at it to see how it will go; maybe it will give other people a chance to get in there if there is bit of uncertainty," he said.
Carragher is second only to Ian Callaghan in the club's all-time appearance table but he went on to say he had no regrets about his decision to retire, despite having re-established himself in the Liverpool side on the back of a string of impressive performances.
"People keep asking me how I am feeling but I suppose the answer will come after the game." he said.
Play media
Cannot play media. You do not have the correct version of the flash player. Download the correct version
Liverpool's Jamie Carragher announces retirement from football
require( { baseUrl: "http://static.bbci.c.../desktop/" }, ["empswitch"], function(empswitch) { empswitch.init(); });
"I am just concentrating on that, hopefully getting a win and then I can look back at it and give a better answer," he said. "I've not reconsidered it. I've had a few chats with the manager since making my decision, more about the season than anything else.
"But the more I've been in the team, the more I've wanted to stick with my decision and go out playing. I have been fortunate that since the announcement I've got myself back in the team. It's better than staying another year and maybe being in the stand or on the bench."
Carragher, who is going to be a television pundit, went on to reveal when he had decided this season would be his last: "I made my mind up about 12 months ago, the end of the season. I was in and out of the side with Kenny (Dalglish). I was thinking about it in the summer but I had a year to go and a new manager coming in.
"I knew then it was always going to be my last season."
BoxingFan
16 May 2013
You know how last season Chelsea didn't finish in the top four, but were allowed into the Champions League anyway because they were defending champions? Does it work the other way around now they are Europa League champions? They don't play in CL despite being in the top three, because they have to defend the Europa League title?
BoxingFan
16 May 2013
West Brom are playing Man U in Alex Ferguson's last ever game as Man U manager. It still doesn't get televised. 
