Good afternoon folks.
It has been a relatively quiet weekend, unless you include the rampant transfer rumors surrounding Brad Guzan (Celtic, Arsenal, Olympiakos) and Eddie Johnson (Derby, Fulham and Reading). I will look to have some info on these rumors during the week.
The FA Cup has ruled the weekend, with struggling Fulham suffering yet ANOTHER disappointing result, this time a 2-2 tie against Bristol Rovers.
I passed over one major signing of the past week, Valencia's acquisition of Boca Juniors starlet Ever Banega. It will be interesting to see where David Albelda winds up. The Spanish international is suing to have his contract voided after being told he wouldn't see any more first-team action this season.
Lastly, I had to show you all this video clip from a Punk'd-like prank show by Rio Ferdinand. The Man U defender has punk'd his share of English soccer players, including LA Galaxy star David Beckham. Watch and enjoy seeing Beckham react to a pretty good prank (and yes, the clip is more than a year old, but still funny):
Seems like a great show, right? Well, it didn't survive very long.
And lastly, for you fellow watchers of The Wire, the new season starts tonight. For those of you not watching The Wire, you are missing the best show on television, period. You might want to TIVO this season, the last for the show.
That's all for now. Enjoy your Sunday.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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If you have on demand you can watch the first episode of the Wire right now!
Posted by: Johnny | January 06, 2008 at 02:50 PM
that show annoyed me so much with rio ferdinands "you got murked" (sp??)
he looks silly sometimes in his street clothes i think.
dreadlocks + sweatervest + jeans and sandals + tall and storklike physique = fale.
oh yeah, and the way he speaks, ugh. its not for me.
oh yeah btw, go ohio state!!!!1shiftone!!one!!!
Posted by: OH HAI GUISE | January 06, 2008 at 03:00 PM
I am not a fan of David's
that was funny, and he was a decent sport about it as well.
Posted by: vasco | January 06, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Could just be me, but I don't recall seeing any mention of Troy Perkins being sold to Vålerenga on SBI.
Actually, I don't even care, I was just curious to know if anyone knew what the transfer fee was.
Posted by: kpugs | January 06, 2008 at 03:22 PM
kpugs, Goff said it was for $750k.
Posted by: SportzNut21 | January 06, 2008 at 03:40 PM
As Celtic signed their starting keeper Boruc to an expensive extension, I'd doubt Guzan will be heading there. The Arsenal rumors are also fairly perplexing as Wenger has lavished praise on Almunia's soon to be number 2, Lukas Fabianski. I fully expect Guzan will be a Chivas USA player next season. Best keeper in the league in my mind.
I think EJ's gone though. Hopefully we'll see an Aduesque turn in Eddie. Sometimes being a big fish in a small pond can make you become a big, lazy fish.
Posted by: Nic | January 06, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Albelda is a good player, Valencia shouldn't have jerked him about. I hope he ends up at a good club.
Or at Newcastle.
Posted by: Steve W | January 06, 2008 at 03:56 PM
nice to see love for The Wire...anyone know if those of us with OnDemand will continue to get the episodes earlier than when they're scheduled to air?
i got OnDemand specifically because of The Wire, but i love it already...for just $5 a month, i highly recommend it.
Posted by: Javier | January 06, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Javier
The Wire episodes will all be available one week prior to the HBO air date. I can't wait for episode 2 which I will be watching tomorrow ondemand as soon as I get home from work.
Posted by: Johnny | January 06, 2008 at 05:54 PM
not hard to believe this show didnt survive. huge waste of time, sorry.
would like to see Guzan stick in MLS a bit longer.
Posted by: nico | January 06, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Gee Ives...no FA cup coverage this weekend? How did the Americans do? What impact are all the Derby signings going to have on Edie and Benny?
Posted by: beckster | January 06, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Beckster, hold your horses next time.
Posted by: Ives | January 06, 2008 at 10:49 PM
This show is weak and Rio Ferdinand is a complete glory-parasite.
Posted by: Uncle Jason | January 07, 2008 at 08:59 AM
what's the moratorium on Youtube Videos?
Posted by: Adam Spangler | January 07, 2008 at 09:14 AM
I have seen some of these and they are pretty funny. He does a brillant prank on wayne rooney.
Posted by: Dave | January 07, 2008 at 10:02 AM