[sbu_large_image] Scout Notes
27 November 2011 445 comments
Paul Paul
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Another two-goal haul from Emmanuel Adebayor helps Spurs continue their winning ways.Juan Mata excels against Wolves as Chelsea grab their first home win since gameweek eight, while Demba Ba ends United’s run of three clean sheets and blunts Sir Alex Ferguson’s title ambitions:

Emmanuel Adebayor
Yesterday’s brace was his second in back-to-back gameweeks, with the Togo international also picking up an assist for Jermain Defoe’s goal in the 3-1 win at the Hawthorns- he’s surely nailed-on for the maximum bonus, too. The influence of Adebayor and Scott Parker on Harry Redknapp’s side has been immense since their acquisition at the end of the August transfer window , with twenty-eight points from a thirty possible picked up. The absence of Rafael Van der Vaart failed to dim Adebayor’s potential, as, working in tandem with Defoe in a front two, he helped condemn Roy Hodgson’s side to their third defeat in four. With Gareth Bale also grabbing an assist, the Tottenham bandwagon continues to roll on relentlessly and with a favourable run of fixtures ahead, only seems likely to pick up speed.

Thomas Vermaelen
A goal at either end in the 1-1 home draw with Fulham ensured the centre-half hogged the headlines at the Emirates last night. Vermaelen’s equaliser atoned for a disastrous own goal and is his second in three starts since returning from injury in gameweek ten. Once again, the Belgian demonstrated the attacking sensibilities that saw him bag 7 goals back in 2009/10 and if he can stay injury-free, is likely to run that tally close once again. Vermaelen seems to be settling in to a partnership with Per Mertesacker in the heart of defence now- the pair have started the last couple of games as Arsene Wenger’s preferred pairing.

Robin Van Persie
It turns out he’s human after all. A run of 12 goals in his previous seven appearances meant the Gunners skipper was handed the armband by a huge number of Fantasy managers, but Fulham managed to curtail his scoring streak at the Emirates. Yesterday’s blank against the Cottagers was the first time since gameweek four that Van Persie has failed to find the net in a home match. However, with a trip to Wigan next weekend, he’ll surely be amongst the favourites for the Fantasy armband once more.

Juan Mata
With Frank Lampard rested for the midweek Carling Cup clash against Liverpool, the Spaniard was the star of the show as Chelsea got back to winning ways at Wolves’ expense. Yesterday’s goal and pair of assists was Mata’s second double figure points haul in succession at Stamford Bridge and will surely seal the three bonus points on Monday. Mata has averaged around 7 points per home game in his debut campaign, with only David Silva managing more assists to this point, edging Mata by 7 to 6. A boost in Mata’s lowly 4.8% ownership can be expected this week, though with clashes against three of the top four (new, MCI, wig, tot) to come next, there are some tough fixtures on the horizon for Andre Villas-Boas’ side.

John Terry
The Chelsea skipper has come in for plenty stick this season with his displays at the back under scrutiny. Terry and his fellow defenders may be struggling to implement Villas-Boas’ preferred high defensive line, but in front of goal, he’s been one of Chelsea’s most reliable performers. Yesterday’s goal was his fourth of the campaign and equals Terry’s best goals return for a season- he has now netted the same number of times as Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka combined. A fifth yellow card of the season means he misses the Carling Cup match at Liverpool, but makes him available for next weekend’s trip to Newcastle.

Tim Krul
The Dutchman enjoyed a superb game at Old Trafrord, repelling a number of goal bound efforts to help Newcastle to an away point. Having kept three clean sheets in his opening four matches, Krul had attracted significant Fantasy investment which has seen his price in the FPL rise from 4.5 to 4.7. With tough fixtures over the last four, Krul and the Newcastle defence have failed to keep a shut-out in four gameweeks but, with his the schedule improving, Krul must surely return to the radar as a strong option for a keeper’s spot.

Demba Ba
The Newcastle hitman bagged his ninth goal of the season from the spot at Old Trafford and has now returned either a goal or an assist in his last four gameweeks. Indeed, since gameweek 5, Ba has only drawn a blank once – a superb record for an FPL forward priced at 6.7. While Newcastle’s fixtures will have slowed investment in the striker, he will now surely enjoy increased interest as the Magpies prepare for three home games in the next four, starting with Chelsea next weekend.

Hatem Ben Arfa
The Frenchman started his second consecutive game up in support of Demba Ba up front and supplied the assist via Newcastle’s controversial penalty award. Fantasy managers will be monitoring his progress – particularly when Alan Pardew has further options up front. Should Ben Arfa cement his starting role, he looks a good option as a 5.4 midfielder in the FPL.

Thomas Sorensen
Once again, the Dane was selected ahead of Asmir Begovic in goal for the home game against Blackburn. Sorensen was beaten by Ruben Rochina in the 3-1 win, though- Tony Pulis’ side have now returned a single clean sheet in their last nine games. So often a stable source of defensive points, it seems this season’s foray into Europe is unsettling the Potters’ solidity, much to the continued frustration of their Fantasy backers.

Kieran Richardson
A miserable home defeat to Wigan gave the Stadium of Light faithful little to cheer and, from a Fantasy perspective, the frustration with Nicklas Bendtner and Stephane Sessegnon continues. Missed opportunities cost the home side dear, with Kieran Richardson firmly amongst the guilty parties. Having said that, he was Sunderland’s most threatening player on the day in terms of goal attempts – suggesting that, if he stays in support striker role, he could be worth monitoring. The Black Cats would have to show improved form however – right now, that looks some way off with next week’s trip to Wolves looking vital for Steve Bruce and his side.

Grant Holt
The Norwich forward seems to have grown into the role as supersub over the last few matches. Holt has netted in three of his last four sub appearances, earning vital points against Liverpool and Blackburn, and bagged the winner against QPR yesterday. Ironically, his performances may persuade Paul Lambert that he’s more suited to the sub role- Holt has scored just 1 goal in five starts this term but when brought off the bench, his ability to make a difference is clearly proving crucial.

Luke Young
Last week’s goal at Stoke was a rarity but Young repeated the feat at Carrow Road yesterday. He’d scored 2 goals in his previous three seasons but the right-back is revelling under Neil Warnock at QPR- with 46 points, he’s joint-top Fantasy scorer at the club, neck and neck with Heidar Helguson. Two of the next three fixtures pit Warnock’s side against Man United and Liverpool, though, and with clean sheets unlikely, Young’s points potential perhaps looks minimal.

Leighton Baines
The Everton left-back may have emerged without a goal or assist from the 2-0 win at Bolton but the clean sheet offered his investors rewards, while he remained a key figure for the Toffees. David Moyes’ side have won two on the bounce and have the fixtures to continue a climb up the table. Baines is known to flourish when Everton find form and, if Louis Saha and Tim Cahill can remain fit, they could start converting Baines’ supply from the left.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

445 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. AA
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Agbonlahor out. Abebayor in.

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  2. Manani
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    is walters still playing oop?

    asked yesterday but no one answered.
    thanks

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    1. CFCTom
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.

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  3. CFCTom
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Moses dived for that pen.

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    1. Park the bus
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      and?

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  4. Anti Top Four
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Wish list:

    Vorm + 3
    Taylor + 2
    Dyer + 5
    Silva + 10
    Kun + 6
    Agbonlahor + 6

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  5. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Gary Speed!?! wtf

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    1. mufc802
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      rip

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    2. Anorak
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Wow. That is really sad.
      Some places reporting suicide.

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    3. Nice1Cyrille
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      only yesterday he was on football focus... very sad

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  6. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    R.I.P Gary Speed

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  7. Menly
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Sess/Eagles > Bale
    Or
    Sturridge/Helguson > Adebayor

    Sadly its one or the other and I want to do it now to beat price rises...

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    1. Anti Top Four
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Helguson - Adebayor

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      1. Menly
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Ye think? I was gonna do one of them > Ba the week after anyway...

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  8. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Jesus. SSN just announced the death of Gary Speed!!

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    1. Holy See
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      What! Jesus, bless.

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    2. CFCTom
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      The Wales manager!?

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      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Yep, 42. No cause of death announced.

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        1. Holy See
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          Early reports say suicide.

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          1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 5 months ago

            yep, hung himself apparently. Unbelievable news

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            1. Royal5
              • 14 Years
              14 years, 5 months ago

              !?!?!?! Omg. This is very very sad news...

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    3. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      F*cking hell.

      RIP

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    4. Lucky_2010
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      what, it's sad news indeed ..... RIP !

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    5. Menly
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Jesus. RIP

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    6. No Luck
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Died of 'nervous exhaust'. Unbelievable. Wales were doing so well under him recently. He was so young too.

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        I was always suprised that they wanted Gary after his poor performance with Sheffield United, but he was making a massive difference to Welsh football.

        Very sad news

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    7. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      🙁

      R.I.P. Gary

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  9. Green-Pea
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    RIP GARY SPEED

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    1. Dave Bauer
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      +42

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    2. Just One More Thing
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Absolutely shocked and gutted.....cannot believe it....

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      1. Dave Bauer
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Suicide apparently.

        Awful news.

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        1. Just One More Thing
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          Suicide?! - bloody hell. He had turned the Welsh national team into a respectable football unit and had plenty to look forward to - I'm sure more will come out on this but what a way to start what should have been a great Footballing Sunday....

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  10. andres
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Mu have some great fixtures coming up, who do we consider as an option fromthe champions?

    Mu players are expensive but it is crazy not to have no mu players, right?

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    1. mufc802
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Hernandez I guess.

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    2. Lucky_2010
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      jones for me atm .....

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    3. chicrah
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      I dont have any Man U players since GW1 and still doing okay..

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      1. Anti Top Four
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        ATF doesn't field players from Man U, LIverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea

        36 points gameweek 13
        744 season

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      2. mossy
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        brave choice on ur captain, can't help but laugh though

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  11. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Swansea line up?

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    1. CFCTom
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      It's pretty obvious what it's going to be.

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      1. Menly
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        They have no reason to change it - no Europen stuff

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  12. beslowbowler
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    RIP Gary Speed. Shocking news.

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  13. mufc802
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do these free transfers?

    Ramsey to Mata
    Suarez to Sturridge

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    1. Manani
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      hell yeah

      any transfer getting out ramsey is good

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  14. Sammy S
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    What do people think about ramsey to Ben arfa transfer? Will Ben arfa continue playing just behind the striker when Newcastle have people back from injuries?

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    1. CFCTom
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Dont know, but I enjoyed him calling Rooney mental after he attacked Coloccini. I think he will always be advanced even if they play with Ba and Best up front as he's a goal threat.

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    2. chicrah
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Hard to say... He may drop deeper once Best is back.

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  15. Portsmouth Bubblejet
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    It appears from police reports that Gary Speed hanged himself at his home, but that's unconfirmed as yet, Desperately sad news.

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    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Struggling to fathom this. Absolutely shocking news.

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      1. Portsmouth Bubblejet
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        I'm stunned - everybody had a good word for Gary Speed, it seems. It was only yesterday too that Stan Collymore posted this Twitter message recounting his battles with depression:

        http://www.twitlonger.com/show/ecoqm1

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      2. jimski
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Indeed. Blimey...

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    2. Desange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      I just can't believe it

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  16. Shakhtar Senseless
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    RIP Gary Speed. A shocking loss.

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    1. eviemonkey
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Heartbreaking news. One of my favourite all-time players, a Leeds legend. Met him at various functions, lovely guy and he looked to have such a promising managerial career at international level.

      RIP Gary

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  17. jamsiep
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Holy f*cking sh*t..... Gary Speed wtf.... I know his nephew really well too. 😕

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  18. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    VILLA: Given, Hutton, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Herd, Delph, N’Zogbia, Heskey, Bent, Agbonlahor.

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    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Subs: Guzan, Bannan, Albrighton, Clark, Cuellar, Delfouneso, Jenas

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    2. chicrah
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      hoping for a Villa cleanie here.

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    3. Menly
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Woo hoo Heskey will give away the penalty which Sinclair will score

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  19. Fernando Torres
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    RIP GARY SPEED

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  20. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Need a Swansea CS today!

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  21. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Rooney + Graham -> Adebayor + Ba

    I can do this with 2 free transfers, yay or nay?

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    1. Menly
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Very good transfers

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    2. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Yay

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    3. Manani
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      yay
      do it now b4 price rise

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  22. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Hi guys,
    what subs should I make? Got 1.6m in the bank. hoping to keep some man u coverage, looking at hernandez/Mata/adebayor. team below.

    Vorm(krul)
    Enrique, Jones, RTaylor (NTaylor, Wilkinson)
    Nani, silva, bale, Walters (dyer)
    Van persie, rooney, helguson

    cheers!

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    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Rooney -> Aguero or Adebayor

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      1. Catastrophe
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. Was thinking maybe hernandez, adebayor and Mata in for nani rooney and helguson, eventuality - does that sound about right?

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  23. Hay Number 2
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Man I am so gutted that Speed has passed away.

    I can't believe it, I refuse to believe the rumours that he took his own life, didn't seem the type. Being Welsh I am proud to have watch him play a number of times and was very excited at the direction welsh football was heading under him. It's a huge loss for not only the game but to his family.

    RIP Gary Speed

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    1. Portsmouth Bubblejet
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      It's been confirmed that he did take his own life, I'm afraid. Really terrible news.

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    2. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      plz give the the news link?
      RIP Gary.

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    3. Anorak
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Telegraph amongst others are reporting he was found hanged. No suspicious circumstances.
      I'm reeling from this. Puts so much in context.

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      1. MCH
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Police report says thats what happened according to SSN.

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      2. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        +1, and especially worrying about bloody FF points

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    4. chinmusic
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      There is no "type". Depression can hit anyone.

      Really very sad indeed.

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    5. SchoolboyError
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Wasn't he on Footie focus yesterday? Seeing him then makes it even more unbelievable.

      Wales were finally looking a useful team under his management, huge loss to the game...

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      1. Hay Number 2
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Dude I was watching him on there y'day. Bizarre, I can't get my head around it

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  24. Hect.OR 98th
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    First one definitely. Second one, wait.

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    1. Hect.OR 98th
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Meant to be a reply to DV8R

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  25. Hect.OR 98th
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Is Allen playing for Swansea?

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    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

      Vorm, Rangel, Monk (c), Williams, Taylor, Britton, Allen, Gower, Dyer, Sinclair, Graham

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      1. Hect.OR 98th
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

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      2. Menly
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Hmmm thought Sinclair was the captain, or was that just for a while...

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    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      quite surprised allen is playing today to be honest after the speed news

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      1. Hect.OR 98th
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Sorry to be ignorant, but what links them? Are they related?

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        1. DV8R
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          He plays for Wales

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        2. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          speed gave him his first start for wales and has really shown trust in him lately

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      2. jimski
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Actually I wouldn't be surprised if the news had quite an effect on a few of the Swans players. Even more so than on everyone else.

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  26. Gargamel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Genuinely shocked by this news and I don't really know why. So, so, so sad.

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  27. Chucky77
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    RIP Gary Speed. Awfu,l shocking news,

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  28. Bsal
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Last tym guyz
    given al habsi
    p.jones brown richards rtaylor enrique
    bale silva lampard walters pilkington
    rvp bendtner bA

    which would be a reasonable 4 pt hit ?
    1) bendtner-adebayor and lampard-walcott (transfer after the carling cup for the injury concern...coz walcott had a slight knock during the fulham game .... if late adebayor price could rise )
    2)bendtner-adebayor and p.jones-3.9m def (as i have four decent def to cover for all gws )

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  29. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Shocking news about Gary speed. Seemed like one of the good guys of football.

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    1. Bsal
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      RIP Gary Speed

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  30. Menly
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Truly terrible news about Gary. May he rest in peace

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